The Healthy Feet programme’s advice centres on EBVM and using the most up to date resources to inform decisions and advice given. We have collated some useful resources on some of the key principles taught.
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Research paper database
Below is a comprehensive library of over 2500 research papers related to foot health in cattle herds. This has been compiled from several systematic reviews* with some extra publications added from a personal collection (NJB).
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Title Authors Full title All authors Journal Year Description Observations on the design and use of footbaths for the control of infectious hoof disease in dairy cattle Author links open... Cook, N. B., Gomez, A. Observations on the design and use of footbaths for the control of infectious hoof disease in dairy cattle Author links open overlay panelNigel B.CookaJ.RiemanaA.GomezaK.Burgib Cook, N. B., Gomez, A. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Abstract A survey of 65 freestall-housed dairy herds in five different countries, with an average of 1023 milking cows, found that footbaths were used 1–4 times per day for 1–7 days per week, with between 80 and 3000 cows passing through the bath between chemical changes. The most common agents used were copper sulfate (41/65) and formalin (22/65). Twenty-seven herds (42%) used more than one chemical. The median footbath measured 2.03 m long by 0.81 m wide, and was filled to a depth of 0.11 m with a volume of 189 L (range 80–1417 L). An observational behavioral study was conducted using a custom-designed footbath to test four different bath dimensions, with two different step-in heights. The number of immersions per rear foot was counted for each footbath design for each cow passing through the bath on two consecutive days. While a higher step-in height significantly increased the number of foot immersions, the effect was small compared to the effect of length. The probability of each rear foot receiving at least two immersions reached 95% at a bath length of 3.0 m, and a significant increase in the frequency of three and four immersions per foot was observed between 3.0 and 3.7 m. In order to optimize the number of foot immersions per cow pass, while limiting the footbath volume, this study recommends a bath 3.0–3.7 m long, 0.5–0.6 m wide, with a 28 cm step-in height. Tie-stall design and its relationship to lameness, injury, and cleanliness on 317 Ontario dairy farms Anderson, N., Kelton, D., Millman, S. et al Tie-stall design and its relationship to lameness, injury, and cleanliness on 317 Ontario dairy farms Anderson, N., Kelton, D., Millman, S., Zurbrigg, K. Journal of Dairy Science 2005 The objective of this study was to identify relationships between tie-stall design and selected cow-based injury, lameness, and cleanliness measurements. All lactating dairy cows (n = 17,893) from 317 Ontario tie-stall dairy farms were evaluated once between March and September 2003. Stall dimensions were recorded and cows were scored for neck and hock lesions, broken tails, back arch, hind claw rotation, and udder and hind limb cleanliness. Neck lesions were significantly associated with tie-rail height. Hock lesions were positively associated with presence of an electric trainer and hind limb and udder cleanliness and negatively associated with tie-chain length. A negative association was found between broken tails and tie-rail height and a positive association between broken tails and udder and hind limb cleanliness. As mean stall length increased, fewer cows had hind-claw rotation. Having more dirty cows was associated negatively with stall length and chain length, and positively associated with the presence of an electric trainer. Proportion of cows with clean udders increased with the percentage of cows with clean hind limbs and with tie-rail height. As the prevalence of clean udders increased the prevalence of broken tails decreased. Fenestration of the abaxial hoof wall and implantation of gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges for the treatment of septic... Jordan, P., Steiner, A., Zulauf, M. Fenestration of the abaxial hoof wall and implantation of gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges for the treatment of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle Jordan, P., Steiner, A., Zulauf, M. Veterinary Record 2001 A novel surgical approach to the distal interphalangeal joint of cattle, through the abaxial hoof wall, for the treatment of septic arthritis is described. in seven cattle a rectangular piece of horn (15 x 40 mm) was excised from the abaxial hoof wall and the joint was lavaged with Ringer's solution. infected and/or necrotic tissue was removed from the joint and gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges were introduced. The piece of horn was reattached, a rubber block was glued to the contralateral claw, and a bandage applied. Aftercare consisted of changes of bandage, systemic administration of antimicrobial drugs and box rest. At follow-up, six of the cattle were sound but one cow which had been slaughtered five months after surgery had remained slightly lame. Study of foot diseases on dairy farms in northern Tunisia Ben Chehida, N., Chehida, N. B., Guesmi et al Study of foot diseases on dairy farms in northern Tunisia Ben Chehida, N., Chehida, N. B., Guesmi, R., Malek, A., Zrelli, M. Recueil De Medecine Veterinaire 1994 Of 1280 cows examined between October, 1991, and April, 1992, on 6 farms, 95 (7.4%) showed lameness. The lameness did not originate in the foot in only 4 cases. Lameness was most frequent (18.2%) on a farm with tethered housing, with short stalls and concrete flooring. The commonest disorders were interdigital dermatitis (17%), interdigital necrobacillosis (13.7%), circumscribed pododermatitis (12.9%), and interdigital hyperplasia (10.5%). The lesions were in hind limbs in 74.2% of the cases, with the lateral claw of a hind limb being affected in 64.2% of the cases. All forelimb lesions were on a medial claw. Nearly 73% of the cases of lameness occurred in the first 4 months of lactation A Study of Podal Pathology in Dairy-Cow Farms in the North of Tunisia Benchehida, N., Guesmi, R., Malek, A. et al A Study of Podal Pathology in Dairy-Cow Farms in the North of Tunisia Benchehida, N., Guesmi, R., Malek, A., Zrelli, M. Recueil De Medecine Veterinaire 1994 Digital disorders were studied in six farms in the north of Tunisia. Of the 1280 dairy cows examined, 7.4% showed lameness. In 95.8% of cases, lamness was the result of podal pathology. The higher level of lameness (18.24%) was observed in a farm which used tethered housing, with short stalls and concrete flooring. The most frequently seen disorders were: interdigital dermatitis (17%), interdigital necrobacteriosis (13.7%), circumscribed pododermatitis (12.9%) and interdigital hyperplasia (10.5%). The lesions were localised, in 74.2% of cases, to the posterior limbs. The lateral claw of the posterior member was, in 64.2% of cases, the site of the lesion. However, all the lesions of the anterior limb were situated on the medial claw. Lesion attribution in relation to calving showed that 72.8% of the cases of lameness were observed in the first four months of lactation. Interdigital cutaneous hyperplasia in cattle: clinical approach Ben Chehida, N., Zrelli, M. Interdigital cutaneous hyperplasia in cattle: clinical approach Ben Chehida, N., Zrelli, M. Maghreb Veterinaire 1992 New aspects of mechanical properties of bovine hoof horn Gabler, C., Hinterhofer, C., Stanek, Ch et al New aspects of mechanical properties of bovine hoof horn Gabler, C., Hinterhofer, C., Stanek, Ch, Zoescher, M. Proceedings of the XI symposium on disorders of the ruminant digit and the III international conference on bovine lameness 2000 Genetic parameters for female fertility, locomotion, body condition score, and linear type traits in Czech Holstein cattle Lassen, J., Štípková, M., Zink, V. Genetic parameters for female fertility, locomotion, body condition score, and linear type traits in Czech Holstein cattle Lassen, J., Štípková, M., Zink, V. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Altered microbiomes in bovine digital dermatitis lesions, and the gut as a pathogen reservoir Bicalho, R., Dopfer, D., Gomez, M. et al Altered microbiomes in bovine digital dermatitis lesions, and the gut as a pathogen reservoir Bicalho, R., Dopfer, D., Gomez, M., Guard, C., Lima, F., Lima, S., Machado, V., Zinicola, M. PLoS One 2015 Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is the most important infectious disease associated with lameness in cattle worldwide. Since the disease was first described in 1974, a series of Treponema species concurrent with other microbes have been identified in DD lesions, suggesting a polymicrobial etiology. However, the pathogenesis of DD and the source of the causative microbes remain unclear. Here we characterized the microbiomes of healthy skin and skin lesions in dairy cows affected with different stages of DD and investigated the gut microbiome as a potential reservoir for microbes associated with this disease. Discriminant analysis revealed that the microbiomes of healthy skin, active DD lesions (ulcerative and chronic ulcerative) and inactive DD lesions (healing and chronic proliferative) are completely distinct. Treponema denticola, Treponema maltophilum, Treponema medium, Treponema putidum, Treponema phagedenis and Treponema paraluiscuniculi were all found to be present in greater relative abundance in active DD lesions when compared with healthy skin and inactive DD lesions, and these same Treponema species were nearly ubiquitously present in rumen and fecal microbiomes. The relative abundance of Candidatus Amoebophilus asiaticus, a bacterium not previously reported in DD lesions, was increased in both active and inactive lesions when compared with healthy skin. In conclusion, our data support the concept that DD is a polymicrobial disease, with active DD lesions having a markedly distinct microbiome dominated by T. denticola, T. maltophilum, T. medium, T. putidum, T. phagedenis and T. paraluiscuniculi. Furthermore, these Treponema species are nearly ubiquitously found in rumen and fecal microbiomes, suggesting that the gut is an important reservoir of microbes involved in DD pathogenesis. Additionally, the bacterium Candidatus Amoebophilus asiaticus was highly abundant in active and inactive DD lesions. Effects of supplemental dietary biotin on performance of Holstein cows during early lactation Weiss, W. P., Zimmerly, C. A. Effects of supplemental dietary biotin on performance of Holstein cows during early lactation Weiss, W. P., Zimmerly, C. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2001 Variation in Fusobacterium necrophorum strains present on the hooves of footrot infected sheep, goats and cattle Bennett, Grant, Hickford, Jon G. H. et al Variation in Fusobacterium necrophorum strains present on the hooves of footrot infected sheep, goats and cattle Bennett, Grant, Hickford, Jon G. H., Zhou, Huitong Veterinary Microbiology 2009 Current observations of dermatitis digitalis in cattle in Slovenia Trenti, F., Zemljic, B. Current observations of dermatitis digitalis in cattle in Slovenia Trenti, F., Zemljic, B. Observations were made since the spring of 1992 in the Atlas mountains. Histopathological examination showed a pronounced papillomatous-type of hyperplasia, which became filiform papilloma in chronic cases. The changes resembled those seen in bovine papillomas and verruca caused by papovavirus (BPV1-BPV6). The diseases could not be transmitted and no treponema species were isolated. It is concluded that the disease has a multifactorial origin and the term dermatitis digitalis papillomatosa is suggested Digital dermatitis and interdigital papillomatosis in cattle: one or two diseases? Juntes, P., Senk, L., Zemljic, B. Digital dermatitis and interdigital papillomatosis in cattle: one or two diseases? Juntes, P., Senk, L., Zemljic, B. Zbornik Veterinarske Fakultete Univerza Ljubljana 1994 Digital dermatitis was diagnosed for the first time in Slovenia in spring, 1992, on 2 dairy farms; at the same time it was diagnosed on a diary farm in Croatia near the Slovenian border. The histological changes were similar to those reported for bovine papillomavirus infection. No specific bacteria were detected Influence of footbathing on prevalence of digital dermatitis after introduction of diseased animals into healthy dairy herd. Zemljic, B. Influence of footbathing on prevalence of digital dermatitis after introduction of diseased animals into healthy dairy herd. Zemljic, B. 13th Symp. Lameness in Ruminants 2004 Causes and risk factors for the occurrence of lameness in cattle Cestnik, V., Pogacnik, A., Zemljic, B. Causes and risk factors for the occurrence of lameness in cattle Cestnik, V., Pogacnik, A., Zemljic, B. Lameness in cattle – causes and consequences Zemljic, B. Lameness in cattle – causes and consequences Zemljic, B. Veterinarske Novice 1997 Causes and risk factors of and for lameness in cattle Zemljic, B. Causes and risk factors of and for lameness in cattle Zemljic, B. Praxis Veterinaria Zagreb 1997 Analysis of lameness problems in dairy cows in intensive milk production Zemljic, B. Analysis of lameness problems in dairy cows in intensive milk production Zemljic, B. Sodobno Kmetijstvo 1995 Pathohystological features and possible infective reasons for papilomatous digital dermatitis on dairy farms in Slovenia Zemljic, B. Pathohystological features and possible infective reasons for papilomatous digital dermatitis on dairy farms in Slovenia Zemljic, B. Foot diseases: laminitis in high yielding cows Zemanova, D. Foot diseases: laminitis in high yielding cows Zemanova, D. Veterinarstvi 1999 Impact of mycotoxins on humans and animals Zain, Mohamed E. Impact of mycotoxins on humans and animals Zain, Mohamed E. Journal of Saudi Chemical Society 2011 Prevalence of and factors associated with hock, knee, and neck injuries on dairy cows in freestall housing in Canada Barkema, H. W., de Passille, A. M. et al Prevalence of and factors associated with hock, knee, and neck injuries on dairy cows in freestall housing in Canada Barkema, H. W., de Passille, A. M., DeVries, T. J., Gibbons, J., Haley, D. B., LeBlanc, S. J., Nash, C. G. R., Orsel, K., Rushen, J., Solano, L., Zaffino Heyerhoff, J. C. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 An incidence of acute diffuse aseptic inflammation of the corium of the hoof in dairy cows Jazbec, Ivan, Mesaric, Matjaz, Zadnik et al An incidence of acute diffuse aseptic inflammation of the corium of the hoof in dairy cows Jazbec, Ivan, Mesaric, Matjaz, Zadnik, Tomaz Veterinarski Arhiv 2000 Herd health and production related problems were monitored on a high yield farm with 385 Holstein-Friesian cows near Ljubljana, Slovenia in 1993. At the end of August an outbreak of acute aseptic inflammation of the corium of the hoof (N=33) and retention of urine in vagina (N=37) was detected and treated in cows at pasture. The incidence of the disease in the summer months (pasture) was statistically significantly (P<0.01) higher than in the winter months. The analysis of intake revealed that it was markedly high in proteins and low in fibre in the summer months. A statistically significant (P<0.001) difference was revealed between fat, protein and urea bulk milk contents. Therefore, we may associate the occurrence of acute aseptic inflammation of the corium (sole haemorrhages) and retention of urine in vagina with protein overload (lush grass) and/or an increased urea content and some other toxic substances in the organism of dairy cows Short communication: Lying behavior of lactating dairy cows is influenced by lameness especially around feeding time Bach, A., Guasch, I., Yunta, C. Short communication: Lying behavior of lactating dairy cows is influenced by lameness especially around feeding time Bach, A., Guasch, I., Yunta, C. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Lameness is considered one of the most common welfare and productive problems in dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in lying behavior between moderately lame and nonlame lactating cows under commercial conditions. Data were collected from 10 free-stall commercial herds, which were feeding on exactly the same ration once daily. All lactating cows were scored for lameness according to a 1 to 5 locomotion scoring system. Only cows with a lameness score between 1 and 4 were considered in the study. In each herd, between 10 and 15 lame cows (scored as 3 or 4) were chosen, and for each lame cow, a nonlame cow (scored as 1) within the same parity and similar days in milk was also selected. Pendant data loggers were then placed on the right hind leg of each cow for 10 d to record lying behavior at 1-min intervals. In addition, the time of feed delivery was recorded in each herd on a daily basis. Total daily lying time, daily number of lying bouts, lying bout duration, laterality (side of recumbence), and lying behavior around feed delivery time were evaluated using a mixed-effects model that accounted for the fixed effects of lameness, days in milk, parity, and the interaction between parity and lameness, plus the random effects of herd. Total daily lying time (721 ± 24.2 min/d) tended to increase with days in milk, but it was not affected by lameness or parity. Likewise, no differences were found in the number of lying bouts (9.6 ± 0.49/d) or laterality (47 ± 2.6% of time lying on the right side). However, the mean bout duration was longer in lame (89.3 ± 3.89 min) compared with nonlame (80.7 ± 3.90 min) cows. It is interesting that lame cows stood up 13 min later than nonlame cows relative to the time when the ration was delivered. In addition, lame cows lay down 19 min earlier than nonlame ones after the feed was delivered, which implies that nonlame cows spent more time standing, and probably eating, than did lame cows. It was concluded that lame cows have longer lying bouts than nonlame animals, and that lying behavior around feed delivery time may be an effective proxy to identify moderately lame cows. Clinical aspects of an outbreak of papillomatous digital dermatitis in a dairy cattle herd Perl, S., Yeruham, I. Clinical aspects of an outbreak of papillomatous digital dermatitis in a dairy cattle herd Perl, S., Yeruham, I. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association-Tydskrif Van Die Suid-Afrikaanse Veterinere Vereniging 1998 Digital skin lesions and lameness of several weeks duration, with a morbidity rate of 28.3%, was reported in a group of 60 Holstein-Israeli dairy cows in various stages of lactation. A clinical survey was performed to monitor recovery and to confirm eradication of bovine papillomatous digital dermatitis in the herd. The combined effects of intensive individual treatment of the 4 lame cattle with procaine penicillin and metronidazole, and subjecting all animals in the herd to a footbath with a solution composed of formaldehyde and sodium hydroxide twice a week for 12 weeks, were found to achieve a dramatic positive response in all affected cows in the herd. During a 1-year follow-up period no recurrence and/or new cases have been diagnosed. Association between milk production, somatic cell count and bacterial dermatoses in three dairy cattle herds Elad, D., Friedman, S., Perl, S. et al Association between milk production, somatic cell count and bacterial dermatoses in three dairy cattle herds Elad, D., Friedman, S., Perl, S., Yeruham, I. Australian Veterinary Journal 2000 Objective To determine the correlations between three bacterial dermatoses in cattle, milk production and bulk-milk somatic cell count (BMSCC). Design Field observations in three dairy cattle herds. Methods Milk production, BMSCC, fertility and all herd diseases were recorded by computerised dairy management systems. Each herd was visited twice weekly and the clinical signs, course of diseases and morbidity and culling rates were noted. Bulk-tank milk was sampled twice monthly and analysed for somatic cell count. Bacteriological and histological examinations were carried out from samples collected from affected animals in the respective herds. Results The acute exudative form of dermatophilosis was diagnosed only in first- calving cows. The morbidity rate was 53% and the culling rate was 16% of the affected animals. The BMSCC increased by a factor of 2.4 times, and there was an average loss of milk production of 30%/cow/day in affected animals. Ulcerative lymphangitis was diagnosed in first-calving cows (22%) and older cows (15%). The culling rate was 28%. The BMSCC increased by a factor of 17.3 times, and the average loss of milk production was 5.5%/affected animal/day. Papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) was diagnosed in first-calving cows (25%) and in older cows (18%). The culling rate was 8%. The BMSCC increased by a factor of two times, and the average loss of milk production was 1.7%/affected animal/day. Conclusions The correlations between three skin diseases (ulcerative lymphangitis, dermatophilosis, papillomatous digital dermatitis), milk production and BMSCC have been found to be unfavourable. Laminitis and dermatitis in heifers associated with excessive carbohydrate intake: skin lesions and biochemical findings Adin, G., Avidar, Y., Bargai, U., Bogin et al Laminitis and dermatitis in heifers associated with excessive carbohydrate intake: skin lesions and biochemical findings Adin, G., Avidar, Y., Bargai, U., Bogin, E., Frank, D., Perl, S., Yeruham, I. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 1999 The effects of a sudden addition of a large quantity of readily fermentable carbohydrate to the feed ration of pregnant heifers are described. Clinical and pathological changes caused by the resulting disease were confined to the digits and skin. The 4 acutely affected heifers were reluctant to get up or move (group II). They tended to lie down or stand with feet bunched together and the back arched, often shifting weight from limb to limb. They walked stiffly with great tenderness and pain in the digits. Extreme pain was noticed when the digits were examined. In 4 of 8 heifers, separation of the sole at the heel, with leakage of exudate, and under-running of the sole were observed. Necrotic dermatitis of the legs, alopecia and hyperkeratosis of the tail were noticed in all 8 heifers. Skin lesions appeared simultaneously. Four of the heifers (group I) recovered, and the other 4 (group II) were sent to slaughter. No post mortem examination was performed. The biochemical findings revealed a significantly higher concentration of total serum globulins and sodium, and increased activity, in CK, LDH and AST. A significantly decreasing pattern was noted in blood urea concentration, cholesterol, triglycerides, albumin and calcium. No significant differences among the various groups were found in the activities of amylase, GGT, and concentration of creatinine, total bilirubin, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium and potassium Association analysis for feet and legs disorders with whole-genome sequence variants in 3 dairy cattle breeds Guldbrandtsen, Bernt, Lund et al Association analysis for feet and legs disorders with whole-genome sequence variants in 3 dairy cattle breeds Guldbrandtsen, Bernt, Lund, Mogens Sandø, Sahana, Goutam, Wu, Xiaoping Journal of Dairy Science 2016 Identification of genetic variants associated with feet and legs disorders (FLD) will aid in the genetic improvement of these traits by providing knowledge on genes that influence trait variations. In Denmark, FLD in cattle has been recorded since the 1990s. In this report, we used deregressed breeding values as response variables for a genome-wide association study. Bulls (5,334 Danish Holstein, 4,237 Nordic Red Dairy Cattle, and 1,180 Danish Jersey) with deregressed estimated breeding values were genotyped with the Illumina Bovine 54k single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping array. Genotypes were imputed to whole-genome sequence variants, and then 22,751,039 SNP on 29 autosomes were used for an association analysis. A modified linear mixed-model approach (efficient mixed-model association eXpedited, EMMAX) and a linear mixed model were used for association analysis. We identified 5 (3,854 SNP), 3 (13,642 SNP), and 0 quantitative trait locus (QTL) regions associated with the FLD index in Danish Holstein, Nordic Red Dairy Cattle, and Danish Jersey populations, respectively. We did not identify any QTL that were common among the 3 breeds. In a meta-analysis of the 3 breeds, 4 QTL regions were significant, but no additional QTL region was identified compared with within-breed analyses. Comparison between top SNP locations within these QTL regions and known genes suggested that RASGRP1, LCORL, MOS, and MITF may be candidate genes for FLD in dairy cattle. Aetiological surveys on fescue foot in farm cattle: toxicity test of metabolites of Fusarium spp Gao, F., Ni, Y. H., Wu, J. J., Wu, J. Z. Aetiological surveys on fescue foot in farm cattle: toxicity test of metabolites of Fusarium spp Gao, F., Ni, Y. H., Wu, J. J., Wu, J. Z. Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology 1991 A total of 52 forage samples in fescue foot affected areas were collected and examined, and 3197 strs. including Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Nigrospora and Alternaria spp. were detected. The occurrence of fescue foot correlated positively with the contamination rate of F. sporotrichioides, F. semitectum [F. pallidoroseum] and F. equiseti. 30 ether extracts of maize cultures of 53 strs. of 10 Fusarium spp. caused skin lesions in rabbits. The maize cultures, the ether and methyl alcohol-water (95:5) extracts of F. sporotrichioides and F. pallidoroseum were toxic and lethal for rats and mice. Typical symptoms of fescue foot were observed in 2 healthy bucks when they were injected intraperitoneally with the crude ether toxin Short communication: Genetic evaluation of mobility for Brown Swiss dairy cattle Muenzenberger, C. J., Neitzel, R. R. et al Short communication: Genetic evaluation of mobility for Brown Swiss dairy cattle Muenzenberger, C. J., Neitzel, R. R., Wiggans, G. R., Wright, J. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Digital dermatitis; what role spirochaetes? Woodward, M. J. Digital dermatitis; what role spirochaetes? Woodward, M. J. Cattle Practice 1999 Spirochaetes associated with bovine and ovine foot rot; parallels with polymicrobiol oral diseases? Collingham, R., Rijpkema, S., Woodward et al Spirochaetes associated with bovine and ovine foot rot; parallels with polymicrobiol oral diseases? Collingham, R., Rijpkema, S., Woodward, M. Journal of Medical Microbiology 1998 Infrared thermometry for lesion monitoring in cattle lameness KNOWLES, T.G., Lin, Y., Main, D. C. J. et al Infrared thermometry for lesion monitoring in cattle lameness KNOWLES, T.G., Lin, Y., Main, D. C. J., Wood, S. Veterinary Record 2015 Axial wall crack — a description Winterbottom, A. J. Axial wall crack — a description Winterbottom, A. J. Mechanical properties of the bovine claw horn during lactation Margerison, J. K., Winkler, B. Mechanical properties of the bovine claw horn during lactation Margerison, J. K., Winkler, B. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Factors associated with morbidity, mortality, and growth of dairy heifer calves up to 3 months of age Godden, S. M., Hodgins, D. C., LeBlanc et al Factors associated with morbidity, mortality, and growth of dairy heifer calves up to 3 months of age Godden, S. M., Hodgins, D. C., LeBlanc, S. J., Leslie, K. E., Lissemore, K. D., Windeyer, M. C. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2014 The reliability and repeatability of a lameness scoring system for use as an indicator of welfare in dairy cattle Willen, Stefanie, Winckler, Christoph The reliability and repeatability of a lameness scoring system for use as an indicator of welfare in dairy cattle Willen, Stefanie, Winckler, Christoph Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section A-Animal Science 2001 In 16 dairy herds, a lameness scoring system which was reasonably quick and easy to use was evaluated with regard to reliability and repeatability. The ultimate aim was to include it into an on-farm welfare assessment protocol. Locomotion scores in individual cows (n=206) were significantly correlated with the heel and sole disorder indices obtained at routine claw trimmings (e.g. index for hind limb lesions: rs=0.40, p=0.0001; Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficients). The inclusion of lesions caused by digital dermatitis increased correlation coefficients when hind limbs and all four feet were considered (rs=0.47/0.50). The inter-observer repeatability of locomotion scores in individual cows was high, and the variation between observers was low when calculated as a percentage of animals within each scoring class. Thus the locomotion scoring system proved to be a useful tool for assessing lameness, and as such a valuable part of on-farm welfare assessment in dairy cattle. It is recommended that scoring be performed at least twice during the housing period Effects of under- and overstocking freestalls on dairy cattle behaviour Tucker, Cassandra B., Weary, Daniel M. et al Effects of under- and overstocking freestalls on dairy cattle behaviour Tucker, Cassandra B., Weary, Daniel M., Winckler, Christoph Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2015 Freestall availability affects cattle behaviour and most studies in this area have focused on overstocking. We studied the effects of three levels of stall availability, including both over- and understocking on the time budgets and agonistic interactions in 36 dairy cattle in four stable groups. Using a switch-back design, with treatment order balanced, groups of nine cows were given access to 6, 9, and 12 stalls for 1 week each, allowing for a within-cow test of stocking density of 150, 100 and 75% (cows/stalls). After 5 days of acclimatization at each density, time budgets and displacements from stalls were measured during the last 48 h of each treatment period using continuous video recording and direct observation. When animals had access to fewer stalls, they spent less time lying down (11.6, 12.6, 12.8 h/24 h in 150, 100 and 75% treatments, respectively; SE: 0.31, 0.31, 0.28 h/24 h), particularly at night (6.6, 7.5, 7.6 h; SE: 0.20, 0.20, 0.17 h). Lying behaviour was also more synchronous when more freestalls were available (Kappa coefficient of agreement 0.00, 0.13, 0.17 for lying time in 150, 100 and 75% treatments, respectively). Cows spent more time standing in the alleyways when overstocked (between two rows of stalls: 1.8, 0.8, 0.6 h/24 h in 150, 100 and 75%, respectively; SE: 0.09, 0.09, 0.06 h/24 h; between feeder and stalls: 1.5, 1.3, 1.3 h/24 h in 150, 100 and 75%, respectively; SE: 0.13, 0.13, 0.11 h/24 h), but did not alter the time they spent feeding. Moreover, cows were more likely to displace one another from stalls at greater stocking densities (2.9, 1.1, 0.6 displacements per cow/24 h in 150, 100 and 75% treatments, respectively; SE: 0.16, 0.16, 0.11 displacements per cow/24 h). Cows that were less successful at displacing others spent a higher proportion of their time lying during the day when overstocked, indicating that lying during this time is less preferred. For all variables, the magnitude of response was most affected by overstocking; this practice reduced lying time, especially at night, synchrony of lying behaviour and increased competition for stalls. Understocking provided benefits, but the degree of behavioural change was smaller than when stalls were limited. Digital Dermatitis in Cattle: Current Bacterial and Immunological Findings Alt, D. P., Nally, J. E., Wilson-Welder et al Digital Dermatitis in Cattle: Current Bacterial and Immunological Findings Alt, D. P., Nally, J. E., Wilson-Welder, J. H. Animals (Basel) 2015 Globally; digital dermatitis is a leading form of lameness observed in production dairy cattle. While the precise etiology remains to be determined; the disease is clearly associated with infection by numerous species of treponemes; in addition to other anaerobic bacteria. The goal of this review article is to provide an overview of the current literature; focusing on discussion of the polybacterial nature of the digital dermatitis disease complex and host immune response. Several phylotypes of treponemes have been identified; some of which correlate with location in the lesion and some with stages of lesion development. Local innate immune responses may contribute to the proliferative, inflammatory conditions that perpetuate digital dermatitis lesions. While serum antibody is produced to bacterial antigens in the lesions, little is known about cellular-based immunity. Studies are still required to delineate the pathogenic traits of treponemes associated with digital dermatitis; and other host factors that mediate pathology and protection of digital dermatitis lesions. Comparison of three flooring types for special-fed holstein veal calves Smith, J. L., Terosky, T. L., Wheeler et al Comparison of three flooring types for special-fed holstein veal calves Smith, J. L., Terosky, T. L., Wheeler, E. F., Wilson, L. L. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 1998 The study aimed to compare health, haematology measurements, growth performance, body cleanliness, hoof and leg characteristics, ambulation scores, and behavioural activities of veal calves housed in individual, raised wooden stalls with 3 different flooring types. The flooring types used were oak wood slats, rectangular shaped vinyl coated slats and diamond shaped vinyl coated slats. There were no differences between treatment groups in average daily gain, body weight, blood measurements or carcass weight or grade (primarily muscle colour). There were differences in standing and lying frequency but these are not considered to be important. Calves on wooden slats were appreciably less clean than those on vinyl coated floors. Wood slats also increased hoof wear, but this did not affect calf growth or health Fixation of femoral capital physeal fractures with 7.0 mm cannulated screws in five bulls Crawford, W. H., Frampton, J. W., Stone et al Fixation of femoral capital physeal fractures with 7.0 mm cannulated screws in five bulls Crawford, W. H., Frampton, J. W., Stone, W. C., Wilson, D. G. Veterinary Surgery 1991 Salter-Harris type I fractures of the femoral capital physis were repaired in five Holstein bulls with three 7.0 mm cannulated screws placed in lag fashion. Radiographically at months 7 to 10, the fractures were healed and there was periarticular bone production on the femoral necks and the dorsal acetabular rims. Four bulls had normal gaits, and one bull had muscle atrophy and barely detectable lameness An Economic Review of Cattle Lameness Bell, N.J., Willshire, J. A. An Economic Review of Cattle Lameness Bell, N.J., Willshire, J. A. Cattle Practice 2009 Effect of Wet Weather on Lameness in Dairy-Cattle Rowlands, G. J., Russell, A. M. et al Effect of Wet Weather on Lameness in Dairy-Cattle Rowlands, G. J., Russell, A. M., Williams, L.A. Veterinary Record 1986 The association between high milk somatic cell counts in the first lactation and somatic cell counts in the second lactation Cripps, P. J., Grove-White, D. H. et al The association between high milk somatic cell counts in the first lactation and somatic cell counts in the second lactation Cripps, P. J., Grove-White, D. H., Williams, H. J. The Veterinary Journal 2012 Bipartite distal sesamoid bones in a Holstein-Friesian calf Dik, K. J., Willemen, M. A. Bipartite distal sesamoid bones in a Holstein-Friesian calf Dik, K. J., Willemen, M. A. Veterinary Record 1995 Bipartite distal sesamoid bones were observed in the medial digits of both forelimbs of a six-month-old Holstein-Friesian calf. This paper describes the clinical and radiological (including computed tomographic) findings, and the therapy and follow-up of the case The Effect of Cubicle Housing Grazing and Increasing Age On the Locomotion Scores of Dairy Cows Gwynn, P. E. J., Jory, M., Thomas et al The Effect of Cubicle Housing Grazing and Increasing Age On the Locomotion Scores of Dairy Cows Gwynn, P. E. J., Jory, M., Thomas, T. P., Wilkinson, R. Animal Production 1990 An epidemiological study of foot rot in pastured cattle. Dickson, J., Egerton, J. R., Wilkinson et al An epidemiological study of foot rot in pastured cattle. Dickson, J., Egerton, J. R., Wilkinson, F.C. Acta Vet Scand. 1983;24(4):40 1983 Influence of regular outdoor exercise on occurrence and type of hock lesions of dairy cows kept in tied housing systems Friedli, K., Wechsler, B., Wiederkehr et al Influence of regular outdoor exercise on occurrence and type of hock lesions of dairy cows kept in tied housing systems Friedli, K., Wechsler, B., Wiederkehr, T. U. Disposal and disease rates in British dairy herds between April 1998 and March 2002 Burrough, E., Macrae, A. I., Whitaker et al Disposal and disease rates in British dairy herds between April 1998 and March 2002 Burrough, E., Macrae, A. I., Whitaker, D. A. Veterinary Record 2004 Disposal and disease rates in 340 British dairy herds Kelly, J. M., Smith, S., Whitaker, D. A. Disposal and disease rates in 340 British dairy herds Kelly, J. M., Smith, S., Whitaker, D. A. Veterinary Record 2000 Incidence of Lameness in Dairy-Cows Kelly, J. M., Smith, E. J., Whitaker et al Incidence of Lameness in Dairy-Cows Kelly, J. M., Smith, E. J., Whitaker, D. A. Veterinary Record 1983 Causes of laminitis in cattle [letter; comment] Whitaker, D. A. Causes of laminitis in cattle [letter; comment] Whitaker, D. A. Veterinary Record 1992 Role of ketoprofen in the modulation of hyperalgesia associated with lameness in dairy cattle. Waterman-Pearson, A. E., Webster, A. J. et al Role of ketoprofen in the modulation of hyperalgesia associated with lameness in dairy cattle. Waterman-Pearson, A. E., Webster, A. J., Whay, H. R. Vet Rec 2005 Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK.
Forty lame dairy cows were randomly assigned to receive a course of either the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen, or sterile saline, together with conventional treatment for lameness. The effect of the ketoprofen was measured by using locomotion scoring and by testing the cows' nociceptive threshold over a period of 28 days. The locomotion score of all the cows improved but ketoprofen had no significant effect on this change. However, in the cows that received ketoprofen the hyperalgesia associated with lameness, recorded using a nociceptive threshold test, was significantly modulated on days 3, 8 and 28 after their initial examination, drug administration and treatment of lesions. Associations between locomotion, claw lesions and nociceptive threshold in dairy heifers during the peri-partum period Waterman, A. E., WEBSTER, A.J.F., Whay et al Associations between locomotion, claw lesions and nociceptive threshold in dairy heifers during the peri-partum period Waterman, A. E., WEBSTER, A.J.F., Whay, H. R. Veterinary Journal 1997 The locomotion of 15 heifers was examined at fortnightly intervals over a 4 month peri-partum period. Measurements were made of the development of gait abnormalities, thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds, and severity and size of sole lesions observed in the hind claws. All heifers developed lesions at, or shortly after, parturition, and in seven animals this induced marked lameness. Abnormalities of gait were related more to the severity than to the size of the lesion. Lameness was associated with a significant increase in sensitivity to mechanical noxious stimuli applied to the lame leg but not to a thermal stimulus applied to the ear. This study demonstrated interactions between lameness, claw lesions and the development of hyperalgesia in heifers during the post-partum period. The influence of lesion type on the duration of hyperalgesia associated with hindlimb lameness in dairy cattle O'Brien, J. K., Waterman, A. E. et al The influence of lesion type on the duration of hyperalgesia associated with hindlimb lameness in dairy cattle O'Brien, J. K., Waterman, A. E., WEBSTER, A.J.F., Whay, H. R. Veterinary Journal 1998 The nociceptive thresholds of 42 sound dairy cattle were compared with 53 animals displaying hind-claw lameness. All animals in the study were lameness scored and nociceptive threshold tested. Each animal then received a routine claw trim while the lame cattle also had the cause of lameness determined and treated. Those cattle found to have a unilateral hind-claw lameness (n=42) were re-evaluated at 28 days after treatment. The lame cattle were found to have a significantly lower nociceptive threshold (P<0.001) as compared to the sound animals on day 1 and also at retesting on day 28 (P<0.001). The group which were retested on day 28 were subdivided by lesion type: sole ulcer; white line disease and acute digital tissue infection. Each lesion type caused a decreased nociceptive threshold at day 1. At re-evaluation on day 28 only the thresholds of the acute digital tissue infection group were not significantly different fr om the sound group but thresholds in sole ulcer and white line disease cows were still depressed. Animal-based measures for the assessment of welfare state of dairy cattle, pigs and laying hens: consensus of expert opinion Greent, L. E., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER et al Animal-based measures for the assessment of welfare state of dairy cattle, pigs and laying hens: consensus of expert opinion Greent, L. E., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER, A.J.F., Whay, H. R. Animal Welfare 2003 Assessment of the welfare of dairy caftle using animal-based measurements: direct observations and investigation of farm records Green, L. E., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER et al Assessment of the welfare of dairy caftle using animal-based measurements: direct observations and investigation of farm records Green, L. E., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER, A.J.F., Whay, H. R. Veterinary Record 2003 Assessment of the welfare of dairy cattle using animal-based measurements: direct observations and investigation of farm records Green, L. E., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER et al Assessment of the welfare of dairy cattle using animal-based measurements: direct observations and investigation of farm records Green, L. E., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER, A.J.F., Whay, H. R. Veterinary Record 2003 A protocol was developed by consultation with experts on the welfare of cattle to use direct observations of cattle and an examination of farm records to assess welfare. Fifty-three dairy farms in England were visited and assessed during the winter of 2000/01. The findings were compiled and the results of the welfare measurements were examined by 50 experts who indicated at what level they considered that improvement was required. More than 75 per cent of them considered that 32 of the 53 farms needed to take action to reduce the incidence of mastitis, and that at least 42 of the farms needed to take action to reduce the prevalence of lameness, overgrown claws, swollen and ulcerated hocks, and injuries from the environment. An animal-based welfare assessment of group-housed calves on UK dairy farms Green, L. E., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER et al An animal-based welfare assessment of group-housed calves on UK dairy farms Green, L. E., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER, A.J.F., Whay, H. R. Animal Welfare 2003 A series of measures of calf welfare was dei,eloped through a process of expert consultation. A welfare assessment of group-housed calves was carried out on 53 UK dairy farms during the winter of 2000/01. The assessment used animal-based measures including direct observation of the calves and examination of their health history through a review of farm records. The findings from this were compiled into a profile of calf welfare which outlined the range of results for each measure used The results fell into the three categories of respiratory health, nutrition and general appearance. A broad range of results was found across the farms visited for the measures in each of these categories. Some,farms peformed well for all measures taken, and no farms performed consistently badly across all aspects of calf welfare. The majority of farms combined aspects of both good and poor welfare performance. Identification of issues affecting the welfare of dairy cows through expert opinion Green, L. E., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER et al Identification of issues affecting the welfare of dairy cows through expert opinion Green, L. E., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER, A.J.F., Whay, H. R. Research in Veterinary Science 2001 Prioritising risk factors for dairy heifer lameness through iterative consultation Bell, N.J., KNOWLES, T.G., Main et al Prioritising risk factors for dairy heifer lameness through iterative consultation Bell, N.J., KNOWLES, T.G., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER, A.J.F., Whay, H. R. 13th International Symposium and 5th Conference on Lameness in Ruminants 2004 “The way cattle walk.” Steps towards lameness management Main, D. C. J., Whay, H. R. “The way cattle walk.” Steps towards lameness management Main, D. C. J., Whay, H. R. Cattle Practice 1999 MANAGING CATTLE LAMENESS: A NOVEL APPROACH USING SOCIAL MARKETING TECHNIQUES Barker, Zoe E, Bell, Anouska K, Bell et al MANAGING CATTLE LAMENESS: A NOVEL APPROACH USING SOCIAL MARKETING TECHNIQUES Barker, Zoe E, Bell, Anouska K, Bell, Nicholas J, Leach, Katharine A., Maggs, Claire M, Main, David CJ, Stokes, Jessica E, Whay, Helen R. Cattle Lameness Conference Pain relief in cattle: A practitioners perspective Huxlay, J. N., Whay, H. R. Pain relief in cattle: A practitioners perspective Huxlay, J. N., Whay, H. R. Cattle Practice 2005 This paper describes the provisional results from a questionnaire survey designed to assess the attitudes of practicing cattle veterinary surgeons towards pain and the use of analgesics in cattle. Over 600 questionnaires were return from practitioners all over the UK. An understanding of the perception and attitudes towards pain by veterinary surgeons is fundamental to the understanding of the use of analgesics in cattle. The preliminary results provide a fascinating insight into how practitioners perceive and treat pain in cattle. Less than half (45.5%) of respondents feel that they have adequate knowledge in this area. Considering the huge impact that recognising and managing pain has on the welfare of the affected animal, this is a cause for concern. Promoting farmer engagement and activity in the control of dairy cattle lameness Barker, Z. E., Leach, K. A., Main et al Promoting farmer engagement and activity in the control of dairy cattle lameness Barker, Z. E., Leach, K. A., Main, D. C. J., Whay, H. R. The Veterinary Journal 2012 Many ‘influencers’ allied to the agricultural industry support farmers to implement management changes that affect animal welfare. Developing approaches to working with farmers that achieve both engagement and subsequently management changes is critical. As an example, the generation of action points and implementation of change to control dairy cattle lameness is reported and discussed here. Action plans were generated on farms receiving both lameness monitoring and intervention support (MS group; n = 117) as part of a 3 year intervention project. At the start of year 1, MS farmers received action planning advice from a veterinary surgeon, and then at the start of years 2 and 3, farmers generated their own lameness control action plans with facilitator support. Engagement was achieved with 114 MS farmers who generated 692 action points in total. Two hundred and sixteen of these resulted from veterinary advice and 476 were generated by the farmers with facilitator support. In terms of activity, MS farms implemented a mean of 8.22 changes per farm as compared to 6.77 on farms which only received annual lameness monitoring (MO group; n = 72). While these levels of change were similar, fewer changes implemented on the MS farms (8.5%) were judged ‘likely to increase the risk of lameness’ compared to the MO farms (16.5%). Farmers generated substantial numbers of lameness control action points for their own farms aided by a facilitator and, crucially, veterinary or facilitator involvement reduced changes that were likely to compromise lameness control. Development of a lameness control programme for dairy heifers Bell, M. J., Bell, N.J., KNOWLES, T.G. et al Development of a lameness control programme for dairy heifers Bell, M. J., Bell, N.J., KNOWLES, T.G., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER, A.J.F., Whay, H. R. Cattle Practice 2006 The journey to animal welfare improvement Whay, H. R. The journey to animal welfare improvement Whay, H. R. Animal Welfare 2007 The perception and relief of pain associated with lameness in dairy cattle Whay, H. R. The perception and relief of pain associated with lameness in dairy cattle Whay, H. R. 1998 Pain in the lame cow Whay, H. R. Pain in the lame cow Whay, H. R. Irish Veterinary Journal 1997 Locomotion scoring and lameness detection in dairy cattle Whay, H. Locomotion scoring and lameness detection in dairy cattle Whay, H. In Practice 2002 THE problem of high levels of lameness in UK dairy cattle has persisted into the 21st century and still presents a specific welfare concern. The mean prevalence of lameness seems to have changed little over the past decade and, although the relative proportions of lameness-causing lesions may have altered over time, the resulting number of lameness cases appears to have remained constant. The upsurge in farm assurance schemes has brought about the opportunity for structured veterinary involvement in the active monitoring and prevention of lameness at a herd level through the use of herd health plans which require careful record-keeping of lameness levels on farm and biannual locomotion scoring of the herd. This article discusses the role of locomotion and lameness scoring and describes how such systems might be implemented. Nutrition and lameness in pasture-fed dairy cattle Lean, I. J., Westwood, C. T. Nutrition and lameness in pasture-fed dairy cattle Lean, I. J., Westwood, C. T. 61st Conference of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Canterbury, New Zealand, June 2001 Lying times of lactating cows on dairy farms with automatic milking systems and the relation to lameness, leg lesions, and body... de Passille, A. M., DeVries, T. J. et al Lying times of lactating cows on dairy farms with automatic milking systems and the relation to lameness, leg lesions, and body condition score de Passille, A. M., DeVries, T. J., Pajor, E. A., Pellerin, D., Rushen, J., Siegford, J. M., Vasseur, E., Vaughan, A., Westin, R. Journal of Dairy Science 2016 Lying down and resting are important for optimal cow health, welfare, and production. In comparison with free stall farms with a milking parlor, farms with automated milking systems (AMS) may place less constraint on how long cows can lie down. However, few studies report lying times on AMS farms. The aims of this study were to describe the variation in lying times of dairy cows in AMS farms and to understand how much of the variation in individual lying times is related to cow-level factors, including lameness, the presence of hock and knee lesions, and body condition score (BCS). We visited 36 farms in Canada (Quebec: n = 10; Ontario: n = 10; British Columbia: n = 4; and Alberta: n = 5), and the United States (Michigan: n = 7). Gait scores, presence of hock and knee lesions, and BCS were recorded for 40 Holstein cows from each herd. Parity and days in milk were retrieved from farm records. Lying time was recorded across 4 d using accelerometers (n = 1,377). Multivariable analysis was performed. Of scored cows, 15.1% were lame (i.e., obviously limping; 203 of 1,348 cows). Knee lesions were found in 27.1% (340 of 1,256 cows) and hock lesions were found in 30.8% (421 of 1,366 cows) of the animals. Daily lying time varied among cows. Cows spent a median duration of 11.4 h/d lying down (25th–75th percentile = 9.7–12.9 h), with a lying bout frequency of 9.5 bouts/d (25th–75th percentile = 7.5–12 bouts/d) and a median bout duration of 71 min (25th–75th percentile = 58–87 min/bout). Lameness was associated with cows lying down for 0.6 h/d longer in fewer, longer bouts. Increased lying time was also associated with increased parity, later stage of lactation and higher BCS. Older cows (parity ≥3) spent about 0.5 h/d more lying down compared with parity 1 cows, and cows with BCS ≥3.5 lay down on average 1 h/d longer than cows with BCS ≤2.25. Hock lesions were associated with shorter lying times in univariable models, but no associations were found in the multivariable models. We concluded that only a small proportion of the variation between cows in lying time is explained by lameness, leg lesions, and BCS. Suspensory apparatus of the distal phalanx (PH III) in the bovine hoof Budras, K. D., Muelling, Ch et al Suspensory apparatus of the distal phalanx (PH III) in the bovine hoof Budras, K. D., Muelling, Ch, Westerfield, I. Retrospective evaluation of health event data recording on 50 dairies using Dairy Comp 305 Giebel, S. K., Wenz, J. R. Retrospective evaluation of health event data recording on 50 dairies using Dairy Comp 305 Giebel, S. K., Wenz, J. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Effect of Flunixin Meglumine on the Thresholds to Mechanical Stimulation in Healthy and Lame Sheep Nolan, A. M., Welsh, E.M. Effect of Flunixin Meglumine on the Thresholds to Mechanical Stimulation in Healthy and Lame Sheep Nolan, A. M., Welsh, E.M. Research in Veterinary Science 1995 The antinociceptive effect of flunixin meglumine was assessed in healthy and lame sheep by using a noxious mechanical stimulus. Sheep suffering from the chronically painful condition; footrot, have previously been shown to have lower thresholds to noxious mechanical stimuli than healthy animals. In the present study, 22 sheep suffering from footrot did not have a lower mean mechanical threshold than 25 matched healthy animals, but it was significantly greater than that recorded from eight experimental sheep (5.0 [2.5], 4.9 [2.1] and 3.0 [1.0] Newtons, respectively). Doses of 1.0 or 2.0 mg kg(-1) of flunixin meglumine had no effect on the thresholds to noxious mechanical stimulation in either experimental sheep tested over six hours, or in lame sheep tested over a period of 30 minutes. The repeated administration of flunixin to sheep suffering from footrot over a period of three days reduced their thresholds to noxious mechanical stimulation. Comparison of visual analogue scale and a numerical rating-scale for assessment of lameness, using sheep as a model Gettingby, G., Nolan, A. M., Welsh, E.M. Comparison of visual analogue scale and a numerical rating-scale for assessment of lameness, using sheep as a model Gettingby, G., Nolan, A. M., Welsh, E.M. American Journal of Veterinary Research 1993 Association Between Clinical Lameness and Borrelia-Burgdorferi Antibody in Dairy-Cows Bey, R. F., Knutson, K. S., Robinson et al Association Between Clinical Lameness and Borrelia-Burgdorferi Antibody in Dairy-Cows Bey, R. F., Knutson, K. S., Robinson, R. A., Trent, A. M., Wells, S. J. American Journal of Veterinary Research 1993 Results of an ELISA, indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test, and immunoblot analysis (western blotting) for antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi in a sample of 216 lactating dairy cows were compared. The microscopic microtitration agglutination test for antibody to 6 serovars of Leptospira interrogans was also performed to evaluate possible cross-reactivity between B burgdorferi and L interrogans. Using western blotting as the standard test against which the ELISA and IFA test were compared, the ELISA had greater sensitivity (50% in summer and 38% in spring) with similar specificity (83 and 82%), compared with the IFA test (sensitivity, 6 and 5%; specificity, 90 and 83%). In addition, seropositivity to B burgdorferi, using the ELISA, was not found to be associated with seropositivity to L interrogans serovars. A matched case-control study evaluating the association between clinical lameness and antibody to B burgdorferi was performed in lactating dairy cows of 17 Minnesota and Wisconsin herds. Sera from case and control cows matched by herd, parity, and stage of lactation were evaluated, using an ELISA for B burgdorferi antibody during 2 seasons. High B burgdorferi antibody values were associated with clinical lameness in dairy cows (P = 0.006 in summer and P = 0.04 in spring) Some Risk-Factors Associated With Clinical Lameness in Dairy Herds in Minnesota and Wisconsin Marsh, W. E., Robinson, R. A., Trent et al Some Risk-Factors Associated With Clinical Lameness in Dairy Herds in Minnesota and Wisconsin Marsh, W. E., Robinson, R. A., Trent, A. M., Wells, S. J., Williamson, N. B. Veterinary Record 1995 An observational study of the relationships between clinical lameness and herd-level risk factors was made in 18 dairy herds in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Lameness in the lactating cows was assessed by two observers during herd visits made in the summer of 1989 and the spring of 1990, using a uniform scoring system. A questionnaire was used to obtain information about the general management, routine hoof care, nutrition, housing and flooring on the farms. Factors associated with the prevalence of clinical lameness in the summer included stall moisture, the size of the exercise area for the lactating cows and the amounts of dry concentrates and fresh forages fed to them. Factors associated with clinical lameness in the spring included the use of parlour milking facilities and the frequency with which the rations for the lactating cows were balanced Prevalence and Severity of Lameness in Lactating Dairy-Cows in a Sample of Minnesota and Wisconsin Herds Marsh, W. E., Robinson, R. A., Trent et al Prevalence and Severity of Lameness in Lactating Dairy-Cows in a Sample of Minnesota and Wisconsin Herds Marsh, W. E., Robinson, R. A., Trent, A. M., Wells, S. J. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1993 An epidemiologic study investigating the prevalence of lameness in lactating dairy cows was performed in 17 dairy herds in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The mean herd size was 50 cows. Cows from 14 herds were housed in stanchions or tie stalls, and cows from 3 herds in free stalls or dry lot. During visits to each farm in the summer and subsequent spring, 2 investigators simultaneously but independently evaluated the ambulation of lactating cows by use of a standardized scoring system. The lameness scoring system was reliable at the 2 visits, with 92.7 and 91.3% agreement between the 2 observers and kappa coefficients of 0.60. The prevalence of lameness detected by the investigators (''clinical'' lameness) was 13.7% (117/853) in summer and 16.7% (134/801) in spring in lactating dairy cows. These prevalences were 2.5 times higher than those estimated by the herd managers. Parity was significantly (P less-than-or-equal-to 0.03) associated with lameness, with higher prevalence of clinical lameness found in cows of higher parity Individual Cow Risk-Factors for Clinical Lameness in Lactating Dairy-Cows Marsh, W. E., McGovern, P. G., Robinson et al Individual Cow Risk-Factors for Clinical Lameness in Lactating Dairy-Cows Marsh, W. E., McGovern, P. G., Robinson, R. A., Trent, A. M., Wells, S. J. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1993 A case-control study investigating relationships between clinical lameness and individual-cow (within herd) risk factors was performed in 17 Minnesota and Wisconsin dairy herds. Cases were defined as lactating cows found lame by either of two observers during farm visits in the summer of 1989 and spring of 1990 using a uniform scoring system. A single control cow (matched by herd, season, parity, and stage of lactation) was selected for each case at each visit. Assessments of body weight, body condition, dorsal claw angles, and limb lesions were made for each case and control animal. Conditional logistic regression analysis revealed positive associations between prevalent clinical lameness and heavier body weight, lower body condition score, and shallower slope of rear lateral claw angle. Lesions associated with clinical lameness included non-tarsal rear limb superficial swellings, abnormal hoof overgrowth (including corkscrew claw), and limb lacerations. Superficial tarsal swellings, intra-synovial tarsal swellings, and carpal swellings were not associated with clinical lameness. Effect of Long-Term Administration of a Prolonged Release Formulation of Bovine Somatotropin (Sometribove) On Clinical Lameness... Cole, W. J., Collier, R. J., Trent et al Effect of Long-Term Administration of a Prolonged Release Formulation of Bovine Somatotropin (Sometribove) On Clinical Lameness in Dairy- Cows Cole, W. J., Collier, R. J., Trent, A. M., Wells, S. J. American Journal of Veterinary Research 1995 A matched case-control study design was used to assess the effects of long-term administration of a prolonged release formulation of bovine somatotropin (sometribove) on clinical lameness and limb lesions in dairy cows. Cows treated with sometribove for at least 2 lactations (cases) and nontreated dairy cows matched by herd, parity, age, and stage of lactation (controls) in 8 herds were evaluated for clinical lameness (as assessed by gait abnormality) and limb lesions by 2 observers, using a standardized scoring procedure at a single herd visit. Although a high proportion of the study cows were clinically lame (43%), an association was not detected between chronic administration of sometribove and prevalent lameness. Of 21 types of limb lesions identified, 2 were positively associated and 2 were negatively associated with long-term sometribove use. Superficial laceration of the tarsus (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1) and superficial swelling of the metatarsophalangeal joint (OR = 4.5) were positively associated with sometribove treatment, whereas femoral lesions (on = 0.2) and superficial lacerations of the femur (OR = 0.14) were negatively associated with sometribove treatment Clinical lameness in dairy cows in the Midwestern United States: a preliminary report Trent, A. M., Wells, S. J. Clinical lameness in dairy cows in the Midwestern United States: a preliminary report Trent, A. M., Wells, S. J. Proceedings of the Annual Convention American Association of Bovine Practitioners 1991 Key health issues for dairy cattle–new and old Ott, S. L., Seitzinger, A. H., Wells et al Key health issues for dairy cattle–new and old Ott, S. L., Seitzinger, A. H., Wells, S. J. Journal of Dairy Science 1998 The objective of this paper is to use available information to evaluate the relative importance of various health issues affecting dairy cattle. In addition to traditional ranking using evaluation methods based on impacts to animal productivity, this paper considers zoonotic risks, international trade implications, and animal welfare concerns. Traditional production costs rank mastitis, reproductive problems, and lameness as the top dairy cattle diseases. When the other areas of importance are included, the top-ranked diseases change to include salmonella, Johne's disease, bovine viral diarrhea-associated disease, and mastitis. Researchers in the dairy industry may want to reevaluate their criteria for setting research priorities to include zoonotic risks, international trade implications, and animal welfare concerns Papillomatous digital dermatitis and associated risk factors in US dairy herds Garber, L. P., Wagner, B. A., Wells et al Papillomatous digital dermatitis and associated risk factors in US dairy herds Garber, L. P., Wagner, B. A., Wells, S. J. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1999 The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of papillomatous digital dermatitis in the US (including regional and herd size patterns) and to evaluate specific herd-level management factors associated with high incidence of digital dermatitis in US dairy herds. The study design was a population-based cross-sectional survey. US daily operations with at least 30 cows in 20 states, representing 79% of US dairy cows, were sampled. On participant operations;a questionnaire was administered by veterinary medical officer or animal-health technicians on-farm to dairy managers. Papillomatous digital dermatitis was reported in milk cows in the previous 12 months from 43.5% of US dairy herds. Seventy-eight percent of affected herds reported that their first cases occurred in 1993 or later. Regions of the USA with the highest percent of herds affected included the Southwest, Northwest, and Northeast. Factors associated with high (>5%) incidence of papillomatous digital dermatitis included region, herd size, type of land lactating cows accessed on a daily basis, flooring type where lactating cows walked, percent of cows barn off the operation, use of a primary hoof trimmer who trimmed cows' hooves on other operations, and lack of washing of hoof-trimming equipment between cows. Papillomatous digital dermatitis has been recently reported from dairy herds across the US. This study suggests that a high percentage of herds with digital dermatitis could be prevented. Management strategies to potentially prevent or reduce incidence of digital dermatitis on dairy operations include those related to biosecurity and 'cow hoof' environmental conditions. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. Health status of preweaned dairy heifers in the United States Garber, L. P., Hill, G. W., Wells, S. J. Health status of preweaned dairy heifers in the United States Garber, L. P., Hill, G. W., Wells, S. J. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1997 The first national estimates of mortality and morbidity for preweaned dairy heifers in the US were generated from monitoring heifers from 906 operations in 28 states prospectively using a daily diary card system. Results indicated that the cumulative mortality incidence risk from birth to 8 weeks of life was 6.3% with a peak of 1.9% during the first week of life. Season of birth was significantly associated with cumulative mortality incidence risk, and mortality risk was highest in the periods January to March and October to December. Cumulative incidence risk of diarrhea to 8 weeks of age was 24.6% with a peak of 15.4% during the second week of life. Diarrhea incidence risk varied by region, with the West having the highest incidence risk (30.5%) and the Northeast the lowest (19.2%), as well as by herd size, with the smallest herd size having the lowest reported incidence risk of diarrhea to 8 weeks of age (18.8%). Other reported 8 week cumulative disease incidence risks included listlessness, 10.0%; respiratory disease, 8.4%; dehydration, 4.1%; lameness or joint problems, 1.1%. Weekly incidence of lameness (weeks 1-8): 0.2,0.5, 0.4, 0.2, 0.1, 0.1, 0.1, 0.0 Factors associated with papillomatous digital dermatitis on U.S. dairy operations Dargatz, D., Garber, L., Wagner, B. et al Factors associated with papillomatous digital dermatitis on U.S. dairy operations Dargatz, D., Garber, L., Wagner, B., Wells, S. Epidemiologie et Sante Animale 1997 Physeal fracture repair using external coaptation in a heifer Watkins, J. P., Welch, R. D. Physeal fracture repair using external coaptation in a heifer Watkins, J. P., Welch, R. D. Agri-Practice 1990 A 2-year old Holstein-Friesian heifer suffered a Salter-Harris Type 1 fracture of the distal metatarsal III and IV physis. Under traction, fracture reduction was achieved and a full limb cast was applied. Four months postoperatively the heifer showed no signs of lameness. Nine months postoperatively, she was being shown successfully. Salter-Harris Type I and Type II fractures and their fixation are discussed Clinicopathological aspects of multiple lameness in live stock production Heckert, H., Hofmann, W., Weiler, H. Clinicopathological aspects of multiple lameness in live stock production Heckert, H., Hofmann, W., Weiler, H. Israel-Journal-of-Veterinary-Medicine 1997 A group of 31 calves, developed 2 weeks after housing different degrees of severe lameness of the right back leg. Three of the animals were brought to the clinic for investigation. One calf was euthanised in extremis. On pathological examination, in the region of the popliteal lymph node of the right back leg adjacent to the fibular and tibial nerves, the connective tissue was found to be fibrous and nodular. Histopathological examination revealed a chronic suppurative inflammation of both nerves and severe degenerative changes in the form of myelin sheath destruction and axonal fragmentation were also found. The lesions in all cases were due to a prophylactic treatment with an intramuscular injection of antibiotic Three different techniques of elevating an affected claw in comparison. Drei Behandlungsmethoden zur Entlastung erkrankter Klauen... Geyer, H., Landerer, R., Lischer, Ch J. et al Three different techniques of elevating an affected claw in comparison. Drei Behandlungsmethoden zur Entlastung erkrankter Klauen im Vergleich Geyer, H., Landerer, R., Lischer, Ch J., Räber, M., Wehrle, M. Schweizer Archiv fuer Tierheilkunde 2000 In this field study 168 limbs of dairy cows with claw lesions (sole ulcer or white line disease) were treated on alpine pastures in the Canton Uri, Switzerland. Three different techniques of elevating a claw were tested (Cowslip, traditional Technovit-Block and wedge-shaped Technovit-Block). These blocks were compared for applicability, duration of adhesion, wear and the influence on posture and gait. The elevation of an affected claw resulted four days after application in a remarkable decreasing of the lameness score. In comparison of the three different elevations the quick and easy applicability of the cowslip was outstanding but they did not last long enough and exhibited more signs of wear than the wooden blocks. Cows, which were treated with a wedge-shaped block showed a more free and secure gait compared to the cows treated with a traditional block Claw lesions in dairy cows on Swiss alpine pastures treatment and healing process Wehrle, M. Claw lesions in dairy cows on Swiss alpine pastures treatment and healing process Wehrle, M. Biomechanical changes in the suspensory apparatus of the pedal bone and development of sole and white line lesions in dairy... Tarlton, J. F., WEBSTER, A.J.F. Biomechanical changes in the suspensory apparatus of the pedal bone and development of sole and white line lesions in dairy heifers Tarlton, J. F., WEBSTER, A.J.F. Research in Veterinary Science 2001 Understanding lameness in the dairy cow Knott, L., Tarlton, J. F., WEBSTER et al Understanding lameness in the dairy cow Knott, L., Tarlton, J. F., WEBSTER, A.J.F. Cattle Practice 2005 Effective control of a disease condition requires, at best, knowledge of the primary cause or, failing that, the ability to recognise and assess the importance of its risk factors. Lameness in dairy cattle is dominated by two conditions, infectious digital dermatitis (DD) and claw horn disruption (CHD). The causative agents and environmental risk factors for DD are sufficiently well known to permit effective control. There are two categories of risk factor for CHD. The first includes inadequate housing and foot care, which increase the external stresses on the foot. The second involves systemic factors that compromise the ability of the foot to withstand the stresses. This paper describes an experiment designed to explore the relative importance of three potential hazards within the second, systemic category as measured by changes in the biomechanics and biochemistry of the suspensory connective tissue in the foot. The hazards were housing, feeding and parturition/lactation per se. The structural integrity of the connective tissue was most severely compromised by housing in cubicles. This effect was exacerbated by parturition/lactation but not significantly affected by feeding a dairy production ration. There was no evidence of laminitis. These results indicate that physiological changes inevitably associated with parturition and the onset of lactation compromise the integrity of the foot, but these effects are of short duration. Thus it is possible to prevent clinical lameness due to CHD through a strategy designed to minimise external stresses to the foot in the periparturient period only. Effects of housing and two forage diets on the development of claw horn lesions in dairy cows at first calving and in first... WEBSTER, A.J.F. Effects of housing and two forage diets on the development of claw horn lesions in dairy cows at first calving and in first lactation WEBSTER, A.J.F. Veterinary Journal 2001 This paper describes a systematic study of the development of lesions of the claw horn (CHL, sole and white line) in heifers calving for the first time, housed either in cubicles or a straw yard and fed either a low- or high-dry-matter forage diet. The feet of all animals were inspected on five occasions, at approximately four weeks before and four, eight, 16 and 24 weeks post calving. Haemorrhagic lesions of the sole and white line were described according to a geometric lesion score for severity and a cumulative lesion score based on the product of (severity x area) for each lesion. Geometric and cumulative lesion scores increased in all groups of cattle in the first eight weeks after calving. However, the severity and persistence of the lesions were significantly greater in cattle housed in cubicle yards. Wet feeding increased the severity of CHL in the cubicle yard only. There were no association between lesion scores and body weight, body condition or foot conformation. The heels of the cattle in straw yards tended to be thick but many showed pitting erosions. In cubicles the heels were smooth but thin. This may have contributed to CHL by increasing concussive forces within the hoof. There was a highly significant (but relatively low) correlation between scores for sole lesions and lameness in individual animals. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that systemic events associated with calving and the onset of lactation may set in motion the chain of events that lead to the lesions of CHL; the extent and severity of these lesions being then determined by the externally imposed conditions of housing and feeding Effects of wet vs. dry feeding and housing type on the pathogenesis of claw horn disruption in first lactation dairy cattle WEBSTER, A.J.F. Effects of wet vs. dry feeding and housing type on the pathogenesis of claw horn disruption in first lactation dairy cattle WEBSTER, A.J.F. 2000 Effects of housing practices on the development of foot lesions in dairy heifers in early lactation Webster, A. J. Effects of housing practices on the development of foot lesions in dairy heifers in early lactation Webster, A. J. Vet Rec 2002 Measurements were made of sole haemorrhages and white line lesions in two groups of heifers which were either introduced to a cubicle house four weeks before they calved (group 1) or housed in a straw yard for eight weeks after calving and then moved into the cubicle house (group 2). The overall severity of the lesions was described by a cumulative score which defined the product of the severity and the area of the overall lesions in each animal. The lesions were scored on six occasions, from four weeks before to 24 weeks after parturition. Before parturition, sole lesions were absent or very small. By four weeks after calving, most of the animals had both types of lesion, but the differences between the two groups were small and statistically insignificant. There were no significant differences in the white line lesions between the two groups at any of the observations. There were, however, progressive, highly significant differences between the two groups in the severity of sole haemorrhages. By 12 weeks after calving, the median score for group 1 was 69 and that for group 2 was 11. In group 2, the sole haemorrhage score peaked at eight weeks but declined thereafter, even though these animals were moved into cubicles eight weeks after calving. By 12 weeks after calving, six of the 17 heifers in group 1 had sole ulcers but none of the 16 in group 2 had ulcers Genetic parameters for lameness and claw and leg diseases in dairy cows Junge, W., Stamer, E., Thaller, G. et al Genetic parameters for lameness and claw and leg diseases in dairy cows Junge, W., Stamer, E., Thaller, G., Weber, A. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Disorders of the ruminant digit Weaver, D. Disorders of the ruminant digit Weaver, D. Veterinary Times 1999 The relationship between the vet, claw trimmer, farmer and the dairy cow Weaver, D. The relationship between the vet, claw trimmer, farmer and the dairy cow Weaver, D. Lameness above the foot Andrews, A. H., Blowey, R. W., Boyd, H. et al Lameness above the foot Andrews, A. H., Blowey, R. W., Boyd, H., Eddy, R. G., Weaver, A.D. Bovine medicine: diseases and husbandry 1992 Claw trimming: what farmers think! Weaver, A.D. Claw trimming: what farmers think! Weaver, A.D. Cattle Practice 1997 A postal questionnaire of 55 dairy farmers in Somerset, UK in 1995 (mean herd size 140 cows; mainly Holstein-Friesian) indicated that the annual incidence of lameness was 30% (range 5-100%). 65% regarded lameness as an important problem. The main causes were sole ulcer (75% of farms), digital dermatitis (53%), interdigital disease (15%) and laminitis (13%). All but one farm practised routine claw trimming performed by farm personnel at convenient times (54%) or at drying off (44%), usually with conventional tools. The veterinarian had assisted in instruction (passive observation in most cases) in 62% of farms though this was supplemented by self instruction (59%). Most farmers (91%) were satisfied with their results. A number of recommendations are made including a national register of paraprofessional claw trimmers and the creation of a formal UK training programme Digital papillomatosis and digital dermatitis in cattle Weaver, A.D. Digital papillomatosis and digital dermatitis in cattle Weaver, A.D. Veterinary Annual 1994 Managing Bovine Lameness – an Often Neglected Means of Decreasing Production Losses Weaver, A.D. Managing Bovine Lameness – an Often Neglected Means of Decreasing Production Losses Weaver, A.D. Veterinary Medicine 1991 Lameness in cattle – investigational and diagnostic check lists Weaver, A.D. Lameness in cattle – investigational and diagnostic check lists Weaver, A.D. British Veterinary Journal 1985 Lameness Andrews, A. H., Weaver, A.D. Lameness Andrews, A. H., Weaver, A.D. The health of dairy cattle 2000 Advances in bovine digital diseases David,, Weaver, A. Advances in bovine digital diseases David,, Weaver, A. Bovine Practitioner 1993 Review of disorders of the ruminant digit with proposals for anatomical and pathological terminology and recording Andersson, L., De Laistre Banting, A et al Review of disorders of the ruminant digit with proposals for anatomical and pathological terminology and recording Andersson, L., De Laistre Banting, A, Demerzis, PN, Knezevic, PF, Peterse, DJ, Sankovic, F., Weaver, AD Vet Rec 1981 Hock Lesions and Free-Stall Design Taszkun, I., Weary, D. M. Hock Lesions and Free-Stall Design Taszkun, I., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2000 We compared the prevalence and severity of skin lesions on the hocks of lactating dairy cows in southern British Columbia, comparing 20 farms using three common bedding surfaces: sawdust, sand, and geotextile mattresses. Skin lesions were scored at five positions on the hock. For each position we noted if the lesion showed inflammatory attributes, and then assigned a severity score. Of the 1752 lactating cows scored, 1267 cows (73%) had at least one hock lesion. Of those cows with lesions, 87% had lesions on both legs, 76% had lesions on more than one location on the hock, and 78% had a lesion of at least moderate severity (i.e., evidence of skin breakage or an area of hair loss >10 cm2). Lesions were most prevalent on farms that used geotextile mattresses (91% of cows) and least common on farms that used sand (24% of cows). Moreover, lesions on cows from farms using mattresses were more numerous and more severe than those on cows from sand-bedded farms. The prevalence and severity of lesions on farms using sawdust was intermediate. Lesions also varied in relation to location on the hock. For farms using geotextile mattresses, lesions were more common and more severe on the lateral surfaces of both the tuber calcis and the tarsal joint. On farms using sawdust, lesions were common on the dorsal surface of the tuber calcis and the lateral surfaces of both the tuber calcis and the tarsal joint. Lesions were rare on all five positions for cows from sand-bedded farms. Among the 10 farms sampled using sawdust, we found a significant negative relationship between the length of the stall and severity of lesions. For cows with lesions, the number and severity of lesions increased with age. Relationship between postmilking standing duration and risk of intramammary infection in freestall-housed dairy cows milked 3... Barkema, H. W., DeVries, T. J., Leslie et al Relationship between postmilking standing duration and risk of intramammary infection in freestall-housed dairy cows milked 3 times per day Barkema, H. W., DeVries, T. J., Leslie, K. E., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Watters, M. E. A. Journal of Dairy Science Digital dermatitis – current clinical problems and lesions involved Watson, C. L. Digital dermatitis – current clinical problems and lesions involved Watson, C. L. Cattle Practice 1999 The Role Of Antibiotics In Arthritis And Foot Diseases Watson, C. L. The Role Of Antibiotics In Arthritis And Foot Diseases Watson, C. L. Cattle Practice 1997 Genetic parameters of disease incidence, fertility and milk yield of first parity cows and the relation to feed intake of growing... Andersen, B. B., Boelling, D., Jensen et al Genetic parameters of disease incidence, fertility and milk yield of first parity cows and the relation to feed intake of growing bulls Andersen, B. B., Boelling, D., Jensen, J., Madsen, P., Wassmuth, R. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section A-Animal Science 2000 Exploratory findings on the prevalence of contagious ovine digital dermatitis in sheep in England and Wales during 1999 to 2000 Green, L. E., Grogono, R., Moore, L. J. et al Exploratory findings on the prevalence of contagious ovine digital dermatitis in sheep in England and Wales during 1999 to 2000 Green, L. E., Grogono, R., Moore, L. J., Wassink, G. J. Veterinary Record 2003 The effect of lameness on milk production in dairy cows Grohn, Y. T., Guard, C. L., Janssen, D. et al The effect of lameness on milk production in dairy cows Grohn, Y. T., Guard, C. L., Janssen, D., Warnick, L. D. Journal of Dairy Science 2001 Data were collected prospectively for 1.5 yr on two New York dairy farms to investigate the effect of lameness on milk production. The numbers of study cows (percentages treated at least once for lameness) in each herd were 1796 (52%) and 724 (40%), respectively. Lame cows were identified and treated by farm employees or a professional hoof trimmer. Weekly averages of total milk production per day were recorded based on automated milk weight measurements at each milking. The effect of lameness on milk production was analyzed separately for each herd using repeated measures ANOVA. In both herds, milk production decreased significantly for cows diagnosed lame. Milk production was 1.5 kg/d lowergtoreq2 wk after lameness compared with cows that had not yet been diagnosed lame in the current lactation in the larger herd. In the second herd, milk production of lame cows was 0.8 kg/d lower in the first and second wk after lameness and 0.5 kg/d lowergtoreq3 wk after diagnosis. The decrease in milk production associated with lameness was larger for cows in second or greater lactation and for more severe cases. In one herd, the decrease in milk production was greater for cows with sole ulcers or foot abscesses than for foot rot or foot warts. Cows with abscesses or foot rot tended to have larger decreases in milk production in the other herd. The inconsistent results between farms may have resulted from differences in the relative frequencies of specific causes of lameness in the two herds and in the way lame cows were identified and defined for the study The relationship of clinical lameness with days in milk, lactation number and milk production in a sample of Virginia dairy herds Dilorenzo, K., Meadows, A., Pelzer, K. et al The relationship of clinical lameness with days in milk, lactation number and milk production in a sample of Virginia dairy herds Dilorenzo, K., Meadows, A., Pelzer, K., Warnick, L., Whittier, W. Journal of Dairy Science 1995 Why is lameness in dairy cows so intractable? Ward, W.R. Why is lameness in dairy cows so intractable? Ward, W.R. The Veterinary Journal 2009 Lameness in dairy cattle – an overview Ward, W.R. Lameness in dairy cattle – an overview Ward, W.R. Cattle Practice 1999 Recent advances in cattle lameness Ward, W.R. Recent advances in cattle lameness Ward, W.R. Cattle Practice 1997 Lameness in British dairy cows Ward, W.R. Lameness in British dairy cows Ward, W.R. State Veterinary Journal 1995 Recent studies on the epidemiology
of lameness. Ward, W.R. Recent studies on the epidemiology
of lameness. Ward, W.R. Proceedings of the VIIIth International Symposium on Disorders of the Ruminant Digit and International Conference on Bovine Lameness 1994 Influence of various roughage sources, on the incidence of laminitis in dairy cattle Sue, C. H., Sue, ChengHon, Wang, J. Y. et al Influence of various roughage sources, on the incidence of laminitis in dairy cattle Sue, C. H., Sue, ChengHon, Wang, J. Y., Wang, JiaYu, Yang, T. W., Yang, TeiWei Journal of the Chinese Society of Animal Science 1993 Effect of prefeeding with pangolagrass hay on the incidence of laminitis in early lactating cows Lu, S. A., Lu, ShuiAnn, Wang, J. Y. et al Effect of prefeeding with pangolagrass hay on the incidence of laminitis in early lactating cows Lu, S. A., Lu, ShuiAnn, Wang, J. Y., Wang, JiaYu, Yang, C. L., Yang, ChungLiang, Yang, T. W., Yang, TeWei Journal of the Chinese Society of Animal Science 1995 Multiparous Holstein cows were separated into 2 groups of 10 each according to their calving date. The test group was fed twice daily, each meal provided in the following feed order: pangola grass (Digitaria decumbens) hay 2 kg, concentrate and freshly cut pangola grass 2 kg. For the control group, the feed order was: freshly cut pangola grass 5 to 10 kg, concentrate and freshly cut pangola grass. Concentrate was given according to milk yield and pangola grass was given to appetite after the concentrate. Feeding started 8 days after calving and lasted for 3 months. Incidence of laminitis was significantly lower in the test than in the control cows, 25.8 versus 38.0%, and the difference was greatest within 4 weeks after calving. Fibre intake and rumen beta-hydroxybutyrate concentration during the first 8 weeks after calving were higher in the test cows. There were no significant differences between groups in hoof characteristics, rumen pH and rumen volatile fatty acid, and serum lactate, concentrations Chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and oxidative metabolism in bovine macrophages exposed to a novel interdigital phlegmon (foot rot)... Morck, D. W., Walter, M. R. Chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and oxidative metabolism in bovine macrophages exposed to a novel interdigital phlegmon (foot rot) lesion isolate, Porphyromonas levii Morck, D. W., Walter, M. R. Am J Vet Res 2002 OBJECTIVE: To examine the host response toward Porphyromonas levii, by evaluating chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and oxidative burst of bovine macrophages in vitro. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cultured bovine macrophages obtained from monocytes harvested from blood samples of 15 Holstein steers. Porphyromonas levii was isolated from the foot rot lesion of an acutely affected feedlot steer. PROCEDURE: Monocytes were cultured for macrophage differentiation over 7 days. Porphyromonas levii was cultured in strict anaerobic conditions for experimentation. Chemotaxis was evaluated by quantifying macrophage migration toward P. levii in Boyden chambers. Phagocytosis was assessed by quantification of macrophages engulfing P. levii following incubation with or without anti-P. levii serum or purified IgG. Oxidative burst was measured by use of the nitroblue tetrazolium reduction assay. RESULTS: Chemotaxis toward P. levii was not significantly different from control values at any of the tested bacterial concentrations. Phagocytosis of P. levii was approximately 10% at a 10:1 bacterium to macrophage ratio and did not change significantly over time. When higher proportions of P. levii were tested for phagocytosis, the 1,000:1 bacterium to macrophage ratio had a significant increase, compared with the 10:1 test group. Opsonization of P. levii with high-titeranti-P. levii serum or anti-P. levii IgG produced a significant increase in macrophage phagocytosis. Oxidative production significantly increased compared with control in the 1,000:1 test group only. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Porphyromonas levii may evade host detection by decreased chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and oxidative burst by macrophages. Acquired immunity may be beneficial for clearance of P. levii in foot rot lesions in cattle Recent findings in study of papillomatous digital dermatitis [letter] Corp-Minamiji, C. S., Wallis, D. M. et al Recent findings in study of papillomatous digital dermatitis [letter] Corp-Minamiji, C. S., Wallis, D. M., Wallis, J. L., Ward, H. J. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1997 Lameness in dairy cattle Ward, W.R. Lameness in dairy cattle Ward, W.R. Irish Veterinary Journal 2001 Lameness in dairy cattle is a very common problem, although variation between farms is enormous, with an incidence of up to 55 cases per 100 cows per year, and prevalence assessed by Locomotion scoring up to 20 per cent. The most common Lesions in the UK are sole ulcers, white Line Lesions, digital dermatitis and fouls. The cows' welfare is compromised as is evident by their abnormal behaviour and increased sensitivity to pain. Economic effects are reflected through poorer fertility, a greater risk of culling and costs of treatment. The effects on milk yield are confused by the fact that higher yielding cows are more prone to Lameness. Risk factors are multiple and include foot shape, Longer toes and either high or shallow heels. Also, cows in cubicles with a hard base and high kerb tend to have more Lameness. Some bulls have daughters with a record of more Lameness and bulls who transmit shallow toe angles and hocks pointing in are Likely to have daughters susceptible to Lameness. Foot-trimming consistently improves foot shape but does not always reduce the risk of lameness. Feeding Large amounts of rapidly fermentable carbohydrate or protein or wet silage is associated with increased risk. Head-rails or electric cow-trainers that discourage cows from defecating in the cubicle are associated with Less Lameness. However, they do restrict the cows' behaviour. It is known that rows lie down for Longer in Large, soft cubicles or in straw yards and this reduces the risk of Lameness. And, if cows are allowed to walk at their own pace, they produce a smooth cow walk and Locomotion score (which was better in herds where the farmer's knowledge, training and awareness was good) is improved. Heifers that are Lame in their first lactation are at greater risk of Lameness Later and older cows are at greater risk. Treatment of foot Lameness by applying a block to the healthy claw was more successful than bandaging, and a shoe was quicker to apply and stayed on Longer than a wooden block. Prolonged treatment and foot-bathing were successful in eradicating digital dermatitis from one herd. Ceftiofur at high doses was as successful as oxytetracycline in treating foul; in addition, severe foul was treated successfully with tylosin plus topical chlortetracycline and clindamycin. Spirochetes isolated from dairy cattle with papillomatous digital dermatitis and interdigital dermatitis Loretz, K. J., Nordhausen, R. W., Read et al Spirochetes isolated from dairy cattle with papillomatous digital dermatitis and interdigital dermatitis Loretz, K. J., Nordhausen, R. W., Read, D. H., Walker, R. L. Veterinary Microbiology 1995 Two groups of spirochetes were isolated from papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) lesions in dairy cattle. The two groups could be readily differentiated on the basis of morphologic and immunologic characteristics and enzymatic activity. A spirochete isolated from an interdigital dermatitis (IDD) lesion appeared morphologically and antigenically similar to spirochetes in one of the PDD groups and exhibited an identical enzyme activity pattern. The two groups of PDD spirochetes had characteristics most consistent with the genus Treponema. The PDD and IDD isolates differed morphologically from previously described bovine Treponema spp. Although spirochetes have been observed to be one of the predominant bacterial morphotypes in PDD and IDD and are found invading the stratum spinosum and dermal papillae in PDD lesions, the significance of these spirochetes in the etiopathogenesis of PDD and IDD is presently unknown. Humoral response of dairy cattle to spirochetes isolated from papillomatous digital dermatitis lesions Berry, S. L., Hird, D. W., Loretz et al Humoral response of dairy cattle to spirochetes isolated from papillomatous digital dermatitis lesions Berry, S. L., Hird, D. W., Loretz, K. J., Read, D. H., Walker, R. L. American Journal of Veterinary Research 1997 Objective-To determine whether a humoral response against spirochetes isolated from papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) lesions is elicited in dairy cattle affected with PDD. Sample Population-41 cattle with PDD from 8 dairies (study population) and 30 cattle from 2 dairies free of PDD (control population). Additionally evaluated were 32 cattle from a dairy with a past history of PDD but no current disease, and 52 cattle from a dairy with high prevalence of PDD, 25 with and 27 without detectable lesions. Procedure-ELISA were used to evaluate the humoral response of all cattle to representative isolates from 2 groups of spirochetes of unknown species isolated from PDD lesions. Specificity of the response was evaluated, using immune sera prepared against each of the spirochetes, and by adsorption studies of immune and field sera. The potential for confounding by an antibody response to other spirochetes associated with diseases of cattle was assessed. Results-The antibody response (specific) to both PDD spirochete groups of cows with PDD was significantly increased, compared with that of cows from PDD-free dairies. There was no association between antibody response to PDD-associated spirochetes and antibody response to other spirochetal diseases of cattle. None of the cattle from the dairy with previous history of PDD but without current disease were classified as test positive by either PDD ELISA. There was a significant (P < 0.01) difference in classification results for both PDD ELISA for cattle with PDD from the dairy with a high herd prevalence of PDD, compared with cattle without detectable disease from the same dairy. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-The humoral response in cattle with PDD lesions was significantly different from that in cattle without detectable lesions, thus providing additional information regarding the potential role of spirochetes isolated from PDD lesions in the etiopathogenesis of PDD. Identifying and preventing pain during and after surgery in farm animals Duffield, Todd F., Walker, Kristen A. et al Identifying and preventing pain during and after surgery in farm animals Duffield, Todd F., Walker, Kristen A., Weary, Daniel M. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2011 Assessment of dairy cow locomotion in a commercial farm setting: The effects of walking speed on ground reaction forces and... Channon, A., Pfau, T., Walker, A.M. et al Assessment of dairy cow locomotion in a commercial farm setting: The effects of walking speed on ground reaction forces and temporal and linear stride characteristics Channon, A., Pfau, T., Walker, A.M., Wilson, A. Research in Veterinary Science 2010 Reproductive status of cows with disorders of the locomotory system Jovanovic, M. J., Perkovic, S. et al Reproductive status of cows with disorders of the locomotory system Jovanovic, M. J., Perkovic, S., Petrujkic, T., Predojevic, M., Vukovic, D., Zupanc, D. Veterinarski Glasnik 1995 Invited review: The welfare of dairy cattle—Key concepts and the role of science de Passille, A. M., Rushen, J. et al Invited review: The welfare of dairy cattle—Key concepts and the role of science de Passille, A. M., Rushen, J., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Concerns about the welfare of animals typically include 3 questions: is the animal functioning well (e.g., good health, productivity, etc.), is the animal feeling well (e.g., absence of pain, etc.), and is the animal able to live according to its nature (e.g., perform natural behaviors that are thought to be important to it, such as grazing)? We review examples, primarily from our own research, showing how all 3 questions can be addressed using science. For example, we review work showing 1) how common diseases such as lameness can be better identified and prevented through improvements in the ways cows are housed and managed, 2) how pain caused by dehorning of dairy calves can be reduced, and 3) how environmental conditions affect cow preferences for indoor housing versus pasture. Disagreements about animal welfare can occur when different measures are used. For example, management systems that favor production may restrict natural behavior or can even lead to higher rates of disease. The best approaches are those that address all 3 types of concerns, for example, feeding systems for calves that allow expression of key behaviors (i.e., sucking on a teat), that avoid negative affect (i.e., hunger), and that allow for improved functioning (i.e., higher rates of body weight gain, and ultimately higher milk production). Benchmarking cow comfort on North American freestall dairies: Lameness, leg injuries, lying time, facility design, and management... Barrientos, A., Galo, E., Ito, K. et al Benchmarking cow comfort on North American freestall dairies: Lameness, leg injuries, lying time, facility design, and management for high-producing Holstein dairy cows Barrientos, A., Galo, E., Ito, K., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 In this paper, we describe a novel approach to corporate involvement in on-farm assessment, driven by the desire to provide a service for dairy producers and to create a vehicle for engagement on issues of dairy cow welfare. This program provides producers with feedback on animal-based (including gait score, leg injuries, and lying time) and facility-based (including freestall design, bedding practices, feed bunk design and management, and stocking density) measures that can be used to better address their management goals. The aim of this paper is to describe variation in the prevalence of lameness and leg injuries, lying behavior, facility design, and management practices for high-producing cows on freestall dairy farms in 3 regions of North America: British Columbia (BC; n = 42); California (CA; n = 39); and the northeastern United States (NE-US; n = 40). Prevalence of clinical lameness averaged (mean ± SD) 27.9 ± 14.1% in BC, 30.8 ± 15.5% in CA, and 54.8 ± 16.7% in NE-US; prevalence of severe lameness averaged 7.1 ± 5.4% in BC, 3.6 ± 4.2% in CA, and 8.2 ± 5.6% in NE-US. Overall prevalence of hock injuries was 42.3 ± 26.2% in BC, 56.2 ± 21.6% in CA, and 81.2 ± 22.5% in NE-US; prevalence of severe injuries was 3.7 ± 5.2% in BC, 1.8 ± 3.1% in CA, 5.4 ± 5.9% in NE-US. Prevalence of swollen knees was minimal in CA (0.3 ± 0.6%) but high (23.1 ± 16.3%) in NE-US (not scored in BC). Lying times were similar across regions (11.0 ± 0.7 h/d in BC, 10.4 ± 0.8 h/d in CA, 10.6 ± 0.9 h/d in NE-US), but individual lying times among cows assessed varied (4.2 to 19.5 h/d, 3.7 to 17.5 h/d, and 2.8 to 20.5 h/d in BC, CA, and NE-US, respectively). These results showed considerable variation in lameness and leg injury prevalence as well as facility design and management among freestall farms in North America. Each of the 3 regions had farms with a very low prevalence of lameness and injuries, suggesting great opportunities for improvement on other farms within the region. Clinical and subclinical lameness in young fattening cattle Martens, H., Siering, W., Volker, H. Clinical and subclinical lameness in young fattening cattle Martens, H., Siering, W., Volker, H. Berliner Und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift 2000 [Clinical and subclinical lameness in young fattenin cattle] Martens, H., Siering, W., Volker, H. [Clinical and subclinical lameness in young fattenin cattle] Martens, H., Siering, W., Volker, H. Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr 2000 Time dependent changes of subclinical and clinical lameness were analysed in 493 fattening bulls in three different herds with a total number of 30,621 animals. In the majority of cases subclinical lameness were observed which were caused by metabolic acidosis or deficiencies in mineral intake (P and probably Ca). The activity of alkaline phosphatase in plasma exhibited an increase and the dry matter in bone (tubera coxae) a decrease before the appearance of clinical symptoms. Changes in bone composition were accompanied by alterations of plasma Ca and P concentrations, which finally led to clinical lameness. Hence the diagnosis was verified by simple laboratory methods as the precondition for successful treatment and prophylaxis of lameness caused by metabolic disorders Effects of alley and stall surfaces on indices of claw and leg health in dairy cattle housed in a free-stall barn Erb, H. N., Galton, D. M., Guard, C. L. et al Effects of alley and stall surfaces on indices of claw and leg health in dairy cattle housed in a free-stall barn Erb, H. N., Galton, D. M., Guard, C. L., Vokey, F. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2001 A 15-wk 2 x 3 factorial trial in a university dairy herd compared the effects of two alley surfaces and three free-stall beds on indices of lameness. Alley surfaces were grooved concrete (Ct) or 1.9-cm-thick interlocking rubber mats (R). Stalls were deep sand (S), rubber mattresses (M), or concrete (C). Mattress and concrete stalls were bedded with sawdust. At wk 1 and 15, the hind claws and hocks of 120 primi- (n = 69) and multiparous (n = 51) cows were scored for lesions and three claw measurements (dorsal wall length, heel depth, and toe angle) were recorded. Rates of lateral and medial claw growth and wear were calculated by measuring the migration of a reference mark away from the coronet. Digital photographs of claw surfaces were used to rescore claw lesions. Clinical lameness was evaluated by assigning a locomotion score from 1 to 4 to each cow during wk 1, 5, 10, and 14. Digital dermatitis (present/not present) and interdigital dermatitis (mild, moderate, or severe) were recorded at wk 15. The number of days that cows spent in a hospital barn was recorded. Before assignment, cows were professionally foot trimmed, sorted by initial claw lesion score, and then randomized in consecutive blocks of three to stall treatments. Photograph scores were highly repeatable. Nonparametric statistical techniques were used for analyses of rank data. Claw lesion score increased significantly for all treatment groups except RC and RS; however, when early lactation cows were excluded, no differences were found between treatment groups. Hock scores increased significantly more for cows in CtC than in CtS or RS. Significantly more animals from RC spent more than 10 d in the hospital pen compared with RM and RS. Groups did not significantly differ for clinical lameness. Cows in RS and RC had significantly lower rates for lateral claw net growth than those in CtM. Having moderate or severe interdigital dermatitis at wk 15 was associated with greater increases in claw lesion score and more treatments for digital dermatitis. All claw measurements were correlated; however, toe angle was most strongly correlated with the other two. In this experiment, stall and alley configurations did not lead to significant differences in several indices of lameness. The effect of biotin supplementation on claw health in dairy cattle under field conditions Hagermeister, H., Kuhla, S. et al The effect of biotin supplementation on claw health in dairy cattle under field conditions Hagermeister, H., Kuhla, S., Schoenhusen, U., Voigt, J., Weber, G. M. External Skeletal Fixation of Fractures in Cattle Anderson, David E., Vogel, Susan R. External Skeletal Fixation of Fractures in Cattle Anderson, David E., Vogel, Susan R. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2014 Diagnostic assessment without cut-offs: Application of serology for the modelling of bovine digital dermatitis infection Brown, J., Carter, S. D., Demirkan, I. et al Diagnostic assessment without cut-offs: Application of serology for the modelling of bovine digital dermatitis infection Brown, J., Carter, S. D., Demirkan, I., French, N. P., Johnson, W. O., Jones, G., Vink, W.D. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2009 Investigating the epidemiology of Bovine Digital Dermatitis: causality, transmission and infection dynamics Vink, W.D. Investigating the epidemiology of Bovine Digital Dermatitis: causality, transmission and infection dynamics Vink, W.D. 2006 Anaplasma infections in ticks and reservoir host from Slovakia Chrudimský, Tomáš, Čurlík, Ján et al Anaplasma infections in ticks and reservoir host from Slovakia Chrudimský, Tomáš, Čurlík, Ján, Hviščová, Ivana, Majláthová, Viktória, Nováková, Mária, Pangrácová, Lucia, Peťko, Branislav, Stanko, Michal, Víchová, Bronislava Infection, Genetics and Evolution 2014 Comparison of a three-dimensional and two-dimensional camera system for automated measurement of back posture in dairy cows Bahr, C., Berckmans, D., Halachmi, I. et al Comparison of a three-dimensional and two-dimensional camera system for automated measurement of back posture in dairy cows Bahr, C., Berckmans, D., Halachmi, I., Lokhorst, C., Romanini, C. E. B., Schlageter-Tello, A., Van Hertem, T., Viazzi, S. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 2014 In this study, two different computer vision techniques to automatically measure the back posture in dairy cows were tested and evaluated. A two-dimensional and a three-dimensional camera system were used to extract the back posture from walking cows, which is one measurement used by experts to discriminate between lame and not lame cows. So far, two-dimensional cameras positioned in side view are used to measure back posture. This method, however, is not always applicable in farm conditions since it can be difficult to be installed. Shadows and continuous changes in the background also render image segmentation difficult and often erroneous. In order to overcome these problems, a new method to extract the back posture by using a three-dimensional camera from top view perspective is presented in this paper. The experiment was conducted in a commercial Israeli dairy farm and a dataset of 273 cows was recorded by both the three-dimensional and two-dimensional cameras. The classifications of both the two-dimensional and the three-dimensional algorithms were evaluated against the visual locomotion scores given by an expert veterinary. The two-dimensional algorithm had an accuracy of 91%, while the three-dimensional algorithm had an accuracy of 90% on the evaluation dataset. These results show that the application of a three-dimensional camera leads to an accuracy comparable to the side view approach and that the top view approach can overcome limitations in terms of automation and processing time. Analysis of individual classification of lameness using automatic measurement of back posture in dairy cattle Bahr, C., Berckmans, D., Halachmi, I. et al Analysis of individual classification of lameness using automatic measurement of back posture in dairy cattle Bahr, C., Berckmans, D., Halachmi, I., Lokhorst, C., Pluk, A., Romanini, C. E. B., Schlageter-Tello, A., Van Hertem, T., Viazzi, S. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Currently, diagnosis of lameness at an early stage in dairy cows relies on visual observation by the farmer, which is time consuming and often omitted. Many studies have tried to develop automatic cow lameness detection systems. However, those studies apply thresholds to the whole population to detect whether or not an individual cow is lame. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop and test an individualized version of the body movement pattern score, which uses back posture to classify lameness into 3 classes, and to compare both the population and the individual approach under farm conditions. In a data set of 223 videos from 90 cows, 76% of cows were correctly classified, with an 83% true positive rate and 22% false positive rate when using the population approach. A new data set, containing 105 videos of 8 cows that had moved through all 3 lameness classes, was used for an ANOVA on the 3 different classes, showing that body movement pattern scores differed significantly among cows. Moreover, the classification accuracy and the true positive rate increased by 10 percentage units up to 91%, and the false positive rate decreased by 4 percentage units down to 6% when based on an individual threshold compared with a population threshold. Claw lameness in dairy cattle: New Zealand-based research Parkinson, T., Vermunt, J. J. Claw lameness in dairy cattle: New Zealand-based research Parkinson, T., Vermunt, J. J. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 2002 A Scanning Electron-Microscopic Study of the Vascular System of the Bovine Hind-Limb Claw Leach, D. H., Vermunt, J. J. A Scanning Electron-Microscopic Study of the Vascular System of the Bovine Hind-Limb Claw Leach, D. H., Vermunt, J. J. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 1992 The vascular organisation of the hind limb claws of clinically normal cattle was studied using scanning electron micrographs of plastic corrosion casts. The microvasculature of the dermal papillae and lamellae was demonstrated. A consistent vascular pattern was observed in the dermal papillae of the periople, coronary margin, sole and bulb. Ultrastructurally, the papillar vasculature consisted of a central artery and vein surrounded by a fine network of interconnected capillaries and venules. Arteriovenous anastomoses, connecting the central artery and vein, and peripherally situated arteriovenous loops were recognised in the terminal papillae of the white zone only. Arteriovenous anastomoses, focal enlargements and distension of the capillary bed were located within the interior half of the dermal lamellae. Numerous arteriovenous anastomoses were present throughout the entire dermis of the claw and were situated predominantly at the base of the dermal papillae and lamellae. The anastomoses and focal capillary enlargements may influence the blood flow in normal conditions and may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of bovine laminitis and sole ulceration Papillomatous digital dermatitis in a Holstein-Friesian bull Hill, F. I., Vermunt, J. J. Papillomatous digital dermatitis in a Holstein-Friesian bull Hill, F. I., Vermunt, J. J. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 2004 Sole haemorrhages in dairy heifers managed under different underfoot and environmental conditions Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. Sole haemorrhages in dairy heifers managed under different underfoot and environmental conditions Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. British Veterinary Journal 1996 Hock angles of dairy heifers in two management systems Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. Hock angles of dairy heifers in two management systems Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. British Veterinary Journal 1996 Sole haemorrhages in dairy heifers managed under different underfoot and environmental conditions (vol 152, pg 57, 1996) Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. Sole haemorrhages in dairy heifers managed under different underfoot and environmental conditions (vol 152, pg 57, 1996) Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. British Veterinary Journal 1996 Claw conformation of dairy heifers in two management systems Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. Claw conformation of dairy heifers in two management systems Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. British Veterinary Journal 1996 Sole haemorrhages in dairy heifers managed under different underfoot and environmental conditions [see comments] [published... Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. Sole haemorrhages in dairy heifers managed under different underfoot and environmental conditions [see comments] [published erratum appears in British Veterinary Journal 1995 May;152(3):361] Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. British Veterinary Journal 1996 Sole haemorrhages associated with laminitis were studied in 30 Holstein heifers in one herd housed either indoors on concrete or out of doors on a dry lot. Examinations were at 4-week intervals during a 15-month period from approximately 13 months of age to 2 months after calving. At 13 months of age, sole haemorrhages were present in 77% of the heifers. Five heifers, affected by clinical laminitis shortly after calving, developed early sole ulcers. Indoor-housed heifers had a greater number of and more severe haemorrhages than heifers managed in dry lots (P < 0.001). In both groups, hind claws were more affected than front claws (P < 0.001). Lateral claws were more affected in hind limbs (P < 0.001),whereas medial claws had more sole haemorrhages in front limbs (P < 0.01). Heifers managed in dry lots had more sole haemorrhages in right claws than in left claws (P < 0.01). The number and severity of haemorrhages differed among the six zones of the sole (P < 0.001). Overall, the abaxial white zone (zone 2) had the greatest number of haemorrhages, followed by the white zone at the toe (zone 0), the bulb (zone 5) and the sole-bulb junction (zone 4), respectively. Few haemorrhages occurred in the apex of the sole (zone 1) and the axial groove (zone 3). Zone 0 was more severely affected in heifers managed in dry lots (P < 0.001), whereas zones 2, 4 and 5 had greater numbers of haemorrhages in heifers housed indoors (P < 0.01). Time had no effect on total haemorrhages scores, but the effect of management was significant for zones 0 and 5. Total haemorrhage scores for zone 0 were greater in heifers managed in dry lots (P < 0.05), whereas zone 5 was more affected in indoor-housed heifers (P < 0.01). This study shows that sole haemorrhages do occur in the claws of dairy heifers managed either indoors or in dry lots, and permanent damage to the claws of these young cattle may already have occurred before they reach maturity Lesions Associated with Subclinical Laminitis of the Claws of Dairy Calves in 2 Management-Systems Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. Lesions Associated with Subclinical Laminitis of the Claws of Dairy Calves in 2 Management-Systems Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. British Veterinary Journal 1995 Structural Characteristics of the Bovine Claw – Horn Growth and Wear, Horn Hardness and Claw Conformation Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. Structural Characteristics of the Bovine Claw – Horn Growth and Wear, Horn Hardness and Claw Conformation Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. British Veterinary Journal 1995 Lesions associated with subclinical laminitis of the claws of dairy calves in two management systems [see comments] Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. Lesions associated with subclinical laminitis of the claws of dairy calves in two management systems [see comments] Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. British Veterinary Journal 1995 Claws of ten 6 to 7-month-old dairy calves in two management systems were examined for lesions associated with subclinical laminitis. Sole haemorrhages were found only in claws of calves maintained out of doors. No significant differences in number and severity of haemorrhages were found between left and right or lateral and medial claws, but haemorrhages were more frequent and more severe in hind claws than in front claws (P < 0.05). More haemorrhages of greater severity were present in the white zone at the toe than in all other areas of the weight-bearing surface combined (P < 0.05). No lesions of interdigital dermatitis and heel horn erosion were found in either indoor-housed or outdoor-housed calves. All calves kept indoors on deep bedding developed overgrown claws Structural characteristics of the bovine claw: horn growth and wear, horn hardness and claw conformation Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. Structural characteristics of the bovine claw: horn growth and wear, horn hardness and claw conformation Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. British Veterinary Journal 1995 Claw quality is the product of horn characteristics, claw shape and anatomy and physiology of the inner structure. This paper aims to review some of the different approaches that have been employed to evaluate claw quality, and factors that may influence horn growth and wear. These include physiological, seasonal, nutritional, environmental, management and anatomical aspects. Horn hardness is similarly described. Claw conformation is discussed, commencing with a brief outline of the various methods used to determine claw shape and size, followed by an account of some of the factors that influence claw conformation. The clinical importance of claw conformation in cattle is considered with particular reference to lameness, longevity and production traits. Finally, the prospect of improving claw quality by selection of bulls based on claw measurements is reviewed Predisposing Factors of Laminitis in Cattle Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. Predisposing Factors of Laminitis in Cattle Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. British Veterinary Journal 1994 Regular claw trimming for the control of lameness–good or bad? [editorial] Vermunt, J. J. Regular claw trimming for the control of lameness–good or bad? [editorial] Vermunt, J. J. Veterinary Journal 1999 Measuring claw volume–a useful tool in lameness research [editorial] Vermunt, J. J. Measuring claw volume–a useful tool in lameness research [editorial] Vermunt, J. J. Veterinary Journal 1999 “Subclinical” laminitis in dairy cattle Vermunt, J. J. “Subclinical” laminitis in dairy cattle Vermunt, J. J. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 1992 “Subclinical” laminitis in dairy cattle – what’s new? Vermunt, J. J. “Subclinical” laminitis in dairy cattle – what’s new? Vermunt, J. J. Risk factors of laminitis – An overview Vermunt, J. Risk factors of laminitis – An overview Vermunt, J. 2000 Cubicle housing systems for cattle: Comfort of dairy cows depends on cubicle adjustment Capdeville, J., Delval, E., Veissier, I. Cubicle housing systems for cattle: Comfort of dairy cows depends on cubicle adjustment Capdeville, J., Delval, E., Veissier, I. Journal of Animal Science 2004 Housing is important for the welfare of cows. Although recommendations have been proposed, abnormal movements and injury problems are still observed in cubicle houses. We conducted a survey on 70 French dairy farms that used cubicles. We examined the design of the cubicles, and the behavior, injuries, and cleanliness of the cows. Most of the cubicles did not comply with the recommendations, often being too narrow and/or too short. Difficulties in lying behavior and injuries were more common when the neck rail was high. No improvement was noted when cubicles of a recent design were used ("U.S." cubicles), apparently because these cubicles were most often cantilevered on a double head rail rather than fixed on freestanding posts. An experiment was conducted, making similar measurements, on 84 cows to compare two configurations for U.S. cubicles (cantilevered on a double head rail as observed in the survey with a high and rear neck rail vs. fixed on freestanding posts as recommended) and another recent cubicle type (Euroconfort, cantilevered on head rails, but with a large space between the rails and fixed as recommended), with and without a brisket board. In U.S. cubicles on rails, cows spent more time lying and less time fully standing inside the cubicles than in the other cubicles (percentage of time: lying, 53.9 vs. 51.5; fully standing, 7.3 vs. 8.5); in Euroconfort cubicles, they hit bars more often when getting up than in U.S. Cubicles (percentage of observations: 42.4 vs. 26.4. Without a brisket board, cows lay down more often in a fore position in U.S. cubicles than in Euroconfort ones. Somatic cell counts increased with time in U.S. cubicles on rails and decreased in the other cubicles. It is suggested that the position of the neck rail in U.S. cubicles cantilevered on rails did not leave enough space for the cow to stand inside the cubicle, thereby encouraging the cow to lie down. This could in turn favor udder contamination and/or inflammation. It is concluded that the positioning of the neck rail is of prime importance, that U.S. cubicles should be used with a brisket board and with correct positioning of the neck rail (even when a head rail is used), and that leaving a large space between head rails does not offer an adequate remedial solution for keeping a free head space in front of the cubicle. Classification of behaviour in housed dairy cows using an accelerometer-based activity monitoring system Amory,J.R, Barker, Z. E., Bell, N.J. et al Classification of behaviour in housed dairy cows using an accelerometer-based activity monitoring system Amory,J.R, Barker, Z. E., Bell, N.J., Codling, E.A.,, Croft,D.P., Hodges,H.R., Vázquez Diosdado,J.A. Animal Biotelemetry 2015 Sampling cows to assess lying time for on-farm animal welfare assessment de Passille, A. M., Haley, D. B. et al Sampling cows to assess lying time for on-farm animal welfare assessment de Passille, A. M., Haley, D. B., Rushen, J., Vasseur, E. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 An assessment tool to help producers improve cow comfort on their farms de Passille, A. M., Gibbons, J. et al An assessment tool to help producers improve cow comfort on their farms de Passille, A. M., Gibbons, J., Lefebvre, D., Pajor, E., Pellerin, D., Rushen, J., Vasseur, E. J Dairy Sci 2015 Effective management and an appropriate environment are essential for dairy cattle health and welfare. Codes of practice provide dairy producers with best practice guidance for the care and handling of their cattle. New Canadian recommendations have been established for the dairy industry. The objectives of this study were to develop an on-farm assessment tool that helps producers assess how well they are meeting their code of practice and that identifies management and environment modifications that could improve dairy cow comfort on their farms. The assessment tool addressed critical areas of dairy cow comfort, including accommodation and housing (stall design, space allowance, stall management, pen management, milking parlor, and transfer alleys), feed and water (body condition scoring, nutrition), and health and welfare (lameness, claw health, and hoof-trimming). Targets of good practices were identified from the requirements and recommendations of the code of practice. Each farm received a score for each target, ranging from 0 (target not reached) to 100 (target reached). One hundred tiestall and 110 freestall farms were surveyed in 3 provinces of Canada (Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta). The duration of the assessment, in 2 visits lasting, on average, 8 and 9h (range between freestall and tiestall farms) and 4 and 4.1h, was beyond the targeted 3 to 4h due mainly to the animal-based measures; strategies to reduce the duration of the assessment were discussed. Standard operating procedures were developed to ensure consistency in measuring and recording data. Periodical checks were conducted by trainers to ensure all 15 assessors remained above target agreement of weighted kappa >/=0.6. Average scores for all critical areas ranged from 25 to 89% for freestall farms and from 48 to 95% for tiestall farms. These scores need to be considered with caution when comparing farms because scores could not always be calculated the same way between housing systems. An evaluation report was provided and discussed with each producer, identifying strengths and areas for improvement that could benefit dairy cow comfort on their farms. The producers were convinced of the effectiveness of our tool for assessing cow comfort (freestall: 86%; tiestall: 95%) and in assisting them to make decisions for improvements (freestall: 83%; tiestall: 93%). Our cow comfort assessment tool served as background material for the Dairy Farmers of Canada animal care assessment program. Monitoring cow comfort and rumen health indices in a cubicle-housed herd with an automatic milking system: a repeated measures... Bell, N.J., Fishwick, J.C., van Winden et al Monitoring cow comfort and rumen health indices in a cubicle-housed herd with an automatic milking system: a repeated measures approach Bell, N.J., Fishwick, J.C., van Winden, S., Vanhoudt, A. Irish Veterinary Journal 2015 Comparison of the performance of Holstein-Friesian and Jersey×Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cows within three contrasting... Elliott, C. T., Ferris, C. P., Hartley et al Comparison of the performance of Holstein-Friesian and Jersey×Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cows within three contrasting grassland-based systems of milk production Elliott, C. T., Ferris, C. P., Hartley, H. M., Kilpatrick, D. J., Vance, E. R. Livestock Science 2013 Digital Dermatitis – Report of an Outbreak Tutt, C. L. C., Vanamstel, S. R. et al Digital Dermatitis – Report of an Outbreak Tutt, C. L. C., Vanamstel, S. R., Vanvuuren, S. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association-Tydskrif Van Die Suid-Afrikaanse Veterinere Vereniging 1995 Reduced test-day milk fat percentage in cows diagnosed with claw horn lesions during routine claw trimming Bar, D., Siani, I., van Straten, M. Reduced test-day milk fat percentage in cows diagnosed with claw horn lesions during routine claw trimming Bar, D., Siani, I., van Straten, M. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Lameness Detection in Dairy Cows: Part 2. Use of Sensors to Automatically Register Changes in Locomotion or Behavior Bahr, C., Pastell, M., Saeys, W., Sonck et al Lameness Detection in Dairy Cows: Part 2. Use of Sensors to Automatically Register Changes in Locomotion or Behavior Bahr, C., Pastell, M., Saeys, W., Sonck, B., Thorup, V. M., Van Nuffel, A., Van Weyenberg, S., Zwertvaegher, I. Animals (Basel) 2015 Despite the research on opportunities to automatically measure lameness in cattle, lameness detection systems are not widely available commercially and are only used on a few dairy farms. However, farmers need to be aware of the lame cows in their herds in order treat them properly and in a timely fashion. Many papers have focused on the automated measurement of gait or behavioral cow characteristics related to lameness. In order for such automated measurements to be used in a detection system, algorithms to distinguish between non-lame and mildly or severely lame cows need to be developed and validated. Few studies have reached this latter stage of the development process. Also, comparison between the different approaches is impeded by the wide range of practical settings used to measure the gait or behavioral characteristic (e.g., measurements during normal farming routine or during experiments; cows guided or walking at their own speed) and by the different definitions of lame cows. In the majority of the publications, mildly lame cows are included in the non-lame cow group, which limits the possibility of also detecting early lameness cases. In this review, studies that used sensor technology to measure changes in gait or behavior of cows related to lameness are discussed together with practical considerations when conducting lameness research. In addition, other prerequisites for any lameness detection system on farms (e.g., need for early detection, real-time measurements) are discussed. Lameness Detection in Dairy Cows: Part 1. How to Distinguish between Non-Lame and Lame Cows Based on Differences in Locomotion or... Pastell, M., Pluym, L., Saeys, W. et al Lameness Detection in Dairy Cows: Part 1. How to Distinguish between Non-Lame and Lame Cows Based on Differences in Locomotion or Behavior Pastell, M., Pluym, L., Saeys, W., Sonck, B., Thorup, V. M., Van Nuffel, A., Van Weyenberg, S., Zwertvaegher, I. Animals (Basel) 2015 Due to its detrimental effect on cow welfare, health and production, lameness in dairy cows has received quite a lot of attention in the last few decades-not only in terms of prevention and treatment of lameness but also in terms of detection, as early treatment might decrease the number of severely lame cows in the herds as well as decrease the direct and indirect costs associated with lameness cases. Generally, lame cows are detected by the herdsman, hoof trimmer or veterinarian based on abnormal locomotion, abnormal behavior or the presence of hoof lesions during routine trimming. In the scientific literature, several guidelines are proposed to detect lame cows based on visual interpretation of the locomotion of individual cows (i.e., locomotion scoring systems). Researchers and the industry have focused on automating such observations to support the farmer in finding the lame cows in their herds, but until now, such automated systems have rarely been used in commercial herds. This review starts with the description of normal locomotion of cows in order to define 'abnormal' locomotion caused by lameness. Cow locomotion (gait and posture) and behavioral features that change when a cow becomes lame are described and linked to the existing visual scoring systems. In addition, the lack of information of normal cow gait and a clear description of 'abnormal' gait are discussed. Finally, the different set-ups used during locomotion scoring and their influence on the resulting locomotion scores are evaluated. Exploration of measurement variation of gait variables for early lameness detection in cattle using the GAITWISE De Campeneere, S., Mertens, K. C. et al Exploration of measurement variation of gait variables for early lameness detection in cattle using the GAITWISE De Campeneere, S., Mertens, K. C., Opsomer, G., Pluym, L., Saeys, W., Van Nuffel, A., Van Weyenberg, S., Vangeyte, J. Livestock Science 2013 Lameness research in cattle focuses on daily or weekly variation of several typical gait features, i.e. stride time, stride length or arching of the back. In human gait research however, the variation of typical gait characteristics within one measurement is taken into account and serves as a sensitive and clinically relevant parameter in the evolution of diseases and the response to therapeutic interventions. In this paper the utility of such within measurement variation of gait variables was investigated for lameness research in cattle by comparing variables between lame cows, cows that are scored mildly lame by a trained observer but not yet noticed lame by the farmer, and cows that were scored severely lame and were noticed lame by the farmer in two case-control studies. Additionally, the repeatability of all variables was tested using eight non-lame cows. The measurements with the GAITWISE were found to be highly repeatable and are therefore suited for cow gait characterization. The new set of inconsistency variables was able to distinguish between non-lame and becoming lame (mildly lame but not yet noticed by the farmer) cows. These results suggest the usefulness of such variables of stride-to-stride-fluctuation for early detection of lameness. Whether they are more sensitive for early lameness detection compared to the more conventionally used averaged gait variables should be confirmed in longitudinal studies with non-lame cows and cows that develop lameness. All cows that were selected in the case control studies were mildly or severely lame in the left hind leg. Cows that were severely lame on their left hind leg put less force and take shorter steps with that sore leg increasing stance times on the right side. In addition, their stride to stride fluctuations of ‘stance times on the left front leg’ and ‘step length between left hind and right front leg’ significantly increase for the cows that were mildly lame but not yet noticed lame by the farmer. This strong relationship between the localization of the lameness and the significantly changed variables, suggest that the variables measured by the GAITWISE are promising in defining which leg is developing lameness in cows. Environmental and cow-related factors affect cow locomotion and can cause misclassification in lameness detection systems De Ketelaere, B., Mertens, K. C. et al Environmental and cow-related factors affect cow locomotion and can cause misclassification in lameness detection systems De Ketelaere, B., Mertens, K. C., Opsomer, G., Saeys, W., Sonck, B., Van De Gucht, T., Van Nuffel, A., Van Weyenberg, S., Vangeyte, J. Animal 2016 To tackle the high prevalence of lameness, techniques to monitor cow locomotion are being developed in order to detect changes in cows' locomotion due to lameness. Obviously, in such lameness detection systems, alerts should only respond to locomotion changes that are related to lameness. However, other environmental or cow factors can contribute to locomotion changes not related to lameness and hence, might cause false alerts. In this study the effects of wet surfaces, dark environment, age, production level, lactation and gestation stage on cow locomotion were investigated. Data was collected at Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research research farm (Melle, Belgium) during a 5-month period. The gait variables of 30 non-lame and healthy Holstein cows were automatically measured every day. In dark environments and on wet walking surfaces cows took shorter, more asymmetrical strides with less step overlap. In general, older cows had a more asymmetrical gait and they walked slower with more abduction. Lactation stage or gestation stage also showed significant association with asymmetrical and shorter gait and less step overlap probably due to the heavy calf in the uterus. Next, two lameness detection algorithms were developed to investigate the added value of environmental and cow data into detection models. One algorithm solely used locomotion variables and a second algorithm used the same locomotion variables and additional environmental and cow data. In the latter algorithm only age and lactation stage together with the locomotion variables were withheld during model building. When comparing the sensitivity for the detection of non-lame cows, sensitivity increased by 10% when the cow data was added in the algorithm (sensitivity was 70% and 80% for the first and second algorithm, respectively). Hence, the number of false alerts for lame cows that were actually non-lame, decreased. This pilot study shows that using knowledge on influencing factors on cow locomotion will help in reducing the number of false alerts for lameness detection systems under development. However, further research is necessary in order to better understand these and many other possible influencing factors (e.g. trimming, conformation) of non-lame and hence 'normal' locomotion in cows. Variables of gait inconsistency outperform basic gait variables in detecting mildly lame cows De Ketelaere, B., Mertens, K. C., Saeys et al Variables of gait inconsistency outperform basic gait variables in detecting mildly lame cows De Ketelaere, B., Mertens, K. C., Saeys, W., Sonck, B., Van Nuffel, A., Van Weyenberg, S., Vangeyte, J. Livestock Science 2015 To support herdsmen in finding the lame cows on their herds, several automated systems that measure lameness related cow features such as gait patterns, are being developed. Most of these systems are able to distinguish between non-lame and severely lame cows. Detecting mildly lame cows in an early stage of lameness however seems challenging. Inspired by the approach used in human gait research, new variables that measure the inconsistency in stride-to-stride variables were tested using cow gait and were able to show differences between a group of non-lame and a group of mildly lame cows. In order to investigate the added value of these inconsistency variables in detecting mildly lame cows, two new lameness detection models were build: one using solely basic gait variables and a second model using both basic and the new gait inconsistency variables. The second model using the gait inconsistency variables outperformed the model based on only basic gait variables by far in detecting the mildly lame cows with a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 87%. These results support the suggestion of incorporating such gait inconsistency variables into lameness detection models. Further validation of these gait inconsistency variables should be investigated using longitudinal studies where cows developing lameness and recovering from it are monitored daily. Utilization of heterogeneity of regression to delineate effects of Zn-, Mn-, and Cu-proteinates on milk somatic cell counts, milk... De Groot, W., Shearer, J., Van Horn, H. et al Utilization of heterogeneity of regression to delineate effects of Zn-, Mn-, and Cu-proteinates on milk somatic cell counts, milk yields, and cow mobility in research conducted onfarm De Groot, W., Shearer, J., Van Horn, H., Wilcox, C. Journal of Dairy Science 1994 Automatic lameness detection based on consecutive 3D-video recordings Alchanatis, Victor, Antler, Aharon et al Automatic lameness detection based on consecutive 3D-video recordings Alchanatis, Victor, Antler, Aharon, Bahr, Claudia, Berckmans, Daniel, Halachmi, Ilan, Lokhorst, Kees, Maltz, Ephraim, Romanini, Eduardo C. B., Schlageter-Tello, Andres A., Steensels, Machteld, Van Hertem, Tom, Viazzi, Stefano Biosystems Engineering 2014 Manual locomotion scoring for lameness detection is a time-consuming and subjective procedure. Therefore, the objective of this study is to optimise the classification output of a computer vision based algorithm for automated lameness scoring. Cow gait recordings were made during four consecutive night-time milking sessions on an Israeli dairy farm, using a 3D-camera. A live on-the-spot assessed 5-point locomotion score was the reference for the automatic lameness score evaluation. A dataset of 186 cows with four automatic lameness scores and four live locomotion score repetitions was used for testing three different classification methods. The analysis of the automatic scores as independent observations led to a correct classification rate of 53.0% on a 5-point level scale. A multinomial logistic regression model based on four individual consecutive measures obtained a correct classification rate of 60.2%. When allowing a 1 unit error on the 5-point level scale, a correct classification rate of 90.9% was obtained. Strict binary classification to Lame vs. Not-Lame categories reached 81.2% correct classification rate. The use of cow individual consecutive measurements improved the correct classification rate of an automatic lameness detection system. The effect of routine hoof trimming on locomotion score, ruminating time, activity, and milk yield of dairy cows Antler, A., Bahr, C., Berckmans, D. et al The effect of routine hoof trimming on locomotion score, ruminating time, activity, and milk yield of dairy cows Antler, A., Bahr, C., Berckmans, D., Halachmi, I., Lokhorst, C., Maltz, E., Parmet, Y., Romanini, C. E. B., Schlageter-Tello, A. A., Steensels, M., Van Hertem, T., Viazzi, S. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of hoof trimming on cow behavior (ruminating time, activity, and locomotion score) and performance (milk yield) over time. Data were gathered from a commercial dairy farm in Israel where routine hoof trimming is done by a trained hoof trimmer twice per year on the entire herd. In total, 288 cows spread over 6 groups with varying production levels were used for the analysis. Cow behavior was measured continuously with a commercial neck activity logger and a ruminating time logger (HR-Tag, SCR Engineers Ltd., Netanya, Israel). Milk yield was recorded during each milking session with a commercial milk flow sensor (Free Flow, SCR Engineers Ltd.). A trained observer assigned on the spot 5-point locomotion scores during 19 nighttime milking occasions between 22 October 2012 and 4 February 2013. Behavioral and performance data were gathered from 1 wk before hoof trimming until 1 wk after hoof trimming. A generalized linear mixed model was used to statistically test all main and interactive effects of hoof trimming, parity, lactation stage, and hoof lesion presence on ruminating time, neck activity, milk yield, and locomotion score. The results on locomotion scores show that the proportional distribution of cows in the different locomotion score classes changes significantly after trimming. The proportion of cows with a locomotion score ≥3 increases from 14% before to 34% directly after the hoof trimming. Two months after the trimming, the number of cows with a locomotion score ≥3 reduced to 20%, which was still higher than the baseline values 2 wk before the trimming. The neck activity level was significantly reduced 1 d after trimming (380 ± 6 bits/d) compared with before trimming (389 ± 6 bits/d). Each one-unit increase in locomotion score reduced cow activity level by 4.488 bits/d. The effect of hoof trimming on ruminating time was affected by an interaction effect with parity. The effect of hoof trimming on locomotion scores was affected by an interaction effect with lactation stage and tended to be affected by interaction effects with hoof lesion presence, indicating that cows with a lesion reacted different to the trimming than cows without a lesion did. The results show that the routine hoof trimming affected dairy cow behavior and performance in this farm. Lameness detection based on multivariate continuous sensing of milk yield, rumination, and neck activity Antler, A., Bahr, C., Berckmans, D. et al Lameness detection based on multivariate continuous sensing of milk yield, rumination, and neck activity Antler, A., Bahr, C., Berckmans, D., Halachmi, I., Lokhorst, C., Maltz, E., Romanini, C. E. B., Schlageter-Tello, A., Van Hertem, T., Viazzi, S. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 The objective of this study was to develop and validate a mathematical model to detect clinical lameness based on existing sensor data that relate to the behavior and performance of cows in a commercial dairy farm. Identification of lame (44) and not lame (74) cows in the database was done based on the farm’s daily herd health reports. All cows were equipped with a behavior sensor that measured neck activity and ruminating time. The cow’s performance was measured with a milk yield meter in the milking parlor. In total, 38 model input variables were constructed from the sensor data comprising absolute values, relative values, daily standard deviations, slope coefficients, daytime and nighttime periods, variables related to individual temperament, and milk session-related variables. A lame group, cows recognized and treated for lameness, to not lame group comparison of daily data was done. Correlations between the dichotomous output variable (lame or not lame) and the model input variables were made. The highest correlation coefficient was obtained for the milk yield variable (rMY = 0.45). In addition, a logistic regression model was developed based on the 7 highest correlated model input variables (the daily milk yield 4 d before diagnosis; the slope coefficient of the daily milk yield 4 d before diagnosis; the nighttime to daytime neck activity ratio 6 d before diagnosis; the milk yield week difference ratio 4 d before diagnosis; the milk yield week difference 4 d before diagnosis; the neck activity level during the daytime 7 d before diagnosis; the ruminating time during nighttime 6 d before diagnosis). After a 10-fold cross-validation, the model obtained a sensitivity of 0.89 and a specificity of 0.85, with a correct classification rate of 0.86 when based on the averaged 10-fold model coefficients. This study demonstrates that existing farm data initially used for other purposes, such as heat detection, can be exploited for the automated detection of clinically lame animals on a daily basis as well. Lameness detection in dairy cattle: single predictor v. multivariate analysis of image-based posture processing and behaviour and... Bahr, C., Berckmans, D., Halachmi, I. et al Lameness detection in dairy cattle: single predictor v. multivariate analysis of image-based posture processing and behaviour and performance sensing Bahr, C., Berckmans, D., Halachmi, I., Lokhorst, C., Maltz, E., Romanini, C. E., Schlageter-Tello, A., Steensels, M., Van Hertem, T., Viazzi, S. Animal 2016 The objective of this study was to evaluate if a multi-sensor system (milk, activity, body posture) was a better classifier for lameness than the single-sensor-based detection models. Between September 2013 and August 2014, 3629 cow observations were collected on a commercial dairy farm in Belgium. Human locomotion scoring was used as reference for the model development and evaluation. Cow behaviour and performance was measured with existing sensors that were already present at the farm. A prototype of three-dimensional-based video recording system was used to quantify automatically the back posture of a cow. For the single predictor comparisons, a receiver operating characteristics curve was made. For the multivariate detection models, logistic regression and generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) were developed. The best lameness classification model was obtained by the multi-sensor analysis (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC)=0.757+/-0.029), containing a combination of milk and milking variables, activity and gait and posture variables from videos. Second, the multivariate video-based system (AUC=0.732+/-0.011) performed better than the multivariate milk sensors (AUC=0.604+/-0.026) and the multivariate behaviour sensors (AUC=0.633+/-0.018). The video-based system performed better than the combined behaviour and performance-based detection model (AUC=0.669+/-0.028), indicating that it is worthwhile to consider a video-based lameness detection system, regardless the presence of other existing sensors in the farm. The results suggest that Theta2, the feature variable for the back curvature around the hip joints, with an AUC of 0.719 is the best single predictor variable for lameness detection based on locomotion scoring. In general, this study showed that the video-based back posture monitoring system is outperforming the behaviour and performance sensing techniques for locomotion scoring-based lameness detection. A GLMM with seven specific variables (walking speed, back posture measurement, daytime activity, milk yield, lactation stage, milk peak flow rate and milk peak conductivity) is the best combination of variables for lameness classification. The accuracy on four-level lameness classification was 60.3%. The accuracy improved to 79.8% for binary lameness classification. The binary GLMM obtained a sensitivity of 68.5% and a specificity of 87.6%, which both exceed the sensitivity (52.1%+/-4.7%) and specificity (83.2%+/-2.3%) of the multi-sensor logistic regression model. This shows that the repeated measures analysis in the GLMM, taking into account the individual history of the animal, outperforms the classification when thresholds based on herd level (a statistical population) are used. A study on cow comfort and risk for lameness and mastitis in relation to different types of bedding materials Houwers, D. J., van Eerdenburg et al A study on cow comfort and risk for lameness and mastitis in relation to different types of bedding materials Houwers, D. J., van Eerdenburg, F.J.C.M., van Gastelen, S., Westerlaan, B. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Cow characteristics and management factors on locomotion in Holsteins Boettcher, P., Kelton, D., Schaeffer et al Cow characteristics and management factors on locomotion in Holsteins Boettcher, P., Kelton, D., Schaeffer, L. R., Shoukri, M. M., Van Dorp, T. E. Journal of Dairy Science 2002 Genetic parameters for claw disorders in dutch dairy cattle and correlations with conformation traits de Jong, G., Ellen, E., Holzhauer, M. et al Genetic parameters for claw disorders in dutch dairy cattle and correlations with conformation traits de Jong, G., Ellen, E., Holzhauer, M., Kamphuis, C., van der Waaij, E. H. Journal of Dairy Science 2005 Impaired claw health is one of the major problems causing production loss and reduced animal welfare in dairy cattle. In response, the Dutch Animal Health Service (GD) Ltd. initiated this study, in which claws of lactating and near-term cows and heifers in 430 herds were trimmed by hoof trimmers and the health status of the rear claws recorded. Only herds with >75% of the animals having feet trimmed were considered, resulting in records on 21,611 animals. Eight claw disorders were scored: digital dermatitis (DD), interdigital dermatitis/heel horn erosions (IDHE), sole hemorrhage (SH), chronic laminitis (CL), sole ulcer (SU), white line disease (WLD), interdigital hyperplasia (HYP), and interdigital phlegmona (IP). The prevalence varied from 0.6% (IP) to 39.9% (SH). More than 70% of the animals had at least one claw disorder. Conformation traits and locomotion were recorded once during the animal's first lactation by trained classifiers of the Royal Dutch Cattle Syndicate and completely independent of the moment of claw trimming. Heritabilities were estimated using a sire model, and ranged from <0.01 (IP) to 0.10 (DD and HYP). Genetic correlations of incidences of claw disorders with locomotion were variable, ranging from 0.13 (SH) to -0.91 (CL). Genetic correlations with the rear leg conformation traits were lower, ranging from 0.04 (ID with rear leg side view) to -0.69 (IP with rear leg rear view). The effect of preventive trimming on weight bearing and force balance on the claws of dairy cattle Back, W., Braam, C. R., Metz, J. H. M. et al The effect of preventive trimming on weight bearing and force balance on the claws of dairy cattle Back, W., Braam, C. R., Metz, J. H. M., Noordhuizen Stassen, E. N., van der Beek, S. S., van der Tol, P. P. J., Weijs, W. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2004 Claw disorders and lameness in dairy cattle are an increasing problem of the modern dairy industry. To prevent claw disorders from evolving from the subclinical to the clinical stage, trimming is the management practice most routinely applied. The goal of preventive trimming (Toussaint-Raven method) is to promote natural loading by increasing the weight-bearing contact area of the claws and improving the balance between the medial and lateral claw. The biomechanical effect of preventive claw trimming was investigated with the aid of pressure distribution and ground reaction force recordings of the standing cow sampled simultaneously at 250 Hz. It appeared that preventive trimming of the hind limbs (n = 10) brought the claws slightly more in balance. Before trimming, 80% of the total force is taken up by the lateral claw and 20% by the medial claw. After trimming, this becomes 70 to 30%, respectively. Thereby, a significant increase in the weight-bearing contact area from 27.5 to 40.0 cm(2) was achieved, resulting in a significant decrease in average pressure. However, the claws remained subjected to unaltered, high maximum pressures after trimming. The suggestion was made that the main focus of claw trimming should not be force balance; instead, a reduction of local maximum pressures at the contact area should be targeted in such a way that the strongest parts of the claw capsule (i.e., the wall) will be subjected to the highest pressures. The pressure distribution under the bovine claw during square standing on a flat substrate Back, W., Braam, C. R., Metz, J. H. M. et al The pressure distribution under the bovine claw during square standing on a flat substrate Back, W., Braam, C. R., Metz, J. H. M., Noordhuizen Stassen, E. N., van der Tol, P. P. J., Weijs, W. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2002 Genetic parameters for claw disorders and the effect of preselecting cows for trimming Bovenhuis, H., Vallée, A. A. A. et al Genetic parameters for claw disorders and the effect of preselecting cows for trimming Bovenhuis, H., Vallée, A. A. A., van Arendonk, J. A. M., van der Spek, D. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Claw health index for Dutch dairy cattle based on claw trimming and conformation data de Jong, G., Eding, H., Koenen et al Claw health index for Dutch dairy cattle based on claw trimming and conformation data de Jong, G., Eding, H., Koenen, E. P. C., van der Linde, C. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Digital dermatitis: report of an outbreak Tutt, C. L., van Amstel, S. R. et al Digital dermatitis: report of an outbreak Tutt, C. L., van Amstel, S. R., Van Vuuren, S. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 1995 An outbreak of digital dermatitis in a dairy herd in the Gauteng province of South Africa is described in which 72% of the lactating herd was affected. Many of the affected cows showed a severe lameness and a drop in milk production. Other complications included heel horn erosion, under-running of heel horn and boxy claws. The diagnosis was made on the typical clinical appearance of the condition and the presence of spirochaetes on histopathological sections from biopsy material. The condition responded to spraying affected feet with an oxytetracycline mixture after cleaning with water using a high pressure hose. The prevalence was reduced to 28% after one month of therapy. A repeat outbreak occurred on the same farm 7 months later during which time 37% of the lactating herd was affected. Of the cows affected, 48% represented new cases, whereas the rest were reinfections Moisture Content, Thickness, and Lesions of Sole Horn Associated with Thin Soles in Dairy Cattle Palin, F. L., Shearer, J. K. et al Moisture Content, Thickness, and Lesions of Sole Horn Associated with Thin Soles in Dairy Cattle Palin, F. L., Shearer, J. K., van Amstel, S. R. J Dairy Sci 2004 Thin soles and resulting lameness are often associated with increased culling rates in large dairy operations. The moisture content of the sole horn may cause the horn to be softer, thus predisposing it to an increased rate of wear. For that reason, the first objective of this study was to determine the moisture content of the sole horn of thin-soled cows. The second objective was to document physical changes of the claw associated with thin soles. Twenty-six adult Holstein cows showing signs of thin soles, and 16 normal cows were used in the study. Selection criteria for thin-soled cows included a dorsal wall length of less than 7.5 cm and the following clinical signs: painful gait, arched back, and specific leg lameness. Sixteen normal adult cows with dorsal wall length in excess of 7.5 cm were randomly selected. For thin-soled cows, the moisture contents of sole horn were 37.1 {+/-} 0.7% for front claws and 40.5 {+/-} 0.7% for rear claws. These values were significantly different from each other. Moisture contents of sole horn from normal cows were 31.08 {+/-} 0.93% for front claws and 33.1 {+/-} 0.9% for rear claws, which were significantly different from each other and different from thin-soled cows. Rear claws had higher moisture contents than front claws. Mean sole horn thickness was 4.23 {+/-} 0.18 mm for the rear lateral claws and 5.15 {+/-} 0.18 mm for the rear medial claws. The average dorsal wall lengths were 66.8 {+/-} 3.94 mm for rear lateral claws and 69.1 {+/-} 7.25 mm for rear medial claws. Thirty percent of rear feet with thin soles had pathological claw horn lesions including sole/white line separation (72%) and sole ulcers (28%). Of the affected claws, 13% had more than one lesion. Seventy-seven percent of claw lesions occurred in the lateral claw. Review of Pododermatitis Circumscripta (Ulceration of the Sole) in Dairy Cows Shearer, J. K., van Amstel, S. R. Review of Pododermatitis Circumscripta (Ulceration of the Sole) in Dairy Cows Shearer, J. K., van Amstel, S. R. J Vet Intern Med 2006 Toe abscess: a serious cause of lameness in the U.S. dairy herd Shearer, J. K., van Amstel, S. R. Toe abscess: a serious cause of lameness in the U.S. dairy herd Shearer, J. K., van Amstel, S. R. Anatomical measurement of sole thickness in cattle following application of two different trimming techniques Palin, F. L., Robinson, B. F., Shearer et al Anatomical measurement of sole thickness in cattle following application of two different trimming techniques Palin, F. L., Robinson, B. F., Shearer, J. K., van Amstel, S. R. Bovine Practitioner 2002 Thin soles with complications and lameness have become a major problem in large dairies within the US. The cause is multifactorial, including excessive removal of sole horn during maintenance claw trimming procedures. This study compared sole horn thickness after trimming, using two commonly practiced trimming methods. Results showed that an adaptation of the Dutch trimming method resulted in significantly fewer thin soles as compared to the second method where the white line was used as an appraisal for sole horn thickness Case report – clinical response to treament of pododermatitis circumscripta (ulceration of the sole) in dairy cows van Amstel, S. R. Case report – clinical response to treament of pododermatitis circumscripta (ulceration of the sole) in dairy cows van Amstel, S. R. Bovine Practitioner 2003 Osseous sequestration in cattle: 110 cases (1987-1997) Adams, S. B., Anderson, D. E., Cohen et al Osseous sequestration in cattle: 110 cases (1987-1997) Adams, S. B., Anderson, D. E., Cohen, N. D., Desroches, A., Huhn, J., Kersting, K., Lopez, M. J., Mueller, P. O. E., St Jean, G., Valentino, L. W. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2000 Sole disorders in conventionally managed and organic dairy herds using different housing systems Vaarst et al Sole disorders in conventionally managed and organic dairy herds using different housing systems Vaarst, Mette Hindhede Jens Enevoldsen Carsten Journal of Dairy Research 1998 Records of claw trimmings were analysed in seven organic and six conventional Danish herds (a total of 974 cows). The housing systems represented were tie stall systems, loose housing system with slatted floor (one organic herd), and deep litter systems (deep straw bedding). Occurrence of sole disorders was analysed separately for cows in first lactation and for cows in later lactations. Three different responses (acute haemorrhage, sole ulcer in one leg and sole ulcer in two or more legs) were analysed using three binomial logistic regression analyses for each group. Herd analysed as a fixed effect was a strong risk factor for all kinds of sole ulcer. Lactation stage was a risk factor for acute haemorrhage in both groups of cows, and for sole ulcer in first parity cows. In general, there was a strong positive association between the period 61-120 d post partum and the presence of sole disorders. Breed was associated with acute haemorrhage in cows in second and later parities, and sole ulcer in one leg only in first parity cows in an interaction with lactation stage in both conditions. Danish Friesian cows were strongly associated with sole disorder, although the combination of lactation stage from 61 to 120 d post partum in cows of other dual purpose breeds was positively associated with the presence of sole ulcer in one leg only in first parity cows. The time of year for claw trimming was a risk factor for acute haemorrhage in first parity cows, with the period from December to January most strongly associated with acute haemorrhage. Previous disease treatment was a risk factor for sole ulcer in two or more legs in second and later parities. Udder related disorders and disorders other than reproductive problems were positively associated with the occurrence of sole ulcer. Body weight at calving was associated with acute haemorrhage in cows in second and subsequent parities. Body weight lower than the mean herd level by > 50 kg was negatively associated with acute haemorrhage Claw disorders among dairy cows in organic and in deep bedded pack barn systems in Denmark Enevoldsen, C., Vaarst, M. Claw disorders among dairy cows in organic and in deep bedded pack barn systems in Denmark Enevoldsen, C., Vaarst, M. Ten points in the science and craft of hoof trimming (hoof care) Uzuta, Y. Ten points in the science and craft of hoof trimming (hoof care) Uzuta, Y. Journal of Veterinary Medicine, Japan 1993 Abnormalities of hoof growth and development Shearer, J. K., van Amstel, S. R. Abnormalities of hoof growth and development Shearer, J. K., van Amstel, S. R. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2001 The normal development of the horn capsule (epidermis), with its dermal support (corium), is described. Abnormalities of horn growth may be caused by changes in blood flow (laminitis), the biomechanics of weight bearing, heritable developmental conditions, and other changes of unknown cause Scanning electron microscopy of the epidermis and dermis of the sole of the bovine hoof Ando, Y., Kotani, T., Nakade, T. et al Scanning electron microscopy of the epidermis and dermis of the sole of the bovine hoof Ando, Y., Kotani, T., Nakade, T., Numata, Y., Takeuchi, H., Uchida, Y. Journal of the Japan Veterinary Medical Association 1991 Electron microscopy of the epidermis and dermis of 29 normal soles and 3 soles with pododermatitis circumscripta showed abnormalities in all the latter and 16 of the former. The abnormalities included hyperextension, curvature and hypertrophy of the dermal papillae, vascularization and vasodilation in the epidermis and dermis, and cracks in the epidermis, and in the clinically normal soles represented the first stages of pododermatitis circumscripta brought about by intensive feeding, abnormal hoof length, or stress from pregnancy or parturition Observer bias in animal behaviour research: can we believe what we score, if we score what we believe? Ampe, B., de Graaf, S., Heerkens et al Observer bias in animal behaviour research: can we believe what we score, if we score what we believe? Ampe, B., de Graaf, S., Heerkens, J. L. T., Jacobs, L., Nalon, E., Ott, S., Stadig, L., Tuyttens, F. A. M., Van Laer, E. Animal Behaviour 2014 Metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cattle Tulleners, E. P. Metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cattle Tulleners, E. P. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1996 Metacarpal and metatarsal fractures are usually amenable to external coaptation using a short or full limb polyurethane resinimpregnated knitted fiberglass fabric cast. The prognosis for long-term pain-free survival is excellent for closed fractures and fair to good for open fractures managed in the manner. Surviving animals generally are not lame and do not demonstrate significant limb deformity or limb shortening and generally become completely productive. Even considering the narrow profit margin involved when treating cattle with serious injuries, this method of fracture management is usually economically and technically feasible Brisket Boards Reduce Freestall Use Tucker, C. B., Weary, D. M., Zdanowicz et al Brisket Boards Reduce Freestall Use Tucker, C. B., Weary, D. M., Zdanowicz, G. J Dairy Sci 2006 We examined how the presence of a brisket board influenced cow preference, stall use, and position within the stall. When given a choice between stalls with or without a brisket board, 15 nonlactating cows spent 68% of their time lying in the stalls without a brisket board, indicating that they preferred this option. When 13 cows had access to either stalls with a brisket board or ones without, they spent, on average, 1.2 h/d more time lying down in stalls without a brisket board. Resting cows positioned themselves relatively forward in the stalls in 98 {+/-} 5% (mean {+/-} SE) of lying bouts when the brisket board was absent, compared with 67 {+/-} 5% of bouts when the board was present. Longer cows were more likely than shorter cows to move forward in the stalls without a brisket board. Cows also had longer lying bouts in stalls without the brisket board (absent: 1.7 {+/-} 0.08; present: 1.5 {+/-} 0.08 h/bout). Although it seems likely that the brisket board helps keep stalls clean by positioning cows closer to the curb, our results indicate that brisket boards also make stalls less comfortable for cows. Stall features designed to reduce stall maintenance may compromise cow comfort. We suggest that new approaches to cow housing are now required. Cow comfort in tie-stalls: Increased depth of shavings or straw bedding increases lying time Beauchemin, K. A., Tucker, C. B. et al Cow comfort in tie-stalls: Increased depth of shavings or straw bedding increases lying time Beauchemin, K. A., Tucker, C. B., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Influence of Neck-Rail Placement on Free-Stall Preference, Use, and Cleanliness Fraser, D., Tucker, C. B., Weary, D. M. Influence of Neck-Rail Placement on Free-Stall Preference, Use, and Cleanliness Fraser, D., Tucker, C. B., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2005 Three experiments examined how the presence of a neck rail at different heights and locations influenced dairy cattle behavior and stall cleanliness. Experiment 1 compared 4 levels of neck-rail height (102, 114, and 127 cm and no neck rail; presented at 160 or 180 cm from the curb) in a preference test. Cows (n = 10) showed no consistent preference based on neck-rail height, regardless of the horizontal position of the neck rail. When cows were restricted to each treatment in turn, however, time spent standing fully (with all 4 hooves) in the stall was least in the stall with the lowest neck rail (mean, 22 min/24 h) and was greatest in the stall with no neck rail (mean, 83 min/24 h). A second experiment examined the effect of a neck rail placed at 3 distances from the curb (140, 175, and 233 cm) when height was held constant (131 cm; n = 12). Time spent standing fully in the stall was least when the neck rail was close to the curb (140 cm; mean, 11 min/24 h) and was greatest when the neck rail was furthest from the curb (233 cm; mean, 86 min/24 h). When the neck rail was far from the curb, the cows were more likely to soil the stall by defecating while standing fully in the stall. Experiment 3 compared soiling of the stall by 14 cows with and without a neck rail at a height of 124.5 cm. When the neck rail was removed, cows were more than twice as likely to soil the stall by defecating while standing fully in the stall compared with when the neck rail was present (1.3 vs. 0.5 defecations/24 h). Thus, restrictive neck-rail placement prevents cows from standing in stall, but helps keep stalls clean. Access to more comfortable flooring surfaces outside the stall may help mitigate the negative effects of restrictive neck rails. Free-Stall Dimensions: Effects on Preference and Stall Usage Fraser, D., Tucker, C. B., Weary, D. M. Free-Stall Dimensions: Effects on Preference and Stall Usage Fraser, D., Tucker, C. B., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2004 In 2 experiments, free-stall dimensions were examined to determine how they affected stall preference, usage, cleanliness, and milk production in Holstein dairy cattle. In experiment 1, stall width (112 or 132 cm) and stall length (229 and 274 cm from curb to wall) were compared in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of stall treatments using 15 individually housed, non-lactating animals. Cows showed no clear preference for stall size as measured by lying time. When animals had no choice between stalls, average lying time was higher in the wide stalls than in the narrow stalls (10.8 vs. 9.6 {+/-} 0.3 h/24 h). Both length and width affected time spent standing with only the front hooves in the stall; total stall area is best explained by the variation associated with this behavior. In experiment 2, 27 lactating dairy cattle were alternately housed with access to stalls of 106, 116, or 126 cm in width using a cross-over design with exposure to each treatment lasting 3 wk. Animals spent an additional 42 min/24 h lying in stalls measuring 126 cm in width compared with stalls with only 106 cm between partitions. Free-stall width influenced the time spent standing with the front 2 hooves in the stall; animals averaged 58 min/24 h in the widest stalls and 85 min/24 h in the narrowest stalls. The amount of time spent standing with all 4 hooves in the stall tended to be longer in wider stalls, and these stalls were also most likely to become soiled with feces. Stall width did not affect the number of lying events or milk production. In conclusion, animals spent more time lying down, and less time was spent standing with only the front hooves in larger stalls, but larger stalls were also more likely to become soiled. Effects of Three Types of Free-Stall Surfaces on Preferences and Stall Usage by Dairy Cows Fraser, D., Tucker, C. B., Weary, D. M. Effects of Three Types of Free-Stall Surfaces on Preferences and Stall Usage by Dairy Cows Fraser, D., Tucker, C. B., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2003 One important criterion in choosing appropriate housing systems for dairy cattle is that the freestall provides a comfortable surface for the cow. This paper describes two experiments testing the effects of commonly used lying surfaces on stall preference and stall usage by Holstein cows. In both experiments, 12 cows were housed individually in separate pens. Each pen contained three free stalls with a different surface: deep-bedded sawdust, deep-bedded sand, and a geotextile mattress covered with 2 to 3 cm of sawdust. The animals were restricted to each surface in turn, in a random order for either 2 (Experiment 1) or 3 d (Experiment 2). Both before and after this restriction phase, the animals were allowed access to all three surfaces, and preference was determined, based on lying times. Of the 12 cows used in Experiment 1, 10 preferred sawdust before and nine after the restriction phase. During the restriction phase, average lying times and number of lying events during the restriction phase were significantly lower for the sand-bedded stalls (P [<=] 0.05), and standing times were higher on mattresses (P [<=] 0.05), compared with sawdust. Although these cows had some experience with all three surfaces during the experiment, they had been housed in sawdust-bedded stalls during their previous lactation. Cows used in Experiment 2 had spent their previous lactation in sand bedded stalls. In this experiment, about half the cows preferred sand and half sawdust, after the restriction phase. During the restriction phase of experiment, lying times and number of lying events were lower, and standing times were higher when the animals were restricted to the mattresses compared to either sand or sawdust (P [<=] 0.05). These results indicate that (1) free stall surface can affect both stall preferences and stall usage, and (2) mattresses are less preferred. Flooring in Front of the Feed Bunk Affects Feeding Behavior and Use of Freestalls by Dairy Cows Campbell, B., de Passille, A. M. et al Flooring in Front of the Feed Bunk Affects Feeding Behavior and Use of Freestalls by Dairy Cows Campbell, B., de Passille, A. M., Rushen, J., Tucker, C. B., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2006 In 2 experiments we assessed how preferences, time budgets, and feeding behavior of dairy cows change in response to flooring surfaces in front of the feed bunk. In Experiment 1, 12 nonlactating dairy cattle were individually housed with access to 2 standing platforms filled with either concrete or sawdust. In Experiment 2, 24 nonlactating dairy cattle were given access to either concrete or Animat rubber flooring in front of the feed bunk. In Experiment 1, cows preferred the sawdust to the concrete flooring. In both experiments, cows provided with a softer floor in front of the feed bunk spent more time standing near the feed bunk without eating (Experiment 1: 67 vs. 40 min/d on sawdust vs. concrete, respectively, SEM = 5.6 min/d; Experiment 2: 176 vs. 115 min/d on Animat vs. concrete, respectively, SEM = 20.5 min/d) compared with when they were kept on concrete. The increased time spent at the feed bunk was due to a combination of more frequent eating and standing bouts, indicating that cows were more willing to move on nonconcrete flooring. Total time spent eating was significantly greater on the softer floor in Experiment 2, but not in Experiment 1 (Exp. 1: 289 vs. 275 min/d on sawdust and concrete, respectively, SEM = 7.3 min/d; Exp. 2: 330 vs. 289 min/d on Animat and concrete, respectively, SEM = 15.4), although feed intake was increased on the sawdust treatment in Experiment 1. Cows spent significantly more time lying in the feed alley when the flooring was rubber (219 vs. 53 min/d on Animat and concrete, SEM = 53.6 min/d), perhaps because the lying area in Experiment 2 was inadequate. In conclusion, cows prefer to stand on softer flooring in front of the feed bunk, and are more willing to move on and spend more time standing in front of the feed bunk when provided with softer flooring. These results indicate that cows find softer flooring surfaces more comfortable to stand on than concrete, and highlight the importance of evaluating the comfort of the entire facility. Bedding on Geotextile Mattresses: How Much is Needed to Improve Cow Comfort? Tucker, C. B., Weary, D. M. Bedding on Geotextile Mattresses: How Much is Needed to Improve Cow Comfort? Tucker, C. B., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2004 The objective of our study was to evaluate how the amount of sawdust bedding on mattresses affects dairy cattle behavior and preferences. Eleven nonlactating, multiparous cows were housed individually in pens with access to 3 free stalls. Each stall was fitted with a geotextile mattress covered with either 0, 1, or 7.5 kg of kiln-dried sawdust. The experiment began with 7 d of acclimatization to all 3 stalls. Cows were then allowed access to only 1 of the 3 stalls at a time, each for 3 d (restriction phase). At the end of this restriction phase, cows were allowed free access to all 3 stalls for 3 d (free-choice phase). Time spent lying and the number of lying bouts increased significantly with the amount of bedding, from 12.3 {+/-} 0.53 h lying and 8.5 {+/-} 0.62 bouts per 24 h on bare mattresses to 13.8 {+/-} 0.53 h lying and 10.0 {+/-} 0.62 bouts per 24 h on mattresses with 7.5 kg of sawdust. In addition, the animals spent less time standing with only the front hooves in the stalls when more sawdust was present. When allowed free access to all 3 options, all 11 animals spent a majority of their time lying and standing in the 7.5-kg option. In conclusion, cows preferred mattresses bedded with 7.5 kg of sawdust, on which they spent more time lying down and less time standing with only the front hooves in stalls. These results indicate that more sawdust bedding improves cow comfort in stalls with geotextile mattresses. Laterality of lying behaviour in dairy cattle Cox, Neil Ralph, Špinka, Marek, Tucker et al Laterality of lying behaviour in dairy cattle Cox, Neil Ralph, Špinka, Marek, Tucker, Cassandra Blaine, Weary, Daniel Martin Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2009 Dairy cattle spend, on average, between 8 and 15 h/d lying down. Our objective was to describe the laterality of lying behaviour and assess several internal and external factors that may affect laterality. Internal factors included time spent and time since eating or lying before choosing to lie down again. External factors included the slope and the amount of bedding on the of the lying surface. The dependent variables were the proportion of time spent lying on left versus right sides (as affected by eating and by the slope of stalls) and the probability of switching sides between two consecutive lying bouts (as influenced by previous lying bouts and the amount of bedding). The proportion of time on the left and right sides matched the mixed pattern in the literature; some groups of cows (n = 35, non-lactating, freestall housed) spent more time (56 ± 3.0%, P = 0.042) on their left side, while other groups (n = 151, housed either in a freestall barn or at pasture) showed no preference for lying on one side versus the other (50 ± 1.2% on left side, P ≥ 0.308). Laterality while lying was not influenced by eating behaviour or by the slope of the lying surface. Overall, cattle switched sides in 64% of consecutive lying events, more than 50% expected by chance (SE = 0.8%, P < 0.001). Switching sides was influenced by previous lying behaviour: cattle were more likely to switch sides if the previous lying bout was either long or recent (1.5 ± 0.33 and 1.1 ± 0.21% change in probability of switch for every 10 min in the last lying bout and for every 10 min since previous lying event, respectively, P < 0.001). Cows were more likely to switch sides when housed on mattresses with more bedding (switched sides in 68, 77, and 97 ± 10.8% lying events for 0, 1 and 7.5 kg of sawdust bedding, mean ± SE, P = 0.042), possibly because cows had more lying events with shorter intervals between these events when the stall surface was well bedded. The probability of terminating a lying bout was also influenced by the duration of the bout. For example, during the first 10 min of a lying bout, the probability of standing up was only 5% but climbed to approximately 25% when the bout lasted 80 min or more. In conclusion, overall laterality in lying behaviour is shifted to the left in some groups but not others. Eating behaviour has little effect on time spent lying on either side. Cows switched sides between consecutive lying bouts and switching was more likely if the previous bout was either recent or long. Finally, continuous lying may become uncomfortable when bouts are longer than 80 min, and cows may switch sides to alleviate this discomfort. Quantitative evaluation of bone development of the distal phalanx of the cow hind limb using computed tomography Imagawa, T., Minami, S., Okamoto, Y. et al Quantitative evaluation of bone development of the distal phalanx of the cow hind limb using computed tomography Imagawa, T., Minami, S., Okamoto, Y., Ooshita, K., Osaki, T., Sugiyama, A., Tsuka, T. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Computed tomography (CT) was performed on 400 claws (200 inner and 200 outer claws) of 100 pairs of bovine hind limbs to investigate the etiological theory that an exacerbating factor for ulceration is exostosis of the tuberculum flexorium within the distal phalanx. A variety of morphological changes of the tuberculum flexorium of bovine hind limb claws was visualized by 3-dimensional CT, and the geometry of these claws suggested a growth pattern of bone development with respect to the assumed daily loading patterns. This growth occurs initially at the abaxial caudal aspect of the distal phalanx and is followed by horizontal progression toward the axial aspect. The length of downward bone development on the solar face of the distal phalanx was 2.73 ± 1.32 mm in the outer claws, significantly greater than in the inner claws (2.38 ± 0.96 mm). Ratios of downward (vertical) bone development to the thickness of the subcutis and the corium (VerBD ratios) did not differ between the outer and inner claws (36.7 vs. 38.3%, respectively). Ratios of horizontal bone development to the axial-to-abaxial line of the tuberculum flexorium (HorBD ratios) were approximately 60% for both outer and inner claws. These quantitative measures regarding horizontal and vertical bone development within the distal phalanx were positively correlated with age and VerBD ratios (r = 0.53 and r = 0.36 for the inner and outer claws, respectively). Correlations between claw width of the outer claw and length of vertical bone development (r = 0.43), the HorBD ratio (r = 0.51), and the VerBD ratio (r = 0.42) suggested that the relative size difference between the inner and outer claws enhances bone development in the outer claw. Correlation coefficients between VerBD and HorBD ratios (r = 0.52 and 0.63 for the inner and outer claws, respectively) suggested that horizontal and vertical bone development occurs as a synchronized process within the tuberculum flexorium. This age-related progress of bone development within the tuberculum flexorium is associated with increased exposure to several exacerbating factors and the laminitic process. Quantitative evaluation of the relationship between dorsal wall length, sole thickness, and rotation of the distal phalanx in the... Azuma, K., Imagawa, T., Ito, N. et al Quantitative evaluation of the relationship between dorsal wall length, sole thickness, and rotation of the distal phalanx in the bovine claw using computed tomography Azuma, K., Imagawa, T., Ito, N., Murahata, Y., Okamoto, Y., Osaki, T., Tsuka, T. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Computed tomography (CT) was performed on 800 untrimmed claws (400 inner claws and 400 outer claws) of 200 pairs of bovine hindlimbs to investigate the relationships between dorsal wall length and sole thickness, and between dorsal wall length and the relative rotation angle of distal phalanx-to-sole surface (S-D angle). Sole thickness was 3.8 and 4.0 mm at the apex of the inner claws and outer claws, respectively, with dorsal wall lengths <70 mm. These sole thickness values were less than the critical limit of 5 mm, which is associated with a softer surface following thinning of the soles. A sole thickness of 5 mm at the apex was estimated to correlate with dorsal wall lengths of 72.1 and 72.7 mm for the inner and outer claws, respectively. Sole thickness was 6.1 and 6.4 mm at the apex of the inner and outer claws, respectively, with dorsal wall lengths of 75 mm. These sole thickness values were less than the recommended sole thickness of 7 mm based on the protective function of the soles. A sole thickness >7 mm at the apex was estimated to correlate with a dorsal wall length of 79.8 and 78.4 mm for the inner and outer claws, respectively. The S-D angles were recorded as anteversions of 2.9° and 4.7° for the inner and outer claws, respectively, with a dorsal wall length of 75 mm. These values indicate that the distal phalanx is likely to have rotated naturally forward toward the sole surface. The distal phalanx rotated backward to the sole surface at 3.2° and 7.6° for inner claws with dorsal wall lengths of 90–99 and ≥100 mm, respectively; and at 3.5° for outer claws with a dorsal wall length ≥100 mm. Dorsal wall lengths of 85.7 and 97.2 mm were estimated to correlate with a parallel positional relationship of the distal phalanx to the sole surface in the inner and outer claws, respectively. A motion and image analysis method for automatic detection of estrus and mating behavior in cattle Huang, Ching-Ying, Tsai, Du-Ming A motion and image analysis method for automatic detection of estrus and mating behavior in cattle Huang, Ching-Ying, Tsai, Du-Ming Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 2014 Characterization of Treponema phagedenis-like spirochetes isolated from papillomatous digital dermatitis lesions in dairy cattle Alt, D. P., Goff, J. P., Moeller, M. R. et al Characterization of Treponema phagedenis-like spirochetes isolated from papillomatous digital dermatitis lesions in dairy cattle Alt, D. P., Goff, J. P., Moeller, M. R., Trott, D. J., Walker, R. L., Wannemuehler, M. J., Waters, W. R., Zuerner, R. L. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2003 Four spirochete strains were isolated from papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) lesions in Iowa dairy cattle and compared with two previously described spirochete strains isolated from dairy cattle in California. These six strains shared an identical 16S ribosomal DNA sequence that was 98% similar to Treponema phagedenis and 99% similar to the uncultivated PDD spirochete sequence DDLK-4. The whole-cell protein profiles resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of these six strains were similar. However, these strains showed differences in the antigenic diversity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Genetic diversity was also detected by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of genomic DNA digests, revealing differences among five of the six strains. Serum immunoglobulin G antibodies from dairy cattle with active PDD lesions reacted with the LPS of all but one PDD spirochete strain. Likewise, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from cattle with active PDD lesions produced blastogenic responses to one of the two California isolates. Both antibody and lymphocyte blastogenic responses were reduced in convalescent dairy cattle, suggesting the immune response to these spirochetes has short duration. These results demonstrate genetic and antigenic diversity among T. phagedenis-like treponemes and provide further evidence for the involvement of these spirochetes in the pathogenesis of PDD. Management of a radial fracture in an adult bull Brown, C. E., Hanson, P. D., Trostle et al Management of a radial fracture in an adult bull Brown, C. E., Hanson, P. D., Trostle, S. S., Wilson, D. G. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1995 An 823-kg 4-year-old Holstein bull was examined because of acute lameness of the left forelimb. Radiography revealed a closed, comminuted, spiral fracture of the radius that extended from the distal portion of the diaphysis to the antebrachiocarpal joint. The fracture was repaired with combination of internal fixation (2 compression plates, 1 of which incorporated a condylar screw and both of which were luted) and external coaptation (full-limb cast and Thomas-Schroeder splint). The development of larger implants and the combination of internal and external fixation methods provides hope that certain fractures in cattle that were once thought irreparable can now be treated Clinical and radiographic findings, treatment, and outcome in cattle with osteochondrosis: 29 cases (1986-1996) Forrest, Lisa J., Markel, Mark D. et al Clinical and radiographic findings, treatment, and outcome in cattle with osteochondrosis: 29 cases (1986-1996) Forrest, Lisa J., Markel, Mark D., Nicoll, Robert G., Trostle, Steven S. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1997 Objective-To summarize the radiographic and clinical findings, treatment, and outcome in cattle with osteochondrosis diagnosed radiographically. Design-Retrospective case series. Sample Population-29 cattle with radiographic evidence of osteochondrosis. Procedures-Medical records were reviewed, and owners or referring veterinarians were contacted for outcome assessment. Data were analyzed for potential interactions between osteochondrosis classification (osteochondritis dessicans vs subchondral cyst- like lesions), clinical and radiographic findings, treatment, and outcome, using Fisher's exact test and descriptive statistics. Results-Osteochondrosis was associated with young, male, purebred cattle, clinical evidence of lameness, and radiographic evidence of concurrent degenerative joint disease. Osteochondritis dissecans and subchondral cyst-like lesions had similar clinical findings and outcomes but varied significantly in their radiographic distribution among joints. Osteochondrosis often manifests clinically as a unilateral condition, but bilateral lesions were often found (88%) when limbs were radiographically examined. Cattle managed conservatively tended to be culled (within 6 months of diagnosis because of lameness) more often than those managed surgically, despite the lack of treatment bias. Clinical Implications- Osteochondrosis in cattle is often associated with lameness or degenerative joint disease. Conservative management does not result in a favorable clinical prognosis for long-term, lameness-free survival, and more studies need to be completed to evaluate the efficacy of surgical treatment of osteochondrosis in cattle Bovine osteochondrosis Forrest, L. J., Markel, M., Nicoll et al Bovine osteochondrosis Forrest, L. J., Markel, M., Nicoll, R. G., Nordlund, K., Trostle, S. S. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian 1998 The DD Check App for prevention and control of digital dermatitis in dairy herds Bennett, T., Dopfer, D., Tremblay, M. The DD Check App for prevention and control of digital dermatitis in dairy herds Bennett, T., Dopfer, D., Tremblay, M. Prev Vet Med 2016 Digital dermatitis (DD) is the most important infectious claw disease in the cattle industry causing outbreaks of lameness. The clinical course of disease can be classified using 5 clinical stages. M-stages represent not only different disease severities but also unique clinical characteristics and outcomes. Monitoring the proportions of cows per M-stage is needed to better understand and address DD and factors influencing risks of DD in a herd. Changes in the proportion of cows per M-stage over time or between groups may be attributed to differences in management, environment, or treatment and can have impact on the future claw health of the herd. Yet trends in claw health regarding DD are not intuitively noticed without statistical analysis of detailed records. Our specific aim was to develop a mobile application (app) for persons with less statistical training, experience or supporting programs that would standardize M-stage records, automate data analysis including trends of M-stages over time, the calculation of predictions and assignments of Cow Types (i.e., Cow Types I-III are assigned to cows without active lesions, single and repeated cases of active DD lesions, respectively). The predictions were the stationary distributions of transitions between DD states (i.e., M-stages or signs of chronicity) in a class-structured multi-state Markov chain population model commonly used to model endemic diseases. We hypothesized that the app can be used at different levels of record detail to discover significant trends in the prevalence of M-stages that help to make informed decisions to prevent and control DD on-farm. Four data sets were used to test the flexibility and value of the DD Check App. The app allows easy recording of M-stages in different environments and is flexible in terms of the users' goals and the level of detail used. Results show that this tool discovers trends in M-stage proportions, predicts potential outbreaks of DD, and makes comparisons among Cow Types, signs of chronicity, scorers or pens. The DD Check App also provides a list of cows that should be treated augmented by individual Cow Types to help guide treatment and determine prognoses. Producers can be proactive instead of reactive in controlling DD in a herd by using this app. The DD Check App serves as an example of how technology makes knowledge and advice of veterinary epidemiology widely available to monitor, control and prevent this complex disease. Synovial sarcoma in an Ayrshire heifer Desrochers, A., Dubreuil, P., Girard et al Synovial sarcoma in an Ayrshire heifer Desrochers, A., Dubreuil, P., Girard, C., Lanevschi, A., Tremblay, C. Vet Pathol 2000 An 8-month-old Ayrshire heifer had a rapidly growing mass in the axillary region of the left thoracic limb. The mass surrounded the distal humerus and entrapped nerves of the brachial plexus, causing an abnormal gait. Histologically, the mass was composed of clusters and cords of round to polygonal cells with scattered, spindle-shaped cells. The neoplastic cells stained positively for vimentin and cytokeratin. No staining was found with S-100 protein, kappa and lambda light chains, or T-cell markers by immunohistochemistry. On electron microscopic evaluation, the cytoplasm of the neoplastic cells contained few organelles, principally rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. This synovial sarcoma has histologic and ultrastructural features characteristic of the poorly differentiated subtype of synovial sarcoma in the human classification system A Longitudinal-Study of the Hooves of Non-Lame Cows Morris, R. S., Tranter, W. P. et al A Longitudinal-Study of the Hooves of Non-Lame Cows Morris, R. S., Tranter, W. P., Williamson, N. B. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 1991 A longitudinal study of the feet of cows from a seasonal dairy herd was conducted over a 12 month period to measure the occurrence of subclinical hoof lesions. Eleven 2-year-old cows, entering the herd for the first time, and eleven mature cows were randomly selected from a herd of 415 cows at the end of winter (July 1989) prior to calving. The incidence of lameness in the herd over the 12 months was 2%. None of the trial cows became lame during the study. Cows were examined monthly. The type, severity and location of any hoof lesions were recorded. Sole haemorrhage, erosion of the heel bulb and minor white line separation were the most commonly observed lesions. These lesions were observed with specific claw distributions in the cow and at specific times of the year and breeding season, with waves of each type of lesion passing through the herd at a particular time. White line separation was observed commonly during spring (up to 37% of digits affected), disappeared almost completely over the dry summer months, and reappeared in autumn, increasing to 40% again over winter. Lesions were more commonly observed in the lateral digits, with fore feet being more commonly affected than hind feet. Erosion of the heel bulbs was common in August (65% of digits affected, more common in mature cows than 2-year-olds), disappeared quickly during spring, and reappeared in all cows during the following winter (88% of digits; no age differences). There were no differences in distribution between digits. Sole haemorrhages were concentrated over the mid-sole and abaxial sole zones. They were more common in the hind feet than the front feet and more common in the outside claws (p < 0.001). Haemorrhages were not observed prior to or soon after calving, appeared in October and reached a peak of 40% in December, then gradually disappeared by the time of drying-off in May. The 2-year-olds were more frequently affected than the mature cows (p < 0.001). Hoof Growth and Wear in Pasture-Fed Dairy-Cattle Morris, R. S., Tranter, W. P. Hoof Growth and Wear in Pasture-Fed Dairy-Cattle Morris, R. S., Tranter, W. P. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 1992 Hoof growth and wear studies were conducted on ten spring-calving cows over 12 months. The rates of hoof wall growth and wear were lower in autumn and winter than during spring and summer. Both were greater in 2-year-old than in mature cows (p < 0.05). Sole wear occurred most rapidly along the abaxial edge of the weight-bearing surface, less quickly in the toe and heel areas, and most slowly in the mid-sole region. Both hoof wall wear and sole wear were greater in lateral digits than in medial digits (p < 0.01). Sole concavity, measured using a profile gauge, was greater in 2- year-olds prior to calving than in mature-aged cows (p < 0.05) but this difference disappeared soon after calving as concavity was lost in the younger cows. Medial digits almost always had greater concavity than lateral digits. Sole concavity measurements were also made on the hind digits of 24 autumn-calving cows on four occasions at 2-monthly intervals. Prior to calving, concavity was much greater in these cows than in the spring-calving cows. However, concavity was lost rapidly following calving and concavity measurements were soon similar to those found in the spring-calvin cows A Case-Study of Lameness in 3 Dairy Herds Morris, R. S., Tranter, W. P. A Case-Study of Lameness in 3 Dairy Herds Morris, R. S., Tranter, W. P. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 1991 All cases of lameness that occurred in cows from three dairy herds between August 1989 and July 1990 were examined every 2 weeks from the onset of lameness until the lesions resolved. The incidences of herd lameness were 38%, 22% and 2%. Some 186 clinical lesions were identified in 134 cases of lameness in 120 cows. Sole bruising (42%) and white line separation (39%) were the most frequently diagnosed conditions. Lateral digits of the hind limbs were the most affected. The mean time from the onset of lameness to clinical recovery was 27 days and to lesion recovery was 35 days. The peak incidence of lameness occurred during winter for autumn-calving cows and during the late spring for spring-calving cows. The onset of lameness was associated with the stage of lactation and wet weather conditions. Survival analysis revealed that the probability of an individual cow lasting in the milking herd for any specified period of time without becoming lame was highly associated with both her herd environment and her age. Total lactation yields of milk, milk fat and milk protein were lower for cows suffering from lameness than for herd-mates matched on age and proximity of calving date (p < 0.05). Reproductive performance was also poorer in lame cows than in their herd-mates. A case-control study of lameness in dairy cows Dohoo, I., Morris, R., Tranter, W. et al A case-control study of lameness in dairy cows Dohoo, I., Morris, R., Tranter, W., Williamson, N. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1993 A case-control study was conducted to compare the physical hoof properties of digits responsible for clinical lamenses with those of other digits on the same cows and with those of equivalent digits on non-lame control cows. The control cows were herd-mates matched by age, breed and stage of lactation. Hoof moisture, hoof hardness and sole concavity were measured on- farm. The resilience, compressive strength and elastic modulus of both sole and wall hoof were measured on biopsy samples collected from both case and control digits. White line disease, sole bruising and septic prododermatitis accounted for 92% of the clinical lameness lesions in the case digits examined. Less severe forms of white line disease and hoof haemorrhage were also observed frequently in the non-lame digits of both the case and control cows. Independent variables were screened for unconditional associations with case- control status using Student's paired t-test and Wilcoxon's matched pairs test. Conditional logistic regression analysis was finally used to identify which risk factors were associated with lameness. When equivalent digits on the matched cows were used as controls, sole and heel moisture, sole hardness, sole concavity and wall colour were selected for inclusion in the model derived to explain differences between the physical properties of lame and control digits. Values for each of these properties were lower in the lame digits than in the controls. The control digits had a higher percentage of black coloration than the lame digits. Sole hardness and sole concavity (both lower in the lame digits) were also selected for inclusion in the conditional logistic regression model derived when the adjoining digits on the same legs of the lame cows were used as controls. None of the physical hoof properties measured were asssociated with lameness when attempts were made to fit a model using the equivalent digits on the opposite legs of the lame cows as controls. Production of the lame cows was also compared with that of matched herd-mates. Total lactation yields of milk, milk fat and milk protein were lower for the lame cows than for the control cows (P lt 0.05) Necrotic chronic ulcer in cattle’s digit Tozzo, M. Necrotic chronic ulcer in cattle’s digit Tozzo, M. Cattle footcare and claw trimming Toussaint Raven, E. Cattle footcare and claw trimming Toussaint Raven, E. 1985 Are cows more likely to lie down the longer they stand? Haskell, Marie J., Langford, Fritha M. et al Are cows more likely to lie down the longer they stand? Haskell, Marie J., Langford, Fritha M., Morgan, Colin A., Roberts, David J., Tolkamp, Bert J. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2010 Proteomics: A new tool in bovine claw disease research Andersen, Pia H., Bendixen, Emøke et al Proteomics: A new tool in bovine claw disease research Andersen, Pia H., Bendixen, Emøke, Codrea, Marius C., Danscher, Anne Mette, Tølbøll, Trine H. The Veterinary Journal 2012 Evaluation of ultrasonography for measuring solar soft tissue thickness as a predictor of sole ulcer formation in... Cincović, M., Ivetić, V., Potkonjak et al Evaluation of ultrasonography for measuring solar soft tissue thickness as a predictor of sole ulcer formation in Holstein–Friesian dairy cows Cincović, M., Ivetić, V., Potkonjak, A., Spasojevic, J., Stevančević, M., Toholj, B. The Veterinary Journal 2014 Genetic analysis of reproduction traits and their relationship with conformation traits in Holstein cows Moradi Shahrbabak, Mohammad, Shadparvar et al Genetic analysis of reproduction traits and their relationship with conformation traits in Holstein cows Moradi Shahrbabak, Mohammad, Shadparvar, Abdol Ahad, Taromsari, Mohammad Dadpasand, Toghiani Pozveh, Sajjad Livestock Science 2009 Treatment of peculiar dermatitis in dairy cattle, using Himax ointment Gowda, R. N. S., Setty, D. R. L. et al Treatment of peculiar dermatitis in dairy cattle, using Himax ointment Gowda, R. N. S., Setty, D. R. L., Thyagaraja, P. R. Pashudhan 1997 An analysis of epidemiological data of 61 cases of leg dermatitis found in cattle from the milk-shed areas of Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), India, was made. The disease was characterised by progression of the dermatitis (with erectophili, erythema and crust formation) upwards from the interdigital joint to the carpal joint in the fore leg and to the stifle joint in the hind leg, with occasional presence in the udder and groin area. It was more prevalent during monsoons, in high humidity and in animals reared on concrete floors, fed with commercial concentrates or infested with biting flies. Haematological tests showed moderate neutrophilia and eosinophilia. Four cases had sarcoptic and 2 had chorioptic mange. Staphylococcus hyicus was found in 41 cases, S. hyicus and fungal elements in 17 cases and S. hyicus and yeast in 3 cases. Only S. hyicus and Aspergillus, Mucor and Absidia spp. were isolated. Streptopenicillin injection plus local application of Himax ointment/lotion was the most common treatment, resulting in gradual reduction of dermatitis by the 7th day and normal health by the 10th day. It is suggested that the bactericidal, fungicidal and fly-repellent properties of Himax assisted in hastening healing Lameness Affects Cow Feeding But Not Rumination Behavior as Characterized from Sensor Data Friggens, N. C., Giger-Reverdin, S. et al Lameness Affects Cow Feeding But Not Rumination Behavior as Characterized from Sensor Data Friggens, N. C., Giger-Reverdin, S., Konka, J., Michie, C., Nielsen, B. L., Robert, P. E., Thorup, V. M. Front Vet Sci 2016 Using automatic sensor data, this is the first study to characterize individual cow feeding and rumination behavior simultaneously as affected by lameness. A group of mixed-parity, lactating Holstein cows were loose-housed with free access to 24 cubicles and 12 automatic feed stations. Cows were milked three times/day. Fresh feed was delivered once daily. During 24 days with effectively 22 days of data, 13,908 feed station visits and 7,697 rumination events obtained from neck-mounted accelerometers on 16 cows were analyzed. During the same period, cows were locomotion scored on four occasions and categorized as lame (n = 9) or not lame (n = 7) throughout the study. Rumination time, number of rumination events, feeding time, feeding frequency, feeding rate, feed intake, and milk yield were calculated per day, and coefficients of variation were used to estimate variation between and within cows. Based on daily sums, using each characteristic as response, the effects of lameness and stage of lactation were tested in a mixed model. With rumination time as response, each of the four feeding characteristics, milk yield, and lameness were tested in a second mixed model. On a visit basis, effects of feeding duration, lameness, and milk yield on feed intake were tested in a third mixed model. Overall, intra-individual variation was <15% and inter-individual variation was up to 50%. Lameness introduced more inter-individual variation in feeding characteristics (26-50%) compared to non-lame cows (17-29%). Lameness decreased daily feeding time and daily feeding frequency, but increased daily feeding rate. Interestingly, lameness did not affect daily rumination behaviors, fresh matter intake, or milk yield. On a visit basis, a high feeding rate was associated with a higher feed intake, a relationship that was exacerbated in the lame cows. In conclusion, cows can be characterized in particular by their feeding behavior, and lame cows differ from their non-lame pen-mates in terms of fewer feed station visits, faster eating, less time spent feeding, and more variable feeding behavior. Further, daily rumination time was slightly negatively associated with feeding rate, a relationship which calls for more research to quantify rumination efficiency relative to feeding rate. Lameness detection via leg-mounted accelerometers on dairy cows on four commercial farms Erhard, H. W., Friggens, N. C. et al Lameness detection via leg-mounted accelerometers on dairy cows on four commercial farms Erhard, H. W., Friggens, N. C., Munksgaard, L., Robert, P. E., Thomsen, P. T., Thorup, V. M. Animal 2015 Lameness in dairy herds is traditionally detected by visual inspection, which is time-consuming and subjective. Compared with healthy cows, lame cows often spend longer time lying down, walk less and change behaviour around feeding time. Accelerometers measuring cow leg activity may assist farmers in detecting lame cows. On four commercial farms, accelerometer data were derived from hind leg-mounted accelerometers on 348 Holstein cows, 53 of them during two lactations. The cows were milked twice daily and had no access to pasture. During a lactation, locomotion score (LS) was assessed on average 2.4 times (s.d. 1.3). Based on daily lying duration, standing duration, walking duration, total number of steps, step frequency, motion index (MI, i.e. total acceleration) for lying, standing and walking, eight accelerometer means and their corresponding coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated for each week immediately before an LS. A principal component analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the variables. The effects of LS and farm on the principal components (PC) and on the variables were analysed in a mixed model. The first four PC accounted for 27%, 18%, 12% and 10% of the total variation, respectively. PC1 corresponded to Activity variability due to heavy loading by five CV variables related to standing and walking. PC2 corresponded to Activity level due to heavy loading by MI walking, MI standing and walking duration. PC3 corresponded to Recumbency due to heavy loading by four variables related to lying. PC4 corresponded mainly to Stepping due to heavy loading by step frequency. Activity variability at LS4 was significantly higher than at the lower LS levels. Activity level was significantly higher at LS1 than at LS2, which was significantly higher than at LS4. Recumbency was unaffected by LS. Stepping at LS1 and LS2 was significantly higher than at LS3 and LS4. Activity level was significantly lower on farm 3 compared with farms 1 and 2. Stepping was significantly lower on farms 1 and 3 compared with farms 2 and 4. MI standing indicated increased restlessness while standing when cows increased from LS3 to LS4. Lying duration was only increased in lame cows. In conclusion, Activity level differed already between LS1 and LS2, thus detecting early signs of lameness, particularly through contributions from walking duration and MI walking. Lameness detection models including walking duration, MI walking and MI standing seem worthy of further investigation. The Influence of the Claw Trimming Procedure According to the Farriers Method On Milk-Yield, Somatic-Cell Count and... Schoder, G., Stanek, C., Thonhauser et al The Influence of the Claw Trimming Procedure According to the Farriers Method On Milk-Yield, Somatic-Cell Count and Bacteriological Status of Milk Samples in Dairy-Cattle Schoder, G., Stanek, C., Thonhauser, M. M. Wiener Tierarztliche Monatsschrift 1994 In 45 dairy cattle of one herd (mean age 3.5 yrs.) in the last third of lactation the influence of the claw trimming procedure using the farriers method on the milk yield, the somatic cell count and clinical udder status was determined. After a pretesting phase of 7 to 10 days the claw trimming was carried out on 4 subsequent days, trimming 8 - 13 cows daily. After claw trimming the parameters were determined over a period of 22 days. A statistical significant decrease of milk yield of 10 % was observed, whereas the increase of somatic cell count was not significant. In 12 cows a positive bacteriological finding was evident in milk samples in the period after claw trimming. One cow exhibited an acute catarrhalic mastitis. Part of the milk depression was also caused by the disturbance in the stable and not only by the claw trimming procedure itself Locomotion scores and lying behaviour are indicators of hoof lesions in dairy cows Munksgaard, Lene, Sørensen, Jan Tind et al Locomotion scores and lying behaviour are indicators of hoof lesions in dairy cows Munksgaard, Lene, Sørensen, Jan Tind, Thomsen, Peter T. The Veterinary Journal 2012 Locomotion scoring, lying behaviour and lesion recording during hoof trimming are all ways of evaluating hoof health in dairy cows. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between these measures in a random sample of 1340 cows from 42 Danish dairy herds. The hypothesis was that locomotion scoring and/or the monitoring of lying behaviour could be used as tools to identify cows with hoof lesions, either of the horn or of the skin. Cows were locomotion scored, lying behaviour recorded and data on hoof lesions seen during hoof trimming collected. The results were analysed using logistic regression with hoof lesion as the outcome and locomotion score (1–5), mean duration of lying bouts, parity and lactation stage as explanatory variables. This analysis was undertaken for all types of lesions, for hoof horn lesions only and for skin lesions only. Odds of all hoof lesions and of skin lesions increased with increasing locomotion score and increasing mean duration of lying bouts. Odds of horn lesions also increased with increasing locomotion score, but there was no significant association between horn lesions and the mean duration of lying bouts. It was concluded that locomotion scoring and duration of lying bouts may be used as tools in the management of hoof health in dairy herds. Short communication: Automatic washing of hooves can help control digital dermatitis in dairy cows Ersbøll, Annette Kjær, Sørensen et al Short communication: Automatic washing of hooves can help control digital dermatitis in dairy cows Ersbøll, Annette Kjær, Sørensen, Jan Tind, Thomsen, Peter T. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Differences in attitudes of farmers and veterinarians towards pain in dairy cows Anneberg, Inger, Herskin, Mette S. et al Differences in attitudes of farmers and veterinarians towards pain in dairy cows Anneberg, Inger, Herskin, Mette S., Thomsen, Peter T. The Veterinary Journal 2012 Attitudes towards pain and the use of analgesics in dairy cows were evaluated based on a questionnaire answered by 137 Danish veterinarians and 189 Danish dairy farmers. Respondents were asked to score the perceived pain associated with a number of diseases in dairy cows on a scale from 1 (no pain) to 10 (very painful) assuming that no analgesics were used. Additionally, they were asked whether they agreed or disagreed with a number of statements regarding pain and use of analgesics in cows. A large variability in pain scores for individual diseases was found among both farmers and veterinarians. The same disease was scored as ‘very painful’ by some respondents and as ‘not painful’ by others; however, farmers and veterinarians generally agreed which diseases were painful and which were not. Farmers considered most of the disease conditions to be slightly more painful than veterinarians but were less likely to use analgesics. Short communication: Efficacy of copper sulfate hoof baths against digital dermatitis—Where is the evidence? Thomsen, Peter T. Short communication: Efficacy of copper sulfate hoof baths against digital dermatitis—Where is the evidence? Thomsen, Peter T. Journal of Dairy Science 2015 Digital dermatitis is a major problem in modern dairy production because of decreased animal welfare and financial losses. Individual cow treatments are often seen as too time consuming by farmers, and walk-through hoof baths have therefore been used extensively to control digital dermatitis. For decades, copper sulfate hoof baths have been used to treat and prevent digital dermatitis. Copper sulfate has been referred to as the industry gold standard when it comes to hoof-bath chemicals. In several scientific studies testing the efficacy of other hoof-care products, copper sulfate has been used as a positive control, thereby indicating that copper sulfate has a known positive effect. However, this may not be the case. A dilemma may exist between (1) copper sulfate generally being perceived as being effective against digital dermatitis and (2) a possible lack of well-documented scientific evidence of this effect. The objective of this study was to evaluate the existing scientific literature to determine whether the efficacy of copper sulfate used in hoof baths against digital dermatitis has in fact been demonstrated scientifically. A systematic literature search identified 7 peer-reviewed journal articles describing the efficacy of copper sulfate in hoof baths as treatment or prevention of bovine digital dermatitis. Only 2 of the 7 studies compared copper sulfate to a negative control; most studies were relatively small, and often no clear positive effect of copper sulfate was demonstrated. In conclusion, the frequent claim that copper sulfate is widely reported to be effective is supported by little scientific evidence. Well-designed clinical trials evaluating the effect of copper sulfate against digital dermatitis compared with a negative control are needed. Until such studies have been made, the efficacy of copper sulfate in hoof baths against digital dermatitis remains largely unproven. Rapid screening method for lameness in dairy cows Thomsen, P. T. Rapid screening method for lameness in dairy cows Thomsen, P. T. Veterinary Record 2009 Osteitis of the apex of the third phalanx following foot trimming in a dairy cow Thompson, P. N. Osteitis of the apex of the third phalanx following foot trimming in a dairy cow Thompson, P. N. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association-Tydskrif Van Die Suid-Afrikaanse Veterinere Vereniging 1998 An adult Ayrshire cow was presented with bilateral hind-limb lameness 5 weeks after routine claw trimming. Examination under intravenous regional anaesthesia revealed ulceration of the sole at the toe of both the right lateral and left medial claws of the hind limbs. Radiographic examination showed osteolysis and pathological fractures of the 3rd phalanx of both affected claws. Wooden blocks were fixed to the 2 healthy claws and the bone fragments were removed using a different technique for each claw. Full recovery followed within 11 weeks. The aetiological factors and treatment options for this condition, which was considered to be caused primarily by incorrect claw trimming, are discussed. Recovery of chronically lame dairy cows following treatment for claw horn lesions: a randomised controlled trial Bell, N.J., Bollard, N.J., Burrows, A. et al Recovery of chronically lame dairy cows following treatment for claw horn lesions: a randomised controlled trial Bell, N.J., Bollard, N.J., Burrows, A., Huxley, J.N., Mason, C., Remnant, J. G., Thomas, H. J., Whay, H. R. Vet Rec 2016 A positively controlled, randomised controlled trial (RCT) was undertaken to test recovery of cows with claw horn lesions resulting in lameness of greater than two weeks duration. Cows on seven commercial farms were mobility scored fortnightly and selected by lameness severity and chronicity. Study cows all received a therapeutic trim then random allocation of: no further treatment (trim only (TRM)), plastic shoe (TS) or plastic shoe and NSAID (TSN). Recovery was assessed by mobility score at 42 (+/-4) days post treatment by an observer blind to treatment group. Multivariable analysis showed no significant effect of treatment with an almost identical, low response rate to treatment across all groups (Percentage non-lame at outcome: TRM--15 per cent, TS--15 per cent, TSN--16 per cent). When compared with results of a similar RCT on acutely lame cows, where response rates to treatment were substantially higher, it can be concluded that any delay in treatment is likely to reduce the rate of recovery, suggesting early identification and treatment is key. Thirty-eight per cent of animals treated in this study were lame on the contralateral limb at outcome suggesting that both hindlimbs should be examined and a preventive or if necessary a therapeutic foot trim performed when lameness is identified particularly if the duration of lameness is unknown. Evaluation of four treatments for claw horn lesions in dairy cows Archer, S. C., Bell, N.J., Bollard et al Evaluation of four treatments for claw horn lesions in dairy cows Archer, S. C., Bell, N.J., Bollard, N.J., Huxley, J.N., Mason, C., Maxwell, O.J.R, Miguel-Pacheco, G.G., Remnant,J.G., Sleeman, P, Thomas,H.J., Whay, H. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Investigation of early and effective treatment interventions for claw horn lesions in UK dairy cows Archer, SC, Bell, NJ, Bollard, N, Mason et al Investigation of early and effective treatment interventions for claw horn lesions in UK dairy cows Archer, SC, Bell, NJ, Bollard, N, Mason, C., Maxwell, O, Miguel Pacheco, G, Remnant, J, Sleeman, P, Thomas, HJ, Whay, HR Cattle Practice 2013 An unusual case of foreign body in the knee joint of a cow Ganesh, R., Rameshkumar, B., Thilagar et al An unusual case of foreign body in the knee joint of a cow Ganesh, R., Rameshkumar, B., Thilagar, S. Indian Veterinary Journal 1999 Remote Noninvasive Assessment of Pain and Health Status in Cattle Amrine, David E., Theurer, Miles E. et al Remote Noninvasive Assessment of Pain and Health Status in Cattle Amrine, David E., Theurer, Miles E., White, Brad J. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2013 Effect of pen size, group size, and stocking density on activity in freestall-housed dairy cows Talebi, A., Telezhenko, E. et al Effect of pen size, group size, and stocking density on activity in freestall-housed dairy cows Talebi, A., Telezhenko, E., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Effect of different flooring systems on claw conformation of dairy cows Bergsten, C., Magnusson, M., Nilsson et al Effect of different flooring systems on claw conformation of dairy cows Bergsten, C., Magnusson, M., Nilsson, C., Telezhenko, E. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Efficacy of formalin, copper sulfate, and a commercial footbath product in the control of digital dermatitis Bicalho, R. C., Caixeta, L. S., Machado et al Efficacy of formalin, copper sulfate, and a commercial footbath product in the control of digital dermatitis Bicalho, R. C., Caixeta, L. S., Machado, V. S., Pereira, R. V., Teixeira, A. G. V. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 The development of a SoftSeparator™ for a lameness diagnostic system Rajkondawar, P. G., Tasch, U. The development of a SoftSeparator™ for a lameness diagnostic system Rajkondawar, P. G., Tasch, U. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 2004 Lameness in dairy herds is a critical economic factor and a crucial animal welfare issue. The authors, along with other scientists, developed an automatic lameness detection system named reaction force detection (RFD) system. The RFD performs lameness analysis based on measurements of ground reaction forces (GRF) as the animal walks freely through the system. This technology-based lameness analysis system is in its advanced commercialization stages, and it may prove to be a valid alternative to current animal scoring schemes that are observer dependent. The main outputs of the RFD are GRF and limb/floor contact locations of individual limbs. These GRF and limb/floor location records were used in the past to distinguish lame from sound cows. This paper further demonstrates that the very same records can be used to separate the RFD outputs, generated when a group of n cows walks through, into n files of a single animal in each. This file separation is a software-based algorithm that is based on induction. The induction-based animal separation process enables one to separate the records of any number, n, of animals that walk through as a single group. RFD outputs of a group of two and four animals are rewritten into multiple files, each one containing the records of a single animal. This animal separation algorithm could eliminate the need for gates that result in slowing down animal traffic. Biochemical, histopathological and biomechanical mechanisms of lameness associated with first calving Tarlton, J. F., WEBSTER, A.J.F. Biochemical, histopathological and biomechanical mechanisms of lameness associated with first calving Tarlton, J. F., WEBSTER, A.J.F. Cattle Practice 2003 Biomechanical and histopathological changes in the support structures of bovine hooves around the time of first calving Evans, K. M., Holah, D. E., Jones, S. et al Biomechanical and histopathological changes in the support structures of bovine hooves around the time of first calving Evans, K. M., Holah, D. E., Jones, S., Pearson, G. R., Tarlton, J. F., WEBSTER, A.J.F. Veterinary Journal 2002 Biomechanical and biochemical analyses of changes in the supportive structure of the bovine hoof in maiden heifers and around the... Evans, K. M., Pearson, G. R., Tarlton et al Biomechanical and biochemical analyses of changes in the supportive structure of the bovine hoof in maiden heifers and around the time of first calving Evans, K. M., Pearson, G. R., Tarlton, J. F., WEBSTER, A.J.F. Fusobacterium necrophorum infections: Virulence factors, pathogenic mechanisms and control measures. CHEGAPPA, M.M., NAGARAGA, T.G., TAN et al Fusobacterium necrophorum infections: Virulence factors, pathogenic mechanisms and control measures. CHEGAPPA, M.M., NAGARAGA, T.G., TAN, Z.L., Veterinary research communication 1996 Corkscrew claw in cows. A review Niemi, J., Tamminen, J. Corkscrew claw in cows. A review Niemi, J., Tamminen, J. Suomen Elainlaakarilehti 1997 This review covers the economic impact of the condition which appears to be increasing in dairy herds, and its treatment. The condition is considered to hereditary and is incurable, however frequent claw trimming can ease the problem Outbreak of lameness in cattle [letter] Anderson, K. W., McCreath, C. F. et al Outbreak of lameness in cattle [letter] Anderson, K. W., McCreath, C. F., Talbot, A. C., Woodcock, S. Veterinary Record 1992 Changes in hind claw shape and development of subclinical sole lesions after foot trimming in dairy cattle housed in a cubicle... Iketaki, T., Ohtani, M., Taguchi, K. et al Changes in hind claw shape and development of subclinical sole lesions after foot trimming in dairy cattle housed in a cubicle system Iketaki, T., Ohtani, M., Taguchi, K., Yamada, H., Yamagishi, N., Yamashita, M. Journal of the Japan Veterinary Medical Association 1999 47 cattle (11 heifers, 11 first-calf heifers, 13 second-calf cows and 12 mature cows) housed in a cubicle system from one week after calving, were examined for changes in the hind claws monthly from 2 months before to 3 months after calving. All the feet were trimmed at 2 months before calving. The abaxial wall of the outer claw increased in length and the weight bearing surface of the inner claw decreased in area significantly at 2 months after calving, resulting in a distinct difference between the inner and the outer claw shape. A high prevalence of the white line defect and heel erosion was detected at calving and persisted up to 3 months after calving. Sole haemorrhage was most prevalent 2 to 3 months after calving, being significantly higher at the outer claw. The occurrence of foot diseases seemed to be due to the subclinical sole lesions and lack of hoof trimming after calving Relationship between outward rotation of hind feet and subclinical sole lesions in lactating dairy cows Sagawa, S., Soehartono, R. H., Taguchi et al Relationship between outward rotation of hind feet and subclinical sole lesions in lactating dairy cows Sagawa, S., Soehartono, R. H., Taguchi, K., Yamada, H., Yamagishi, N. Journal of the Japan Veterinary Medical Association 1999 The relationship between outward rotation of hind feet and subclinical sole lesions was analysed in 117 lactating Holstein cows housed in free stalls. The outward rotation was visually classified as score 1 (none to slight rotation) and score 2 (moderate to severe rotation), and the degree of external rotation, dimensions of medial and lateral claws and sub-clinical sole lesions of the right hind feet were measured. The prevalence and severity of haemorrhage in the sole were higher in the lateral claws with rotation score 2 than those with rotation score 1, while the dimensions of the medial and lateral claws were not different. It is suggested that moderate to severe rotation of the hind feet may be related to the prevalence and severity of haemorrhage in the sole of the lateral claw Effects of a monthly foot-care program (lameness screening and hoof trimming) on dairy cattle housed in cubicles Iketaki, T., Ohtani, M., Taguchi, K. et al Effects of a monthly foot-care program (lameness screening and hoof trimming) on dairy cattle housed in cubicles Iketaki, T., Ohtani, M., Taguchi, K., Yamada, H. Journal of the Japan Veterinary Medical Association 2002 Prevalence of lameness in cows from 50 dairy herds in southern Chile Hettich, E., Tadich, N. A., van Schaik et al Prevalence of lameness in cows from 50 dairy herds in southern Chile Hettich, E., Tadich, N. A., van Schaik, G. Archivos De Medicina Veterinaria 2005 In order to determine the prevalence of lameness, the type of the lesions and the degree of cow's lameness a study was carried out in 50 dairy farms from three provinces (Valdivia, Osomo and Llanquihue) of the Xth Region (Southern Chile). The farms were visited once between April and July, 2003. In each visit all the cows milked at the time of the visit were observed during locomotion. In lame cows all four feet were examined. The degree of lameness was scored in a scale of 1 to 4, being 1 slightly lame and 4 very lame. The data were recorded in an individual recording sheet for each cow. All the data recorded were introduced in an EXCEL data sheet as numerical variables and analysed using the statistical program SPSS 8.0. The farm, province and regional prevalence of lameness were determined, as well as the farm prevalence and total prevalence for each cause of lameness. A total of 7.501 dairy cows were observed. The mean total prevalence was (9.1%). The four most frequent lesions were chronic lesions of the hoof (19.8%), white line lesions (15.9%), lesions of the wall (10.9%) and overgrowth of the sole horn (10.0%). In relationship to the severity of the lesions found in this study, 53.4% of the cows had a lameness score of 1; 31.86% score 2; 11.9% score 3 and 2.8% score 4. In 43.7% of the cows the hind right foot was the most affected; in 38.4% of the cows it was the left hind foot, in 10.7% the fore right foot and in 7.2% the fore left foot. The most affected toe was the right lateral hind toe with 27%, followed by the left lateral hind toe with 25.8%. The total prevalence found in this study was lower than the prevalence reported in previous national studies and similar to the prevalence described in countries with similar management and climatic conditions as Chile. It is necessary to educate farmers on the effect of lameness on production and animal welfare. Nociceptive threshold, blood constituents and physiological values in 213 cows with locomotion scores ranging from normal to... Bastias, S., Green, L. E., Rosenfeld et al Nociceptive threshold, blood constituents and physiological values in 213 cows with locomotion scores ranging from normal to severely lame Bastias, S., Green, L. E., Rosenfeld, C., Tadich, N., Tejeda, C. The Veterinary Journal 2013 Associations between hoof lesions and locomotion score in 1098 unsound dairy cows Flor, Efrén, Green, Laura, Tadich et al Associations between hoof lesions and locomotion score in 1098 unsound dairy cows Flor, Efrén, Green, Laura, Tadich, Néstor The Veterinary Journal 2010 Cryosurgical therapy of digital lesions in cattle Tabatabaei Naeini, A. Cryosurgical therapy of digital lesions in cattle Tabatabaei Naeini, A. Trauma-induced severe lameness in calves Fowlie, G., Logue, D., Patterson, T. et al Trauma-induced severe lameness in calves Fowlie, G., Logue, D., Patterson, T., Ritchie, C., Synge, B. Veterinary Record 2001 Fluoride intoxication in bovines due to industrial pollution Dey, S., Dwivedi, S. K., Ray, S. K. et al Fluoride intoxication in bovines due to industrial pollution Dey, S., Dwivedi, S. K., Ray, S. K., Swarup, D. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 1998 A survey conducted in the vicinity of an aluminium smelter revealed occurrence of fluoride intoxication in the cattle population. Affected animals exhibited lameness, reluctance to move, thickening of metatarsal, metacarpal rib and mandibular bones with the presence of palpable bony exostoses. Moderate to severe dental lesions were also observed in most of the animals. Overall incidence of disease was 42.31%. The highest incidence (58.27%) was within 3 km of the factory which declined exponentially with the distance from the smelter. Biochemical examination of serum, revealed significantly higher levels of alkaline phosphatase (22.08¤2.12 KA unit/dl), inorganic phosphorus (5.15¤0.24 mg/dl) and creatinine (1.88¤0.26 mg/dl) and decreased levels of triiodothyronine (0.59¤0.14 ng/ml) in the affected animals than in healthy animals. Fluoride levels in the urine of affected cattle averaged 26.45¤3.28 ppm in the close vicinity of smelter. Contamination of pasture from smelter smoke was considered to be the most likely source of the fluoride intoxication Clinico-epidemiological observations of industrial bovine fluorosis in India Ali, S. L., Dey, S., Dwivedi, S. K. et al Clinico-epidemiological observations of industrial bovine fluorosis in India Ali, S. L., Dey, S., Dwivedi, S. K., Patra, R. C., Swarup, D. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 2001 Clinical examination of cattle population in 4 villages around (<3 km) super phosphate fertilizer units in Udaipur district (India) in the month of July for 2 consecutive years (1998 and 1999) revealed occurrence of fluorosis. Prevalence rate of the disease was 27.1% during 1998, which increased to 46.8% in 1999. Lameness, bony exostosis and dental lesions with varying frequency clinically manifested the disease. Debility, inability to walk and defective mastication were also seen in severely affected animals. Exostosis of metatarsal and metacarpal bones was the most frequently observed sign in the first year, whereas exostosis of ribs was more common sign in the next year. Affected animals had higher concentration of fluoride in serum (range 0.31-1.07 mg/litre in 1998 and 0.13-2.02 mg/litre) and urine (range 5.10-89.10 mg/litre in 1998 and 7.64-51.10 mg/litre in 1999). The serum activity of aminotransferases and amylase enzymes and concentrations of creatinine and cholesterol were within normal range in the affected animals, but they had higher level of serum urea (7.84+-0.65 mmol/litre). High fluoride level in fodder (534.4+-74.9 mg/kg) and surface water (0.782+-0.249 mg/litre in 1998 and 1.186+-0.286 mg/litre in 1999) contaminated from fertilizer manufacturing units, was suggested as the possible source of excess fluoride ingestion by animals. The study concluded that morbidity and mortality pattern rather than concentration of fluoride in serum or urine are better indicators of continuous exposure of animals to fluoride A study based on records taken at time of hoof trimming reveals a strong association between the IQ motif-containing... Brenig, B., Floren, C., Pijl, R. et al A study based on records taken at time of hoof trimming reveals a strong association between the IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) gene and sole hemorrhage in Holstein cattle Brenig, B., Floren, C., Pijl, R., Schöpke, K., Swalve, H. H., Wensch-Dorendorf, M., Wimmers, K. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Laminitis in young dairy calves fed a high starch diet and with a history of bovine viral diarrhoea virus infection Bergsten, C., Svensson, C. Laminitis in young dairy calves fed a high starch diet and with a history of bovine viral diarrhoea virus infection Bergsten, C., Svensson, C. Veterinary Record 1997 Six of the 33 calves born in a Swedish dairy herd during a period of four months developed laminitis when they were eight to 12 weeks old. The clinical signs included difficulty in rising, a stiff gait, overgrown claws and haemorrhages in the sole horn. Samples of blood were taken from four of the calves when they had shown signs of laminitis for two to seven weeks; the serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D3, the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and glutathione peroxidase, and the patterns of serum proteins were within their normal ranges. The feet of the same four calves were examined after slaughter; the third phalanx of each calf was rotated and its distal end osteolytic. Histologically there was separation and degeneration of the squamous cells of the white line, and thromboses and vasculitis in the fine vessels of the corium. Four of the six affected calves were persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhoea virus and one had antibodies against the virus. From six weeks of age the calves had been fed rye wheat, a hybrid seed rich in starch, and this may have contributed to the outbreak of laminitis Comparison of topical application of three products for treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Swann Britt et al Comparison of topical application of three products for treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Swann Britt, Jenks Gaska Jerome Garrett Edward Frank Konkle Darlene Mealy Martha Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1996 Objective: To test the effectiveness of 3 topical sprays for treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) in dairy cattle. Design: Prospective field trial. Animals: 48 lactating cows with PDD randomly assigned to 4 groups of 1 2 cows each. Procedure: For 3 weeks, cows in each group were treated topically with oxytetracycline solution (100 mg/ml), acidified ionized copper solution, acidified sodium chlorite solution, or a placebo (tap water). Cows were milked 3 times daily, and at each milking, lesions were washed with a pressure hose and treatment solutions were sprayed on the lesions. Degree of lameness was graded before and after 3 weeks of treatment. Results: Mean lameness score decreased (i.e., cows were less lame) for all 3 treatment groups, but increased for the control group. Clinical Implications: Daily application of topical solutions was effective in decreasing degree of lameness associated with PDD in cattle tested Analysis of Mineral Elements, Metabolism, and Inflammation Indexes in the Plasma of Dairy Cows Suffering from Different Degrees... Chen, J., Gao, J., Gu, C., Guo, D., Li et al Analysis of Mineral Elements, Metabolism, and Inflammation Indexes in the Plasma of Dairy Cows Suffering from Different Degrees of Lameness Chen, J., Gao, J., Gu, C., Guo, D., Li, C., Qu, Y., Sun, D., Wang, J., Wang, X., Wei, S., Wu, R. Biol Trace Elem Res 2015 In the plasma of dairy cows with 1-5 points of lameness, the mineral elements [calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iodine (I), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), and chromium (Cr)], the energy metabolic indicators [triglyceride (TG), glucose (Glu), total cholesterol (CHO), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), lactate (LA), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], and inflammatory indexes [bovine haptoglobin (BoHp), histamine (HIS), and immunoglobulin G (IgG)] were measured, respectively. Furthermore, the correlations of the measured indicators with the degrees of lameness were analyzed. The results showed that in the plasma of dairy cows with 2/3-5 points of lameness, for the mineral elements' levels, Ca, Cu, I, Se, and Fe significantly decreased, Cr significantly increased, and Mo showed a decreasing trend; for levels of the energy metabolism indicators, NEFA and BHBA significantly decreased, BUN and LA significantly increased, and Glu, CHO, and TG showed an increasing trend; for inflammation indexes, the concentrations of HIS, BoHp, and IgG all significantly increased; and further analysis indicated that the Mo, Fe, NEFA, BUN, BHBA, IgG, Ca, and Se had a significant correlation with the degrees of lameness. Resulting data revealed the changes of mineral elements, metabolism, and inflammation indexes in the plasma of dairy cows suffering from different degrees of lameness, which will provided basic knowledge for in-depth understanding of lameness in dairy cows. Footbaths on Dairy Farms in England and Wales Davies, R. C., Sumner, J. Footbaths on Dairy Farms in England and Wales Davies, R. C., Sumner, J. Veterinary Record 1984 Digital dermatitis treponemes associated with a severe foot disease in dairy goats Carter, S. D., Clegg, S.R., Duncan et al Digital dermatitis treponemes associated with a severe foot disease in dairy goats Carter, S. D., Clegg, S.R., Duncan, J. S., Evans, N.J, Grove-White, D., Horsfield, J. E., Sullivan, L. E. Vet Rec 2015 A UK dairy goat herd was assessed after reports of a severe lameness problem of unknown aetiology. A lameness prevalence estimate was produced and individual clinical examination of 15 randomly selected lame goats was performed. Fifteen animals had foot lesions closely resembling contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) in sheep. Eight of the goats examined presented with typical CODD lesions and seven showed what appeared to be a more severe CODD with under-running of the sole. Ten biopsy samples were obtained from the foot lesions and tested by PCR for the three previously isolated digital dermatitis (DD) Treponema phylogroups and culture of treponemes was attempted. Ninety per cent of the biopsy samples were positive for Treponema medium/Treponema vincentii-like spirochaetes and Treponema phagedenis-like DD spirochaetes and 80per cent were positive for Treponema pedis. Spirochaetes were successfully isolated from 50 per cent of lesion samples. Three isolates were identified as belonging to the T. phagedenis-like spirochaetes and two were identified as T. pedis. The frequent isolation of similar treponemes to those isolated from bovine digital dermatitis and CODD lesions and the identification of these DD-associated phylotypes in the vast majority of lesions support the hypothesis that this novel foot condition is associated with infection by DD treponemes, and given the similarities to CODD, it suggests a causal role. A molecular epidemiology of treponemes in beef cattle digital dermatitis lesions and comparative analyses with sheep contagious... Blowey, R. W., Carter, S. D., Clegg et al A molecular epidemiology of treponemes in beef cattle digital dermatitis lesions and comparative analyses with sheep contagious ovine digital dermatitis and dairy cattle digital dermatitis lesions Blowey, R. W., Carter, S. D., Clegg, S.R., Duncan, J. S., Evans, N.J, Grove-White, D. H., Sullivan, L. E. Veterinary Microbiology 2015 Bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) is an infective foot disease commonly reported in dairy cattle where Treponema are considered as the primary causative infectious agents. There still remains little definitive information on the etiology of BDD in beef cattle suggesting further investigations are warranted. Beef BDD lesions (n = 34) and healthy beef foot tissues (n = 38) were analysed by PCR for three BDD-associated Treponema phylogroups and also for Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium necrophorum. Spirochete culture was attempted on all BDD lesion samples. One or more BDD-associated Treponema phylogroups were detected in 100% of beef BDD lesions. “Treponema medium/Treponema vincentii-like”, “Treponema phagedenis-like” and Treponema pedis spirochetes were identified in 27/34 (79%), 31/34 (91%) and 24/34 (71%) of BDD lesions, respectively. No BDD-associated treponeme DNA was amplified from beef healthy foot tissues. D. nodosus and F. necrophorum were present in 24/34 (71%) and 15/34 (44%) of lesions and 10/38 (26%) and 12/38 (32%) of healthy foot tissues, respectively. Twenty spirochetes were isolated from beef BDD lesions; 19 were representatives of the three BDD-associated Treponema phylogroups. One spirochete isolate shared less than 97% 16S rRNA gene similarity to the three cultivable BDD-associated Treponema phylogroups and therefore may represent a novel taxa of Treponema. Upon comparison, sheep contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD), dairy cattle and beef cattle BDD lesions appear to have extremely similar bacteriological data and therefore provides evidence of a shared etiopathogenesis posing concerns for cross-species transmission. High-level association of bovine digital dermatitis Treponema spp. with contagious ovine digital dermatitis lesions and presence... Angell, J. W., Bell, J., Blowey, R. W. et al High-level association of bovine digital dermatitis Treponema spp. with contagious ovine digital dermatitis lesions and presence of Fusobacterium necrophorum and Dichelobacter nodosus Angell, J. W., Bell, J., Blowey, R. W., Carter, S. D., Clegg, S.R., Duncan, J. S., Evans, N.J, Grove-White, D. H., Murray, R. D., Newbrook, K., Sullivan, L. E. J Clin Microbiol 2015 Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) is an important foot disease in sheep, with significant animal welfare and economic implications. It is thought that CODD emerged from bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) via treponemal bacteria. With wildlife species such as elk now suffering a CODD-like disease, it is imperative to clarify these disease etiologies. A large investigation into treponemal association with CODD is warranted. CODD lesions (n = 58) and healthy sheep foot tissues (n = 56) were analyzed by PCR for the three BDD-associated Treponema phylogroups and two other lameness-associated bacteria, Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium necrophorum. Spirochete culture was also attempted on CODD lesions. "Treponema medium/Treponema vincentii-like," "Treponema phagedenis-like," and Treponema pedis spirochetes were identified in 39/58 (67%), 49/58 (85%), and 41/58 (71%) of CODD lesions, respectively. One or more BDD-associated Treponema phylogroups were detected in 100% of CODD lesions. Healthy foot tissues did not amplify BDD-associated Treponema phylogroup DNA. D. nodosus and F. necrophorum were present in 34/58 (59%) and 41/58 (71%) of CODD lesions and 22/56 (39%) and 5/56 (9%) of healthy foot tissues, respectively. Thirty-two spirochetes were isolated from CODD lesions, with representatives clustering with, and indistinguishable from, each of the three BDD-associated Treponema phylogroups based on 16S rRNA gene comparisons. This study for the first time demonstrates a high-level association for BDD treponeme phylogroups in CODD and their absence from healthy tissues, supporting the hypothesis that BDD treponemes play a primary causative role in CODD and confirming that the specific PCR assays are an effective differential diagnostic tool for CODD. Presence of digital dermatitis treponemes on cattle and sheep hoof trimming equipment Angell, J. W., Blowey, R. W., Carter et al Presence of digital dermatitis treponemes on cattle and sheep hoof trimming equipment Angell, J. W., Blowey, R. W., Carter, S. D., Duncan, J. S., Evans, N.J, Grove-White, D. H., Iveson, T., Page,P., Sullivan, L. E. Veterinary Record 2014 Digitalis Dermatitis – Considerations with an Evaluation of an Intensive Therapy Lam, Tjgm, Merkens, H. W. et al Digitalis Dermatitis – Considerations with an Evaluation of an Intensive Therapy Lam, Tjgm, Merkens, H. W., NoordhuizenStassen, E. N., Suichies, H. R. Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde 1993 A piece of clinical research was performed to illustrate the recovery process of Digital Dermatitis on a chronically contaminated cattle farm. The combined effect of intensive individual treatment and an antibiotic foot-bath was examined. In addition to the classical condition recognized as Mortellaro's disease we found an aspecific form of Digital Dermatitis which failed to respond adequately to the currently recommended therapy. Digital dermatitis in cattle and an evaluation of intensive therapy Lam, Tjgm, Merkens, H. W. et al Digital dermatitis in cattle and an evaluation of intensive therapy Lam, Tjgm, Merkens, H. W., Noordhuizen Stassen, E. N., Suichies, H. R. Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde 1993 Plantar and/or dorsal dermatitis of digital skin just proximal to the coronary border, as described by C. M. Mortellaro in 1974 [see VB 51, 6882; 60, 4948], affected 32 feet in 22 cows of a 65-cow herd. It was treated by cleaning the claws, applying a spray of chlortetracycline and gentian violet at 10-day intervals, and using a chlorteracycline foot bath. After 35 days the condition had improved in 22 feet and had resolved in 5 feet. Five cases which failed to respond may have been an atypical form of dermatitis Performance traits, hoof mineral composition, and hoof characteristics of bulls in a 112-day postweaning feedlot performance test Brown, A. H., Johnson, Z. B., Kellogg et al Performance traits, hoof mineral composition, and hoof characteristics of bulls in a 112-day postweaning feedlot performance test Brown, A. H., Johnson, Z. B., Kellogg, D. W., Perkins, J. L., Phillips, J. M., Sugg, J. L. American Journal of Veterinary Research 1996 Objective-To evaluate relations between hoof and performance data from bulls fed in a 112-day standardized postweaning feedlot performance test. Animals and Design-Breeds included were Angus (n = 20), Brangus (n = 19), Hereford (n = 31), and Simmental (n = 53). Hoof measurements, scores, and a 0.5-g hoof tissue sample were obtained from the right fore-foot of bulls on days 1 and 112 of 4 tests conducted in 3 locations in Arkansas. Data were analyzed, using least squares ANOVA. The model used included an overall mean, breed, farm of origin within breed, initial age, and initial weight within breed and residual. Residual and canonical correlations of the traits studied were calculated. Results-Residual correlations were found between some hoof minerals. Canonical correlations between performance traits and hoof minerals, between hoof characteristics and hoof minerals, and between hoof characteristics and performance traits were 0.62 and 0.45 (P < 0.05), 0.54 and 0.40 (P < 0.05), and 0.56 (P < 0.01) and 0.26 (P > 0.05), respectively. Conclusions-These data suggest that a relation exists between performance traits and hoof mineral composition and hoof characteristics and mineral composition. The visual scoring system for these data did not genetically separate bulls on the basis of claw quality. Clinical Implications-By selecting bulls with high claw quality, cattle producers are decreasing the chances of premature culling because of hoof laminitis. Therefore, by obtaining hoof measurements and mineral composition in a feedlot performance test, producers should have the tools to select bulls for increased lifetime performance Change in Hoof Phosphorus-Content For Bulls in a 112-Day Postweaning Feedlot Performance-Test Brown, A. H., Johnson, Z. B., Kellogg et al Change in Hoof Phosphorus-Content For Bulls in a 112-Day Postweaning Feedlot Performance-Test Brown, A. H., Johnson, Z. B., Kellogg, D. W., Perkins, J. L., Phillips, J. M., Sugg, J. L. Nutrition Research 1993 Hoof samples for mineral analysis from four breed groups of bulls-- Angus (n=20), Brangus (n=19), Hereford (n=31) and Simmental (n=53)-- obtained during a 112-d postweaning feedlot performance test were used to study effects on the change in hoof phosphorus (P) concentrations. Hoof samples were obtained for mineral analysis from the right front foot of all bulls on d 1 and 112 of four tests conducted in three locations in Arkansas. Data were analyzed using least-squares analysis of variance. The model included terms for common element, an effect due to test, breed, farm of origin within breed, hoof pigment, initial age and residual error. Breed means were separated using repeated t-test. Residual correlations between P and other hoof minerals were obtained. Breed was the only significant source of variation on the change in hoof P. The model explained 45% of the variation (R 2) . Breed means for the change in P showed both Angus and Brangus bulls significantly different (P < .05) from Simmental bulls. Residual correlation for the change in P with the change in K was -.48 (P < .001). Residual correlations for the change in P with the changes in Mg (-.28), Ca (-.27), Na (-.28), Mn (-.28) and Cu (.23) were significant at P < .05. Results from this study suggest there are breed effects on the change in the P concentration of hooves and that P changes are correlated to changes in other hoof minerals Radiographical aspects of foot lesions of zebu beef cattle (Bos indicus) Bergamo, R. A., Pardo, P. E., Scudeller et al Radiographical aspects of foot lesions of zebu beef cattle (Bos indicus) Bergamo, R. A., Pardo, P. E., Scudeller, P. S. O., Sturion, D. J. UNIMAR Ciencias 1997 Quantifying Transitions Between Levels Of Mobility Score In Dairy Cows Bell, N.J., Groenevelt, M., Main,D.C.J. et al Quantifying Transitions Between Levels Of Mobility Score In Dairy Cows Bell, N.J., Groenevelt, M., Main,D.C.J., Stoye, S.C. Veterinary Record 2014 Synchronized lying in cattle in relation to time of day Porter, Mason A., Stamp Dawkins, Marian et al Synchronized lying in cattle in relation to time of day Porter, Mason A., Stamp Dawkins, Marian, Stoye, Sophie Livestock Science 2012 Postural synchrony, in which cattle lie down or stand up at the same time as other members of their herd, occurs both in animals housed indoors when enough resources are available and in those out at pasture, but the mechanisms by which such synchrony is achieved are poorly understood. We report a study of 6 groups of young cattle (Bos taurus) at pasture in which our aim was to study postural synchrony at different times of day and in relation to the postures of neighbouring cattle. All of the observed groups exhibited a high degree of synchrony in lying/standing, as 70% of animals in a group exhibited the same posture over 93% of the time. Time of day had a significant effect (P≈0.0046): cattle were least synchronized in the middle of the day and most synchronized in the morning and evening. With the increasing use of synchrony of lying as a measure of welfare in cattle, such temporal effects need to be taken into account. Cattle were more synchronized with the posture of a near neighbour than they were with that of a randomly chosen member of the herd (P≈0.016), suggesting that cattle were actively synchronizing their postures with that of their neighbours. These results indicate that a full understanding of the mechanisms of postural synchronization in cattle herds will need to incorporate both collective (allelomimetic) and concurrent (individual) responses. Including lameness and mastitis in a profit index for dairy cattle Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P., Stott et al Including lameness and mastitis in a profit index for dairy cattle Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P., Stott, A. W. Animal Science 2005 The objective of this work was to establish economic values (EVs) of mastitis and lameness in order to enhance the current UK dairy profit index (poundPLI) by including these health traits. The EVs of traits currently in poundPLI were also re-evaluated to account for changes in costs/returns over time and to determine their sensitivity to changes in some of the basic assumptions used in their derivation. Predicted transmitting abilities (PTAs) for mastitis are not available in the UK. Instead, PTAs for somatic cell count (SCC), which has a strong genetic correlation with clinical mastitis, were used to predict clinical mastitis. Similarly, PTAs for locomotion and (for bulls with no locomotion PTA) the 'legs and feet' composite were used to predict lameness. The EV of mastitis was estimated at pound0.83 per percent incidence, giving an index weight for SCC PTA of pound0.20. The EV of lameness was estimated at pound0.99 per percent incidence, giving an index weight for locomotion PTA of pound1.28. The associated index weight for the 'legs and feet' composite was estimated to be pound1.50. Economic values for all traits (production, lifespan, mastitis and lameness) were found to be sensitive to their associated price assumption but not to price assumptions of other traits in the index or to other production parameters in the model. Better information is needed on the influence of cow age (parity) on incidence of disease and on the probability of involuntary culling to determine the appropriate balance between the EVs for longevity and health. Currently, 16% of the weight in poundPLI is attributable to non-production traits. In our revised index this weight increased to 23%. Even so, selection using this index is still predicted to result in an increase in mastitis and lameness, albeit at a very low rate. This situation may be changed by the introduction of fertility into poundPLI and through better information about health traits. Incorporation of consumer preference into poundPLI may require traits associated with health and welfare of the cow to receive more weight than their EV would suggest in order to maintain or improve health traits in national selection programmes. Clinical report – Atypical rabies in a cow Jones, Tyler Rupprecht Charles, Shirely et al Clinical report – Atypical rabies in a cow Jones, Tyler Rupprecht Charles, Shirely, Larry A., Stoltenow, Charles L. Bovine Practitioner 1999 A six year old cow with decreased appetite and a stiff gait of seven days duration was examined by its owner and veterinarian. Clinical signs were non-specific and a definitive diagnosis was not made. The cow died 19 days after first being noticed as ill. Because of a previous news story about rabies, the owner had the cow's brain tested for rabies and it was positive. The owner underwent post-exposure prophylaxis. The news story about rabies was effective in educating the public about rabies. However, continuing education may be necessary to improve the veterinarian's understanding of the pathogenesis and epidemiology of rabies in cattle Lameness in feedlot cattle Edwards, T., Griffin, D., Grotelueschen et al Lameness in feedlot cattle Edwards, T., Griffin, D., Grotelueschen, D. M., Lechtenberg, K., MacGregor, S., Perino, L. J., Smith, R. A., Stokka, G. L., Voss, K. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2001 The reliability of detecting digital dermatitis in the milking parlour Leach, K. A., Main, D. C. J., Stokes et al The reliability of detecting digital dermatitis in the milking parlour Leach, K. A., Main, D. C. J., Stokes, J. E., Whay, H. R. The Veterinary Journal 2012 Digital dermatitis (DD) is currently the most problematic infectious skin disease in dairy cattle associated with lameness. Reducing the disease prevalence through early detection and treatment is an essential management tool. The traditional detection method involves lifting and inspecting the feet in a cattle crush, but this is a time intensive and costly practice and impractical for regular detection of individual cases or monitoring herd prevalence. This study aimed to establish the accuracy of detecting and classifying DD lesions in traditional (pit) milking parlours compared with a borescope, and a gold standard lifted foot inspection. With the exception of one lesion, parlour screening was as accurate as the lifted foot inspection in determining the presence of 86 DD lesions on 160 hind feet (99% agreement; κ 0.99; sensitivity 1.00; specificity 0.99). Describing lesions by colour, depth or stage of lesion in the parlour or using the borescope reached substantial agreement with the gold standard. The stage of lesion was closely linked to colour and depth descriptors. There was greater agreement when categorising more advanced stages of disease progression. Borescope and parlour inspections led to both over and under recording of actual size, particularly in smaller lesions. Screening cows in traditional milking parlours for the presence of DD was found to be an accurate and practical means of detecting lesions. This method should be considered for on farm use to evaluate DD prevention and treatment strategies. An investigation into the use of infrared thermography (IRT) as a rapid diagnostic tool for foot lesions in dairy cattle Leach, K. A., Main, D. C. J., Stokes et al An investigation into the use of infrared thermography (IRT) as a rapid diagnostic tool for foot lesions in dairy cattle Leach, K. A., Main, D. C. J., Stokes, J. E., Whay, H. R. The Veterinary Journal 2012 Previous research has suggested that temperature at the coronary band increases in the presence of claw horn lesions in dairy cattle. However the reliability of using infrared thermography (IRT) as a method of distinguishing between lesions has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to examine the potential of IRT as a non-invasive tool for rapidly screening for the presence of digital dermatitis (DD). Eighty-two cows which either had no skin lesions on the hind feet (controls, n = 41 feet) or a DD lesion on one or both feet were selected during milking. Following selection, each cow was moved into the farm crush where thermal images were taken from the plantar aspect of each foot at the pastern when the foot was dirty, cleaned and raised for visual inspection. Following recording of thermal images each hind foot was trimmed and the presence of any lesion recorded. It was found that the temperature did not differ significantly between feet with DD lesions and other skin or claw horn lesions, regardless of whether the feet were dirty, clean or raised for inspection. As IRT was not sensitive enough for lesion specific detection, the reliability of setting a temperature threshold above which any type of lesion causing lameness could be detected was investigated. The optimal trade off between sensitivity and specificity could be reached without having to either clean or lift the feet. Setting the threshold for disease at 27 °C for dirty feet identified 80% of feet with lesions and 73% of feet without lesions correctly. In conclusion, IRT was reliable in detecting elevated temperature associated with foot lesions. Future research investigating the development of lesions may identify a temperature threshold for early treatment intervention. This technique may also be useful to quantify the effectiveness of early treatment by tracking recovery and recurrence of cases. Investigating novel and existing methods of preventing, detecting and treating digital dermatitis in dairy cows Stokes, J. E. Investigating novel and existing methods of preventing, detecting and treating digital dermatitis in dairy cows Stokes, J. E. Clinical veterinary science 2011 Digital dermatitis (DD) is a painful skin condition currently considered to be the leading cause of infectious lameness in dairy cattle. The overall objective of this project was to investigate novel and existing methods of detecting DD to be used by farmers and researchers to monitor the disease, and to investigate the impact of farmers’ prevention and treatment strategies on disease prevalence.
Visual inspection of lesions in the parlour was found to be a practical and reliable method for detecting and classifying DD. In addition, thermography was identified as a potential tool for the detection of cattle foot disorders. Validating such methods for detecting DD is important because locomotion scoring alone was not found to be sufficiently sensitive to identify cows with DD. In a further study a novel ethogram approach validated several specific behaviours associated with DD.
A telephone survey was carried out to establish the nature and scope of management strategies farmers use to control DD. The two main strategies identified in the survey were 1) whole herd footbathing and 2) an individual treatment approach. A one year observational study on fifteen farms used the inspection method developed in the parlour to investigate the impact these two approaches had on disease prevalence. It was found that as herd size increased, footbathing became less effective in maintaining a low prevalence than treating cows individually.
Farmers use a variety of methods in an attempt to control DD on their farms, with different levels of emphasis placed on the priority and regularity of prevention and treatment. An outcome of this study is a DD monitoring approach farmers can use, to routinely assess the effectiveness of prevention and treatment strategies. In addition, results indicate that as herd size and disease prevalence increase, individual treatment is imperative for therapeutic resolution of DD. New Treatment For Bovine Panaritium Using Urotovet Cream Bozovic, V., Bresjanac, D., Jovanovic et al New Treatment For Bovine Panaritium Using Urotovet Cream Bozovic, V., Bresjanac, D., Jovanovic, A., Milcic, D., Stojicevic, S. Vet Glas 1990 The major health problem in large bovine flocks are diseases of the locomotive organs, especially hooves. A great many etiological factors may cause damage to horn tissue of the hoof, however, the most frequent are lack of proper care, inadequate base and rough surface, poor hygienic conditions in stall objects, inappropriate diet, etc. The usual therapy involved copper sulphate, oleum gyrodali, zinc vitamin cream, etc., which have all been used more or less successfully. In addition to other steps such as the regular care of the hooves, timely treatment and the like, the use of Urotovet cream to treat panaricium may help towards reduction of the number of hooves diseased and towards healing of changes already incurred. A single application of the Urotovet produced healing effect in 75.7% of cases while in 24.3% of cases the treatment had to be repeated two or more times Detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus RNA in pharyngeal epithelium biopsy samples obtained from infected cattle:... Belsham, Graham J., Stenfeldt, Carolina Detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus RNA in pharyngeal epithelium biopsy samples obtained from infected cattle: Investigation of possible sites of virus replication and persistence Belsham, Graham J., Stenfeldt, Carolina Veterinary Microbiology 2012 Ulcerative lymphangitis and coronet lesions in an Israeli dairy herd infected with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Elad, D., Shpigel, N. Y., Steinman, A. Ulcerative lymphangitis and coronet lesions in an Israeli dairy herd infected with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Elad, D., Shpigel, N. Y., Steinman, A. Veterinary Record 1999 Stationary manure removal equipment in cattle and pig farming. Technical execution details and correct use govern functional... Keck, M., Steiner, B. Stationary manure removal equipment in cattle and pig farming. Technical execution details and correct use govern functional competence Keck, M., Steiner, B. FAT Berichte, Switzerland 1999 Flawless functioning of manure removal systems depends on the execution of dung channels and their drainage. In order to maintain good claw health, dung channels should be rather dry and have good grip. Most often, high amounts of manure cause blockages, and loose housing has to be cleaned more often as a consequence. For efficient separation of liquid and solid wastes, gaps between slats have to correspond to the manure composition. In open air or cold housing systems, manure removal depends on the impact of frost. Suitable construction and running of manure removal systems under can guarantee functioning down to a temperature of -10oC Arthroscopic lavage and implantation of gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges for treatment of chronic septic arthritis in... Hirsbrunner, G., Miserez, R., Steiner et al Arthroscopic lavage and implantation of gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges for treatment of chronic septic arthritis in cattle Hirsbrunner, G., Miserez, R., Steiner, A., Tschudi, P. Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology 1999 The object of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic lavage and debridement, followed by intra-articular implantation of resorbable gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges (GICS) for treating chronic (_seven days) septic arthritis in cattle. 14 cattle suffering from chronic septic monarthritis refractory to previous treatment were included in this study. Age ranged from one month to 7 years (mean=34 months) and bodyweight from 58 to 640 kg (mean=422 kg). The degree of lameness and characteristics of synovial fluid were evaluated before and at days #10 and 20 after the initial operation. The standard surgical procedure consisted of arthroscopic "through-and-through" lavage of the affected joint with a physiological Ringer's solution, partial synovectomy, and curettage of the articular cartilage when considered necessary, followed by the intra-articular administration of GICS. The aftercare included administration of procaine penicillin, phenylbutazone, and stall confinement. The progress of the cases was monitored at three to 24 months after the initial operation. The tarsocrural joint was affected in six cases, the antebrachiocarpal joint in five and the metacarpophalangeal joint in three cases. The degree of lameness, total nucleated cell count and total protein of synovial fluid significantly decreased within 10 days after the operation. Treatment was successful in 12 of 14 animals (86%). It was therefore concluded that the implantation of GICS after routine "through-and-through" lavage is a valuable alternative technique for the treatment of chronic septic arthritis in cattle. A subsequent second operation for implant removal was not necessary, as GICS are fully absorbable. The tarsocrural joint is associated with the least favourable prognosis of the joints treated in this study Diseases of the Tendons and Tendon Sheaths Anderson, David E., Desrochers, André et al Diseases of the Tendons and Tendon Sheaths Anderson, David E., Desrochers, André, Steiner, Adrian Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2014 Fenestration of the abaxial hoof wall and implantation of gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges for the treatmnet of septic... Steiner, A. Fenestration of the abaxial hoof wall and implantation of gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges for the treatmnet of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in 7 cattle Steiner, A. Digital dermatitis in cattle Bom, J. Y., Christensen, M. B. et al Digital dermatitis in cattle Bom, J. Y., Christensen, M. B., Hesselholt, M., Kristiansen, K. K., Mortensen, L. L., Nielsen, O. L., Steffensen, M. Dansk Veterinaertidsskrift 2000 Claw health and behaviour of cows observed on a grooved floor and on conventional slatted floor Stefanowska, J., Swiestra, D. Claw health and behaviour of cows observed on a grooved floor and on conventional slatted floor Stefanowska, J., Swiestra, D. Do Cows Prefer a Barn Compartment with a Grooved or Slotted Floor? Metz, J. H. M., Stefanowska, J. et al Do Cows Prefer a Barn Compartment with a Grooved or Slotted Floor? Metz, J. H. M., Stefanowska, J., Swierstra, D., van den Berg, J. V. Journal of Dairy Science 2002 Cow preferences for one of two compartments with different floors were tested in a barn with two symmetrical, connected compartments, each intended for 16 cows. Compartments were identical except for the floor. One floor was grooved longitudinally to the feeding barrier and the other was slotted perpendicular to that barrier. Sixteen pregnant, lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were used. After 14 d of habituation, cow behavior was videotaped for 10 full 24-h d, spread over 22 d. Their daily time budget spent on different activities performed in both compartments was analyzed, as was their relocation and use of the concentrate dispenser in each compartment. On average, cows spent 120 min longer per day in the slotted floor compartment than in the grooved floor compartment, and performed all activities in the daily time budget significantly longer in this compartment. However, testing the preference of individuals revealed that, although five cows significantly preferred the slotted floor compartment, two cows significantly preferred the other compartment, and nine cows had no preference. On the slotted floor, cows ate longer at the feeding barrier and more often drank front-on to the water trough; on the grooved floor they more often drank standing parallel to the water trough. Thus, they seemed to prefer to stand parallel to the slots. Relocation of cows, indicated by index of movement, was not significantly different between the floors. Relocation seemed to be stimulated more by the presence of concentrate dispensers in both compartments than by floor profile. Although one floor type was not clearly preferred over the other, the findings and methods of this study have implications for design and implementation of future preference tests for testing husbandry systems and their components. Cow behaviour on a new grooved floor in comparison with a slatted floor, taking claw health and floor properties into account Braam, C. R., Hendriks, M. M. W. B. et al Cow behaviour on a new grooved floor in comparison with a slatted floor, taking claw health and floor properties into account Braam, C. R., Hendriks, M. M. W. B., Stefanowska, J., Swierstra, D. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2001 The objective of this study was to compare the behaviour of cows on a grooved floor with that of cows kept on a slatted floor. The trial was carried out with two groups of 12 Holstein–Friesian cows kept in a cowshed with two symmetrical halves, identical except for the floor. One floor was grooved longitudinally to the feeding fence (width of grooves 35 mm) and the other was slatted (gaps 35 mm wide) perpendicular to the feeding fence. Both floors had scrapers to remove manure. After 3 weeks of being kept on these two floors, cows were switched between floors for 3 weeks. In the third week of each 3-week-period, behavioural observations of cows related to their time budget over 24 h, relocation on each floor indicated by index of movement and specific behaviours (aggression, self maintenance) performed on the floors were executed. The health of claws was examined before the trial and 6 weeks later, after the trial. The grooved floor influenced the cows’ daily time budget: cows kept on the grooved floor stood less (P<0.05) with four legs inside the cubicles (group 1: 36 min, group 2: 39 min) than cows kept on the slatted floor (group 1: 57 min, group 2: 60 min). Neither the specific behaviours of cows nor their movement performed on both floors were different. After switching from the grooved floor to the slatted floor, cows lay for 669 min a day (in comparison to 746 min a day while kept on the grooved floor, P<0.05) and they stood parallel to the feeding fence for 174 min a day (in comparison to 126 min a day while kept on the grooved floor, P<0.05). Given that both groups of cows on the grooved floor and the group that began on the slatted floor had a similar daily time budget, it is possible that the different time budget of the remaining group, which started off on the grooved floor, was a reaction (pleasure or disappointment) induced by returning to the familiar floor. The grooved floor was more fouled with faeces (P<0.05) than the slatted floor. The grooved floor can be evaluated as being equal to the slatted floor with a scraper in terms of the behaviour performed on it. There were hardly any slip incidents on it (during 64 h of observations, two slip incidents on the grooved floor, four slip incidents on the slatted floor). However, the occurrence of stumble incidents involving the manure scraper (66 cases on the grooved floor and 48 on the slatted floor during 64 h of observations) and the occurrence of foot lesions (probably of traumatic origin) suggests that the functioning of the manure scraper, which is indispensable on grooved floors, needs to be optimised. Serological evidence for Borrelia burgdorferi infection associated with clinical signs in dairy cattle in Slovakia Ciganek, J., Cislakova, L., Derdakova et al Serological evidence for Borrelia burgdorferi infection associated with clinical signs in dairy cattle in Slovakia Ciganek, J., Cislakova, L., Derdakova, M., Kysel'ova, J., Pet'ko, B., Stefancikova, A., Stepanova, G., Strojny, L., Travnicek, M. Veterinary Research Communications 2002 In the course of epizootological research on Lyme borreliosis in domestic and farm animals, the serological evidence for the occurrence of this zoonosis in cattle was screened. An ELISA showed that 25.2% of cattle from seven geographical areas in Slovakia were positive for anti-Borrelia IgG antibodies. In particular localities, the seroprevalence ranged from 0.6% to 34.3%. Of 33 cases with clinical signs, 20 ELISA-positive samples were also confirmed in Western blots. The most frequent clinical signs were lameness and swollen joints, but most of the cases were asymptomatic. The occurrence of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies and suspected clinical signs in cattle of Slovak regions indicates that veterinarians should pay attention to this disease in their clinical practice and include it within the differential diagnosis. Lying patterns of high producing healthy dairy cows after calving in commercial herds as affected by age, environmental... Antler, Aharon, Bahr, Claudia et al Lying patterns of high producing healthy dairy cows after calving in commercial herds as affected by age, environmental conditions and production Antler, Aharon, Bahr, Claudia, Berckmans, Daniel, Halachmi, Ilan, Maltz, Ephraim, Steensels, Machteld Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2012 An animal expresses its physiological and well-being status by its behaviour. Changes in behaviour can be associated with health, production or well-being problems and therefore with the profitability of the farm. The objectives of the present study were to analyse lying patterns of healthy cows, collected with a commercial behaviour sensor, in early lactation in relation to environmental conditions, age of the cow and production performance. In future, these results may be used as a ‘baseline’ for detection of alterations in behaviour that indicate health problems. The study involved 210 healthy multiparous Israeli Holstein cows in three commercial dairy farms. Only healthy cows during the first 28 days after calving were included in this study. Data were analysed in relation to calving season, age of cows and correlation between milk production and lying time. The results show that lying time increased significantly with age and is significantly (P < 0.05) higher in winter than in summer (summer lactation 2: 491 ± 17 min/day (mean ± SD), summer lactation 3 and more: 520 ± 25 min/day, winter lactation 2: 531 ± 25 min/day, winter lactation 3 and more: 579 ± 38 min/day). The proportion of positively and negatively milk production and lying time correlated cows is affected by calving season. This study indicates that behaviour variables in early lactation are affected by calving season, lactation number and type of correlation between milk production and lying time. The effect of treatment with long-acting antibiotic at postweaning movement on respiratory disease and on growth in commercial... Dingwell, R. T., Kelton, D. F., LeBlanc et al The effect of treatment with long-acting antibiotic at postweaning movement on respiratory disease and on growth in commercial dairy calves Dingwell, R. T., Kelton, D. F., LeBlanc, S. J., Leslie, K. E., Millman, S. T., Stanton, A. L., Wormuth, J. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Treatment of complicated septic disorders of the bovine digit, using a combination of surgical therapy and application of... Kofler, J., Stanek, Ch Treatment of complicated septic disorders of the bovine digit, using a combination of surgical therapy and application of sodium-ceftiofur Kofler, J., Stanek, Ch Tierarztliche Praxis.Ausgabe G, Grosstiere Nutztiere 1998 The use of sodium-ceftiofur (Excenel), 1 mg/kg body mass, i.m. was evaluated in the therapy of complicated claw diseases, like septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint, septic tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath or complicated inter-digital necrosis. Sodium-ceftiofur was applied in 34 dairy cattle in addition to surgical intervention. 14 cattle of the control group received only surgical intervention without additional antibiotic therapy. Application of the cephalosporin proved to be necessary, with the untreated animals exhibiting far more disturbance of the re-convalescence course in the postoperative phase. Treated animals had a decreasing duration of the postoperative stay at the clinic. Sodium-Ceftiofur was an effective antibiotic in the therapy, an application over a 5-to 10-day-period is recommended in complicated digital diseases. As a side effect five cows exhibited slight diarrhoea, which disappeared without additional treatment On the classification of radiological changes in septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle: Comparison of... Kofler, J., Stanek, C. On the classification of radiological changes in septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle: Comparison of two scoring systems Kofler, J., Stanek, C. Wiener Tierarztliche Monatsschrift 1995 The radiological changes of 184 cases of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in 182 cattle were analysed in a retrospective study (1985 - 1995). Age, sex and breed of the animals, affected limb, primary disease and grade of lameness were evaluated and correlated with the severity of the radiological changes. Widening of the joint space and osteolysis predominantly of the distal phalanx and the sesamoidal bone are the first signs of septic arthritis, followed by periosteal reactions mainly on the middle phalanx. Two classification systems basing on extent of osteolytic changes and periosteal reactions are compared Housing and nutrition related claw diseases of dairy cattle Stanek, C. Housing and nutrition related claw diseases of dairy cattle Stanek, C. Israel-Journal-of-Veterinary-Medicine 1997 A short survey of various claw diseases affected by housing and nutrition is presented and the affect of various housing systems, such as tie stalls and loose box systems common in central Europe, is discussed. Special emphasis is put on different pathological claw types, laminitis, solar ulcer and other typical claw conditions Uncomplicated and complicated diseases of the deeper structures of the claws in cattle Stanek, Ch Uncomplicated and complicated diseases of the deeper structures of the claws in cattle Stanek, Ch Incidence and costs of health problems in Swiss dairy cattle and their calves (1993-1994) Audige, L., Danuser, J., Frei, P. P. et al Incidence and costs of health problems in Swiss dairy cattle and their calves (1993-1994) Audige, L., Danuser, J., Frei, P. P., FreiStaheli, C., Gottstein, B., Kihm, U., Nicolet, J., Pfeiffer, D.U., Stark, K. D. C., Strasser, M. Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde 1997 Between July 1993 and July 1994 morbidity and management information related to dairy cows and their calves up to the age of 8 weeks were recorded in 113 randomly selected dairy herds. Also recorded were any costs incurred through disease and prevention. Blood and faeces were analysed with respect to selected pathogens. The health problems most frequently diagnosed in cows were reproductive and udder diseases. Calves suffered most often from diarrhea, omphalitis and pneumonia. The directly disease related costs per cow-year on average amounted to CHF 139.44 and CHF 4.18 per calf. For prevention, farmers spent on average CHF 10.18 per cow-year. Results from the laboratory analyses indicate that in 68.1% of the farms antibodies against Leptospira hardjo and in 61.9% against Coxiella burnetii were detected. In 8.0% of the farms anti bodies against Mycobacterium paratuberculosis were found. Antibodies against BVD virus was present in 99.1% of the farms. Cows from 63.7% farms were infected with gastrointestinal strongylids. Veterinary assistance was required on average 1.96 times per cow-year. In almost all reproductive and puerperal disease cases a veterinarian was consulted while lameness in the majority of cases was treated by the owner. The veterinary profession was hardly ever involved in disease prevention. Intramedullary Pinning of Femoral Diaphyseal Fractures in Neonatal Calves 12 Cases 1980-1990 Constable, P. D., Debowes, R. M., Hull et al Intramedullary Pinning of Femoral Diaphyseal Fractures in Neonatal Calves 12 Cases 1980-1990 Constable, P. D., Debowes, R. M., Hull, B. L., St Jean, G. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1992 Medical records of 12 calves .ltoreq. 1 month old, with fracture of the femoral diaphysis, were reviewed. Ten calves were within 1 week of birth at the time of diagnosis. Open reduction was accomplished by use of a lateral approach. Retrograde intramedullary pinning was accomplished in all calves, using 2 (n = 4 calves) or 3 (n = 8 calves) pins. Cerclage wire was used to supplement fixation in 7 calves. A closed continuous suction drain was placed along the lateral aspect of the femur in every calf. Postsurgical complications included seroma formation over the middle gluteal musculature (n = 5 calves), pin migration (n = 6 calves), and osteomyelitis (n = 1 calf). Pin migration was observed in 4 calves that had been treated with nonthreaded trochar point pins. Fractures in 10 of 12 calves (83%) were considered to have healed satisfactorily. One calf was euthanatized because of septic osteomyelitis of the femur. One calf was euthanatized because of persistent lameness and pin migration. Pins were removed in 8 of 12 calves (67%) between the 13th and 90th postoperative days. Results of this study indicate that application of intrameduillary pins may be a useful solution for management of femoral diaphyseal fracture in young calves A lameness scoring system that uses posture and gait to predict dairy cattle reproductive performance Hostetler, D. E., Kaneene, J. B. et al A lameness scoring system that uses posture and gait to predict dairy cattle reproductive performance Hostetler, D. E., Kaneene, J. B., Sprecher, D. J. Theriogenology 1997 Lameness has contributed to reproductive inefficiency and increased the risk of culling in dairy cows. We developed a 5-point lameness scoring system that assessed gait and placed a novel emphasis on back posture. Our objective was to determine if this system predicted future reproductive performance and the risk of culling. The study was conducted at a commercial dairy farm with a history of declining reproductive efficiency and an increasing prevalence of lameness. A total of 66 primipara and pluripara calved, received an initial lameness score, and completed their 60-d voluntary waiting period. The overall prevalence of lameness (mean lameness score >2) was 65.2%. Scoring continued at 4-wk intervals and ceased with conception or culling. The percentage of cows confirmed pregnant and culled was 77.3 and 22.7, respectively. For each reproductive endpoint, a 2 x 2 table was constructed with lameness score >2 as the positive risk factor and either performance greater than the endpoint mean or being culled as the positive disease or condition. Positive and negative predictive values, relative risk, Chi-square statistic and regression analysis were used to evaluate the data. The positive predictive values for days to first service, days open, breeding herd days, services per pregnancy and being culled were 58, 68, 65, 39 and 35%, respectively. Similarly, the negative predictive values were 79, 96, 100, 96 and 100%, respectively. Except for one reproductive endpoint, the total number of services, all linear regressions were significant at P < 0.01. Having a lameness score >2 predicted that a cow would have extended intervals from calving to first service and to conception, spend or be assigned to (explained herein) more total days in the breeding herd, require more services per pregnancy and be 8.4 times more likely to be culled. We believe that this lameness scoring system effectively identifies lame cows. Observation of the arched-back posture in a standing cow (greater than or equal to LS 3) should trigger corrective interventions. (C) 1997 by Elsevier Science Inc. Effectiveness of different footbathing frequencies using copper sulfate in the control of digital dermatitis in dairy cows Finney, G. A., Logue, D. N., McBride et al Effectiveness of different footbathing frequencies using copper sulfate in the control of digital dermatitis in dairy cows Finney, G. A., Logue, D. N., McBride, J., O'Connell, N. E., Speijers, M. H. M., Watson, S. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Effectiveness of different footbath solutions in the treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cows Baird, L. G., Finney, G. A., Kilpatrick et al Effectiveness of different footbath solutions in the treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cows Baird, L. G., Finney, G. A., Kilpatrick, D. J., Logue, D. N., McBride, J., O'Connell, N. E., Speijers, M. H. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Prevention and treatment of foot diseases in dairy cows Soukup, L. Prevention and treatment of foot diseases in dairy cows Soukup, L. Veterinarstvi 2000 Effect of lameness on estrous behavior in crossbred cows Nanda, A. S., Sood, P. Effect of lameness on estrous behavior in crossbred cows Nanda, A. S., Sood, P. Theriogenology 2006 Lameness, a common disease in crossbred dairy cows, badly affects their fertility. To elucidate, if estrous behavior, comprising of duration and expression of certain estrous behavioral sign(s) (EBS), is involved, an estrous expression score system was applied to objectively compare estrous behavior during 27 and 58 estrous periods, respectively, in 17 normal and 37 lame cows kept in a group of 200 cows under loose housing system in tropical India. The cows were detected in estrus and were closely watched daily for 30 min at 0630, 1030, 1430 and 1830 h from the beginning to the end of estrus. The duration of estrus was similar in the normal and the lame cows (18.7 +/- 1.2 h versus 17.2 +/- 0.9 h) and almost similar EBS were shown by two types of cows, albeit with varying frequency. Standing to be mounted, the highest ranking EBS was shown by equal proportions of the cows in both the groups (76.4% versus 73.0%). A lower proportion of lame cows showed head side mounting (35% versus 53%; P < 0.05). The frequency of standing to be mounted events was lower in the lame than in the normal cows (2.4 +/- 0.4 versus 8.0 +/- 2.5; P < 0.05). The lame cows earned non-significantly lower than normal estrous behavior score (1100 179 versus 1610 357). Further, the presence of more than one cow simultaneously in estrus enhanced the estrous behavior score in the normal (406.4 +/- 63.0 for one cow in estrus versus 793.0 +/- 146.0 for three cows simultaneously in estrus; P < 0.05), but not in the lame cows. Lameness appeared to have suppressed the playful behavior during estrus probably owing to pain related stress. It is concluded that mildly lame cows appear to have normal physiological estrus. However, some of the EBS remain subdued which prone them to remain undetected for timely breeding. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Exemplary sloped floor housing for dairy cattle Sontgerath, B. Exemplary sloped floor housing for dairy cattle Sontgerath, B. Landtechnik 1991 The suitability of sloping floor systems for dairy cattle housing is discussed. Advantages of the system include the facts that this is a loose housing system with litter and gives good claw health, is ecologically acceptable and easy to install. Problems may arise with lack of movement by dairy cows, preventing treading of the manure towards the dung channel, and lack of udder cleanliness, causing milk hygiene problems. Space requirements per cow, labour requirements and investment costs are considered Automatic detection of lameness in dairy cattle—Vision-based trackway analysis in cow’s locomotion Berckmans, Daniel, Leroy, Toon et al Automatic detection of lameness in dairy cattle—Vision-based trackway analysis in cow’s locomotion Berckmans, Daniel, Leroy, Toon, Maertens, Willem, Sonck, Bart, Song, Xiangyu, Vranken, Erik Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 2008 The occurrence of lameness in dairy cattle is of increasing importance in herd health management and herd productivity. Current practice, involves visual observation by human experts to score cow's locomotion in order to estimate the lameness in the herd. The trackway defined as “hind hoof compared to fore hoof position” is one of the main components to score the locomotion. However, because of the time-consuming observation method, lame cows are undiagnosed until the problem has become severe. Up till now there is no automatic (visual) method for detecting lameness in dairy cattle. The objective of our study was to make an automatic system for continuous on-farm detection and prediction of lameness in the farm by using vision techniques. The current focus was on demonstrating the possibility of capturing cow's hoof locations by vision and strong correlation between automatically calculated hoof trackway and visual locomotion scores. Fifteen selected lactating cows were scored visually by four trained observers at the Gent University Research Farm. Scoring varied from 1 (normal walking) to 5 (extremely lame). Side-view images with resolution of 1024 × 768 pixels were recorded when cows passed an experimental set-up freely. Recorded videos were split into sequences of bitmap images. After background subtraction, binary image operations, calibration and hoof separation, the trackway information containing hoof location in the real world and its related time in the video was calculated. The accuracy of automatically captured results was checked by comparing with the output from manually labeled hoof locations. The mean correlation coefficient of all measurements was 94.8%. Hence, the results suggest that the automatic method by vision analysis is feasible to present the cows’ real locomotion situations. The first result showed a positive linear relationship between cows’ trackways overlap and locomotion scores by human visualization. This research proved that vision techniques have great potential to be used for continuous quantification of lameness in cows. Preference test for free stall surface material for dairy cows Daelemans, J., Langenakens, J., Sonck et al Preference test for free stall surface material for dairy cows Daelemans, J., Langenakens, J., Sonck, B. This paper describes the results of a comparative cow preference test with 11 types of mattresses. The products included in the trial were: a Kraiburg rubber mat, Supercomfort cow mattress, Pasture Mat, Blister Mattress, Kraiburg Soft Bed System, Enkamat K2000, Comfy Cushion, Alfa Laval Comfort Mat, Alanta Waterbed, Agritarp Mattress and as reference a concrete layer littered with sawdust. The comfort of the cows increased after the installation of the mattresses in a free stall barn. This can be concluded on the basis of a higher average lying time and of the lower average standing time, which is an important factor in preventing claw and leg lameness. Comparison of the diurnal pattern of cows between the phases (before and after the use of the mattresses) did not show clear differences. Cows demonstrated a definite preference for certain mattresses, namely Supercomfort Cow Mattress, Kraiburg Bed System, Pasture Mat and Comfort Mat. The occupancy level was >50%. These mattresses were more compressible than the Enkamat K2000. Agritarp and Kraiburg rubber mat. The study demonstrated that cow preference became more distinct during the experiment The effect of Lameness before and during the breeding season on fertility in 10 pasture-based Irish dairy herds Doherty, M. L., Huxley, J., Lorenz, I. et al The effect of Lameness before and during the breeding season on fertility in 10 pasture-based Irish dairy herds Doherty, M. L., Huxley, J., Lorenz, I., O'Grady, L., Somers, J. R. Ir Vet J 2015 BACKGROUND: The effects of lameness on fertility have been documented frequently but few data are available from seasonally breeding, pasture-based herds (such as those used in Ireland) where cows are housed during the winter months but managed at pasture for the remainder of the year. This study determined the prevalence of lameness in a group of 786 cows in 10 pasture-based Irish dairy herds before, during and after the breeding season and assessed the relationship between lameness and the reproductive performance in these herds through serial locomotion scoring during the grazing period. RESULTS: Lameness prevalences of 11.6 % before, 14.6 % during and 11.6 % after the breeding season were found and these compared favourably to results from housed cattle and are similar to other studies carried out in grazing herds. A Cox proportional hazards model with locomotion score as time varying covariate was used. After controlling for the effect of farm, month of calving, body condition score at calving, body condition score loss after calving and economic breeding index, cows identified as lame during the study were less likely to become pregnant. Cows lame before the earliest serve date but no longer lame during the breeding season, cows becoming lame after the earliest serve date and cows identified lame both before and after this date were respectively 12 %, 35 % and 38 % less likely to become pregnant compared to cows never observed lame during the study. However, these findings were only significant for cows becoming lame after the earliest serve date and cows lame both before and after the start of breeding. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that the reproductive efficiency was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in cows becoming lame during the breeding season and cows lame before and during the breeding season compared to non-lame cows. Cows no longer lame during the breeding season had a lower Submission Rate to first serve within 3 weeks of earliest serve date. However, the Pregnancy Rate was not significantly (p > 0.05) lower in these animals compared to cows never diagnosed as lame. In addition to lameness status, nutritional status and genetics were found to influence the reproductive performance in pasture-based Irish dairy herds. Development of claw traits and claw lesions in dairy cows kept on different floor systems Frankena, K., Metz, J. H. M. et al Development of claw traits and claw lesions in dairy cows kept on different floor systems Frankena, K., Metz, J. H. M., Noordhuizen Stassen, E. N., Schouten, W. G. P., Somers, Jgcj Journal of Dairy Science 2005 Several claw shape measurements, horn hardness, and horn growth and wear were recorded monthly at 12 dairy farms to investigate the effect of floor type and changes in these traits over time. Herds were either housed on a slatted floor (SL), solid concrete floor (SC), grooved floor (GR), or on a straw yard (SY). Twenty cows per farm were selected and stratified by parity. Information on claw traits was recorded on right lateral hind claws between October 2002 and May 2003. In addition, lesion development of interdigital dermatitis and heel erosion (IDHE) and digital dermatitis ( DD) was studied in both rear feet. No differences in claw traits were detected among groups on different floor types, with the exception of claw angle. Claw angles were smallest in cows on SY. Claws of cows on SC were steeper than those on SL and GR. The study provided no evidence that floor-related differences in claw lesions were related to differences in horn growth, wear, and resulting claw shape. Lesions of IDHE developed gradually over time and did not differ among flooring types. Cows in SY had the smallest lesion scores for DD, whereas cows on SL had significantly less DD than cows on SC and GR. Incidence of DD fluctuated over time. Development of different stages of DD was monitored in-depth. Both early and healed stages were rather changeable and often turned into other disease stages. Classical ulcerative lesions (stage M2) persisted for a long time, with 20% of the initially unaffected claws having active lesions of DD within 5 mo. The M2 lesions generally did not cure effectively after claw trimming, and frequent use of footbaths resulted in a poor prognosis for recovery. Foot lesions in lame cows on 10 dairy farms in Ireland O'Grady, L., Somers, J. Foot lesions in lame cows on 10 dairy farms in Ireland O'Grady, L., Somers, J. Ir Vet J 2015 BACKGROUND: Little is known about foot lesions in dairy cattle in Ireland, managed under a pasture based system with housing during the winter and grazing for the rest of the year. Ten Irish dairy herds, with a lameness prevalence ranging from 9 to 17 % were locomotion scored routinely during the 2013 grazing season. Lame cows were foot trimmed and foot lesions recorded. FINDINGS: 11.8 % and 89.6 % of cows had lesions recorded on front and hind feet respectively. No lesions were found in 6.9 % of cows. Sole haemorrhage and white line disease were the most prevalent lesions, and overall 76.8 % of lesions affecting the claw horn were diagnosed on the lateral hind claw. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment success, as measured by improved LS post treatment, was not significantly affected by the LS prior to foot trimming, the presence of lesions or the type of lesion identified. Exposure to both risk factors for lameness at housing and pasture may have resulted in the development of a combination of foot lesions typically associated with zero-grazing or all-year-round grazing management systems. Risk factors for interdigital dermatitis and heel erosion in dairy cows kept in cubicle houses in The Netherlands Frankena, K., Metz, J. H. M. et al Risk factors for interdigital dermatitis and heel erosion in dairy cows kept in cubicle houses in The Netherlands Frankena, K., Metz, J. H. M., Noordhuizen Stassen, E. N., Somers, Jgcj Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2005 Risk factors concerning both the pasture and housing seasons for interdigital dermatitis and heel-horn erosion (IDHE) were studied in dairy cows in a cross-sectional study in The Netherlands. The study population included 2326 cows (41 herds) and 2751 cows (46 herds) for the pasture and housing seasons, respectively. Of these animals, 545 (23%) showed serious lesions of IDHE (stages 2 and 3) at the end of the pasture season and 1269 (46%) during housing. Logistic regression of the pasture study indicated that increased parity, solid concrete floor, restricted grazing time, and herd trimming at long intervals were associated with an increased odds of IDHE, while dry cows and lactating cows within 30 days after calving as well as cows on a slatted floor with manure scraper, and grassland with mixed type of soil were associated with lower odds. In the housing study, odds of IDHE increased with parity, administering low- or medium-energy roughage, and introduction of dry cows into the lactating herd at >2 weeks before calving. The presence of long cubicles, knee-bumpers installed in cubicles as well as rearing calves and heifers within the dairy cows' accommodation decreased the odds of IDHE. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Risk factors for digital dermatitis in dairy cows kept in cubicle houses in The Netherlands Frankena, K., Metz, J. H. M. et al Risk factors for digital dermatitis in dairy cows kept in cubicle houses in The Netherlands Frankena, K., Metz, J. H. M., Noordhuizen Stassen, E. N., Somers, Jgcj Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2005 The presence of digital dermatifis (DD) in dairy cows has increased considerably over the last 10 years in The Netherlands, resulting in a current prevalence of similar to 30% in cows kept in cubicle houses. Our objective was to evaluate a diversified sample of cow- and herd-related risk factors for DD in dairy cows housed in cubicle houses with different flooring systems. Associations were analysed in random-effects logistic-regression models using 2134 cows (37 herds) and 2892 cows (47 herds) in the pasture and housing studies, respectively. At cow-level, the odds of having DD were increased in the case of lower parity and lactation. Important risk factors at herd-level were: restricted grazing time, fast rise in concentrate amount after calving, feeding by-products, herd trimming only at long intervals, and introduction of dry cows into the lactating herd before calving. The odds for DD were lower if cows were housed on a slatted floor with manure scraper and provided long and wide cubicles, and if calves were reared in the dairy cows' accommodation. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Prevalence of claw disorders in Dutch dairy cows exposed to several floor systems Frankena, K., Metz, J. H. M. et al Prevalence of claw disorders in Dutch dairy cows exposed to several floor systems Frankena, K., Metz, J. H. M., Noordhuizen Stassen, E. N., Somers, Jgcj Journal of Dairy Science 2003 Claw health was examined in an observational study on Dutch dairy farms with either a slatted floor (SL), slatted floor with manure scraper (SL-SCR), solid concrete floor (SCF), a straw yard (SY), or a zero-grazing feeding system (ZG). Hooves of cows' hind legs were examined for the presence and severity of claw disorders during hoof trimming events at the end of the pasture (P-study) and housing period (H-study). The number of cows in each study was 3078 (49 herds) and 3190 (47 herds), respectively. Due to a different hoof trimming strategy, data collected during both observation periods in SY herds (638 cows; 16 herds) were combined. Cows in straw yards (SY) had by far the lowest numbers of claw disorders. Over 80% of cows exposed to concrete flooring had at least one claw disorder at the time of observation, whereas on SY surfaces, this percentage was between 55 and 60. Cows on SL-SCR were less frequently affected by interdigital dermatitis/heel erosion (IDHE) and digital dermatitis (DD) than cows on SL (reference floor system). Little difference in claw health was found between SF and SL. The ZG cows were at higher risk (OR > 2) for most claw disorders in the P-study, whereas in the H-study, ZG cows showed less IDHE, sole hemorrhage, and sole ulcer. All herds on concrete flooring (SL, SL-SCR, SCF, ZG) were infected by DD, resulting in an average cow level prevalence of 30%. This indicates that the level of DD infection has increased considerably over the last 10 yr in The Netherlands. Effectiveness of a standardized footbath protocol for prevention of digital dermatitis Barkema, H. W., Orsel, K., Pickel, C. et al Effectiveness of a standardized footbath protocol for prevention of digital dermatitis Barkema, H. W., Orsel, K., Pickel, C., Solano, L. Journal of Dairy Science ABSTRACT A footbath is the most common herd-level approach to control digital dermatitis (DD) in intensive dairy farming. However, wide variation in footbath design and protocols suggests a gap between evidence-based management practices and on-farm implementation. The objective was to evaluate effectiveness of a standardized footbath protocol in decreasing prevalence of active DD lesions in lactating dairy cattle. The protocol was based on current scientific literature, including footbath design and management. The M-stage classification system was used to score DD lesions. Scores were also combined into a simplified scoring system: no lesions (M0), active lesions (M1, M2, and M4.1), and chronic lesions (M3 and M4). A controlled intervention trial was conducted on 9 farms over 22 wk. Each farm served as its own control with data collected for 10 wk before and 12 wk after intervention. A total of 1,978 lactating cattle were assessed biweekly for DD lesions and leg cleanliness in the milking parlor. Lactating cattle were also inspected in the trimming chute at 3 time points: start, intervention, and end of trial. Intervention consisted of implementing an automated footbath that measured 3 m long, 0.50 m wide, held a fluid depth of 0.15 m, along with a weekly footbath protocol using 5% CuSO4 for 4 consecutive milkings, with footbath content replaced at a maximum of 200 cow passes. Multilevel logistic regression models for repeated measures were used to evaluate effects of the standardized footbath protocol in preventing active DD lesions. For the purpose of analysis, farms' within-herd prevalence of active DD lesions (at baseline) was assessed and categorized as low (<15%) or high (≥15%). Farms with low or high within-herd prevalence of active DD lesions at trial outset had a mean cow-level prevalence of active DD lesions of 8% (range, 2 to 13) and 31% (range, 18 to 43), respectively. At milking parlor inspections, apparent prevalence of active DD lesions decreased from the time of footbath intervention, but this effect interacted with the farms' baseline prevalence of active DD lesions. In that regard, on farms with high prevalence of active DD at baseline, apparent prevalence of active DD lesions decreased after intervention, whereas on farms with low prevalence of active DD at baseline, apparent prevalence of active DD lesions did not change. At the cow level, poor leg cleanliness was associated with higher prevalence of active DD lesions. At trimming chute inspections, prevalence of active DD lesions decreased from start to the end of the trial (22 and 14%, respectively); concurrently, prevalence of feet with no DD lesions (M0) increased (39 and 48%). We concluded that on farms with high DD prevalence, implementation of proper footbath design and improvement of footbathing management will decrease prevalence of active DD lesions and increase prevalence of feet without DD lesions. In addition, improving cow cleanliness will further result in control of active DD lesions. Associations between lying behavior and lameness in Canadian Holstein-Friesian cows housed in freestall barns Barkema, H. W., de Passille, A. M. et al Associations between lying behavior and lameness in Canadian Holstein-Friesian cows housed in freestall barns Barkema, H. W., de Passille, A. M., Haley, D. B., LeBlanc, S. J., Mason, S., Nash, C. G., Orsel, K., Pajor, E. A., Pellerin, D., Rushen, J., Solano, L., Vasseur, E. J Dairy Sci 2016 Lying behavior is an important measure of comfort and well-being in dairy cattle, and changes in lying behavior are potential indicators and predictors of lameness. Our objectives were to determine individual and herd-level risk factors associated with measures of lying behavior, and to evaluate whether automated measures of lying behavior can be used to detect lameness. A purposive sample of 40 Holstein cows was selected from each of 141 dairy farms in Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. Lying behavior of 5,135 cows between 10 and 120 d in milk was automatically and continuously recorded using accelerometers over 4 d. Data on factors hypothesized to influence lying behavior were collected, including information on individual cows, management practices, and facility design. Associations between predictor variables and measures of lying behavior were assessed using generalized linear mixed models, including farm and province as random and fixed effects, respectively. Logistic regression models were used to determine whether lying behavior was associated with lameness. At the cow-level, daily lying time increased with increasing days in milk, but this effect interacted with parity; primiparous cows had more frequent but shorter lying bouts in early lactation, changing to mature-cow patterns of lying behavior (fewer and longer lying bouts) in late lactation. In barns with stall curbs >22 cm high, the use of sand or >2 cm of bedding was associated with an increased average daily lying time of 1.44 and 0.06 h/d, respectively. Feed alleys >/= 350 cm wide or stalls >/= 114 cm wide were associated with increased daily lying time of 0.39 and 0.33 h/d, respectively, whereas rubber flooring in the feed alley was associated with 0.47 h/d lower average lying time. Lame cows had longer lying times, with fewer, longer, and more variable duration of bouts compared with nonlame cows. In that regard, cows with lying time >/= 14 h/d, /= 110 min/bout, or standard deviations of bout duration over 4 d >/= 70 min had 3.7, 1.7, 2.5, and 3.0 higher odds of being lame, respectively. Factors related to comfort of lying and standing surfaces significantly affected lying behavior. Finally, we inferred that automated measures of lying behavior could contribute to lameness detection, especially when interpreted in the context of other factors known to affect lying behavior, including those associated with the individual cow (e.g., parity and stage of lactation) or environment (e.g., stall surface). Prevalence and distribution of foot lesions in dairy cattle in Alberta, Canada Barkema, H. W., LeBlanc, S. J., Mason et al Prevalence and distribution of foot lesions in dairy cattle in Alberta, Canada Barkema, H. W., LeBlanc, S. J., Mason, S., Orsel, K., Pajor, E. A., Solano, L. J Dairy Sci 2016 The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to determine the prevalence and distribution of foot lesions and associated cow- and herd-level risk factors in dairy cows in Alberta, Canada. Foot lesion data were recorded electronically by 7 hoof trimmers on 28,607 cows in 156 dairy farms from June 2009 to November 2012. Foot lesion prevalence estimates differed between farms that had the whole herd trimmed at once (>/=80% of lactating cows were trimmed; n=69 farms and 8,020 cows) and farms on which part of the herd was trimmed (selection of cows was determined by farmer and <80% of lactating cows were trimmed; n=87 and 20,587 cows). Estimates were consistently higher for the latter likely because farmers presumably prioritized lame cows in partial-herd trims. On farms with whole-herd trims, digital dermatitis was the most common lesion among all housing types, present in 15% of cows and 94% of herds. Sole ulcers and white line disease were detected in 6 and 4% of the cows and 92 and 93% of herds, respectively. Other infectious and claw horn lesions each affected 1 to 2% of cows and 62 to 78% of herds. Intraclass correlation coefficients for hoof trimmers ranged from 0.01 to 0.20 for all lesions, indicating some clustering of recorded lesions by trimmer. Multilevel mixed logistic regression models were constructed (including hoof trimmer as fixed and farm as random effects) for the 3 most frequently identified lesions. Prevalence of digital dermatitis decreased with increasing parity, but this effect interacted with days in milk (DIM); primiparous cows had higher odds of digital dermatitis in mid lactation (100-199 DIM) and late lactation (>/=200 DIM) compared with cows at other stages of lactation. In contrast, prevalence of sole ulcers and white line disease increased with increasing parity; compared with cows in parity 1, those in parity 4 had 5 or 7 times higher odds of having these lesions, respectively. Cows in mid lactation and late lactation had higher odds of sole ulcers and white line disease than cows at other stages of lactation, regardless of parity. Digital dermatitis prevalence was 2 times higher in herds housed in barns with access to an exercise area. The odds of sole ulcers and white line disease were >/=2 times higher in cows housed in freestalls than those housed in deep-bedded packs. Therefore, preventive measures for control of digital dermatitis merit emphasis, especially in primiparous cows and on farms with exercise areas. In addition, improving housing environment by providing a deep-bedded area for older cows in mid lactation or late lactation could reduce prevalence of claw horn lesions. We inferred that foot lesion data recorded by hoof trimmers can provide useful information not only to develop effective foot health programs at herd level, but also for disease surveillance and genetic improvement at regional and national levels. Standard measurements relating to the care of bovine claws, derived from the internal structure of hind claws of German Black... Sohrt, J. T. Standard measurements relating to the care of bovine claws, derived from the internal structure of hind claws of German Black Pied cattle, with reference to the lesions of laminitis Sohrt, J. T. 1999 Bovine claw and limb disorders related to reproductive performance and production diseases Fjeldaas, T., Sogstad, A. M., Østerås et al Bovine claw and limb disorders related to reproductive performance and production diseases Fjeldaas, T., Sogstad, A. M., Østerås, O. Journal of Dairy Science 2006 Locomotion score and claw disorders in Norwegian dairy cows, assessed by claw trimmers Fjeldaas, T., Sogstad, A. M., Østerås et al Locomotion score and claw disorders in Norwegian dairy cows, assessed by claw trimmers Fjeldaas, T., Sogstad, A. M., Østerås, O. Livestock Science 2012 Improved hooves through improved trace mineral nutrition Johnson, A. B., Socha, M. T., Tomlinson et al Improved hooves through improved trace mineral nutrition Johnson, A. B., Socha, M. T., Tomlinson, D. J. Bovine immunodeficiency virus associated with encephalitis, mastitis, footrot and other secondary infections in cattle Gonda, M., Jenny, B., Luther, D. et al Bovine immunodeficiency virus associated with encephalitis, mastitis, footrot and other secondary infections in cattle Gonda, M., Jenny, B., Luther, D., Snider, T. Bovine Practitioner 1996 Prevalence of Digital Disorders in Zero-Grazing Dairy-Cows Frankena, K., Metz, J. H. M. et al Prevalence of Digital Disorders in Zero-Grazing Dairy-Cows Frankena, K., Metz, J. H. M., Noordhuizen, Jptm, Smits, M. C. J. Livestock Production Science 1992 The prevalence of clinical and subclinical digital disorders in 2121 pure breed and crossbreed Holstein Friesian and Dutch Friesian dairy cows, housed all year round in free stalls, was determined in a cross-sectional study on 34 farms (average herd size 66 cows) in the Netherlands. At the time of claw trimming, in spring 1990, the following affections in the hindclaws were diagnosed (prevalence over all cows between brackets): dermatitis interdigitalis (83.1%), dermatitis digitalis (17.6%), phlegmona interdigitalis (0.4%), pododermatitis aseptice diffusa (4.5%), lesions (74.7%), ulceration at the typical place (5.5%) and at the white line (4.5%), widening of the white line (7.6%) and cavity in the sole (4.9%). A high prevalence of the subclinical digital disorders in zero-grazing dairy cows was found. Only 1.2% of the cows was clinically lame. Differences between herds were considerable. Herd prevalences ranged from 35 to nearly 100% for dermatitis interdigitalis and from 0% (4 farms) to 50% for dermatitis digitalis. On five farms phlegmona interdigitalis was found (totalling 9 cows). Six farms were free from typical solar ulcers. Cows in the second month of lactation tend to have the highest prevalences for most of the affections. Prevalences of most affections, if not significant, tend to increase with parity. For dermatitis digitalis and laminitis the opposite tendency was found. Heifers had the highest prevalences for dermatitis digitalis and pododermatitis aseptice diffusa. Extralabel Use of Anesthetic and Analgesic Compounds in Cattle Smith, Geof Extralabel Use of Anesthetic and Analgesic Compounds in Cattle Smith, Geof Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2013 Serum haptoglobin concentrations in dairy cattle with lameness due to claw disorders Kauffold, Johannes, Sherman, Lisa et al Serum haptoglobin concentrations in dairy cattle with lameness due to claw disorders Kauffold, Johannes, Sherman, Lisa, Smith, Billy I. The Veterinary Journal 2010 In cattle, elevated blood serum concentrations of haptoglobin, an acute phase protein, have been demonstrated in association with several diseases, but not with lameness. Serum haptoglobin was measured in 60 Holstein dairy cattle diagnosed with lameness due to four claw disorders, pododermatitis septica (PS; n = 41), pododermatitis circumscripta (PC; n = 8), interdigital necrobacillosis (IN; n = 7), papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD; n = 4). Haptoglobin was measured on day 1 (0–3 days after lameness was observed but before treatment) and on days 3 and 5. A total of 10 healthy cows served as controls (haptoglobin values <1.0 mg/dL). Each of the claw disorders was associated with elevated haptoglobin on day 1 (PS, PC, IN and PDD: 65.9%, 37.5%, 71.4% and 25.0%, respectively). Trimming and antibiotic treatment led to a reduction in the number of PS and IN cows with increased haptoglobin concentrations, respectively (P < 0.05), but trimming did not lead to any reduction in cows with PC. The study showed that lameness due to claw disorders can be associated with a systemic acute phase response and elevated serum haptoglobin in dairy cattle. Based on the course of haptoglobin, treatments seemed effective for all claw disorders except for PC. Effect of a tea tree oil and organic acid footbath solution on digital dermatitis in dairy cows Bewley, J. M., McQuerry, K. J., Smith et al Effect of a tea tree oil and organic acid footbath solution on digital dermatitis in dairy cows Bewley, J. M., McQuerry, K. J., Smith, A. C., Wood, C. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Copper sulfate is the industry gold standard footbath ingredient for controlling dairy cow digital dermatitis. However, when used footbath solutions are deposited on soil, high levels of copper in the soil may result, which can have toxic and negative effects on plant growth. An alternative to copper sulfate is Provita Hoofsure Endurance (Provita Eurotech Ltd., Omagh, UK), which is a biodegradable solution containing organic acids, tea tree oil, and wetting agents. The objective of this study was to quantify changes in digital dermatitis frequency when using Provita Hoofsure Endurance and copper sulfate in a split footbath in 3 commercial dairy herds. This study was conducted from January 5, 2012, to March 19, 2012, in 3 commercial Kentucky dairies with 120, 170, and 200 milking Holstein cows. None of the herds was using a footbath for digital dermatitis control before the study. Footbath solutions were delivered using a split footbath. During the study, a 3% Hoofsure Endurance solution for the left hooves and a 5% copper sulfate solution for the right hooves was used. Digital dermatitis was scored every 3 wk using the M0 to M4 system, where M0 = a claw free of signs of digital dermatitis; M1 = a lesion <2 cm that is not painful; M2 = the ulcerative stage, with lesion diameter of >2 cm, and painful to the touch; M3 = the healing stage and covered by a scab; and M4 = the chronic stage and characterized by dyskeratosis or proliferation of the surface that is generally not painful. McNemar’s test statistic suggested that a statistically significant difference existed in the proportions of M1 and M2 lesions between the beginning and end of the study for both treatments. This indicates that each solution was effective in decreasing the proportion of M1 or M2 lesions from baseline to the last time point. A chi-square test calculated using PROC FREQUENCY of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) indicated that no statistically significant relationship existed between the treatments among changes in digital dermatitis frequency from the baseline to the end of the study. Performance of the 2 footbath solutions was comparable throughout the study. No significant differences were observed between the copper sulfate and Provita Hoofsure Endurance. The Effect of Herd Characteristics on Claw Disorders and Claw Measurements in Friesians Jansen, J., McDaniel, B. T., Peterse et al The Effect of Herd Characteristics on Claw Disorders and Claw Measurements in Friesians Jansen, J., McDaniel, B. T., Peterse, D. J., Politiek, R. D., Smit, H., Verbeek, B. Livestock Production Science 1986 Genetic-Aspects of Claw Disorders, Claw Measurements and Type Scores for Feet in Friesian Cattle Jansen, J., McDaniel, B. T., Peterse et al Genetic-Aspects of Claw Disorders, Claw Measurements and Type Scores for Feet in Friesian Cattle Jansen, J., McDaniel, B. T., Peterse, D. J., Politiek, R. D., Smit, H., Verbeek, B. Livestock Production Science 1986 Scoring lesions considered associated with subclinical laminitis in first lactation cows from high production Ohio Holstein... Hoblet, K. H., Smilie, R. H., Williams et al Scoring lesions considered associated with subclinical laminitis in first lactation cows from high production Ohio Holstein herds: a method of comparison of herds Hoblet, K. H., Smilie, R. H., Williams, E. I. Prevalence of lesions associated with subclinical laminitis in first-lactation cows from herds with high milk production Eastridge, M. L., Hoblet, K. H., Rings et al Prevalence of lesions associated with subclinical laminitis in first-lactation cows from herds with high milk production Eastridge, M. L., Hoblet, K. H., Rings, D. M., Schnitkey, G. L., Smilie, R. H., Weiss, W. P. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1996 OBJECTIVE--To determine prevalence of lesions associated with subclinical laminitis in first-lactation Holstein cows during early lactation and pregnant Holstein heifers during late gestation in herds with high milk production. DESIGN--Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS--203 cattle in 13 herbs. PROCEDURE--Cattle were placed in lateral recumbency to allow visual examination and photography of their hooves. Claws on a forelimb and hind limb were examined on all cattle. Observable categories of lesions considered to be associated with subclinical laminitis in our study included yellow waxy discoloration of the sole, hemorrhage of the sole, separation of the white line, and erosion of the heel. RESULTS--Lesions in at least 1 of the categories were found in all herds. Lesions in all categories were found in 11 of 13 herds. Among claws, hemorrhage of the sole was observed most frequently in the lateral claw of the hoof of the hind limb. When days in milk was treated as a covariate, significant (P < 0.01) differences were detected in the prevalence of lesions between herds. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS--Because the prevalence of lesions differed significantly among herds, it is logical to believe that causative factors and corrective measures also may have differed among herds Subclinical laminitis in dairy cows: use of severity of hoof lesions to rank and evaluate herds Eastridge, M. L., Hoblet, K. H. et al Subclinical laminitis in dairy cows: use of severity of hoof lesions to rank and evaluate herds Eastridge, M. L., Hoblet, K. H., Moeschberger, M. L., Schnitkey, G. L., Smilie, R. H., Weiss, W. P. Veterinary Record 1999 High-yielding Holstein herds (n=13) in Ohio were ranked according to the prevalence and severity of lesions associated with subclinical laminitis (pododermatitis aseptica diffusa). 173 first lactation cows, most in their first 100 days of lactation, and 30 pregnant heifers were assessed. The lesions evaluated were yellow waxy discoloration of the sole, haemorrhage of the sole, separation of the white line and erosion of the heel. Each herd consisted of more than 100 lactating cows and all the herds were producing over 8500 kg of milk/cow on a rolling herd average basis. The lactating cows were housed in cubicles and maintained in concrete yards. The lesions associated with subclinical laminitis were prevalent among the 13 herds, but when each category of lesion was considered independently, significant differences in prevalence and severity were detected among the herds. It is concluded that it may be possible to make changes in herd management which may influence the prevalence of hoof lesions Supplementary biotin and the incidence of lameness in dairy cows in Northern Ireland: a field study McIlroy, S. G., Sloan, J. F., Weber et al Supplementary biotin and the incidence of lameness in dairy cows in Northern Ireland: a field study McIlroy, S. G., Sloan, J. F., Weber, G. M. Selected bacterial dermatoses in cattle Mroz, K., Nicpon, J., Nicpon, Z. et al Selected bacterial dermatoses in cattle Mroz, K., Nicpon, J., Nicpon, Z., Slawuta, P. Medycyna Weterynaryjna 2006 Papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) is a dermatosis of the digital skin of cattle, which, in recent years, has become one of the most important causes of lamness. Probably the direct causes of the disease are Treponema spp., Fusobacterium spp., Bacterioides spp. and Dichelobacter nodosus. PDD occurs on the hairy skin between the hooves and heels of hind limbs, where circumscriptes red plaques appear. Therapy requires the use of penicillin 18000 IU/kg every 12 h for 3 days or a topical application of oxytetracycline 20-100 mg/ml for 3 to 5 days and footbaths in solutions of 0.1 to 0.6% oxytetyracycline, 20% zinc sulfate, 0.01% lincomycin, 2.5 to 10% copper sulfate, and 5% formalin every 3-7 days. Interdigital dermatitis (ID) is triggered by the same bacteria as PDD and its course of therapy is the same. Acute attacks of the disease are characterized by epidermal erosion and superficial dermatitis in the interdigital skin, and, in chronic cases of ID, upper cracks and fissures of the horn. Dermatophilosis is a dermatosis occurring in cattle, sheep, goats and horses, caused by Dermatophilus congolensis. Bacteria provoke exudative inflammations of the skin and crust formation. Sheep may develop a form of dermatophilosis that begins as a proliferative dermatits in the cornet region, known as strawberry foot-rot. Lesions can extend from the hoof to the hock. Therapy requires the use of oxytetracycline in a single dose of 20 mg/kg or penicillin and streptomycin in doses of 70 000 IU and 70 mu g/kg for 3 days. Etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy of selected non-traumatic digitis diseases in cattle Mroz, K., Nicpon, J., Slawuta, P. Etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy of selected non-traumatic digitis diseases in cattle Mroz, K., Nicpon, J., Slawuta, P. Medycyna Weterynaryjna 2005 Digitis diseases in cattle (laminitis, phlegmona interdigitalis, papillomatous digital dermatitis) bring major losses in cattle breeding. The most important factor in the pathogenesis of laminitis in cattle is disturbances in metabolism, which are triggered by mediators of inflammatory processes. Treatment includes therapy of the primary disease (acidosis, alkalosis, acetonemia, mastitis, metritis, retention of placenta) and elimination of causes of inflammatory processes by means of high doses of the anti-inflammatory agents, heparin 40-100 U/kg, antibiotics, methionine 20-60 mg/kg, biotin 0.03-0.2 mg/kg. Phlegmona interdigitalis is characterized by lameness and pyogenic inflammation of subcutaneous tissues in the interdigital space. Its therapy includes the systemic use of sulfonamides at a dose of 130 mg/kg, oxytetracycline 10 mg/kg, and foot baths of 10% zinc sulfate, 1% formaldehyde and 5% copper sulfate. Papillomatous digital dermatitis is a dermatosis of the digital skin of dairy cattle. PDD occurs on hairy skin between hooves and heels. The therapy requires the use of penicillin 18000 IU/kg and a topical application of tetracycline 20-100 mg/ml through 3 to 5 days and occasionally footbaths in solutions of 0.1 to 0.6% oxytetyracycline, 20% zinc sulfate, 0.01% lincomycin, 2.5 to 10% copper sulfate, 5% formalin. Computerized identification and classification of stance phases as made by front or hind feet of walking cows based on... do Nascimento, O. F., Ingvartsen, K. L. et al Computerized identification and classification of stance phases as made by front or hind feet of walking cows based on 3-dimensional ground reaction forces do Nascimento, O. F., Ingvartsen, K. L., Rasmussen, M. D., Skjøth, F., Thorup, V. M., Voigt, M. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 2013 The influence of different claw trimming methods on plasma cortisol revels in dairy cows Möstl, E., Sixt, A., Stanek, C. The influence of different claw trimming methods on plasma cortisol revels in dairy cows Möstl, E., Sixt, A., Stanek, C. Wiener Tierarztliche Monatsschrift 1997 The influence of two different methods of claw trimming was evaluated in a herd of 51 dairy cows of Fleckvieh and Braunvieh breed, with an average age of 4.9 years. The conventional farriers method with the cow standing in a stock was compared to the mechanic method using an angled grinding machine, with the cow kept in lying position using a tilted table. A behaviour score was applied and the cortisol level was evaluated in blood serum using an enzyme-immunoassay. The pretrimming basic blood level was median 1.4 ng/ml, increasing significantly to a median value of 37.4 ng/ml at the end of the trimming procedure, The cortisol values were still significantly higher after 24 hours, returning to the preliminary values thereafter. The highest behaviour scale values were obtained during the fixation of the animals in the stock, whilst the highest cortisol levels were obtained at the end of the claw trimming procedure. No difference of cortisol levels were demonstrable between the two methods of claw trimming, also the degree of horn overgrowth had no influence on cortisol levels An angiographic evaluation of vascular changes in sole lesions in the hooves of cattle Murray, R. D., Singh, S. S., Ward, W.R. An angiographic evaluation of vascular changes in sole lesions in the hooves of cattle Murray, R. D., Singh, S. S., Ward, W.R. British Veterinary Journal 1994 In an angiographic study of vascular changes in sole lesions in 23 cattle hooves (22 cows and 1 bull), it was shown that hooves with sole haemorrhage at the ulcer site in the outer hind claw had constriction of the lumen of the terminal part of the proper digital artery. Severe constriction or occlusion of the lumen of the terminal part of the proper digital artery was seen in hooves with a developing sole ulcer. An avascular area at the ulcer site was seen in hooves with an early or a fully developed sole ulcer. It is concluded that vascular changes caused by hoof pathology may have an important role in the development of sole ulcers and white line lesions in cattle Aetiology and pathogenesis of sole lesions causing lameness in cattle: a review Murray, R. D., Singh, S. S., Ward, W.R. Aetiology and pathogenesis of sole lesions causing lameness in cattle: a review Murray, R. D., Singh, S. S., Ward, W.R. Veterinary Bulletin 1993 Technique of hoof biopsy in cattle Murray, R. D., Singh, S. S., Ward, W.R. Technique of hoof biopsy in cattle Murray, R. D., Singh, S. S., Ward, W.R. Veterinary Record 1993 Animals were restrained in a hoof paring crate, hooves were cleaned, pared and thoroughly washed with pevidine solution and the foot anaesthetised by injecting 10 to 15 ml of 2% lignocaine hydrochloride (Lignavet) 2 cm above the interdigital cleft in the midline on the dorsal and plantar aspects. Biopsies were taken from parietal (abaxial) and solar corium in each animal first from the left outer claw and 15 days later from the right outer claw. A hand drill with a 9/32" (7 mm) bit was used to make a hole in the wall horn without puncturing the underlying corium and a 3 mm disposable biopsy punch was used to penetrate into the laminae; after 6-8 rotations it was withdrawn. Biopsy material was fixed immediately. The hole was plugged with sterile gauze while a biopsy was taken from the solar corum in a similar fashion. The holes were finally plugged with Technovit (Kulzer). A single injection of streptomycin and penicillin (Streptopen) was given to reduce infection. Postoperatively the cattle were mildly lame for 2-3 days, no complications were seen after the second set of biopsies were taken 15 days later. The technique was used in 3 dairy cows and 2 bull calves and it is recommended that biopsies should only be taken from one foot at a time Behaviour of lame and normal dairy cows in cubicles and in a straw yard Lautenbach, K., Murray, R. D., Singh et al Behaviour of lame and normal dairy cows in cubicles and in a straw yard Lautenbach, K., Murray, R. D., Singh, S. S., Ward, W.R. Veterinary Record 1993 The behaviour of normal cows in cubicles was compared with that of normal cows in a straw yard and that of lame cows in cubicles. The normal cows in a straw yard lay down for longer in total (9.6 hours vs 6.8 hours) and during the night (8.55 hours vs 4.75 hours) and for significantly longer at a time (3.95 hours vs 2.45 hours) than normal cows in cubicles. The normal cows in a straw yard spent more time lying down and ruminating (5.1 hours) than normal cows in cubicles (3.3 hours). Lame cows in cubicles lay down for significantly longer during the day (3.3 hours) than normal cows in cubicles (2.1 hours). Although lameness did not affect the total time the cows spent in feeding and rumination, lame cows moved about less, and they adopted abnormal postures suggesting discomfort Behaviour of first lactation and adult dairy cows while housed and at pasture and its relationship with sole lesions Hughes, J. W., Lautenbach, K., Murray et al Behaviour of first lactation and adult dairy cows while housed and at pasture and its relationship with sole lesions Hughes, J. W., Lautenbach, K., Murray, R. D., Singh, S. S., Ward, W.R. Veterinary Record 1993 The times spent lying down and standing by first lactation and adult cows while they were housed and while they were at pasture were studied and related during the period of housing to the incidence of sole lesions in first lactation cows. First lactation cows lay down for a shorter time in the early housing period than later. First lactation and adult cows lay down for longer when at pasture. Maximum lying time was significantly longer and the frequency of lying lower on pasture than indoors. The times spent lying and standing and the frequency of lying were related to the incidence of sole lesions. Rumination time was not related to the occurrence of sole lesions although there were significant variations in rumination behaviour while the animals were housed and at pasture. The patterns of lying and other activities of first lactation and adult cows while they were housed were quite different from those while they were at pasture Behaviour of dairy cows in a straw yard in relation to lameness Hughes, J. W., Lautenbach, K., Murray et al Behaviour of dairy cows in a straw yard in relation to lameness Hughes, J. W., Lautenbach, K., Murray, R. D., Singh, S. S., Ward, W.R. Veterinary Record 1994 Lying down and other behavioural activities of dairy cows were studied for three 24-hour periods in a straw yard. The cows spent a total of 13.6 hours in the straw yard and lay down for 9.7 hours. The lying down time in one observation was 10.8 hours and this period may be considered ideal because there was little disturbance during that observation. Significantly more time was spent lying down at night than in the day and significantly more time was spent lying down and ruminating than standing up and ruminating. The total time spent lying down was significantly positively correlated with the time spent lying down and ruminating. Ten hours or more spent lying down may be adequate for proper rest in dairy cattle. Straw yards are better than many cubicles for lying and a longer period spent lying down may be important for the prevention of lameness in dairy cows Pathogenesis of non-infectious hoof disorders of cattle Murray, R. D., Singh, S. S., Thrusfield et al Pathogenesis of non-infectious hoof disorders of cattle Murray, R. D., Singh, S. S., Thrusfield, M. V., Ward, W.R. This study describes the role of the changes in weight-bearing on the sole and the effect of endotoxins on the inflammatory response of the corium of the hooves. Three heifers and 2 bull calves 12-18 months of age were used to study weight-bearing. A rubber chip of 1 cm thickness was fixed to the toe of the outer hind claws with a resin, and 2 heifers were kept as controls. The animals were put on a concrete yard for 6-8 h daily and otherwise kept on a straw yard. Six weeks later the animals were slaughtered. Gross pathology showed haemorrhages at the ulcer site and a notch in the dorsal wall was evident. Histopathology of the ulcer site showed parakeratosis and arteriosclerosis of the arterioles. The sole tubules contained non-keratinized material. An ulcer was created in the sole, and a biopsy was taken from the sole and the abaxial wall of the left foot of a further 4 calves of similar age and then 2 mg of Escherichia coli endotoxin was given slowly i.v. Serial biopsies were taken and the animals were killed 5-10 weeks later. Haemorrhages were seen in the wall and sole of the feet, especially the hind feet and were more evident in the bull calf. After 5 days, histological examination showed the presence of non-keratinized material in the tubules of the sole and exfoliation of the epidermal cells. At 15 days the epidermal lining of the lamellae had regenerated and the non-keratinized material was evident in the lamellar horn and the tubules of the sole horn. The number of blood vessels in the laminae as well as in the papillae increased markedly compared with the initial biopsy. After slaughter histopathology of the hooves showed non-keratinised material in the tubules of the sole horn, totally occluded blood vessels and hyperplastic changes in the laminae. It was concluded that laminitis may not correctly describe the lesions seen in the sole in so-called subclinical laminitis. Endotoxin can induce diffuse pododermatitis (laminitis) in cattle and the resultant poor quality horn production may predispose to other sole lesions. Primary changes in weight-bearing can cause vascular changes which may be responsible for haemorrhages at the ulcer site and development of sole lesions Gross and histopathological study of endotoxin-induced hoof lesions in cattle Murray, R. D., Singh, S. S., Ward, W.R. Gross and histopathological study of endotoxin-induced hoof lesions in cattle Murray, R. D., Singh, S. S., Ward, W.R. Journal of Comparative Pathology 1994 Infusion of Escherichia coli endotoxin in 4 young cattle resulted in sole and wall haemorrhages that were more severe in the hind than in the fore feet. Histopathological examination of biopsies taken 5 days after infusion showed separation at the tips of the laminae, changes in the vascularity of the dermal papillae and laminae, lightly stained material in the sole horn and degeneration of the epidermal cells of the laminae and papillae. Later, densely stained material in the tubules of the sole, atherosclerosis in all parts of the corium and proliferative changes in the laminae were seen. It is concluded that endotoxin can induce diffuse aseptic pododermatitis in cattle, characterized by initial degenerative changes in the papillae and laminae followed by proliferative changes in the laminae and atherosclerosis in all parts of the corium Histopathological and Morphometric Studies On the Hooves of Dairy and Beef-Cattle in Relation to Overgrown Sole and Laminitis Murray, R. D., Singh, S. S., Ward, W.R. Histopathological and Morphometric Studies On the Hooves of Dairy and Beef-Cattle in Relation to Overgrown Sole and Laminitis Murray, R. D., Singh, S. S., Ward, W.R. Journal of Comparative Pathology 1992 Measurement of hoof sole thickness by radiography: A possible method of measuring sole growth rate in cattle Murray, R., Singh, S., Ward, W. Measurement of hoof sole thickness by radiography: A possible method of measuring sole growth rate in cattle Murray, R., Singh, S., Ward, W. Indian Journal of Veterinary Surgery 1997 Measurement of sole thickness in cattle by radiography was carried our on 12 hind feet collected from a slaughter house. Taking into account the radiographic magnification, the sole thickness was calculated, which was closely related to the actual thickness. Results of the pilot study indicate that the method can be used to measure sale growth in cattle Incidence of lameness in dairy cows and buffaloes in Punjab state Ghuman, S. P. S., Prabhakar, S., Singh et al Incidence of lameness in dairy cows and buffaloes in Punjab state Ghuman, S. P. S., Prabhakar, S., Singh, S., Singh, S. S. Indian Veterinary Journal 1998 In 1959 cattle and 257 buffaloes examined, the incidence of lameness was 8.10 and 3.89%, respectively. Interdigital wounds (in 28.3%) and overgrown hooves (in 20.1%) were the commonest findings in the cattle, in which lameness was more prevalent in the 3-5 years age group, in Holstein Friesians (63.8%), and in hind limbs. Lameness in buffaloes was found more (40%) in animals over 5 years of age Biochemical status and progesterone during lameness and infertility in dairy cows Ghuman, S. P. S., Prabhakar, S., Singh et al Biochemical status and progesterone during lameness and infertility in dairy cows Ghuman, S. P. S., Prabhakar, S., Singh, S. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 1998 Incidence of reproductive disorders in relation to lameness in cows and buffaloes Ghuman, S. P. S., Prabhakar, S., Singh et al Incidence of reproductive disorders in relation to lameness in cows and buffaloes Ghuman, S. P. S., Prabhakar, S., Singh, S. Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction 1998 Cattle (n=1959) and buffaloes (n=257) were examined for lameness and reproductive disorders at dairy farms in Punjab State, India [date not given]. 158 (8.1%) cattle and 10 (3.9%) buffaloes were lame. 56.6% of the lame cattle had reproductive disorders. Anoestrus (23.97%) and repeat breeding (16.9%) were the most common disorders. Cystic ovaries, cervicitis, abortion and placental retention were also observed. Interdigital wounds, laminitis and overgrown hooves had a significant influence on the reproductive performance of the cows. Lameness had a minimal effect on the reproductive performance of the buffaloes Fluorosis in Dairy-Cows – Clinicopathological Findings Dogra, R. K. S., Singh, G. R., Singh et al Fluorosis in Dairy-Cows – Clinicopathological Findings Dogra, R. K. S., Singh, G. R., Singh, J. L., Swarup, D. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 1995 An outbreak of fluorosis was recorded in dairy cattle of Aarey Milk Colony, Bombay. Of the 638 cows, 88 manifested symptoms of hind limb lameness, reluctance to move, skeletal deformities, bony exostoses, and wasting of main mass of hind quarter and shoulder muscles. Slight to marked dental lesions, loss in milk production, intermittent diarrhoea and emaciation were also present. The affected cows had significantly high concentration of serum and urine fluoride, serum alkaline phosphatase, urea nitrogen and creatinine, and low haemoglobin content. Higher amount of fluoride in mineral mixture supplement (952.92+/-1.49 ppm) was suspected to be the principal source of excessive flouride Clinical Observations and Diagnosis of Fluorosis in Dairy-Cows and Buffalos Singh, J. L., Swarup, D. Clinical Observations and Diagnosis of Fluorosis in Dairy-Cows and Buffalos Singh, J. L., Swarup, D. Agri-Practice 1995 Disease investigation on suspected cases of fluorosis in 88 cows and 65 buffaloes indicated that lameness, palpable bony lesions, and poor performance with or without dental lesions can provide initial evidence of the disease. These signs may, however, be inconclusive without supportive evidence of excessive fluoride intake. Urine fluoride estimation was found to be a convenient way to strengthen a clinical diagnosis Lameness in cattle – A review Aithal, H. P., Amarpal,, Kinjavdekar et al Lameness in cattle – A review Aithal, H. P., Amarpal,, Kinjavdekar, P., Singh, G. R. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 2005 Lameness in cattle has considerable economical and animal welfare implications. The important causes of lameness in cattle include laminitis and other foot disorders, arthritis, fractures and affections of tendons and ligaments. Laminitis is one of the leading causes of lameness in cattle. The disease has a multifactorial origin but its pathogenesis is still obscure. improving housing, management, nutritional practices and supplementation of trace elements, minerals and biotin may reduce the incidence of laminitis. Sole ulcers, foot rot, PDD, vertical fissures, interdigital hyperplasia, horizontal fissures, and white line disease are the other important foot affections responsible for lameness. Arthritis may be either infectious or non-infectious (degenerative joint disease) in nature. Treatment of infectious arthritis includes parenteral or intraarticular administration of antibiotics, joint drainage, and joint lavage by mild antiseptics and replacement of infected synovia with healthy fluid, intraarticular DMSO. The management of DJD is generally unproductive. However, NSAID's allotransplatation of synovia, intraarticular hyaluronidase and low levels of ultrasound and diathermy have been found to have some beneficial effects. Traction at the time of dystocia, stamping by the dam and fall are the major causes of fracture in young calves. However, vehicular accidents, fall and fight with other animals contribute to most of the fractures in adult animals. The factors like type of fracture, the age and weight of the animal, the temperament of the animal, post-operative managernent of the patients and selection of appropriate techniques dictate the success of fracture management in cattle. Nevertheless, fractures in young animals and adult cattle below 250 kg of body weight can be managed with a reasonably good success rate. Contractures and injuries to the tendons of the digital flaxor, gastrocnemius and peroneus tertius muscles are commonly encountered in bovines. Different types of suturing techniques, grafts and implants and measures to prevent peritendinous adhesions have been used successfully for the repair of tendon injuries. Most of the knowledge available on lameness especially due to foot disorders in cattle is derived from the work done in Europe and America and very little information is available on indigenous cattle. Studies should, therefore, be conducted on indigenous cattle to correctly judge the losses to the farmers on account of lameness in cattle and to suggest suitable remedial measures. Effects of differential supplementation of fatty acids during the peripartum and breeding periods of Holstein cows: I. Uterine... Carvalho, T. S. M., Francisco, N. et al Effects of differential supplementation of fatty acids during the peripartum and breeding periods of Holstein cows: I. Uterine and metabolic responses, reproduction, and lactation Carvalho, T. S. M., Francisco, N., Jenkins, T. C., Santos, J. E. P., Silvestre, F. T., Staples, C. R., Thatcher, W. W. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Comfort, health and production: Portuguese dairy farmers talk about animal welfare Borlido Santos, J. et al Comfort, health and production: Portuguese dairy farmers talk about animal welfare Borlido Santos, J., Magalhães-Sant’Ana, M., Olsson, I. A. S., Silva, S. The ethics of consumption 2013 Effects of weekly regrouping of prepartum dairy cows on metabolic, health, reproductive, and productive parameters Chebel, R. C., Endres, M. I., Fetrow et al Effects of weekly regrouping of prepartum dairy cows on metabolic, health, reproductive, and productive parameters Chebel, R. C., Endres, M. I., Fetrow, J., Mendonça, L. G. D., Moraes, J. G. N., Nakagawa, G., Scanavez, A. A., Silva, P. R. B. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Effects of weekly regrouping of prepartum dairy cows on innate immune response and antibody concentration Ballou, M. A., Chebel, R. C., Endres et al Effects of weekly regrouping of prepartum dairy cows on innate immune response and antibody concentration Ballou, M. A., Chebel, R. C., Endres, M. I., Haines, D., Mendonça, L. G. D., Moraes, J. G. N., Nakagawa, G., Scanavez, A. A., Silva, P. R. B., Walcheck, B. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 A clinical trial to assess the use of sodium hypochlorite and oxytetracycline on the healing of digital dermatitis lesions in... Atayde, I. B., Borges, G. T., Borges et al A clinical trial to assess the use of sodium hypochlorite and oxytetracycline on the healing of digital dermatitis lesions in cattle Atayde, I. B., Borges, G. T., Borges, J. R. J., Floravanti, M. C. S., Silva, C. A., Silva, L. A. F. Canadian Veterinary Journal-Revue Veterinaire Canadienne 2005 The increased frequency of diseases, especially those of the hoof, cause economic losses, such as premature culling of affected animals, decreased milk production, weight loss, reduced fertility, and the high costs of treatment. A great variety of hoof conditions may affect cattle, one of them is digital dermatitis. These conditions are probably due to multiple factorial diseases and present with similar clinical signs. Bovine lameness is typically treated by foot trimming and debridment of the lesions, coupled when necessary with systemic antibiotics and therapeutic footbaths, which results in a clinical cure in the majority of the cases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the topical action of sodium hypochlorite associated with the systemic use of oxytetracycline for the treatment of wounds clinically diagnosed as bovine digital dermatitis. One hundred and twenty Holstein cattle varying ages from 1 to 9 y and presenting the clinical signs of digital dermatitis, were used in this study. Group 1 (G1) received topical treatment with a 1% sodium hypochlorite footbath twice a day for 30 d and 4 treatments of parenteral oxytetracycline (10 mg/kg bodyweight, IM, q48h). Group 2 (G2) received only the topical treatment with 1% sodium hypochlorite, as described for G1. Group 3 (G3) received only with parenteral oxytetracycline, as described for G1. Group 4 (G4) was treated exclusively with a dicloro divynil pirrolidona, ortoiododimetil, para-nitofenil-fosforotioato in a vegetal tar-based ointment, immediately after the surgery. After 45 d, the recovery rates were as follows: G1, 86.67%; G2, 73.33%; G3, 56.67%; and G4, 50%. The surgical treatment of digital dermatitis with subsequent treatment with oxytetracycline systemically and 1% sodium hypochlorite topically was the most effective for the convalescence of cattle bearing wounds similar to digital dermatitis. Evaluation of the association of sulfadoxine and trimethoprim after operating on cattle with pododermatitis Borges, G. T., Cunha, P. M. J. et al Evaluation of the association of sulfadoxine and trimethoprim after operating on cattle with pododermatitis Borges, G. T., Cunha, P. M. J., Fioravanti, M. C. S., Moraes, R. R., Silva, L. A. F. A Hora Veterinaria 2000 The prevalence of locomotor system diseases in cattle raised in extensive and semi-intensive production system from different... Borges, N. C., Cunha, P. H. J., Eurides et al The prevalence of locomotor system diseases in cattle raised in extensive and semi-intensive production system from different regions of Goias State Borges, N. C., Cunha, P. H. J., Eurides, D., Fioravanti, M. C. S., Moraes, R. R., Silva, C. A., Silva, L. A. F. Veterinaria Noticias 2001 Anaerobic bacterial species isolated from bovines with pododermatitis Acypreste, C. S., Fioravanti, M. C. S. et al Anaerobic bacterial species isolated from bovines with pododermatitis Acypreste, C. S., Fioravanti, M. C. S., Mesquita, A. J., Silva, C. A., Silva, L. A. F. Arquivo Brasileiro De Medicina Veterinaria E Zootecnia 1999 The objective of this study was to isolate and identify the anaerobic bacteria species in bovine with different degrees of pododermatitis. Sixty bovines were divided into four groups of 15 as follows: group I included healthy animals, used as control; group II with animals in the initial phase of the process; group Ill, with animals displaying interdigital skin hyperplasia and group IV with animals with footrot. Interdigital tissue fragments were collected and processed for isolation and identification of anaerobic agents. The bacteria species isolated were: Dichelobacter nodosus in groups II, III and IV and Fusobacterium necrophorum only: in groups III and IV, with frequencies of 26.7%, 6.7%, and 20.0% for the former and 6.7% and 13.3% for the latter, respectively. In addition, Fusobacterium symbiosum was present in 40.0% of group 1, 6.7% of group II, 13.3% of group III and 13.3% of group IV; Bacteroides sp. in 6.7% of groups I and IV; Bacteroides ruminatus in 33.3% of group I, 6.7% of group II, 33.3% of group III and 13.3% of group IV; Bacteroides oralis in 6.7% of group III, and Fusobacterium mortiferum in 6.7% of group IV Clinical characterization and treatment of bovine pododermatitis da Silva, L. A. F., Eurides, D. et al Clinical characterization and treatment of bovine pododermatitis da Silva, L. A. F., Eurides, D., Fioravanti, M. C. S., Jayme, V. de, Silva, C. A., Silva, L. A. F. Veterinaria Noticias 1999 A total of 45 cattle of various breeds, ages and both sexes with pododermatitis were studied. 15 cattle in the initial stage of the disease were treated with i.m. injection of enrofloxacin and bathing of the foot in antiseptic. 15 animals with vegetative interdigital pododermatitis were treated by removal of the fibrous area, cauterization and topical application of a plant extract. Application of the plant extract was alternated with bathing in antiseptic. Three i.m. treatments with oxytetracycline were used at 3 day intervals. Group 3 had necrotic pododermatitis. In 11 animals the necrotic areas were removed and cauterized and treatment proceeded as for group 2. In 4 animals, the second and third phalanges were removed under local anaesthetic. The wound was treated with oxytetracycline and nitrofurazone. Four i.m. injections of penicillin were given i.m. at 48-h intervals. All animals recovered within 30 days Early mammary gland metabolic and immune responses during natural-like and forceful drying-off in high-yielding dairy cows Leitner, Gabriel, Merin, Uzi, Shapiro et al Early mammary gland metabolic and immune responses during natural-like and forceful drying-off in high-yielding dairy cows Leitner, Gabriel, Merin, Uzi, Shapiro, Fira, Silanikove, Nissim Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Efficacy of Iodine Compounds Against the Causative Organisms of Bovine Footrot Bartle, S. J., Preston, R. L., Siddiqui et al Efficacy of Iodine Compounds Against the Causative Organisms of Bovine Footrot Bartle, S. J., Preston, R. L., Siddiqui, M. M. Journal of Animal Science 1992 Planning health care on dairy farms Sibley, R. Planning health care on dairy farms Sibley, R. In Practice 2000 Conservative management of radial paralysis in ruminants Dilipkumar, D., Shivaprakash, B. Conservative management of radial paralysis in ruminants Dilipkumar, D., Shivaprakash, B. Indian Veterinary Journal 1995 Footrot in Awassis and Their Crosses with East Friesian Sheep Shimshony, A. Footrot in Awassis and Their Crosses with East Friesian Sheep Shimshony, A. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 1989 Concurrent spirochaetal infections of the feet and colon of cattle in Japan Ishii, R., Ishikawa, Y., Kadota, K. et al Concurrent spirochaetal infections of the feet and colon of cattle in Japan Ishii, R., Ishikawa, Y., Kadota, K., Maeda, T., Ogihara, Y., Ohya, T., Shibahara, T. Australian Veterinary Journal 2002 Objective To describe spirochaetal infections in the feet and colon of cattle affected with papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) and colitis respectively. Procedure Eighty-two slaughtered animals were macroscopically examined for the presence of PDD. Tissues of two cattle affected with PDD were examined by histology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and bacteriology for spirochaetal infection. Results Two adult cattle (a 2-year-old beef bullock and 7-year-old Holstein dairy cow) were affected with PDD. Histologically, numerous argyrophilic and Gram-negative filamentous or spiral spirochaetes were found deep in the PDD lesions. Epithelial and goblet cell hyperplasia and oedema of the lamina propria mucosa with macrophage and lymphocyte infiltration were observed in the caecum and colon in the cattle. Numerous spirochaetes were present in the crypts and some had invaded epithelial and goblet cells, and caused their degeneration. Immunohistochemically the organisms stained positively with polyclonal antisera against Treponema pallidum and Brachyspira (Serpulina) hyodysenteriae. Ultrastructurally, the intestinal spirochaetes were similar to the spirochaetes in PDD. They were 6 to 14 pm long, 0.2 to 0.3 mum wide and had 4 to 6 coils and 9 axial filaments per cell. Campylobacter species were isolated from the PDD and intestinal lesions, but spirochaetes were not. Conclusion Concurrent infections with morphologically similar spirochaetal organisms may occur in the feet and colon of cattle in Japan. Reproductive challenges facing the cattle industry at the beginning of the 21(st) century Dobson, H., Sheldon, I. M. Reproductive challenges facing the cattle industry at the beginning of the 21(st) century Dobson, H., Sheldon, I. M. Reproduction 2002 The aim of this review is to pinpoint the areas that require further research for greatest impact to improve the efficiency of dairy and beef production. Increased knowledge about the principal causes of reduced fertility is essential. Increases in milk yield have been at the expense of reduced fertility in dairy cows and although diet has a major impact, the precise interaction between nutrition and reproduction still needs to be characterized in both beef and dairy cows. Furthermore, during periods of inadequate nutrition or stress, the intensity of oestrus is reduced by inadequate exposure to oestradiol. However, it is still unclear which pheromones are involved at oestrus, how synthesis is controlled and how pheromones are detected in herd-mates. GnRH may be involved in behaviour but the brain centres that translate hormonal messages are unknown. Attempts to overcome poor oestrous detection include measurements of milk progesterone, telemetric pressure detectors and devices that record the extra activity at oestrus. Substitution of heat detection by 'hormone treatment remedies' has met strong consumer resistance in Europe. The creation of larger cattle units and increased movements world-wide render herds more susceptible to infectious agents, such as Neospora, Leptospira, Trypanosoma and Bovine Viral Diarrhoea virus (BVDv), but it is unclear how other clinical conditions, such as lameness or endometritis, also interfere with ovarian function. The future of dominant follicles selected within 14 days after parturition is crucial - normal ovulation, prolonged persistence or atresia. Calving carries the greatest risk in the reproductive life of a cow and yet little work has focused on reducing the frequency of this event. For dairy cows, a greater understanding about induced or extended lactation is required. For beef animals, precise induction of twinning and nutritional adjustments could produce two offspring per pregnancy. At the start of pregnancy, the trophoblast produces interferon to prevent luteolysis, but the immunological implications are unknown and it is not clear how the rest of pregnancy is maintained. Profiles of pregnancy specific protein B (PSPB) have increased understanding of embryonic death. However, 25% of cows in abattoirs are pregnant, even though 30% of involuntary cullings are 'for failing to conceive'. Clearly, this is an area of wastage that requires urgent resolution. It is unknown why undernutrition at the time of insemination or in early pregnancy leads to delayed births, low fetal weights and later adverse health. At the end of pregnancy, the fetus controls the onset of parturition, but very little is known about the biochemical control of cervical dilation and placental separation. On the male side, bulls are selected for optimal freezability of semen; however, there is as yet no reliable predictor for semen fertility. Methods for accurately pre-determining the sex of both semen and embryos will revolutionize the dairy and beef industries. Digital and Interdigital Dermatitis in Dairy-Cattle Sheldon, I. M. Digital and Interdigital Dermatitis in Dairy-Cattle Sheldon, I. M. Veterinary Record 1994 Digital and interdigital dermatitis in dairy cattle [letter] Sheldon, I. M. Digital and interdigital dermatitis in dairy cattle [letter] Sheldon, I. M. Veterinary Record 1994 Eighth Scientific Congress, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, 15-17 November, 1998 El Tahlawy, M. R., Mahmoud, M. R. et al Eighth Scientific Congress, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, 15-17 November, 1998 El Tahlawy, M. R., Mahmoud, M. R., Shehab, M. M. 74 papers from the Congress are presented in 2 volumes The master hoof (claw) care problem: summary statistics from 3 years Gonzalez-Sagues, A., Shearer, J. K. et al The master hoof (claw) care problem: summary statistics from 3 years Gonzalez-Sagues, A., Shearer, J. K., Shearer, L. C., van Amstel, S. R. Clinical Diagnosis of Foot and Leg Lameness in Cattle Brodersen, Bruce W., Shearer, Jan K. et al Clinical Diagnosis of Foot and Leg Lameness in Cattle Brodersen, Bruce W., Shearer, Jan K., Van Amstel, Sarel R. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2012 Functional and corrective claw trimming Shearer, J. K., van Amstel, S. R. Functional and corrective claw trimming Shearer, J. K., van Amstel, S. R. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2001 The biomechanics of weight bearing in dairy cows, combined with modern feeding practices and housing systems common to intensive dairy production, often lead to claw horn overgrowth and overburdening of the lateral claw of rear and medial claw of front feet. Lf not corrected, overburdening predisposes to claw disorders, particularly sole ulcers and white-line disease. The purpose of functional trimming is to correct claw horn overgrowth, thereby reestablishing appropriate distribution of the cow's body weight within and between the claws of each foot. The objectives of claw trimming are to correct lesions of the claw capsule by adjusting weight bearing and to remove loose and damaged claw horn tissue. Properly applied, the principles of functional and corrective trimming are effective measures for treatment, control, and prevention of lameness disorders. Assessment and Management of Pain Associated with Lameness in Cattle Coetzee, Johann F., Shearer, Jan K. et al Assessment and Management of Pain Associated with Lameness in Cattle Coetzee, Johann F., Shearer, Jan K., Stock, Matthew L., Van Amstel, Sarel R. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2013 Papillomatous digital dermatitis: Treatment and control strategies – Part II Elliott, J. B., Hernández, J., Shearer et al Papillomatous digital dermatitis: Treatment and control strategies – Part II Elliott, J. B., Hernández, J., Shearer, J. K. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian 1998 Although effective, antibiotic treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) requires extralabel use and there is a (rare) potential for drug residue problems. Practitioners should therefore be aware of nonantibiotic treatment choices. With few exceptions, most of the commercial nonantibiotic formulations marketed for the treatment and/or control of PDD do not have proven efficacy. For this reason, a successful PDD control regimen requires careful consideration of predisposing factors associated with housing, environment, and management. A recently introduced nonantibiotic tripler compound, however, has been found to he effective in short-term trials and may offer a residue-free treatment and control option. Because lesions tend to recur regardless of treatment, periodic retreatment is necessary. In addition, because the precise causative agent(s) and environmental factors that support PDD's propagation are unknown, complete eradication does not seem possible for most herds. However, consistent and timely application of effective treatments combined with appropriate environmental management can provide manageable control. Part I of this two-part presentation reviewed antibiotic methods of treating and controlling PDD, including the use of footbaths, footbathing agents, and topical antibiotic sprays. This article discusses the nonantibiotic options for treating and controlling PDD; establishing efficacy through topical treatment trials; recurrence rates; reasons for treatment failure; disease resistance; potential for residues; and housing, environment, and management considerations. Efficacy of Two Modified Nonantibiotic Formulations (Victory) for Treatment of Papillomatous Digital Dermatitis in Dairy Cows Hernández, J., Shearer, J. K. Efficacy of Two Modified Nonantibiotic Formulations (Victory) for Treatment of Papillomatous Digital Dermatitis in Dairy Cows Hernández, J., Shearer, J. K. J Dairy Sci 2000 A field trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of the original and two modified formulations of Victory and oxytetracycline among dairy cows affected with papillomatous digital dermatitis. Seventy-eight cows with papillomatous digital dermatitis lesions were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups (A, B, C, D). Cows in group A (n = 19) were treated with an oxytetracycline solution; cows in group B (n = 22) were treated with the original formulation of Victory containing soluble copper, peroxide compound, and a cationic agent; cows in group C (n = 17) were treated with a modified formulation of Victory containing reduced soluble copper and peroxide compound but increased levels of cationic agent; and cows in group D (n = 20) were treated with a modified formulation of Victory containing levels of soluble copper and cationic agent equivalent to the original formulation but with reduced concentrations of peroxide compound. Cows were examined 7, 14 and 28 d after initial treatment; during each examination, pain and lesion scores were recorded. The modified nonantibiotic formulation used in cows in group C appeared to be the most effective for treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis. Proportions of cows with signs of pain were significantly lower among cows in group C, compared with cows in group A. Similarly, pain scores were significantly lower among cows in treatment group C, compared to cows in group A. The low efficacy of oxytetracycline was an unexpected result and may have clinical implications associated with possible antibiotic resistance in dairy cows affected with papillomatous digital dermatitis. Observations from Florida field trials on topical spray treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis Hernández, J., Shearer, J. K. Observations from Florida field trials on topical spray treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis Hernández, J., Shearer, J. K. Papillomatous digital dermatitis: Treatment and control strategies – Part I Elliott, J. B., Shearer, J. K. Papillomatous digital dermatitis: Treatment and control strategies – Part I Elliott, J. B., Shearer, J. K. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian 1998 International experience established that topical treatment of PDD lesions in individual animals with an oxytetracycline-gentian violet combination product was effective. In the United States, where the combination product is not available, parenteral and topical antibiotic treatment under a bandage have proven to be effective methods for managing PDD lesions in individual cows. Because of the sheer numbers of animals that may be affected in a large herd, however, alternate treatment and control schemes are required. Dairies have traditionally used walk-through footbaths to accomplish the objectives of treatment and control of lameness problems, including PDD, in herd situations. Optimal success in the treatment of PDD seems to depend largely on the management of these treatment devices. Studies indicate that common disinfectants and antibiotics used in footbaths may be quite rapidly neutralized by organic matter. Formalin seems to retain its effectiveness longer than most footbathingagents but raises significant concerns for worker safety. In addition, while formalin seems to have same therapeutic benefit against PDD, its effectiveness pales in ccom parison with antibiotic treatment. Cost and, in some cases, failure to control PDD by footbathing have encouraged some producers to implement topical spray treatment strategies. Field trials with topical oxytetracycline, lincomycin/spectinomycin, and lincomycin have shown these products to be very effective in such treatment regimens. Topical spray treatment may be performed in the milking parlor or in feedbarn or freestall barn lock-ups. The latter may afford improved labor efficiency and less potential for a drug or chemical residue. Treating PDD in the milking parlor permits cleaning and examination of lesions as necessary Lameness of dairy cattle: consequences and causes Shearer, J. K. Lameness of dairy cattle: consequences and causes Shearer, J. K. Bovine Practitioner 1998 Control of digital dermatitis in dairy herds using a topical spray application of oxytetracycline Elliott, J., Injoque, R., Shearer, J. Control of digital dermatitis in dairy herds using a topical spray application of oxytetracycline Elliott, J., Injoque, R., Shearer, J. Journal of Dairy Science 1995 Effect of oxytetracycline topical spray treatment on prevalence of digital dermatitis in 4 herds Elliott, J., Giesy, R., Injoque, R. et al Effect of oxytetracycline topical spray treatment on prevalence of digital dermatitis in 4 herds Elliott, J., Giesy, R., Injoque, R., Shearer, J. Journal of Dairy Science 1995 Lameness in dairy cattle: Laminitis, claw disease, digital dermatitis, and foot rot Shearer, J. Lameness in dairy cattle: Laminitis, claw disease, digital dermatitis, and foot rot Shearer, J. Journal of Dairy Science 1996 Feed delivery and bunk management aspects of laminitis in dairy herds fed total mixed rations Shaver, R. D. Feed delivery and bunk management aspects of laminitis in dairy herds fed total mixed rations Shaver, R. D. Clinico-epidemiological features of bovine fluorosis in Punjab Randhawa, C. S., Randhawa, S. S. et al Clinico-epidemiological features of bovine fluorosis in Punjab Randhawa, C. S., Randhawa, S. S., Sharma, S. P. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 1997 54 cows and 465 buffaloes from villages in 4 districts of Punjab endemic for human fluorosis were subjected to clinical examination to study the prevalence of fluorosis [at an unspecified date]. The prevalence was 9.55, 5.45, 3.50 and 1.96% in Jhunir (Mansa), Bajakhana (Bathinda), Rure Ke Kalan (Sangrur) and Kathera (Ferozepur), respectively, with an overall prevalence of 7.71%. The disease was more common in buffaloes (97.5%) than cows (2.5%). Season, age, physiological status, breed and milk yield affected the occurrence of disease. Fluorosis was associated with toxic fluoride level (3.14¤0.42 ppm) in underground water. Dental mottling, lameness and higher respiration and heart rates were common symptoms. Pallor of mucosae was noticed in severely affected animals. Reproductive disorders of prolonged postpartum anoestrus and increased incidence of vaginal prolapse were also recorded Bovine lameness due to a tick bite Kadoli, N., Kasigasi, S., Shannon, D. Bovine lameness due to a tick bite Kadoli, N., Kasigasi, S., Shannon, D. Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa 1994 The case is reported of a zebu cow in Uganda which became lame in its left front leg. Examination of a piece of skin removed from around a small lesion in the most painful area on the leg revealed the hypostome of a tick, and after removal of the skin, the cow rapidly recovered. One of the authors reports having seen an embedded tick hypostome associated with lameness quite commonly in sheep in Nigeria A survey to identify economic opportunities for smallholder dairy farms in Bangladesh Azizunnesa,, Bennett, T., Goodger et al A survey to identify economic opportunities for smallholder dairy farms in Bangladesh Azizunnesa,, Bennett, T., Goodger, W. J., Hossein, M. S., Nordlund, K., Shamsuddin, M. Tropical Animal Health and Production 2006 Prediction of insemination outcomes in Holstein dairy cattle using alternative machine learning algorithms Cabrera, Victor, Fricke, Paul, Guenther et al Prediction of insemination outcomes in Holstein dairy cattle using alternative machine learning algorithms Cabrera, Victor, Fricke, Paul, Guenther, Jerry, Page, David, Shahinfar, Saleh, Weigel, Kent Journal of Dairy Science 2014 The effects of sex, breed and weight on the health of beef cattle after transport Dell' Orto, V., Galmozzi, G., Ripamonti et al The effects of sex, breed and weight on the health of beef cattle after transport Dell' Orto, V., Galmozzi, G., Ripamonti, G., Sgoifo, R. C. A. Congresso Nazionale 1998 Hourly and seasonal variations in the area preferences of dairy cows in freestall housing Seyfi, S. Uzal Hourly and seasonal variations in the area preferences of dairy cows in freestall housing Seyfi, S. Uzal Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Peripheral white blood cell counts throughout pregnancy in non-aborting Neospora caninum-seronegative and seropositive... Abdelfattah-Hassan, A., Almería, S. et al Peripheral white blood cell counts throughout pregnancy in non-aborting Neospora caninum-seronegative and seropositive high-producing dairy cows in a Holstein Friesian herd Abdelfattah-Hassan, A., Almería, S., Garcia-Ispierto, I., López-Gatius, F., Serrano, B., Yániz, J. L. Research in Veterinary Science 2011 Lying behavior and postpartum health status in grazing dairy cows Sepúlveda-Varas, P., von Keyserlingk et al Lying behavior and postpartum health status in grazing dairy cows Sepúlveda-Varas, P., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Many cows have difficulty making the transition from pregnancy to lactation, as evidenced by the high incidence of disease that occurs in the weeks after calving. Changes in lying behavior can be used as an indicator of illness, yet no work to date has evaluated this relationship in dairy cows on pasture. The objectives of this study were to describe the lying behavior of grazing dairy cows during the first 3 wk after calving and determine the relationships between transition diseases and lying behavior. Our convenience sample included 227 multiparous and 47 primiparous Holstein cows from 6 commercial farms. Cows were recruited as they calved during the spring calving period. Electronic data loggers (Hobo Pendant G Acceleration, Onset Computer Corp., Pocasset, MA) recorded lying behavior at 1-min intervals. Diseases were recorded up to 21 d in milk, and cows were subsequently categorized into 3 health categories: (1) healthy, not lame and had no other signs of clinical (retained placenta, milk fever, metritis, mastitis) or subclinical (ketosis, hypocalcemia) postpartum diseases; (2) lame, identified as being clinically or severely lame with no other signs of clinical or subclinical postpartum disease; and (3) sick, diagnosed as having one or more clinical postpartum diseases (with or without a subclinical disease) but not lame. This last group was further divided into 2 groups: those that were diagnosed with a single clinical health event and those diagnosed with more than one clinical event. Lying behavior differed between primiparous and multiparous cows; primiparous cows divided their lying time into more bouts than did multiparous cows (9.7 ± 0.54 vs. 8.4 ± 0.26 bouts/d) and spent less time lying down than multiparous cows (7.5 ± 0.38 h/d vs. 8.5 ± 0.19 h/d). Lying behavior was also affected by illness; primiparous cows that developed more than one clinical disease, excluding lameness, spent more time lying, and tended to have longer lying bouts in the days following calving compared with healthy cows; multiparous severely lame cows spent more time lying down (1.7 h longer per day) compared with multiparous cows that were nonlame. Clinically lame cows had fewer lying bouts per day and these bouts were of longer duration than healthy nonlame cows. In summary, changes in lying behavior after calving were associated with postpartum health status in grazing dairy cows. Changes in behaviour of dairy cows with clinical mastitis Proudfoot, Kathryn L., Sepúlveda-Varas et al Changes in behaviour of dairy cows with clinical mastitis Proudfoot, Kathryn L., Sepúlveda-Varas, Pilar, von Keyserlingk, Marina A. G., Weary, Daniel M. Applied Animal Behaviour Science Behaviour is an important tool for recognizing illness in animals. One of the most common diseases in dairy cattle is clinical mastitis. Evidence suggests that cows with this disease show sickness behaviours, but little is known about the progression of behavioural changes before and after the disease becomes clinical. The aims of this study were to determine changes in feeding and competitive behaviour at the feed bunk of dairy cows before the diagnosis of clinical mastitis and determine the effect of intramammary antibiotic treatment on behaviour. Dry matter intake, feeding time, number of visits to the feeder, rate of feed intake, number of replacements occurring at the feeder (when one cow displaced a feeding cow and took her position at the feed bin) and the percent of intake during peak feeding time were measured daily in eight cows diagnosed with clinical mastitis in one quarter of the udder. Clinical mastitis was diagnosed based on daily rectal body temperature as well as condition of the foremilk and udder assessed by the milker at each milking from calving until 30 days in milk. Starting on the day of diagnosis, cows received an intramammary antibiotic twice daily for three consecutive days. During the 5 days period before diagnosis, cows decreased feed intake by 1.2 kg/d (SE = 0.2, P < 0.001) but showed no other changes in feeding behaviour during this time. The frequency of competitive replacements at the feeder (slope = −2.3 no./d, SE = 1.0, P = 0.04) and the percentage of intake at peak feeding time (slope = −1.8%, SE = 0.6, P = 0.008) were lower compared to day of diagnosis. Following treatment, cows immediately increased feed intake, feeding time and competitive replacements at the feeder. These results show that cows with naturally occurring clinical mastitis exhibit signs of sickness behaviour in the days before diagnosis, and that these behaviours rapidly recover in the days after treatment. Extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant gram-negative organisms in livestock: An emerging problem for human health? Endimiani, Andrea, Hilty, Markus et al Extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant gram-negative organisms in livestock: An emerging problem for human health? Endimiani, Andrea, Hilty, Markus, Perreten, Vincent, Seiffert, Salome N. Drug Resistance Updates 2013 Reasons for culling in French Holstein cows Bareille, N., Beaudeau, F., Fourichon et al Reasons for culling in French Holstein cows Bareille, N., Beaudeau, F., Fourichon, C., Seegers, H. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1998 The study describes the profiles of culled cows in order to assess the possible contribution to economic losses due to health disorders. Data regarding dates of birth, final calving and culling, parity at culling, milk yield at the two first test-days of the final lactation and reason(s) for culling were collected in a 5-year survey, carried out from 1989 to 1994 in 84 commercial Holstein farms in western France. Polytomous logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between parity, calving-to-culling interval, milk yield and eight groups of primary culling reasons (i.e. udder disorders; infertility or reproductive disorders; lameness or foot/leg defects; emergency culling reasons; other health disorders; low milk yield; sales for dairy purpose; and other voluntary culling reasons), Out of a total of 5133 culled cows, the proportions of culls, for each of these groups of reasons, were 12.4, 78.4, 2.7, 3.9, 4.6, 16.7, 5.9, and 25.4%, respectively. Cows culled for udder disorders left the herd earlier in lactation and were more frequently at parities 4-6 than cows culled for voluntary reasons. In contrast, cows culled for infertility were younger and culled later within lactation. They were also higher yielding cows than those culled for other reasons. Cows culled for lameness were similar to those of the voluntarily culling group. Cows culled for emergency reasons were more frequently younger cows in early lactation. Cows culled for other health disorders left the herd early in lactation, but at a higher parity than the voluntarily culled cows. These results suggest that most of the culls related to health could be contributing to economic loss. However, special priority should be given to reduce culling for reproductive problems, which is the most costly exit reason. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved Effects of parity, stage of lactation and culling reason on the commercial carcass weight of French Holstein cows Bareille, N., Beaudeau, F., Seegers, H. Effects of parity, stage of lactation and culling reason on the commercial carcass weight of French Holstein cows Bareille, N., Beaudeau, F., Seegers, H. Livestock Production Science 1998 Data were collected on 4546 Holstein cows culled from 79 French commercial herds during 1989 to 1994. Average net carcass weight was 309.4¤35.7 kg. The carcass weights of cows culled during the first lactation were lower than those of multiparous cows (299.0 and 312.7 kg, respectively). Adjusted effects of calving-to-culling interval on carcass weight were larger in primiparous than in multiparous cows. In primiparous cows, carcass weight increased with age at first calving (P<0.001). Locomotor disorders, accidents and health disorders (other than reproductive and udder disorders) were associated with lower carcass weights (P<0.001). Infertility as a culling reason was associated with the highest carcass weights. The existence of a fattening period was associated with a 19-20 kg increase in carcass weight. A large variation between farms was also noted Temperature and Moisture Conditions in Livestock Buildings in Northern Europe Groot Koerkamp, P. W. G., Hartung, J. et al Temperature and Moisture Conditions in Livestock Buildings in Northern Europe Groot Koerkamp, P. W. G., Hartung, J., Holden, M. R., Johnsen, J. O., Linkert, K. H., Metz, J. H. M., Pedersen, S., Phillips, V. R., Schröder, M., Seedorf, J., Short, J. L., Sneath, R. W., Takai, H., Uenk, G. H., Wathes, C. M., White, R. P. Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research 1998 From August 1993 to December 1995 a survey of the temperature and moisture conditions was carried out in 329 livestock buildings in Northern Europe. Mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values of dry bulb air temperature and relative humidity (RH) in cattle, pig and poultry houses were measured over 24 h in each building. Indoor air temperature and RH were generally in agreement with recommended values with few adverse consequences for health or production. Nevertheless, high air temperatures occurred occasionally in summer, indicating the limits of control of temperature in mechanically ventilated buildings. Naturally ventilated houses were more influenced by the prevailing climate. Prevalence and risk factors associated with musculoskeletal discomfort in New Zealand veterinarians Firth, Elwyn C., Legg, Stephen J. et al Prevalence and risk factors associated with musculoskeletal discomfort in New Zealand veterinarians Firth, Elwyn C., Legg, Stephen J., Scuffham, Andrew M., Stevenson, Mark A. Applied Ergonomics 2010 Ozonized autoemotherapy, a new method to treat acute interdigital phlegmon. A comparison with centiofur and oxytetracycline Ablondi, M., Ansaloni, F., Pogliacomi et al Ozonized autoemotherapy, a new method to treat acute interdigital phlegmon. A comparison with centiofur and oxytetracycline Ablondi, M., Ansaloni, F., Pogliacomi, B., Scrollavezza, P. 2000 Influence of provision of concentrate at milking on voluntary cow traffic in a pasture-based automatic milking system Garcia, S. C., Kerrisk, K. L., Scott et al Influence of provision of concentrate at milking on voluntary cow traffic in a pasture-based automatic milking system Garcia, S. C., Kerrisk, K. L., Scott, V. E., Thomson, P. C. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 A simple formula for predicting claw volume of cattle Greenough, P. R., Naylor, J. M., Scott et al A simple formula for predicting claw volume of cattle Greenough, P. R., Naylor, J. M., Scott, T. D. Veterinary Journal 1999 Diagnosis and treatment of joint infections in 39 adult sheep Sargison, N. D., Scott, P. R. Diagnosis and treatment of joint infections in 39 adult sheep Sargison, N. D., Scott, P. R. Small Ruminant Research 2012 Severe osteochondrosis in two 10-month-old beef calves Brownstein, D., Rhind, S., Scott, P. R. Severe osteochondrosis in two 10-month-old beef calves Brownstein, D., Rhind, S., Scott, P. R. Vet Rec 2000 Lameness in dairy cattle [editorial; comment] Scott, P. R. Lameness in dairy cattle [editorial; comment] Scott, P. R. British Veterinary Journal 1996 The method of minimization for allocation to clinical trials: a review Campbell, M.K., McPherson, G.C., Ramsay et al The method of minimization for allocation to clinical trials: a review Campbell, M.K., McPherson, G.C., Ramsay,C.R., Scott, N.W. Controlled Clinical Trials 2002 Studies of the gait of Friesian heifer cattle Scott, G. B. Studies of the gait of Friesian heifer cattle Scott, G. B. The Veterinary Record 1988 What is your diagnosis[Chronic osteophytes and exostosis adjacent to the proximal interphalangeal joint in a bull] Omann, M., Scott, E., Watrous, B. What is your diagnosis[Chronic osteophytes and exostosis adjacent to the proximal interphalangeal joint in a bull] Omann, M., Scott, E., Watrous, B. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1990 0Iradiography Mode of action and effectiveness of Stafac virginiamycin for finisher cattle Flachowsky, G., Hennig, A., Schone, F. et al Mode of action and effectiveness of Stafac virginiamycin for finisher cattle Flachowsky, G., Hennig, A., Schone, F., Schwarz, J. Vitamine und weitere Zusatzstoffe bei Mensch und Tier 1991 Mode of action and effectiveness of virginiamycin (Stafac R), licensed as an additive to cattle feeds (15-40 mg/kg compound feed) is reviewed, focussing on nutritive effect when high energy diets are fed, and on health aspects, where virginiamycin decreases incidence of acidosis, metabolic lameness and liver abscesses. There is also a positive effect on feed intake Action and effectiveness of virginiamycin in cattle fattening Schwarz, J. Action and effectiveness of virginiamycin in cattle fattening Schwarz, J. Muhle + Mischfuttertechnik 1993 Mode of action of virginiamycin in ruminants is briefly reviewed. It was concluded that virginiamycin has high nutritive effectiveness, especially in high-energy diets; virginiamycin reduces incidence of ketosis, metabolic lameness and liver damage; virginiamycin has a positive influence on feed intake Road transport of cattle, swine and poultry in North America and its impact on animal welfare, carcass and meat quality: A review Crowe, T. G., Dadgar, S., Faucitano, L. et al Road transport of cattle, swine and poultry in North America and its impact on animal welfare, carcass and meat quality: A review Crowe, T. G., Dadgar, S., Faucitano, L., González, L. A., Schwartzkopf-Genswein, K. S., Shand, P. Meat Science 2012 Effects of space allowance on the behavior and physiology of cattle temporarily managed on rubber mats Cox, Neil R., Huddart, Frances J. et al Effects of space allowance on the behavior and physiology of cattle temporarily managed on rubber mats Cox, Neil R., Huddart, Frances J., Schütz, Karin E., Stewart, Mairi, Sutherland, Mhairi A. Journal of Dairy Science 2015 Dairy cattle managed in some pasture-based systems, such as in New Zealand, are predominantly kept outdoors all year around but are taken off pasture for periods, especially in wet weather to avoid soil damage. The use of rubber matting for such stand-off practices is becoming more common to improve animal welfare, and our objective was to investigate the effects of different space allowances on cow behavior and physiology when managed temporarily on rubber mats during a weather-induced stand-off period. Thirty pregnant, nonlactating Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were divided into 6 groups of 5 and exposed to 6 treatments following a Williams designed 6 × 6 Latin square. The treatments consisted of 6 space allowances on a 24-mm rubber surface during a simulated weather-induced stand-off period: 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 7.5, 9.0, and 10.5 m2/cow. The stand-off period consisted of 18 h in the treatment pens followed by 6 h at pasture to allow for their daily feed intake (no feed was available during stand-off, following normal farm practice), for 3 consecutive days, with 6 d of recovery on pasture between treatments. When cows had more space available during the stand-off period, they spent more time lying on the rubber mats and less time lying on pasture during their daily 6-h feed break. Mean lying times (24 h, pasture and rubber mats combined) for the different space allowances were for 3.0 m2 = 7.5 h, 4.5 m2 = 10.2 h, 6.0 m2 = 11.9 h, 7.5 m2 = 12.4 h, and 10.5 m2 = 13.8 h. At 6.0 m2 of space allowance per cow, the animals spent similar times lying per 24 h as when the cows were on recovery on pasture in between treatments (11.9 and 11.2 h, respectively). Aggressive interactions and nonaggressive lying disturbances were more frequent at lower space allowances (aggressive interactions decreased by 35% from 3.0 to 4.5 m2/cow, with a slower decline thereafter). Cows were dirtier after the stand-off period, particularly at lower space allowances. All cows had higher gait scores after the stand-off period; however, this change was unaffected by space allowance and very minor. Stride length, plasma cortisol, and body weight were all unaffected by the stand-off period and space allowance. The results suggest that to reduce aggressive behavior and maintain adequate lying times, dairy cattle managed temporarily on rubber matting for up to 18 h per day, without feed, should have a space allowance of at least 4.5 to 6.0 m2 per cow. How important is shade to dairy cattle? Choice between shade or lying following different levels of lying deprivation Cox, Neil R., Matthews, Lindsay R. et al How important is shade to dairy cattle? Choice between shade or lying following different levels of lying deprivation Cox, Neil R., Matthews, Lindsay R., Schütz, Karin E. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2008 Provision of shade to dairy cattle in summer can alleviate negative effects of heat stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative importance of shade to lactating dairy cows in different ambient weather conditions in summer. The motivation to use shade was compared to the motivation to lie down after exposure to different levels of lying deprivation. Twelve cows were tested nine times in a test arena for 1 h where, under a range of ambient environmental conditions, they were given an opportunity to either stand or lie down in a non-shaded area or to stand in shade (shade cloth blocking 80% of ambient solar radiation), when previously deprived of lying for 0, 3, or 12 h. It was predicted that cows would increase their relative choice to rest as the duration of lying deprivation increased and that this choice would be affected by ambient temperature. Every time the cow entered a new area in the arena, and changed positions between standing and lying, the time was noted. Weather variables measured were ambient air temperature, relative humidity and solar radiation. All weather variables were divided into three categories (low, medium and high) and analysed separately. Cows deprived of lying for 12 h increased their time spent standing in shade with increasing ambient air temperature (<25 °C, 0.7 min/h; 25–30 °C, 3.5 min/h; >30 °C, 18.9 min/h; S.E.D.: 13.0, P = 0.021) and all treatment groups spent less time standing in the shade when the relative humidity was high (<40%, 11.3 min; 40–55%, 19.5 min; >55%, 1.9 min/h; S.E.D.: 4.8, P < 0.001). Cows deprived of lying for 12 h spent less time lying when solar radiation levels were high (<500 W/m2, 11.8 min; 500–825 W/m2, 24.6 min; >825 W/m2, 0 min/h; S.E.D.: 16.9, P = 0.006). In conclusion, the results suggest that the requirement for shade during hot days (high ambient air temperature) is relatively high, since dairy cows chose to stand in shade at high air temperature rather than lying after experiencing 12 h of lying deprivation. Behavioral and physiological effects of a short-term feed restriction in lactating dairy cattle with different body condition... Cox, N. R., Macdonald, K. A., Matthews et al Behavioral and physiological effects of a short-term feed restriction in lactating dairy cattle with different body condition scores at calving Cox, N. R., Macdonald, K. A., Matthews, L. R., Meier, S., Roche, J. R., Rogers, A. R., Schütz, K. E., Tucker, C. B., Verkerk, G. A., Webster, J. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Effects of short-term repeated exposure to different flooring surfaces on the behavior and physiology of dairy cattle Cox, N. R., Schütz, K. E. Effects of short-term repeated exposure to different flooring surfaces on the behavior and physiology of dairy cattle Cox, N. R., Schütz, K. E. Journal of Dairy Science Evaluation of the fluorescence polarization assay for the detection of Brucella abortus antibodies in bison in a natural setting Corso, Barbara A., Gardner, Ian A. et al Evaluation of the fluorescence polarization assay for the detection of Brucella abortus antibodies in bison in a natural setting Corso, Barbara A., Gardner, Ian A., Philo, L. Michael, Rhyan, Jack C., Salman, Mo D., Schumaker, Brant A. Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 2010 Effects of the inclination of the lying area in cubicles on the behaviour and dirtiness of fattening bulls Gygax, Lorenz, Mayer, Claus, Meier, Tim et al Effects of the inclination of the lying area in cubicles on the behaviour and dirtiness of fattening bulls Gygax, Lorenz, Mayer, Claus, Meier, Tim, Schulze Westerath, Heike, Wechsler, Beat Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2006 The aim of the study was to determine the optimal inclination of the lying area in cubicles for fattening bulls, taking into account the behaviour and dirtiness of the animals, as well as the dirtiness of the lying area. The inclination of the lying area was varied experimentally (3, 5, 8 and 10%), and three soft lying mats differing in surface texture were tested. In a balanced order, 20 finishing bulls housed in four groups were kept sequentially in pens with all inclination/mat combinations, and observed on three consecutive days. In each experimental condition, the duration of lying was recorded automatically over 72 h by means of distance sensors placed above the cubicles. The quality of standing-up and lying-down behaviour was recorded by direct observations on 3 days. Additionally, the dirtiness of the animals and the lying area were rated once and twice a day, respectively. Data were analysed using mixed-effects models and logistic regression. The steeper the lying area, the more lying bouts were recorded (p < 0.001). With two of the three soft lying mats, the time spent lying per day was reduced as inclination increased (inclination/mat-type interaction, p < 0.01). With increasing inclination, the animals also stood up more often with more than one head lunge (p < 0.05), showed more stepping with the fore legs (p < 0.05) and more investigative head sweeps (p < 0.05) before lying down, and the frequency of slipping with fore and hind legs increased (p < 0.001). Falling while in the process of lying down or standing up was only observed with inclinations of 8 and 10%. The degree of dirtiness of the animals was generally low, and the inclination of the lying area had no effect on it. The rear part of the lying area became wetter as inclination decreased (p < 0.001). In conclusion, an inclination of the lying area of 5% was found to be optimal in cubicles for fattening bulls. Early detection and treatment of lame cows. Effect on duration and prevalence of lesion-specific lameness Feldmann, M., Gundelach, Y., Hoedemaker et al Early detection and treatment of lame cows. Effect on duration and prevalence of lesion-specific lameness Feldmann, M., Gundelach, Y., Hoedemaker, M., Schulz, T. Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 2016 OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of specific hoof lesions on the locomotion score (LS) as well as the effect of early detection and treatment on duration and prevalence of lesion-specific lameness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a dairy herd in Lower Saxony, Germany, with 144 lactating cows, claw trimming was performed by a professional claw trimmer at the beginning and the end of a 41-week trial period. Weekly a veterinarian assessed the LS according to Sprecher et al. (1997) in 99 cows. The front and hind claws of cows with an LS > 1 were examined and treated within 5 days. For individual diagnoses, the duration of lameness was calculated as the number of weeks from first treatment until recovery (LS = 1). RESULTS: In total, 580 examinations and treatments were performed on 94 cows. There were 189 new lameness cases with a total of 290 diagnoses. At the first treatment, 81.0% of the cows displayed an LS of 2. Cows with digital dermatitis (DD), heel horn erosion and white line disease (WLD) more often had an LS > 2 compared to cows with Rusterholz' sole ulcer, interdigital hyperplasia or inadequate claw length/posture (p < 0.05). Cows with only one affected leg, more often had an LS > 2 than cows with several affected legs (p < 0.1). Lameness caused by WLD and arthritis/periarthritis remained for the longest time period. The prevalence of sole haemorrhages and/or double soles, WLD, interdigital dermatitis and interdigital hyperplasia decreased significantly during the test period. Prevalence of sole ulcer (sole ulcer and Rusterholz' sole ulcer) and DD remained unaffected. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Locomotion score was affected by the type of claw/limb disorder and the number of diseased limbs. Regular locomotion scoring and continuous treatment of cows with an LS > 1 is associated with a decrease in the prevalence of several claw lesions. Therefore, prevalence of severe claw lesions like WLD, which was associated with a long duration of lameness, can be reduced. In contrast, for decreasing prevalence of digital dermatitis more than weekly treatment of every cow with LS > 1 is required. Preventive measures like footbaths or improved hygiene should accompany the individual animal treatment. Efficacy of salicylic acid in the treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Capion, N., Schultz, N. Efficacy of salicylic acid in the treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Capion, N., Schultz, N. The Veterinary Journal 2013 Digital dermatitis (DD) is one of the most important causes of lameness in dairy cattle worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of salicylic acid in the treatment of the disease. A total of 201 DD lesions from 173 cows from four commercial dairy herds were evaluated at day 0 during routine hoof trimming and were allocated into two groups, namely, a control group given chlortetracycline spray, and a treatment group given 10 g of salicylic acid powder applied topically within a bandage. Pain, lesion size and clinical appearance (scored M0 to M4) were evaluated on days 3, 14 and 34 post-treatment. A change to M0 was defined as healing, while changes of M2 or M4 to M1 or M3 were classified as clinical improvements. Healing rates did not differ significantly between treatment groups at days 3 and 14. By day 34 the healing rate was fivefold better (P = 0.01) for the treatment vs. the control group, with healing rates of 13.6% and 3.1%, respectively. By day 3, the rate of improvement was 2.5-fold better (P = 0.02) for the controls. By day 34 the overall positive effect (i.e. healing and improvement) was 1.75-fold better (P = 0.05) for the treatment group. Lesions from the control group were 2.2 times more likely (P = 0.09) to have a pain score equal to 2 by day 14. The proportion of lesions getting smaller by days 14 and 34 was 2.5 times higher (P < 0.08) for the treatment vs. the control group. The findings suggest salicylic acid should be considered as an alternative to chlortetracycline for the treatment of DD as it appears more efficacious and would assist in reducing antibiotic use. Chronic fluorosis in cattle due to the ingestion of a commercial lick Godley, G. A., Schultheiss, W. A. Chronic fluorosis in cattle due to the ingestion of a commercial lick Godley, G. A., Schultheiss, W. A. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 1995 A year after introduction of a lick known to contain a commercial phosphorous source intended for agronomical purposes, approximately 2% adult cattle, from a herd numbering 120 animals, were observed to show signs of lameness. Four years later, this prevalence had increased to 5%, but teeth abnormalities were evident in 70-80% of animals. The average fluoride concentration of 5 coccygeal bone samples from 4-year-old animals was 6.94 x 10(3) mg kg-1. A lick sample had a fluoride concentration of 1.4 x 10(3) mg kg-1. A water and pasture sample contained 0.03 ppm and 0.3 ppm fluoride respectively. These values suggested that the lick was responsible for the clinical signs of chronic fluororis in the herd Evaluation of the efficacy of a herd-specific vaccine for the control of digital dermatitis (DD) in dairy cows Klee, W., Metzner, M., Pijl, R. et al Evaluation of the efficacy of a herd-specific vaccine for the control of digital dermatitis (DD) in dairy cows Klee, W., Metzner, M., Pijl, R., Schuetz, W., Urbaneck, D. Dairy nutrition management: Assessing a comprehensive continuing education program for veterinary practitioners Bas, S., Eastridge, M. L. et al Dairy nutrition management: Assessing a comprehensive continuing education program for veterinary practitioners Bas, S., Eastridge, M. L., Rajala-Schultz, P., Schuenemann, G. M., Weiss, W. P., Workman, J. D. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Characterization of the predominant anaerobic bacterium recovered from digital dermatitis lesions in three Michigan dairy cows Ames, N. K., Goeman, A. K., Marsh et al Characterization of the predominant anaerobic bacterium recovered from digital dermatitis lesions in three Michigan dairy cows Ames, N. K., Goeman, A. K., Marsh, T. L., Parlor, K. W., Schroeder, C. M., Walker, R. D. Anaerobe 2003 Digital dermatitis is a superficial epidermatitis of the feet of cattle. Data from previous work suggest that spirochaetes, Campylobacter spp., and Bacteroides spp. may be important in the disease, but the etiology of this disease is not entirely clear. Tissue samples collected from digital dermatitis lesions in three Holstein-Friesian cows from a Michigan dairy yielded a predominant colony type when incubated anaerobically on blood agar at 35degreesC for 24-48 h. The isolate was a non-flagellated Gram-negative rod, 7 muM long and < 0.5 muM wide; its growth was strictly anaerobic and resulted in slight beta-hemolysis on blood agar; 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated it belonged to the cytophoga-flexibacter-bacteroides phylum. The finding that this bacterium was the predominant anaerobe recovered from digital dermatitis lesions suggests it may be involved in the digital dermatitis disease process. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. Involvement of lipopolysaccharide binding protein, CD14, and toll-like receptors in the initiation of innate immune responses by... Gobel, U. B., Lamping, N., Michelsen et al Involvement of lipopolysaccharide binding protein, CD14, and toll-like receptors in the initiation of innate immune responses by Treponema glycolipids Gobel, U. B., Lamping, N., Michelsen, K. S., Opitz, B., Schroder, N. W. J., Schumann, R. R., Zahringer, U. Journal of Immunology 2000 Culture supernatants from Treponema maltophilum associated with periodontitis in humans and Treponema brennaborense found in a bovine cattle disease accompanied with cachexia caused a dose-dependent TNF-alpha synthesis in human monocytes increasing with culture time. This activity could be reduced significantly by blocking the CD14-part of the LPS receptor using the My 4 mAb and by polymyxin B. In the murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7, Treponema culture supernatants induced TNF-alpha secretion in a LPS binding protein (LBP)-dependent fashion. To enrich for active compounds, supernatants were extracted with butanol, while whole cells were extracted using a phenolwater method resulting in recovery of material exhibiting a similar activity profile, An LPS-LBP binding competition assay revealed an interaction of the treponeme phenol/water extracts with LBP, while precipitation studies implied an affinity to polymyxin B and endotoxin neutralizing protein. Macrophages obtained from C3H/HeJ mice carrying a Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 mutation were stimulated with treponeme extracts for NO release to assess the role of TLRs in cell activation. Furthermore, NF-kappaB translocation in TLR-2-negative Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells was studied. We found that phenol/water-extracts of the two strains use TLRs, differently with T. brennaborense-stimulating cells in a TLR-4-dependent fashion, while T. maltophilum-mediated activation apparently involved TLR-2, These results indicate the presence of a novel class of glycolipids in Treponema initiating inflammatory responses involving LBP, CD14, and TLRs. Relationship between udder and leg hygiene scores and subclinical mastitis Ruegg, P. L., Schreiner, D. A. Relationship between udder and leg hygiene scores and subclinical mastitis Ruegg, P. L., Schreiner, D. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2003 Treponema brennaborense sp. nov., a novel spirochaete isolated from a dairy cow suffering from digital dermatitis Schrank et al Treponema brennaborense sp. nov., a novel spirochaete isolated from a dairy cow suffering from digital dermatitis Schrank, Kirstin Choi Bong-Kyu Grund Siegfried Moter Annette Heuner Klaus Nattermann Herbert Gobel Ulf International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology 1999 A novel Treponema species was isolated from an ulcerative lesion of a cow suffering from digital dermatitis (DD), a disease which causes painful ulcerations along the coronary band. Among other anaerobic bacteria, high numbers of spirochaetes have been regularly found in DD lesions. Here data are presented of a spirochaete isolated from a DD ulcer. By chemotaxonomy, protein analysis and comparative 16S rDNA sequence analysis this isolate was classified as a treponeme that differed from all Treponema species described previously. The only isolate, DD5/3T, for which the name Treponema brennaborense is proposed, is designated the type strain of the novel species. The strain is a small, highly motile spirochaete that has two periplasmic flagella, one flagellum being attached at each cell pole. Strain DD5/3T exhibits alpha- glucosidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase activity and growth is inhibited by rabbit serum. T. brennaborense was phylogenetically most closely related (89.5% 16S rRNA similarity) to Treponema maltophilum, an oral spirochaete isolated from a periodontitis patient Digital Dermatitis (Footrot) in Cattle Gruner, J., Schrank, D. Digital Dermatitis (Footrot) in Cattle Gruner, J., Schrank, D. Monatshefte fur Veterinarmedizin 1989 Relationships between bovine hoof disorders, body condition traits, and test-day yields Pijl, R., Schöpke, K., Swalve, H. H. et al Relationships between bovine hoof disorders, body condition traits, and test-day yields Pijl, R., Schöpke, K., Swalve, H. H., Weidling, S. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Determining host genetic susceptibility or resistance to bovine digital dermatitis in cattle Blowey, R. W., Carter, S. D., Murray et al Determining host genetic susceptibility or resistance to bovine digital dermatitis in cattle Blowey, R. W., Carter, S. D., Murray,R.D., Ollier, W.E.R., Scholey, R. A. Advances in Animal Biosciences 2010 Identifying host pathogenic pathways in bovine digital dermatitis by RNA-Seq analysis Blowey, R. W., Carter, S. D., Evans et al Identifying host pathogenic pathways in bovine digital dermatitis by RNA-Seq analysis Blowey, R. W., Carter, S. D., Evans, N.J, Massey, J. P., Murray, R. D., Ollier, W. E., Scholey, R. A., Smith, R. F. The Veterinary Journal 2013 Digital dermatitis is a painful foot disease compromising welfare in dairy cattle. The disease has a complex multibacterial aetiology, but little is known about its pathogenesis. In this study, gene expression in skin biopsies from five bovine digital dermatitis lesions and five healthy bovine feet was compared using RNA-Seq technology. Differential gene expression was determined after mapping transcripts to the Btau 4.0 genome. Pathway analysis identified gene networks involving differentially expressed transcripts. Bovine digital dermatitis lesions had increased expression of mRNA for α2-macroglobulin-like 1, a protein potentially involved in bacterial immune evasion and bacterial survival. There was increased expression of keratin 6A and interleukin 1β mRNA in bovine digital dermatitis lesions, but reduced expression of most other keratin and keratin-associated genes. There was little evidence of local immune reactions to the bacterial infection present in lesions. Investigating host genetic factors in bovine digital dermatitis Blowey, R. W., Cameron, J., Carter et al Investigating host genetic factors in bovine digital dermatitis Blowey, R. W., Cameron, J., Carter, S. D., Massey, J. P., Murray, R. D., Ollier, W. E., Scholey, R. A., Smith, R. F. Veterinary Record 2012 Association between growth hormone receptor AluI polymorphism and fertility of Holstein cows Butler, W. R., Corrêa, M. N. et al Association between growth hormone receptor AluI polymorphism and fertility of Holstein cows Butler, W. R., Corrêa, M. N., Schneider, A. Theriogenology 2013 Efficacy of a combined vaccine against selected anaerobes in the control of digital dermatitis in cattle Schmitt, M. Efficacy of a combined vaccine against selected anaerobes in the control of digital dermatitis in cattle Schmitt, M. 1997 High-speed cinematographic evaluation of claw-ground contact pattern of lactating cows Meyer, Sven W., Nuss, Karl, Peinen et al High-speed cinematographic evaluation of claw-ground contact pattern of lactating cows Meyer, Sven W., Nuss, Karl, Peinen, Katja von, Schmid, Tanja, Waldern, Nina, Weishaupt, Michael A. The Veterinary Journal 2009 Effects of continuous milking during the dry period or once daily milking in the first 4 weeks of lactation on metabolism and... Kaske, M., Meyer, H. H. D. et al Effects of continuous milking during the dry period or once daily milking in the first 4 weeks of lactation on metabolism and productivity of dairy cows Kaske, M., Meyer, H. H. D., Schlamberger, G., Viturro, E., Wiedemann, S. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Manual and automatic locomotion scoring systems in dairy cows: A review Bahr, Claudia, Berckmans, Daniel et al Manual and automatic locomotion scoring systems in dairy cows: A review Bahr, Claudia, Berckmans, Daniel, Bokkers, Eddie A. M., Halachmi, Ilan, Koerkamp, Peter W. G. Groot, Lokhorst, Kees, Romanini, Carlos E. B., Schlageter-Tello, Andrés, Van Hertem, Tom, Viazzi, Stefano Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2014 The objective of this review was to describe, compare and evaluate agreement, reliability, and validity of manual and automatic locomotion scoring systems (MLSSs and ALSSs, respectively) used in dairy cattle lameness research. There are many different types of MLSSs and ALSSs. Twenty-five MLSSs were found in 244 articles. MLSSs use different types of scale (ordinal or continuous) and different gait and posture traits need to be observed. The most used MLSS (used in 28% of the references) is based on asymmetric gait, reluctance to bear weight, and arched back, and is scored on a five-level scale. Fifteen ALSSs were found that could be categorized according to three approaches: (a) the kinetic approach measures forces involved in locomotion, (b) the kinematic approach measures time and distance of variables associated to limb movement and some specific posture variables, and (c) the indirect approach uses behavioural variables or production variables as indicators for impaired locomotion. Agreement and reliability estimates were scarcely reported in articles related to MLSSs. When reported, inappropriate statistical methods such as PABAK and Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients were commonly used. Some of the most frequently used MLSSs were poorly evaluated for agreement and reliability. Agreement and reliability estimates for the original four-, five- or nine-level MLSS, expressed in percentage of agreement, kappa and weighted kappa, showed large ranges among and sometimes also within articles. After the transformation into a two-level scale, agreement and reliability estimates showed acceptable estimates (percentage of agreement ≥75%; kappa and weighted kappa ≥0.6), but still estimates showed a large variation between articles. Agreement and reliability estimates for ALSSs were not reported in any article. Several ALSSs use MLSSs as a reference for model calibration and validation. However, varying agreement and reliability estimates of MLSSs make a clear definition of a lameness case difficult, and thus affect the validity of ALSSs. MLSSs and ALSSs showed limited validity for hoof lesion detection and pain assessment. The utilization of MLSSs and ALSSs should aim to the prevention and efficient management of conditions that induce impaired locomotion. Long-term studies comparing MLSSs and ALSSs while applying various strategies to detect and control unfavourable conditions leading to impaired locomotion are required to determine the usefulness of MLSSs and ALSSs for securing optimal production and animal welfare in practice. Effect of merging levels of locomotion scores for dairy cows on intra- and interrater reliability and agreement Bahr, Claudia, Berckmans, Daniel et al Effect of merging levels of locomotion scores for dairy cows on intra- and interrater reliability and agreement Bahr, Claudia, Berckmans, Daniel, Bokkers, Eddie A. M., Groot Koerkamp, Peter W. G., Halachmi, Ilan, Lokhorst, Kees, Romanini, Carlos E. B., Schlageter-Tello, Andrés, Van Hertem, Tom, Viazzi, Stefano Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Locomotion scores are used for lameness detection in dairy cows. In research, locomotion scores with 5 levels are used most often. Analysis of scores, however, is done after transformation of the original 5-level scale into a 4-, 3-, or 2-level scale to improve reliability and agreement. The objective of this study was to evaluate different ways of merging levels to optimize resolution, reliability, and agreement of locomotion scores for dairy cows. Locomotion scoring was done by using a 5-level scale and 10 experienced raters in 2 different scoring sessions from videos from 58 cows. Intra- and interrater reliability and agreement were calculated as weighted kappa coefficient (κw) and percentage of agreement (PA), respectively. Overall intra- and interrater reliability and agreement and specific intra- and interrater agreement were determined for the 5-level scale and after transformation into 4-, 3-, and 2-level scales by merging different combinations of adjacent levels. Intrarater reliability (κw) ranged from 0.63 to 0.86, whereas intrarater agreement (PA) ranged from 60.3 to 82.8% for the 5-level scale. Interrater κw = 0.28 to 0.84 and interrater PA = 22.6 to 81.8% for the 5-level scale. The specific intrarater agreement was 76.4% for locomotion level 1, 68.5% for level 2, 65% for level 3, 77.2% for level 4, and 80% for level 5. Specific interrater agreement was 64.7% for locomotion level 1, 57.5% for level 2, 50.8% for level 3, 60% for level 4, and 45.2% for level 5. Specific intra- and interrater agreement suggested that levels 2 and 3 were more difficult to score consistently compared with other levels in the 5-level scale. The acceptance threshold for overall intra- and interrater reliability (κw and κ ≥0.6) and agreement (PA ≥75%) and specific intra- and interrater agreement (≥75% for all levels within locomotion score) was exceeded only for the 2-level scale when the 5 levels were merged as (12)(345) or (123)(45). In conclusion, when locomotion scoring is performed by experienced raters without further training together, the lowest specific intra- and interrater agreement was obtained in levels 2 and 3 of the 5-level scale. Acceptance thresholds for overall intra- and interrater reliability and agreement and specific intra- and interrater agreement were exceeded only in the 2-level scale. Relation between observed locomotion traits and locomotion score in dairy cows Bahr, Claudia, Berckmans, Daniel et al Relation between observed locomotion traits and locomotion score in dairy cows Bahr, Claudia, Berckmans, Daniel, Bokkers, Eddie A. M., Halachmi, Ilan, Koerkamp, Peter W. G. Groot, Lokhorst, Kees, Romanini, Carlos E. B., Schlageter-Tello, Andrés, Van Hertem, Tom, Viazzi, Stefano Journal of Dairy Science ABSTRACT Lameness is still an important problem in modern dairy farming. Human observation of locomotion, by looking at different traits in one go, is used in practice to assess locomotion. The objectives of this article were to determine which individual locomotion traits are most related to locomotion scores in dairy cows, and whether experienced raters are capable of scoring these individual traits consistently. Locomotion and 5 individual locomotion traits (arched back, asymmetric gait, head bobbing, reluctance to bear weight, and tracking up) were scored independently on a 5-level scale for 58 videos of different cows. Videos were shown to 10 experienced raters in 2 different scoring sessions. Relations between locomotion score and traits were estimated by 3 logistic regression models aiming to calculate the size of the fixed effects on the probability of scoring a cow in 1 of the 5 levels of the scale (model 1) and the probability of classifying a cow as lame (locomotion score ≥3; model 2) or as severely lame (locomotion score ≥4; model 3). Fixed effects were rater, session, traits, and interactions among fixed effects. Odds ratios were calculated to estimate the relative probability to classify a cow as lame when an altered (trait score ≥3) or severely altered trait (trait score ≥4) was present. Overall intrarater and interrater reliability and agreement were calculated as weighted kappa coefficient (κw) and percentage of agreement, respectively. Specific intrarater and interrater agreement for individual levels within a 5-level scale were calculated. All traits were significantly related to the locomotion score when scored with a 5-level scale and when classified as (severely) lame or nonlame. Odds ratios for altered and severely altered traits were 10.8 and 14.5 for reluctance to bear weight, 6.5 and 7.2 for asymmetric gait, and 4.8 and 3.2 for arched back, respectively. Raters showed substantial variation in reliability and agreement values when scoring traits. The acceptance threshold for overall intrarater reliability (κw ≥0.60) was exceeded by locomotion scoring and all traits. Overall interrater reliability values ranged from κw = 0.53 for tracking up to κw = 0.61 for reluctance to bear weight. Intrarater and interrater agreement were below the acceptance threshold (percentage of agreement <75%). Most traits tended to have lower specific intrarater and interrater agreement in level 3 and 5 of the scale. In conclusion, raters had difficulties in scoring locomotion traits consistently, especially slight alterations were difficult to detect by experienced raters. Yet, the locomotion traits reluctance to bear weight, asymmetric gait, and arched back had the strongest relation with the locomotion score. These traits should have priority in locomotion-scoring-system guidelines and are the best to be used for the development of automated locomotion scoring systems. Rumination and its relationship to feeding and lying behavior in Holstein dairy cows Chapinal, N., Heuwieser, W., Schirmann et al Rumination and its relationship to feeding and lying behavior in Holstein dairy cows Chapinal, N., Heuwieser, W., Schirmann, K., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between rumination and feeding and lying behavior in dairy cows. Rumination time was monitored electronically using HR-Tags (SCR Engineers Ltd., Netanya, Israel). Feeding time and dry matter intake (DMI) were monitored using Insentec feed bins (Insentec BV, Marknesse, the Netherlands). All measures were collected in 2-h periods for 42 mature Holstein cows for a minimum of 9 d in the early dry period. Pearson correlation was used to describe associations, among 2-h periods within cow, first examining the relationship within a single period, and then modeling how this relationship changes when a lag of 2, 4, or 6 h was imposed. Periods when cows spent more time ruminating were associated with lower feeding times and lower DMI (r = −0.71 and r = −0.72, respectively), likely because cows were unable to feed and ruminate simultaneously. The correlations with rumination time changed from negative to positive when lags of 2, 4, and 6 h were modeled (r = −0.09, 0.24, and 0.15, and r = −0.16, 0.23, and 0.17 for feeding time and DMI at lags of 2, 4, and 6 h, respectively). These results indicate that following periods of high feeding times and intakes, cows spent more time ruminating. This relationship peaks at approximately 4 h after feeding. Periods of rumination were also associated with time spent lying down. Cows that spent more time ruminating per day, spent less time feeding (r = −0.34) and rumination times did not relate to DMI (r = 0.11). These data indicate that rumination time can be used to estimate within-cow variation in feeding behavior and intake, but daily summaries of rumination behavior are a poor indicator of DMI. Low crude protein diets and phase feeding for double-muscled crossbred young bulls and heifers Bittante, G., Cecchinato, A., Cesaro et al Low crude protein diets and phase feeding for double-muscled crossbred young bulls and heifers Bittante, G., Cecchinato, A., Cesaro, G., Gallo, L., Schiavon, S., Tagliapietra, F. Livestock Science 2013 Effect of high or low protein ration combined or not with rumen protected conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on meat CLA content and... Bailoni, L., Bittante, G., Cecchinato et al Effect of high or low protein ration combined or not with rumen protected conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on meat CLA content and quality traits of double-muscled Piemontese bulls Bailoni, L., Bittante, G., Cecchinato, A., De Marchi, M., Schiavon, S., Tagliapietra, F. Meat Science 2011 Management practices associated with conception rate and service rate of lactating Holstein cows in large, commercial dairy herds Cook, N. B., Rawson, C. L., Schefers et al Management practices associated with conception rate and service rate of lactating Holstein cows in large, commercial dairy herds Cook, N. B., Rawson, C. L., Schefers, J. M., Weigel, K. A., Zwald, N. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Quantification of the effectiveness of GHG mitigation measures in Swiss organic milk production using a life cycle assessment... Gattinger, Andreas, Jud, Katja, Kuhn et al Quantification of the effectiveness of GHG mitigation measures in Swiss organic milk production using a life cycle assessment approach Gattinger, Andreas, Jud, Katja, Kuhn, Till, Meier, Matthias S., Oehen, Bernadette, Schader, Christian Journal of Cleaner Production Clinical and etiopathogenic aspects of bovine digital dermatitis: a two years experience Mortellaro, C. M., Romussi, S., Scavia et al Clinical and etiopathogenic aspects of bovine digital dermatitis: a two years experience Mortellaro, C. M., Romussi, S., Scavia, G., Sironi, G., Trenti, F. Clinical features, macroscopic and histological investigations were made of 88 cases of digital dermatitis in cattle. The pathogenic role of spirochaetes and papillomavirus was also investigated. The cases were classified as erosive, strawberry-like or proliferative. Some fundamental lesions were identified. It is concluded that the aetiological role of papillomavirus has been excluded and the pathogenic role of spirochaetes should be investigated further Comparison of the lipids of the bovine and equine hoof horn Grant, E., Meyer, K., Scaife, J. Comparison of the lipids of the bovine and equine hoof horn Grant, E., Meyer, K., Scaife, J. Epizootic heamorragic disease Afonso, A., Aradaib, I., Domingo, M. et al Epizootic heamorragic disease Afonso, A., Aradaib, I., Domingo, M., Mellor, P., Monaco, F., Sanaa, M., Savini, G., Wilson, W., Yadin, H. Research in Veterinary Science 2011 Behavioural characteristics of dairy cows with lameness in Taranaki, New Zealand Chesterton, R. N., Pfeiffer, D.U. et al Behavioural characteristics of dairy cows with lameness in Taranaki, New Zealand Chesterton, R. N., Pfeiffer, D.U., Sauter-Louis, C.M. N Z Vet J 2004 . Related Articles, Links
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Epicentre, Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. carola@sauter-louis.de
AIM: To investigate possible relationships between the incidence of lameness in dairy cows, and walking order from the paddock into the milking shed, milking order, and dominance structure in the herd. METHODS: Ten dairy herds from the Taranaki region in New Zealand, with an average herd size of 183 cows, were observed during early, mid and late lactation. Each observation period consisted of five observations within 1 week, totalling 15 observations per farm. Three observers recorded the daily movement of cows between paddocks and the milking shed at each of three different locations. Additionally, the dominance structure of 21 cows per herd, randomly selected at the beginning of the study, was determined at the beginning of each of the three observation periods, on the basis of antagonistic behaviour. RESULTS: Within herds, walking and milking order showed a Kappa value of 0.31, reflecting fair agreement beyond chance. Based on the multivariate model, an increased risk of lameness was found for cows that walked or were milked in the last quarter of the herd (OR=1.8 and 1.5, respectively) compared with animals that walked/were milked in the first three quarters of the herd. The dominance structure of the randomly selected animals remained stable during the course of the lactation. High dominance animals tended to walk at the front of the herd and get milked first, whereas low dominance animals tended to walk at the back of the herd and get milked last. Although lameness was not significantly related to the dominance group, this could have been due to the low power of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study suggested that there is a relationship between the position of the animal in the herd and the risk of lameness in dairy cows, but that the strength of this relationship varied between herds. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Walking/milking order was a risk factor for conditions causing lameness in dairy cows, and for the effective management of herd lameness problems it is important for farmers to be aware of this relationship. Serum biotin concentrations in dairy cows with sole ulcer, heel erosion and foot rot Ichijo, T., Ono, H., Sato, S., Suzuki et al Serum biotin concentrations in dairy cows with sole ulcer, heel erosion and foot rot Ichijo, T., Ono, H., Sato, S., Suzuki, T. Journal of the Japan Veterinary Medical Association 2000 Serum concentrations of total and free biotin and biotinidase activity were investigated in dairy cows with sole ulcer, heel erosion and foot rot (interdigital necrobacillosis) using agar-plate biotin bioassay using Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 and colorimetric biotinidase assay. Serum total biotin concentration was significantly lower in cows with sole ulcer and heel erosion than in healthy cows. Serum free biotin concentration in cows with hoof disorders were similar to those in healthy cows. No significant difference was observed in serum biotinidase activity between cows with hoof disorders and healthy cows. Positive correlations were observed, however, between biotinidase activity and concentrations of total and free biotin. It is suggested that biotin ingestion and biotin synthesis by rumen bacteria in cattle with hoof disorders such as sole ulcer and heel erosion may decrease below normal values Occurrence of limb problems in Japanese Black and Japanese Shorthorn breeding cows Komine, K., Nameshi, S., Nobe, Y. et al Occurrence of limb problems in Japanese Black and Japanese Shorthorn breeding cows Komine, K., Nameshi, S., Nobe, Y., Saito, S., Sakurai, T., Sasaki, Y., Sato, T., Simoyama, S. Tohoku Journal of Veterinary Clinics 1999 628 cases of hoof diseases and 243 cases of joint diseases were diagnosed in Japanese Black and Japanese Shorthorn breeding cows in Iwate prefecture, Japan, in 1998. Commonest disease were foot rot and arthritis. The prevalence of hoof diseases was highest between June and September. Pelvic limbs were affected more frequently than forelimbs. Most cows recovered after treatment, but recovery was more difficult in cows that were unable to stand, were untreated or had all limbs affected. It is concluded that early detection and treatment, together with regular examination and trimming of hooves are important in preventing limb diseases in cattle Microarray-based gene expression profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in dairy cows with experimental hypocalcemia and... Devkota, B., Hashizume, K., Kizaki, K. et al Microarray-based gene expression profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in dairy cows with experimental hypocalcemia and milk fever Devkota, B., Hashizume, K., Kizaki, K., Sasaki, K., Yamagishi, N. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Graded leadership by dominant animals in a herd of female beef cattle on pasture Panamá, José L. Arias, Šárová et al Graded leadership by dominant animals in a herd of female beef cattle on pasture Panamá, José L. Arias, Šárová, Radka, Šimeček, Petr, Špinka, Marek Animal Behaviour 2010 Prevalence and risk factors for lameness in insulated free stall barns in Finland Hurme, T., Kaustell, K. O., Kivinen, T. et al Prevalence and risk factors for lameness in insulated free stall barns in Finland Hurme, T., Kaustell, K. O., Kivinen, T., Peltoniemi, O. A. T., Rajala-Schultz, P. J., Saloniemi, H., Sarjokari, K. Livestock Science 2013 Sensitivity and Specificity of Somatic Cell Count and California Mastitis Test for Identifying Intramammary Infection in Early... Leslie, K. E., Lim, G. H., Pulkrabek et al Sensitivity and Specificity of Somatic Cell Count and California Mastitis Test for Identifying Intramammary Infection in Early Lactation Leslie, K. E., Lim, G. H., Pulkrabek, B. J., Sargeant, J. M., Shirley, J. E. Journal of Dairy Science 2001 Associations between values for the somatic cell count (SCC) or the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and intramammary infection (IMI) were studied in 131 dairy cows from three herds during the first 10 d postcalving. Intramammary infection was defined as the presence of one or two bacterial species in one or both quarter milk samples taken within 12 h of calving and at d 3 postcalving. Quarter milk samples identified IMI in 36% of glands. Values for SCC declined at a significantly faster rate over the first 10 d postcalving in non-infected quarters than in infected quarters. The usefulness of quarter milk SCC and CMT for screening was evaluated by calculating the sensitivity and specificity for various threshold values and days postcalving. A SCC threshold of 100,000 cells/ml for quarter samples evaluated on d 5 postcalving had the maximal sensitivity and specificity for detecting IMI. Evaluation of the CMT samples taken on d 3 postcalving using a threshold reaction of greater than zero had the highest sensitivity and specificity for detecting IMI. With this CMT sampling scheme, the sensitivities for detecting IMI with any pathogen, IMI with a major pathogen, and IMI with a minor pathogen were 56.7, 66.7, and 49.5, respectively. The CMT could have a useful role in dairy herd monitoring programs as a screening test to detect fresh cows with IMI caused by major pathogens. Effects of the forage to concentrate ratio on B-vitamin concentrations in different ruminal fractions of dairy cows Berthiaume, R., Chiquette, J., Girard et al Effects of the forage to concentrate ratio on B-vitamin concentrations in different ruminal fractions of dairy cows Berthiaume, R., Chiquette, J., Girard, C. L., Martineau, R., Matte, J. J., Mustafa, A. F., Santschi, D. E. Canadian Journal of Animal Science 2005 Early postabortion recovery of Neospora-infected lactating dairy cows Almería, S., Bech-Sàbat, G. et al Early postabortion recovery of Neospora-infected lactating dairy cows Almería, S., Bech-Sàbat, G., Garcia-Ispierto, I., López-Gatius, F., Nogareda, C., Santolaria, P., Serrano, B., Yaniz, J. Theriogenology 2009 Heat shock protein 70 subunit vaccination against bovine paratuberculosis does not interfere with current immunodiagnostic assays... Hensen, Selma, Koets, Ad, Rutten et al Heat shock protein 70 subunit vaccination against bovine paratuberculosis does not interfere with current immunodiagnostic assays for bovine tuberculosis Hensen, Selma, Koets, Ad, Rutten, Victor, Santema, Wiebren Vaccine 2009 An economic evaluation of long-term sustainability in the dairy sector Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P. et al An economic evaluation of long-term sustainability in the dairy sector Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P., Santarossa, J. M., Stott, A. W., Wall, E., Woolliams, J. A. Animal Science 2004 Bovine digital dermatitis Bouchard, E., Higgins, R., Jacques, M. et al Bovine digital dermatitis Bouchard, E., Higgins, R., Jacques, M., Sauvageau, R. Canadian Veterinary Journal 1994 Serum levels of ceruloplasmin and copper in relation to foot diseases in cattle Benedito, J. L., Fidalgo, L. E., Goicoa et al Serum levels of ceruloplasmin and copper in relation to foot diseases in cattle Benedito, J. L., Fidalgo, L. E., Goicoa, A., Santamarina, G., Suarez, J. L., Suarez, M. L., Trenti, F. Proceedings 18th World Buiatrics Congress: 26th Congress of the Italian Association of Buiatrics 1994 25 cattle with foot disease were compared with 10 healthy ones. The Sunderman and Nomoto techniques were used to determine the ceruloplasmin levels. The serum copper concentration was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The average levels of copper and ceruloplasmin found in the serum of the cattle with foot diseases and healthy cattle were 0.844 Cu ppm and 0.920 Cu ppm and 23.86 mg/dl ceruloplasmin and 26.67 mg/dl ceruloplasmin, respectively. The differences were not significant. The relationship of the activity of the ceruloplasmin and the concentration of blood copper in the 35 cattle (control and cattle with foot diseases) showed a correlation coefficient of 0.751 The relationship between dairy cow hygiene and somatic cell count in milk Paranhos da Costa, M. J. R. et al The relationship between dairy cow hygiene and somatic cell count in milk Paranhos da Costa, M. J. R., Sant’Anna, A. C. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Comparison of two monitoring and treatment strategies for cows with acute puerperal metritis Burfeind, O., Heuwieser, W., Sannmann et al Comparison of two monitoring and treatment strategies for cows with acute puerperal metritis Burfeind, O., Heuwieser, W., Sannmann, I., Voigtsberger, R. Theriogenology 2013 The objective of this study was to compare two strategies for screening and subsequent treatment of acute puerperal metritis (APM) in dairy cows. Therefore, we conducted a study on 79 cows with APM (cows with an enlarged uterus with fetid watery red-brown vaginal discharge and fever >39.5 °C) and 114 healthy control cows. Cows with APM were divided into two groups (treated, N = 67 cows; not treated, N = 12 cows). The treated animals were further subdivided into two groups (treated between Day 1 and 4 post partum, N =12 and treated between Day 5 and 10, N = 55). Serum haptoglobin concentrations, milk yield, cure rate, prevalence of endometritis, and cervical diameter on days in milk (DIM) 21 to 27 were compared between the groups. Cows were defined as cured when their rectal temperature was <39.5 °C 4 days after treatment and fever did not rebound over 39.4 °C until the end of the screening period which was DIM 10. The results of this study did not show any significant differences in cure rates, milk yield, or serum haptoglobin concentrations on DIM 2, 5, and 10 and subsequent uterine health (DIM 21–27). Considering this study as a proof of concept study, we conclude that there might not be a negative effect after a screening and treatment protocol beginning at DIM 5 and leaving early APM cows untreated. This hypothesis needs to be confirmed by a larger field study. Furthermore, antimicrobial therapy could be avoided in 12 of 55 cows (21.8%) in group 2 because of the protocol implementing treatments after DIM 5. These cows did not show signs of APM during the following 5 days. Therefore, these animals were considered as self-recovered leading to a cure rate of at least 21.8% (12 of 55 cows). Hoof trimming in cattle on a movable operating table Husnjak, M., Sankovic, F. Hoof trimming in cattle on a movable operating table Husnjak, M., Sankovic, F. Veterinarska Stanica 1996 Seasonal incidence of lameness and risk factors associated with thin soles, white line disease, ulcers, and sole punctures in... De Vries, A., Sanders, A. H., Shearer et al Seasonal incidence of lameness and risk factors associated with thin soles, white line disease, ulcers, and sole punctures in dairy cattle De Vries, A., Sanders, A. H., Shearer, J. K. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Fusobacterium necrophorum infections in cattle in intensive farming Samolovov, A. A. Fusobacterium necrophorum infections in cattle in intensive farming Samolovov, A. A. Sibirskii Vestnik Sel'skokhozyaistvennoi Nauki 1990 Foot lesions in cattle: locomotion scoring system Salimei, E. Foot lesions in cattle: locomotion scoring system Salimei, E. Obiettivi e Documenti Veterinari 1999 Prevalence, risk factors for and impact of subclinical endometritis in repeat breeder dairy cows Mokhtari, A., Salasel, B., Taktaz, T. Prevalence, risk factors for and impact of subclinical endometritis in repeat breeder dairy cows Mokhtari, A., Salasel, B., Taktaz, T. Theriogenology 2010 Effect of early postpartum PGF2α treatment on reproductive performance in dairy cows with calving and puerperal traits Mokhtari, A., Salasel, B. Effect of early postpartum PGF2α treatment on reproductive performance in dairy cows with calving and puerperal traits Mokhtari, A., Salasel, B. Theriogenology 2011 Co-circulation of bluetongue and epizootic haemorrhagic disease viruses in cattle in Reunion Island Adam, Micheline, Bakkali-Kassimi, Labib et al Co-circulation of bluetongue and epizootic haemorrhagic disease viruses in cattle in Reunion Island Adam, Micheline, Bakkali-Kassimi, Labib, Breard, Emmanuel, Costes, Laura, Desprat, Alexandra, Lasne, Laurent, Martrenchar, Arnaud, Sailleau, Corinne, Viarouge, Cyril, Vitour, Damien, Zanella, Gina, Zientara, Stéphan Veterinary Microbiology 2012 Incidence of foot diseases of bovine in Assam Gogoi, S. N., Saikia, J., Sarma, B. et al Incidence of foot diseases of bovine in Assam Gogoi, S. N., Saikia, J., Sarma, B., Sarma, K. K. Indian Veterinary Journal 1992 In a survey carried out in Assam 420 (13.96%) of the 3008 animals examined had foot diseases, those most commonly found being various claw abnormalities, interdigital growths, horn fissures, chronic laminitis, claw hypospadia, arthritis and bruising of the sole. The highest incidence (18.02%) was in Jersey crosses, followed by Friesians (17.41%), Sindhi crosses (17.22%) and Red Dane crosses (14.51%); local animals were much less affected (1.72%). Animals aged 4-6 years had a higher incidence than those <2 years old. Of 90 male animals 12 (13.33%) were affected, and of 2912 females 408 (13.98%) were affected. It was suggested that the claw abnormalities may be associated with management practices Effect of flooring type on foot and leg abnormalities in dairy cows Dutta, G. N., Saharia, J., Saikia, S. Effect of flooring type on foot and leg abnormalities in dairy cows Dutta, G. N., Saharia, J., Saikia, S. Indian Veterinary Journal 1998 Over a one-year period 433 dairy cows were examined for foot and leg abnormalities in housing with concrete or wooden floors. The overall incidence of abnormalities was 76.21%. On wooden flooring there was a higher incidence of hoof elongation (40.32-46.66%) than on concrete (12.67-14.70%). Hygroma of the hock tended to be more common on concrete (4.41-12.67%) than on wood (2.50-5.0%). There were no correlations with floor type for sole ulcers and bruising, and no appreciable differences in the incidence of foot abnormalities in cows housed on hill tops, hill slopes or at the foot of hills Evidence-Based Early Clinical Detection of Emerging Diseases in Food Animals and Zoonoses: Two Cases Humblet, Marie-France, Martinelle et al Evidence-Based Early Clinical Detection of Emerging Diseases in Food Animals and Zoonoses: Two Cases Humblet, Marie-France, Martinelle, Ludovic, Porter, Sarah Rebecca, Saegerman, Claude, Zanella, Gina Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2012 Ecology of anaerobic non-sporulating bacteria in relation to digital dermatitis in cattle Fendtove, E, Hudac, A., Sabo, J. Ecology of anaerobic non-sporulating bacteria in relation to digital dermatitis in cattle Fendtove, E, Hudac, A., Sabo, J. Veterinari Medicina 1988 Equine chorionic gonadotropin improves the efficacy of a progestin-based fixed-time artificial insemination protocol in Nelore... Ayres, H., Baruselli, P. S. et al Equine chorionic gonadotropin improves the efficacy of a progestin-based fixed-time artificial insemination protocol in Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers Ayres, H., Baruselli, P. S., Castro e Paula, L. A., Ferreira, R. M., Gimenes, L. U., Penteado, L., Sá Filho, M. F., Sales, J. N. S., Torres-Júnior, J. R. S. Animal Reproduction Science 2010 Free-stall cleanliness is affected by stall design Bøe, K. E., Kielland, C., Ruud, L. E. et al Free-stall cleanliness is affected by stall design Bøe, K. E., Kielland, C., Ruud, L. E., Østerås, O. Livestock Science 2011 Associations of soft flooring materials in free stalls with milk yield, clinical mastitis, teat lesions, and removal of dairy cows Bøe, K. E., Ruud, L. E., Østerås, O. Associations of soft flooring materials in free stalls with milk yield, clinical mastitis, teat lesions, and removal of dairy cows Bøe, K. E., Ruud, L. E., Østerås, O. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Flexible and fixed partitions in freestalls—Effects on lying behavior and cow preference Bøe, K. E., Ruud, L. E. Flexible and fixed partitions in freestalls—Effects on lying behavior and cow preference Bøe, K. E., Ruud, L. E. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 The objective was to investigate the effect of stall partition design on total lying time, lying position, and stall cleanliness, and to evaluate the preferences of cows regarding stalls with traditional fixed stall dividers or flexible stall dividers. Using a crossover design, 16 nonlactating dairy cows were housed singly for 9 d in pens with 2 freestalls, 1 with fixed cantilever dividers and 1 with flexible dividers. The cows were first given access to one stall type, and then to the other type of stall, and finally to both in a preference test. Type of stall divider did not influence lying behavior (13.5 h for fixed versus 14.0 h for flexible, ± 0.4 h), lying positions, or stall cleanliness; however, the cows showed a preference for lying in the flexible stalls (65.2 for flexible vs. 34.8 for fixed ± 8.2%). This indicated that cows are able to distinguish between type of stall divider and that it is important to them; however, it is not clear if the reason for this is the shape or the properties of the dividers. We concluded that cattle chose a flexible stall divider over a fixed one, but the long-term consequences of this preference are not clear, because no obvious changes in stall usage were observed when cows were only given access to one type of divider. Digital dermatitis in Friesian cattle in Argentina, and its treatment with cefquinone Bottaro, A., Ierace, A., Rutter, B. Digital dermatitis in Friesian cattle in Argentina, and its treatment with cefquinone Bottaro, A., Ierace, A., Rutter, B. Revista de Medicina Veterinaria Buenos Aires 2001 Treatment of bovine dermatitis digitalis using metacresol sulfonic acid Rutter, B. Treatment of bovine dermatitis digitalis using metacresol sulfonic acid Rutter, B. Veterinaria Argentina 1993 Invited review: Sensors to support health management on dairy farms Hogeveen, H., Rutten, C. J., Steeneveld et al Invited review: Sensors to support health management on dairy farms Hogeveen, H., Rutten, C. J., Steeneveld, W., Velthuis, A. G. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Since the 1980s, efforts have been made to develop sensors that measure a parameter from an individual cow. The development started with individual cow recognition and was followed by sensors that measure the electrical conductivity of milk and pedometers that measure activity. The aim of this review is to provide a structured overview of the published sensor systems for dairy health management. The development of sensor systems can be described by the following 4 levels: (I) techniques that measure something about the cow (e.g., activity); (II) interpretations that summarize changes in the sensor data (e.g., increase in activity) to produce information about the cow's status (e.g., estrus); (III) integration of information where sensor information is supplemented with other information (e.g., economic information) to produce advice (e.g., whether to inseminate a cow or not); and (IV) the farmer makes a decision or the sensor system makes the decision autonomously (e.g., the inseminator is called). This review has structured a total of 126 publications describing 139 sensor systems and compared them based on the 4 levels. The publications were published in the Thomson Reuters (formerly ISI) Web of Science database from January 2002 until June 2012 or in the proceedings of 3 conferences on precision (dairy) farming in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Most studies concerned the detection of mastitis (25%), fertility (33%), and locomotion problems (30%), with fewer studies (16%) related to the detection of metabolic problems. Many studies presented sensor systems at levels I and II, but none did so at levels III and IV. Most of the work for mastitis (92%) and fertility (75%) is done at level II. For locomotion (53%) and metabolism (69%), more than half of the work is done at level I. The performance of sensor systems varies based on the choice of gold standards, algorithms, and test sizes (number of farms and cows). Studies on sensor systems for mastitis and estrus have shown that sensor systems are brought to a higher level; however, the need to improve detection performance still exists. Studies on sensor systems for locomotion problems have shown that the search continues for the most appropriate indicators, sensor techniques, and gold standards. Studies on metabolic problems show that it is still unclear which indicator reflects best the metabolic problems that should be detected. No systems with integrated decision support models have been found. Lameness prevalence and risk factors in organic and non-organic dairy herds in the United Kingdom Haskell, Marie J., Jack, Mhairi C. et al Lameness prevalence and risk factors in organic and non-organic dairy herds in the United Kingdom Haskell, Marie J., Jack, Mhairi C., Langford, Fritha M., Lawrence, Alistair B., Rutherford, Kenneth M. D., Sherwood, Lorna The Veterinary Journal 2009 Producer assessment of dairy extension programming in Kentucky Bewley, J. M., Russell, R. A. Producer assessment of dairy extension programming in Kentucky Bewley, J. M., Russell, R. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Survey of Lameness in British Dairy-Cattle Rowlands, G. J., Russell, A. M., Shaw et al Survey of Lameness in British Dairy-Cattle Rowlands, G. J., Russell, A. M., Shaw, S. R., Weaver, A.D. Veterinary Record 1982 Validation of two measures of lameness in dairy cows Passillé, Anne Marie de, Pombourcq et al Validation of two measures of lameness in dairy cows Passillé, Anne Marie de, Pombourcq, Emilie, Rushen, Jeffrey Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2007 To validate two methods for detecting lameness in cows, we gait scored lame and healthy lactating cows while walking and measured the percent of weight placed on each leg while standing, before and after injections of a local anaesthetic. Before injection, healthy cows had lower gait scores than did lame cows. Lame cows placed less weight on the injured leg and placed more weight on the contralateral leg than did healthy cows. The variability in weight applied to the injured and the contralateral leg was much higher for lame cows, suggesting more frequent shifting of weight. Lidocaine injections reduced gait scores, increased the percent of weight applied to the injured leg and reduced the variability in weight applied to the injured and contralateral legs in lame cows. The system of gait scoring and the measure of weight applied to each leg were both able to detect lame cows and were both sensitive to local anaesthetic, indicating some degree of validity. Local anaesthetic as a means to validate measures of lameness in dairy cows de Passille, A. M., Pombourcq, E. et al Local anaesthetic as a means to validate measures of lameness in dairy cows de Passille, A. M., Pombourcq, E., Rushen, J. Proceedings of the 40th International Congress of the ISAE 2006 Effect of Softer Flooring in Tie Stalls on Resting Behavior and Leg Injuries of Lactating Cows de Passille, A. M., Haley, D., Rushen et al Effect of Softer Flooring in Tie Stalls on Resting Behavior and Leg Injuries of Lactating Cows de Passille, A. M., Haley, D., Rushen, J. J Dairy Sci 2007 To test the advantages of softer flooring in tie stalls, we compared the behavior and injuries of dairy cows housed in tie stalls with either soft rubber mats (n = 12) or concrete flooring (n = 12), both lightly covered with straw. Data were collected for 112 d beginning at 14 DIM ({+/-}4 d). Cows' general activity was observed continuously for 24 h every 28 d. Behavior was also scored by a scan sampling technique every 14 d such that each cow was observed for a period of 3 min every 12 min. We scored the occurrence of leg lesions and other injuries every 7 d throughout the study. Cows on rubber mats had shorter bouts of lying but the frequency of bouts was higher, leading them to tend to spend more time lying compared with cows housed on concrete. Cows on concrete spent more time standing idle, but there was no difference in the time spent eating. There was no effect of stall flooring on the number of minor abrasions to the legs and body. There was a significantly higher incidence of swelling of the carpus joints for cows housed on concrete. Cows housed on soft rubber flooring appeared to be less hesitant to change posture from lying to standing (and vice versa), and as a result changed posture more frequently and spent more time lying than cows on concrete flooring. The decreased incidence of swelling of the carpus joint for cows on soft rubber mats may have important long-term effects in preventing a variety of leg problems. Fear of People by Cows and Effects on Milk Yield, Behavior, and Heart Rate at Milking de Passille, A.M.B., Munksgaard, L. et al Fear of People by Cows and Effects on Milk Yield, Behavior, and Heart Rate at Milking de Passille, A.M.B., Munksgaard, L., Rushen, J. J Dairy Sci 1999 To examine the ability of cows to recognize people and the effects of the fear of people by cows at milking, cows (n = 14) were handled by two people; one handled the cows gently, and the other handled them aversively. The handlers wore clothes of different color. After handling, the cows stood further from the aversive handler than from the gentle handler. When the handlers changed the color of their clothing, the cows did not discriminate between them. The gentle handler stood close to the cows for one milking, and the aversive handler stood close to the cows for another milking. For two control milkings, neither handler was present. Measurements included milking duration, milk yield, residual milk, heart rates, incidence of movement, and kicking behavior of the cows. Compared with control milkings, the presence of the gentle handler did not change milk yield or residual milk. The presence of the aversive handler increased residual milk by 70%. Kicking behavior of cows during milking was reduced with either handler present, and kicking during udder preparation was reduced with the aversive handler present. For cows that best discriminated between the handlers, the presence of the aversive handler increased movement and heart rate during milking. For cows that did not discriminate well between the handlers, the presence of either handler increased heart rate and decreased movement during milking. Cows recognized individual people, and the fear of people who are present during milking may reduce milk yield. Effects of Roughness and Compressibility of Flooring on Cow Locomotion de Passille, A. M., Rushen, J. Effects of Roughness and Compressibility of Flooring on Cow Locomotion de Passille, A. M., Rushen, J. J Dairy Sci 2006 We examined the effects of roughness and degree of compressibility of flooring on the locomotion of dairy cows. We observed 16 cows walking down specially constructed walkways with materials that differed in surface roughness and degree of compressibility. Use of a commercially available soft rubber flooring material decreased slipping, number of strides, and time to traverse the corridor. These effects were most apparent at difficult sections of the corridor, such as at the start, at a right-angle turn, and across a gutter. Covering the walkway with a thin layer of slurry increased frequency of slipping, number of strides, and time taken to traverse the walkway. Effects of adding slurry were not overcome by increasing surface roughness or compressibility. Placing more compressible materials under a slip-resistant material reduced the time and number of steps needed to traverse the corridor but did not reduce slips, and the effects on cow locomotion varied nonlinearly with the degree of compressibility of the floor. Use of commercially available rubber floors improved cow locomotion compared with concrete floors. However, standard engineering measures of the floor properties may not predict effects of the floor on cow behavior well. Increasing compressibility of the flooring on which cows walk, independently of the roughness of the surface, can improve cow locomotion. Effect of the use of bovine somatotropin on culling practices in thirty-two dairy herds in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio Fabellar, A., Hintz, R. L., Ruegg, P. L. Effect of the use of bovine somatotropin on culling practices in thirty-two dairy herds in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio Fabellar, A., Hintz, R. L., Ruegg, P. L. Journal of Dairy Science 1998 Data from 5468 Holstein dairy cows in 32 herds were used to determine the effect of the use of bovine somatotropin (bST) on culling practices over a 13-mo period. After an initial herd inventory, monthly information regarding cow entry and exit from the herds was obtained by seven participating veterinarians. Culling was coded by farmers for the following reasons: low production, reproduction, somatic cell count, mastitis, sickness, dairy purposes, lameness, death, and other. In the control herds, cows were not treated with bST during the trial. Adopter herds were defined as herds that utilized supplemental bST for greater than or equal to 25% of the cow-days during the trial. Mean herd use of bST in adopter herds was 38.6%. No difference in the number of cows culled per cow-day at risk was detected between control and adopter herds (0.09 and 0.11%, respectively). Amount of in-herd use of bST was unrelated to culling. No significant differences were determined between adopter and control herds in the percentage of cows that were culled for any of the nine possible culling reasons. The results of this study suggest that culling patterns in herds that use bST are unaffected for at least the first year after adoption. Hooves: a laminitis history book Ruegg, P., Smith, R. A. Hooves: a laminitis history book Ruegg, P., Smith, R. A. Incidence and Control of Digital Dermatitis of Cattle Kept on Large Dairy-Cattle Units with Open Successive Herd Grazing Berankova, E., Roztocil, V., Rusek, T. et al Incidence and Control of Digital Dermatitis of Cattle Kept on Large Dairy-Cattle Units with Open Successive Herd Grazing Berankova, E., Roztocil, V., Rusek, T., Ulman, L. Monatshefte fur Veterinarmedizin 1988 Skin and foot lesions Rozier, J., Tassin, P. Skin and foot lesions Rozier, J., Tassin, P. Recueil de Medecine Veterinaire de l'Ecole d'Alfort 1996 Investigation of the aetiology of udder-thigh dermatitis in French dairy cattle Ferrieres, Alexis, François et al Investigation of the aetiology of udder-thigh dermatitis in French dairy cattle Ferrieres, Alexis, François, Pierre-Michel, Raboisson, Didier, Roque, Jean-Louis, Roy, Christophe The Veterinary Journal 2012 Udder-thigh dermatitis (UTD) is a common disease in dairy cattle. The aim of this study was to define UTD incidence, its risk factors and the involved pathogens. Of 74 respondents, 72 (97%) reported having had the disease. On those farms the incidence was 5.3 cases per 100 cow years. The odds ratio (OR) of UTD in primiparous compared to multiparous cows was 23.4 (95% CI 17.3–33.8). Compared to tied stalls, the ORs of UTD were 0.65 (95% CI 0.45–0.92) and 0.43 (95% CI 0.24–0.71) for free stalls and straw yards, respectively. Udder oedema was reported in 98.3% of cows with UTD. The most common bacteria isolated from affected skin were Fusobacterium spp. (12/14 cases). This study suggests that UTD management should focus on local treatment, reducing udder oedema and increasing exercise. Effects of stage of lactation, month, age, origin and heart girth on lameness in dairy cattle Rowlands, G. J., Russell, A. M. et al Effects of stage of lactation, month, age, origin and heart girth on lameness in dairy cattle Rowlands, G. J., Russell, A. M., Williams, L.A. The Veterinary Record 1985 Effects of season, herd size, management system and veterinary practice on the lameness incidence in dairy cattle Rowlands, G. J., Russel, A.M., Williams et al Effects of season, herd size, management system and veterinary practice on the lameness incidence in dairy cattle Rowlands, G. J., Russel, A.M., Williams, L.A. Veterinary Record 1983 A Comparison of Different Models of the Lactation Curve in Dairy-Cattle Lucey, S., Rowlands, G. J., Russell et al A Comparison of Different Models of the Lactation Curve in Dairy-Cattle Lucey, S., Rowlands, G. J., Russell, A. M. Animal Production 1982 Evaluation of a welfare indicator protocol for assessing animal welfare in AMS herds: researcher, production advisor and... Bonde, M., Hindhede, J., Jakobsen et al Evaluation of a welfare indicator protocol for assessing animal welfare in AMS herds: researcher, production advisor and veterinary practitioner opinion Bonde, M., Hindhede, J., Jakobsen, I. A., Klaas, I. C., Rousing, T., Sorensen, J. T. Animal Welfare 2007 Relative importance of factors influencing the prevalence of lameness in Austrian cubicle loose-housed dairy cows Iben, Christine, Laaha, Gregor et al Relative importance of factors influencing the prevalence of lameness in Austrian cubicle loose-housed dairy cows Iben, Christine, Laaha, Gregor, Rouha-Mülleder, Cornelia, Troxler, Josef, Wagner, Elisabeth, Waiblinger, Susanne Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2009 Collateral ligament prosthesis for the repair of subluxation of the metatarsophalangeal joint in a Jersey cow Kircher, P., Rothlisberger, J. et al Collateral ligament prosthesis for the repair of subluxation of the metatarsophalangeal joint in a Jersey cow Kircher, P., Rothlisberger, J., Schawalder, P., Steiner, A. Veterinary Record 2000 The clinical case. Hindlimb lameness in a Fleckvieh calf, female, two months old Nuss, K., Roth, M. The clinical case. Hindlimb lameness in a Fleckvieh calf, female, two months old Nuss, K., Roth, M. Tierarztl Prax 1993 Effect of eCG on early resumption of ovarian activity in postpartum dairy cows Amanlou, H., Gerami, A. et al Effect of eCG on early resumption of ovarian activity in postpartum dairy cows Amanlou, H., Gerami, A., Niasari-Naslaji, A., Nikjou, D., Rostami, B., Vojgani, M. Animal Reproduction Science 2011 Inter-observer agreement between foot trimmers on foot lesions in cattle Bell, NJ, Burnell, M., Rossiter, JER et al Inter-observer agreement between foot trimmers on foot lesions in cattle Bell, NJ, Burnell, M., Rossiter, JER, Van Winden,S 17th International Symposium and 9th International Conference on Lameness in Ruminants 2013 Formalin and Footrot in Sheep Ross, A. D. Formalin and Footrot in Sheep Ross, A. D. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 1983 Effects of Biotin Supplementation on Peripartum Performance and Metabolites of Holstein Cows Badinga, L., Martin, F. G., McDowell et al Effects of Biotin Supplementation on Peripartum Performance and Metabolites of Holstein Cows Badinga, L., Martin, F. G., McDowell, L. R., McMahon, R., Rosendo, O., Seymour, W. M., Shearer, J. F., Staples, C. R., Wilkinson, N. S. J Dairy Sci 2004 Fifty-two multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to receive 0 or 20 mg of biotin/d starting at an average of 16 d prepartum and then switched to 0 or 30 mg of biotin/d from calving through 70 d postpartum to determine whether supplemental biotin would affect cow performance, hepatic lipidosis, and plasma metabolites. Mean concentration of biotin in plasma sampled weekly was greater in cows fed biotin (4.3 vs. 9.4 nmol/L). Postpartum dry matter intake as a percentage of body weight (3.9% vs. 4.0%), milk production (35.8 vs. 34.8 kg/d), and milk fat concentrations (3.59% vs. 3.69%) were similar between treatment groups. Milk from biotin-supplemented cows tended to have a greater concentration of protein (2.73% vs. 2.83%). Concentrations of plasma nonesterified fatty acids were lower at wk 2 (652 vs. 413 {micro}Eq/mL) and 4 (381 vs. 196 {micro}Eq/mL) postpartum in cows fed supplemental biotin. However, mean plasma concentrations of {beta}-hydroxybutyric acid were not affected by biotin supplementation. Mean concentration of plasma glucose was greater for lactating cows fed supplemental biotin (63.4 vs. 66.6 mg/dL). Biopsies of liver were taken at 2, 16, and 30 d postpartum. The triacylglycerol concentration in liver (wet basis) tended to decrease at a faster rate after d 2 postpartum with biotin supplementation compared with control cows. The potential mechanisms that link improved glucose status and decreased lipid mobilization in cows supplemented with biotin warrant further investigation. Identification of immunogenic proteins in Treponema phagedenis-like strain V1 from digital dermatitis lesions by phage display Björkman, Camilla, Frykberg, Lars et al Identification of immunogenic proteins in Treponema phagedenis-like strain V1 from digital dermatitis lesions by phage display Björkman, Camilla, Frykberg, Lars, Guss, Bengt, Näslund, Katarina, Pringle, Märit, Rosander, Anna Veterinary Microbiology 2011 Techniques for the modification of foot-blocks(cowslips) in the treatment of complicated claw lesions Rollins, T. Techniques for the modification of foot-blocks(cowslips) in the treatment of complicated claw lesions Rollins, T. Synovial fluid analysis in cattle: a review of 130 cases Anderson, D. E., Desrochers, A., Hull et al Synovial fluid analysis in cattle: a review of 130 cases Anderson, D. E., Desrochers, A., Hull, B. L., Rings, D. M., Rohde, C., St Jean, G. Veterinary Surgery 2000 Comparisons of synovial fluid analysis of cattle with clinical diagnosis of infectious and non infectious joint disease: 130 cases Anderson, D. E., Desrochers, A., Hull et al Comparisons of synovial fluid analysis of cattle with clinical diagnosis of infectious and non infectious joint disease: 130 cases Anderson, D. E., Desrochers, A., Hull, B. L., Rings, D. M., Rohde, C., St Jean, G. Investigation of indexes which consider protein, fat and 15 linear type traits Lawlor, T. J., Rogers, G. W., Short et al Investigation of indexes which consider protein, fat and 15 linear type traits Lawlor, T. J., Rogers, G. W., Short, T. H. Journal of Dairy Science 1992 Selection index was utilized to obtain index coeff. for milk yield and 7 composite type traits. Composite type traits were chosen to represent groups of highly correlated linear type traits (to reduce problems associated with correlated traits). The aggregate genotype (breeding goal) included milk yield, mastitis, milking labour, laminitis, ketosis and milk fever. Genetic parameters and economic values were based on literature values if available. Index coeff. for 15 linear type traits were calculated based on their heritabilities and the index coeff. for the representative composite type trait. Protein*3 + fat on a standardized basis was chosen to represent milk yield and was emphasized either 2, 3 or 4 times as much as the total for all 15 liner type traits in new equations. These new equations were used to calculate index values for the top 400 bulls based on the current Type-Production Index (TPI). These indexes ranked bulls differently when compared with the current TPI Index selection using yield, SCC, udder depth, teat placement and foot angle Rogers, G. W. Index selection using yield, SCC, udder depth, teat placement and foot angle Rogers, G. W. Journal of Dairy Science 1991 Milk yield (MY), somatic cell count (SCC), udder depth (UD), teat placement (TP) and foot angle (FA) were evaluated in an index (sire index with 50 daughters) to improve an aggregate genotype, which included MY, mastitis, milking labour and laminitis. Parameters and economic values were taken from the literature if available. Sensitivity analyses were conducted for various parameters. Correlations between the index and aggregate genotype, responses in the aggregate genotype, and standardized index coeff. (b-values) were calculated for full and reduced indices (MY always included). Selection on MY, SCC, UD, TP and FA would improve efficiency of response by 2-3% over selection on MY alone. Most improvement in efficiency over selection on MY alone came from adding SCC and/or UD. Undesirable responses in mastitis were reduced when SCC, UD and/or TP were added to the index. Standardized index coeff. for MY were 3 to 4 times the sum of the standardized coeff. for SCC, UD, TP and FA when all were included in the index. Index coeff. were always negative for SCC, and positive for UD, TP and FA When is a cow in estrus? Clinical and practical aspects Hanzen, Ch, Hunter, R. H. F. et al When is a cow in estrus? Clinical and practical aspects Hanzen, Ch, Hunter, R. H. F., López-Gatius, F., Roelofs, J., van Eerdenburg, F.J.C.M. Theriogenology 2010 Lameness in breeding cattle in the United States: the national market cow and bull beef quality audit, 1999 Cowman, G. L., Floyd, J. G., Roeber et al Lameness in breeding cattle in the United States: the national market cow and bull beef quality audit, 1999 Cowman, G. L., Floyd, J. G., Roeber, D. L., Smith, G. C. National Market Cow and Bull Beef Quality Audit – 1999: A survey of producer-related defects in market cows and bulls Belk, K. E., Field, T. G., Mies, P. D. et al National Market Cow and Bull Beef Quality Audit – 1999: A survey of producer-related defects in market cows and bulls Belk, K. E., Field, T. G., Mies, P. D., Roeber, D. L., Scanga, J. A., Smith, C. D., Smith, G. C., Tatum, J. D. Journal of Animal Science 2001 The 1999 National Market Cow and Bull Beef Quality Audit comprised face-to-face interviews with industry representatives (n = 49); in-plant evaluations of cattle in holding pens (n = 3,969), carcasses on harvest floors (n = 5,679), and in carcass coolers (n = 4,378); and a strategy workshop. Face-to-face interviews suggested that the beef industry was most frequently concerned about the presence of antibiotic residues in carcasses, presence of lead shot in carcasses, and price discovery for carcasses following excessive trimming of bruises and testing due to arthritic joints, pathogens, or antibiotic residues. Although live animal evaluations determined that 73.4% of beef cows, 60.8% of dairy cows, 63.7% of beef bulls, and 10.9% of dairy bulls did not exhibit evidence of lameness, Tosses due to lameness were greater (P < 0.05) than in the 1994 National Non-Fed Beef Quality Audit. In-plant audits revealed that 88.9, 10.3, and 88.2% of cow carcasses and 18.9, 21.2, and 52.9% of huh carcasses had inadequate muscling, arthritic joints, and at least 1 bruise, respectively, all of which resulted in greater (P < 0.05) losses than the same defects in 1994. Audits revealed that 88.9% of cow carcasses and 18.9% of bull carcasses were lightly muscled, resulting in greater (P < 0.05) losses for cow carcasses, and similar (P > 0.05) losses for bull carcasses, than the same defect in the 1994 audit. Also, 14.5 and 30.8% of cow carcasses and 6.9 and 5.9% of bull carcasses had excess external fat and yellow-colored external fat, respectively, which was an improvement (P < 0.05) over 1994 results. In aggregate, 24.1, 19.2, 7.2, 6.7, 9.5, and 1.1% of livers, tripe, hearts, heads, tongues, and whole cattle or carcasses, respectively, were condemned and 60.6, 2.4, and 46.5% of cattle had hide damage from latent defects, insect damage, and brands, respectively. Condemnation rates were generally lower (P < 0.05), but tongue condemnations and frequency of branded hides were higher (P < 0.05) than in 1994. Producers should promote value in cows and bulls by managing to minimize quality defects, monitoring health and condition, and marketing in a timely manner. Using these techniques, producers might have recaptured $13.82, $27.50, and $27.50, respectively, for each cow or bull harvested in 1999. Farm- and host-level risk factors for papillomatous digital dermatitis in Chilean dairy cattle Hird, D. W., Melendez-Retamal, P., Read et al Farm- and host-level risk factors for papillomatous digital dermatitis in Chilean dairy cattle Hird, D. W., Melendez-Retamal, P., Read, D. H., Rodriguez Lainz, A., Walker, R. L. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1999 A cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Chile between January and March, 1996, to identify risk factors for papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) in lactating daily and dual-purpose cows. A total of 3,265 cows from 22 farms were examined in the milking parlor for PDD lesions. Additional information was collected from dairies' computerized records and by direct interview of managers. Data were analyzed using logistic and logistic-binomial regression (with dairy as a random-effect term). German Red-Pied (dual-purpose) cows were significantly (P < 0.05) less likely (odds ratio (OR) = 0.3) to have PDD lesions than German Black-Pied and Holstein crossbreds. First-parity cows had the highest odds of PDD, and odds diminished, in a dose-effect manner, as parity increased. Odds of PDD increased with increasing days in lactation. Cows that calved during winter were more likely to have PDD (OR = 1.4) than those calving at any other season. Cows on farms that bought heifers in the past 10 years had a 3-fold increase in the odds of PDD compared to those on farms that never bought heifers. Loose-housed cows had a higher risk of PDD (OR = 7), followed by cows in free stalls or in open corrals (OR = 2.8 and 1.3, respectively), compared to cows on pasture all year. Cows on dairies that used a footbath during 1996 were less likely (OR = 0.3) to have PDD than these in dairies not using one. Parlor type was associated with PDD, but this was likely an effect of parlor design on ease of inspection of cows' feet. A policy of trimming all cows' vs. only lame cows' feet and a policy about buying adult cows did not have significant effects on PDD risk. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. Papillomatous digital dermatitis in Chilean dairies and evaluation of a screening method Hird, D. W., Melendez-Retamal, P., Read et al Papillomatous digital dermatitis in Chilean dairies and evaluation of a screening method Hird, D. W., Melendez-Retamal, P., Read, D. H., Rodriguez Lainz, A. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1998 Outbreaks of papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) have been reported from many countries, but there is little information on prevalence and geographic distribution of the disease. Our objectives were to describe prevalence of PDD on dairies belonging to the two main dairy-producer associations in Chile, and to evaluate a milking-parlor screening method for detection of PDD in dairy cows. First, a self-administered questionnaire was sent to all 214 association dairy managers. Seventy percent of the 119 respondents had observed PDD on their dairies. About 83% of the 63 responding managers had first seen PDD during the previous 10 years. Subsequently, a random sample of 43 dairies stratified by association was selected from the total 214 for PDD screening. During milking, we inspected cows' feet for PDD lesions; 91% of dairies had cows affected by PDD; median PDD prevalence for milking cows in dairies was 6.1%. Finally, in one dairy, PDD screening at the parlor was compared to PDD diagnosis by inspecting restrained cows in a chute. The screening method had a sensitivity of 0.72, and a specificity of 0.99. This study demonstrated that PDD was widespread on study dairies in Chile. The screening test presented can be used as a cost efficient method to estimate prevalence of PDD either on individual dairies or in large-scale surveys. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. Papillomatous digital dermatitis in 458 dairies Hird, D. W., Read, D. H. et al Papillomatous digital dermatitis in 458 dairies Hird, D. W., Read, D. H., Rodriguez Lainz, A., Walker, R. L. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1996 Objective-To estimate prevalence of papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) in California dairies during 1993, to describe temporal and spatial patterns of PDD and response of cows to treatment, and to evaluate herd-related risk factors for PDD. Design-Epidemiologic survey. Sample Population-All southern California dairies and a 50% random sample of the rest of California dairies. Procedure-A questionnaire was mailed to managers of 1,429 selected dairies. Results-Prevalence of PDD during 1993 was significantly higher for dairies in the south (75.3%) and central (68.8%) regions, compared with north coast (33.3%) and north (23.1%) regions of the state. Herd mean and median proportions of affected cows in PDD-affected herds were 11.6 (SEM = 0.9) and 5%, respectively. Most (74%) dairy managers surveyed observed PDD for the first time during 1992 or 1993. Highest PDD activity was reported as taking place in summer in the south and in fall and winter in the north coast and north regions; an obvious pattern was not determined for the central region. Clinical Implications-PDD was widespread in California dairies during 1993 and affected a high proportion of cows, especially in the south and central regions of the state Case-control study of papillomatous digital dermatitis in southern California dairy farms Carpenter, T. E., David, W. H., Read et al Case-control study of papillomatous digital dermatitis in southern California dairy farms Carpenter, T. E., David, W. H., Read, D. H., Rodriguez Lainz, A. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1996 Data from 37 southern California dairy farms, with an annual average proportion of > 5% of cows affected by papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) (cases), were compared with those from 20 dairy farms with less than or equal to 5% cows affected (controls). Information on dairy environment, management and PDD occurrence was obtained from dairy managers, veterinarians and hooftrimmers, and by direct measurements at the farms. Odds of having a higher proportion (> 5%) of cows affected were about 20 times greater in dairy farms with muddier corrals than in drier dairy farms. Buying replacement heifers was associated with a 4.7-fold increase in the odds of higher PDD prevalence, compared to dairy farms that did not buy heifers, In addition, a positive association was found between risk and number of heifers purchased. Spatial analysis (used to examine distribution patterns of the study dairy farms) showed no evidence of clustering among case or control dairy farms. There was no association between case dairy farms and proximity to the major local river Thermographic assessment of hoof temperature in dairy cows with different mobility scores Bustamante, H. A., Descouvieres, P. T. et al Thermographic assessment of hoof temperature in dairy cows with different mobility scores Bustamante, H. A., Descouvieres, P. T., Olivares, F. J., Rodriguez, A. R., Tadich, N. A., Werner, M. P. Livestock Science 2016 The aim of this study was to determine if temperature varies in hooves of cows with different mobility scores (MS) using infrared thermography. A total of 120 Friesian, Kiwi cross and Jersey cows were used, which were grouped according to their mobility scores (MS 0–3: n=30 in each MS group). Animals were introduced in a crush for clinical examination and then thermograms from the anterior, posterior, lateral and sole views were taken. Thermogram analysis of different anatomical hoof zones was performed. The temperatures obtained for different views were: anterior (20.8 °C–24.7 °C), posterior (20.7 °C–25.9 °C), lateral (19.2 °C–22.4 °C) and sole (16.5 °C–20.1 °C). The observed zonal temperature for each view was independent and similar for all MS, however significant differences between cows with MS 0 and MS 3 are described. For this purpose, a threshold temperature for the sole view>16.6 °C was set allowing the identification of 83% cows with MS 1 and 60% those cows with MS 0. The best trade off was obtained for the posterior view, with a threshold temperature>23.5 °C, allowing the identification ~70% of both cows with MS 0 and MS 3. Using IRT we were able to show that cows with MS 3 had higher hoof temperatures compared to cows with MS 0 in the anterior, posterior and sole views. None of the evaluated thermographic views showed significant temperatures changes for cows with MS 1 and MS 2. IRT is not a practical method to be used on farm and does not contribute to early lameness detection. Comparison of three commercial vaccines for preventing persistent infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus Brodersen, Bruce W., Eason, Andrew B. et al Comparison of three commercial vaccines for preventing persistent infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus Brodersen, Bruce W., Eason, Andrew B., Galik, Patricia K., Givens, M. Daniel, Marley, M. Shonda D., Nunley, Callie L., Riddell, Kay P., Rodning, Soren P., Walz, Paul H., Zhang, Yijing Theriogenology 2010 Reproductive and economic impact following controlled introduction of cattle persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea... Galik, P. K., Gard, J. A., Givens et al Reproductive and economic impact following controlled introduction of cattle persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus into a naive group of heifers Galik, P. K., Gard, J. A., Givens, M. D., Hathcock, T. L., Marley, M. S. D., Owsley, W. F., Prevatt, J. W., Riddell, K. P., Rodning, S. P., Zhang, Y. Theriogenology 2012 Invited review: Body condition score and its association with dairy cow productivity, health, and welfare Berry, D. P., Fisher, M. W., Friggens et al Invited review: Body condition score and its association with dairy cow productivity, health, and welfare Berry, D. P., Fisher, M. W., Friggens, N. C., Kay, J. K., Roche, J. R., Stafford, K. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Does water or blowing air stimulate cows to defecate? de Passillé, Anne Marie, Robichaud et al Does water or blowing air stimulate cows to defecate? de Passillé, Anne Marie, Robichaud, Marianne Villettaz, Rushen, Jeffrey Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2013 Manure is an important cause of dirtiness and disease for cows and can affect milk quality and human health. The aim of this study was to test whether we could stimulate cows to defecate at a particular location in order to reduce the spread of manure. A series of four tests with 12 lactating Holstein cows (days in milk = 137.5 ± 17.5 days, parity = 3.3 ± 1.5) was conducted. In Test 1, cows walked through either an empty footbath or one filled with water (21 °C) following a balanced order with one treatment per day, for 6 days. Cows were more likely to defecate when walked through the water filled footbath (67% vs 42% of tests: P = 0.04). In Test 2, the cows stood for 2 min either in an empty footbath or in a footbath filled with still water or with running water, with one treatment per day, for 9 days. In Test 3, the cows stood for 2 min in an empty footbath with nothing, air or water sprayed on their feet, with one treatment per day, for 9 days. No significant treatment differences were found for Tests 2 and 3 (P > 0.10). After Test 3, we repeated one repetition of Test 1 (Test 4) but no treatment differences were found at that point (P > 0.10). None of our tests reliably stimulated defecation, which seemed to occur most when cows were exposed to novelty. Fusobacterial infections: an underestimated threat Roberts, G. L. Fusobacterial infections: an underestimated threat Roberts, G. L. Br J Biomed Sci 2000 The involvement of fusobacteria in a wide range of human and animal infection has long been recognised. Slow-growing anaerobes, often in polymicrobial culture, they are not always identified but are present mainly in the oropharynx, from where they are bloodborne to other sites or aspirated into the lung. Fusobacterium nucleatum is commonly found in periodontal disease and produces tissue irritants such as butyric acid, proteases and cytokines. It has strong adhesive properties due to the presence of lectins, and these outer-membrane proteins mediate adhesion to epithelia and tooth surfaces, and coagglutination with other suspected pathogens. F. necrophorum may cause necrotising tonsillitis and septicaemia, leading to the spread of infection and the development of abscesses in the lung and brain--a form of Lemierre's syndrome. Calf diphtheria, foot rot and other infections in animals are well defined, with the pathogenic mechanisms involving leucotoxins, endotoxins and adhesins. A foul smell produced by butyric acid and other metabolic products is common to all fusobacterial infections. Identification using simple tests is within the scope of most laboratories Evaluation of three-dimensional accelerometers to monitor and classify behavior patterns in cattle Larson, R. L., Renter, D. G., Robert et al Evaluation of three-dimensional accelerometers to monitor and classify behavior patterns in cattle Larson, R. L., Renter, D. G., Robert, B., White, B. J. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 2009 Cattle behavior is potentially a valuable indicator of health and well-being; however, natural movement patterns can be influenced by the presence of a human observer. A remote system could augment the ability of researchers, and eventually cattle producers, to monitor changes in cattle behavior. Constant video surveillance allows non-invasive behavior monitoring, but logging the movement patterns on individual animals over long periods of time is often cost prohibitive and labor intensive. Accelerometers record three-dimensional movement and could potentially be used to remotely monitor cattle behavior. These devices collect data based on pre-defined recording intervals, called epochs. Our objectives were to (1) determine if accelerometers can accurately document cattle behavior and (2) identify differences in classification accuracy among accelerometer epoch settings. Video-recorded observations and accelerometer data were collected from 15 crossbred beef calves and used to generate classification trees that predict behavior based on accelerometer data. Postural orientations were classified as lying or standing, while dynamic activities were classified as walking or a transition between activities. Video analysis was treated as the gold standard and logistic regression models were used to determine classification accuracy related to each activity and epoch setting. Classification of lying and standing activities by accelerometer illustrated excellent agreement with video (99.2% and 98.0% respectively); while walking classification accuracy was significantly (P < 0.01) lower (67.8%). Classification agreement was higher in the 3 s (98.1%) and 5 s (97.7%) epochs compared to the 10 s (85.4%) epoch. Overall, we found the accelerometers provided an accurate, remote measure of cattle behavior over the trial period, but that classification accuracy was affected by the specific behavior monitored and the reporting interval (epoch). The use of xylazine hydrochloride in an analgesic protocol for claw treatment of lame dairy cows in lateral recumbency on a... Herdtweck, Sarah, Meyer, Henning et al The use of xylazine hydrochloride in an analgesic protocol for claw treatment of lame dairy cows in lateral recumbency on a surgical tipping table Herdtweck, Sarah, Meyer, Henning, Offinger, Jennifer, Rehage, Juergen, Rizk, Awad, Zaghloul, Adel The Veterinary Journal 2012 Effect of hypoxia/reoxygenation on the contractility of the isolated bovine digital vein Ascanio, E., Comerma-Steffensen, S. et al Effect of hypoxia/reoxygenation on the contractility of the isolated bovine digital vein Ascanio, E., Comerma-Steffensen, S., Hahn, M., Reggio, M., Risso, A., Rojas, J., Zerpa, H. Research in Veterinary Science 2012 Dairy cow feeding space requirements assessed in a Y-maze choice test Haskell, M. J., Healy, S. D., Lawrence et al Dairy cow feeding space requirements assessed in a Y-maze choice test Haskell, M. J., Healy, S. D., Lawrence, A. B., Rioja-Lang, F. C., Roberts, D. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Validation of the Finnish national dairy disease register—Data transfer from cow health cards to the disease register Peltoniemi, O. A. T., Rintakoski, S. et al Validation of the Finnish national dairy disease register—Data transfer from cow health cards to the disease register Peltoniemi, O. A. T., Rintakoski, S., Taponen, J., Virtala, A. M. K. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Validation of accelerometers to automatically record sow postures and stepping behaviour Bergeron, Renée, Devillers, Nicolas et al Validation of accelerometers to automatically record sow postures and stepping behaviour Bergeron, Renée, Devillers, Nicolas, Ringgenberg, Nadine Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2010 Partial identification of spirochaetes from two dairy cows with digital dermatitis by polymerase chain reaction analysis of the... David, G. P., Hughes, S. L., Rijpkema et al Partial identification of spirochaetes from two dairy cows with digital dermatitis by polymerase chain reaction analysis of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene David, G. P., Hughes, S. L., Rijpkema, S. G. T., Woodward, M. J. Veterinary Record 1997 Specimens taken postmortem from typical lesions of digital dermatitis in two dairy cows were tested by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of a spirochaetal 16S rRNA gene. Seven different assays detected the gene in the samples from both cows. Two of the PCR products were sequenced and a comparison of the nucleotide sequences revealed that the spirochaete belonged to the genus Treponema and was closely related to Treponema denticola. A PCR specific for the detection of the digital dermatitis-associated treponeme was developed. Medium-term effects of repeated exposure to stray voltage on activity, stress physiology, and milk production and composition in... Barrier, A., Charles, C., Deschamps, F. et al Medium-term effects of repeated exposure to stray voltage on activity, stress physiology, and milk production and composition in dairy cows Barrier, A., Charles, C., Deschamps, F., Duvaux-Ponter, C., Ponter, A. A., Rigalma, K., Roussel, S. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Disagrees with classification of a treatment for digital dermatitis Riemann, H. P. Disagrees with classification of a treatment for digital dermatitis Riemann, H. P. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2002 Perceptions and risk factors for lameness on organic and small conventional dairy farms Cicconi, K. M., Gamroth, M. J., Richert et al Perceptions and risk factors for lameness on organic and small conventional dairy farms Cicconi, K. M., Gamroth, M. J., Richert, R. M., Ruegg, P. L., Schukken, Y. H., Stiglbauer, K. E. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Risk factors for clinical mastitis, ketosis, and pneumonia in dairy cattle on organic and small conventional farms in the United... Cicconi, K. M., Gamroth, M. J., Richert et al Risk factors for clinical mastitis, ketosis, and pneumonia in dairy cattle on organic and small conventional farms in the United States Cicconi, K. M., Gamroth, M. J., Richert, R. M., Ruegg, P. L., Schukken, Y. H., Stiglbauer, K. E. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Foot trimming by lay people [letter; comment] Richardson, S. P. Foot trimming by lay people [letter; comment] Richardson, S. P. Veterinary Record 1999 First detection of an NSAID, flunixin, in sheep’s wool using GC–MS Hall, Sarah, Harrison, Nancy, Richards et al First detection of an NSAID, flunixin, in sheep’s wool using GC–MS Hall, Sarah, Harrison, Nancy, Richards, Ngaio, Scott, Karen Environmental Pollution 2011 The occurrence of foot lameness in beef cattle slaughtered in the state of Rio de Janeiro Borges, J. R. J., Marisco Filho, F. et al The occurrence of foot lameness in beef cattle slaughtered in the state of Rio de Janeiro Borges, J. R. J., Marisco Filho, F., Pitombo, C. A., Ribeiro, P. N., Ronconi, M. A. Arquivos da Escola de Medicina Veterinaria da Universidade Federal da Bahia 1992 A total of 1695 Zebu males reared on pasture in the State of Rio de Janeiro were studied. Interdigital dermatitis was found in 7 animals, interdigital hyperplasia in 4, digital dermatitis in 2 animals and horn erosion and proliferative osteoperiostitis in 1 animal each. Since only 15 animals (0.88%) were affected it was concluded that foot disease is not a significant problem in pastured Zebu cattle Prevalence of periparturient diseases and effects on fertility of seasonally calving grazing dairy cows supplemented with... Ayres, H., Bisinotto, R. S., Favoreto et al Prevalence of periparturient diseases and effects on fertility of seasonally calving grazing dairy cows supplemented with concentrates Ayres, H., Bisinotto, R. S., Favoreto, M., Greco, L. F., Lima, F. S., Marsola, R. S., Martinez, N., Monteiro, A. P. A., Ribeiro, E. S., Santos, J. E. P., Thatcher, W. W. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Assessing experimental visceral pain in dairy cattle: A pilot, prospective, blinded, randomized, and controlled study focusing on... Beaudry, F., Bichot, S., de Courval et al Assessing experimental visceral pain in dairy cattle: A pilot, prospective, blinded, randomized, and controlled study focusing on spinal pain proteomics Beaudry, F., Bichot, S., de Courval, M. L., del Castillo, J. R. E., Frank, D., Gauvin, D., Harvey, D., Hélie, P., Livingston, A., Mulon, P. Y., Otis, C., Rialland, P., Troncy, E. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol on methane emission, digestion, and energy and nitrogen balance of lactating dairy cows Duval, S., Humphries, D. J., Kindermann et al Effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol on methane emission, digestion, and energy and nitrogen balance of lactating dairy cows Duval, S., Humphries, D. J., Kindermann, M., Kirton, P., Reynolds, C. K., Steinberg, W. Journal of Dairy Science Premature parturition in cows probably caused by toxic fescue Renner, J. E. Premature parturition in cows probably caused by toxic fescue Renner, J. E. Veterinaria Argentina 1992 In outbreaks of probable fescue toxicosis occurring after heavy rainfall in a herd of 210 cows over an 18-month period, on an established Festuca arundinacea pasture, besides the customary lameness, principally in young cattle, there were 21 cases of premature parturition and 2 abortions. Serological tests excluded bacterial and viral agents. Caruncular ischaemia is suggested. There was no placental retention Comparison of erythromycin and oxytetracycline for the treatment of virulent footrot in grazing sheep Callinan, A. P. L., Rendell, D. K. Comparison of erythromycin and oxytetracycline for the treatment of virulent footrot in grazing sheep Callinan, A. P. L., Rendell, D. K. Australian Veterinary Journal 1997 Functional hoof trimming in bovines Millemann, Y., Remy, D. Functional hoof trimming in bovines Millemann, Y., Remy, D. Point Veterinaire 1999 The germinate layer is responsible for the hoofs growth, and fed by the pododerma. An anarchic growth of the hoof can be caused by : defect in conformation of the limb, loot conditions (laminitis), and environmental factors (ground composition, hygiene of the litter). When these factors are known as well as the biomechanic forces involved, it is then possible to carry out preventative trimming, therefore correcting the conformation of the limb. A good distribution of the load, between lateral and medial hoof, as well as on two limbs must be achieved. This functional trimming must be carried out systematically twice yearly (12 photos, 6 figures, 4 encadres, 24 references) Functional trimming of bovine hooves Millemann, Y., Remy, D. Functional trimming of bovine hooves Millemann, Y., Remy, D. Point Veterinaire 1998 Association between digital dermatitis lesions and test-day milk yield of Holstein cows from 41 French dairy farms Bareille, N., Chesnin, A., Guatteo, R. et al Association between digital dermatitis lesions and test-day milk yield of Holstein cows from 41 French dairy farms Bareille, N., Chesnin, A., Guatteo, R., Lehébel, A., Relun, A. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Estimation of the relative impact of treatment and herd management practices on prevention of digital dermatitis in French dairy... Bareille, N., Bruggink, M., Guatteo, R. et al Estimation of the relative impact of treatment and herd management practices on prevention of digital dermatitis in French dairy herds Bareille, N., Bruggink, M., Guatteo, R., Lehébel, A., Relun, A. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2013 The purpose of this study was to concurrently estimate the effect of different digital dermatitis (DD) treatment regimens and herd management practices on the occurrence of a new DD lesion. A controlled clinical trial was conducted and involved 4678 dairy cows from 52 French dairy farms where DD was endemic. Farms were allocated by minimisation to one of 4 treatment regimens, varying through the mode (footbath or collective spraying) and the frequency of application (2 days every 4 weeks or fortnightly). They were visited 7 times every 4 weeks by 14 trained investigators. Frailty Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the relative effect of potential risk factors and treatment practices on the time until the first occurrence of a DD lesion. At herd level, high initial DD prevalence strongly increased the risk for DD occurrence (HR = 1.93, CI 1.23–3.04), as well as absence of hoof-trimming (HR = 1.75, CI 1.36–2.27) and poor leg cleanliness (HR = 2.44, CI 1.80–3.31). At animal level, Holstein breed (HR = 1.92, CI 1.35–3.57) and high-productive cows (HR = 1.26, CI 1.01–1.56) were identified to be at higher risk for DD compared to Normande breed and low-productive cows, respectively. Compared to individual topical antibiotic treatments alone, collective treatments tended to decrease the risk of DD occurrence only when applied over 2 days at least every fortnight (HR range = 0.64–0.73). Effectiveness of different regimens of a collective topical treatment using a solution of copper and zinc chelates in the cure of... Bareille, N., Guatteo, R., Lehébel, A. et al Effectiveness of different regimens of a collective topical treatment using a solution of copper and zinc chelates in the cure of digital dermatitis in dairy farms under field conditions Bareille, N., Guatteo, R., Lehébel, A., Relun, A. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 A controlled field trial was conducted to evaluate in dairy cattle the benefit provided by different regimens of a collective topical treatment using a solution of copper and zinc chelates to cure digital dermatitis (DD) compared with individual treatment alone, and further to investigate factors that could explain variations in the clinical cure of DD lesions over 6 mo. The study was conducted between November 2009 and October 2010 and involved 4,677 dairy cows from 52 French dairy farms on which DD was endemic. The farms were quasi-randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatment regimens for 6 mo: no collective treatment (control), walk-through footbath during 4 consecutive milkings every 4 wk (FB/4W) or every 2 wk (FB/2W) and collective spraying during 2 milkings every 2 wk (CS/2W). For ethical and welfare reasons, all farmers also had to treat all detected active DD lesions with individual topical spraying of oxytetracycline. Digital dermatitis and leg hygiene were scored on all lactating cows during milking 7 times every 4 wk by 14 trained investigators. During these farm visits, data related to farm management were also collected. The curative effectiveness of collective treatments was assessed through a Cox survival frailty model as the probability of cure of an active DD lesion during at least 2 consecutive visits. The model was adjusted for farm and cow risk factors as well as initial DD prevalence. Monthly DD cure rates were 58, 55, 76, and 76% in the control, FB/4W, FB/2W, and CS/2W regimens, respectively. The spontaneous monthly cure rate for untreated active DD lesions was 61%. Hazard of cure of DD was increased by 1.28 and 1.41 when walk-through footbath and collective spraying, respectively, were applied over 2 d every 2 wk compared with the control regimen. Applying a walk-through footbath 2 d every 4 wk was not sufficient to improve the cure of DD compared with individual treatments alone. Three main factors were identified as speeding DD healing: cleanliness of the feet, initial small size of the DD lesion, and additional individual topical treatment. Grazing tended to speed DD healing. These results highlight the need of combining several control measures, including individual and collective topical treatments, and improving foot hygiene and the early detection of DD lesions to ensure a high cure rate and rapid curing of digital dermatitis on endemically affected farms. A simple method to score digital dermatitis in dairy cows in the milking parlor Bareille, N., Guatteo, R., Relun, A. et al A simple method to score digital dermatitis in dairy cows in the milking parlor Bareille, N., Guatteo, R., Relun, A., Roussel, P. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 The diagnosis of digital dermatitis (DD) in cows is crucial for researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of control measures. The objective of this study was to evaluate intra- and inter-observer agreement and accuracy of a simple method to score DD lesions that is based on the inspection of cleaned feet in the milking parlor with a swiveling mirror and a powerful headlamp. The hind feet of 242 Holstein cows from 4 farms were inspected concurrently by 5 observers (to assess inter-observer agreement) during 2 consecutive milkings (to assess intra-observer agreement). This inspection was followed by an inspection of the feet in a trimming chute, considered to be the gold standard test, to test for accuracy. The reliability of the method was assessed using both the 5 M-stages scoring system (M0 to M4, M standing for Mortellaro) and a simplified M-stages scoring system in which the M3 and M4 stages are merged. As most disagreements concerned the M3 and M4 stages, performance was improved with the simplified M-stages scoring system. With this simplified system, the method had good intra-observer agreement [percent of overall raw agreement (PA) = 80%, weighted kappa (κw) = 0.71, and good inter-observer agreement (PA = 77%, κw = 0.66)]. The agreement with the gold standard test was moderate (PA = 69%, κw = 0.58). Considering absence versus presence of a DD lesion on a foot, the method had good sensitivity (0.90) and specificity (0.80). The time spent for inspection varied from 30 to 60 s per cow. Inspection of cleaned feet with a swiveling mirror and a powerful headlamp in the milking parlor is a reliable, cost- and time-friendly method, which may be useful for both farmers and researchers, especially when the DD status of many dairy cows has to be evaluated concomitantly. The reliability of this method might be improved by using more precise descriptive criteria for the discrimination of each M-stage. Investigations on functional traits in Simmental 2. Incidence of diseases in German Simmental cows Dempfle, L., Jaitner, J., Reinsch, N. Investigations on functional traits in Simmental 2. Incidence of diseases in German Simmental cows Dempfle, L., Jaitner, J., Reinsch, N. Livestock Production Science 1997 In order to get information on disease incidences in German Simmental, health data were collected from 104 Simmental farms in Upper Bavaria from 1987 to 1990. Generalised linear models with complementary log-log link-function and binomial errors were used for statistical analysis, taking censoring into account, Age was revealed to be of major impact on incidence rates. Age-specific risks for ten different diseases are derived for later use in economic modelling as well as average risks per calving interval and per cow and year. When averaged over all age classes, incidences per cow and year were highest for clinical mastitis (14.6%), retained placenta(8%), metritis (10.8%) and various ovulatory disorders (25.5%). Incidences of claw disorders (7.4%) and other leg problems(5%) were similar to the incidence of milk fever (6.7%). (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V Investigations on functional traits in Simmental: 1. Treatment costs for ten different diseases Dempfle, L., Reinsch, N. Investigations on functional traits in Simmental: 1. Treatment costs for ten different diseases Dempfle, L., Reinsch, N. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics 1997 All health-related events and treatment costs were recorded through fortnightly interviews with the herdsmen of 104 Simmental dairy farms in Upper Bavaria, Germany, from autumn 1987 to spring 1990. The data include 8381 calvings. For 10 different disease classes (dystocia, parturient paresis, retained placenta, metritis, fertility problems, mastitis, udder problems, claw disorders, leg disorders, and other diseases) the sum of all treatment costs from calving up to either the subsequent calving or up to culling were computed. A multiplicative model with 3 covariates (farm, parity, and type of end of lactation (culling or subsequent calving)) was fitted to these observations. Farm effects were significant for almost all diseases. The average sum of treatment costs per calving with an associated disease was estimated as the average expected value for this sum, where averaging is over the farms. These costs ranged from 29 DM (claw disorders) up to 137 DM (dystocia). The average costs per calving (with or without disease) ranged from 1.59 DM (injuries of the udder) to 10.90 DM (fertility problems). Corresponding costs per cow and year were 1.74 DM and 12.24 DM, respectively Effects of sawdust bedding dry matter on lying behavior of dairy cows: A dose-dependent response Reich, L. J., Veira, D. M. et al Effects of sawdust bedding dry matter on lying behavior of dairy cows: A dose-dependent response Reich, L. J., Veira, D. M., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 The objective was to determine the effect of sawdust bedding dry matter on the lying behavior of Holstein cows. Dry matter (DM) was varied systematically over 5 treatment levels to test how cows respond to damp bedding. This experiment was repeated during summer and winter to test if the effects of damp bedding varied with season. The 5 bedding treatments averaged (±SD) 89.8 ± 3.7, 74.2 ± 6.4, 62.2 ± 6.3, 43.9 ± 4.0, and 34.7 ± 3.8% DM. Over the course of the trial, minimum and maximum temperatures in the barn were 2.6 ± 2.0 and 6.8 ± 2.2°C in the winter and 13.3 ± 2.5 and 22.6 ± 4.1°C in the summer. In both seasons, 5 groups of 3 nonlactating cows were housed in free stalls bedded with sawdust. Following a 5-d acclimation period on dry bedding, groups were exposed to the 5 bedding treatments in a 5 × 5 Latin square. Each treatment lasted 4 d, followed by 1 d when the cows were provided with dry bedding. Stall usage was assessed by 24-h video scanned at 5-min intervals. Responses were analyzed within group (n = 5) as the observational unit. Bedding DM affected lying time, averaging 10.4 ± 0.4 h/d on the wettest treatment and increasing to 11.5 ± 0.4 h/d on the driest bedding. Lying time varied with season, averaging 12.1 ± 0.4 h/d across treatments during the winter and 9.9 ± 0.6 h/d during the summer, but season and bedding DM did not interact. These results indicate that access to dry bedding is important for dairy cows. Post surgical convalescence of dairy cows with left abomasal displacement in relation to fatty liver Kaske, M., Mertens, M., Rehage, J. et al Post surgical convalescence of dairy cows with left abomasal displacement in relation to fatty liver Kaske, M., Mertens, M., Rehage, J., Scholz, H., Stockhofe Zurwieden, N. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd 1996 Blood parameters, feed intake and milk yield were determined in 53 cows with a left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) on the day of surgery (ds; laparotomy and omentopexy) and during the following four days (d1-d4). Using histological methods severe (group SF), moderate (group MF) or no/mild (group NF) fatty liver was found in 32%, 40% and 28% of the patients, respectively. Moderate and severe fatty liver were found almost exclusively in cows in the first three weeks post partum. Post surgery, feed intake and daily milk yield increased steadily in cows of the NF- and MF-group; in cows suffering from severe fatty liver feed intake remained low (p < 0.05). On ds, mean serum levels of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), gammaglutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and glutamic dehydrogenase (GLDH) in SF-cows were significantly (p < 0.05) higher and values of cholesterol significantly lower (p < 0.05) as compared to the NF- and MF-group; no significant differences were found between the groups in mean serum glucose concentrations. In the four day period following surgery, in all groups mean serum levels of ASAT, GGT, GLDH and cholesterol remained nearly unchanged, whereas total bilirubin, NEFA, BHB and glucose decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Apart from LDA, 55% of the patients were suffering from mastitis, endometritis or lameness. Within three weeks post surgery, 3 cows of the SF-group and 1 cow of the MF-group developed recumbency and liver coma, and were culled for that reason. In conclusion, post surgical convalescence of cows with LDA is clearly related to disturbances of energy metabolism and fatty liver. Therefore, successful treatment of cows suffering from LDA requires the effective treatment of excessive lipomobilization, ketosis and fatty liver along with the immediate surgical correction of LDA Melatonin enhances the immune response to vaccination against A1 and C strains of Dichelobacter nodosus Martín-Palomino, Pedro, Míguez et al Melatonin enhances the immune response to vaccination against A1 and C strains of Dichelobacter nodosus Martín-Palomino, Pedro, Míguez, María del Prado, Morgado, Sara, Ramos, Asunción, Regodón, Sergio, Rosado, Juan A., Tarazona, Raquel Vaccine 2009 Major causes of organs and carcass condemnation in small ruminants slaughtered at Luna Export Abattoir, Oromia Regional State,... Abunna, Fufa, Beyene, Desta, Debela et al Major causes of organs and carcass condemnation in small ruminants slaughtered at Luna Export Abattoir, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia Abunna, Fufa, Beyene, Desta, Debela, Etana, Megersa, Bekele, Moje, Nebyou, Regassa, Alemayehu, Sheferaw, Dessie, Skjerve, Eystein Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2013 Reactions of the Dairy Cow to Changes in Environmental Temperature Regan, W. M., Richardson, G. A. Reactions of the Dairy Cow to Changes in Environmental Temperature Regan, W. M., Richardson, G. A. Journal of Dairy Science 1938 Summary The effect of environmental temperature on high producing dairy cows was studied in a large psychrometric room in which the temperature was increased from 40 to 100° F., while air movement and relative humidity were maintained at the constant values of 50 feet per minute and 60 per cent respectively. It was found that, as the room temperature was increased, there was a uniform increase in the respiration rate, which approximately doubled for each increment of 18° F.; that there was a decrease in pulse rate; and that at 80 or 85° F., depending upon the breed, a pyrexial point was reached where the animals were no longer able to maintain heat balance. As the room temperature was elevated above this pyrexial point, anorexia developed, milk flow declined, and an alteration occurred in the characteristics of the milk produced, which included a lowering of the casein and solids-not-fat content, and an increase in the percentage of butterfat. The pH of the milk was raised, the freezing point depression lowered, and a longer rennet coagulation time was required. The butterfat secreted was lower in volatile acids and higher in unsaturated components. The cow's principal avenue for heat dissipation is the respiratory system. Her breathing varies directly with the environmental temperature, and her skin has a high insulating value. She may, therefore, adapt herself with comfort to conditions of extreme cold; a fact that helps to explain why, as found by certain research workers, exposure to zero weather brings about neither lowered production not increased maintenance requirement. It is also evident that the cow is not especially well fitted to withstand hot climates, though our studies show a distinct breed difference in this regard. Because the cow's heat regulating mechanism functions in such a radically different manner from that of man, we are not justified in applying the comfort standards worked out for man to the management of cattle. The changes in com-position and physico-chemical characteristics of milk when a state of positive heat balance is reached probably result from blood changes instituted to facilitate heat disposal. Infectious diseases causing lameness in cattle with a main emphasis on digital dermatitis (Mortellaro disease) Abd El-Aal, A. M., Behery, A. E. et al Infectious diseases causing lameness in cattle with a main emphasis on digital dermatitis (Mortellaro disease) Abd El-Aal, A. M., Behery, A. E., Opsomer, G., Refaai, W., Van Aert, M. Livestock Science 2013 Efficacy of a novel copper-based footbath preparation for the treatment of ovine footrot during the spread period Alley, D. U., Reed, G. A. Efficacy of a novel copper-based footbath preparation for the treatment of ovine footrot during the spread period Alley, D. U., Reed, G. A. Australian Veterinary Journal 1996 Objective To determine the efficacy of a novel copper based footbath preparation (CHF-1020) for treatment of ovine footrot during the spread period. Design A series of field trials with treated and control groups run together. Animals Mobs of at least 125 sheep on each of six properties in southern New South Wales with equal numbers of controls. Procedure Sheep of group A were treated after minimal paring by making them stand in CHF-1020 for 15 minutes. Treatment was undertaken at intervals throughout the period of the trials (14 September to 17 December 1993). Group A sheep were run on the same pasture as those from group B (untreated sheep). Results The percentage of sheep exhibiting clinical signs of ovine footrot at the start of the trial ranged from 35 to 88% at score 3 or higher, using a 0 to 5 footscoring system. During the trial, the percentage of infected sheep (greater or equal to score 2) in group B increased and ranged from 40 to 90%. The level of infected sheep in group A on each property was reduced progressively to 1 to 16%. Cure rates of 45 to 94% were achieved, with the lowest rate being on a property with a metal footbath. The next lowest cure rate was 73%. Results indicated that treatment should be undertaken at 2-weekly intervals while spread continues. Treated sheep can be returned to contaminated pastures. Conclusion CHF-1020 is effective during the spread period and can be used for the progressive eradication of ovine footrot. Comparison of 5 topical spray treatments for control of digital dermatitis in dairy herds Maas, J., Reed, Barbara Berry et al Comparison of 5 topical spray treatments for control of digital dermatitis in dairy herds Maas, J., Reed, Barbara Berry, Schechter, A. Journal of Dairy Science 1996 Effect of mobility score on milk yield and activity in dairy cattle Green, L. E., Green, M. J., Kaler, J. et al Effect of mobility score on milk yield and activity in dairy cattle Green, L. E., Green, M. J., Kaler, J., Mason, S. A., Reader, J. D. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 An invasive spirochaete associated with interdigital papillomatosis of dairy cattle Castro, A. E., Read, D. H., Sundberg et al An invasive spirochaete associated with interdigital papillomatosis of dairy cattle Castro, A. E., Read, D. H., Sundberg, J. P., Thurmond, M. C., Walker, R. L. Veterinary Record 1992 Preliminary findings from a study of Californian interdigital papillomatosis included the diffuse invasion of superficial stratum spinosum and papillary dermis and some focal invasion of deep papillary and reticular dermis and arterioles by a large number of spirochaetes which resembled treponemes. No papillomaviruses or their antigens were detected and the papillomas responded rapidly to procaine penicillin or ceftiofur with mature papillomas decreasing in size, early papillomas healing and the painfulness of all papillomas vanishing. The possibility that the spirochaetes may play a pathogenic role and the relevance of these findings to 'digital dermatitis' in the UK, Netherlands and Italy and 'interdigital papillomatosis' in North America which have similar features is discussed Papillomatous digital dermatitis (footwarts) in California dairy cattle: clinical and gross pathologic findings Read, D. H., Walker, R. L. Papillomatous digital dermatitis (footwarts) in California dairy cattle: clinical and gross pathologic findings Read, D. H., Walker, R. L. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation 1998 Clinical, gross pathologic, and therapeutic studies were performed on a contagious, painful, wart-like digital disease of unknown etiology in California dairy cattle. The disease was called papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD). Survey indicated that the disease spread geographically throughout southern California over the past few years. In 1991, 31% of herds had papillomatous digital dermatitis, whereas in 1994, 89% were affected. Increased incidence occurred during late spring and summer, 1-3 months after the rainy season. Within-herd morbidity ranged from 0.5% to 12% per month. Study of 93 cows in 10 drylot dairies revealed that 91% had characteristic circumscribed, erosive to papillomatous, intensely painful lesions often surrounded by a ridge of hyperkeratotic skin bearing hypertrophied hairs. Lesions were 2-6 cm across (88%), circular to oval (78%), and raised (59%) and had surfaces that were uniformly erosive and granular (31%), uniformly papillary (28%), or composites of both appearances (41%). Lesions were most frequently seen in lactating heifers (31%) and 3-year-old cows (43%). Clinical signs were characterized by lameness, with walking on toes and clubbing of hooves. Lesions exclusively involved the hind limbs in 82% of cows and the plantar/palmar regions in 84% of cows. Lesions had high (89%) prediliction for plantar/palmar skin bordering the interdigital space. Lesions exclusively involved either the medial or lateral digit in 10% and 28% of cows, respectively. In 50% of cows, both medial and lateral digits of individual Limbs were involved; in most cows (31%), lesions apposed each other across the plantar interdigital space, whereas in others (19%), lesions confluently involved the entire plantar/palmar commissural skin folds. In another 12% of cows, lesions were axial. High proportions of lesions showed complete therapeutic responses to antibiotics: parenteral penicillin (9/9) and ceftiofur (41/44), and topical oxytetracycline (4/4). Recurrence or new lesion development occurred in 48% of cows reexamined 7-12 weeks after complete therapeutic response was observed. Overall, the findings indicated that PDD is a distinct disease entity of economic importance in which bacteria may play an important pathogenic role. Two cases of bovine hypertrophic osteopathy (Marie-Bamberger’s disease) Fecteau, G., Ravary, B. Two cases of bovine hypertrophic osteopathy (Marie-Bamberger’s disease) Fecteau, G., Ravary, B. Point Veterinaire 2000 Undesirable side effects of selection for high production efficiency in farm animals: a review Grommers, F. J., Kanis, E. et al Undesirable side effects of selection for high production efficiency in farm animals: a review Grommers, F. J., Kanis, E., Noordhuizen Stassen, E. N., Rauw, W. M. Livestock Production Science 1998 Examples are presented of undesirable (cor)related effects of selection for high production efficiency, with respect to metabolic, reproduction and health traits in broilers, turkeys, pigs and dairy cattle. A biological explanation for the occurrence of negative side effects of selection is presented Antibody responses to inactivated vaccines and natural infection in cattle using bovine viral diarrhoea virus ELISA kits:... Harmeyer, Silke S., Nanjiani, Ian A. et al Antibody responses to inactivated vaccines and natural infection in cattle using bovine viral diarrhoea virus ELISA kits: Assessment of potential to differentiate infected and vaccinated animals Harmeyer, Silke S., Nanjiani, Ian A., Raue, Rüdiger The Veterinary Journal 2011 Why are simple control options for Toxocara vitulorum not being implemented by cattle and buffalo smallholder farmers in... Dhand, Navneet K., Khounsy, Syseng et al Why are simple control options for Toxocara vitulorum not being implemented by cattle and buffalo smallholder farmers in South-East Asia? Dhand, Navneet K., Khounsy, Syseng, Rast, Luzia, Toribio, Jenny-Ann L. M. L., Windsor, Peter A. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2014 Horseshoe as treatment for bovine lameness Rassel, L. Horseshoe as treatment for bovine lameness Rassel, L. Bovine digital dermatitis: Possible pathogenic consortium consisting of Dichelobacter nodosus and multiple Treponema species Boye, Mette, Capion, Nynne, Fjeldaas et al Bovine digital dermatitis: Possible pathogenic consortium consisting of Dichelobacter nodosus and multiple Treponema species Boye, Mette, Capion, Nynne, Fjeldaas, Terje, Jensen, Tim K., Klitgaard, Kirstine, Rasmussen, Marianne, Rogdo, Torunn Veterinary Microbiology 2012 Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and “Candidatus Neoehrlichia” bacteria: Pathogenicity, biodiversity, and molecular genetic... Golovljova, Irina, Rar, Vera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and “Candidatus Neoehrlichia” bacteria: Pathogenicity, biodiversity, and molecular genetic characteristics, a review Golovljova, Irina, Rar, Vera Infection, Genetics and Evolution 2011 Post anaesthetic forelimb lameness in a cow Raptopoulos, D. Post anaesthetic forelimb lameness in a cow Raptopoulos, D. Veterinary Record 1983 A spastic form of lameness in adult cattle Rao, S. V. A spastic form of lameness in adult cattle Rao, S. V. Indian Veterinary Journal 1967 Lameness in dairy heifers; impacts of hoof lesions present around first calving on future lameness, milk yield and culling risk Chagunda, M. G. G., Green, L. E., Green et al Lameness in dairy heifers; impacts of hoof lesions present around first calving on future lameness, milk yield and culling risk Chagunda, M. G. G., Green, L. E., Green, M. J., Huxley, J.N., Mason, C., Randall, L. V. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2016 The importance of lameness in primiparous dairy heifers is increasingly recognised. Although it is accepted that clinical lameness in any lactation increases the risk of future lameness, the impact of foot lesions during the first lactation on long-term lameness risk is less clear. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the impacts of foot lesions occurring around the time of first calving in heifers on future lameness risk, daily milk yield and survival within a dairy herd. Records were obtained for 158 heifers from one UK dairy herd. Heifers were examined in 2 month blocks from 2 months pre-calving through to 4 months post-calving. Sole lesions and white line lesions were scored on a zero to 10 scale and digital dermatitis on a zero to 3 scale. Outcomes investigated were; lameness risk based on weekly locomotion scores, average daily milk yield and culling risk. Mixed effect models were used to investigate associations between maximum lesion scores and outcomes. Lesion scores in the highest score categories for claw horn lesions (sole lesions and white line lesions) in the 2 to 4 month post-calving period were associated with an increased risk of future lameness; heifers with white line lesion scores ≥3 compared with scores zero to 1 and heifers with sole lesion scores ≥4 compared with score 2, at this time point, had a predicted increased risk of future lameness of 1.6 and 2.6 respectively. Sole lesions ≥4 were also associated with a reduction in average daily milk yield of 2.68 kg. Managing heifers to reduce claw horn lesions during this time period post-calving may provide health, welfare and production benefits for the long-term future of those animals. A novel finding from the study was that mild lesion scores compared with scores zero to 1, were associated with a reduced risk of future lameness for white line lesions and sole lesions occurring in the pre-calving or 2 to 4 months post-calving periods respectively. Mild sole lesions in the pre-calving period were also associated with a reduced risk of premature culling. One hypothesis for this result is that a mild insult may result in adaptive changes to the foot leading to greater biomechanical resilience and so increased longevity. Low body condition predisposes cattle to lameness: An 8-year study of one dairy herd Archer, S. C., Chagunda, M. G. G. et al Low body condition predisposes cattle to lameness: An 8-year study of one dairy herd Archer, S. C., Chagunda, M. G. G., Green, L. E., Green, M. J., Huxley, J.N., Mason, C., Randall, L. V. Journal of Dairy Science 2015 Lameness in dairy cows is a multifactorial and progressive disease with complex interactions between risk factors contributing to its occurrence. Detailed records were obtained from one United Kingdom dairy herd over an 8-yr period. Weekly locomotion scores were used to classify cows as not lame (score 1 to 2), mildly lame (score 3) and severely lame (score 4 to 5). These outcomes were used to investigate the hypothesis that low body condition score (BCS) is associated with an increased risk of lameness in dairy cows. Mixed effect multinomial logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between prior BCS and repeat lameness events during the longitudinal period of the study. Discrete time survival models were used to explore the relationship between prior BCS and first lifetime lameness events. In total, 79,565 cow weeks at risk were obtained for 724 cows. The number of lameness events was 17,114, of which 8,799 were categorized as mildly lame and 8,315 as severely lame. The median BCS was 2.25 (range, 0.75 to 4.25) and the mean body weight (BW) and age at first calving were 619.5 kg (range, 355.6 to 956.4 kg) and 25.8 mo (range, 20.5 to 37.8 mo), respectively. Subsets of the data were used in the discrete time survival models: 333 mild and 211 severe first lifetime lameness events in heifers (first lactation cows), and 81 mild and 49 severe first lifetime lameness events in cows second lactation or greater. Low BCS 3 wk before a repeated lameness event was associated with a significantly increased risk of lameness. Cows with BCS <2 were at greatest risk of mild or severe lameness, and an increased BCS above 2 was associated with a reduced risk of mild or severe lameness. Low BCS 16 or 8 wk before a first mild or severe lifetime lameness event, respectively, also had a positive association with risk of lameness in cows second lactation or greater. This provides evidence to support targeting management toward maintaining BCS to minimize the risk of lameness. Low BW (independent of BCS) and increased age at first calving above 24 mo were also associated with increased long-term risk of repeated lameness events. Overall, the model explained 62 and 60% of the variability for mild and severe lameness, respectively, highlighting the importance of these variables as risk factors and hence where management could be targeted to significantly affect reducing the risk of lameness. Characteristics of prolonged luteal phase identified by milk progesterone concentrations and its effects on reproductive... Dematawewa, C. M. B., Hayashi, A. et al Characteristics of prolonged luteal phase identified by milk progesterone concentrations and its effects on reproductive performance in Holstein cows Dematawewa, C. M. B., Hayashi, A., Koike, K., Nakao, T., Ranasinghe, R. M. S. B. K., Yamada, K. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Acquired flexural deformity in a cow Ramadan, R. O. Acquired flexural deformity in a cow Ramadan, R. O. Pakistan Veterinary Journal 1997 Connection between young bulls’ hoof measurements and their female offsprings’ hoof health in Swedish Red- and... Ral et al Connection between young bulls’ hoof measurements and their female offsprings’ hoof health in Swedish Red- and – White and Swedish Friesian cattle Ral, Gunilla Bergsten Christer Philipsson Jan Jonsson Goran Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Institutionen for Husdjursforadling och Sjukdomsgenetik Rapport 1994 A system for identifying lameness in dairy cattle Dyer, R. M., Erez, B., Lefcourt, A. M. et al A system for identifying lameness in dairy cattle Dyer, R. M., Erez, B., Lefcourt, A. M., Rajkondawar, P. G., Tasch, U., Varner, M. A. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 2002 Bovine lameness caused by hoof and leg ailments is a costly problem for the dairy farmer and an important animal welfare issue. Cow lameness necessitates medical treatment, can reduce milk production, often results in decreased body condition, can impair reproductive performance, and impacts animal well being. It was hypothesized that measurements Of vertical ground reaction forces as animals walk over a force-plate system could provide the basis for detecting lameness. A system based on this principle, designated the Reaction Force Detection (RFD) system, was developed. The system consists of two parallel, left and right, floor plates that are each supported by four single-axis load cells. When a cow walks through the system, the load cell reaction forces are recorded as electric signals that change over time. These signals are used to calculate the magnitude and position of a single equivalent reaction force for each plate. When a single limb is on a plate, the calculated value represents the position and reaction force of that limb. Examination of calculated values over time allows leg movement characteristics to be reconstructed, thus allowing measured reaction forces to be associated with specific limbs. Additionally, the system provides measurements of body weight and walking speed. Tests using three sound and three lame cows demonstrated that lame cows can be recognized and effected limbs can be identified. Development of a bovine lameness index that correlates visual lameness scores to measurable limb movement variables: A pilot study Dyer, R. M., Erez, B., Lefcourt, A. M. et al Development of a bovine lameness index that correlates visual lameness scores to measurable limb movement variables: A pilot study Dyer, R. M., Erez, B., Lefcourt, A. M., Neerchal, N., Rajkondawar, P. G., Tasch, U., Varner, M. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2001 Comparison of Models to Identify Lame Cows Based on Gait and Lesion Scores, and Limb Movement Variables Dyer, R. M., Erez, B., Lefcourt, A. M. et al Comparison of Models to Identify Lame Cows Based on Gait and Lesion Scores, and Limb Movement Variables Dyer, R. M., Erez, B., Lefcourt, A. M., Liu, M., Neerchal, N. K., Rajkondawar, P. G., Tasch, U., Varner, M. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2006 Bovine lameness results in pain and suffering in cattle and economic loss for producers. A system for automatically detecting lame cows was developed recently that measures vertical force components attributable to individual limbs. These measurements can be used to calculate a number of limb movement variables. The objective of this investigation was to explore whether gait scores, lesion scores, or combined gait and lesion scores were more effectively captured by a set of 5 limb movement variables. A set of 700 hind limb examinations was used to create gait-based, lesion-based, and combined (gait- and lesion-based) models. Logistic regression models were constructed using 1, 2, or 3 d of measurements. Resulting models were tested on cows not used in modeling. The accuracy of lesion-score models was superior to that of gait-score models; lesion-based models generated greater values of areas under the receiving operating characteristic curves (range 0.75 to 0.84) and lower mean-squared errors (0.13 to 0.16) compared with corresponding values for the gait-based models (0.63 to 0.73 and 0.26 to 0.31 for receiving operating characteristic and mean-squared errors, respectively). These results indicate that further model development and investigation could generate automated and objective methods of lameness detection in dairy cattle. The development of an objective lameness scoring system for dairy herds: Pilot study Dyer, R. M., Erez, B., Lefcourt, A. M. et al The development of an objective lameness scoring system for dairy herds: Pilot study Dyer, R. M., Erez, B., Lefcourt, A. M., Neerchal, N. K., Rajkondawar, P. G., Tasch, U., Varner, M. A. Transactions of the Asae 2002 A walkthrough gait analysis system that detects lameness of dairy herds Erez, B., Lefcourt, A. M., Rajkondawar et al A walkthrough gait analysis system that detects lameness of dairy herds Erez, B., Lefcourt, A. M., Rajkondawar, P, Tasch, U., Varner, M. A. How do cattle respond to sloped floors? An investigation using behavior and electromyograms Rajapaksha, E., Tucker, C. B. How do cattle respond to sloped floors? An investigation using behavior and electromyograms Rajapaksha, E., Tucker, C. B. Journal of Dairy Science Effects of milk fever, ketosis, and lameness on milk yield in dairy cows Grohn, Y. T., McCulloch, C. E. et al Effects of milk fever, ketosis, and lameness on milk yield in dairy cows Grohn, Y. T., McCulloch, C. E., Rajala-Schultz, P. J. Journal of Dairy Science 1999 The effects of milk fever, ketosis, and lameness were studied using data from 23,416 Finnish Ayrshire cows that calved in 1993 and were followed for one lactation (i.e., until culling or the next calving). Monthly test day milk yields were treated as repeated measurements within a cow in a mixed model analysis. Disease index variables were created to relate the timing of a disease to the measures of test day milk. Statistical models for each parity and disease included fixed effects of calving season, stage of lactation, and disease index. An autoregressive correlation structure was used to model the association among the repeated measurements. The milk yield of cows contracting milk fever was affected for a period of 4 to 6 wk after calving; the loss ranged from 1.1 to 2.9 kg/d, depending on parity and the time elapsed after milk fever diagnosis. Despite the loss, cows with milk fever produced 1.1 to 1.7 kg more milk/d than did healthy cows. Milk yield started to decline 2 to 4 wk before the diagnosis of ketosis and continued to decline for a varying time period after it. The daily milk loss was greatest within the 2 wk after the diagnosis, varying from 3.0 to 5.3 kg/d, depending on parity. Cows in parity 4 or higher were most severely affected by ketosis; the average total loss per cow was 353.4 kg. Lameness also affected milk yield; milk loss of cows diagnosed with foot and leg disorders varied between 1.5 and 2.8 kg/d during the first 2 wk after the diagnosis. Epidemiology of production diseases in Finnish Ayrshire cows. III Effects of disease, milk yield and pregnancy status on culling Grohn, Y. T., Rajala-Schultz, P. J. Epidemiology of production diseases in Finnish Ayrshire cows. III Effects of disease, milk yield and pregnancy status on culling Grohn, Y. T., Rajala-Schultz, P. J. Suomen Elainlaakarilehti 2000 Risk factors associated with culling in 39thin727 Finnish Ayrshire cows, in 1993, were assessed. The main reasons for culling were mastitis, teat injuries, and lameness, followed by fertility disorders and ketosis. Ovarian cysts and anoestrus had a protective effect against culling, immediately after diagnosis and treatment. The earlier a farmer knew a cow was pregnant the lower was the risk of culling. Increasing milk yield had a protective effect. The risk of culling increased as the cow aged, and cows that calved in the autumn had the lowest risk of being culled Culling of dairy cows. Part I. Effects of diseases on culling in Finnish Ayrshire cows Grohn, Y. T., Rajala-Schultz, P. J. Culling of dairy cows. Part I. Effects of diseases on culling in Finnish Ayrshire cows Grohn, Y. T., Rajala-Schultz, P. J. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1999 The effects of 15 diseases on time until culling were studied in 39 727 Finnish Ayrshire cows that calved during 1993 and were followed until the next calving or culling. The diseases studied were: dystocia, milk fever, retained placenta, displacement of the abomasum, metritis, non-parturient paresis, ketosis, rumen disorders, acute mastitis, hypomagnesemia, lameness, traumatic reticuloperitonitis, anestrus, ovarian cysts, and teat injuries. Survival analysis, using the Cox proportional hazards model, was performed and diseases were modeled as time-dependent covariates. Different stages of lactation when culling can occur were also considered. Parity, calving season and herd were included as covariates in every model. Parity had a significant effect on culling, the risk of culling being four times higher for a cow in her sixth or higher parity than for a first parity cow. The effects of diseases varied according to when the diseases occurred and when culling occurred. Mastitis, teat injuries and lameness had a significant effect on culling throughout the whole lactation. Anestrus and ovarian cysts had a protective effect against culling at the time when they were diagnosed. In general, diseases affected culling decisions mostly at the time of their occurrence. The effect seemed to decrease with time from the diagnosis of the disease. However, milk fever, dystocia and metritis also had a significant effect on culling at the end of the lactation. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. Epidemiology of production diseases in Finnish Ayrshire cows. II Effect of disease on milk yield Grohn, Y. T., Rajala-Schultz, P. J. Epidemiology of production diseases in Finnish Ayrshire cows. II Effect of disease on milk yield Grohn, Y. T., Rajala-Schultz, P. J. Suomen Elainlaakarilehti 1999 Finnish dairy herd health recording data were used to study the effects of dystocia, retained placenta, metritis, milk fever, ketosis, lameness and mastitis on monthly test day milk yields of Finnish Ayrshire cows. Late metritis, diagnosed later than 4 weeks after calving, did not have any effect on milk yield; all other diseases were associated with milk loss. The amount of milk lost varied depending on the disease and parity of a cow. Mastitis had a long lasting effect on milk yield: mastitic cows did not reach their pre-mastitis milk yield level during the rest of the lactation after the disease onset. Despite the loss, cows with milk fever, ketosis, and mastitis milked, on average during the whole lactation, more than their healthy herdmates. The importance of appropriate statistical methods and milk measures used in the interpretation of the results when studying the effect of diseases on milk yield are discussed Culling of dairy cows. Part II. Effects of diseases and reproductive performance on culling in Finnish Ayrshire cows Grohn, Y. T., Rajala-Schultz, P. J. Culling of dairy cows. Part II. Effects of diseases and reproductive performance on culling in Finnish Ayrshire cows Grohn, Y. T., Rajala-Schultz, P. J. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1999 The effects of 15 diseases and reproductive performance on culling were studied in 39727 Finnish Ayrshire cows that calved in 1993 and were followed until culling or next calving. Survival analysis, using the Cox proportional hazards model, was performed with diseases and pregnancy status as time-dependent covariates. Parity, calving season and herd were included as covariates in every model. The effect of the number of inseminations was also studied. The farmer's knowledge of the cow's pregnancy status had a significant effect on culling. It varied according to the stage of lactation a cow was in; the earlier the farmer knew a cow was pregnant, the smaller was the risk of culling. If a cow had not been inseminated at all, her risk of culling was 10 times higher than if she was inseminated once. If a cow was inseminated more than once, she had a slightly lower risk of being culled than a cow inseminated only once. The effect of parity decreased when pregnancy status and number of inseminations were added to the model, indicating that part of the parity effect was accounted for by reproductive performance. Including diseases in the model with pregnancy status and the number of inseminations did not change the effects of reproductive performance on culling. Mastitis, teat injuries and lameness had the greatest effect on culling (whether adjusted for reproductive performance or not), increasing the risk of culling, followed by anestrus, ovarian cysts and milk fever. In general, the effects of diseases decreased when reproductive performance was also accounted for in the model. When pregnancy status was included in the model, the effects of anestrus and ovarian cysts became slightly more protective, but when the number of inseminations was also considered, they became non-significant at the beginning of lactation and they increased the risk of culling at the end of lactation. Sensitivity analysis, which was run to evaluate the effects of our censoring mechanism on the results, indicated that the censoring times (i.e., the time of next calving) were not fully independent of the event (culling) times; the effects of the diseases and pregnancy status at the very end of the lactation changed slightly from the original model. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. Culling of dairy cows. Part III. Effects of diseases, pregnancy status and milk yield on culling in Finnish Ayrshire cows Rajala-Schultz, P. J. Culling of dairy cows. Part III. Effects of diseases, pregnancy status and milk yield on culling in Finnish Ayrshire cows Rajala-Schultz, P. J. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1999 The effects of 15 diseases, pregnancy status and milk yield on culling were studied in 39727 Finnish Ayrshire cows that calved in 1993 and were followed until culling or next calving. Survival analysis, using the Cox proportional hazards model, was performed with diseases, pregnancy status and milk yield as time-dependent covariates. Effects of parity, calving season and herd were also accounted for. Pregnancy status was the single most influential factor affecting culling decisions, followed by milk yield. Several diseases also had a significant effect on culling, the most influential ones being mastitis, lameness, teat injuries, and milk fever. The effects of all of these factors varied according to the stage of lactation. Milk yield had a significant effect on culling decisions, depending on the stage of lactation. At the beginning of lactation, milk production did not have any effect on culling decisions, but later on, the highest producers were at the lowest risk of being culled and the lowest producers had the highest risk. Adjusting for milk yield modified the effects of parity, most diseases and also pregnancy status on culling. Effects of parity increased after including milk yield in the model, indicating that milk yield and parity are interrelated in their effects on culling. The effects of pregnancy status also increased towards the end of lactation when milk yield was accounted for in the model. The effects of mastitis, teat injuries and lameness decreased after adjusting for milk production. These diseases lower milk yield and thus, part of their effect on culling was mediated through milk production. The effects of anestrus and ovarian cysts were mainly modified by pregnancy status, but not by milk yield. The effects of milk fever on culling increased at the beginning of lactation after including milk yield in the model. This suggests that even though cows with milk fever tend to be higher producers, it is the disease as such that triggers the culling decision early in the lactation. The changes in the effects of other diseases after adjusting for milk yield varied, depending on the disease and the stage of lactation Loss of income from cows shedding Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis prior to calving compared with cows not... Fetrow, J. P., Raizman, E. A., Wells et al Loss of income from cows shedding Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis prior to calving compared with cows not shedding the organism on two Minnesota dairy farms Fetrow, J. P., Raizman, E. A., Wells, S. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus infected cattle using infrared thermography Pacheco, Juan M., Packer, Craig et al Detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus infected cattle using infrared thermography Pacheco, Juan M., Packer, Craig, Rainwater-Lovett, Kaitlin, Rodriguez, Luis L. The Veterinary Journal 2009 Interdigital dermatitis Ragionieri, M. Interdigital dermatitis Ragionieri, M. Informatore Agricolo 1998 This is a brief account of interdigital dermatitis. A diverse spectrum of diseases affecting the feet of cattle in Italy are commonly grouped under the name 'mo blan'. However, it is argued that most cases of 'mo blan' reported in cows in Valle d'Aosta are of interdigital dermatitis, or 'mal bianco'. This is an infectious disease caused by Bacteroides nodosus [Dichelobacter nodosus], which can have a serious economic impact. Infected cattle suffer not only from foot infection, but also decreased milk production and appetite. Infected animals may fail to come into season and it may be impossible to put them out to pasture. Modes of inter-animal infection are discussed, and the symptoms and progress of the 2 phases of the disease are described. Preventative measures and the different treatments for each phase are also described Influence of load and age on the fat content and the fatty acid profile of the bovine digital cushion Geyer, H., Lischer, Ch J., Ossent, P. et al Influence of load and age on the fat content and the fatty acid profile of the bovine digital cushion Geyer, H., Lischer, Ch J., Ossent, P., Raeber, M., Scheeder, M. R. L. 12th International Symposium on lameness in ruminants 2002 Bovine interdigital dermatitis in Fayoum Governorate and its relationship to obligate anaerobic microorganisms Radwan, I. A. Bovine interdigital dermatitis in Fayoum Governorate and its relationship to obligate anaerobic microorganisms Radwan, I. A. Veterinary Medical Journal Giza 1999 Bovine interdigital necrobacillosis (foul in the foot, foot rot, interdigital phlegmon) Blood,D.C., Gay,O.C., Hinchcliff,K.W. et al Bovine interdigital necrobacillosis (foul in the foot, foot rot, interdigital phlegmon) Blood,D.C., Gay,O.C., Hinchcliff,K.W., Radostits,O.M. Veterinary Medicine 2000 Herd Health Radostits, O. M. Herd Health Radostits, O. M. Food Animal Production Medicine 2001 The content and composition of lipids in the digital cushion of the bovine claw with respect to age and location – A... Geyer, H., Lischer, Ch J., Ossent, P. et al The content and composition of lipids in the digital cushion of the bovine claw with respect to age and location – A preliminary report Geyer, H., Lischer, Ch J., Ossent, P., Räber, M., Scheeder, M. R. L. The Veterinary Journal 2006 The pads of the bovine digital cushion, which serves as a shock absorber, have specific anatomical structures to cope with the substantial forces acting within the claw. To gain more information on the lipid composition and content of the pads, horn shoes from 12 slaughtered heifers and cows were removed and different samples of the pads excised with a scalpel. Pad lipids were extracted and the fatty acid composition determined by gas chromatography. Fat from perirenal and subcutaneous adipose tissues served as a comparison. Overall, this fat contained a higher quantity of extracted lipids than that of the claw pads and did not differ between heifers and cows. In contrast, lipid content in the pads was significantly higher in the cows than in the heifers. In both groups, the lipid content of the middle and abaxial pads, which are situated directly under the distal phalanx, was lower than in the pads of the other locations. The lipids in all pads contained >77% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), differing sharply from the adipose tissue with values <51%. Among the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) a significantly higher proportion of arachidonic acid (AA) was found in the heifer pads than in those of the cows, whereas the proportion of AA was similar in the adipose tissue of all animals. The proportion of AA in the pad lipids also varied between the defined locations with the highest proportion found in locations that showed the lowest lipid content and was related to the age of the animal. The bovine digital cushion – a descriptive anatomical study Geyer, H., Lischer, Ch J., Ossent, P. et al The bovine digital cushion – a descriptive anatomical study Geyer, H., Lischer, Ch J., Ossent, P., Räber, M. The Veterinary Journal 2004 The properties of the suspensory and supporting structures of the bovine claw are of particular importance in the pathogenesis of claw lesions since both must function optimally to prevent soft tissue compression and trauma. An essential component is the shock-absorbing digital cushion situated under the distal phalanx. The sound claws of 54 slaughtered cows were dissected. The digital cushion consisted of three parallel pads – axial, middle and abaxial – that ran longitudinally from the heel and underneath the distal phalanx with numerous transverse finger-shaped branches that connected the axial and abaxial pads cranial to the flexor process of the distal phalanx. The middle fat pad frequently ended just at the apical end of the flexor process of the distal phalanx, which may result in an inferior cushioning effect under the distal phalanx and increase the likelihood of ulcers. There were differences in the structure of the digital cushion with age and loose connective tissue in heifers' pads was first replaced by fat which, after the third lactation, was gradually supplanted by collagenous connective tissue. A review of footrot in sheep: Aetiology, risk factors and control methods Egerton, J. R., Raadsma, H. W. A review of footrot in sheep: Aetiology, risk factors and control methods Egerton, J. R., Raadsma, H. W. Livestock Science 2013 Current Research on an Alternative Footrot Control Strategy Egerton, J. R., Raadsma, H. W. Current Research on an Alternative Footrot Control Strategy Egerton, J. R., Raadsma, H. W. Wool Technology and Sheep Breeding 1993 The expression of footrot results from an interaction between a specific transmitting agent, Dichelobacter nodosus, other micro-organisms, the innate and acquired resistance of the host, and the environment in which the sheep are kept. The economic impact of footrot is determined by the prevalence of severe infections and the duration of these infections. For a high risk environment the annual cost of footrot per 1000 sheep may range from $14,000 to almost 0, depending on the virulence of the transmitting agent. It is unlikely that National Eradication programmes will be successful, and most conventional control options are expensive and require re-current inputs. Alternative and long-term control strategies therefore warrant investigation. One form of long-term control would be to adapt the genotype of the host in such a way that virulent and intermediate footrot is expressed to the same extent as benign footrot. The economic impact of infection with virulent isolates of D. nodosus will be reduced that of benign isolates (i.e. benign footrot). A review of footrot in sheep: New approaches for control of virulent footrot Dhungyel, O. P., Raadsma, H. W. A review of footrot in sheep: New approaches for control of virulent footrot Dhungyel, O. P., Raadsma, H. W. Livestock Science 2013 Potential risk indicators of retained placenta and other diseases in multiparous cows Bobe, G., Fadden, A. N., Qu, Y., Traber et al Potential risk indicators of retained placenta and other diseases in multiparous cows Bobe, G., Fadden, A. N., Qu, Y., Traber, M. G. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Retained placenta (RP), defined as fetal membranes not being expelled within 24 h after calving, is a costly disease in multiparous dairy cows that has been linked to immune suppression, infections, elevated lipid mobilization, and depleted status of antioxidants including α-tocopherol, and that increases the risk of other diseases (OD) in early lactation. Early detection of cows at increased risk of developing RP, OD, or both in early lactation could improve treatment success and result in improved milk production and reproductive performance. To identify risk indicators of RP, OD, or both, we used a nested case-control design and compared multiparous dairy cows that developed RP (n = 32) with cows that remained healthy (H; n = 32) or cows that developed OD (n = 32) in early lactation. We compared peripartal body condition score (BCS) as well as serum concentrations of α-tocopherol, metabolites [β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), cholesterol, glucose, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and urea N], haptoglobin, and macrominerals (i.e., calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus) on d −21, −14, −7, −3, −1, 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, and 49 postpartum. In addition, average serum concentrations were calculated for each cow for the last 3 wk prepartum, for 3 and 2 wk prepartum combined, for the last week prepartum, and for the morning after calving and compared between groups. The RP cows had lower BCS than the H or OD cows until 2 wk postpartum. During the prepartal periods, RP and OD cows had lower α-tocopherol concentrations (corrected or not for cholesterol concentration) and higher NEFA and BHBA concentrations than H cows. Thus, lower prepartal BCS could be an early predictor for RP risk, and lower α-tocopherol concentrations and higher NEFA and BHBA concentrations could be early predictors for disease. Comparison of bandaging and elevation of the claw for the treatment of foot lameness in dairy cows Pyman, M. F. S. Comparison of bandaging and elevation of the claw for the treatment of foot lameness in dairy cows Pyman, M. F. S. Australian Veterinary Journal 1997 Objective To compare the effectiveness of three treatments for sole injuries in dairy cows and to evaluate the ease and speed of applying the treatments. Design A randomised clinical trial. Procedure The three forms of treatment were elevating the affected claw of a lame cow with a wooden block glued to the unaffected claw (39 cows), elevating the affected claw with a rubberised shoe glued to the unaffected claw (42 cows) or applying a padded bandage to the whole fool of a lame cow (31 cows). Results the percentages of cows that recovered from tameness at 3 and 7 days after treatment were significantly higher for cows treated with wooden blocks (P = 0.013 and P = 0.008) or rubberised shoes (P = 0.026 and P = 0.0003) than padded bandages. Cows treated with blocks had a recovery rate of 48.7% at day three and 65.8% at day seven, and cows treated with rubberised shoes, rates of 45.2% and 76.2%, respectively. Cows which had a bandage applied to the foot had recovery rates of 19.4% al day three and 32.3% at day seven. However, by day 14, there was no significant difference in recovery rate between the three treatments. Rubberised shoes were shown to offer a number of advantages over wooden blocks. The shoes were significantly quicker to attach than blocks (median of 9.5 minutes compared with 14.0 minutes, P < 0.0001) and remained on the claw longer (57.1% of rubberised shoes remained at 30 days compared to 30.8% of blocks, P = 0.025). The rubberised shoes also offered an advantage over wooden blocks for operator safety and health by reducing contact between the potentially hazardous adhesive used to attach both devices and the skin of the person applying the device, Conclusions Rubberised shoes are a superior method of elevating an affected claw in conditions of lameness likely to respond to removal of weightbearing forces. Vaccination with recombinant Mycoplasma bovis GAPDH results in a strong humoral immune response but does not protect feedlot... Perez-Casal, Jose, Prysliak, Tracy et al Vaccination with recombinant Mycoplasma bovis GAPDH results in a strong humoral immune response but does not protect feedlot cattle from an experimental challenge with M. bovis Perez-Casal, Jose, Prysliak, Tracy, van der Merwe, Jacques Microbial Pathogenesis 2013 Genetic aspects of common health disorders and measures of fertility in Holstein Friesian dairy cattle Hill, W. G., Pryce , J. E., Simm, G. et al Genetic aspects of common health disorders and measures of fertility in Holstein Friesian dairy cattle Hill, W. G., Pryce , J. E., Simm, G., Thompson, R., Veerkamp, R. F. Animal Science 1997 The purpose of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for measures of fertility and several health disorders in dairy cows. Data consisted of 33732 records, of which 9163 were on heifers, on 305-day milk yield, health disorders and inseminations. Measures of fertility were calculated from calving and insemination dates and included calving interval, days to fir st service and conception to first service. Health disorders included milk fever, mastitis and lameness. Genetic and phenotypic (co)variances were estimated using restricted maximum likelihood. Heritability estimates for both health disorders and fertility traits were low, ranging from 0.003 to 0.080. All genetic correlations between 305-day milk yield and health and fertility traits, in cotes and heifers together, were antagonistic implying that selection for milk yield may have caused a deterioration in health and fertility. The unfavourable correlation between milk yield and health and fertility tl nits, plus the economic importance of the latter, suggests that future breeding goals should be expanded to include some health disorders and fertility Expected correlated responses in health and fertility traits to selection on production in dairy cattle Pryce , J. E., Simm, G., Veerkamp, R. F. Expected correlated responses in health and fertility traits to selection on production in dairy cattle Pryce , J. E., Simm, G., Veerkamp, R. F. Stocarstvo 1999 Genetic parameter estimates for milk yield, calving interval, and mastitis and lameness incidence were calculated from analysis of data from two UK recording schemes using two selection indices. The goal of both indices was to optimize responses to selection for production, using economic values of -0.03 o/kg, 0.60 o/kg and 4.04 o/kg for milk, butterfat and protein yields respectively. One index was used to maximize response in production (PIN) and the other was restricted to zero genetic change in several health and fertility traits (RIN). Selection on PIN was predicted to increase calving interval by 2.78 days per unit selection differential. Mastitis and lameness were expected to increase by 0.018 and 0.007 cows with one or more cases of mastitis and lameness respectively. Selection using RIN was expected to result in 11% less overall economic response in production than PIN Fertility in the high-producing dairy cow Garnsworthy, P. C., Mao, I. L., Pryce et al Fertility in the high-producing dairy cow Garnsworthy, P. C., Mao, I. L., Pryce , J. E., Royal, M. D. Livestock Production Science 2004 Genetic correlations between milk yield and reproductive measures in dairy cows are unfavourable. This suggests that successful selection for higher yields may have led to a decline in fertility. There is also evidence that an imbalance of nutrients, in either high genetic merit cows or those fed diets not matched to their performance, leads to poorer reproductive performance. Physiological reasons for the antagonism have not been elucidated. In this paper we examine the complexity of genetic, nutritional, physiological and management factors of the yield versus fertility antagonism. To maintain or recover high fertility in modern dairy cows calls for a two-pronged approach involving both inclusion of fertility in broader breeding goals and adjustment to management practices. Genotype and feeding system effects and interactions for health and fertility triats in dairy cattle Nielsen, Birte L., Pryce, Jennie E. et al Genotype and feeding system effects and interactions for health and fertility triats in dairy cattle Nielsen, Birte L., Pryce, Jennie E., Simm, Geoff, Veerkamp, Roel F. Livestock Production Science 1999 The effects of feeding system, genotype and genotype by feeding system interactions on a range of health and fertility traits were investigated in Holstein Friesian cows at the Langhill Dairy Cattle Research Centre. There were two genetic groups: a selection (S) and control (C) line, housed and managed as one herd. Animals from each group were assigned to either a high concentrate (HC) or low concentrate (LC) feeding system and offered approximately 2500 kg and 1000 kg of concentrate per lactation on the HC and LC diets respectively. Feeding system had a significant effect on milk fever, days to first service and days to first heat. Lactation number had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the incidence of mastitis, ketosis, retained placentas, milk fever and lameness and conception at first service. Effects of genotype were investigated first by comparing the two genetic groups and then by regressions of the health and fertility traits on pedigree index for fat plus protein (PI). Significant effects of PI were found for oestrus not observed, conception at first service, days to first heat, calving interval, days open and days to first service. The regression coefficient for mastitis on PI was also significantly different from zero (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant genetic line by feeding system interactions, indicating that the observed line differences applied to both dietary treatments. Heritabilities for the health traits ranged between 0.00 and 0.08 and for the fertility traits they ranged between 0.02 and 0.15. Selection for high genetic merit in this herd, seems to have led to a deterioration in fertility but not health traits (with the exception of mastitis). These results, in line with those from studies in large populations, suggest that as genetic merit for production rises, fertility and some aspects of health are deteriorating Estimation of genetic parameters using health, fertility and production data from a management recording system for dairy cattle Esslemont, R. J., Kossaibati, M. A. et al Estimation of genetic parameters using health, fertility and production data from a management recording system for dairy cattle Esslemont, R. J., Kossaibati, M. A., Pryce , J. E., Simm, G., Thompson, R., Veerkamp, R. F. Animal Science 1998 10 569 records of 4642 cows from 33 herds collected from 1988 to 1994 were used to study genetic relationships between health, fertility and production traits. These were used to estimate genetic parameters for mastitis, lameness, somatic cell score (SCS), calving interval, days to first service, conception to first service, 305-day milk, butterfat and protein yields. Heritabilities for these traits were also estimated for the first 3 lactations. (Co)variances were estimated using linear, multitrait Restricted Maximum Likelihood with an animal model. The incidence of mastitis and lameness increased with lactation number, therefore a method was used to fix the within-lactation variance to 1 in all lactations while maintaining the same mean. Estimated heritability of SCS across lactations was 0.15. Heritabilities for other health and fertility traits were low and ranged between 0.013 and 0.047. All genetic correlations of health and fertility traits with production traits were negative. The genetic correlation between SCS and mastitis was 0.65 indicating that indirect selection for improvements in mastitis may be achieved using somatic cell counts as a selection criterion. The potential use of linear type scores as predictors of health traits was investigated by regressing health traits on sire predicted transmitting abilities for type. The results indicated that some type traits may be useful as selection criteria The relationship between body condition score and reproductive performance Coffey, M. P., Pryce , J. E., Simm, G. The relationship between body condition score and reproductive performance Coffey, M. P., Pryce , J. E., Simm, G. Journal of Dairy Science 2001 Genetic relationships between calving interval and body condition score conditional on milk yield Brotherstone, S. H., Coffey, M. P. et al Genetic relationships between calving interval and body condition score conditional on milk yield Brotherstone, S. H., Coffey, M. P., Pryce , J. E., Woolliams, J. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2002 The genetic relationship between calving interval, body condition score and linear type and management traits in registered... Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P., Pryce et al The genetic relationship between calving interval, body condition score and linear type and management traits in registered Holsteins Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P., Pryce , J. E. Journal of Dairy Science 2000 Linking the social environment to illness in farm animals Proudfoot, Kathryn L., von Keyserlingk et al Linking the social environment to illness in farm animals Proudfoot, Kathryn L., von Keyserlingk, Marina A. G., Weary, Daniel M. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2012 Behavior during transition differs for cows diagnosed with claw horn lesions in mid lactation Proudfoot, K. L., von Keyserlingk et al Behavior during transition differs for cows diagnosed with claw horn lesions in mid lactation Proudfoot, K. L., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Competition at the feed bunk changes the feeding, standing, and social behavior of transition dairy cows Proudfoot, K. L., Veira, D. M. et al Competition at the feed bunk changes the feeding, standing, and social behavior of transition dairy cows Proudfoot, K. L., Veira, D. M., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Effect of moving dairy cows at different stages of labor on behavior during parturition Heegaard, P. M. H., Jensen, M. B. et al Effect of moving dairy cows at different stages of labor on behavior during parturition Heegaard, P. M. H., Jensen, M. B., Proudfoot, K. L., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Problems of dairy herd health in Indonesia Prodjoharjono, S. Problems of dairy herd health in Indonesia Prodjoharjono, S. Yamaguchi Journal of Veterinary Medicine 1992 Understanding the genetics of survival in dairy cows Coffey, M., Mrode, R., Pritchard, T. et al Understanding the genetics of survival in dairy cows Coffey, M., Mrode, R., Pritchard, T., Wall, E. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Near infrared spectroscopy of the normal bovine claw Art, T., Lekeux, P., Pringle, J. et al Near infrared spectroscopy of the normal bovine claw Art, T., Lekeux, P., Pringle, J., Uystepruyst, C. Veterinary Journal 1998 Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy predicts the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and biohydrogenation products in the... Aalhus, J. L., Dugan, M. E. R. et al Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy predicts the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and biohydrogenation products in the subcutaneous fat of beef cows fed flaxseed Aalhus, J. L., Dugan, M. E. R., Lopez-Campos, O., McAllister, T. A., Prieto, N., Uttaro, B. Meat Science 2012 At line prediction of PUFA and biohydrogenation intermediates in perirenal and subcutaneous fat from cattle fed sunflower or... Aalhus, J. L., Dugan, M. E. R. et al At line prediction of PUFA and biohydrogenation intermediates in perirenal and subcutaneous fat from cattle fed sunflower or flaxseed by near infrared spectroscopy Aalhus, J. L., Dugan, M. E. R., Lopez-Campos, O., Prieto, N., Uttaro, B. Meat Science 2013 The responsiveness of subclinical endometritis to a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug in pasture-grazed dairy cows Burke, C. R., Greenwood, S. L. et al The responsiveness of subclinical endometritis to a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug in pasture-grazed dairy cows Burke, C. R., Greenwood, S. L., McDougall, S., McLeod, K. L., Meier, S., Mitchell, M., Priest, N. V., Roche, J. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 The objective of this study was to determine if the inflammation associated with subclinical endometritis (SCE) is a part of the mechanism by which reproductive performance is reduced in cows with this disease. If it is, reducing inflammation associated with SCE with a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) should reduce the severity [as measured by average polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) percentage] of uterine pathology and improve reproductive performance. It was also investigated whether the NSAID treatment reduced metabolic indicators of systemic inflammation previously reported to be altered in cows with SCE. Holstein-Friesian and Friesian-Jersey cross dairy cows (n = 213) were paired by calving date and d-14 uterine PMN percentage and randomly assigned to 3 injections at intervals of 3 d of an NSAID (1.4 mg of carprofen/kg; n = 104) between 21 and 31 d postpartum or left as untreated controls (n = 109). Cows with ≥14% PMN (upper quartile of PMN percentage) in the cytological sample collected at d 14 postpartum were defined as having SCE. The average d-14 PMN percentage was low (9.9%) and a high self-cure rate of SCE (>90%) at d 42 was observed. Treatment with an NSAID reduced plasma concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase and increased pregnancy rate in SCE cows. However, no effect of the NSAID treatment was observed on PMN percentage at d 42, postpartum anovulatory interval, or milk production. Compared with cows without SCE, cows with SCE had lower plasma albumin concentration, albumin:globulin ratio, and body condition score, but higher nonesterified fatty acids on the day of calving. These results indicate that cows with SCE are experiencing a physiological dysfunction, including lower body condition, liver dysfunction, and greater metabolic challenge during the periparturient period. Further research is required to determine the effect of NSAID on SCE and to evaluate the influence of timing of drug application on treatment effectiveness. Some observations on the incidence of lameness in dairy cattle in West Cheshire Neal, XX, Prentice, D. E. Some observations on the incidence of lameness in dairy cattle in West Cheshire Neal, XX, Prentice, D. E. Veterinary Record 1972 A comparison between Holstein-Friesian and Jersey dairy cows and their F1 cross with regard to milk yield, somatic cell score,... Buckley, F., Pierce, K. M., Prendiville et al A comparison between Holstein-Friesian and Jersey dairy cows and their F1 cross with regard to milk yield, somatic cell score, mastitis, and milking characteristics under grazing conditions Buckley, F., Pierce, K. M., Prendiville, R. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Induced infectious arthritis in cow calves: clinical manifestations and microbial study in synovial fluid Kumar, P. N., Pratap, K., Singh, G. R. Induced infectious arthritis in cow calves: clinical manifestations and microbial study in synovial fluid Kumar, P. N., Pratap, K., Singh, G. R. Indian Veterinary Journal 1995 Bovine lameness in an organised dairy farm Pratap, K., Sharma, A. K., Singh, G. R. Bovine lameness in an organised dairy farm Pratap, K., Sharma, A. K., Singh, G. R. Indian Journal of Veterinary Research 1996 749 cattle and 79 buffaloes at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, were examined for foot and joint lesions. Of 48 cattle with lesions, 35 were females with high (23 cows), medium (8) and low (4) milk yield. Foot lesions were found in 29 cattle, joint lesions in 11 and a combination of both in 8 cattle. Of these, 19 animals did not show lameness while 12, 6 and 11 animals showed severe, medium or low degrees of lameness, respectively. Hind limbs were affected in 26 cattle, forelimbs in 12 and both hind limbs and forelimbs in 10 cattle. The foot lesions included hoof deformity, interdigital hyperplasia, hoof erosion, ulcer, sand crack wound and abscess. The joint conditions included bursitis, synovitis, arthritis, osteitis, exostoses, wound and abscess. In buffaloes, only 1 case of hoof deformity was observed Clinical report on ephemeral fever in cattle Manuja, Simmi Kishtwaria, Prasad, B. et al Clinical report on ephemeral fever in cattle Manuja, Simmi Kishtwaria, Prasad, B., Rao, V., Singh, R. Indian Veterinary Journal 1997 Nineteen crossbred cattle, suffering from Bovine Ephemeral Fever (BEF) had clinical manifestations like rise in body temperature, restricted gait or lameness, anorexia, suspended rumination, sharp fall in milk yield and swollen superficial lymph nodes. Neutrophilic leucocytosis was present. Treatment with analgesic, antibiotic and rumenotoric for 3-5 days proved very effective in this disease Bacterial endocarditis in adult dairy cattle Power, H. T. Bacterial endocarditis in adult dairy cattle Power, H. T. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1983 Thirty-one cases of bacterial endocarditis in adult dairy cows were reviewed. Clinical signs were reflective of the stage of the disease. Recurrent or persistent fever, tachycardia and a pounding heartbeat or systolic murmur, polypnea, and lameness were typical. With chronicity, weight loss and poor production developed. The end stage was congestive heart failure. Neutrophilia was typical in early cases. Low-grade anemia and high total serum globulin content developed with chronicity and seemed to be negative prognostic signs. Corynebacterium pyogenes was the organism most frequently identified by blood culture or at necropsy. Twenty cows were necropsied and 2 cows were sent to slaughter. Nine cows in which the diagnosis was made early in the course of the disease responded to long-term penicillin therapy Real-time automatic lameness detection based on back posture extraction in dairy cattle: Shape analysis of cow with image... Bahr, C., Berckmans, D., Pluk, A. et al Real-time automatic lameness detection based on back posture extraction in dairy cattle: Shape analysis of cow with image processing techniques Bahr, C., Berckmans, D., Pluk, A., Poursaberi, A., Van Nuffel, A. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 2010 In this paper results on utilizing image analysis techniques towards early lameness detection in dairy cattle are presented. Data from two different dairy farms in Belgium were gathered. Preprocessing on raw data is required because of non-predictable behaviours of cows such as stopping for a while in front of the camera or non-uniform walking behaviour during experiments. Prelocalization of cow in each frame has been done based on two steps separation: (1) A coarse estimation of moving objects was obtained through background subtraction, (2) second statistical analysis of intensities in gray-scale image along with binarization was utilized to detect moving object in video. A common problem in on-farm collected videos is the similarity of the background and the cow's body colour since the use of classic algorithms for segmentation purposes does not work. Here a hierarchy background/foreground exaggeration is proposed to segment the cow in each frame and track it in video. The combination of logarithm and exponential, background subtraction as well as statistical filtering are used to find the accurate shape of the cow. Furthermore, the back posture of each cow during standing and walking was extracted automatically. It was done by detecting the arc of back posture and fitting a circle through selected points on the spine line. The average inverse radius of four frames displaying the hind hoofs in contact with the ground (two frames for each hoof in a row) was assigned to the cow. Based on this curvature value, a score representing the status of lameness in the individual cow was given automatically. Experimental results from two different databases show promising results in automatic lameness detection based on back posture information. The effect of biotin supplementation on white line disease in dairy cattle Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Hedges et al The effect of biotin supplementation on white line disease in dairy cattle Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Hedges, V. J., Packington, A.J., Potzsch, C. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2003 The impact of parity and duration of biotin supplementation on white line disease lameness in dairy cattle Blowey, R. W., Collis, V.J., Green et al The impact of parity and duration of biotin supplementation on white line disease lameness in dairy cattle Blowey, R. W., Collis, V.J., Green, L. E., Packington, A.J., Potzsch, C. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2003 A field study was conducted to examine effects of oral biotin supplementation for up to 18 mo on risks of lameness in dairy cows. The study included a total of 900 cattle from five dairy farms in Gloucestershire, southwest U. K., in a within-herd randomized control trial. The data from this trial were used in this paper to investigate the impact of parity and duration of supplementation with oral biotin at 20 mg/d on white line disease (WLD) lameness. Analysis of the data indicated that WLD increased with increasing parity independent of biotin supplementation from approximately two cases per 100 cow years in primiparous cows to 15.5 cases per 100 cow years in all multiparous cows, but up to 47.7 cases per 100 cow years for cows in parities greater than or equal to 5. Supplementation with biotin reduced WLD lameness by 45% in multiparous cows down to 8.5 cases per 100 cow years, whereas the effect of biotin supplementation in primiparous cows was not significant. Although numerical reductions in WLD lameness were observed for shorter periods of supplementation, a supplementation length of at least 6 mo was required to significantly reduce the risk of WLD lameness in multiparous cows. The effect of biotin supplementation in reducing lameness has potential impact for both animal welfare and farm economics. Risk factors associated with hair loss, ulceration, and swelling at the hock in freestall-housed UK dairy herds Green, M. J., Harris, J., Huxley, J.N. et al Risk factors associated with hair loss, ulceration, and swelling at the hock in freestall-housed UK dairy herds Green, M. J., Harris, J., Huxley, J.N., Millar, K. M., Potterton, S. L., Whay, H. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 A descriptive review of the peer and non-peer reviewed literature on the treatment and prevention of foot lameness in cattle... Atkinson, O.C.D., Bell, N.J., Berry et al A descriptive review of the peer and non-peer reviewed literature on the treatment and prevention of foot lameness in cattle published between 2000 and 2011 Atkinson, O.C.D., Bell, N.J., Berry, E. A., Dean, R. S., Huxley, J.N., Main, D. C. J., Potterton, S. L., Whay, H. R. The Veterinary Journal 2012 The aim of this study was to collate and review the peer and non-peer reviewed English language literature on the treatment and prevention of foot lameness in cattle published since January 2000. The study aimed to identify deficits in knowledge and areas of disparity between what is recommended in the field by veterinarians, foot trimmers and advisors and what has been substantiated experimentally. Peer reviewed literature containing original work was gathered by searching three databases. Papers were categorised and reviewed if they contained material on treatment or prevention. Non-peer reviewed clinical materials were collated from a range of sources. The materials were reviewed and categorised based on whether they recommended a range of possible treatment and prevention strategies. The peer reviewed data base contained 591 papers, of which 286 contained information on treatment or prevention. The vast majority of papers (258) concerned prevention; only a small number covered treatment (31) and of these only three contained information on the treatment of sole ulcers or white line disease. The number of intervention studies and trials was low; most papers on prevention were observational. Generally, lesion specific outcomes were not described making the findings of these papers difficult to use clinically. The non-peer reviewed material contained 46 sources; they varied significantly in regard to the treatments they advocated with some texts directly contradicting each other. Some aspects of prevention recommended in these sources seemed poorly supported by findings from the research literature. Well designed intervention studies are required to address these deficits. A Review of the Peer Reviewed Literature on the Treatment and Prevention of Foot Lameness in Cattle Published Between 2000 and... Bell, N.J., Huxley, J.N., Main et al A Review of the Peer Reviewed Literature on the Treatment and Prevention of Foot Lameness in Cattle Published Between 2000 and 2011 Bell, N.J., Huxley, J.N., Main, D. C. J., Potterton, S., Whay, H. R. 2011 Risk factors for clinical endometritis in postpartum dairy cattle Fishwick, John, Gordon, Patrick J. et al Risk factors for clinical endometritis in postpartum dairy cattle Fishwick, John, Gordon, Patrick J., Guitian, Javier, Potter, Timothy J., Sheldon, I. Martin Theriogenology 2010 Using locomotion scores to investigate lameness problems Potter, T. Using locomotion scores to investigate lameness problems Potter, T. UK Vet 2005 Behaviour and welfare aspects of cattle lameness in relation to building design Broom, D.M., Potter, M.J. Behaviour and welfare aspects of cattle lameness in relation to building design Broom, D.M., Potter, M.J. 6th International symposium on diseases of the ruminant digit 1990 Consultancy to dairy farmers relating to animal health and herd health management on small- and medium-sized farms Drillich, M., Nechanitzky, K., Pothmann et al Consultancy to dairy farmers relating to animal health and herd health management on small- and medium-sized farms Drillich, M., Nechanitzky, K., Pothmann, H., Sturmlechner, F. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Treatment of digital dermatitis (Mortellaro-disease) in dairy cows with the non-antibiotic Protexin((R)) Hoof-Care paste Kofler, J., Pospichal, M. Treatment of digital dermatitis (Mortellaro-disease) in dairy cows with the non-antibiotic Protexin((R)) Hoof-Care paste Kofler, J., Pospichal, M. Wiener Tierarztliche Monatsschrift 2003 The efficacy of the non-antibiotic formulation Protexin(R) Hoof-Care containing metallic salts and organic acids, for local treatment of digital dermatitis was tested in twenty-six cases of acute stages of digital dermatitis. The control group (n = 26 cases) was treated with local oxytetracycline spray application. These fifty-two cases of digital dermatitis were selected from a total of fourty-seven dairy cows from eight different farms with slatted floors. The therapeutic effect was evaluated using a scoring system for weightbearing at stance, lameness at walk and pain of the digital dermatitis lesions. The pretreatment and control examination scores were documented on days 0, 4, 10 and 28 in these fifty-two cases. Both treatment regimens were efficient, no statistical differences regarding the examined parameters could be assessed between the group treated with the non-antibiotic Protexin(R) Hoof-Care paste and the group treated with topical oxytetracycline aerosol spray. At least on day 28, all digital dermatitis lesions in boths groups were completely healed, except four lesions which were not yet covered completely with new epithel, and showed still a slight or moderate pain. In one cow, the lesion was completely healed on day 10, but had recurred on day 28. Our data indicate that both local applications of the Protexin(R) Hoof-Care paste and the oxytetracycline aerosol spray had an identical efficacy for the treatment of digital dermatitis. A computer vision-based system for the automatic detection of lying behaviour of dairy cows in free-stall barns Anguzza, Umberto, Arcidiacono, Claudia et al A computer vision-based system for the automatic detection of lying behaviour of dairy cows in free-stall barns Anguzza, Umberto, Arcidiacono, Claudia, Cascone, Giovanni, Porto, Simona M. C. Biosystems Engineering 2013 A computer vision-based system for the automatic detection of dairy cow lying behaviour in free-stall barns is proposed. The system is composed of a multi-camera video-recording system and a software component which executes a cow lying behaviour detector model using the Viola–Jones algorithm. A method to carry out the training, testing and validation phase of the modelled cow lying behaviour detector is described. The performance of the system was tested in an area of a head-to-head free-stall barn where a group of 15 Holstein dairy cows was housed. A multi-camera video-recording system was installed to obtain panoramic top-view images of the area under study. Since the Viola–Jones algorithm was not invariant to the rotation of the cow images, two classifiers were modelled, one for each row of stalls located in the barn. These two classifiers were implemented in the software component of the system in order to perform the lying behaviour detection. The system was validated by comparing its detection results with those generated from visual recognition. The ability of the system to detect cow lying behaviour was confirmed by the high value of its sensitivity, which was approximately 92%. Conversely, the value of the branching factor which was approximately 0.08 indicated that one false positive was detected for every 13 well detected cows. These results suggest that the system proposed in this study could be used for the calculation of the cow lying index which is widely used to investigate cow lying behaviour in free-stall barns. Commercial and Industrial Chemical Hazards for Ruminants Poppenga, Robert H. Commercial and Industrial Chemical Hazards for Ruminants Poppenga, Robert H. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2011 The problem and the implications of Lyme borreliosis in veterinary medicine Duricic, Bosiljka Valcic, Popovic, N. The problem and the implications of Lyme borreliosis in veterinary medicine Duricic, Bosiljka Valcic, Popovic, N. Glas Srpska Akademija Nauka i Umetnosti Odeljenje Meditsinskikh Nauka 1993 A study of literature concerning Lyme borreliosis related to animals was done. In the research work the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of horses, cattle and dogs affected with Lyme borreliosis have been discussed. The clinical signs of Lyme borreliosis in horses are: chronic weight loss, sporadic lameness, laminitis, low grade fever, swollen joints, muscle tenderness and anterior uveitis. In addition to these clinical signs, neurological signs such as depression, behavioral changes, dysphagia and encephalitis can be seen in chronic cases. Cattle affected with acute Lyme borreliosis often show fever, stiffness, swollen joints and decreased milk production. Chronic weight loss, laminitis and abortion are also a possible outcome of borreliosis in cattle. An early infection of Lyme borreliosis in dogs may give evidence of inappetence, lethargy, lymphadenopathy, and an acute onset of stiffness or pain while a recurrent intermittent nonerosive arthritis is a more advanced manifestation of canine Lyme borreliosis. Glomerulonephritis and tubular damage secondary to Borrelia burgdorferi infection have been reported to occur in normally infected dogs. In an endemic area atrioventricular heart block has also been reported. The underlying pathogenesis of Lyme disease is still unknown. The diagnosis of clinical Lyme borreliosis is difficult and it depends on a successful recognition of clinical signs, a history of possible exposures to the infection and on serologic testings. The therapy of Lyme borreliosis in animals is based upon the principal therapy of this disease in human medicine The Causative Agent of Foot-Rot – Description, Pathogenicity, Vaccination Popoff, M. R. The Causative Agent of Foot-Rot – Description, Pathogenicity, Vaccination Popoff, M. R. Revue De Medecine Veterinaire 1991 This article is an overview of the actual knowledges concerning the causative agent of foot-rot (Dichelobacter nodosus): bacteriological description, taxonomic position, virulence factors, vaccination. This bacteria shows a particular adaptation to the ruminant foot, mostly to the sheep foot. These virulence factors encompasse: pili, proteases, other lytic enzymes and undertermined membrane proteins. The pili are the main immunogens able to induce a protective immune response. However, the pili antigenic variations restrict the preparation of an universal vaccine. Importance of Claw Quality in Cattle – Review and Recommendations to Achieve Genetic-Improvement – Report of the Eaap... Distl, O., Fjeldaas, T., Heeres, J. et al Importance of Claw Quality in Cattle – Review and Recommendations to Achieve Genetic-Improvement – Report of the Eaap Working Group on Claw Quality in Cattle Distl, O., Fjeldaas, T., Heeres, J., McDaniel, B. T., Nielsen, E., Peterse, D. J., Politiek, R. D., Reurink, A., Strandberg, P. Livestock Production Science 1986 Development of a system for automatic measurements of force and visual stance variables for objective lameness detection in sows:... Baert, Jeroen, Maes, Dominiek, Mertens et al Development of a system for automatic measurements of force and visual stance variables for objective lameness detection in sows: SowSIS Baert, Jeroen, Maes, Dominiek, Mertens, Koen, Millet, Sam, Pluym, Liesbet M., Van Nuffel, Annelies, Van Weyenberg, Stephanie, Vangeyte, Jürgen Biosystems Engineering 2013 Assessment and Management of Pain in Small Ruminants and Camelids Plummer, Paul J., Schleining et al Assessment and Management of Pain in Small Ruminants and Camelids Plummer, Paul J., Schleining, Jennifer A. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2013 Automatic measurement of touch and release angles of the fetlock joint for lameness detection in dairy cattle using vision... Bahr, C., Berckmans, D., Maertens, W. et al Automatic measurement of touch and release angles of the fetlock joint for lameness detection in dairy cattle using vision techniques Bahr, C., Berckmans, D., Maertens, W., Pluk, A., Poursaberi, A., Van Nuffel, A. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 This paper describes a synchronized measurement system combining image and pressure data to automatically record the angle of the metacarpus and metatarsus bones of the cow with respect to a vertical line, which is useful for lameness detection in dairy cattle. A camera system was developed to record the posture and movement of the cow and the timing and position of hoof placement and release were recorded using a pressure sensitive mat. Experiments with the automatic system were performed continuously on a farm in Ghent (Belgium) for 5 wk in September and October 2009. In total, 2,219 measurements were performed on 75 individual lactating Holstein cows. As a reference for the analysis of the calculated variables, the locomotion of the cows was visually scored from recorded videos by a trained observer into 3 classes of lameness [53.5% were scored with gait score (GS)1, 33.3% were scored with GS2, and 9.3% were scored with GS3]. The contact data of the pressure mat and the camera images recorded by the system were synchronized and combined to measure different angles of the legs of the cows, together with the range of motion of the leg. Significant differences were found between the different gait scores in the release angles of the front hooves, in the range of motion of the front hooves, and in the touch angles of the hind hooves. The contact data of the pressure mat and the camera images recorded by the system were synchronized and combined to measure different angles of the legs of the cows, together with the range of motion of the leg. With respect to the classification of lameness, the range of motion of the front hooves (42.1 and 42.8%) and the release angle of the front hooves (41.7 and 42.0%) were important variables. In 83.3% of the cows, a change in GS led to an increase in within-cow variance for the range of motion or the release angle of the front hooves. In 76.2% of the cows, an increase in GS led to a decrease in range of motion or an increase in release angle of the front hooves. Reliability and feasibility of selected measures concerning resting behaviour for the on-farm welfare assessment in dairy cows Broerkens, Nina, Knierim, Ute, Laister et al Reliability and feasibility of selected measures concerning resting behaviour for the on-farm welfare assessment in dairy cows Broerkens, Nina, Knierim, Ute, Laister, Simone, Plesch, Gudrun, Winckler, Christoph Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2010 The impact of suboptimal husbandry practices on animal health and economic profitability – the example of tie-in versus... Miller, F., Platz, S., Unshelm, J. The impact of suboptimal husbandry practices on animal health and economic profitability – the example of tie-in versus loose housing system of dairy cattle Miller, F., Platz, S., Unshelm, J. Berliner Und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift 1999 In this study of two common housing systems of dairy cattle, the tie-in system and the loose housing system, check lists were created to evaluate whether these husbandry systems fulfill the needs of the animals. Furthermore, a combination of questionnaires and interviews were employed to assess the qualification of dairy stockmen to handle the animals. These checklists should provide a useful tool for those persons involved in the examination of husbandry systems, both by providing a written record and by providing a clear outline of all the points that need to be covered during such an examination. The study, done in the way of an explorative analysis of data, included 22 farms (14 with tie-in systems and 8 with loose housing systems) and a total of 802 animals. With regard to the economic effects of poor management and housing conditions, several interesting and statistically noteworthy correlations emerged. Tie-in system: Positive correlations were found between severity of behavioural abnormalities (behav) and number of injuries due to husbandry system (injur); injur and number of inseminations per pregnancy (preg); injur and age of cow (age); preg and cell count of milk (cell), Negative correlations were found between cell and milk yield (milk) as well as between the qualification of stockmen (qual) and inappropriate technical design of the housing environment (tech). Loose housing system: Positive correlations existed between behav and injur, and between tech and injur. Negative correlations were found between milk and cell, qual and tech, and milk and age. The magnitudes of these correlations were quantified by means of linear regression analysis. Comparison of the two husbandry systems revealed that while the loose housing systems is associated with significantly more problems related to tech, it is associated with significantly fewer problems related to injur. It seems that in this housing system cows are better able to avoid injury since they are allowed to move freely. No significant differences in behav were found between the two husbandry systems. The present study shows the importance of proper technical design of housing environments, both in relation to animal welfare and to economic profitability. Nutritional practices on Manitoba dairy farms Droppo, T., Garner, T., Plaizier, J. C. et al Nutritional practices on Manitoba dairy farms Droppo, T., Garner, T., Plaizier, J. C., Whiting, T. Canadian Journal of Animal Science 2004 Nutritional practices on Manitoba dairy farms. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 84: 501-509. A survey was conducted on 40 randomly selected dairy farms across Manitoba to document nutritional practices and diet compositions, and study relationships between diet composition and milk production. Samples from all feeds, diets, and the bulk milk tank were collected and analyzed. Inclusion rates of feed ingredients were recorded. Production data were obtained from Western Canada Dairy Herd Improvement Services (WCDHIS). Component feeding and total mixed ration (TMR) feeding were used in 37.5 and 62.5% of herds, respectively. Only 24% of TMR-fed herds used two or more TMR. The medians of dietary contents of crude protein (CP), rumen degradable protein (RDP), rumen undegradable protein (RUP), and neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and milk urea nitrogen (MUN) were 18.3% dry matter (DM), 12.2% DM, 5.7% DM, 34.8% DM, and 15.6 mg dL(-1), respectively. On average, diets contained 6.2% more net energy for lactation (NEI), 35.9% more RDP, 15.8% less RLT, 74.6% more calcium (Ca), 51.9% more phosphorous (P), 44.9% more potassium (K), 116.1% more magnesium (Mg), and 4.2% more sodium (Na) than the estimated requirements based on the average milk production and estimated DM intake of the cows on each farm. In 25% of TMR-fed herds, TMR was coarser than recommended. Milk yield, and milk fat percentage were affected by breed, but were not affected by feeding practice (TMR or component feeding), diet composition, and physically effective NDF (peNDF) determined as the percentage of feed particles retained by the 8- and 19-min screens of the Penn State Particle Separator multiplied by dietary NDF. Milk protein percentage was positively correlated to RUP. MUN was positively coffelated to RDP, RUP, NDF, and days in milk (DIM). Reductions in dietary CP, RDP, Ca, P, Mg, and K could reduce nutrient excretions to the enviromnent without reducing milk production and health. Increasing dietary RUP content could improve milk production on Manitoba dairy farms. Replacing chopped alfalfa hay with alfalfa silage in barley grain and alfalfa-based total mixed rations for lactating dairy cows Plaizier, J. C. Replacing chopped alfalfa hay with alfalfa silage in barley grain and alfalfa-based total mixed rations for lactating dairy cows Plaizier, J. C. Journal of Dairy Science 2004 The effects of replacing chopped alfalfa hay with alfalfa silage in a fine barley grain and alfalfa-based total mixed ration (TMR) were evaluated. Diets contained ( dry matter basis) 53.0% commercial energy supplement, 10.3% commercial protein supplement, and 9.7% corn silage. Diets varied in inclusion of chopped alfalfa hay and alfalfa silage, and contained either 20.0% chopped alfalfa hay and 7.0% alfalfa silage, 10.0% chopped alfalfa hay and 17.0% alfalfa silage, or 27.0% alfalfa silage. Contents of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber, and minerals did not differ among diets. Replacing chopped alfalfa hay with alfalfa silage decreased dietary dry matter, and increased dietary soluble protein and physical effective NDF calculated as the proportion of dietary NDF retained by the 8- and 19-mm screens of the Penn State Particle Separator (peNDF(NDF)) from 13.3 to 15.6% DM. Replacing chopped alfalfa hay with alfalfa silage did not affect dry matter intake, rumen pH, rumen volatile fatty acids, blood lactate, milk fat, and milk protein percentage, but did decrease blood glucose, tended to increase blood urea, and numerically decreased milk yield and milk protein yield. A wider range in peNDFNDF and a higher inclusion of corn silage might have resulted in greater differences in rumen fermentation and milk production among diets. The pH of rumen fluid samples collected 4 h after feeding varied from 5.90 to 5.98, and milk fat percentage varied from 2.50 to 2.60% among diets. These values suggest that mild subacute ruminal acidosis was induced by all diets. Invited review: Contemporary environmental issues: A review of the dairy industry’s role in climate change and air quality... Mitloehner, F. M., Place, S. E. Invited review: Contemporary environmental issues: A review of the dairy industry’s role in climate change and air quality and the potential of mitigation through improved production efficiency Mitloehner, F. M., Place, S. E. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Description of 44 surgical cases of septic pododermatitis in cattle Borges, J. R. J., Marsico Filho, F. et al Description of 44 surgical cases of septic pododermatitis in cattle Borges, J. R. J., Marsico Filho, F., Pitombo, C. A. Revista Brasileira de Ciencia Veterinaria 1999 Foot lesions in alpine cattle in Torino province Fattore, M., Pancani, I., Piromalli, G. et al Foot lesions in alpine cattle in Torino province Fattore, M., Pancani, I., Piromalli, G., Pupilli, F. Atti della Societa Italiana di Buiatria 1993 Effects of foot lesions on dairy cow production Fatore, M., Pancani, I., Piromalli, G. et al Effects of foot lesions on dairy cow production Fatore, M., Pancani, I., Piromalli, G., Varetto, L. Atti della Societa Italiana di Buiatria 1992 Foot care of 54 second or third calvers between 50 and 60 days of lactation on 6 farms resulted in a considerable increase in milk production, often more than doubling their daily milk yield Echocardiographic diagnosis of endocarditis in a bull Pipers, F. S. Echocardiographic diagnosis of endocarditis in a bull Pipers, F. S. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1978 A 2-year-old Charolais bull was examined because of lameness that developed after infection of a tail laceration. A systolic murmur was auscultated during the routine physical examination. A diagnosis of endocarditis and polyarthritis secondary to septicemia from the tail lesion was made. The diagnosis was supported by echocardiography and blood cultures, which yielded Corynebacterium pyogenes. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy Behavioural reactions before and during vaginal examination in dairy cows Fischer-Tenhagen, Carola, Heuwieser et al Behavioural reactions before and during vaginal examination in dairy cows Fischer-Tenhagen, Carola, Heuwieser, Wolfgang, Lotz, Fabian, Pilz, Madlen, Thiele, Gerhard, Tinge, Harm Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2012 The Delphi methods: substance, context, a critique and an annotated bibliography. Pill, J. The Delphi methods: substance, context, a critique and an annotated bibliography. Pill, J. Socioeconomic planning science 1971 The Effects of Limb Diseases On the Milk-Production and Liveweight of Dairy-Cows Duda, P., Pilat, Z., Urban, F. The Effects of Limb Diseases On the Milk-Production and Liveweight of Dairy-Cows Duda, P., Pilat, Z., Urban, F. Zivocisna Vyroba 1991 In keeping with veterinary diagnostics of digit deseases, a relationship between milk performance and liveweight was investigated in cured cows and healthy herd mates. The overall indication demonstrates 56 % of cases within 100 days after calving: 63.1 % of hoof diseases, 31.0 % of cutis and subcutis diseases, 5.9 % of joint diseases. The higher the proportion of the Black Pied Lowland breed, the higher the number of cases and the greater the severity of limb diseases (longer treatment and higher selection). The cured cows had the significantly lower milk performance (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) and the worse fitness and the loss of liveweight; this applied mainly to first-calvers (I -milk: F11 generation - 1 006 kg, N generation -648 kg, I - liveweight: F11 generation: -17.0 kg, N generation -31.0 kg, II to IV - milk: F111 generation -602 kg, P < 0.001 per lactation, liveweight: N generation -41.0 kg, P < 0.01 at the age of 150 days after calving; milk and weight gain correlation: F111 and N generations r = -0.353 to -0.395, P < 0.05). The effect of sire individuality on the health of daughters' limbs was confirmed Hydrate sodium calcium aluminosilicate does not reduce rumen lipopolysacharide concentrations in cows Aiumlamai, S., Doekes, G., Everts, H. et al Hydrate sodium calcium aluminosilicate does not reduce rumen lipopolysacharide concentrations in cows Aiumlamai, S., Doekes, G., Everts, H., Hendriks, W. H., Pilachai, R., Schonewille, J. Th, Thamrongyoswittayakul, C., Vlaeminck, B., Wachirapakorn, C. Animal Feed Science and Technology 2014 Diet factors and subclinical laminitis score in lactating cows of smallholder dairy farms in Thailand Aiumlamai, S., Everts, H., Hendriks et al Diet factors and subclinical laminitis score in lactating cows of smallholder dairy farms in Thailand Aiumlamai, S., Everts, H., Hendriks, W. H., Pilachai, R., Schonewille, J. Th, Thamrongyoswittayakul, C., Wachirapakorn, C. Livestock Science 2013 Starch source in high concentrate rations does not affect rumen pH, histamine and lipopolysaccharide concentrations in dairy cows Aiumlamai, S., Everts, H., Hendriks et al Starch source in high concentrate rations does not affect rumen pH, histamine and lipopolysaccharide concentrations in dairy cows Aiumlamai, S., Everts, H., Hendriks, W. H., Pilachai, R., Schonewille, J. Th, Thamrongyoswittayakul, C., Wachirapakorn, C. Livestock Science 2012 Electronic data recording in cattle farming Demel, S., Pijl, R. Electronic data recording in cattle farming Demel, S., Pijl, R. Rotation of the medial claw of the hindfeet Pijl, R. Rotation of the medial claw of the hindfeet Pijl, R. Surgical treatment of precarpal hygroma in cattle: 17 cases (1990- 1994) Eicher, R., Martig, J., Piguet, M. et al Surgical treatment of precarpal hygroma in cattle: 17 cases (1990- 1994) Eicher, R., Martig, J., Piguet, M., Steiner, A. Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde 1997 This retrospective study describes the case reports of 17 cattles suffering from precarpal hygroma, admitted to the clinic for food animals and horses, University of Berne, between 1990 and 1994. The following criteria were evaluated: sex, age, and bodyweight, case history clinical findings at admission, surgical technique, after care, and short- and long-term results. The hygroma was congenital in 3 cases and acquired at the age of 2 to 84 months in 14 cases. Characteristic clinical findings at admission were a nonpainful, fluctuating well delineated swelling of the precarpal area with a maximal diameter of 6 to 20 cm, which did not provoke any lameness. Treatement consisted of surgical excision of the bursa. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia with the animal in lateral recumbency and the affected limb positioned uppermost. After placing a tourniquet proximal to the carpal joint, routine preparation and draping of the surgical field, the bursa was resected completely, a penrose drain introduced, and primary wound closure attempted. Aftercare consisted of parenteral antimicrobial treatment and immobilisation of the affected limb with a full-limb splint bandage to prevent wound dehiscence and seroma formation. Primary wound healing was achieved in all cases. At the time of long- term follow-up evaluation, 4 to 48 months after surgery, telephone conversation with the owners revealed uncomplicated healing in 16 cases. in one case, recurrence of the hygroma had occurred a few weeks after surgical excision had been performed [Surgical treatment of carpal hygroma in cattle: 17 cases (1990-1994)]. [French] Piguet, M. [Surgical treatment of carpal hygroma in cattle: 17 cases (1990-1994)]. [French] Piguet, M. Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde 1997 This retrospective study describes the case reports of 17 cattle suffering from precarpal hygroma, admitted to the clinic for food animals and horses, University of Berne, between 1990 and 1994. The following criteria were evaluated: sex, age, and bodyweight, case history, clinical findings at admission, surgical technique, aftercare, and short- and long-term results. The hygroma was congenital in 3 cases and acquired at the age of 2 to 84 months in 14 cases. Characteristic clinical findings at admission were a non painful, fluctuating, well delineated swelling of the precarpal area with a maximal diameter of 6 to 20 cm, which did not provoke any lameness. Treatment consisted of surgical excision of the bursa. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia with the animal in lateral recumbency and the affected limb positioned uppermost. After placing a tourniquet proximal to the carpal joint, routine preparation and draping of the surgical field, the bursa was resected completely, a penrose drain introduced, and primary wound closure attempted. Aftercare consisted of parenteral antimicrobial treatment and immobilisation of the affected limb with a full-limb splint bandage to prevent wound dehiscence and seroma formation. Primary wound healing was achieved in all cases. At the time of long-term follow-up evaluation, 4 to 48 months after surgery, telephone conversation with the owners revealed uncomplicated healing in 16 cases. In one case, recurrence of the hygroma had occurred a few weeks after surgical excision had been performed Distribution of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species from milk and environment of dairy cows differs between herds Braem, G., De Vliegher, S., De Vuyst et al Distribution of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species from milk and environment of dairy cows differs between herds Braem, G., De Vliegher, S., De Vuyst, L., Heyndrickx, M., Piessens, V., Supré, K., Van Coillie, E., Van Nuffel, A., Verbist, B. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Herd characteristics and cow-level factors associated with Prototheca mastitis on dairy farms in Ontario, Canada Godkin, A., Kelton, D. F., Leslie et al Herd characteristics and cow-level factors associated with Prototheca mastitis on dairy farms in Ontario, Canada Godkin, A., Kelton, D. F., Leslie, K. E., Pieper, L., Polleichtner, A., Roesler, U., Slavic, D. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Reliability of body condition scoring of sheep for cross-farm assessments Cripps, P. J., Duncan, J. S., Hughes et al Reliability of body condition scoring of sheep for cross-farm assessments Cripps, P. J., Duncan, J. S., Hughes, D., Michalopoulou, E., Phythian, C. J. Small Ruminant Research 2012 Reliability of indicators of sheep welfare assessed by a group observation method Clarkson, Michael J., Cripps, Peter J. et al Reliability of indicators of sheep welfare assessed by a group observation method Clarkson, Michael J., Cripps, Peter J., Duncan, Jennifer S., Grove-White, Dai, Jones, Phillip H., Michalopoulou, Eleni, Phythian, Clare J., Stubbings, Lesley A., Winter, Agnes C. The Veterinary Journal 2012 Inter-observer reliability of Qualitative Behavioural Assessments of sheep Duncan, Jennifer, Michalopoulou, Eleni et al Inter-observer reliability of Qualitative Behavioural Assessments of sheep Duncan, Jennifer, Michalopoulou, Eleni, Phythian, Clare, Wemelsfelder, Françoise Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2013 The effect of cubicle and straw yard housing of the behaviour, production and hoof health of dairy cows Phillips, C. J. C., Schofield, S. A. The effect of cubicle and straw yard housing of the behaviour, production and hoof health of dairy cows Phillips, C. J. C., Schofield, S. A. Animal Welfare 1994 In a study of 40 spring-calving dairy cows housed in a deep straw yard or a cubicle house from November to April cows in straw yards spent longer lying down and feeding, except during oestrus when they increased their time spent standing proportionately more than cows in cubicles. In the straw yard cows spent longer in associative behaviour during oestrus and had fewer unsuccessful mounting attempts. There were no differences in milk production or composition but cows in the straw yard lost more weight after calving. Cows in the cubicles had a reduction in heel depth, which is a predisposing factor to lameness. It is concluded that a straw yard system for dairy cows allows greater opportunity to display normal behaviour, leads to better hoof health and provided acceptable levels of production The Effects on Production and Behavior of Mixing Uniparous and Multiparous Cows Phillips, C. J. C., Rind, M. I. The Effects on Production and Behavior of Mixing Uniparous and Multiparous Cows Phillips, C. J. C., Rind, M. I. Journal of Dairy Science 2001 The production and behavior of a group of eight multiparous and eight uniparous cows after they were mixed were compared with unmixed groups of 16 multiparous and 16 uniparous cows. The cows grazed pasture (mean height 16cm) in treatment groups in a daily paddock rotation. The milk yield of mixed cows was 3% less in the first week than cows in the unmixed groups, and 1% less in the 6 wk after mixing. The reduction in milk yield was similar for uni- and multiparous cows. Both uni- and multiparous cows in the mixed group grazed for less time and they stood for longer, particularly in the first week postmixing. The multiparous cows in the mixed group increased their pasture biting rate and became more dominant than the uniparous cows, who spent more time grooming other cows and in aggressive interactions compared with the unmixed group of uniparous cows. We concluded that the mixing of multi- and uniparous cows causes disruption to their grazing and social behavior, which results in a reduction in milk yield. Adverse-Effects On Reproductive-Performance and Lameness of Feeding Grazing Dairy-Cows Partially On Silage Indoors Phillips, C. J. C. Adverse-Effects On Reproductive-Performance and Lameness of Feeding Grazing Dairy-Cows Partially On Silage Indoors Phillips, C. J. C. Journal of Agricultural Science 1990 The locomotion of dairy cows on floor surfaces with different frictional properties Morris, I. D., Phillips, C. J. The locomotion of dairy cows on floor surfaces with different frictional properties Morris, I. D., Phillips, C. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2001 Frictional properties of cattle hooves and their conformation after trimming Bucktrout, M. J., Chiy, P. C., Collins et al Frictional properties of cattle hooves and their conformation after trimming Bucktrout, M. J., Chiy, P. C., Collins, S. M., Gasson, C. J., Jenkins, A. C., Paranhos da Costa, M. J., Phillips, C. J. Vet Rec 2000 The conformation of the hooves of nine heifers obtained from an abattoir was measured and their coefficient of static friction (mu) was determined for movement in forward, backward and sideways directions. The hooves were trimmed by the Dutch method and their conformation and p were measured again. Trimming increased mu, and decreased the length of the digit and the angle between it and the floor. The value of mu was considerably greater for movement in a forward or backwards direction than sideways. The relationship between the value of mu for sideways movement and hoof conformation was examined by using 52 lower limbs from a variety of cattle breeds. Although mu was greater for Belgian blue than other cattle breeds, there were no relationships between mu and hoof conformation, including a measure of the roughness of the sole Volume assessment of the bovine hoof ApDewi, I., Patterson, S. J., Phillips et al Volume assessment of the bovine hoof ApDewi, I., Patterson, S. J., Phillips, C. J. C., Whitaker, C. J. Research in Veterinary Science 1996 Clinical Characterization of a Syndrome by Ecopathology Methods – an Example of Dairy-Cow Lameness Luquet, F., Philipot, J. M., Pluvinage et al Clinical Characterization of a Syndrome by Ecopathology Methods – an Example of Dairy-Cow Lameness Luquet, F., Philipot, J. M., Pluvinage, P. Veterinary Research 1994 In 1987, an ecopathology survey was carried out in 160 French dairy farms. Its primary objective was to clinically characterize laminitis and heelhorn erosion in order to identity the risk factors of these affections. A total of 4 896 cows were individually monitored. Observation of podal lesions of each cow allowed us to identify associations between different lesions (by correspondence analysis) and between lesions and lameness (by multiple logistic regression) and thus to characterize 3 distinctive pathologies: chronic laminitis, subacute laminitis and heelhorn erosion. Risk-Factors of Dairy-Cow Lameness Associated with Housing Conditions Bugnard, F., Cimarosti, I., Philipot et al Risk-Factors of Dairy-Cow Lameness Associated with Housing Conditions Bugnard, F., Cimarosti, I., Philipot, J. M., Pluvinage, P., Sulpice, P. Veterinary Research 1994 In 1987, an ecopathology survey was carried out in 160 French dairy farms in order to specify lesions typical of laminitis and heelhorn erosion and to assess their risk factors. Three podal affections were characterized: chronic laminitis; subacute laminitis; and heelhorn erosion. Concerning the building for livestock, the risk factors of heelhorn erosion were associated with poor hygiene, while the risk factors of subacute laminitis were linked to uncomfortable housing conditions: high steps and slopes, and discomfort when lying down and getting up. No risk factor of chronic laminitis linked to the building for livestock was identified. Risk factors of dairy cow lameness associated with housing conditions Philipot, J. M. Risk factors of dairy cow lameness associated with housing conditions Philipot, J. M. Veterinary Research 1994 In 1987, an ecopathology survey was carried out in 160 French dairy farms in order to specify lesions typical of laminitis and heelhorn erosion and to assess their risk factors. Three podal affections were characterized: chronic laminitis; subacute laminitis; and heelhorn erosion. Concerning the building for livestock, the risk factors of heelhorn erosion were associated with poor hygiene, while the risk factors of subacute laminitis were linked to uncomfortable housing conditions: high steps and slopes, and discomfort when lying down and getting up. No risk factor of chronic laminitis linked to the building for livestock was identified Clinical characterization of a syndrome by ecopathology methods: an example of dairy cow lameness Luquet, F., Philipot, J. M., Pluvinage et al Clinical characterization of a syndrome by ecopathology methods: an example of dairy cow lameness Luquet, F., Philipot, J. M., Pluvinage, P. Veterinary Research 1994 In 1987, an ecopathological survey was carried out on 160 French dairy farms, its primary objective being the clinical characterization of laminitis and heelhorn erosion and the identification of the risk factors of these conditions. A total of 4896 cows were monitored. Observation of pedal lesions of each cow identified associations between different lesions (by correspondence analysis) and between lesions and lameness (by multiple logistic regression). Three distinct diseases (chronic laminitis, subacute laminitis and heelhorn erosion) were characterized Ancillary diagnostic imaging. Angiography, ultrasonography, scintigraphy, and xeroradiography Pharr, J. W. Ancillary diagnostic imaging. Angiography, ultrasonography, scintigraphy, and xeroradiography Pharr, J. W. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1985 Veterinary medical imaging is now accepted as including a number of imaging modalities other than conventional radiography. Although the wide availability and relatively low cost of conventional radiography will keep it in the forefront of veterinary medical imaging, other imaging modalities or techniques such as those discussed in this article will, where available, be of significant value in selected cases of bovine lameness Investigation into prevalence of hygroma in bovines Gowda, H., Krishnappa, G., Phaniraja et al Investigation into prevalence of hygroma in bovines Gowda, H., Krishnappa, G., Phaniraja, K. L. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 1999 Statistics for veterinary and animal science Petrie, A., Watson, P. Statistics for veterinary and animal science Petrie, A., Watson, P. 1999 Staphylococcus aureus in veterinary medicine Le Loir, Yves, Peton, Vincent Staphylococcus aureus in veterinary medicine Le Loir, Yves, Peton, Vincent Infection, Genetics and Evolution 2014 Space allowances for confined livestock and their determination from allometric principles Petherick, J. Carol, Phillips et al Space allowances for confined livestock and their determination from allometric principles Petherick, J. Carol, Phillips, Clive J. C. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2009 Quality of handling and holding yard environment, and beef cattle temperament: 1. Relationships with flight speed and fear of... Doogan, Vivienne J., Holroyd et al Quality of handling and holding yard environment, and beef cattle temperament: 1. Relationships with flight speed and fear of humans Doogan, Vivienne J., Holroyd, Richard G., Olsson, Peggy, Petherick, J. Carol, Venus, Bronwyn K. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2009 Environmental effects on progesterone profile measures of dairy cow fertility Berglund, B., Gustafsson, H., Petersson et al Environmental effects on progesterone profile measures of dairy cow fertility Berglund, B., Gustafsson, H., Petersson, K. J., Strandberg, E. Animal Reproduction Science 2006 Environmental effects on fertility measures early in lactation, such as the interval from calving to first luteal activity (CLA), proportion of samples with luteal activity during the first 60 days after calving (PLA) and interval to first ovulatory oestrus (OOE) were studied. In addition, traditional measurements of fertility, such as pregnancy to first insemination, number of inseminations per service period and interval from first to last insemination were studied as well as associations between the early and late measurements. Data were collected from an experimental herd during 15 years and included 1106 post-partum periods from 191 Swedish Holsteins and 325 Swedish Red and White dairy cows. Individual milk progesterone samples were taken twice a week until cyclicity and thereafter less frequently. First parity cows had 14.8 and 18.1 days longer CLA (LS-means difference) than second parity cows and older cows, respectively. Moreover, CLA was 10.5 days longer for cows that calved during the winter season compared with the summer season and 7.5 days longer for cows in tie-stalls than cows in loose-housing system. Cows treated for mastitis and lameness had 8.4 and 18.0 days longer CLA, respectively, compared with healthy cows. OOE was affected in the same way as CLA by the different environmental factors. PLA was a good indicator of CLA, and there was a high correlation (-0.69) between these two measurements. Treatment for lameness had a significant influence on all late fertility measurements, whereas housing was significant only for pregnancy to first insemination. All fertility traits were unfavourably associated with increased milk production. Regression of late fertility measurements on early fertility measurements had only a minor association with conception at first AI and interval from first to last AI for cows with conventional calving intervals, i.e. a 22 days later, CLA increased the interval from first to last insemination by 3.4 days. Early measurements had repeatabilities of 0.14-0.16, indicating a higher influence by the cow itself compared with late measurements, which had repeatabilities of 0.09-0.10. Our study shows that early fertility measurements have a possibility to be used in breeding for better fertility. To improve the early fertility of the cow, there are a number of important factors that have to be taken into account. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Atypical progesterone profiles and fertility in Swedish dairy cows Berglund, B., Gustafsson, H., Petersson et al Atypical progesterone profiles and fertility in Swedish dairy cows Berglund, B., Gustafsson, H., Petersson, K. J., Strandberg, E. Journal of Dairy Science 2006 The incidence of normal and atypical progesterone profiles in Swedish dairy cows was studied. Data were collected from an experimental herd over 15 yr, and included 1,049 postpartum periods from 183 Swedish Holstein and 326 Swedish Red and White dairy cows. Milk progesterone samples were taken twice weekly until initiation of cyclical ovarian activity and less frequently thereafter. Progesterone profiles were 1) normal profile: first rise in milk progesterone above the threshold value before d 56 postpartum, followed by regular cyclical ovarian activity (70.4%); 2) delayed onset of cyclical ovarian activity: low milk progesterone the first 56 d postpartum (15.6%); 3) cessation of cyclical ovarian activity: ovarian activity resumed within 56 d postpartum, but ceased for a period of 14 d or more (6.6%); and 4) prolonged luteal phase: ovarian activity resumed within 56 d postpartum, but milk progesterone remained elevated in the nonpregnant cow for a period of 20 d or more (7.3%). Swedish Holsteins had 1.5 times higher risk of atypical profile than Swedish Red and Whites. Risk of atypical profiles was 0.5 and 0.7 times lower for older cows compared with first-parity cows; 2.3 times higher for cows in tie-stalls compared with those in loose housing; 2.6 times higher for cows calving during winter compared with summer; 0.5 times lower for cows in earlier (1994-1999) calving-year groups compared with the most recent (2000-2002); 2.5 times higher for cows with planned extended calving interval compared with conventional calving interval; and 2.2 times higher for an atypical profile in previous lactation compared with a normal profile. Cows with atypical profiles had a 15-d increase in interval from calving to first artificial insemination and an 18-d increase in interval from calving to conception. Progesterone samples taken within the first 60 d postpartum were used to calculate the percentage of samples above the threshold value of luteal activity. This measure had a significantly different mean in profiles and can be used to separate delayed onset of cyclical ovarian activity profiles and prolonged luteal phase profiles from normal. Thereby, it may be a more effective tool than measurements based only on the onset of ovarian cyclical activity in genetic evaluation of early postpartum fertility in dairy cows. Foot lameness Andrews, A. H., Blowey, R. W., Boyd, H. et al Foot lameness Andrews, A. H., Blowey, R. W., Boyd, H., Eddy, R. G., Peterse, D. J. Bovine medicine: diseases and husbandry 1992 Oxytetracycline Foot-Baths Peterse, D. J. Oxytetracycline Foot-Baths Peterse, D. J. Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde 1986 Relationship between levels of concentrate feeding and incidence of sole ulcers in dairy cattle Korver, S., Oldenbroek, JK, Peterse, DJ et al Relationship between levels of concentrate feeding and incidence of sole ulcers in dairy cattle Korver, S., Oldenbroek, JK, Peterse, DJ, Talmon, FP Vet Rec 1984 Prevalence and risk factors for udder cleft dermatitis in dairy cattle Bengtsson, M., Nyman, A. K. et al Prevalence and risk factors for udder cleft dermatitis in dairy cattle Bengtsson, M., Nyman, A. K., Persson Waller, K. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Udder cleft dermatitis (UCD) is a skin lesion in dairy cattle mostly located at the anterior junction between the udder and the abdominal wall or between the front quarters. Relatively little is known about causative factors for UCD, and few studies have investigated prevalence and risk factors of UCD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of UCD in a random sample of dairy herds with freestalls and milking parlors in a county of Sweden. Thirty dairy herds participated in the study. Each herd was visited once at milking, when every third cow was investigated for presence of UCD. Associations between UCD and milk production, breed, parity, days in milk, claw health, and udder health on the herd and cow levels were also investigated. In addition, a case-control study was performed in 6 herds with a high prevalence of UCD to investigate associations between udder conformation or mange and UCD. Udder cleft dermatitis was found in 18.4% of the 1,084 cows included in the study. The within-herd cow prevalence varied between zero and 39%, with an average of 18.5%. Risk factors for UCD at the herd level were a high proportion of Swedish Red cows and a high production level. At the cow level, breed, parity, and production level were identified as risk factors. The highest risk of having UCD was found in high-producing Swedish Red cows that had calved at least 3 times. Veterinary-treated clinical mastitis was associated with UCD, but cow composite somatic cell count was not. A strong anterior udder attachment was a protective factor, but signs of mange had no association with UCD. The primary cause of UCD is still unclear, and more research is needed to identify the best ways to prevent the development of this animal welfare problem. Clinical lameness and risk factors in a Spanish Holstein population Alenda, R., Pérez-Cabal, M. A. Clinical lameness and risk factors in a Spanish Holstein population Alenda, R., Pérez-Cabal, M. A. Livestock Science Multiresidue screening of milk withheld for sale at dairy farms in central New York State Bicalho, R. C., Pereira, R. V., Siler et al Multiresidue screening of milk withheld for sale at dairy farms in central New York State Bicalho, R. C., Pereira, R. V., Siler, J. D., Warnick, L. D. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Partial replacement of forage with nonforage fiber sources in lactating cow diets. I. Performance and health Armentano, L. E., Garrett, E. F. et al Partial replacement of forage with nonforage fiber sources in lactating cow diets. I. Performance and health Armentano, L. E., Garrett, E. F., Oetzel, G. R., Pereira, M. N. Journal of Dairy Science 1999 Seventy-eight Holsteins were fed for 112 d to evaluate performance and health responses to diets varying in source and concentration of fiber. Three diets based on different carbohydrate feeding strategies were formulated. These diets contained low concentrations of forage and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (12.6% forage NDF, 19.5% total NDF), adequate NDF and forage (20% forage NDF, 24.8% total NDF), or low forage with additional NDF from cereal byproducts (12.7% forage NDF, 33.4% total NDF). Responses to sodium bicarbonate supplementation (0 or 0.8% of diet DM) were evaluated for each carbohydrate strategy, and bicarbonate improved performance on all diets. Eight cows were used concurrently in a Latin square experiment to evaluate the linearity of milk fat concentration response to increasing concentrations of byproduct NDF in low-forage diets. Considering both trials, cereal byproduct NDF was only 27% as effective as NDF from alfalfa silage in eliciting a milk fat concentration response, which was less than predicted from previous experiments. This difference was not because of the short duration of previous experiments nor because of nonlinearity in the response to byproduct NDF. Low-forage diets fed for 112 d did not result in major health disorders for midlactation cows. However, several indicators suggested that cows fed low-forage, high-NDF diets might be less susceptible to ruminal acidosis than those fed diets containing low forage and low NDF, especially during times of dietary transition. Although the effective fiber value in various feeds is variable and difficult to quantify, the value of byproduct fiber needs to be considered when balancing the carbohydrate fraction of dairy rations. Evaporative heat loss in Bos taurus: Do different cattle breeds cope with heat stress in the same way? Almeida, José A., Alves, Alexandre et al Evaporative heat loss in Bos taurus: Do different cattle breeds cope with heat stress in the same way? Almeida, José A., Alves, Alexandre, Baccari Jr, Flávio, Geraldo, Ana M., Infante, Paulo, Leme, Thays M., Pereira, Alfredo Manuel Franco, Titto, Cristiane G., Titto, Evaldo L. Journal of Thermal Biology 2014 The aim of this study was to compare two Portuguese (Alentejana and Mertolenga) and two exotic (Frisian and Limousine) cattle breeds in terms of the relationship between the increase in ambient temperature and the responses of the evaporative heat loss pathways and the effects on homeothermy. In the experiment, six heifers of the Alentejana, Frisian, and Mertolenga breeds and four heifers of the Limousine breed were used. The animals were placed in four temperature levels, the first one under thermoneutral conditions and the other ones with increase levels of thermal stress. When submitted to severe heat stress, the Frisian developed high thermal tachypnea (125 mov/min) and moderate sweating rates (117 g m−2 h−1), which did not prevent an increase in the rectal temperature (from 38.4 °C to 40.0 °C). Moderate increases in rectal temperature were observed in the Alentejana (from 38.8 °C to 39.4 °C) and Limousine (from 38.6 °C to 39.4 °C), especially in the period of highest heat stress. The Limousine showed moderate levels of tachypnea (101 mov/min) while showing the lowest sweating rates. The Alentejana showed significant increases in sweating rate (156 g m−2 h−1) that played a major role in homeothermy. The Mertolenga showed a superior stability of body temperature, even in the period of highest heat stress (from 38.5 °C to 39.1 °C). Uncommonly, the maintenance of homeothermy during moderate heat stress was achieved primarily by intense tachypnea (122 mov/min). The sweating rate remained abnormally low under conditions of moderate heat stress, rising significantly (110 g m−2 h−1) without evidence of stabilization, only when tendency for heat storage occurred. This unusual response of the evaporative heat loss pathways infers a different thermoregulatory strategy, suggesting a different adaptation to semi-arid environment and strong association with water metabolism. Production and physiological responses of heat-stressed lactating dairy cattle to conductive cooling Angenent, Largus T., Gebremedhin et al Production and physiological responses of heat-stressed lactating dairy cattle to conductive cooling Angenent, Largus T., Gebremedhin, Kifle G., Perano, Kristen M., Usack, Joseph G. Journal of Dairy Science 2015 The objective of this research was to test the effectiveness of conductive cooling in alleviating heat stress of lactating dairy cows. A conductive cooling system was built with waterbeds (Dual Chamber Cow Waterbeds, Advanced Comfort Technology Inc., Reedsburg, WI) modified to circulate chilled water. The experiment lasted 7 wk. Eight first-lactation Holstein cows producing 34.4 ± 3.7 kg/d of milk at 166 ± 28 d in milk were used in the study. Milk yield, dry matter intake (DMI), and rectal temperature were recorded twice daily, and respiration rate was recorded 5 times per day. During wk 1, the cows were not exposed to experimental heat stress or conductive cooling. For the remaining 6 wk, the cows were exposed to heat stress from 0900 to 1700 h each day. During these 6 wk, 4 of the 8 cows were cooled with conductive cooling (experimental cows), and the other 4 were not cooled (control cows). The study consisted of 2 thermal environment exposures (temperature-humidity index mean ± standard deviation of 80.7 ± 0.9 and 79.0 ± 1.0) and 2 cooling water temperatures (circulating water through the water mattresses at temperatures of 4.5°C and 10°C). Thus, a total of 4 conductive cooling treatments were tested, with each treatment lasting 1 wk. During wk 6, the experimental and control cows were switched and the temperature-humidity index of 79.0 ± 1.0 with 4.5°C cooling water treatment was repeated. During wk 7, waterbeds were placed directly on concrete stalls without actively cooling the water. Least squares means and P-values for the different treatments were calculated with multivariate mixed models. Conductively cooling the cows with 4.5°C water decreased rectal temperature by 1.0°C, decreased respiration rate by 18 breaths/min, increased milk yield by 5%, and increased DMI by 14% compared with the controls. When the results from the 2 cooling water temperatures (4.5°C and 10°C circulating water) were compared, we found that the rectal temperature from 4.5°C cooling water was 0.3°C lower than the rectal temperature with 10°C cooling water, but the other measurements (respiration rate, milk production, and DMI) did not show a statistically significant difference between the cooling water temperatures. Placing waterbeds on concrete stalls without additional cooling did not have a measurable effect in alleviating the heat stress of the cows. Stifle Disorders: Cranial Cruciate Ligament, Meniscus, Upward Fixation of the Patella Niehaus, Andrew, Pentecost, Rebecca Stifle Disorders: Cranial Cruciate Ligament, Meniscus, Upward Fixation of the Patella Niehaus, Andrew, Pentecost, Rebecca Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2014 Digit Amputation in Cattle – 85 Cases (1971-1990) Hoffsis, G. F., Musser, J. M. B., Pejsa et al Digit Amputation in Cattle – 85 Cases (1971-1990) Hoffsis, G. F., Musser, J. M. B., Pejsa, T. G., StJean, G. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1993 Medical records of 83 cattle, which had 1 or more digit amputations performed at Kansas State University and The Ohio State University veterinary hospitals between 1971 and 1990, were reviewed. Signalment, duration of lameness, prior treatment, digit involved, and pathologic condition were evaluated. Owners were contacted with regard to the animal's duration in the herd after amputation and reason for exiting the herd, level of production attained, and degree of lameness. The animal was judged to have a good, fair, or poor recovery on the basis of this information. Septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint and resulting complications were the problems most frequently treated by digit amputation. Fifty-one percent of cattle undergoing digit amputation attained preamputation production levels for a minimum of 24 months. Approximately 30% of cattle undergoing digit amputation were culled for lameness, usually within 7 months of surgery. Cattle remaining in the herd more than 12 months after amputation were unlikely to be culled for lameness, indicating that long-term breakdown of supporting structures was uncommon. Likelihood of a good recovery decreased from 71.4% in cattle weighing less-than-or-equal-to 341 kg to 27.3% in cattle weighing greater-than-or-equal-to 682 kg. Cattle undergoing amputation of a rear medial digit were more likely to recover well than those undergoing amputation of either front digit. The most frequently performed amputation was that of a rear lateral digit, but it was associated with the poorest recovery, possibly because of the disproportionate amount of stress placed on this digit. Cattle used for dairy and beef production had approximately equal chances of a good recovery from digit amputation. Duration of lameness prior to surgery and type of lesion did not influence recovery rates Digit amputation in cattle: a review of 85 cases Hoffsis, G. F., Musser, J. M. B., Pejsa et al Digit amputation in cattle: a review of 85 cases Hoffsis, G. F., Musser, J. M. B., Pejsa, T. G., St Jean, G. Veterinary Surgery 1992 Digit amputation in cattle: 85 cases (1971-1990) Pejsa, T. G. Digit amputation in cattle: 85 cases (1971-1990) Pejsa, T. G. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1993 Medical records of 83 cattle, which had 1 or more digit amputations performed at Kansas State University and The Ohio State University veterinary hospitals between 1971 and 1990, were reviewed. Signalment, duration of lameness, prior treatment, digit involved, and pathologic condition were evaluated. Owners were contacted with regard to the animal's duration in the herd after amputation and reason for exiting the herd, level of production attained, and degree of lameness. The animal was judged to have a good, fair, or poor recovery on the basis of this information. Septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint and resulting complications were the problems most frequently treated by digit amputation. Fifty-one percent of cattle undergoing digit amputation attained preamputation production levels for a minimum of 24 months. Approximately 30% of cattle undergoing digit amputation were culled for lameness, usually within 7 months of surgery. Cattle remaining in the herd more than 12 months after amputation were unlikely to be culled for lameness, indicating that long-term breakdown of supporting structures was uncommon. Likelihood of a good recovery decreased from 71.4% in cattle weighing < or = 341 kg to 27.3% in cattle weighing > or = 682 kg. Cattle undergoing amputation of a rear medial digit were more likely to recover well than those undergoing amputation of either front digit. The most frequently performed amputation was that of a rear lateral digit, but it was associated with the poorest recovery, possibly because of the disproportionate amount of stress placed on this digit. Cattle used for dairy and beef production had approximately equal chances of a good recovery from digit amputation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Interrelationships of Periparturient Diseases in Dairy-Cows Esslemont, R. J., Otte, M. J., Peeler et al Interrelationships of Periparturient Diseases in Dairy-Cows Esslemont, R. J., Otte, M. J., Peeler, E. J. Veterinary Record 1994 The associations between periparturient diseases in 3603 lactations over three calving seasons were assessed on 10 dairy farms in the south west of England by using logistic regression. Calf mortality and dystocia were strongly associated. Twinning and dystocia were important predictors of calf mortality. Twinning was also a significant predictor for retained fetal membranes. Retained fetal membranes, twins, calf mortality and dystocia, in that order of importance, were risk factors for vulval discharge. Twinning, dystocia, retained fetal membranes and lameness before service increased the risk of mastitis before service. Similarly, mastitis and dystocia before service increased the risk of lameness before service. Oestrus was less likely to be observed in cows that had twinned or suffered lameness before service, the latter having a significantly greater influence in first calvers than older cows Inter-relationships of periparturient diseases in dairy cows Peeler, E. J. Inter-relationships of periparturient diseases in dairy cows Peeler, E. J. Veterinary Record 1994 The associations between periparturient diseases in 3603 lactations over three calving seasons were assessed on 10 dairy farms in the south west of England by using logistic regression. Calf mortality and dystocia were strongly associated. Twinning and dystocia were important predictors of calf mortality. Twinning was also a significant predictor for retained fetal membranes. Retained fetal membranes, twins, calf mortality and dystocia, in that order of importance, were risk factors for vulval discharge. Twinning, dystocia, retained fetal membranes and lameness before service increased the risk of mastitis before service. Similarly, mastitis and dystocia before service increased the risk of lameness before service. Oestrus was less likely to be observed in cows that had twinned or suffered lameness before service, the latter having a significantly greater influence in first calvers than older cows Isolation of Salmonella spp from the environment of dairies without any history of clinical salmonellosis Hartmann, F. A., Nordlund, K. V., Peek et al Isolation of Salmonella spp from the environment of dairies without any history of clinical salmonellosis Hartmann, F. A., Nordlund, K. V., Peek, S. F., Thomas, C. B. Javma-Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2004 Multicentric schwannomas causing chronic ruminal tympany and forelimb paresis in a Holstein cow Adamus, C., DelPiero, F., Peek, S. F. et al Multicentric schwannomas causing chronic ruminal tympany and forelimb paresis in a Holstein cow Adamus, C., DelPiero, F., Peek, S. F., Rebhun, W. C. Veterinary Record 1997 A nine-year-old Holstein cow that developed recurrent ruminal tympany and an abnormal forelimb gait and posture ultimately became recumbent and unable to rise, and was euthanased. A postmortem examination demonstrated numerous schwannomas affecting peripheral nerves and several thoracic and abdominal viscera The “ruminal alkalosis – laminitis” syndrome of cattle Pedrona, R., Trenti, F., Zannetti, G. The “ruminal alkalosis – laminitis” syndrome of cattle Pedrona, R., Trenti, F., Zannetti, G. Proceedings 18th World Buiatrics Congress: 26th Congress of the Italian Association of Buiatrics 1994 Two episodes of ruminal alkalosis are reported in a breeding herd of 160 Friesian dairy cows and in a breeding herd of 120 Friesian bulls used for artificial insemination. The nutritional alkalosis in the dairy cows was caused by a diet supplied for 5 months containing 1 kg/cow/day of beats dried with formol (1 g/kg). In the bulls the alkalosis was caused by the alternated supply (change every 15-20 days) for about 1 year of 2 kinds of concentrate feeds, apparently similar in analytical content but made by 2 different suppliers. The ruminal alkalosis, confirmed by the analysis of ruminal juice, resulted in about 80% of the animals having a clinical picture of subacute laminitis and general symptoms of anorexia, apathy, loss of weight and locomotion difficulty. There were also alterations in the quality and quantity of the milk and sperm produced. It was concluded that alkalosis, but not acidosis, can induce the development of laminitis in cattle Can different observers reliably assess lameness in dairy cows? Bonde, M., Fossing, C., Pedersen, K. Can different observers reliably assess lameness in dairy cows? Bonde, M., Fossing, C., Pedersen, K. Proceedings of the 13th international symposium and 5th international conference on lameness in ruminants 2004 Industrial fluorosis in cattle and buffalo around Udaipur, India Bhardwaj, B., Dwivedi, S. K., Patra et al Industrial fluorosis in cattle and buffalo around Udaipur, India Bhardwaj, B., Dwivedi, S. K., Patra, R. C., Swarup, D. Science of The Total Environment 2000 Signs of dental discolouration, difficulty in mastication, bony lesions, lameness, debility and mortality in domesticated animals, reared around superphosphate fertiliser plants located approximately 15 km north of Udaipur, Rajasthan prompted us to investigate for the occurrence of fluorosis. Out of 166 animals clinically examined, the prevalence rate was 17.4% (4/23) in calves below 1 year of age, 37.2% (16/43) in cattle between 1 and 3 years, 61.3% (46/75) in cattle above 3 years and 72% (18/25) in buffalo above 1 year. Dental fluorosis was common in buffalo compared to cattle of all the age groups. Fluoride levels in fodder and water, consumed by the animals were much higher than the recommended permissible limit. Mean fluoride concentrations in serum and urine were 1.53 +- 1.27 and 26.4 +- 6.17 mg l-1 in calves below 1 year of age, 0.56 +- 0.17 and 26.2 +- 3.86 mg l-1 in cattle of 1-3 years, 0.49 +- 1.13 and 27.5 +- 4.63 mg l-1 in cattle above 3 years and 0.60 +- 0.07 and 28.6 +- 4.73 mg l-1 in buffalo over 1 year, respectively. The values were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than those of control animals kept over a 15-km distance from the factories. Fluoride concentrations in the environmental sample collected from the affected locality were 534.4 +- 74.9 mg kg-1 in fodder, 1.19 +- 0.29 mg l-1 in pond water and 0.479 +- 0.351 mg l-1 in tube well water. It was concluded that the consumption of fodder and water contaminated by the fumes and dusts emitting from superphosphate fertiliser plants resulted in the development of chronic fluorotic lesions in cattle and buffalo Treating bovine sole ulcers – an alternative to amputation of granulation tissue Paton, R Treating bovine sole ulcers – an alternative to amputation of granulation tissue Paton, R UK Vet 2010 The emergence of mecC methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Harrison, Ewan M., Holmes, Mark A. et al The emergence of mecC methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Harrison, Ewan M., Holmes, Mark A., Paterson, Gavin K. Trends in Microbiology 2014 Application of pre-partum feeding and social behaviour in predicting risk of developing metritis in crossbred cows Behera, Kumaresh, Kumaresan, Arumugam et al Application of pre-partum feeding and social behaviour in predicting risk of developing metritis in crossbred cows Behera, Kumaresh, Kumaresan, Arumugam, Layek, Siddhartha Shankar, Mohanty, Tushar Kumar, Patbandha, Tapas Kumar Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2012 A Probabilistic Neural Network Model for Lameness Detection Kujala, M., Pastell, M. E. A Probabilistic Neural Network Model for Lameness Detection Kujala, M., Pastell, M. E. Journal of Dairy Science 2007 A 4-balance system for measuring the leg-load distribution of dairy cows during milking to detect lameness was developed. Leg weights of 73 cows were successfully recorded during almost 10,000 robotic milkings over a period of 5 mo. Cows were scored weekly for locomotion, and lame cows were inspected clinically for hoof lesions. Unsuccessful measurements, caused by cows standing outside the balances, were removed from the data with a special algorithm, and the mean leg loads and number of kicks during milking were calculated. To develop an expert system to automatically detect lameness cases, a model was needed, and a classifying probabilistic neural network model was chosen for the task. The data were divided into 2 parts and 5,074 measurements from 37 cows were used to train a classifying probabilistic neural network model. The operation of the model was evaluated for its ability to detect lameness in the validating data set, which had 4,868 measurements from 36 cows. The model was able to classify 96.2% of the measurements correctly as sound or lame cows, and 100% of the lameness cases in the validation data were identified. The number of measurements (equal to the number of milkings) causing false alarms was 1.1%. The model developed has the potential to be used as an on-farm decision aid and can be used in a real-time lameness monitoring system. A wireless accelerometer system with wavelet analysis for assessing lameness in cattle Hakojärvi, M., Hänninen, L., Pastell et al A wireless accelerometer system with wavelet analysis for assessing lameness in cattle Hakojärvi, M., Hänninen, L., Pastell, M., Tiusanen, J. Biosystems Engineering 2009 Assessing cows’ welfare: weighing the cow in a milking robot Ahokas, J., Grohn, H., Hautala, M. et al Assessing cows’ welfare: weighing the cow in a milking robot Ahokas, J., Grohn, H., Hautala, M., Kujala, M., Pastell, M., Poikalainen, V., Praks, J., Takko, H., Veermäe, I. Biosystems Engineering 2006 Four strain gauge balances were installed into a milking robot after careful inspection of the positions of the legs of all 40 cows from a herd. It was found that 90% of the cows Would have all the legs on the balances at least during every second milking. The balances were connected to a four channel amplifier and the data were targeted to a personal computer using a dedicated computer program. From the data.. the dynamic weight, the load of each leg can be measured. The average weight, the weight variation of each leg, the total weight, the number of kicks, the frequency of kicks and the total time in the milking robot were calculated. The changes in values of each cow were followed and the leg health of cows was observed. Preliminary analysis of the data gives evidence that limb and hoof disorders can be detected with the system. It is also possible to analyse the step and kick behaviour of the cow during milking and during the different stages of milking, washing. milking and disconnecting. In this way it is also possible to monitor the activity level of the cow and how it changes. (c) 2005 Silsoe Research Institute. All rights reserved Published by Elsevier Ltd. Application of CUSUM charts to detect lameness in a milking robot Madsen, Henrik, Pastell, Matti Application of CUSUM charts to detect lameness in a milking robot Madsen, Henrik, Pastell, Matti Expert Systems with Applications 2008 In the year 2006 about 4000 farms worldwide used over 6000 milking robots. With increased automation the time that the cattle keeper uses for monitoring animals has decreased. This has created a need for automatic health monitoring systems. Lameness is a crucial welfare and economic issue in modern dairy husbandry. It causes problems especially in loose housing of cattle. This could be greatly reduced by early identification and treatment. A four-balance system for automatically measuring the load on each leg of a cow during milking in a milking robot has been developed. It has been previously shown that the weight distribution between limbs changes when cow get lame. In this paper we suggest CUSUM charts to automatically detect lameness based on the measurements. CUSUM charts are statistical based control charts and are well suited for checking a measuring system in operation for any departure from some target or specified values. The target values for detecting lameness were calculated from the cow’s own historical data so that each animal had an individual chart. The method enables objective monitoring of the changes in leg health, which is valuable information in veterinary research because it provides means for assessing the severity and impact of different causes of lameness and also evaluating the effect of treatment and medication. So far no objective method for calculating these measures has been available and the methodology presented in this paper seems very promising for the task. Detecting cow’s lameness using force sensors Ahokas, J., Aisla, A. M., Hautala, M. et al Detecting cow’s lameness using force sensors Ahokas, J., Aisla, A. M., Hautala, M., Kujala, M., Pastell, M., Poikalainen, V., Praks, J., Veermäe, I. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 2008 Our aim is to automatically detect cow's leg problems. The first system is a four-balance system, where each of the legs is weighed when a cow is in a milking robot. Its functionality is limited to milking robot and complications in interpreting results occur, since often not all of the legs are properly in each balance or the cow is leaning the robot. Therefore, we introduce a new system. It is a mat made of electromechanical film, Emfit, which can detect only dynamic forces. Its benefit is that its use is not limited to milking robot, but it can be set up in any corridor along which the cows walk. Preliminary tests with walking cows indicate that it has potentiality to separate lame cows from healthy cows by different force–time behaviour. Automatic observation of cow leg health using load sensors Ahokas, J., Hautala, M., Kujala, M. et al Automatic observation of cow leg health using load sensors Ahokas, J., Hautala, M., Kujala, M., Pastell, M., Poikalainen, V., Praks, J., Veermäe, I. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 2008 The milking robot offers a unique possibility for dynamic measurements of the leg health of dairy cows. Four strain gauge scales were installed into a milking robot. The sensors were connected to an amplifier and the data were collected into a PC using dedicated computer programs. The measurement was automatically started and ended based on the cow ID acquired from the milking robot. MATLAB was used for automated data manipulation of over 10,000 data files and criteria for detecting leg injuries were analyzed. The leg weight monitoring was developed into a real-time system with software that alerts the user of possible hoof diseases and other leg problems. The system makes it possible to detect an injured leg by separately measuring the load on each leg. It is also possible to analyze the step and kick behaviour of the cow during milking by measuring the leg weights and analyzing the number of kicks of the cow. Measures of weight distribution of dairy cows to detect lameness and the presence of hoof lesions de Passille, A. M., Hänninen, L. et al Measures of weight distribution of dairy cows to detect lameness and the presence of hoof lesions de Passille, A. M., Hänninen, L., Pastell, M., Rushen, J. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 There is increasing interest in automated methods of detecting lame cows. Hoof lesion data and measures of weight distribution from 61 lactating cows were examined in this study. Lame cows were identified with different numerical rating scores (NRS) used as thresholds (NRS >3 and NRS ≥3.5) for lameness. The ratio of weight applied to a pair of legs (LWR) when the cow was standing was calculated using a special weigh scale, and the cows were gait scored using a 1 to 5 NRS. Hoof lesions were scored and the cows placed into 1 of 4 mutually exclusive categories of hoof lesion: a) no lesions, b) moderate or severe hemorrhages, c) digital dermatitis, and d) sole ulcers. Regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze the relation between hoof lesions and LWR. A clear relationship was found between NRS and LWR for the cows with sole ulcers (R2 = 0.79). The LWR could differentiate cows with sole ulcers from sound cows with no hoof lesions [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.87] and lame cows from nonlame cows with lameness thresholds NRS >3 (AUC = 0.71) and NRS ≥3.5 (AUC = 0.88). There was no relationship between LWR and NRS for cows with digital dermatitis. Measurement of how cows distribute their weight when standing holds promise as a method of automated detection of lameness. A state-transition model to stimulate the economics of bovine virus diarrhoea control Dijkhuizen, A. A., Pasman, E. J. et al A state-transition model to stimulate the economics of bovine virus diarrhoea control Dijkhuizen, A. A., Pasman, E. J., Wentink, G. H. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1994 A state-transition model was developed to examine the control of bovine virus diarrhoea (BVD) virus (BVDV) infections epidemiologically and economically at the farm level, using a computer spreadsheet program. The model offers the possibility of comparing and evaluating the alternatives ‘no intervention’ and ‘culling carriers’. All input variables can easily be modified to suit different conditions and areas, making it a flexible tool for policy making and decision support. Results of calculations with the most likely input values for Dutch conditions showed that culling the carriers which were persistently infected after an outbreak of BVD was economically unattractive (especially if there was any risk of reinfection). Further research is desired (1) to model the losses due to immunosuppression caused by BVDV infection, and (2) to predict more precisely the spread of BVDV after culling the carriers. Salvage of the digit as an alternative to amputation in cattle Parks, A. H. Salvage of the digit as an alternative to amputation in cattle Parks, A. H. Veterinary Annual 1994 Lyme borreliosis in cattle and horses: a review of the literature Parker, J. L., White, K. W. Lyme borreliosis in cattle and horses: a review of the literature Parker, J. L., White, K. W. Cornell Veterinarian 1992 A complete search of the literature concerning Lyme borreliosis as it relates to horses and cattle was done. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, immunological response to the disease, diagnosis and treatment are discussed. A review of clinical cases in horses and cattle is presented. Clinical signs of Lyme borreliosis in horses include: chronic weight loss, sporadic lameness, laminitis, low grade fever, swollen joints, muscle tenderness, and anterior uveitis. In addition to those clinical signs, neurological signs such as depression, behavioural changes, dysphagia, head tilt and encephalitis can be seen in chronic cases. Borreliosis occurs in cattle, usually as a herd problem. In acute Lyme borreliosis, cattle often have a fever, stiffness, swollen joints, and decreased milk production. Chronic weight loss, laminitis and abortion are also possible outcomes of borreliosis in cattle. Diagnosis of clinical Lyme borreliosis is difficult and depends upon recognition of clinical signs, a history of possible exposure, and identification of the spirochete in the affected animal. Since the spirochete is very difficult to culture, confirmation of B. burgdorferi infection often relies on serological testing. Subclinical seropositive animals do occur, thus confusing the diagnosis. An approach to treatment of cattle and horses with Lyme borreliosis is outlined Lyme borreliosis in cattle and horses: a review of the literature. [Review] [118 refs] Parker, J. L. Lyme borreliosis in cattle and horses: a review of the literature. [Review] [118 refs] Parker, J. L. Cornell Veterinarian 1992 A complete search of the literature concerning Lyme borreliosis as it relates to horses and cattle was done. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, immunological response to the disease, diagnosis and treatment are discussed. A review of clinical cases in horses and cattle is presented. Clinical signs of Lyme borreliosis in horses include: chronic weight loss, sporadic lameness, laminitis, low grade fever, swollen joints, muscle tenderness, and anterior uveitis. In addition to those clinical signs, neurological signs such as depression, behavioral changes, dysphagia, head tilt and encephalitis can be seen in chronic cases. Borreliosis occurs in cattle, usually as a herd problem. In acute Lyme borreliosis, cattle often will show a fever, stiffness, swollen joints, and decreased milk production. Chronic weight loss, laminitis and abortion are also possible outcomes of borreliosis in cattle. Diagnosis of clinical Lyme borreliosis is difficult and depends upon recognition of clinical signs, a history of possible exposure, and identification of the spirochete in the affected animal. Since the spirochete is very difficult to culture, confirmation of B. burgdorferi infection often relies on serologic testing. Subclinical seropositive animals do occur, thus confusing the diagnosis. An approach to treatment of cattle and horses with Lyme borreliosis is outlined. [References: 118] Incidence validation and relationship analysis of producer-recorded health event data from on-farm computer systems in the United... Clay, J. S., Cole, J. B., Maltecca, C. et al Incidence validation and relationship analysis of producer-recorded health event data from on-farm computer systems in the United States Clay, J. S., Cole, J. B., Maltecca, C., Parker Gaddis, K. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Disease conditions diagnosed in culled adult cattle sent to an abattoir either with or without a veterinary certificate Hinton, M., Parker, D. W. H. Disease conditions diagnosed in culled adult cattle sent to an abattoir either with or without a veterinary certificate Hinton, M., Parker, D. W. H. Veterinary Record 1990 Lesions were detected in 208 culled cattle examined at a slaughterhouse. Eighty-two of them had a veterinary certificate, and 30 of these had been slaughtered on the farm. The principal diagnoses included lameness (88 cases), mastitis (35), chronic infections (32), complications of parturition (20) and fractures and dislocation (14). Most of the 126 animals sent for slaughter by farmers without a veterinary certificate were suffering from lameness (71), mastitis (29) or chronic infections (18). Over 90% of the animals with complications of parturition or traumatic injury had a veterinary certificate. The carcasses of 33 (26%) of the animals sent for slaughter without a veterinary certificate were rejected by the meat inspector, and 29 (35%) of those with a veterinary certificate were rejected; the difference was not statistically significant Disease conditions diagnosed in culled adult cattle sent to an abattoir either with or without a veterinary certificate. [see... Parker, D. W. Disease conditions diagnosed in culled adult cattle sent to an abattoir either with or without a veterinary certificate. [see comments.] Parker, D. W. Veterinary Record 1990 Lesions were detected in 208 culled cattle examined at a slaughterhouse. Eighty-two of them had a veterinary certificate, and 30 of these had been slaughtered on the farm. The principal diagnoses included lameness (88 cases), mastitis (35), chronic infections (32), complications of parturition (20) and fractures and dislocation (14). Most of the 126 animals sent for slaughter by farmers without a veterinary certificate were suffering from lameness (71), mastitis (29) or chronic infections (18). Over 90 per cent of the animals with complications of parturition or traumatic injury had a veterinary certificate. The carcases of 33 (26 per cent) of the animals sent for slaughter without a veterinary certificate were rejected by the meat inspector, and 29 (35 per cent) of those with a veterinary certificate were rejected; the difference was not statistically significant Role of organic amendments on enhanced bioremediation of heavy metal(loid) contaminated soils Bolan, Nanthi, Choppala, Girish, Chung et al Role of organic amendments on enhanced bioremediation of heavy metal(loid) contaminated soils Bolan, Nanthi, Choppala, Girish, Chung, Jae-Woo, Lamb, Dane, Paneerselvam, Periyasamy, Park, Jin Hee Journal of Hazardous Materials 2011 Foot disorders in dairy cattle in the region of Presidente Prudente, SP Pardo, P. E., Sturion, D. J. Foot disorders in dairy cattle in the region of Presidente Prudente, SP Pardo, P. E., Sturion, D. J. UNIMAR Ciencias 1997 Efficacy of alphacypermethrin applied to cattle and sheep against the biting midge Culicoides nubeculosus Bartram, D., Carpenter, S., Mellor, P. et al Efficacy of alphacypermethrin applied to cattle and sheep against the biting midge Culicoides nubeculosus Bartram, D., Carpenter, S., Mellor, P., Papadopoulos, E., Wall, R. Veterinary Parasitology 2009 Laminitis in dairy cows Karatzias, H., Panousis, N. Laminitis in dairy cows Karatzias, H., Panousis, N. Deltion tes Ellenikes Kteniatrikes Etaireias = Bulletin of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society 1999 A comparison of the estrous behavior of Holstein-Friesian cows when cubicle-housed and at pasture Boyle, Laura A., Mee, John F., Olmos et al A comparison of the estrous behavior of Holstein-Friesian cows when cubicle-housed and at pasture Boyle, Laura A., Mee, John F., Olmos, Gabriela, Palmer, Maeve A. Theriogenology 2012 Estrus detection and estrus characteristics in housed and pastured Holstein–Friesian cows Boyle, Laura A., Mee, John F., Olmos et al Estrus detection and estrus characteristics in housed and pastured Holstein–Friesian cows Boyle, Laura A., Mee, John F., Olmos, Gabriela, Palmer, Maeve A. Theriogenology 2010 Relationships between lameness and feeding behaviour in cubicle-housed Holstein–Friesian dairy cows Law, Ryan, O’Connell, Niamh E. et al Relationships between lameness and feeding behaviour in cubicle-housed Holstein–Friesian dairy cows Law, Ryan, O’Connell, Niamh E., Palmer, Maeve A. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2012 Digital Dermatitis in Dairy Cows: A Review of Risk Factors and Potential Sources of Between-Animal Variation in Susceptibility O'Connell, N. E., Palmer, M. A. Digital Dermatitis in Dairy Cows: A Review of Risk Factors and Potential Sources of Between-Animal Variation in Susceptibility O'Connell, N. E., Palmer, M. A. Animals (Basel) 2015 Digital dermatitis (DD) is a bacterial disease that primarily affects the skin on the heels of cattle. It is a major cause of lameness in dairy cows and a significant problem for the dairy industry in many countries, causing reduced animal welfare and economic loss. A wide range of infection levels has been found on infected farms, prompting investigations into both farm level and animal level risk factors for DD occurrence. There also appears to be individual variation between animals in susceptibility to the disease. The identification of factors affecting individual variation in susceptibility to DD might allow changes in breeding policies or herd management which could be used to reduce DD prevalence. Factors mentioned in the literature as possibly influencing individual variation in susceptibility to DD include physical factors such as hoof conformation and properties of the skin, physiological factors such as the efficacy of the immune response, and behavioural factors such as standing half in cubicles. Further work is required to determine the influence of these factors, identify the genetic basis of variation, clarify the level of heritability of DD susceptibility and to determine how this is correlated with production and health traits currently used in breeding programmes. Early events in the pathogenesis of foot-and-mouth disease in cattle after controlled aerosol exposure Arzt, Jonathan, Pacheco, Juan M. et al Early events in the pathogenesis of foot-and-mouth disease in cattle after controlled aerosol exposure Arzt, Jonathan, Pacheco, Juan M., Rodriguez, Luis L. The Veterinary Journal 2010 The relationship between lameness, fertility and aflatoxin in a dairy cattle herd Alkan, S., Altunatmaz, K., Bilal, T. et al The relationship between lameness, fertility and aflatoxin in a dairy cattle herd Alkan, S., Altunatmaz, K., Bilal, T., Horoz, H., Kasikci, G., Ozsoy, S. Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences 2005 This study was carried out to determine the relationship between aflatoxins taken with feed, laminitis, lameness and impaired fertility. Lesions were identified in the claw and hock region, causing lameness in 45 cattle in an establishment of 300 Holstein dairy cattle. Of these lame cattle, 27 had cystic ovaries and 10 had cystic ovaries together with clinical metritis. The increase in lameness and fertility problems occurring in this herd, living under the same management and feeding conditions, was determined to start with the change in feed concentrates and, in order to investigate the relationship with mycotoxins, Aflatoxin B-1 (AFB(1)) analysis was carried out in the feed and Aflatoxin M-1 (AFM(1)) analysis was carried out in the milk of cattle both with and without illness. While a value above normal was determined in AFB(1) in feed concentrate, hay and clover, when compared to the milk of normal cattle, high values of AFM(1) were determined in the milk of lame cattle with cystic ovaries. It was concluded that alflatoxins taken with feed cause lameness (subclinical laminitis) and impaired fertility (cystic ovaries). Subclinical laminitis in dairy cattle Ozsoy, S. Subclinical laminitis in dairy cattle Ozsoy, S. Veteriner Cerrahi Dergisi 1997 Acidosis in cattle: a review Gill, D. R., Hill, W. J., Owens, F. N. et al Acidosis in cattle: a review Gill, D. R., Hill, W. J., Owens, F. N., Secrist, D. S. Journal of Animal Science 1998 This review covers all aspects of acidosis including causes, physiology and unwanted side effects. Control measures and feeding strategies that may reduce the incidence of acidosis are outlined Using Time-Lapse Video Photography to Assess Dairy Cattle Lying Behavior in a Free-Stall Barn Moore, D. A., Overton, M. W., Sischo et al Using Time-Lapse Video Photography to Assess Dairy Cattle Lying Behavior in a Free-Stall Barn Moore, D. A., Overton, M. W., Sischo, W. M., Temple, G. D. Journal of Dairy Science 2002 The objectives of this observational study were to use time-lapse video photography to document dairy cow behavioral patterns, examine factors affecting lying behavior, and to develop guidelines for visual assessment of free-stall usage during summer conditions in a high producing dairy. Four video cameras were placed in a free-stall pen containing 144 stalls and 129 high producing cows. The videos were recorded over a 6-d period in July 1999 and then were reviewed using 60-min scan sampling techniques. Cows were counted as lying, standing in alley without eating, standing in free stalls, or eating in each of the four sections of the pen. Temperature probes were placed on the feedline, free stalls, on both ends of the pen, and at an outside location. Relationships between proportion eligible lying and ambient temperature, feeding time, and time since milking were examined. Proportion eligible lying was equal to number of cows lying divided by total number of cows lying or standing but not eating. Cattle showed a significant pattern of temporal cyclicity in their lying behavior, with the highest average proportion of eligible cows lying at 6:00 a.m. (85%) and the lowest at 9:00 p.m. (53%). Increasing environmental temperatures and time elapsed since milking negatively impacted proportion of eligible cows observed lying when evaluated using 60-min scan sampling techniques. Effects of flooring and restricted freestall access on behavior and claw health of dairy heifers Frankena, K., Ouweltjes, W. et al Effects of flooring and restricted freestall access on behavior and claw health of dairy heifers Frankena, K., Ouweltjes, W., van der Werf, J. T. N., van Leeuwen, J. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Effects of two trimming methods of dairy cattle on concrete or rubber-covered slatted floors Holzhauer, M., Ouweltjes, W. et al Effects of two trimming methods of dairy cattle on concrete or rubber-covered slatted floors Holzhauer, M., Ouweltjes, W., van der Tol, P. P. J., van der Werf, J. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Adjusting for multiple clinical observers in an unbalanced study design using latent class models of true within-herd lameness... Houe, H., Otten, N. D., Sorensen, J. T. et al Adjusting for multiple clinical observers in an unbalanced study design using latent class models of true within-herd lameness prevalence in Danish dairy herds Houe, H., Otten, N. D., Sorensen, J. T., Thomsen, P. T., Toft, N. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2013 Pathology of experimentally induced chronic selenosis (alkali disease) in yearling cattle O'Toole, D., Raisbeck, M. F. Pathology of experimentally induced chronic selenosis (alkali disease) in yearling cattle O'Toole, D., Raisbeck, M. F. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation 1995 Prolonged oral exposure of cattle to elevated dietary selenium (Se) in forage and seleniferous plants in seleniferous areas of the western United States is associated historically with 2 clinical syndromes: alkali disease and "blind staggers." The potential for Se-induced disease in cattle and other species is considerable in areas with seleniferous shales, Se-accumulating plants, arid climates, and alkaline soils. These 2 Se-associated conditions were defined in the 1930s and 1940s, and the nosology of blind staggers is questionable. Seventeen yearling steers fed 0.15, 0.28, and 0.8 mg Se/kg body weight as selenomethionine or selenite for 120 days were euthanized and examined postmortem. Significant lesions were confined to 4 steers in the medium- and high-dose selenomethionine group and to 1 steer in the high-dose selenite group. Grossly, dystrophic hoof lesions developed in 2 steers, 1 of which had extensive separation of horn from lamellar and coronary epidermis and also lost hair from the tail switch. Histologically, tubules in the stratum medium of hooves from these 5 steers were replaced by islands of parakeratotic cellular debris, separated by more normal hoof matrix. Two of the 5 steers also had hyperplasia, acanthosis, parakeratosis, and disorganized germinal epithelium of varying severity in hoof epithelium, particularly at the tips of epidermal lamellae. These changes may distinguish the hoof lesions of chronic selenosis from those of chronic laminitis in cattle, in which dermal (chorial) changes predominate. In skin from the distal part of the tail of the animal that lost its switch, most follicles were atrophic and devoid of hairshafts and displayed dyskeratosis and mild superficial follicular keratosis. No significant lesions developed in tissues other than integument. Autometallographic staining for catalytic Se bonds in various tissues, including skin, liver, and kidney, revealed no positive staining of hair shafts; the correlation between stain intensity and dose group was poor. These findings indicate that dietary exposure for 4 months to 0.28 and 0.8 mg Se/kg in the form of selenomethionine and to 0.8 mg Se/kg in the form of sodium selenite reproduces in some cattle mild (subclinical) to severe (clinical) forms of alkali disease. No significant neurological, renal, or hepatic lesions developed, supporting the contention that blind staggers is caused by factors other than excessive dietary selenium Effects of milking frequency on lying down and getting up behaviour in dairy cows Österman, S., Redbo, I. Effects of milking frequency on lying down and getting up behaviour in dairy cows Österman, S., Redbo, I. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2001 The objective of this study was to investigate if cows milked twice per day have more difficulty lying down and getting up and spend less time lying than cows milked three times per day. Seventeen cows of the Swedish Red and White Cattle Breed were studied, seven of which were milked twice daily (2M) and ten were milked three times (3M) daily. They were kept in individual cubicles, that were closed in the rear end with a rope. They had free access to a mixture of silage, hay and concentrate. The individual cows were video-recorded for 24 h every fourth week, starting four weeks after calving for four times. The 2M cows stood significantly longer, 128.11 min, than the 3M cows, 64.88 min, (P<0.01) during the 4 h before morning milking. The 2M cows also had a tendency for longer duration of standing rumination (P=0.059) as well as significantly more bouts of standing rumination (P<0.01) during these hours than the 3M cows. The cows in the 3M group spent less time on the getting up movement (P<0.05) during the 4 h before morning milking. The distribution of the lying bouts during these 4 h differed significantly between the groups, where the 3M cows had fewer lying bouts shorter than 15 min and more lying bouts longer than 90 min. The results indicate that milking three times a day contributes to increased comfort in high-producing dairy cows. Main report – E.A.A.P. working group on: efficiency in the dairy cow Andersen, B. B., Korver, S., Oldham, J. et al Main report – E.A.A.P. working group on: efficiency in the dairy cow Andersen, B. B., Korver, S., Oldham, J., Ostergaard, V., Solbu, H., Wiktorsson, H. Livestock Production Science 1990 This report by the working group set up by the Commission on Animal Genetics and the Commission on Animal Nutrition of the European Association of Animal Production gives the definitions of efficiency for primary and secondary traits in dairy cattle which can be used in the design of breeding programmes and plans for feeding strategies. The primary traits relate to milk, feed and beef. For milk, a definition is given for energy-corrected milk yield per day. For feed, definitions are given for residual feed intake, feed efficiency and voluntary feed intake. For beef, definitions are given for gain per day, dressing percentage, grading, and energy consumed per kg of product. The secondary traits include reproduction, health and "workability". The traits considered for reproduction are non-return percentage, days open and calving interval, those for health are mastitis incidence, calving difficulty, ketosis and laminitis, and those for workability are milking ability and temperament. Also, a definition is given for overall economic efficiency. The report concludes as follows. "The improvement in biological efficiency is important, and research has to be focussed on the underlying processes such as rumen function, utilisation of digested and metabolised energy, and the partitioning of feed energy between milk and body tissue. Knowledge about genetic variation between animals for these different biological processes is very limited, and should be studied in relation to the composition of feed ration, the feeding strategy and the physiological state of the animal". Single-trait selection for milk yield has had a negative effect on feed efficiency, reproduction and health, and the feed intake capacity has not kept pace with the requirements of high milk yields. As a result, the net income per kg milk has decreased. It is essential to include secondary traits in dairy cattle breeding programmes A review of the feeding-health-production complex in a dairy herd Ostergaard, Soren Sorensen Jan Tind A review of the feeding-health-production complex in a dairy herd Ostergaard, Soren Sorensen Jan Tind Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1998 Diseases may be an important link in the relationship between feeding and production in a dairy herd. The low frequency of relevant disorders calls for studies on survey data on a large population. However, this approach suffers from lack of detailed herd feeding data and consequently only few have studied feeding as a risk factor for disease. Therefore, we reviewed information from various studies to integrate what is known of the feeding- health-production complex in a dairy herd. The need for putting together information from different sources, the herd effects, and the fact that the effect of one factor cannot be kept constant for investigation in a real-life dynamic herd call for a conceptual model as a framework for the review. The complexity is minimized to allow the representation of important elements. Within-cow relationships (such as feeding-disease relationships, disease interrelationships, and disease-production relationships) are reviewed specifically for: ketosis, milk fever, displaced abomasum, acidosis, sole ulcers and laminitis, and bloat. The major feeding management factors involved are concentrate feeding (level and how it is provided) and overconditioned cows. Disease interrelationships are important. Generalization of production loss from diseases is complicated due to the variety of estimates and measures used Separate housing for one month after calving improves production and health in primiparous cows but not in multiparous cows Burow, E., Ostergaard, S., Thomsen et al Separate housing for one month after calving improves production and health in primiparous cows but not in multiparous cows Burow, E., Ostergaard, S., Thomsen, P. T. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 The pathology of digital disease and theories on the pathogenesis of bovine laminitis Lishcer, C. J., Ossent, P. The pathology of digital disease and theories on the pathogenesis of bovine laminitis Lishcer, C. J., Ossent, P. Irish Veterinary Journal 1996 Bovine laminitis: the lesions and their pathogenesis Lischer, C., Ossent, P. Bovine laminitis: the lesions and their pathogenesis Lischer, C., Ossent, P. In Practice 1998 Post mortem examination of the hooves of cattle, horses, pigs and small ruminants under practice conditions Lischer, C., Ossent, P. Post mortem examination of the hooves of cattle, horses, pigs and small ruminants under practice conditions Lischer, C., Ossent, P. In Practice 1997 A SOURCE of frustration for clinicians dealing with lameness in livestock is a discrepancy between pronounced clinical signs and a lack of visible changes in the hooves, especially in cattle and horses. In contrast, pigs' claws usually appear more severely altered from the exterior than they do from within; nevertheless, hidden lesions in pigs' feet are common. The same is true in small ruminants. A post mortem examination of feet from lame animals returned after slaughter is usually highly rewarding. This article describes a procedure whereby inaccessible and concealed lesions may be exposed by very simple means. The horn shoe is removed and its inner surface, the cerium, its deeper layers, the tendons, ligaments, bursae, bone surfaces and joints are dissected. This provides an efficient and useful instrument for practitioners seeking the cause of clinical signs and, furthermore, may help support a decision to slaughter a lame animal lacking visible lesions Bovine laminitis: the lesions and theories of their pathogenesis Lischer, Ch, Ossent, P. Bovine laminitis: the lesions and theories of their pathogenesis Lischer, Ch, Ossent, P. Subclinical bovine laminitis Ossent, P. Subclinical bovine laminitis Ossent, P. Cattle Practice 1999 Corium tissue expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and keratin formation in relation to lameness... Drackley, J. K., Fraser, B. C., Garrett et al Corium tissue expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and keratin formation in relation to lameness in dairy cows Drackley, J. K., Fraser, B. C., Garrett, E. F., Graugnard, D. E., Loor, J. J., Osorio, J. S., Singh, S. S. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Effect of complementation of cattle cooling systems with feedline soakers on lactating dairy cows in a desert environment Bradford, B. J., Harner, J. P., Oddy et al Effect of complementation of cattle cooling systems with feedline soakers on lactating dairy cows in a desert environment Bradford, B. J., Harner, J. P., Oddy, A., Ortiz, X. A., Smith, J. F. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Different infection parameters between dairy cows and calves after an infection with foot-and-mouth disease virus Bouma, A., De Jong, M. C. M., Dekker et al Different infection parameters between dairy cows and calves after an infection with foot-and-mouth disease virus Bouma, A., De Jong, M. C. M., Dekker, A., Orsel, K., Stegeman, J. A. The Veterinary Journal 2010 Effect of health and reproductive disorders on milk yield and fertility in dairy cows Oresnik, A., Trenti, F. Effect of health and reproductive disorders on milk yield and fertility in dairy cows Oresnik, A., Trenti, F. Data collected from 1153 lactations in Friesian dairy cows was used to study the frequency of different diseases and reproductive disorders on 5 large dairy farms in Slovenia. The relationships between disease, reproductive disorders, milk yield and fertility were also examined. The average milk yield during the study period was 5631 1775 kg milk per cow. Mastitis was diagnosed in 42.1%, lameness in 15.1%, metritis in 23.9% and retained placenta in 16.1% of the cows in each lactation. These 4 disorders accounted for 86.7% of all the pathological findings in the herds. Farm, lactation number and diseases had a significant effect on milk yield. Ketosis and parturient paresis were associated with higher milk yield and mastitis, retained placenta and abortion with a lower milk yield. The cows fertility was negatively influenced by different diseases especially reproductive pathological disorders Prevention of health and reproductive disorders based on a suitable feeding system of dairy cows Oresnik, A. Prevention of health and reproductive disorders based on a suitable feeding system of dairy cows Oresnik, A. Prvi Slovenski Veterinarski Kongres 1993 The results of production, clinical disease and reproductive disorder analyses out of a group of 4 farms (1093 Friesian cows), where a feeding system based on efficient roughage utilization was introduced are presented in this article. The average milk yield per cow was 12.7% higher in 1992 than in 1987 (6563 compared with 5882 kg respectively). The average milk yield from roughage per cow daily was calculated in 1987 to be 7.5 kg and in 1992 to be 11.1 kg. Service interval was 16 days shorter in 1992 than in 1987 (120:104 days respectively). First service conception rate was higher in 1992 than in 1987 (43.5:30.8%). Retained placenta frequency was 17.6% in 1987 and 10.3% in 1992, the appearance of metritis 35.9 and 22.0% and of cystic ovaries 2.4 and 0.5% respectively. Lameness problems were reduced from 29.8 to 13.5% and the frequency of parturient paresis from 4.9 to 3.5% in the 5-year period. These results led to the conclusion that the introduced feeding system is efficient in the prevention of health and reproductive disorders in dairy herds Study of locomotory disorders in dairy cows Ootake, O. Study of locomotory disorders in dairy cows Ootake, O. Journal of Veterinary Medicine, Japan 1993 Risk factors and milk yield losses associated with lameness in Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle Brotherstone, S., Offer, J., Onyiro et al Risk factors and milk yield losses associated with lameness in Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle Brotherstone, S., Offer, J., Onyiro, O. M. Animal 2008 Weekly locomotion scores on a scale of 1 to 5 were used to investigate the relationship between cattle lameness, management systems and the impact of lameness on milk production. The data were 14026 locomotion scores from 248 Holstein-Friesian cows. Cows were managed in two groups, XE (high-concentrate feed and housed indoors all year) and XM (low-concentrate feed and outdoors in summer). Analysis was performed using residual maximum likelihood. Results indicated that the most significant variables affecting locomotion were time of year when the animal was locomotion scored and management group. Cows scored during February and August had increased locomotion problems. Cows in the more intensively managed group had significantly poorer locomotion compared with those in the more extensive group. Older animals were more susceptible to lameness than heifers. Body weight, body condition score and days in milk (DIM) also accounted for significant variation in locomotion score. Poor locomotion was associated with a significant reduction in the milk yield of later lactation cows. There was a significant difference in the shape of the lactation curve depending on whether or not the cow was lame during lactation. Average persistency was greater for the group of cows never lame throughout lactation compared with those lame before 60 DIM. Associations between use of electric cow-trainers and clinical diseases, reproductive performance and culling in Swedish dairy... Algers, B., Hultgren, J., Oltenacu et al Associations between use of electric cow-trainers and clinical diseases, reproductive performance and culling in Swedish dairy cattle Algers, B., Hultgren, J., Oltenacu, P. A. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1998 The role of ECT technology as a risk factor for several diseases was evaluated. Diseases considered were retained placenta, metritis, ketosis, cystic ovaries, silent heat, milk fever, clinical mastitis, and foot and leg problems. Historical and contemporary controls (with control herds selected to match the experimental herds for size and location) were used. Data consisted of 10 264 Swedish Red and White (SRB) and 5461 Swedish Friesian (SLB) lactation records in 150 herds in Sweden, of which 33 used cow-trainers. Logistic regression was used to estimate the effects of parity and exposure to electric cow-trainers on the risks of diseases and the effects of diseases and exposure to electric cow-trainers on risk of culling. The dominant effects associated with use of electric cow-trainers were an increased risk for silent heat, clinical mastitis, ketosis and culling relative to cows in herds not using cow-trainers. Diseases had negative effects on reproductive performance and the effects were larger for cows in herds using cow-trainers. In herds using electric cow-trainers, the largest increase in the interval from first service to conception (58 days) was caused by the occurrences of silent heat, cystic ovaries and the combination of two or more diseases. Retained placenta, metritis, cystic ovaries, clinical mastitis and a combination of two or more diseases increased the risk of culling about two times relative to healthy primiparous cows with the increase being greater for cows in herds using cow-trainers. Silent heat did not increase risk of culling in control groups, but was the largest risk factor for culling in the exposed group. It is concluded that exposure to electric cow-trainers increased the incidence risk of silent heat, clinical mastitis, and ketosis and changed silent heat from a neutral disease with respect to culling to a major risk factor. Finally, exposure to cow-trainers increased the general negative effect of diseases on the cows' reproductive performance and risk for culling Selection for increased production and the welfare of dairy cows: Are new breeding goals needed? Algers, B., Oltenacu, P. A. Selection for increased production and the welfare of dairy cows: Are new breeding goals needed? Algers, B., Oltenacu, P. A. Ambio 2005 in many European countries, milk production per cow has more than doubled in the last 40 years. The increase in production has been accompanied by declining ability to reproduce, increasing incidence of health problems, and declining longevity in modern dairy cows. Genetic selection for increased milk yield increasingly is viewed as increasing profit at the expense of reducing animal welfare. The economic future of the dairy industry is related directly to public acceptance of its breeding and production practices. It is important to the dairy industry that welfare problems should be addressed before there is widespread condemnation of breeding and management practices. A new breeding goal aimed at improving fitness and tolerance of metabolic stress is necessary to prevent the decrease in the quality of life of dairy cows and instead, perhaps, enhance it. Feeding of first-lactation cows around calving: effect on milk yield, feed consumption, liveweight, energy balance and health.... Frank, B., Olsson, G., Wiktorsson, H. Feeding of first-lactation cows around calving: effect on milk yield, feed consumption, liveweight, energy balance and health. Some preliminary results of trials at the Alnarp and Kungsangen research stations, 1986-88 Frank, B., Olsson, G., Wiktorsson, H. Meddelande Svensk Husdjursskotsel 1990 In 7 trials, 200 SLB or SRB heifers taken in from pasture at least 3 weeks before calving were fed on a diet consisting of hay, lucerne silage and pressed beet pulp or hay and grass silage, plus oats, barley, beet feed and soyabean and rapeseed meals from 3 weeks before to 12 or 16 weeks after calving. Feeding programmes, plane of nutrition and experimental conditions varied among and within trials. Health assessment focused on hoof status after paring and (1 trial) blood values. Milk yield was about the same with medium or high concentrate intake in early lactation. With low concentrate supply before calving and high after calving some feed refusal occurred. On a concentrate-free diet before and after calving milk yield was low. Milk yield was higher and foot sole haemorrhaging commoner on concrete than on rubber matting. Yield and haemorrhaging also appeared to be linked in another trial. With higher concentrate intake insulin was increased at calving The influence of diet before and after calving on the food intake, production and health of primiparous cows, with special... Bergsten, C., Olsson, G., Wiktorsson, H. The influence of diet before and after calving on the food intake, production and health of primiparous cows, with special reference to sole haemorrhages Bergsten, C., Olsson, G., Wiktorsson, H. Animal Science 1998 65 primiparous Swedish Red-and-White cows were used to study the effects of feeding high or low levels of concentrate during the last 2-3 weeks before calving on performance in early lactation. Feed intake decreased in the few days before calving but the decrease was less pronounced among cows on the low concentrate level. The average daily feed intake during the calving week gave a metabolizable energy intake about 30 MJ higher on the high- compared with the low-concentrate feeding level. The level of feeding before calving had no effect on the cows' feed intake after calving, milk yield, health and fertility, and scores for udder oedema and sole haemorrhages. The high level of concentrates before calving was associated with significantly higher concentrations of insulin and lower concentrations of free fatty acids in the blood during the 1st week of lactation but the level of feeding before and after calving had no effect on these concentrations in the 8th week of lactation. The feeding of a high ratio of concentrate/forage after calving was associated with a significantly lower milk fat content Effects of feeding strategy before calving on dairy cow performance Olsson, G. Effects of feeding strategy before calving on dairy cow performance Olsson, G. 1996 The aim of this thesis was to study the effects on animal performance of different feeding levels or concentrate:forage ratios to high-yielding dairy cows during the transition period. The rations were introduced 3 weeks prepartum and increased gradually to the designed allowance 3 days prepartum. The increase continued until the early lactation rations were reached, approximately 3 weeks post partum. All cows in each experiment were fed the same energy level from 12 to 16 weeks post partum, except for in 1 trial, where restricted versus ad libitum feeding was studied. Two levels of vegetable fat (3 or 6% crude fat in the total diet) were also compared. Daily intake of metabolizable energy (ME) during the days prior to calving was, on average, 110, 160 and 190 MJ at low, medium and high feeding levels respectively. Cows experienced a marked decline in intake of ME prepartum, starting 2 days prepartum. The decrease was significantly greater at high levels of feeding. Multiparous cows fed a lower level of feed prepartum had a significantly lower milk yield during the 1st month post partum, but the level had no effect on the remainder of lactation. This effect was not observed in primiparous cows. Ad libitum feeding did not result in higher milk yield but in higher milk protein content and production and poorer feed conversion efficiency. The concentrate:forage ratio prepartum had no significant effect on feed intake, milk yield or animal health. However, when a high concentrate ratio was additionally maintained post partum, significantly higher yields of milk, protein and lactose and a lower milk fat percentage were observed as well as impaired animal health. A high dietary fat level resulted in healthier cows around calving, increased milk yield, decreased milk fat content and greater body weight loss during the 1st month post partum. Parturient paresis was the most common health disorder, but the incidence was not significantly influenced by any of the treatments. A large variation in basal serum insulin level was apparent prepartum among cows with the highest ME intake. The concentrate:forage ratio pre- or post partum had no effect on the severity of sole haemorrhages in primiparous cows The relationship between nutrition and management to lameness in dairy cattle Olson, Jerry D. The relationship between nutrition and management to lameness in dairy cattle Olson, Jerry D. Bovine Practitioner 1997 Hoof disorders, locomotion ability and lying times of cubicle-housed compared to pasture-based dairy cows Boyle, Laura, Hanlon, Alison, Mee et al Hoof disorders, locomotion ability and lying times of cubicle-housed compared to pasture-based dairy cows Boyle, Laura, Hanlon, Alison, Mee, John F., Murphy, John J., Olmos, Gabriela, Patton, Joe Livestock Science 2009 Antimicrobial Resistance of Mastitis Pathogens Murinda, Shelton E., Oliver, Stephen P. Antimicrobial Resistance of Mastitis Pathogens Murinda, Shelton E., Oliver, Stephen P. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2012 Characterization of clinical mastitis occurring in cows on 50 large dairy herds in Wisconsin Hulland, C., Oliveira, L., Ruegg, P. L. Characterization of clinical mastitis occurring in cows on 50 large dairy herds in Wisconsin Hulland, C., Oliveira, L., Ruegg, P. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 First report of Trypanosoma vivax infection in dairy cattle from Costa Rica Blandón, M., Hernández-Gamboa, J. et al First report of Trypanosoma vivax infection in dairy cattle from Costa Rica Blandón, M., Hernández-Gamboa, J., Jiménez-Alfaro, C., Oliveira, J. B., Urbina, A., Zeledón, R. Veterinary Parasitology 2009 Short communication: Prevalence, risk factors, and a field scoring system for udder cleft dermatitis in Dutch dairy herds Hooijer, G. A., Lam, T. J. G. M. et al Short communication: Prevalence, risk factors, and a field scoring system for udder cleft dermatitis in Dutch dairy herds Hooijer, G. A., Lam, T. J. G. M., Olde Riekerink, R. G. M., Sampimon, O.C., van Amersfort, K. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Udder cleft dermatitis (UCD) is a well-known disorder in dairy cows. Veterinary literature about this subject, however, is scarce. The objectives of this study were to define a clinical scoring system for UCD, estimate the within-herd prevalence of UCD, and identify potential risk factors of UCD at cow and herd level. On 20 randomly selected dairy farms in the Netherlands, each lactating cow was photographed from a ventral, lateral, and caudal position. A scoring system with 6 categories of severity of UCD was proposed based on the ventral photographs. Cow measures such as udder width and depth, and front quarter attachment were determined from the lateral and caudal photographs. A questionnaire was conducted on each farm during farm visits. Udder cleft dermatitis, defined as a score 3 or higher, was detected in 5.2% of the 948 cows involved in this study. Within-herd prevalences of UCD ranged between 0 and 15% and UCD was found in 16 (80%) of the participating farms. Cows with a deep udder (relative to the hock), large front quarters, and a small angle between udder and abdominal wall were more likely to develop UCD. Production level and use of a footbath were identified as being positively associated with herd-level UCD prevalence. Herd size and average bulk milk somatic cell count did not seem to be associated with UCD prevalence. Because of the small herd sample size, no firm conclusions were drawn on herd-level risk factors. However, results from this study can be used in designing a future longitudinal UCD study. The prevalences of UCD found in the present study illustrate the current UCD situation in the Netherlands. Our results demonstrate that multiple potential risk factors of UCD could be identified at both the cow and herd level. Effects of chitosan on bovine wound healing Fukumoto, Y., Hamada, K., Matsuhashi et al Effects of chitosan on bovine wound healing Fukumoto, Y., Hamada, K., Matsuhashi, A., Minami, S., Murakami, C., Ohira, J., Okamoto, Y., Yanagiya, G., Yanagiya, G. E. Journal of the Japan Veterinary Medical Association 1996 Cotton tape and suspension of chitosan were applied to 144 cases of septic pododermatitis including sole ulcers, 41 cases of interdigital phlegmon, 43 cases of abscess, 17 wounds, 12 cases of tarsal cellulitis and 3 cases of arthritis in cattle. A good healing effect was reported in 250 out of 260 (96%) cases Association of digital cushion thickness with sole temperature measured with the use of infrared thermography Bicalho, M. L. S., Bicalho, R. C. et al Association of digital cushion thickness with sole temperature measured with the use of infrared thermography Bicalho, M. L. S., Bicalho, R. C., Ganda, E. K., Oikonomou, G., Trojacanec, P. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 The main objective of this study was to investigate the association between digital cushion thickness and sole temperature measured by infrared thermography. Data were collected from 216 lactating Holstein cows at 4 to 10 d in milk (DIM). Cows were locomotion scored and sole temperature was measured after claw trimming (a minimum delay of 3 min was allowed for the hoof to cool) using an infrared thermography camera. Temperature was measured at the typical ulcer site of the lateral digit of the left hind foot. Immediately after the thermographic image was obtained, the thickness of the digital cushion was measured by ultrasonography. Rumen fluid samples were collected with a stomach tube and sample pH was measured immediately after collection. Additionally, a blood sample was obtained and used for measurements of serum concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and haptoglobin. To evaluate the associations of digital cushion thickness with sole temperature, a linear regression model was built using the GLIMMIX procedure in SAS software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Sole temperature was the response variable, and digital cushion thickness quartiles, locomotion score group, rumen fluid pH, rumen fluid sample volume, environmental temperature, age in days, and serum levels of NEFA, BHBA, and haptoglobin were fitted in the model. Only significant variables were retained in the final model. Simple linear regression scatter plots were used to illustrate associations between sole temperature (measured by infrared thermography at the typical ulcer site) and environmental temperature and between NEFA and BHBA serum levels and haptoglobin. One-way ANOVA was used to compare rumen fluid pH for different locomotion score groups and for different digital cushion quartiles. Results from the multivariable linear regression model showed that sole temperature increased as locomotion scores increased and decreased as digital cushion thickness increased. These results were adjusted for environmental temperature, which was significantly associated with sole temperature. Serum levels of NEFA, BHBA, and haptoglobin were not associated with sole temperature. However, significant correlations existed between serum levels of NEFA and haptoglobin and between serum levels of BHBA and haptoglobin. Rumen fluid pH was not associated with either locomotion score or digital cushion thickness. In conclusion, we show here that digital cushion thickness was associated with sole temperature in cows at 4 to 10 DIM. Effect of polymorphisms at the STAT5A and FGF2 gene loci on reproduction, milk yield and lameness of Holstein cows Avdi, M., Banos, G., Kougioumtzis, A. et al Effect of polymorphisms at the STAT5A and FGF2 gene loci on reproduction, milk yield and lameness of Holstein cows Avdi, M., Banos, G., Kougioumtzis, A., Michailidis, G., Oikonomou, G. Research in Veterinary Science 2011 Sire predicted transmitting ability for conformation and yield traits and previous lactation incidence of foot lesions as risk... Bicalho, R. C., Cook, N. B., Oikonomou et al Sire predicted transmitting ability for conformation and yield traits and previous lactation incidence of foot lesions as risk factors for the incidence of foot lesions in Holstein cows Bicalho, R. C., Cook, N. B., Oikonomou, G. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Short communication: Genetic characterization of digital cushion thickness Banos, G., Bicalho, R. C., Caixeta, L. et al Short communication: Genetic characterization of digital cushion thickness Banos, G., Bicalho, R. C., Caixeta, L., Machado, V., Oikonomou, G. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Dairy cow lameness is a serious animal welfare issue. It is also a significant cause of economic losses, reducing reproductive efficiency and milk production and increasing culling rates. The digital cushion is a complex structure composed mostly of adipose tissue located underneath the distal phalanx and has recently been phenotypically associated with incidence of claw horn disruption lesions (CHDL); namely, sole ulcers and white line disease. The objective of this study was to characterize digital cushion thickness genetically and to investigate its association with body condition score (BCS), locomotion score (LOCO), CHDL, and milk production. Data were collected from 1 large closely monitored commercial dairy farm located in upstate New York; 923 dairy cows were used. Before trimming, the following data were collected by a member of the research team: BCS, cow height measurement, and LOCO. Presence or not of CHDL (sole ulcer or white line disease, or both) was recorded at trimming. Immediately after the cows were hoof trimmed, they underwent digital sonographic B-mode examination for the measurement of digital cushion thickness. Factors such as parity number, stage of lactation, calving date, mature-equivalent 305-d milk yield (ME305MY), and pedigree information were obtained from the farm’s dairy management software (DairyCOMP 305; Valley Agricultural Software, Tulare, CA). Univariate animal models were used to obtain variance component estimations for each studied trait (CHDL, BCS, digital cushion thickness average, LOCO, height, and ME305MY) and a 6-variate analysis was conducted to estimate the genetic, residual, and phenotypic correlations between the studied traits. The heritability estimate of DCTA was 0.33 ± 0.09, whereas a statistically significant genetic correlation was estimated between DCTA and CHDL (−0.60 ± 0.29). Of the other genetic correlations, significant estimates were derived for BCS with LOCO (−0.49 ± 0.19) and ME305MY (−0.48 ± 0.20). Digital cushion thickness is moderately heritable and genetically strongly correlated with CHDL. Isolation of Campylobacter sputorum from lesions of papillomatous digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Ito, H., Nii, Y., Ohya, T., Yamaguchi et al Isolation of Campylobacter sputorum from lesions of papillomatous digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Ito, H., Nii, Y., Ohya, T., Yamaguchi, H. Veterinary Record 1999 Effect of applied ozonated autohaemotherapy on ananastasia and dysstasia in dairy cows Ogata, A., Sashiki, S., Shimizu, H. et al Effect of applied ozonated autohaemotherapy on ananastasia and dysstasia in dairy cows Ogata, A., Sashiki, S., Shimizu, H., Yamaguchi, A. Journal of the Japan Veterinary Medical Association 1999 Ozonated auto-haemotherapy was applied to 27 cows that were unable or had difficulties in standing up due to arthritis, laminitis, post dystotic neuroparalysis and Downer syndrome. 17 of 27 (63%) cows that recovered after treatment had significantly decreased levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase and creatine phosphokinase activities Postoperative analgesic efficacy of meloxicam in lame dairy cows undergoing resection of the distal interphalangeal joint Beyerbach, M., Heppelmann, M. et al Postoperative analgesic efficacy of meloxicam in lame dairy cows undergoing resection of the distal interphalangeal joint Beyerbach, M., Heppelmann, M., Herdtweck, S., Janßen, S., Meyer, H., Offinger, J., Rehage, J., Rizk, A., Starke, A. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 The objective was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of pre- and postoperative administration of meloxicam on the postsurgical convalescence period of lame dairy cows undergoing resection of the coffin joint. In a blinded, placebo-controlled, explorative clinical trial, 19 lame German Holstein-Friesian cows weighing 536 ± 98 kg (mean ± SD) and aged 5.7 ± 2.8 yr were included. All cows suffered from unilateral lameness due to septic arthritis of the coffin joint. Lame cows were randomly allocated to either the meloxicam group (n = 9) or the control group (n = 10) and received an intravenous injection of meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg of BW) or an equal volume of saline immediately before surgery (d 0) and once daily from d 1 to 4. All cows received a retrograde intravenous local anesthesia (20 mL of procaine 2%) before the surgical intervention. Heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, plasma concentrations of cortisol, as well as production parameters (milk yield and feed intake) were evaluated from d 0 to 7. The gait of the animals was assessed daily by lameness scores and by monitoring the cows’ activity by means of pedometers attached to both hind legs. Possible adverse effects on abomasal mucosal integrity were monitored by fecal occult blood tests and blood cell counts from d 0 to 7 and on d 14. Under meloxicam treatment plasma cortisol levels, lameness scores, and body temperature were significantly reduced compared with controls. While being treated with meloxicam, the time cows were standing per day was significantly longer compared with controls. In the healthy limb significantly more steps were registered in meloxicam-treated cows than in controls. Feed intake and milk yield were not significantly affected by meloxicam. No group differences were found in number of positive tests for fecal occult blood or blood cell counts. In conclusion, repeated meloxicam application demonstrated effective analgesia in the postsurgical period after resection of septically infected coffin joints in dairy cows without indications of evoking adverse effects on abomasal integrity. Effects of dietary fish oil supplementation on the hoof lipid fatty acid profiles of dairy cattle Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E., Offer, N. W. Effects of dietary fish oil supplementation on the hoof lipid fatty acid profiles of dairy cattle Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E., Offer, N. W. Observations of lameness, hoof conformation and development of lesions in dairy cattle over four lactations Logue, D. N., McNulty, D., Offer, J. E. Observations of lameness, hoof conformation and development of lesions in dairy cattle over four lactations Logue, D. N., McNulty, D., Offer, J. E. Veterinary Record 2000 Lameness and lesions in the claws of 31 autumn-calving Holstein Friesian dairy cows were recorded from before their first-calving until their fifth lactation. The animals were managed by the same herdsman and housed adjacently in the same building in one of two herds grazed either on clover-rich pastures (herd 1) or on conventional ryegrass (herd 2). All four hooves were examined routinely four times during each lactation, and claw lesions were scored for severity and drawn on hoof maps. Heel erosion and infectious skin conditions of the hoof were also recorded, and hoof conformation, hardness, and growth and wear were measured. The animals' locomotion was scored weekly throughout the winter housing period and any observed to be lame were examined to determine the cause. The development of lesions was modelled by using hierarchic smoothing splines. There was no significant effect of herd except on the prevalence of lameness in lactation 2 when the incidence of (inter)digital dermatitis was higher in herd 2. Lesion and locomotion scores were significantly higher by lactation 4 (P<0.05). There were significant effects (P<0.05) of weeks postcalving on lesion formation, claw conformation, and heel erosion. The effect of protein source on lameness and solear lesion formation in dairy cattle Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E., Roberts et al The effect of protein source on lameness and solear lesion formation in dairy cattle Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E., Roberts, D. J. Animal Science 1997 Two groups of 16 cubicle-housed Holstein-Friesian cattle from weeks 3 to 27 of lactation were offered either a proprietary protein supplement of animal origin (P) or soya-bean meal (S) as the protein source in the concentrate in a continuous design experiment. Concentrates were offered mixed with grass silage as complete diets to give a forage : concentrate ratio of 41 : 59 and a crude protein content of 213 and 210 g/kg dry matter (DM) and a metabolizable energy content (MJ/kg DM) of 11.9 and 12.0 for P and S respectively. There teas no significant difference due to diet for mean locomotion score (1.75 v. 1.66 (s.e. 0.15)), prevalence (0.1 v. 0.09 per cow per week) or incidence of lameness (0.04 v. 0.04) for P and S respectively. Similarly there was no effect on hoof growth, wear, hardness or conformation. Sole haemorrhages, indicative of subclinical laminitis, were observed throughout the experiment but were most severe at approximately 16 weeks after calving. Levels of heel erosion remained constant throughout. There was no significant effect of treatment on either heel or sole lesion formation. No significant differences were observed between treatments for milk yield, live weight, condition score or blood metabolites. The conclusions from this study were that source of dietary protein has no effect on dairy cow lameness or the development of sole lesions indicative of subclinical laminitis. The effect of concentrate composition on lameness and hoof health in dairy cows Logue, D. N., Marsden, M., Offer, J. E. et al The effect of concentrate composition on lameness and hoof health in dairy cows Logue, D. N., Marsden, M., Offer, J. E., Offer, N. W. Veterinary Journal 2004 Effect of an incident of overfeeding of concentrate on claw horn lesion development in first lactation dairy heifers Logue, D. N., Mason, C., Offer, J. E. Effect of an incident of overfeeding of concentrate on claw horn lesion development in first lactation dairy heifers Logue, D. N., Mason, C., Offer, J. E. 13th International Symposium and 5th Conference on Lameness in Ruminants 2004 Changes in claw conformation, growth and wear in youngstock and first lactation cattle Leach, K. A., Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E. Changes in claw conformation, growth and wear in youngstock and first lactation cattle Leach, K. A., Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E. Effect of forage type on claw horn lesion development in dairy heifers Brocklehurst, S., Leach, K. A., Logue et al Effect of forage type on claw horn lesion development in dairy heifers Brocklehurst, S., Leach, K. A., Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E. Veterinary Journal 2003 The effect of feeding grass silage in early pregnancy on claw health during first lactation Fisher, G. E. J., Kempson, S. A., Logue et al The effect of feeding grass silage in early pregnancy on claw health during first lactation Fisher, G. E. J., Kempson, S. A., Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E. Veterinary Journal 2001 Effect of oral calcium bolus supplementation on early-lactation health and milk yield in commercial dairy herds Miller, B. E., Oetzel, G. R. Effect of oral calcium bolus supplementation on early-lactation health and milk yield in commercial dairy herds Miller, B. E., Oetzel, G. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with oral Ca boluses after calving on early-lactation health and milk yield. Cows in their second lactation or greater (n = 927) from 2 large dairies in Wisconsin were enrolled during the summer of 2010. Both herds were fed supplemental anions during the prefresh period and less than 1% of fresh cows were treated for clinical milk fever. Cows were scored before calving for lameness and body condition, and then randomly assigned to either a control group or an oral Ca bolus-supplemented group. Control cows received no oral Ca boluses around calving. Cows in the oral Ca bolus group received 2 oral Ca boluses (Bovikalc, Boehringer Ingelheim, St. Joseph, MO), one bolus 0 to 2 h after calving and the second 8 to 35 h after calving. The oral Ca bolus administration schedule allowed fresh cows to be restrained in headlocks only once daily. Whole-blood samples were collected immediately before the second oral Ca bolus was given and were analyzed for ionized Ca (Ca2+) concentration. Early-lactation health events were recorded and summed for each cow. Only 6 cases (0.6% of calvings) of clinical milk fever occurred during the trial, and only 14% of cows tested were hypocalcemic (Ca2+ less than 1.0 mmol/L) at 8 to 35 h after calving. Mean Ca2+ concentrations were not different between the control and oral Ca bolus-supplemented groups. Blood samples from the cows given oral Ca boluses were collected an average of 20.6 h after administration of the first bolus. Subpopulations of cows with significant responses to oral Ca bolus supplementation were identified based on significant interactions between oral Ca bolus supplementation and covariates in mixed multiple regression models. Lame cows supplemented with oral Ca boluses averaged 0.34 fewer health events in the first 30 d in milk compared with lame cows that were not supplemented with oral Ca boluses. Cows with a higher previous lactation mature-equivalent milk production (greater than 105% of herd rank) and supplemented with oral Ca boluses produced 2.9 kg more milk at their first test after calving compared with cows with higher previous lactation milk yields that were not supplemented. Results of this study indicate that lame cows and higher producing cows responded favorably to supplementation with oral Ca boluses. Supplementing targeted subpopulations of cows with oral Ca boluses was beneficial even for dairies with a very low incidence of hypocalcemia. Oral Calcium Supplementation in Peripartum Dairy Cows Oetzel, Garrett R. Oral Calcium Supplementation in Peripartum Dairy Cows Oetzel, Garrett R. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2013 What’s your diagnosis? Metacarpal fracture and sequestrum in a cattle Fluckiger, M., Oertle, C., Steiner, A. What’s your diagnosis? Metacarpal fracture and sequestrum in a cattle Fluckiger, M., Oertle, C., Steiner, A. Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde 1991 Case report of a 2-year-old female cow with lameness and metacarpal inflammation is presented. Diagnosis of fracture followed by development of a sequestrum on the left metacarpus was achieved by radiography. Surgical operation including removal of the sequestrum is described. Aetiology and pathogenesis is discussed Efficacy of herd-specific vaccines against digital dermatitis in two dairy herds Oelkers, B. Efficacy of herd-specific vaccines against digital dermatitis in two dairy herds Oelkers, B. 1996 Controlled trials of two autogenous vaccines, inactivated with formaldehyde, were conducted on 156 cows. One vaccine was prepared from Porphyromonas levii and Prevotella bivia, and the other from P. levii, Fusobacterium necrophorum and Bacteroides oralis. Both vaccines seemed to reduced the extent and severity of claw lesions, in comparison with cows inoculated with saline solution. There was no connection between digital and interdigital dermatitis The first report of Histophilus somni pneumonia in Nigerian dairy cattle Chukwukere, Sylvester C., Ekundayo et al The first report of Histophilus somni pneumonia in Nigerian dairy cattle Chukwukere, Sylvester C., Ekundayo, Sarah O., Haruna, Gimba, Itodo, Audu E., Kumbish, Peterside R., Musa, Abdullahi, Nwankpa, Nicholas D., Odugbo, Moses Odeh, Ogunjumo, Samuel O., Okewole, Philip A. The Veterinary Journal 2009 Effects of Mixing on Drinking and Competitive Behavior of Dairy Calves O'Driscoll, K., von Keyserlingk et al Effects of Mixing on Drinking and Competitive Behavior of Dairy Calves O'Driscoll, K., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2006 Group housing provides increased access to space and social interactions for calves while reducing labor costs for producers. However, group housing necessarily requires that calves be mixed and no research to date has addressed the effects of mixing on behavior of milk-fed dairy calves. The objective of this study was to monitor the feeding and competitive behavior of individual dairy calves (n = 8) after introduction into an established group of older calves fed ad libitum by a computer-controlled milk feeder. Milk feeding was monitored for 2 d before introduction into the new group and both milk feeding and competitive behaviors were monitored for 4 d after mixing. Mean ({+/-} SE) milk consumption before mixing was 9.7 {+/-} 0.7 kg/d, dropped slightly on the day of mixing to 8.6 {+/-} 0.6 kg/d, but increased on d 1 to 3 after mixing to 11.1 {+/-} 0.3 kg/d. Calves visited the feeder less frequently on the day of mixing (6.0 {+/-} 1.8 visits/d) than on either the days before mixing (20.3 {+/-} 2.5 visits/d) or the days after mixing (25.3 {+/-} 6.9 visits/ d). The mean duration of feeder visits and mean milk consumption per visit increased from 4 min 15 s {+/-} 21 s and 0.53 {+/-} 0.06 kg per visit before mixing to 8 min 17 s {+/-} 1 min 28 s and 1.87 {+/-} 0.51 kg per visit on the day of mixing. Competitive displacements from the milk-feeding stall were rare. In summary, feeding behavior of young calves is altered on the day of mixing, but calves are able to maintain milk intake when using a milk feeder fitted with a stall that prevents calves from displacing one another. Does omission of a regular milking event affect cow comfort? Boyle, Laura, Gleeson, David, O'Brien et al Does omission of a regular milking event affect cow comfort? Boyle, Laura, Gleeson, David, O'Brien, Bernadette, O’Driscoll, Keelin Livestock Science 2011 Effect of milking frequency and nutritional level on hoof health, locomotion score and lying behaviour of dairy cows Boyle, Laura, Gleeson, David, O'Brien et al Effect of milking frequency and nutritional level on hoof health, locomotion score and lying behaviour of dairy cows Boyle, Laura, Gleeson, David, O'Brien, Bernadette, O’Driscoll, Keelin Livestock Science 2010 This study evaluated the effect of milking frequency (MF; once a day (OAD) versus twice a day (TAD)) at two nutritional levels (NL) on hoof health, locomotion and lying behaviour of dairy cows. Cows (n = 72) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments from calving in a 2 × 2 factorial design for an entire lactation: OAD or TAD milking at a high (30.9 kg DM/c/d) or low (18.8 kg DM/c/d) herbage allowance NL. Hoof health (sole lesions, heel erosion, digital dermatitis and white line disease) and locomotory ability (including overall locomotion, ab/adduction, tracking, speed, head carriage and spine curvature scores) were assessed on 6 occasions between calving in the spring and housing the following autumn. Udder firmness was recorded in the milking parlour prior to milking at approximately 57, 93 and 132 days in milk (DIM). Standing/lying behaviour was recorded using modified voltage dataloggers over 2 × 24 h periods at approximately 157 and 208 DIM. Cows milked OAD had lower sole lesion (P < 0.05) and white line disease (P < 0.01) scores, but higher heel erosion scores (P < 0.05) than cows milked TAD. There was an interaction between time of examination and MF (P < 0.05) for locomotion scores; although in early lactation cows milked OAD had higher overall locomotion scores than TAD cows, this was reversed later in lactation. OAD cows had higher ab/adduction scores in early lactation (P < 0.05). On the other hand, speed and head carriage scores were all higher for TAD compared to OAD cows. High NL cows had higher overall ab/adduction (P < 0.01) scores, and at 57 DIM had higher udder tension scores than low NL cows (P < 0.001). Neither MF nor NL had an effect on total lying times. However cows on the high NL and OAD treatments spent less time standing after morning milking (P < 0.05), and spent more time per hour lying between 0900 and 1200. Cows milked OAD also spent more time than TAD cows lying between 1530 and 1830. High abduction scores in the OAD cows in early lactation may be related to discomfort in the udder. In general however, OAD milking resulted in improvements to hoof health and locomotion ability. Moreover, cows milked OAD use the extra time at pasture in the afternoon to rest, an option that is not available to TAD milked cows. Fewer disruptions to the diurnal pattern of OAD cows are an indication of improved welfare. The relationship between selenium deficiency and the development of pulmonary and subcutaneous emphysema in bovine ephemeral... Odiawo, G. O. The relationship between selenium deficiency and the development of pulmonary and subcutaneous emphysema in bovine ephemeral fever virus-infected cattle Odiawo, G. O. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research 1989 Bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) was diagnosed on several commercial farms around Harare, Zimbabwe. The affected animals showed signs of fever (40-41.5 degrees C), depression, ruminal stasis, lameness and recumbency. Eight of those attended had severe respiratory distress and subcutaneous emphysema. Haematological and biochemical results indicated leukocytosis with an attending lymphopaenia. Selenium deficiency was detected only in those animals which showed respiratory embarrassment and subcutaneous emphysema Genetic analyses of claw health in Norwegian Red cows Heringstad, B., Svendsen, M., Ødegård et al Genetic analyses of claw health in Norwegian Red cows Heringstad, B., Svendsen, M., Ødegård, C. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Use of laser therapy in bovine locomotory disorders, ovarian diseases and mastitis Oda, Y. Use of laser therapy in bovine locomotory disorders, ovarian diseases and mastitis Oda, Y. Journal of Veterinary Medicine, Japan 1990 Digital Dermatitis: Tackling an emerging problem (Editorial). O'Connell, N.E. (2013). Digital Dermatitis: Tackling an emerging problem (Editorial). O'Connell, N.E. (2013). Veterinary Record 2013 Comparison of shredded newspaper and sawdust as bedding for dairy cows: Behavioural, clinical and economic parameters Meaney, W. J., O'Connell, J. M. Comparison of shredded newspaper and sawdust as bedding for dairy cows: Behavioural, clinical and economic parameters Meaney, W. J., O'Connell, J. M. Irish Veterinary Journal 1997 Studies were carried out to compare the effectiveness of newspaper or sawdust as bedding materials for dairy cattle. The parameters measured were cow preference, incidence of mastitis and lameness, cow cleanliness, and economics. Cow preference was measured using 64 cows housed in a 64-cubicle (crossrail design) shed. In Experiment 1, the cows had a choice of four bedding treatments: (i) concrete and paper, (ii) concrete and sawdust, (iii) mats and paper, (iv) mats and sawdust, and the results showed that the highest utilisation was in the latter treatment. In Experiment 2, the 64 cows were divided into four groups of 16 animals and each group was housed in one of the four treatments with no choice. Again cows showed a preference (based on occupancy of cubicles) for lying on mats and sawdust. Only one cow, lying on sawdust and mats developed an intramammary infection. There was no difference in either claw health or cow cleanliness between the four treatments. The economic analysis indicated that the material cost of sawdust and newspaper was similar; however, there was a higher labour cost incurred when using newspaper due to a requirement for more frequent renewal of bedding. Questionnaire survey of perceptions of veterinary surgeons and para-professional foot trimmers on cattle lameness Murray, R. D., O'Callaghan, K. A., Ward et al Questionnaire survey of perceptions of veterinary surgeons and para-professional foot trimmers on cattle lameness Murray, R. D., O'Callaghan, K. A., Ward, W.R. Research in Veterinary Science 2001 The effect of different lameness treatments on the daily activity levels of dairy cattle Cripps, P. J., Downham, D. Y., Murray et al The effect of different lameness treatments on the daily activity levels of dairy cattle Cripps, P. J., Downham, D. Y., Murray, R. D., O'Callaghan, K. A. Research in Veterinary Science 2002 Reflections on current perceptions of pain associated with treatment of lame cattle Murray, R. D., O'Callaghan, K. A. Reflections on current perceptions of pain associated with treatment of lame cattle Murray, R. D., O'Callaghan, K. A. Research in Veterinary Science 2000 Behavioural indicators of pain associated with lameness in dairy cattle Cripps, P. J., Murray, R. D. et al Behavioural indicators of pain associated with lameness in dairy cattle Cripps, P. J., Murray, R. D., O'Callaghan, K. A. Research in Veterinary Science 2002 Subjective and objective assessment of pain and discomfort due to lameness in dairy cattle Cripps, P. J., Downham, D. Y., Murray et al Subjective and objective assessment of pain and discomfort due to lameness in dairy cattle Cripps, P. J., Downham, D. Y., Murray, R. D., O'Callaghan, K. A. Animal Welfare 2003 Pain experienced by lame cattle is often masked by their instinctive stoicism, leading to delayed detection and treatment of lameness. This paper investigates the usefulness of posture scoring during locomotion and the evaluation of daily activity levels as indicators of pain and discomfort resulting from lameness in dairy, cattle. In this study, 345 lactating cattle were observed over a seven-month winter housing period. The posture of each cow was scored twice weekly, using a subjective five-point numerical rating scale. Daily activity levels were measured objectively using pedometers. The effect of lameness on behaviour was addressed. Increased posture scores were associated with the presence of foot lesions (P < 0.001) and with reduced daily activity levels (P < 0.001). In comparison to sound cows, lame cows showed lower daily activity levels (P < 0.001). These results improve understanding of pain-related behaviours in cattle, and such an approach may assist future development of welfare assessment systems. Lameness and associated pain in cattle – challenging traditional perceptions O'Callaghan, K. Lameness and associated pain in cattle – challenging traditional perceptions O'Callaghan, K. In Practice 2002 Clinical applications of radiography and ancillary imaging Biller, D. S., O'Brien, R. T. Clinical applications of radiography and ancillary imaging Biller, D. S., O'Brien, R. T. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1996 Radiography will remain the most popular imaging modality in the near future for many reasons. It is economical, portable, and familiar to large animal practitioners. Contrast radiography allows evaluation of vascular and tract lesions. Other modalities may offer various advantages. Diagnostic sonography has the advantage of being able to evaluate soft tissue structure damage, fluid pockets, and lucent foreign bodies. Xeroradiography and CR use conventional, high-powered x-ray units for the production of images on nontraditional ionized film plate-cassette systems. Both systems provide superior bone-soft tissue contrast, by virtue of edge enhancement, than does conventional radiography. CT and MR imaging provide cross-sectional imaging of bones and adjacent structures, avoiding structures that may be superimposed on the area of interest with conventional radiography. The major limitation is the demand for a custom-engineered couch able to withstand the weight of an adult bovine. Scintigraphy provides important functional information for the clinical evaluation of orthopedic disease. It may be the most useful imaging tool to localize the cause of lameness Clinical applications of radiography and ancillary imaging. [Review] [7 refs] O'Brien, R. T. Clinical applications of radiography and ancillary imaging. [Review] [7 refs] O'Brien, R. T. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1996 Radiography will remain the most popular imaging modality in the near future for many reasons. It is economical, portable, and familiar to large animal practitioners. Contrast radiography allows evaluation of vascular and tract lesions. Other modalities may offer various advantages. Diagnostic sonography has the advantage of being able to evaluate soft tissue structure damage, fluid pockets, and lucent foreign bodies. Xeroradiography and CR use conventional, high-powered x-ray units for the production of images on nontraditional ionized film plate-cassette systems. Both systems provide superior bone-soft tissue contrast, by virtue of edge enhancement, than does conventional radiography. CT and MR imaging provide cross-sectional imaging of bones and adjacent structures, avoiding structures that may be superimposed on the area of interest with conventional radiography. The major limitation is the demand for a custom-engineered couch able to withstand the weight of an adult bovine. Scintigraphy provides important functional information for the clinical evaluation of orthopedic disease. It may be the most useful imaging tool to localize the cause of lameness. [References: 7] Determining the heritable component of dairy cattle foot lesions Belanger, J. M., Berry, S. L., Famula et al Determining the heritable component of dairy cattle foot lesions Belanger, J. M., Berry, S. L., Famula, T. R., McGoldrick, R. M., Oberbauer, A. M., Pinos-Rodriquez, J. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 The effect of floor surface on dairy cow immune function and locomotion score Eicher, S. D., Lossie, A. C. et al The effect of floor surface on dairy cow immune function and locomotion score Eicher, S. D., Lossie, A. C., O’Driscoll, K. K. M., Schutz, M. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Effect of feed allowance at pasture on lying behaviour and locomotory ability of dairy cows Kennedy, Emer, Lewis, Eva, O’Driscoll et al Effect of feed allowance at pasture on lying behaviour and locomotory ability of dairy cows Kennedy, Emer, Lewis, Eva, O’Driscoll, Keelin Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2015 In temperate climates where cows are primarily managed at pasture shortages of grass could result in nutritional deficits for the cow and thus pose a challenge to her welfare. This study investigated the effect of daily herbage allowance (DHA) on dairy cow lying behaviour, locomotory ability, and some aspects of hoof health. Ninety-six cows were randomly assigned to one of eight treatments in a 2 × 4 factorial design; experimental duration (2 week (2 W) or 6 week (6 W)), and nutritional levels (DHA) (60%, 80%, 100% or 120% of intake capacity). Cows were assigned to treatment on 25 March (36 ± 16 days in milk). Lying behaviour was recorded using modified voltage dataloggers over 7 × 24 h periods at approximately 4 d intervals for cows on the 6 W treatments. Locomotory ability (including overall locomotion, ab/adduction, tracking, speed, head carriage and spine curvature scores) was assessed four times at approximately 16 d intervals. Hoof health (heel erosion and dermatitis scores) were recorded in the milking parlour on four occasions at approximately 19 d intervals. Although there was no effect on daily lying time, DHA tended to affect the duration of lying bouts (P = 0.1). Cows allocated the highest DHA (120%) had shorter bouts than all other treatments (P = 0.05), whereas cows allocated the lowest DHA (60%) had fewer lying bouts than all other treatments (P < 0.05). In general, cows allocated a lower DHA took longer to lie down after milking than cows fed at or above intake capacity. The effect was greatest in the afternoon when there was an effect of DHA (P < 0.05); cows on the 60% DHA stood for longer after afternoon milking than all other treatments (P < 0.01). There was no effect of DHA on locomotory ability for either 2 W or 6 W cows. However, in the 2 W treatment, cows on the 120% DHA had the best spine arch scores (P = 0.01), and cows in the 60% treatment had the worst tracking (P < 0.05). Likewise in the 6 W treatment cows on the 60% DHA had the worst spine arch scores (P < 0.05), yet cows allocated a higher DHA tended to have worse ab/adduction scores (P = 0.10). There was no effect of DHA on hoof health. The differences in lying behaviour and locomotion do not imply impaired welfare per se. However, altered lying behaviour could indicate hunger, and impaired locomotion could be a result of a thin digital cushion, which is associated with lameness. This study provides valuable information about how DHA can affect the dairy cow, and can be used to formulate further hypotheses to investigate effects on hunger-satiety status and hoof health. A brief note on the validation of a system for recording lying behaviour in dairy cows Boyle, Laura, Hanlon, Alison et al A brief note on the validation of a system for recording lying behaviour in dairy cows Boyle, Laura, Hanlon, Alison, O’Driscoll, Keelin Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2008 The duration and frequency of lying behaviour and the time spent standing are behavioural indicators of cow comfort. The objective of this study was to validate a robustly designed datalogger (DL) for recording standing and lying behaviour of cows at pasture. The datalogger consists of an internal electric circuit, which records voltage (V) at a set interval. The circuit is inactivated (0 V) when an animal stands and reactivated (2.5 V) when the animal lies. Thirteen DL and 39 cows were used over 3 days. Dataloggers were attached to cows’ right hind leg during morning milking. Each DL was programmed to have a logging interval of 5 min. Human observers simultaneously recorded animal posture. Data from DL was adjusted by converting lying bouts of less than 10 min duration to standing behaviour. Results from direct observations were then compared with raw and adjusted data from DL using Cohen's Kappa and Spearman correlations, and an index of concordance for standing, lying and both sets of behaviour was calculated. Kappa and correlation results were higher after adjusting DL data than before (P < 0.001), suggesting that adjusting data in this fashion improves agreement between direct observation and DL data. The high correlation coefficients between data collected by human observers and data collected by the dataloggers, in addition to high κ-values indicate that the dataloggers are an excellent alternative to direct behavioural observations of standing and lying behaviours of dairy cows at pasture. Effect of feed barrier design and feed space allowance on performance and behavioural parameters in dairy cows Ferris, Conrad P., Mayne, C. Sinclair et al Effect of feed barrier design and feed space allowance on performance and behavioural parameters in dairy cows Ferris, Conrad P., Mayne, C. Sinclair, O’Connell, Niamh E., Patterson, Desmond C. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2010 Metabolic adaptations to heat stress in growing cattle Baumgard, L. H., Duff, G. C., O’Brien et al Metabolic adaptations to heat stress in growing cattle Baumgard, L. H., Duff, G. C., O’Brien, M. D., Rhoads, R. P., Sanders, S. R. Domestic Animal Endocrinology 2010 To differentiate between the effects of heat stress (HS) and decreased dry matter intake (DMI) on physiological and metabolic variables in growing beef cattle, we conducted an experiment in which a thermoneutral (TN) control group (n = 6) was pair fed (PF) to match nutrient intake with heat-stressed Holstein bull calves (n = 6). Bulls (4 to 5 mo old, 135 kg body weight [BW]) housed in climate-controlled chambers were subjected to 2 experimental periods (P): (1) TN (18 °C to 20 °C) and ad libitum intake for 9 d, and (2) HS (cyclical daily temperatures ranging from 29.4 °C to 40.0 °C) and ad libitum intake or PF (in TN conditions) for 9 d. During each period, blood was collected daily and all calves were subjected to an intravenous insulin tolerance test (ITT) on day 7 and a glucose tolerance test (GTT) on day 8. Heat stress reduced (12%) DMI and by design, PF calves had similar nutrient intake reductions. During P1, BW gain was similar between environments and averaged 1.25 kg/d, and both HS and PF reduced (P < 0.01) average daily gain (-0.09 kg/d) during P2. Compared to PF, HS decreased (P < 0.05) basal circulating glucose concentrations (7%) and tended (P < 0.07) to increase (30%) plasma insulin concentrations, but neither HS nor PF altered plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentrations. Although there were no treatment differences in P2, both HS and PF increased (P < 0.05) plasma urea nitrogen concentrations (75%) compared with P1. In contrast to P1, both HS and PF had increased (16%) glucose disposal, but compared with PF, HS calves had a greater (67%; P < 0.05) insulin response to the GTT. Neither period nor environment acutely affected insulin action, but during P2, calves in both environments tended (P = 0.11) to have a blunted overall glucose response to the ITT. Independent of reduced nutrient intake, HS alters post-absorptive carbohydrate (basal and stimulated) metabolism, characterized primarily by increased basal insulin concentrations and insulin response to a GTT. However, HS-induced reduction in feed intake appears to fully explain decreased average daily gain in Holstein bull calves. Changes in glucose transporter expression in monocytes of periparturient dairy cows Contreras, G. A., Mattmiller, S. A. et al Changes in glucose transporter expression in monocytes of periparturient dairy cows Contreras, G. A., Mattmiller, S. A., O’Boyle, N. J., Sordillo, L. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Digital dermatitis control Moffitt, J. A., Nutter, W. T. Digital dermatitis control Moffitt, J. A., Nutter, W. T. Veterinary Record 1990 This letter reports outbreaks of interdigital dermatitis in winter or spring in cubicle housed cattle fed silage, with sporadic cases at grass in the summer. Hind feet were affected most frequently (85%) and usually both hind feet (90%). Treatment with a topical antibiotic/gentian violet aerosol after cleansing and paring was usually effective. Zinc sulphate footbaths at a concentration of 20% proved useful in controlling the spread and as therapy of mild forms of the condition. An assessment of the economics of the disease is made Resection of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle: an alternative to amputation Nuss, K., Weaver, M. P. Resection of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle: an alternative to amputation Nuss, K., Weaver, M. P. Veterinary Record 1991 A technique for the resection of the distal interphalangeal joint of cattle with infectious arthritis of the joint is described. The procedure has advantages over amputation of the digit because a weight-bearing claw is retained so that the animal can move on slatted floors and at pasture, and its productive life can be extended Measurements of forelimb claw dimensions in cows using a standardised sole thickness: A post-mortem study Nuss, Karl, Sauter-Louis, Carola et al Measurements of forelimb claw dimensions in cows using a standardised sole thickness: A post-mortem study Nuss, Karl, Sauter-Louis, Carola, Sigmund, Bruno The Veterinary Journal 2011 Deforming idiopathic ankylosis of the coffin joint in young cattle Nuss, K., Roth, M., Schaffer, E. H. Deforming idiopathic ankylosis of the coffin joint in young cattle Nuss, K., Roth, M., Schaffer, E. H. Tierarztl Prax 1994 Case reports are given of a deforming ankylosis of the distal interphalangeal joints in two juvenile cattle of the breed German Simmental. In one animal all distal interphalangeal joints were affected; in the second animal the coffin joints of the forelimbs and the lateral coffin joints of the hindlimbs were ankylosed or in the process of being bridged by bone. The condition was painful, resulting in lameness and loss of weight. Clinical, radiological and pathological-anatomical features are described Measurements of claw dimensions in cows before and after functional trimming: a post mortem study Nuss, K., Paulus, N., Measurements of claw dimensions in cows before and after functional trimming: a post mortem study Nuss, K., Paulus, N., The Veterinary Journal 2006 Tenosynovitis of the deep flexor tendon sheath (M. flexor digitorum lateralis et M. tibialis caudalis) at the bovine tarsus (16... Maierl, J., Nuss, K. Tenosynovitis of the deep flexor tendon sheath (M. flexor digitorum lateralis et M. tibialis caudalis) at the bovine tarsus (16 cases) Maierl, J., Nuss, K. Tierarztliche Praxis.Ausgabe G, Grosstiere Nutztiere 2000 Radiology of laminitis in cattle Fuhrmann, U., Gantke, S., Kostlin et al Radiology of laminitis in cattle Fuhrmann, U., Gantke, S., Kostlin, R. G., Nuss, K. Veterinary Surgery 1997 Significance of septic, traumatic ungulocoriitis (pododermatitis) at the tip of the bovine claw Bohmer, H., Kostlin, R. G., Nuss, K. et al Significance of septic, traumatic ungulocoriitis (pododermatitis) at the tip of the bovine claw Bohmer, H., Kostlin, R. G., Nuss, K., Weaver, M. Tierarztliche Praxis 1990 Ungulocoriitis (inflammation of the claw corium) was proposed as a name more accurate than pododermatitis. Sole lesions at the tip of the claw were encountered in 122 cattle between 1984 and 1988. Infection spread rapidly to the bone (distal phalanx). At an early stage, the condition was treated by wound care and relief of weight bearing. The tip of the claw had to be resected when osteolysis was present, but postoperative healing took > 2 months. Despite this, the overall results were better than those obtained by claw amputation Contrast radiography of the bovine limb joints and 3D reconstruction: anatomical considerations and clinical implications Boettcher, P., Hecht, S., Maierl, J. et al Contrast radiography of the bovine limb joints and 3D reconstruction: anatomical considerations and clinical implications Boettcher, P., Hecht, S., Maierl, J., Nuss, K. Fibrinopurulent tendinitis of the flexor tendons and inflammation of the digital synovial sheath in seven cattle Hanichen, T., Nuss, K. Fibrinopurulent tendinitis of the flexor tendons and inflammation of the digital synovial sheath in seven cattle Hanichen, T., Nuss, K. Tierarztliche Praxis 1995 Surgery of the Distal Limb Nuss, Karl Surgery of the Distal Limb Nuss, Karl Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2016 Plates, Pins, and Interlocking Nails Nuss, Karl Plates, Pins, and Interlocking Nails Nuss, Karl Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2014 Has surgical treatment of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle moved forward? Nuss, Karl Has surgical treatment of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle moved forward? Nuss, Karl The Veterinary Journal 2009 Footbaths: The solution to digital dermatitis? Nuss, K. Footbaths: The solution to digital dermatitis? Nuss, K. Veterinary Journal 2006 [Deforming idiopathic ankylosis of the coffin joint in young cattle]. [German] Nuss, K. [Deforming idiopathic ankylosis of the coffin joint in young cattle]. [German] Nuss, K. Tierarztliche Praxis - Supplement 1994 Case reports are given of a deforming ankylosis of the distal interphalangeal joints in two juvenile cattle of the breed German Simmental. In one animal all distal interphalangeal joints were affected; in the second animal the coffin joints of the forelimbs and the lateral coffin joints of the hindlimbs were ankylosed or in the process of being bridged by bone. The condition was painful, resulting in lameness and loss of weight. Clinical, radiological and pathological-anatomical features are described Clinical case. Young Fleckvieh bull, 6 months old Nuss, K. Clinical case. Young Fleckvieh bull, 6 months old Nuss, K. Tierarztl Prax 1991 Epidemiological dynamic of cattle lameness in dairy farms in Iran Nowrouzian, I. Epidemiological dynamic of cattle lameness in dairy farms in Iran Nowrouzian, I. Epidemiologie et Sante Animale 1997 Effect of foot-baths on the control of foot lameness in dairy cattle Nowrouzian, I. Effect of foot-baths on the control of foot lameness in dairy cattle Nowrouzian, I. Journal of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran 1996 Histological structure of the hoof horn and the quality and health state of hooves in cows Nowicki, M. Histological structure of the hoof horn and the quality and health state of hooves in cows Nowicki, M. Rozprawy i Monografie Dissertations and Monographs 1999 The quality of the hoof horn in cattle was determined on the basis of its histological structure. The differences concerning the hoof horn characteristics were determined for Polish cows of the Black-and-White breed and their F1 crossbreeds with Holstein-Friesian cattle and beef crossbreeds (75% of the Aberdeen Angus breed and 75% of the Charolais breed). 90 histological sections were evaluated altogether. Morphometric measurements were taken for selected characteristics of the horn structure of four cattle strains and breeds. The measurement results concerning the number of tubules per mm2, tubule diameter, marrow diameter, thickness of the tubule cortex layer and horn quality were analysed statistically. The results obtained show that there is a relation between the histological structure of the horn, its physical properties and intensification of the hoof disease incidence. It was also found that the horn microscopic structure depends on the age of animals and their living conditions. The research conducted indicates that the histological structure of the hoof horn affects its water content, wear resistance and protection capacity of the hoof box. The horn power and hardness grow with an increase in the number of tubules per surface unit and in the thickness of the tubule cortex. The results obtained seem to confirm the fact that the susceptibility of cows to hoof diseases depends largely on the horn quality. Polish cattle of the Black-and-White breed have hoof horns of poorer quality than the other strains and breeds studied, whose hoof horns show the smallest number of tubules per surface unit, a thicker cortex layer and broader marrow. The highest incidence of hoof diseases, the highest water content of horns and an unfavourable (negative) balance of horn growth and wear in the period of pasture feeding were also noted in this group of animals. The best traits of the horn structure, low water content, a positive balance of horn growth and the lowest incidence of hoof diseases were observed in cows of the Aberdeen Angus breed (75%) Milk yield affects time budget of dairy cows in tie-stalls Munksgaard, L., Norring, M., Valros, A. Milk yield affects time budget of dairy cows in tie-stalls Munksgaard, L., Norring, M., Valros, A. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Preferences of dairy cows for three stall surface materials with small amounts of bedding de Passille, A. M., Manninen, E. et al Preferences of dairy cows for three stall surface materials with small amounts of bedding de Passille, A. M., Manninen, E., Norring, M., Rushen, J., Saloniemi, H. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Effects of Sand and Straw Bedding on the Lying Behavior, Cleanliness, and Hoof and Hock Injuries of Dairy Cows de Passille, A. M., Manninen, E. et al Effects of Sand and Straw Bedding on the Lying Behavior, Cleanliness, and Hoof and Hock Injuries of Dairy Cows de Passille, A. M., Manninen, E., Munksgaard, L., Norring, M., Rushen, J., Saloniemi, H. Journal of Dairy Science 2008 This experiment compared the effects of sand and straw bedding in free stalls on resting time, cleanliness, hock injuries, and hoof health of dairy cows and tested whether cow preferences for a bedding material depended on the familiarity with the material. A total of 52 dairy cows were kept either on straw bedded concrete stalls or sand stalls for at least 21 wk. The lying behavior was observed, and hock lesions, hoof health, and cleanliness of the cows and stalls were measured. A 5-d preference test between sand and straw stalls was conducted at the end of the experiment. The total daily duration of lying was longer for cows on straw bedding than on sand bedding (straw 749 ± 16 vs. sand 678 ± 19 min). During the preference test, cows that had been kept on straw bedding preferred lying in straw stalls [straw 218.7 (133.4 to 239.7) vs. sand 9.0 min (2.8 to 44.8)]; however, cows that had been kept on sand showed no preference [straw 101.3 (51.7 to 205.9) vs. sand 94.3 min (54.1 to 156.1, median and interquartile range)]. Although there were no differences in the dirtiness of stalls, the cows using straw stalls were dirtier than cows using sand stalls [straw 6.04 (5.39 to 6.28) vs. sand 4.19 (3.62 to 5.16)]. At the end of experiment the severity of hock lesions was lower for cows on sand than for cows on straw [sand 0.5 (0.0 to 1.0) vs. straw 1.0 (1.0 to 2.0)]. The improvement in overall hoof health over the observation period was greater for cows kept on sand compared with cows kept on straw [sand −2.00 (−3.75 to −0.25) vs. straw 0.00 (−2.00 to 2.00)]. Straw bedding increased the time that cows spend lying, and cows preferred straw stalls to sand stalls. However, previous experience with sand reduces avoidance of sand stalls. Sand stalls were advantageous for cow cleanliness and health; hock lesions and claw diseases healed more quickly for cows using sand stalls compared with straw. Associations between subclinical paratuberculosis and milk production, milk components, and somatic cell counts in dairy herds Collins, M. T., Goodger, W. J. et al Associations between subclinical paratuberculosis and milk production, milk components, and somatic cell counts in dairy herds Collins, M. T., Goodger, W. J., Nordlund, K. V., Pelletier, J. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1996 Herd-based rumenocentesis: a clinical approach to the diagnosis of subacute rumen acidosis Garrett, E. F., Nordlund, K. V., Oetzel et al Herd-based rumenocentesis: a clinical approach to the diagnosis of subacute rumen acidosis Garrett, E. F., Nordlund, K. V., Oetzel, G. R. Food Animal Medicine and Management 1995 The aetiology and symptoms of subacute rumen acidosis are discussed with special reference to periparturient cows and improper ration formulations or feed delivery regimes. The use of herd-based rumenocentesis to monitor the ruminal acidity in order to prevent chronic laminitis in dairy herds is described Flowchart for evaluating dairy cow freestalls Cook, N. B., Nordlund, K. V. Flowchart for evaluating dairy cow freestalls Cook, N. B., Nordlund, K. V. Bovine Practitioner 2003 Sore feet, sour rumens, clinical quandaries Nordlund, K., Smith, R. A. Sore feet, sour rumens, clinical quandaries Nordlund, K., Smith, R. A. Thirty Third Annual Conference, American Association of Bovine Practitioners 2000 Herd-based monitors and tests for dairy cow and calf problems Nordlund, K. Herd-based monitors and tests for dairy cow and calf problems Nordlund, K. Cattle Practice 2005 Significance and distribution of Treponemes in animals Nordhoff, M., Wieler, L. H. Significance and distribution of Treponemes in animals Nordhoff, M., Wieler, L. H. Berliner Und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift 2005 The genus Treponema consists of various species. Currently most of them are not cultivable because respective cultivation conditions are unknown.Therefore the biodiversity of treponemes was only appreciated recently by applying comparative 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Treponemes are mainly representatives of the gastrointestinal autochthonal flora, especially in termites, but they have also been described in swine and cattle. On the other hand treponemes are involved in different infectious diseases, the most well known being syphilis in humans or venereal spirochetosis in rabbits. Furthermore, treponemes are associated with several infectious periodontal diseases, e.g. gingivitis or periodontitis, where they can be detected regularly. Culture has not been successful for most of the oral treponemes, so the major part can only be identified by their 16S rRNA sequence. Similar to these oral disorders treponernes are also associated with digital dermatitis (DID), a chronic inflammatory disease of the bovine skin, where different treponemal phylotypes were found in large numbers. Treponemo brennaborense was first identified and isolated in DD biopsies. Unravelling the pathogenic potential and aetiological significance of treponernes in chronic infectious diseases like peridontitis or DD remains a costly task. Although treponemes can be frequently detected in such lesions, it is often unclear to what extent treponemes are involved in pathogenesis of these diseases. The possession of various virulence features like high motility, the ability to adhere and invade as well as to cause cytopathic effects in eukaryotic cells are highly indicative of the aetiological relevance of treponemes. Monitoring foot health: objectives, materials and methods Brizzi, A., Frankena, K. et al Monitoring foot health: objectives, materials and methods Brizzi, A., Frankena, K., Noordhuizen Stassen, E. N., Noordhuizen, J. P. T. M. Herd health and production management in dairy practice 1996 Techniques for detecting, treating and preventing claw diseases of cows were outlined, with reference to digital and interdigital dermatitis, laminitis and interdigital phlegmon Epidemiology and quality assurance: applications at farm level Frankena, K., Noordhuizen, J. P. T. M. Epidemiology and quality assurance: applications at farm level Frankena, K., Noordhuizen, J. P. T. M. Prev Vet Med 1999 Index Lists provided by the VAMPP computer programme for dairy herd health and production control. II. Interpretation and... Noordhuizen, J. P. Index Lists provided by the VAMPP computer programme for dairy herd health and production control. II. Interpretation and analysis of data on Index List 2 Noordhuizen, J. P. Veterinary Quarterly 1985 In a series of four papers computerized herd reports on various aspects of dairy farming, the Index Lists, are presented for herd health and production control purposes. This second paper presents Index List 2, on calving, breeding efficiency and lameness. The information from this list is suitable to monitor herd performance, especially when used in combination with information from other index lists. Methods for interpretation and evaluation of the data listed are provided. Evaluations should take those aspects related to reproduction and lameness into account. The use of current information and prompt computerized analysis in detecting deviations in index figures and providing advice to farm management is discussed Sustainable improvement of animal health care by systematic quality risk management according to the HACCP concept Noordhuizen, Jptm, Welpelo, H. J. Sustainable improvement of animal health care by systematic quality risk management according to the HACCP concept Noordhuizen, Jptm, Welpelo, H. J. Veterinary Quarterly 1996 Evaluation of claw characteristics in high producing herds as influenced by the supplementation of complexed trace minerals Johnson, A. B., Nocek, J. E., Socha et al Evaluation of claw characteristics in high producing herds as influenced by the supplementation of complexed trace minerals Johnson, A. B., Nocek, J. E., Socha, M. T., Tomlinson, D. J. Digital characteristics in commercial dairy herds fed metal-specific amino acid complexes Johnson, A. B., Nocek, J. E., Socha et al Digital characteristics in commercial dairy herds fed metal-specific amino acid complexes Johnson, A. B., Nocek, J. E., Socha, M. T. Journal of Dairy Science 2000 Five commercial dairy herds in Central New York fed metal-specific amino acid complexes were selected to evaluate digital characteristics. During the first year (period 1), herds were evaluated by a specific procedure by one individual. Three herds were not supplemented and two herds were supplemented with zinc methionine. During the subsequent year (period 2) all herds were switched to a combination of zinc methionine, copper lysine, manganese methionine, and cobalt glucoheptonate and evaluated in the same way as during period 1. There was no effect of period on incidence of heel erosion and interdigital dermatitis. During period 2, there was a reduced incidence of double soling, white line separation, sole hemorrhages, sole ulcers, and papillomatous digital dermatitis, and the incidence of wall ridges tended to be reduced compared with period 1. There was no effect of period on the incidence of abaxial wall lesions, digital arthritis, or foot rot, although the overall incidence of these disorders was low. During period 2, when cows were fed a combination of complexed trace minerals, there was a general reduction in the incidence of digital disorders associated with the laminitis syndrome complex compared with period 1; however, other time-related differences existed that may confound interpretation. Effects of supplementation with yeast culture and enzymatically hydrolyzed yeast on performance of early lactation dairy cattle Holt, M. G., Nocek, J. E., Oppy, J. Effects of supplementation with yeast culture and enzymatically hydrolyzed yeast on performance of early lactation dairy cattle Holt, M. G., Nocek, J. E., Oppy, J. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Bovine acidosis: Implications on laminitis Nocek, J. E. Bovine acidosis: Implications on laminitis Nocek, J. E. Journal of Dairy Science 1997 Bovine lactic acidosis syndrome is associated with large increases of lactic acid in the rumen, which result from diets that are high in ruminally available carbohydrates, or forage that is low in effective fiber, or both. The syndrome involves two separate anatomical areas, the gastrointestinal tract and body fluids, and is related to the rate and extent of lactic acid production, utilization, and absorption. Clinical manifestations range from loss of appetite to death. Lactic acid accumulates in the rumen when the bacteria that synthesize lactic acid outnumber those that utilize lactic acid. The systemic impact of acidosis may have several physiological implications, including laminitis, a diffuse aseptic inflammation of the laminae (cerium). Although a nutritional basis for the disease exists, etiology includes a multitude of interactive factors, such as metabolic and digestive disorders, postpartum stress, and localized trauma, which lead to the release of vasoactive substances that trigger mechanisms that cause degenerative changes in the foot. The severity of laminitis is related to the frequency, intensity, and duration of systemic acidotic insults on the mechanisms responsible for the release of vasoactive substance. The critical link between acidosis and laminitis appears to be associated with a persistent hypoperfusion, which results in ischemia in the digit. Management of acidosis is critical in preventing laminitis. High producing dairy herds attempting to maximize energy intake are continually confronted with subclinical acidosis and laminitis. Management of feeding and husbandry practices can be implemented to reduce incidence of disease Genetic parameters of milking frequency and milk production traits in Canadian Holsteins milked by an automated milking system Bohmanova, J., Hand, K., Jamrozik, J. et al Genetic parameters of milking frequency and milk production traits in Canadian Holsteins milked by an automated milking system Bohmanova, J., Hand, K., Jamrozik, J., Miglior, F., Nixon, M., Schaeffer, L. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Short communication: Rising and lying behavior of heifers before and after alimentary oligofructose overload Danscher, A. M., Herskin, M. S., Niss et al Short communication: Rising and lying behavior of heifers before and after alimentary oligofructose overload Danscher, A. M., Herskin, M. S., Niss, D. B., Thoefner, M. B. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Healing of digital dermatitis after a single treatment with topical oxytetracycline in 89 dairy cows Nishikawa, A, Taguchi, K. Healing of digital dermatitis after a single treatment with topical oxytetracycline in 89 dairy cows Nishikawa, A, Taguchi, K. Veterinary Record 2008 Effect of Lying Behavior on Uterine Blood Flow in Cows During the Third Trimester of Gestation Hosoda, K., Ishida, M., Matsuyama, H. et al Effect of Lying Behavior on Uterine Blood Flow in Cows During the Third Trimester of Gestation Hosoda, K., Ishida, M., Matsuyama, H., Nishida, T. Journal of Dairy Science 2004 Seven Holstein cows (BW = 639.4 ± 28.8 kg, age = 62.6 ± 6.9 mo, parity = 3.1 ± 0.4 yr) (mean ± SE) were used to measure uterine blood flow using a transit time ultrasonic flow meter. Ultrasonic flow probes were implanted (d 218 ± 4 of gestation) around both uterine arteries (n = 3) or the gravid uterine artery (n = 4) to measure variations in uterine blood flow through this vessel in response to postural change (standing and lying). Implantation of the ultrasonic blood flow probe was successful in all 7 cows. Uterine blood flow was measured for 22.9, 23.1, and 21.4 h/d on d 226, 248, and 269 of gestation, respectively. Cows exhibited normal durations of gestation (272.8 ± 1.6 d), gave birth to normal healthy calves (birth weight = 41.5 ± 3.0 kg), and did not retain their placenta. Uterine blood flow to the gravid horn during lying was greater than during standing on d 226 (standing vs. lying, 8.04 vs. 8.79 L/min, respectively), d 248 (9.87 vs. 11.06 L/min), and d 269 (8.15 vs. 9.74 L/min) of gestation. Cows spent nearly 50% of their time lying during our observations at all gestational ages. Greater blood supply to the gravid uterus was observed during lying than during standing in this study. Evaluation of milk yield losses associated with Salmonella antibodies in bulk tank milk in bovine dairy herds Green, L. E., Kudahl, A. B., Nielsen et al Evaluation of milk yield losses associated with Salmonella antibodies in bulk tank milk in bovine dairy herds Green, L. E., Kudahl, A. B., Nielsen, L. R., Nielsen, T. D., Ostergaard, S. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Automatic registration of grazing behaviour in dairy cows using 3D activity loggers Nielsen, Per Peetz Automatic registration of grazing behaviour in dairy cows using 3D activity loggers Nielsen, Per Peetz Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2013 Quantifying walking and standing behaviour of dairy cows using a moving average based on output from an accelerometer Herskin, Mette S., Munksgaard, Lene et al Quantifying walking and standing behaviour of dairy cows using a moving average based on output from an accelerometer Herskin, Mette S., Munksgaard, Lene, Nielsen, Lars Relund, Pedersen, Asger Roer Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2010 Manual observations either directly or by analysis of video recordings of dairy cow behaviour in loose housing systems are costly. Therefore progress could be made if reliable estimates of duration of walking and standing could be based on automatic recordings. In this study we developed algorithms for the detection of walking and standing in dairy cows based on the output from an electronic device quantifying acceleration in three dimensions. Ten cows were equipped with one movement sensor on each hind leg. The cows were then walked one by one in the alleys of the barn and encouraged to stand and walk in sequences of approximately 20 s for the period of 10 min. Afterwards the cows were stimulated to move/lift the legs while standing in a cubicle. The behaviour was video recorded, and the recordings were analysed second by second for walking and standing behaviour as well as the number of steps taken. Various algorithms for predicting walking/standing status were compared. The algorithms were all based on a limit of a moving average calculated by using one of two outputs of the accelerometer, either a motion index or a step count, and applied over periods of 3 or 5 s. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of additionally applying the rule: a walking period must last at least 5 s. The results indicate that the lowest misclassification rate (10%) of walking and standing was obtained based on the step count with a moving average of 3 s and with the rule applied. However, the rate of misclassification given walking and standing differed between algorithms, thus the choice of algorithm should relate to the specific question under consideration. In conclusion, the results suggest that the number of steps taken per time unit as well as the frequency and duration of walking and standing can be estimated with a reasonable accuracy. Review of pathogenesis and diagnostic methods of immediate relevance for epidemiology and control of Salmonella Dublin in cattle Nielsen, Liza Rosenbaum Review of pathogenesis and diagnostic methods of immediate relevance for epidemiology and control of Salmonella Dublin in cattle Nielsen, Liza Rosenbaum Veterinary Microbiology 2013 Resting and social behaviour of dairy heifers housed in slatted floor pens with different sized bedded lying areas Hindhede, Jens, Krohn, Christian et al Resting and social behaviour of dairy heifers housed in slatted floor pens with different sized bedded lying areas Hindhede, Jens, Krohn, Christian, Mogensen, Lisbeth, Nielsen, Lone Harder, Sørensen, Jan Tind Applied Animal Behaviour Science 1997 The hypothesis that an increase in the straw bedded resting area for group housed heifers would increase synchronization of resting behaviour and decrease aggressive and abnormal behaviour was tested. An experiment was conducted on two Danish commercial dairy farms with 20 Danish Friesian heifers (approximately 400 kg) from November 1994 to April 1995. The experimental pens were constructed on existing slatted floor and contained a total area of 27 m2 per pen with five heifers in each pen. Three different sizes of lying area (1.8, 2.7 and 3.6 m2 per heifer) bedded with straw were established in each pen for three consecutive periods of 5 weeks. Resting and social behaviour were recorded using direct observations for 24 h at the end of each 5 week treatment period. The synchronization of resting behaviour was reduced (P = 0.002) when the heifers were offered 1.8 m2 bedded lying area per heifer compared with 2.7 or 3.6 m2 per heifer, and the heifers were more aggressive, as more butting (P = 0.007) and forcing another heifer to stand up (P = 0.02) were seen. The frequency of leaning against other heifers was highest (P = 0.05) at the lowest space allowance in the bedded area. The results indicate that increasing the resting area from 1.8 m2 to 2.7 or 3.6 m2 per heifer improved the welfare of group housed dairy heifers. A study of the dynamics of digital dermatitis in 742 lactating dairy cows Green, L. E., Kaler, J., Nielsen, B. H. et al A study of the dynamics of digital dermatitis in 742 lactating dairy cows Green, L. E., Kaler, J., Nielsen, B. H., Thomsen, P. T. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2012 Digital dermatitis (DD) is a contagious disease of cattle affecting the skin of the claw. The disease presents with a range of severities and can be associated with lameness. Information about the disease dynamics of DD is scarce. Parity and lactation stage have been identified as risk factors for DD and studies have also indicated that not all cows are equal regarding their risk of recurrent disease and prospects for cure from DD. The aim of this study was to investigate host heterogeneity to DD and to identify disease patterns of DD and factors associated with the development and resolution of lesions. In three commercial dairy herds, 742 lactating cows were observed for DD lesions weekly for 11 or 12 weeks. The effects of parity, lactation stage and duration of preceding episode on the hazard of transitions between healthy and lesion states were analysed using a multilevel multistate discrete-time model. One or more DD lesions were observed in 460 cows and lesions were observed in 2426 out of 10,585 observations. In total, 1755 uncensored episodes with DD lesions were observed. Early lactation was associated with a reduced risk of developing lesions compared with mid and late lactation. Lesions that developed in late lactation had a greater likelihood of resolution compared with lesions that developed during early lactation. There was a reduced risk of lesions developing in parity 3 compared with parity 1 cows, but an increased risk of lesions developing in parity 2 compared with parity 1 cows. In the present study, the mean duration of uncensored DD episodes was 1.7 weeks indicating that the duration of the majority of DD lesions might be shorter than the 42 days reported previously. The transitions between disease states suggest that DD is a dynamic disease, and that the early stage lesions are more transient than expected from previous studies. We conclude that studies with shorter observation intervals than one week are needed to fully understand and describe the individual and group dynamics of DD. Feet lesions and lameness prevalence in dairy cows kept in permanent confinement (free-stall and tie-stall) Alves, A. L. G., de Souza, F. A. A. et al Feet lesions and lameness prevalence in dairy cows kept in permanent confinement (free-stall and tie-stall) Alves, A. L. G., de Souza, F. A. A., Hussni, C. A., Nicoletti, J. L. M., Souza, F. A. A., Thomassian, A. Revista de Educacao Continuada do CRMV SP 2001 Southeastern Plants Toxic to Ruminants Nicholson, Steven S. Southeastern Plants Toxic to Ruminants Nicholson, Steven S. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2011 Noninfectious Joint Disease in Cattle Lardé, Hélène, Nichols, Sylvain Noninfectious Joint Disease in Cattle Lardé, Hélène, Nichols, Sylvain Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2014 Effect of location on severity and prognosis of limb cellulitis in six cows Nguhiu-Mwangi, J. A. Effect of location on severity and prognosis of limb cellulitis in six cows Nguhiu-Mwangi, J. A. Veterinary Record 1989 Six dairy cows with limb cellulitis responded differently to treatment. The location of the cellulitis on the limb seemed to influence the course, severity and prognosis of the disease, as judged by its responsiveness to therapy. Cellulitis which extended from the coronet to above the carpus or hock was more severe and had a poorer prognosis than cellulitis distal to these joints. The degree of lameness exhibited by the cows indicated the severity and extent of the underlying cellulitis The Economics of Pain Management Newton, Heather P., O’Connor et al The Economics of Pain Management Newton, Heather P., O’Connor, Annette M. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2013 Linking bone development on the caudal aspect of the distal phalanx with lameness during life Bell, N.J., Chagunda, M. G. G., Green et al Linking bone development on the caudal aspect of the distal phalanx with lameness during life Bell, N.J., Chagunda, M. G. G., Green, M. J., Huxley, J.N., Mason, C. S., Newsome, R., Rutland, C. S., Sturrock, C. J., Whay, H. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2016 Claw horn disruption lesions (CHDL; sole hemorrhage, sole ulcer, and white line disease) cause a large proportion of lameness in dairy cattle, yet their etiopathogenesis remains poorly understood. Untreated CHDL may be associated with damage to the internal anatomy of the foot, including to the caudal aspect of the distal phalanx upon which bone developments have been reported with age and with sole ulcers at slaughter. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether bone development was associated with poor locomotion and occurrence of CHDL during a cow’s life. A retrospective cohort study imaged 282 hind claws from 72 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows culled from a research herd using X-ray micro–computed tomography (μ-CT; resolution: 0.11 mm). Four measures of bone development were taken from the caudal aspect of each distal phalanx, in caudal, ventral, and dorsal directions, and combined within each claw. Cow-level variables were constructed to quantify the average bone development on all hind feet (BD-Ave) and bone development on the most severely affected claw (BD-Max). Weekly locomotion scores (1–5 scale) were available from first calving. The variables BD-Ave and BD-Max were used as outcomes in linear regression models; the explanatory variables included locomotion score during life, age, binary variables denoting lifetime occurrence of CHDL and of infectious causes of lameness, and other cow variables. Both BD-Max and BD-Ave increased with age, CHDL occurrence, and an increasing proportion of locomotion scores at which a cow was lame (score 4 or 5). The models estimated that BD-Max would be 9.8 mm (SE 3.9) greater in cows that had been lame at >50% of scores within the 12 mo before slaughter (compared with cows that had been assigned no lame scores during the same period), or 7.0 mm (SE 2.2) greater if the cow had been treated for a CHDL during life (compared with cows that had not). Additionally, histology demonstrated that new bone development was osteoma, also termed “exostosis.” Age explained much of the variation in bone development. The association between bone development and locomotion score during life is a novel finding, and bone development appears specific to CHDL. Bone development on the most severely affected foot was the best explained outcome and would seem most likely to influence locomotion score. To stop irreparable anatomical damage within the foot, early identification of CHDL and effective treatment could be critical. Distribution of lameness lesions in beef cattle: A retrospective analysis of 745 cases Chamorro, M. F., Newcomer, B. W. Distribution of lameness lesions in beef cattle: A retrospective analysis of 745 cases Chamorro, M. F., Newcomer, B. W. Can Vet J 2016 The objective of this retrospective study was to characterize the relative prevalence of diagnoses and location of lameness lesions in beef cattle. Medical records from 2005 to 2012 were reviewed and 745 cases of beef cattle that had presented for lameness were identified. Information regarding signalment, lesion location, and cause of lameness was analyzed. The cause of lameness was localized to the foot in approximately 85% of cases; a hind limb was affected over 70% of the time. The lateral claw was most commonly affected in cases of both fore- and hind-limb lameness. The most common diagnoses of noninfectious etiology were screw claw, vertical fissure, and interdigital fibroma. Infectious foot disease accounted for only 20% of foot lameness. Routine foot trimming may be warranted in some herds to improve weight-bearing balance and alleviate lameness.
Publisher: Repartition des lesions de boiterie chez les bovins de boucherie : analyse retrospective de 745 cas. L'objectif de cette etude retrospective etait de determiner la prevalence relative des differentes lesions a l'origine d'une boiterie chez des bovins de boucherie admis dans un hopital universitaire veterinaire. Les dossiers medicaux datant de 2005 a 2012 ont ete examines et 745 cas de boiterie ont ete identifies. Les renseignements concernant le signalement, la localisation de la lesion et l'origine de la boiterie ont ete analyses. La boiterie a ete attribuee a une pathologie du pied dans approximativement 85 % des cas. Dans de tels cas, un membre posterieur etait affecte dans 70 % des cas. L'onglon lateral etait le plus souvent affecte qu'il s'agisse d'une boiterie d'un membre anterieur ou posterieur. Les lesions d'origine non infectieuse les plus souvent identifiees etaient une concavite de la muraille (pied enroule ou pied chinois), une fissure verticale et une hyperplasie interdigitale. Les lesions d'origine infectieuse representaient seulement 20 % des cas de boiterie lies a une lesion du pied. Un parage fonctionnel regulier est probablement necessaire dans certains troupeaux de bovins de boucherie afin d'ameliorer la repartition des charges entre les onglons et l'incidence des boiteries.(Traduit par Thibaud Kuca).
fre Effects of meloxicam on milk production, behavior, and feed intake in dairy cows following assisted calving Duffield, Todd F., LeBlanc, Stephen J. et al Effects of meloxicam on milk production, behavior, and feed intake in dairy cows following assisted calving Duffield, Todd F., LeBlanc, Stephen J., Leslie, Ken E., Newby, Nathalie C., Pearl, David L., von Keyserlingk, Marina A. G. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 The effect of administering ketoprofen on the physiology and behavior of dairy cows following surgery to correct a left displaced... Duffield, Todd F., LeBlanc, Stephen J. et al The effect of administering ketoprofen on the physiology and behavior of dairy cows following surgery to correct a left displaced abomasum Duffield, Todd F., LeBlanc, Stephen J., Leslie, Ken E., Newby, Nathalie C., Pearl, David L., von Keyserlingk, Marina A. G. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Hoof Discomfort Changes How Dairy Cattle Distribute Their Body Weight de Passille, A. M., Neveux, S., Rushen et al Hoof Discomfort Changes How Dairy Cattle Distribute Their Body Weight de Passille, A. M., Neveux, S., Rushen, J., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2006 Lameness is a costly and widespread health and welfare problem in intensive dairy production, and reliable automated methods to detect lameness are needed. Lameness may be detected through the measurement of how cattle distribute their weight among their 4 legs, but this requires an understanding of how cattle redistribute their weight in response to pain in one or more limbs. In 3 experiments, 13, 12, and 15 Holstein dairy cows were trained to stand on a platform that measured the weight placed on each limb. We replaced the soft rubber surface under either 1 or 2 hooves with an uncomfortable concrete surface. Cows placed less weight on a back hoof that was placed on an uncomfortable surface, and they redistributed the majority of the weight onto the contralateral back hoof but did not change the distribution of weight on their front hooves. When the same surface was placed under a front hoof, cows placed less weight on that hoof and placed more weight on the contralateral front hoof and the ipsilateral back hoof. The variation in weight the cow placed on both contralateral hooves increased when one of the hooves was on the uncomfortable surface. Cows placed more weight on the back hooves when both front hooves were standing on uncomfortable surfaces, although no change was observed when back hooves were on uncomfortable surfaces. Dairy cows remove weight from a limb in response to limb discomfort and redistribute this weight primarily to the contralateral limb. The variation in weight over time applied to a pair of contralateral limbs increases in response to discomfort in one hoof. Cows have only limited ability to shift weight from front to back. Measures of weight distribution may provide useful on-farm techniques for the detection of lameness. Reproductive performance with an automated activity monitoring system versus a synchronized breeding program LeBlanc, S. J., Leslie, K. E., Neves et al Reproductive performance with an automated activity monitoring system versus a synchronized breeding program LeBlanc, S. J., Leslie, K. E., Neves, R. C., Walton, J. S. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Surgical repair of peripheral detachment of the medial meniscus in 34 cattle Huhn, J. C., Kneller, S. K., Nelson et al Surgical repair of peripheral detachment of the medial meniscus in 34 cattle Huhn, J. C., Kneller, S. K., Nelson, D. R. Veterinary Record 1990 A detachment of the periphery of the medial meniscus from the joint capsule and medial collateral ligament in 34 cattle was repaired by securing the meniscus to the joint capsule with vertical mattress sutures during arthrotomy. Of 28 cattle with follow-up reports, 20 had recovered satisfactorily by their owners' evaluations; 17 were either not lame or slightly lame after the operation and three were moderately lame. Three of four cattle without follow-up reports were either not lame or slightly lame or slightly lame when discharged from the hospital Peripheral detachment of the medial meniscus with injury to the medial collateral ligament in 50 cattle Huhn, J. C., Kneller, S. K., Nelson et al Peripheral detachment of the medial meniscus with injury to the medial collateral ligament in 50 cattle Huhn, J. C., Kneller, S. K., Nelson, D. R. Veterinary Record 1990 In 50 cattle the periphery of the medial meniscus had separated from the joint capsule and medial collateral ligament. The meniscus was hypermobile when varus and valgus stress were applied to the stifle joint, and concurrent injury to the collateral ligament allowed the medial side of the stifle joint to gape. Separation of the medial collateral ligament from the joint capsule and medial meniscus was seen at arthrotomy in 34 animals. In addition to signs of stifle injury, the affected cattle tended to abduct the leg and bear weight on the medial claw Intermittent lameness in two cows from detachment of the anterior horn of the medial meniscus Nelson, D. R., Smith, R. M. Intermittent lameness in two cows from detachment of the anterior horn of the medial meniscus Nelson, D. R., Smith, R. M. Veterinary Record 1990 Treatment of proximal hind-limb lameness in cattle. [Review] [50 refs] Nelson, D. R. Treatment of proximal hind-limb lameness in cattle. [Review] [50 refs] Nelson, D. R. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1985 Lameness of the hind limb (tarsus and proximal) in cattle is considered from the viewpoint of diagnosis and prognosis. Indications and techniques for radiography are discussed, as well as when indicated. [References: 50] Culling and laminitis: Real herds, real cows, real deaths Cattell, Marguerita B., Nelson, Arden J. Culling and laminitis: Real herds, real cows, real deaths Cattell, Marguerita B., Nelson, Arden J. Bovine Practitioner 2001 Four New York dairy herds, ranging in size from 518 to 2007 cows, were studied. The overall culling rate was 27.6% and ranged from 15.6% to 42.9%. Cows with a history of laminitis lesions were culled during the current lactation at a rate 1.77 times higher than cows with no laminitis lesions. A history of laminitis in the current lactation significantly increased the likelihood of culling due to foot and leg problems, reproduction, mastitis, low production and other reasons. Overall, laminitis was associated with 9.8% of culling in the entire herd and 43.5% of culling among cows with a history of laminitis Genetic associations of test-day fat:protein ratio with milk yield, fertility, and udder health traits in Nordic Red cattle Mäntysaari, E. A., Negussie, E. et al Genetic associations of test-day fat:protein ratio with milk yield, fertility, and udder health traits in Nordic Red cattle Mäntysaari, E. A., Negussie, E., Strandén, I. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Analysis of behavioral changes in dairy cows associated with claw horn lesions Friedli, K., Muller, H., Nechanitzky et al Analysis of behavioral changes in dairy cows associated with claw horn lesions Friedli, K., Muller, H., Nechanitzky, K., Reckardt, M., Starke, A., Steiner, A., Vidondo, B. J Dairy Sci 2016 Detecting lame cows is important in improving animal welfare. Automated tools are potentially useful to enable identification and monitoring of lame cows. The goals of this study were to evaluate the suitability of various physiological and behavioral parameters to automatically detect lameness in dairy cows housed in a cubicle barn. Lame cows suffering from a claw horn lesion (sole ulcer or white line disease) of one claw of the same hind limb (n=32; group L) and 10 nonlame healthy cows (group C) were included in this study. Lying and standing behavior at night by tridimensional accelerometers, weight distribution between hind limbs by the 4-scale weighing platform, feeding behavior at night by the nose band sensor, and heart activity by the Polar device (Polar Electro Oy, Kempele, Finland) were assessed. Either the entire data set or parts of the data collected over a 48-h period were used for statistical analysis, depending upon the parameter in question. The standing time at night over 12 h and the limb weight ratio (LWR) were significantly higher in group C as compared with group L, whereas the lying time at night over 12 h, the mean limb difference ( big up tri, openweight), and the standard deviation (SD) of the weight applied on the limb taking less weight were significantly lower in group C as compared with group L. No significant difference was noted between the groups for the parameters of heart activity and feeding behavior at night. The locomotion score of cows in group L was positively correlated with the lying time and big up tri, openweight, whereas it was negatively correlated with LWR and SD. The highest sensitivity (0.97) for lameness detection was found for the parameter SD [specificity of 0.80 and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.84]. The highest specificity (0.90) for lameness detection was present for Deltaweight (sensitivity=0.78; AUC=0.88) and LWR (sensitivity=0.81; AUC=0.87). The model considering the data of SD together with lying time at night was the best predictor of cows being lame, accounting for 40% of the variation in the likelihood of a cow being lame (sensitivity=0.94; specificity=0.80; AUC=0.86). In conclusion, the data derived from the 4-scale-weighing platform, either alone or combined with the lying time at night over 12 h, represent the most valuable parameters for automated identification of lame cows suffering from a claw horn lesion of one individual hind limb. Some observations on the incidence of lameness in dairy cattle in Zimbabwe Ndikuwera, J., Zishiri, C. Some observations on the incidence of lameness in dairy cattle in Zimbabwe Ndikuwera, J., Zishiri, C. Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa 1990 Of 1942 adult cows in 8 dairy farms around Harare 24% were lame; 27.5% had lesions that could potentially cause lameness. Of the 1513 lesions recorded the commonest was acute aseptic laminitis (72.2%), followed by interdigital hyperplasia (9.1%), underrum heel (3%), hoof overgrowth (2.9%) and sole ulcer (2.4%). Prevalence of lameness was highest (56%) in a large, intensively managed farm having cows in concrete sheds with coarse gravel floor and poorly drained watering areas Idiopathic septic gonitis in five Holstein-Friesian heifers Ndikuwera, J. Idiopathic septic gonitis in five Holstein-Friesian heifers Ndikuwera, J. Veterinary Record 1989 Five cases of gonitis in young cows are reported. In all cases lameness was severe with no weight bearing on the affected limbs. The joints were swollen. No organisms were isolated from the fluids aspirated from the joints but cytological examination showed large numbers of neutrophils, and biochemical analysis showed increases in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase Isolation of spirochaetes from an incident of severe virulent ovine footrot. Burnell, M.C., Jones, J.R., Martin et al Isolation of spirochaetes from an incident of severe virulent ovine footrot. Burnell, M.C., Jones, J.R., Martin, P. K., Naylor, R. D. Vet Rec 1998 Effect of lameness and lesion specific causes of lameness on time budgets of dairy cows at pasture and when housed Green, Laura E., Navarro, Grisel et al Effect of lameness and lesion specific causes of lameness on time budgets of dairy cows at pasture and when housed Green, Laura E., Navarro, Grisel, Tadich, Néstor The Veterinary Journal 2013 Exogenous progesterone enhances ova and embryo quality following superstimulation of the first follicular wave in Nelore (Bos... Baruselli, P. S., Bó, G. A., Mapletoft et al Exogenous progesterone enhances ova and embryo quality following superstimulation of the first follicular wave in Nelore (Bos indicus) donors Baruselli, P. S., Bó, G. A., Mapletoft, R. J., Nasser, L. F., Reis, E. L., Rezende, C. R., Sá Filho, M. F. Theriogenology 2011 Haematoma of the heel as a cause of lameness in dairy cattle. [letter; comment.] Nash, G. D. Haematoma of the heel as a cause of lameness in dairy cattle. [letter; comment.] Nash, G. D. Veterinary Record 1997 Consumer liking and willingness to pay for high welfare animal-based products Braghieri, Ada, Girolami, Antonio et al Consumer liking and willingness to pay for high welfare animal-based products Braghieri, Ada, Girolami, Antonio, Napolitano, Fabio Trends in Food Science & Technology 2010 Opioid Modulation of the Hypothalamopituitary-Adrenal Axis in Dairy-Cows Dobson, H., Nanda, A. S., Ward, W.R. Opioid Modulation of the Hypothalamopituitary-Adrenal Axis in Dairy-Cows Dobson, H., Nanda, A. S., Ward, W.R. Domestic Animal Endocrinology 1992 Plasma cortisol responses to an intravenous bolus treatment with 250 mg naloxone, 300 mg morphine or a combination, were studied in Holstein-Friesian cows; 4 in early lactation (29-43 d post-partum) and 7 in mid-lactation (90-155 d post-partum). Blood samples were collected every 15 min from 60 min before to 90 min after treatment. Naloxone induced an immediate increase in cortisol concentration, reaching a peak within 30 min. The cortisol response (area under the curve) was positively correlated with pre-naloxone cortisol concentrations (r = 0.7, p < 0.05). The mean increase in cortisol concentration after naloxone appeared to be lower in early lactation (1.8 ng/ml) than in mid-lactation (8.3 ng/ml). In contrast, morphine consistently suppressed mean tonic plasma cortisol concentration by 2.7 ng/ml below baseline for at least 90 min. When given with morphine, naloxone counteracted the suppressive effects; the cortisol response was similar to that after naloxone alone. A cow in mid-lactation, suffering from chronic lameness (joint infection), gave opposite results, i.e., treatment with morphine alone increased cortisol concentration, whereas morphine with naloxone did not result in the expected large increase in plasma cortisol concentration. In conclusion, the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis of dairy cows appears to be under suppressive opioidergic control. However, the opioidergic system involved in hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal functions of an animal under chronic stress behaved in an opposite manner. Opioid modulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in dairy cows Nanda, A. S. Opioid modulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in dairy cows Nanda, A. S. Domestic Animal Endocrinology 1992 Plasma cortisol responses to an intravenous bolus treatment with 250 mg naloxone, 300 mg morphine or a combination, were studied in Holstein-Friesian cows; 4 in early lactation (29-43 d postpartum) and 7 in mid-lactation (90-155 d post-partum). Blood samples were collected every 15 min from 60 min before to 90 min after treatment. Naloxone induced an immediate increase in cortisol concentration, reaching a peak within 30 min. The cortisol response (area under the curve) was positively correlated with pre-naloxone cortisol concentrations (r = 0.7, p < 0.05). The mean increase in cortisol concentration after naloxone appeared to be lower in early lactation (1.8 ng/ml) than in mid-lactation (8.3 ng/ml). In contrast, morphine consistently suppressed mean tonic plasma cortisol concentration by 2.7 ng/ml below baseline for at least 90 min. When given with morphine, naloxone counteracted the suppressive effects; the cortisol response was similar to that after naloxone alone. A cow in mid-lactation, suffering from chronic lameness (joint infection), gave opposite results, i.e., treatment with morphine alone increased cortisol concentration, whereas morphine with naloxone did not result in the expected large increase in plasma cortisol concentration. In conclusion, the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis of dairy cows appears to be under suppressive opioidergic control. However, the opioidergic system involved in hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal functions of an animal under chronic stress behaved in an opposite manner The association between lameness and fertility in dairy cattle Cheng, J. T., Cheng, JongTae, Cho et al The association between lameness and fertility in dairy cattle Cheng, J. T., Cheng, JongTae, Cho, M. R., Cho, MyoungRae, Jang, K. H., Jang, KwangHo, Kim, Y. C., Kim, YoungChan, Nam, T. C., Nam, TchiChou, Seo, K. M., Seo, KangMoon, Yeon, S. C., Yeon, SeongChan Korean Journal of Veterinary Clinical Medicine 1999 140 cows with claw disorder were used to study the association between lameness and reproductive disorders. Poor oestrus due to ovarian hypoplasia (41.4%) followed by follicular cyst (39.3%) were the most frequent disorders. 294 cows were studied for association between lameness and calving to first service and calving to conception intervals and the effects of lactation number, claw disease and floor conditions. A comparison of number of services per conception between lame and sound cows was also carried out. The calving to first service intervals were significantly increased from an average of 78 to 102.5 days and calving to conception intervals were significantly increased from 109.6 to 150.6 days in lame cows. The calving to first service and calving to conception intervals were not significant different between lactations in lame cows. There were no significant differences for calving to first service and calving to conception intervals in lame cows associated with claw disease and floor conditions. The average number of services per conception was increased from 1.73 to 2.57 in lame cows. Service numbers were higher for the second lactation (3.0 services) but there was no significant difference between lactations in lame cows. The results indicate that lame cows have lower fertility Mechanical nociception thresholds in lame sows: Evidence of hyperalgesia as measured by two different methods Janssens, G. P. J., Maes, D., Millet et al Mechanical nociception thresholds in lame sows: Evidence of hyperalgesia as measured by two different methods Janssens, G. P. J., Maes, D., Millet, S., Nalon, E., Piepers, S., Tuyttens, F. A. M., van Riet, M. M. J. The Veterinary Journal 2013 Assessment of lameness and claw lesions in sows Conte, S., Devillers, N., Maes, D. et al Assessment of lameness and claw lesions in sows Conte, S., Devillers, N., Maes, D., Nalon, E., Tuyttens, F. A. M. Livestock Science 2013 Mass outbreak of verrucous dermatitis and digital papillomatosis caused by Treponema-like spirochetes in dairy cattle Abe, H., Abe, T., Ando, T., Fujimoto et al Mass outbreak of verrucous dermatitis and digital papillomatosis caused by Treponema-like spirochetes in dairy cattle Abe, H., Abe, T., Ando, T., Fujimoto, K., Ito, A., Kikuchi, N., Koiwa, M., Kusaba, N., Munakata, T., Nagai, F., Ota, H., Tanaka, M., Taniyama, H., Yamamoto, Y. Journal of the Japan Veterinary Medical Association 2000 A research on the effect of fibre content of feed rations on the incidence of subclinical laminitis in beef bulls Beeckman, D., de Kruif, A., Kruif et al A research on the effect of fibre content of feed rations on the incidence of subclinical laminitis in beef bulls Beeckman, D., de Kruif, A., Kruif, A. de, Naert, G. Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift 1999 A study was carried out between 25 September 1997 and 12 July 1998 in Belgium with 52 young beef bulls. Bulls were divided into 4 groups and fed on rations of maize silage (MV) + concentrated feed (KV) with varying fibre content. Group 1 was fed on 51 MV/49 KV, group 2 on 36/64, and group 3 and 4 on 22/78. Animals of group 4 had free access to straw. Thirty-two bulls were housed on a floor covered with a thick layer of sawdust and they also had access to a concrete floor in the open without bedding (Stable I). Twenty bulls were housed on the same type of floor, but without access to the open area (Stable II). Bulls were slaughtered after approximately 200 days (650 kg bodyweight) and sagittal cuts were made through their claws. No significant difference in the incidence of subclinical laminitis was found for different groups. However, bulls housed in stable I showed significantly fewer signs of subclinical laminitis Effect of rations differing in fibre on the incidence of subclinical laminitis in beef bulls Beeckman, D., de Kruif, A., Naert, G. Effect of rations differing in fibre on the incidence of subclinical laminitis in beef bulls Beeckman, D., de Kruif, A., Naert, G. Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift 1999 Genome sequence and identification of candidate vaccine antigens from the animal pathogen Dichelobacter nodosus Adler, B., Al-Hasani, K., Badger, J. H. et al Genome sequence and identification of candidate vaccine antigens from the animal pathogen Dichelobacter nodosus Adler, B., Al-Hasani, K., Badger, J. H., Bottomley, S. P., Boyce, J. D., DeBoy, R. T., Fedorova, N., Han, X. Y., Holley, T., Kennan, R. M., Khouri, H., Madupu, R., McCarl, V. P., Mohamoud, Y., Myers, G. S. A., Nelson, W. C., Parker, D., Paulsen, I. T., Ren, Q. H., Rood, J. I., Seemann, T., Selengut, J. D., Songer, J. G., Tettelin, H., Whittington, R. J. Nature Biotechnology 2007 Dichelobacter nodosus causes ovine footrot, a disease that leads to severe economic losses in the wool and meat industries. We sequenced its 1.4-Mb genome, the smallest known genome of an anaerobe. It differs markedly from small genomes of intracellular bacteria, retaining greater biosynthetic capabilities and lacking any evidence of extensive ongoing genome reduction. Comparative genomic microarray studies and bioinformatic analysis suggested that, despite its small size, almost 20% of the genome is derived from lateral gene transfer. Most of these regions seem to be associated with virulence. Metabolic reconstruction indicated unsuspected capabilities, including carbohydrate utilization, electron transfer and several aerobic pathways. Global transcriptional profiling and bioinformatic analysis enabled the prediction of virulence factors and cell surface proteins. Screening of these proteins against ovine antisera identified eight immunogenic proteins that are candidate antigens for a cross-protective vaccine. Molecular characterization of Mycobacterium bovis isolates from pastoral livestock at Mikumi-Selous ecosystem in the eastern... Kazwala, Rudovick R., Makondo et al Molecular characterization of Mycobacterium bovis isolates from pastoral livestock at Mikumi-Selous ecosystem in the eastern Tanzania Kazwala, Rudovick R., Makondo, Zachariah E., Malakalinga, Joseph, Moser, Irmgard, Mwakapuja, Richard S., Tanner, Manfred Tuberculosis 2013 Survival of the ovine footrot pathogen Dichelobacter nodosus in different soils Calvo-Bado, Leo A., Green, Laura E. et al Survival of the ovine footrot pathogen Dichelobacter nodosus in different soils Calvo-Bado, Leo A., Green, Laura E., James, Philip, King, Hayley, Muzafar, Mohd, Tichauer, Esther, Wellington, Elizabeth M. H. Anaerobe 2016 Dichelobacter nodosus (D. nodosus) is the causative agent of footrot in sheep; one of the most important health and welfare issues of sheep worldwide. For control programmes to be effective, it is essential that the transmission cycle of D. nodosus is understood and bacterial reservoirs in the environment are better defined. This study evaluated the survival of D. nodosus in different soils using soil microcosms. Cultivation independent and dependent methods were used to detect D. nodosus over 40 days from seeding in soil. A D. nodosus specific probe was used for quantification by qPCR and viability was assessed by cell permeability to an intercalating dye, PMA, and by culture. Survival varied dramatically depending on soil type, matric potential (MP) and temperature. Our findings indicate that D. nodosus survival was higher at 5 °C compared with 25 °C in all soils and significantly longer at both temperatures in clay soil (>44% clay) compared with other soil types. Survival under all conditions was longer than 30 days for both culture independent and dependent methods, this is substantially longer than previous studies and, if this is an infectious dose, longer than the current recommendation of resting a field for 14 days to prevent onward infection. Observer Variation in-Field Data Describing Foot Shape in Dairy- Cattle Downham, D. Y., Manson, F. J., Merritt et al Observer Variation in-Field Data Describing Foot Shape in Dairy- Cattle Downham, D. Y., Manson, F. J., Merritt, J. R., Murray, R. D., Russell, W. B. Research in Veterinary Science 1994 A qualitative scoring method was devised to describe foot shape in dairy cattle, which relied solely on visual observations. Four independent trained observers used the method to assess the foot shape of 248 cows located on three farms on two different occasions, and the percentages of agreement and near-agreement for intraobserver and interobserver variation on scores for foot shape were calculated. Score assessment methods were suitable for describing features with a broad variation within one score value; reducing the number of observers did not improve best agreement between separate observations by more than 80 per cent Some relationships between spirochaete infections and digital dermatitis in four UK dairy herds Carter, S. D., Demirkan, I., Downham et al Some relationships between spirochaete infections and digital dermatitis in four UK dairy herds Carter, S. D., Demirkan, I., Downham, D. Y., Murray, R. D. Research in Veterinary Science 2002 Digital dermatitis, presenting as a focal necrotic dermatitis on the skin of cows' feet adjacent to the interdigital space, has been associated with dermal infection by spirochaetes. Lesions cause severe, transient lameness. An enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) was used to measure IgG(2) antibody titres against three different spirochaetes: USA bovine Treponema isolates 1-9185MED and 2-1498, and a UK strain of Borrelia burgdorferi B31. Logistic models were used to describe lesion prevalence in terms of the antibody titres, herd and milking status, year, lactation number, and yield. The antibody titres and milking status (P < 0.001) dominated the logistic fits, with the other variables adding little. Generalised linear models were used to describe the antibody titres in terms of the presence or absence of lesions, herd, year, lactation number, and yield. The presence or absence of lesions had the most significant effect for all three antibodies (P < 0.001). Neither the herd effects nor the effects due to lactation number or yield showed consistent patterns. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Epidemiology of lameness in dairy cattle: Description and analysis of foot lesions Clarkson, M. J., Downham, D. Y., Faull et al Epidemiology of lameness in dairy cattle: Description and analysis of foot lesions Clarkson, M. J., Downham, D. Y., Faull, W. B., Hughes, J. W., Manson, F. J., Merritt, J. B., Murray, R. D., Russell, W. B., Sutherst, J. E., Ward, W.R. Veterinary Record 1996 Information from 37 dairy farms, in four regions of England and Wales provided data on 8991 lesions and the preventive trimming of 4837 cows' feet. Of the total of 13,828 forms returned, veterinary surgeons treated 32 per cent and farmers or stockmen 46 per cent. Of the 8645 lesions associated with episodes of lameness, lesions in the hindlimbs accounted for 92 per cent, of which 65 per cent were in the outer claw, 20 per tent in the skin and 14 per cent in the inner claw. Sole ulcers (40 per cent) and white line lesions (29 per cent) were the predominant diseases of horn, and digital dermatitis (40 per cent) was the most common disease of the skin. Subjective assessments showed that sandcrack, penetration of the sole by foreign bodies and interdigital necrobacillosis were associated with the most severe cases of lameness. There was a significant seasonal effect in the reporting of lesions. Mixed Treponeme infections can potentially produce more severe disease Murray, R. D. Mixed Treponeme infections can potentially produce more severe disease Murray, R. D. 2006 Aetio-pathogenesis of anaerobic infections associated with bovine lameness and some human diseases Murray, R. D. Aetio-pathogenesis of anaerobic infections associated with bovine lameness and some human diseases Murray, R. D. 13th International symposium and conference on lameness in ruminants 2004 Update on Lameness in cattle: proceedings of 6th International Symposium on Diseases of the Ruminant Digit, Liverpool, UK, 1990 Murray, R. D. Update on Lameness in cattle: proceedings of 6th International Symposium on Diseases of the Ruminant Digit, Liverpool, UK, 1990 Murray, R. D. The 37 papers contained in these proceedings cover laminitis, housing and lameness, anatomy and physiology of the hoof and foot, lameness and fertility, costs of lameness in dairy herds, and selection for claw soundness. As well as papers on laminitis in cattle there are comparative studies on laminitis in sheep and goats, horses, and pigs A new initiative in lameness research: The Cochrane approach Murray, Richard A new initiative in lameness research: The Cochrane approach Murray, Richard Veterinary Journal 2002 Researching risk factors associated with cattle lameness. [letter; comment.] Murray, R. Researching risk factors associated with cattle lameness. [letter; comment.] Murray, R. Veterinary Journal 2000 Epiphysitis in beef cattle fattened on slatted floors Murphy, P. A. Epiphysitis in beef cattle fattened on slatted floors Murphy, P. A. Veterinary Record 1975 A syndrome which causes severe lameness and affects the fetlock area of the hind limbs was recently encountered in beef cattle housed on slatted floors. This condition does not appear to have been reported to others. On radiological and pathological examination of the limb, a lesion of epiphysitis was found in the distal epiphysis of the metatarsus. The clinical, radiological and pathological features are reported and discussed Comparison of serum immunoglobulin G half-life in dairy calves fed colostrum, colostrum replacer or administered with intravenous... Chigerwe, Munashe, Hagey, Jill V. et al Comparison of serum immunoglobulin G half-life in dairy calves fed colostrum, colostrum replacer or administered with intravenous bovine plasma Chigerwe, Munashe, Hagey, Jill V., Murphy, Jacob M. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 2014 The recent prevalence of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection among Japanese cattle Kameyama, Ken-ichiro, Kobayashi, Sota et al The recent prevalence of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection among Japanese cattle Kameyama, Ken-ichiro, Kobayashi, Sota, Konishi, Misako, Murakami, Kenji, Tsutsui, Toshiyuki, Yamamoto, Takehisa Veterinary Microbiology 2011 Lymphadenopathy and non-suppurative meningo-encephalitis in calves experimentally infected with bovine immunodeficiency-linked... Dawson, M., Horigan, M., Jeffrey, M. et al Lymphadenopathy and non-suppurative meningo-encephalitis in calves experimentally infected with bovine immunodeficiency-linked virus (FL112) Dawson, M., Horigan, M., Jeffrey, M., Lysons, R., Munro, R., Venables, C. Journal of Comparative Pathology 1998 In an experiment on bovine immunodeficiency-like virus (BIV), the virological and serological aspects of which were reported in an earlier paper, three groups (A, B and C) of three calves were inoculated subcutaneously with a recently isolated strain (FL112). For group B and group C, the virus was suspended in milk, and for group C (controls) the viral suspension was subjected to pasteurization before inoculation. The calves were killed for necropsy 12 months later. Clinical assessment revealed subtle ataxia in two group A calves, which took the form of an intermittent "shifting" (from one leg to another) lameness, and palpable enlargement of the pre-scapular lymph nodes in one group B animal. At necropsy, haemal lymph nodes (0.1 to 0.5 cm in diameter), occurring singly, were observed in all animals. However, in groups A and B (but not C), enlarged haemal lymph nodes (ltoreq 2 cm in diameter) were also seen, occurring singly and in chains; and in one group A animal they occurred in grape-like clusters. In groups A and B (but not C), histopathological examination revealed generalized hyperplastic changes in lymph nodes, especially the haemal lymph nodes. This finding was particularly striking in the two clinically ataxic animals from group A, which also showed a non-suppurative meningo-encephalitis; the latter was possibly the cause of the subtle-clinical signs. This study supports previous findings on lymphadenopathy resulting from experimental injection with BIV Lymphadenopathy and non-suppurative meningo-encephalitis in calves experimentally infected with bovine immunodeficiency-like... Munro, R. Lymphadenopathy and non-suppurative meningo-encephalitis in calves experimentally infected with bovine immunodeficiency-like virus (FL112) Munro, R. Journal of Comparative Pathology 1998 In an experiment on bovine immunodeficiency-like virus (BIV), the virological and serological aspects of which were reported in an earlier paper, three groups (A, B and C) of three calves were inoculated subcutaneously with a recently isolated strain (FL112). For group B and group C, the virus was suspended in milk, and for group C (controls) the viral suspension was subjected to pasteurization before inoculation. The calves were killed for necropsy 12 months later. Clinical assessment revealed subtle ataxia in two group A calves, which took the form of an intermittent "shifting" (from one leg to another) lameness, and palpable enlargement of the pre-scapular lymph nodes in one group B animal. At necropsy, haemal lymph nodes (0.1 to 0.5 cm in diameter), occurring singly, were observed in all animals. However, in groups A and B (but not C), enlarged haemal lymph nodes (< or = 2 cm in diameter) were also seen, occurring singly and in chains; and in one group A animal they occurred in grape-like clusters. In groups A and B (but not C), histopathological examination revealed generalized hyperplastic changes in lymph nodes, especially the haemal lymph nodes. This finding was particularly striking in the two clinically ataxic animals from group A, which also showed a non-suppurative meningo-encephalitis; the latter was possibly the cause of the subtle clinical signs. This study supports previous findings on lymphadenopathy resulting from experimental infection with BIV Forced versus free traffic in an automated milking system de Passille, A. M., Krohn, C. C. et al Forced versus free traffic in an automated milking system de Passille, A. M., Krohn, C. C., Munksgaard, L., Rushen, J. Livestock Science 2011 Discrimination of People by Dairy Cows Based on Handling de Passille, A. M., Jensen, M. B. et al Discrimination of People by Dairy Cows Based on Handling de Passille, A. M., Jensen, M. B., Munksgaard, L., Rushen, J., Thodberg, K. J Dairy Sci 1997 This study examined whether dairy cows could distinguish among people based on the treatment received, whether cows used color as a cue to make this discrimination, and whether cows generalized their discrimination to other locations. Twelve cows were each repeatedly treated in a special treatment stall by two people wearing red or yellow overalls. One person always treated the cows aversively, and the other always treated them gently. The distance between each person and each cow in the home stall and in the treatment stall was scored during tests. Before treatment, the distances that cows maintained from the two people were uncorrelated, and the distances that they maintained in the treatment stall were uncorrelated with those in the home stall. Before and after treatments, the cows stood further from the handlers in the treatment stall than in the home stall, regardless of color of the overalls. Defecation and urination were more frequent during aversive treatments. After treatment, the cows stood further from the aversive handler than from the gentle handler in both stalls, and distance from the aversive handler was positively correlated with distance from the gentle handler. The cows did not discriminate when the aversive and gentle handlers wore blue overalls (as worn by the usual barn handlers), when two unfamiliar people wore the same color overalls as the handlers, or when the cows were shown photographic slides of the two handlers. In conclusion, the cows learned to discriminate among the handlers, partially based on the color of the clothes worn. This discrimination was generalized to another location. Detection of spirochetes by polymerase chain reaction and its relation to the course of digital dermatitis after local antibiotic... Dopfer, D., Dreher, M., Gaastra, W. et al Detection of spirochetes by polymerase chain reaction and its relation to the course of digital dermatitis after local antibiotic treatment in dairy cattle Dopfer, D., Dreher, M., Gaastra, W., Kruitwagen, C., Mumba, T., van der Zeijst, B. A. M., Zeijst, B. A. M. Journal of Veterinary Medicine.Series B 1999 The course of digital dermatitis after local antibiotic treatment was monitored in an experimental group (11 cattle, treated on diagnosis) and a control group (7 cattle, treated 5 days later) on 2 dairy farms [in the Netherlands?]. The study period was between February and April 1997. Monitoring was performed by means of clinical findings and detection of spirochaetes on the surface of the lesions, using a polymerase chain reaction. Superficial wound smears were taken before and after treatment. 12 animals on both farms followed the classical healing process, but 6 animals responded poorly to treatment. Without treatment, there was no self-cure in the control group within 5 days. There was a significant improvement in the clinical condition of all animals after treatment on both farms, during the follow-up period. The time until reappearance of new digital dermatitis lesions was not significantly different between the experimental and control group, but it was different between the 2 farms, which could be due to the influence of farm factors. Using primers specific for Treponema denticola and Treponema vincentii, all the disease stages had at least one positive polymerase chain reaction result, indicating the presence of spirochaetes in samples of all the disease stages during the healing process. This implies that the spirochaetes are not completely eradicated from the surface of the lesions after treatment. The classical ulcerative disease stage (M2) had relatively more positive polymerase chain reaction results compared with any other disease stage, suggesting a link between the presence of spirochaetes and clinical disease Vaccination of feedlot cattle with extracts and membrane fractions from two Mycoplasma bovis isolates results in strong humoral... Mulongo, Musa, Perez-Casal, Jose et al Vaccination of feedlot cattle with extracts and membrane fractions from two Mycoplasma bovis isolates results in strong humoral immune responses but does not protect against an experimental challenge Mulongo, Musa, Perez-Casal, Jose, Prysliak, Tracy Vaccine 2013 Surgical Management of Septic Arthritis Desrochers, André, Francoz, David et al Surgical Management of Septic Arthritis Desrochers, André, Francoz, David, Mulon, Pierre-Yves Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2016 Indications and Limitations of Splints and Casts Desrochers, André, Mulon, Pierre-Yves Indications and Limitations of Splints and Casts Desrochers, André, Mulon, Pierre-Yves Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2014 Effects of monensin on metabolic parameters, feeding behavior, and productivity of transition dairy cows Bradford, B. J., Brouk, M. J., Green et al Effects of monensin on metabolic parameters, feeding behavior, and productivity of transition dairy cows Bradford, B. J., Brouk, M. J., Green, H. B., Harner, J. P., Mamedova, L. K., Moore, C. E., Mullins, C. R., Perfield, K. L., Smith, J. F. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Structure, keratinization and horn quality in the digital cushion, sole and white line of the bovine claw, and their significance... Mulling, C. Structure, keratinization and horn quality in the digital cushion, sole and white line of the bovine claw, and their significance in diseases of the claws Mulling, C. 1993 Claws were obtained for histological and ultrastructural examination from fore and hind limbs of 42 slaughtered cattle. Horn quality depended on intracellular and intercellular factors, and on the size and density of horn tubules. Predilection sites for pathogen entry were present in the white line, at the transition from proximal to distal parts of the digital cushion, and at terminal horn (with its thick tubules) Structural Factors Influencing Horn Quality and Sites of Predilection At the Ground Surface of the Cattle Hoof Bragulla, H., Budras, K. D., Mulling et al Structural Factors Influencing Horn Quality and Sites of Predilection At the Ground Surface of the Cattle Hoof Bragulla, H., Budras, K. D., Mulling, C., Reese, S. Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde 1994 The quality of the horn of the cattle hoof varies in the different segments of the ground surface adapted to weight bearing. Horn quality is influenced by the following main factors: the keratin proteins as the most important intracellular factor, the intercellular cementing substance as the intercellular factor, and the architecture of the cluster of horn cells, i.e. the arrangement of horn cells in tubular and intertubular horn. Differences in the structure and composition of these factors and their respective combination determine the different degrees of hardness of hoof horn, which are even palpable. In special places, as i.e. the white zone, the combination of all these above-mentioned factors determines sites of predilection for diseases of the cattle hoof like white line disease [Malignant catarrhal fever in Switzerland: 2. Evaluation of the diagnosis] Ackermann, M., Braun, U., Egli, J. et al [Malignant catarrhal fever in Switzerland: 2. Evaluation of the diagnosis] Ackermann, M., Braun, U., Egli, J., Ehrensperger, F., Hauser, B., Li, H., Muller-Doblies, U. U., Strasser, M. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd 2001 Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a mostly fatal lymphoproliferative disease of cattle. In 1995 a PCR based method was introduced for the detection of the ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2), which is regarded as the causative agent of the sheep-associated form of the disease. This PCR can be regarded as a gold standard for the in vivo diagnosis of sheep-associated MCF in cattle (Muller-Doblies et al., 1998). This semi-nested PCR was now used as a reference test for the reassessment of diagnostic criteria in the clinical and post mortem diagnosis that could previously not be quantitated. Based on 83 suspected cases with a complete clinical record the clinical signs were weighted and grouped according to their sensitivity and specificity into lead signs indicative of MCF and frequently accompanying signs supportive for the diagnosis of MCF and general clinical signs that were less reliable for the diagnosis. Differential diagnoses are discussed, which are of particular significance due to their status as OIE list A diseases e.g. foot-and-mouth disease or rinderpest. 38 PCR confirmed cattle with MCF served for the quantitative analysis of organ lesions. For the post mortem diagnosis an essential set of organ samples is defined to permit a reliable histological diagnosis, as the gross pathology often did not give any indication for the diagnosis. These criteria should help to improve the diagnostic efficiency and to select the appropriate laboratory diagnostic procedures for MCF-suspected cattle Consistency of flight speed and its correlation to productivity and to personality in Bos taurus beef cattle Müller, Roger, von Keyserlingk et al Consistency of flight speed and its correlation to productivity and to personality in Bos taurus beef cattle Müller, Roger, von Keyserlingk, Marina A. G. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2006 Flight speed (FS) has been used as a measure of temperament and is correlated with weight gain in Bos indicus cattle. However, no work to date has investigated this relationship in Bos taurus cattle and, more importantly, there have been no attempts to understand the individual differences in personality which cause individual differences in FS and average daily gain (ADG). Thus, the objectives of this study were to: (a) evaluate the reliability of the FS test by repeated measurements, (b) determine the correlation of FS to ADG, and (c) examine the correlation of FS and ADG to personality traits measured in a social separation test. FS measurements for 61 Aberdeen Angus crossbred heifers were repeated three times at 4-week intervals (FS1–3), and a fourth time (FS4) immediately following FS3. The relationship between FS and ADG over 8 weeks was quadratic (P < 0.05), with those animals having particularly high FS showing the lowest ADG over the study period. FS increased slightly over time (FS1–3 = 3.20, 3.36, 3.84 m/s, respectively), which may be attributed to either increased fearfulness or animal growth. The monthly measures of FS were significantly correlated (FS1,2: r = 0.50; FS2,3: r = 0.63), which may reflect individual consistency. The two FS measures taken within a day did not differ and were correlated (FS4 = 4.03 m/s; FS3,4: r = 0.84). A 15 min social separation test was conducted once using a subset of 36 animals. Animals having higher FS showed more locomotion (rs = 0.34) and changed between behavioural states more often (rs = 0.35), possibly reflecting an agitated state during the social separation test. The shorter duration of immobility (rs = −0.34) and the lower frequency of vigilance (rs = −0.40), along with the higher locomotion (rs = 0.41) of cattle with higher ADG, may indicate an absence of fear during a social separation test. In conclusion, the results indicate that animals that differed in their FS also exhibited differences in their personality traits, which may be related to differences in their physiological characteristics resulting in differences in ADG. [Clinical findings of cows who originated from dairy herds with chronic wasting disease.] Muller, K. E. [Clinical findings of cows who originated from dairy herds with chronic wasting disease.] Muller, K. E. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd 2001 Since Spring 1999, a number of dairy farms have reported problems with wasting in cattle. After calving, the physical condition of the cows deteriorated for reasons unknown. Chronic wasting is also associated with disorders such as lameness, abortion, endometritis, mastitis, and respiratory problems. Between April 1999 and March 2000, 19 cows were sent to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for further investigation of the chronic wasting. Clinical and pathological investigations resulted in a broad range of diagnoses such as mastitis, abomasal displacement, and claw disorders. The latter, characterised severe laminitis, were predominant and could explain a number of secondary symptoms (inflammation of the bursa, metastatic processes). There were no clear consistent changes compatible with a certain agent, with the exception of one case in which a virus was shown to be the causative agent. The results indicate that wasting disease is not a distinct entity but is characterized by a broad range of diseases in which acute laminitis may be the original problem. The disease profile of chronic wasting disease is very similar to that of 'concrete disease' described by Rebhun in 1995 [Clinical findings of cows who originated from dairy herds with chronic wasting disease.]. [Dutch] Muller, K. E. [Clinical findings of cows who originated from dairy herds with chronic wasting disease.]. [Dutch] Muller, K. E. Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde 2001 Since Spring 1999, a number of dairy farms have reported problems with wasting in cattle. After calving, the physical condition of the cows deteriorated for reasons unknown. Chronic wasting is also associated with disorders such as lameness, abortion, endometritis, mastitis, and respiratory problems. Between April 1999 and March 2000, 19 cows were sent to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for further investigation of the chronic wasting. Clinical and pathological investigations resulted in a broad range of diagnoses such as mastitis, abomasal displacement, and claw disorders. The latter, characterised severe laminitis, were predominant and could explain a number of secondary symptoms (inflammation of the bursa, metastatic processes). There were no clear consistent changes compatible with a certain agent, with the exception of one case in which a virus was shown to be the causative agent. The results indicate that wasting disease is not a distinct entity but is characterized by a broad range of diseases in which acute laminitis may be the original problem. The disease profile of chronic wasting disease is very similar to that of 'concrete disease' described by Rebhun in 1995 Methodological aspects for the assessment of social behaviour and avoidance distance on dairy farms Mulleder, C., Troxer, J., Waiblinger, S. Methodological aspects for the assessment of social behaviour and avoidance distance on dairy farms Mulleder, C., Troxer, J., Waiblinger, S. Animal Welfare 2003 Some aspects of on-farm assessment of social behaviour and avoidance distance were investigated on 20 Austrian dairy farms. The avoidance distance of at least 75% of cows was assessed. Social behaviour of the cows was observed for one hour and the number of animals standing was recorded every 10 min. Lameness of each animal was scored, and Spearman correlations were calculated. Generally the avoidance distance of the cows was very low. Lameness did not correlate significantly with avoidance distance. The number of agonistic interactions with body contact per cow correlated negatively with the percentage of lame animals (r(s) = -0.49; P = 0.029). However, this correlation was no longer found (r(s) = -0.22; not significant) when calculated on the basis of standing animals only. The total number of social interactions correlated highly with the number of social interactions when interactions in the feeding rack were disregarded. The present study suggests that lameness confounds the assessment of social behaviour but not that of avoidance distance of cows, and that social interactions of animals standing in the feeding racks can be disregarded without decreasing the reliability of the assessments. Inter-observer reliability testing of pig welfare outcome measures proposed for inclusion within farm assurance schemes Butterworth, Andrew, Edwards, Sandra A. et al Inter-observer reliability testing of pig welfare outcome measures proposed for inclusion within farm assurance schemes Butterworth, Andrew, Edwards, Sandra A., Main, David C. J., Mullan, Siobhan, Whay, Helen R. The Veterinary Journal 2011 Livestock depredation by wolves and the ranching economy in the Northwestern U.S Muhly, Tyler B., Musiani, Marco Livestock depredation by wolves and the ranching economy in the Northwestern U.S Muhly, Tyler B., Musiani, Marco Ecological Economics 2009 Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joints of a hindlimb in a heifer Bruderer, A., Muggli, E., Nuss, K. et al Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joints of a hindlimb in a heifer Bruderer, A., Muggli, E., Nuss, K., Weidmann, E. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2015 A two-year-old Braunvieh heifer was presented with a traumatic luxation of the second phalanx of the medial digit and concurrent subluxation of the second phalanx of the lateral digit of the right hindlimb. Closed reduction of both luxations was possible. Surgical arthrodesis was achieved using one narrow 4.5 mm three-hole equine locking compression plate for each joint. Placement of the bone plates resulted in stable arthrodesis of both proximal interphalangeal joints of the right hindlimb but there was persistent residual lameness. The heifer delivered a healthy calf but was slaughtered eight months after surgery because of varus deformity of the contralateral limb. Radiographs taken post-mortem revealed pronounced periosteal reactions involving both proximal interphalangeal joints and only partial bony bridging of the joint spaces. Length asymmetry of the bovine digits Braun, U., Muggli, E., Nuss, K. et al Length asymmetry of the bovine digits Braun, U., Muggli, E., Nuss, K., Sauter-Louis, C. The Veterinary Journal 2011 Cultured cell line of bovine epidermal keratinocytes: in vitro model for further basic research on the bovine foot Muelling, Ch Cultured cell line of bovine epidermal keratinocytes: in vitro model for further basic research on the bovine foot Muelling, Ch The use of nutritional factors in prevention of claw diseases-biotin as an example for nutritional influences on formation and... Muelling, Ch The use of nutritional factors in prevention of claw diseases-biotin as an example for nutritional influences on formation and quality of hoof horn Muelling, Ch Dairy cattle industry in New Zealand Mueller, K. Dairy cattle industry in New Zealand Mueller, K. Cattle Practice 1998 This article describes the experiences of a dairy cattle veterinarian at the Farm Service Clinic of Massey University Veterinary School, which provides veterinary services to about 75 dairy farms in the Manawatu, the region around Palmerston North. Tables listing production statistics (number of herds and cows, herd size, milk production) for New Zealand dairy herds during 1996/97, main dairy breeds and their characteristics and breeding management strategies, are presented. Feeding methods and some of the common diseases affecting the herds, such as lameness, mastitis and metabolic disorders, are also discussed Short communication: Genetic relationships between the Holstein cow populations of three European dairy countries Biffani, S., Canavesi, F., Coffey, M. et al Short communication: Genetic relationships between the Holstein cow populations of three European dairy countries Biffani, S., Canavesi, F., Coffey, M., Kearney, J. F., Mrode, R. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Generation of an index for physiological imbalance and its use as a predictor of primary disease in dairy cows during early... Ingvartsen, K. L., Larsen, T., Moyes et al Generation of an index for physiological imbalance and its use as a predictor of primary disease in dairy cows during early lactation Ingvartsen, K. L., Larsen, T., Moyes, K. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 A novel method of monitoring mobility in dairy cows Bell, N.J., Mottram, T.T. A novel method of monitoring mobility in dairy cows Bell, N.J., Mottram, T.T. The First North American Conference on Precision Dairy Management 2010 Automatic monitoring of the health and metabolic status of dairy cows Mottram, Toby Automatic monitoring of the health and metabolic status of dairy cows Mottram, Toby Livestock Production Science 1997 The aim of this study was to prioritise the objectives of research into new sensing systems to monitor routinely the health of dairy cows. An analysis of reasons for death and culling of cows and a survey of available sensor techniques suggested that the most suitable cow health events for routine monitoring are parturition, mastitis, and the malfunction of energy, protein, and mineral metabolism. Physical events such as parturition could be detected by image analysis and acoustic monitoring. Nutritional and metabolic conditions could be monitored by chemometric techniques to detect analytes such as acetoacetate or urea in milk and acetone in breath. Viral and bacterial proteins and hormones such as progesterone, could be detected automatically by antibody-specific biosensors provided that a suitable sample gathering system can be developed. A time sequence is proposed here to classify a hierarchy of events occurring in health or metabolic disturbance. It has been proposed that there is a primary event which should be the target for monitoring. Monitoring methods which rely on transducers to detect secondary and tertiary events, such as conductivity, milk yield change and temperature, have limited specificity and high numbers of false positives unless supported by robust models to integrate data from a number of sources. Although the technology to sense particular conditions could be developed, it is not clear whether veterinary and nutritional models are sufficiently well developed to allow decisions to be made based on the sensor data alone. Research is needed to determine the costs and reduced losses which may arise from early detection and treatment of disease. Models should include the subsequent risks for other health conditions, for example the effect of sub-clinical ketosis on the risk of mastitis or infertility. Relationships between energy balance and health traits of dairy cattle in early lactation Boettcher, P. J., Dekkers, J. C. M. et al Relationships between energy balance and health traits of dairy cattle in early lactation Boettcher, P. J., Dekkers, J. C. M., Muir, B. L., Petitclerc, D., Schaeffer, L. R. Cattle Practice 1999 Data were records of daily feed intake and milk yield, milk composition and health and reproductive information from 141 multiparous Holstein cows from the Agriculture Canada Dairy Research Station, Lennoxville, Quebec. Four energy balance traits were defined: average daily energy balance within the first 100 days of lactation; minimum daily energy balance; days in negative energy balance; and total energy deficit during the period of negative energy balance. Health traits were: udder problems; mastitis; locomotive problems; laminitis; digestive disorders; and reproductive disorders. Reproductive traits were: number of days to first oestrous and number of inseminations. Phenotypic correlations between energy balance and health were studied by regressing health traits on energy balance traits. Parity and treatment were included. Several significant phenotypic correlations between energy balance and health were observed. Cows with longer periods of negative energy balance had more digestive disorders. Cows with higher total energy deficit had more digestive disorders and laminitis. Cows with lower average energy balance in early lactation had delayed first oestrous. Heritabilities for energy intake and milk energy were 0.42 and 0.12 respectively, but heritability for the energy balance traits were 0 Fluorescence in situ hybridization shows spatial distribution of as yet uncultured treponemes in biopsies from digital dermatitis... Moter et al Fluorescence in situ hybridization shows spatial distribution of as yet uncultured treponemes in biopsies from digital dermatitis lesions Moter, Annette Leist Gregor Rudolph Roland Schrank Kirstin Choi Bong-Kyu Wagner Michael Goebel Ulf Microbiology 1998 Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed on sections of plastic embedded tissue using 16S rRNA-directed oligonucleotide probes to visualize uncultured treponemes in skin biopsies of cows with digital dermatitis. Plastic as embedding material allowed sectioning of hard and soft tissue with a defined thickness, avoiding the risk of dragging bacteria into the tissue while sectioning. Furthermore, it provided a good signal-to-noise ratio. Using this method the spatial distribution of three different bacterial phylotypes was visualized simultaneously within the tissue. Whereas debris covering the ulcers contained a mixture of different micro-organisms, a layering of certain treponemal phylotypes was observed deeper in the epidermis. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and subsequent three-dimensional reconstruction of series of optical sections confirmed that the treponemes migrated intercellularly around the cells, most of them directed towards the dermis. In situ hybridization on tissue embedded in plastic proved to be a useful method to study mixed bacterial infections since it combines excellent histological conservation of tissue with identification of bacterial species by simultaneous use of probes labelled with different fluorescent dyes. This technique may have implications for in situ detection, identification and localization of microorganisms in veterinary as well as in human medicine Ruminant Mycotoxicosis Jacobsen, Barry J., Mostrom, Michelle S. Ruminant Mycotoxicosis Jacobsen, Barry J., Mostrom, Michelle S. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2011 Laminitis and decreased milk production in first-lactation cows improperly fed a dairy ration Moser, E. A. Laminitis and decreased milk production in first-lactation cows improperly fed a dairy ration Moser, E. A. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1987 First-lactation cows that were improperly fed a grain ration developed chronic, nonsuppurative laminitis, resulting in profound lameness in all 4 limbs, thin body condition, and poor milk production. Results of ration analysis indicated that the cows were receiving 10% to 40% more energy than that recommended by the National Research Council. The following management changes were instituted for first-lactation cows: the absolute amount of concentrate offered was decreased by 10% to 25% (depending on each cow's milk production), the rate of increase in concentrate fed was lessened to achieve maximal intake in 21 days, feed was made available more frequently and in smaller amounts during the day, sequence feeding was implemented, forage was provided before grain when possible, and sodium bicarbonate (1%, on a dry-weight basis) and fat (5%, on a dry-weight basis) were added to the grain mix. These management changes normalized rumen fermentation, and the clinical problems did not develop in the 20 subsequently fresh heifers. Therefore, the ration should be analyzed when first-lactation cows begin developing lameness and poor milk production The incalf project – some risk factors for reproductive performance in Australian dairy herds Morton, J., Parkinson, T. The incalf project – some risk factors for reproductive performance in Australian dairy herds Morton, J., Parkinson, T. Proceedings of the Australian and New Zealand Combined Dairy Veterinarians' Conference, Le Lagon Resort, Port Vila, Vanuatu, 15 19 May 2000 2000 Surgical treatment of ulcer of the sole in pododermatitis circumscripta and complications in dairy cows Morselli, E., Trenti, F. Surgical treatment of ulcer of the sole in pododermatitis circumscripta and complications in dairy cows Morselli, E., Trenti, F. Proceedings 18th World Buiatrics Congress: 26th Congress of the Italian Association of Buiatrics 1994 Of 500 ulcers treated in one year, 81% were cured following a single operation and bandaging. In 16% of the cases a second operation was necessary. The remaining 3% were culled because of the long healing time required and because the animal had difficulty in walking Influence of somatic cell count, body condition and lameness on follicular growth and ovulation in dairy cows Dobson, H., Jones, D. N., Morris, M. J. et al Influence of somatic cell count, body condition and lameness on follicular growth and ovulation in dairy cows Dobson, H., Jones, D. N., Morris, M. J., Routly, J. E., Smith, R. F., Walker, S. L. Theriogenology 2009 Influence of lameness on follicular growth, ovulation, reproductive hormone concentrations and estrus behavior in dairy cows Dobson, H., Jones, D. N., Kaneko, K. et al Influence of lameness on follicular growth, ovulation, reproductive hormone concentrations and estrus behavior in dairy cows Dobson, H., Jones, D. N., Kaneko, K., Morris, M. J., Routly, J. E., Smith, R. F., Walker, S. L. Theriogenology 2011 Effects of high somatic cell counts in milk on reproductive hormones and oestrus behaviour in dairy cows with special reference... Dobson, H., Jones, D. N., Kaneko, K. et al Effects of high somatic cell counts in milk on reproductive hormones and oestrus behaviour in dairy cows with special reference to those with concurrent lameness Dobson, H., Jones, D. N., Kaneko, K., Morris, M. J., Routly, J. E., S.L.Walker,, Smith, R. F., Uppal, S. K. Animal Reproduction Science 2013 Use of a tri-axial accelerometer for automated recording and classification of goats’ grazing behaviour Buerkert, Andreas, Moreau, Maëg et al Use of a tri-axial accelerometer for automated recording and classification of goats’ grazing behaviour Buerkert, Andreas, Moreau, Maëg, Schlecht, Eva, Siebert, Stefan Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2009 Laminitis in cattle Morrow, D.A. Laminitis in cattle Morrow, D.A. Vet med/Small Animal Clin 1966 Setting priorities for non-regulatory animal health in Ireland: Results from an expert Policy Delphi study and a farmer priority... Cromie, Andrew R., Doherty, Michael L. et al Setting priorities for non-regulatory animal health in Ireland: Results from an expert Policy Delphi study and a farmer priority identification survey Cromie, Andrew R., Doherty, Michael L., Magan, Mike J., McKenzie, Ken, More, Simon J., O’Flaherty, Joe Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2010 Bovine footrot treatment and prevention Morck, Douglas W., Olson, Merle E. Bovine footrot treatment and prevention Morck, Douglas W., Olson, Merle E. Official Gazette of the United States Patent and Trademark Office Patents 2001 This invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing footrot, in particular bovine footrot, by administering Porphyromonas and/or Prevotella and/or subunits and/or toxins thereof or neutralizing agents such as antibodies thereto. A model useful for evaluating the effectiveness of footrot treatments or preventatives is also provided Comparison of ceftiofur sodium and oxytetracycline for treatment of acute interdigital phlegmon (foot rot) in feedlot cattle Koppe, Arie Quinn Bruce, Louie et al Comparison of ceftiofur sodium and oxytetracycline for treatment of acute interdigital phlegmon (foot rot) in feedlot cattle Koppe, Arie Quinn Bruce, Louie, Thomas J., Morck, Douglas W., Olson, Merle E. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1998 Objective-To determine whether ceftiofur sodium would be useful for treatment of acute interdigital phlegmon (foot rot) in cattle. Design- Randomized controlled trial. Animals-308 cross-bred yearling steers with clinical signs of acute interdigital phlegmon (i.e., lameness with interdigital swelling, interdigital lesions, or both). Procedure-Steers were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: ceftiofur at a dosage of 0.1 mg/kg (0.045 mg/lb) of body weight, IM, every 24 hours; ceftiofur at a dosage of 1.0 mg/kg (0.45 mg/lb), IM, every 24 hours, and oxytetracycline at a dosage of 6.6 mg/kg (3 mg/lb), IM, every 24 hours. All animals were treated for 3 days; treatment was considered successful if animals were no longer lame on day 4. Biopsy specimens were collected prior to treatment from 5 animals in each group and submitted for anaerobic bacterial culture and histologic examination. Results- Success rates for the high-dosage ceftiofur (94/129; 73%) and oxytetracycline (87/128; 68%) groups were significantly higher than that for the low-dosage ceftiofur group (5/50; 10%), but there were no significant differences between the high-dosage ceftiofur and oxytetracycline groups. Anaerobic bacteria most frequently isolated from biopsy specimens were Porphyromonas levii and Provetella intermedia. Clinical Implications-Use of ceftiofur at a dosage of 1.0 mg/kg for treatment of cattle with acute interdigital phlegmon was as effective as use of oxytetracycline at a dosage of 6.6 mg/kg. However, ceftiofur has a negligible withdrawal time and, therefore, may be a better choice for treatment of near-market weight animals Increased efficacy of an adenovirus-vectored foot-and-mouth disease capsid subunit vaccine expressing nonstructural protein 2B is... Dias, Camila C., Grubman, Marvin J. et al Increased efficacy of an adenovirus-vectored foot-and-mouth disease capsid subunit vaccine expressing nonstructural protein 2B is associated with a specific T cell response Dias, Camila C., Grubman, Marvin J., Moraes, Mauro Pires, Pena, Lindomar, Segundo, Fayna Diaz-San Vaccine 2011 The occurrence of treponemes in contagious ovine digital dermatitis and the characterisation of associated Dichelobacter nodosus Grogono-Thomas, R., Moore, L. J. et al The occurrence of treponemes in contagious ovine digital dermatitis and the characterisation of associated Dichelobacter nodosus Grogono-Thomas, R., Moore, L. J., Woodward, M. J. Veterinary Microbiology 2005 Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) is a recently recorded, apparently new infection of the ovine hoof, which differs clinically from footrot caused by Dichelobacter nodosus and which fails to respond well to accepted treatment practices for footrot. Despite the welfare implications of such an infection, very little research has been performed on CODD to date and the aetiology remains confused. Suggestions have been made that there is a potential role for treponemes in the pathogenesis of CODD but that D. nodosus is apparently not involved. Six farms were therefore targeted in this study to provide a more in-depth investigation into the bacterial flora of CODD lesions. Dark ground microscopy, culture and PCR techniques were used, concentrating on the presence of D. nodosus and spirochaetes, particularly those of the genus Treponema. The results demonstrated that isolates of D. nodosus were indeed present in a high percentage (74%) of CODD lesions compared with 31% of apparently healthy feet. The isolates were shown to be of similar virulence type to those reported previously in cases of footrot, and the range of serogroups was also found to be similar to footrot, with serogroup H being prevalent. Treponemes were present in 70% of CODD lesions and 38% of apparently healthy feet, supporting a possible association between CODD and treponemes. However, any further progress on the aetiology of CODD and the potential for novel, effective treatment will depend on an improved ability to culture these organisms routinely in the laboratory thereby enabling their complete characterisation. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. The detection and characterisation of Dichelobacter nodosus from cases of ovine footrot in England and Wales Green, L. E., Grogono-Thomas, R., Moore et al The detection and characterisation of Dichelobacter nodosus from cases of ovine footrot in England and Wales Green, L. E., Grogono-Thomas, R., Moore, L. J., Wassink, G. J. Veterinary Microbiology 2005 Footrot, caused by the strictly anaerobic bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus, is the most common cause of lameness in sheep in Great Britain but problems exist in association with its diagnosis and control. The fastidious nature of D. nodosus means that complex media and several weeks are required for characterisation. An alternative method to simplify and enhance the detection of D. nodosus in clinical samples is therefore highly desirable. In terms of control, anecdotal evidence from the farming community suggests that the commercially available vaccine, based on Australian isolates of D. nodosus, is not widely employed in this country due to its perceived inefficacy. Seven hundred and six isolates, collected from outbreaks in England and Wales, were therefore used to investigate these issues. A 16S rRNA PCR was adapted to detect D. nodosus in clinical material within 1 day of sampling; a 15% increase in detection compared with culture and less than 1% false negatives were achieved. This represents a major advance in the rapid diagnosis of footrot and will be of great value to practitioners and diagnostic laboratories. Bacterial virulence was tested using protease thermostability and zymogram assays, whilst serogrouping was performed by slide agglutination. All isolates demonstrated virulence patterns previously recorded in Australia and all nine serogroups of D. nodosus (A-I) were represented. Serogroup H was predominant. There was, therefore, no evidence for the presence of novel strains of D. nodosus compared with Australia suggesting the need for further investigation into farmers' views on the use of the commercial vaccine in Great Britain. Efficacy of a nonantimicrobial cream administered topically for treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Berry, S. L., Koziy, V., Moore, D. A. et al Efficacy of a nonantimicrobial cream administered topically for treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Berry, S. L., Koziy, V., Moore, D. A., Truscott, M. L. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2001 Objective-To compare efficacy of a topically administered nonantimicrobial cream with that of lincomycin for treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cattle. Design-Randomized clinical trial. Animals-98 cows from a commercial Holstein dairy herd. Procedure-Cows with active lesions of digital dermatitis identified on a single observation day were randomly assigned to receive a nonantimicrobial cream, lincomycin paste, or no treatment. Cows were examined approximately every 4 weeks for 130 days after treatment for lesion maturity score, score for signs of pain, lesion size, and lesion activity. Results-29 days after a single treatment, both treated groups had significantly reduced scores for signs of pain, lesion activity, lesion size, and the decision to retreat, compared with findings in the untreated group, Efficacy of the 2 treatments was not significantly different for decreasing pain score or lesion activity or for increasing lesion maturity score, but lincomycin was significantly more efficacious in decreasing lesion size and avoiding retreatment. By use of multivariate logistic regression, lactation number was a significant treatment effect modifier on the outcome of a healed lesion after treatment. Cows with greater than or equal to3 lactations were more likely to have a healed lesion at 29 days, compared with first- and secondlactation cows. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Because antimicrobial treatments for digital dermatitis in cows require a veterinarian's prescription, the nonantimicrobial cream could serve as a viable but less consistently effective alternative to antimicrobials and could be applied by veterinarians, hoof trimmers, and others. Disagrees with classification of a treatment for digital dermatitis – Dr. Moore responds Moore, D. Disagrees with classification of a treatment for digital dermatitis – Dr. Moore responds Moore, D. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2002 Study of foot lesions in dairy cattle in the humid tropics of Costa Rica Montero, D., Perez, E. Study of foot lesions in dairy cattle in the humid tropics of Costa Rica Montero, D., Perez, E. Ciencias Veterinarias Heredia 1996 Prevalence of foot lesions in dairy cattle in the humid tropics of Costa Rica Montero, D., Perez, E. Prevalence of foot lesions in dairy cattle in the humid tropics of Costa Rica Montero, D., Perez, E. Ciencias Veterinarias Heredia 1996 Effect of heat stress during late gestation on immune function and growth performance of calves: Isolation of altered colostral... Dahl, G. E., Monteiro, A. P. A., Tao et al Effect of heat stress during late gestation on immune function and growth performance of calves: Isolation of altered colostral and calf factors Dahl, G. E., Monteiro, A. P. A., Tao, S., Thompson, I. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Calves born to cows exposed to heat stress during the dry period and fed their dams’ colostrum have compromised passive and cell-mediated immunity compared with calves born to cows cooled during heat stress. However, it is unknown if this compromised immune response is caused by calf or colostrum intrinsic factors. Two studies were designed to elucidate the effects of colostrum from those innate to the calf. The objective of the first study was to evaluate the effect of maternal heat stress during the dry period on calf-specific factors related to immune response and growth performance. Cows were dried off 46 d before expected calving and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: heat stress (HT; n = 18) or cooling (CL; n = 18). Cows of the CL group were housed with sprinklers, fans and shade, whereas cows of HT group had only shade. After calving, the cows were milked and their colostrum was frozen for the subsequent study. Colostrum from cows exposed to a thermoneutral environment during the dry period was pooled and stored frozen (−20°C). Within 4 h of birth, 3.8 L of the pooled colostrum from thermoneutral cows was fed to calves born to both HT and CL cows. Day of birth was considered study d 0. All calves were exposed to the same management and weaned at d 49. Blood samples were collected before colostrum feeding, 24 h after birth and twice weekly up to d 28. Total serum IgG concentrations were determined. Body weight was recorded at birth and at d 15, 30, 45, and 60. Relative to CL calves, HT calves were lighter at birth (38.3 vs. 43.1 kg), but no difference in weight gain was observed at d 60. Additionally, HT calves had lower apparent efficiency of IgG absorption (26.0 vs. 30.2%), but no differences were observed for total IgG concentration. The objective of the second study was to evaluate the isolated effect of the colostrum from HT cows on calf immune response and growth performance. The experimental design was identical to the first study, but all calves were born to cows under thermoneutral conditions during the dry period. At birth, calves were blocked by sex and birth weight and then randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments, which meant they received pooled colostrum from HT cows or CL cows. No treatment effect was observed on passive immune transfer or on postnatal growth. Thus, heat stress during the last 6 wk of gestation negatively affects the ability of the calf to acquire passive immunity, regardless of colostrum source. Experimental Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Infection in White Tailed Deer Alexandersen, S., Clavijo, A., Copps et al Experimental Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Infection in White Tailed Deer Alexandersen, S., Clavijo, A., Copps, J., Embury-Hyatt, C., Hole, K., Moniwa, M., Zhang, Z. Journal of Comparative Pathology 2012 Contaminant losses in overland flow from dairy farm laneways in southern New Zealand Monaghan, R. M., Smith, L. C. Contaminant losses in overland flow from dairy farm laneways in southern New Zealand Monaghan, R. M., Smith, L. C. Agriculture/ Ecosystems & Environment 2012 Metabolic alterations associated with an attempt to induce laminitis in dairy calves Herbein, J. H., Momcilovic, D., Polan et al Metabolic alterations associated with an attempt to induce laminitis in dairy calves Herbein, J. H., Momcilovic, D., Polan, C. E., Whittier, W. D. Journal of Dairy Science 2000 Metabolic alterations in ruminating Holstein bull calves to sudden introduction of high concentrate diets Herbein, J., Momcilovic, D., Polan, C. et al Metabolic alterations in ruminating Holstein bull calves to sudden introduction of high concentrate diets Herbein, J., Momcilovic, D., Polan, C., Whittier, W. Journal of Dairy Science 1994 Association of dry cow therapy with the antimicrobial susceptibility of fecal coliform bacteria in dairy cows Funk, Julie A., Glendening, Candace et al Association of dry cow therapy with the antimicrobial susceptibility of fecal coliform bacteria in dairy cows Funk, Julie A., Glendening, Candace, Mollenkopf, Dixie F., Morley, Paul S., Tragesser, Lesley A., Wittum, Thomas E. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2010 Prevalence and classification of foot problems in lactating dairy cows in Belo Horizonte, Brazil Carvalho, A. U., Facury, E. J. et al Prevalence and classification of foot problems in lactating dairy cows in Belo Horizonte, Brazil Carvalho, A. U., Facury, E. J., Ferreira, P. M., Ferreira, V. C. P., Molina, L. R. Arquivo Brasileiro De Medicina Veterinaria E Zootecnia 1999 The prevalence and classification of clinical foot problems of 469 lactating daily cows were studied in 10 farms in the dairy region of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, managed in confinement systems. A total of 142 cows were considered affected and presented 534 lesions. The prevalence of affected cows was 30.3%, being 66.7% in the hind feet and 33.3% in the fore feet, with no difference between outer claw (49.2%) and inner claw (50.7%). The classification according to lameness showed, 105 animals classified as score I, 9 as score 2, 15 as score 3, 7 as score 4 and 6 as score 5. Age of cow influenced the prevalence of lesions, but no effect of lactation stage was observed. The most frequent lesion was horn erosion representing 48.5% of the total, followed by interdigital dermatitis (13.5%) and septic pododermatitis (9.6%). Effect of isoflupredone acetate on pregnancy in cattle Mohammedsadegh, M. Effect of isoflupredone acetate on pregnancy in cattle Mohammedsadegh, M. Veterinary Record 1994 During April and May 1991, 48 pregnant Holsteins (at various stages of pregnancy) in a herd of 650 dairy cattle, were treated for chronic respiratory disease or aseptic laminitis by i.m. injection of 30 to 40 mg isoflupredone acetate once daily for three consecutive days. The cows were carefully observed and calves born of these same cows were examined for clinical evidence of congenital deformity. Abortion or premature parturition were not observed and no calves were born with cleft palates or harelips Effect of space allowance in deep bedding systems on resting behaviour, production, and health of dairy heifers Mogensen et al Effect of space allowance in deep bedding systems on resting behaviour, production, and health of dairy heifers Mogensen, Lisbeth Nielsen Lone Harder Hindhede Jens Sorensen Jan Tind Krohn Christian Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section A-Animal Science 1997 An experiment was conducted on three Danish commercial dairy farms using 70 Danish Friesian heifers over a period of 141 to 162 days beginning in November. Average body weight of the heifers was 315 kg at the beginning of the experiment. Fourteen experimental pens were established with a flock size of five and different space allowance in the deep bedding area: 1.8, 2.7, and 3.6 m-2 resting area per heifer. The total space allowance inclusive of an unstrawed area at the feed manger was 3.6, 4.5, or 5.5 m-2 per heifer in herd 1, 3.6 or 4.5 m-2 per heifer in herd 3, and 3.0 or 4.9 m-2 per heifer in herd 2. Eating space was standardized within pens to 60 cm per animal. Feed was available ad libitum. At 1.8 m-2 resting area per heifer, the heifers were unable to synchronize their resting behaviour, and the variance of the daily lying time was higher compared with heifers at 2.7 or 3.6 m-2 resting area. None of the heifers were lying on the unstrawed area. Total lying time was not affected by the space allowance of resting area. There was a tendency towards more aggressive interactions at the lowest resting area of 1.8 m-2 per heifer. Frequency of abnormal behaviour was very low and was not affected by the space allowance. Daily gain and feed intake were increased in heifers with a resting area of 2.7 or 3.6 m-2 compared with 1.8 m-2, but the feed conversion ratio was unaffected. The prevalence of heel horn erosion was higher at 1.8 m-2 resting area compared with 2.7 and 3.6 m-2. For heifers with access to 2.7 or 3.6 m-2 compared with 1.8 m-2 resting area per heifer both welfare (behaviour and health) and production were improved Histopathological changes in digits of dairy cows affected with sole ulcers Mochizuki et al Histopathological changes in digits of dairy cows affected with sole ulcers Mochizuki, Manabu Itoh Teruo Yamada Yutaka Kadosawa Tsuyoshi Nishimura Ryohei Sasaki Nobuo Takeuchi Akira Journal of Veterinary Medical Science 1996 Forty-eight digits of 8 dairy cows, which had been diagnosed as sole ulcers in one or two hooves, were examined histopathologically and classified into 5 grades on the basis of the severity of the circulatory disturbances and of keratogenesis. All the cows had significantly higher grades than normal cows. Although hind lateral digits were most severely damaged, there were no significant differences in the grades among claw positions except hind lateral digits. From these results, it is suggested that the cows affected with sole ulcers had some systemic factors predisposing all the digits to digital disorders Histopathological Findings of the Digits in Dairy-Cows in Japan Goto, N., Kadosawa, T., Mochizuki, M. et al Histopathological Findings of the Digits in Dairy-Cows in Japan Goto, N., Kadosawa, T., Mochizuki, M., Nakayama, H., Nishimura, R., Sasaki, N., Shimizu, G., Takeuchi, A., Yamada, Y. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science 1994 Two hundred and-thirty-nine digits of 45 Holstein dairy cows, which were raised in typical Japanese dairy farms and received poor hoof management, were randomly obtained in the slaughterhouses and examined histopathologically. The findings were classified into 5 grades on the basis of the severity of circulatory disturbances and of keratogenesis. The lesions from Grade 1 to 5 were considered as manifestations of serial lesions indicating that subclinical laminitis advanced to other hoof lesions. The incidence of Grade 2, regarded as subclinical laminitis, reached approximately 50% of digits examined. The lesions classified as Grades 3 (23.9%) and 4 (5.4%) were mainly characterized by circulatory disturbances, which were similar to those of chronic laminitis in the previous reports. The incidence of Grade 5, characterized by sole ulcer, was 5.4%. It is suggested that a considerable number of dairy cows in Japan suffered from subclinical laminitis, which may be the cause of recent high incidence of hoof diseases in dairy cows Correlative changes of body condition score and levels of serum alpha1-acid glycoprotein and serum sialic acid in dairy cows with... Mizuno, S., Ogawa, H., Sasaki, Y. et al Correlative changes of body condition score and levels of serum alpha1-acid glycoprotein and serum sialic acid in dairy cows with abnormal limb bones Mizuno, S., Ogawa, H., Sasaki, Y., Satoh, T., Shimada, W., Suzuki, K., Watanabe, K. Tohoku Journal of Veterinary Clinics 1997 Limb abnormalities were examined in 45 Holstein cows from 19 different farms [in Japan?]. 16 cows had sole overgrowth, one had hock inflection, one had hock cellulitis and another had sole ulceration. The remaining 26 cows had combinations of two or more conditions. Sole ulceration was positively correlated with serum levels of sialic acid and body condition score (BCS). BCS was negatively correlated with levels of alpha1-acid glycoprotein and of sialic acid. Serum level of alpha1-acid glycoprotein was positively correlated with that of sialic acid. It is concluded that, of the 4 Holstein abnormalities examined, sole ulceration caused the greatest increases in dolour and levels of alpha1-acid glycoprotein and led to decreased BCS, which was attributed to decreased immunocompetence The relationship between calving difficulty and post partum disorders and their influence on milk production in the early... Dimitrov, M., Gergovska, Z., Mitev, J. et al The relationship between calving difficulty and post partum disorders and their influence on milk production in the early lactation of dairy cows Dimitrov, M., Gergovska, Z., Mitev, J., Petkov, P., Sabev, S., Todorov, N. Bulgarian Journal of Veterinary Medicine 2000 761 calvings have been included in the study; 159 of which were from Bulgarian Black and White cows and 566 from Bulgarian Brown multiparous cows. Cows were reared on one farm, tethered and milked twice daily. The factors that influenced the occurrence of calving difficulties, metritis, postparturient paresis, ketosis and laminitis as well as the interrelationship among them and their influence on the average daily milk yield during the first month of lactation have been studied. The obesity of cows with body condition score (BCS) >4 points prepartum resulted in higher live weight of newborn calves and a significantly increased risk of difficult calving. The latter could result in risk of retained placenta. The principal causes of postparturient endometritis were the problems at calving, the retained placenta and ketosis. The risk of postparturient ketosis increased in obese cows with BCS >4 points. The low, as well as the high BCS before calving increased the risk of postparturient paresis in cows. The diseases related to metabolic disorders, ketosis and postparturient paresis, increased the risk of laminitis after calving. Calving difficulties and early endometritis had no significant influence on the average daily milk yield during the first month of lactation. Metabolic disorders and laminitis caused a considerable decrease in the average daily milk yield of cows during the first month of lactation Effects of feeding cows in early lactation with soy hulls as partial forage replacement on heat production, retained energy and... Adin, G., Asher, A., Brosh, A., Gacitua et al Effects of feeding cows in early lactation with soy hulls as partial forage replacement on heat production, retained energy and performance Adin, G., Asher, A., Brosh, A., Gacitua, H., Kaim, M., Mabjeesh, S. J., Miron, J., Nikbachat, M., Portnik, Y., Shabtay, A., Solomon, R., Yaacobi, S., Yosef, E., Zenou, A. Animal Feed Science and Technology 2010 Genetics of adaptation in domestic farm animals: A review Duguma, G., Haile, A., Mirkena, T. et al Genetics of adaptation in domestic farm animals: A review Duguma, G., Haile, A., Mirkena, T., Okeyo, A. M., Sölkner, J., Tibbo, M., Wurzinger, M. Livestock Science 2010 Influence of social dominance on production, welfare and the quality of meat from beef bulls Alberti, P., Alierta, S., Campo, M. M. et al Influence of social dominance on production, welfare and the quality of meat from beef bulls Alberti, P., Alierta, S., Campo, M. M., Dalmau, A., Gajan, J. P., Galindo, F., Guerrero, A., María, G. A., Miranda-de la Lama, G. C., Pascual-Alonso, M., Sans, P., Santolaria, M. P., Sañudo, C., Velarde, A., Villarroel, M. Meat Science 2013 A System for the Recording of Clinical-Data as an Aid in the Diagnosis of Bovine Digital Disease Greenough, P. R., Leach, D. H., Mills et al A System for the Recording of Clinical-Data as an Aid in the Diagnosis of Bovine Digital Disease Greenough, P. R., Leach, D. H., Mills, L. L., Smart, M. E. Canadian Veterinary Journal-Revue Veterinaire Canadienne 1986 Age, segment, and horn disease affect expression of cytokines, growth factors, and receptors in the epidermis and dermis of the... Dyer, R. M., Habecker, P. L., Mills et al Age, segment, and horn disease affect expression of cytokines, growth factors, and receptors in the epidermis and dermis of the bovine claw Dyer, R. M., Habecker, P. L., Mills, J. A., Zarlenga, D. S. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Bovine coronary region keratinocyte colony formation is supported by epidermal-dermal interactions Dyer, R. M., Mills, J. A., Zarlenga et al Bovine coronary region keratinocyte colony formation is supported by epidermal-dermal interactions Dyer, R. M., Mills, J. A., Zarlenga, D. S. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Behavioral Responses of Cattle to Pain and Implications for Diagnosis, Management, and Animal Welfare Millman, Suzanne T. Behavioral Responses of Cattle to Pain and Implications for Diagnosis, Management, and Animal Welfare Millman, Suzanne T. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2013 Changes in knowledge, attitude and behavior as a result of community-based AIDS prevention program Booraem, C., Flowers, J.V., Iversen et al Changes in knowledge, attitude and behavior as a result of community-based AIDS prevention program Booraem, C., Flowers, J.V., Iversen, A.E., Miller, T.E. Aids education prevention 1990 The effects of intra-amniotic inoculation of Hemophilus somnus on the bovine fetus and dam Miller, R. B. The effects of intra-amniotic inoculation of Hemophilus somnus on the bovine fetus and dam Miller, R. B. Veterinary Pathology 1983 The injection of three strains of Hemophilus somnus into the amniotic cavity of pregnant cows produced death of the fetus and abortion followed by retention of the placenta. H. somnus was recovered readily from the placenta but less so from the fetus. Lesions in the placenta were conspicuous in arteries and somewhat resembled vascular lesions observed in septicemic H. somnus. H. somnus was recovered from the maternal circulation in several infected cows. Clinical signs included fever, irritability, lameness, and vulvar discharge, but no cows died. The organism was recovered for prolonged periods in cervicovaginal mucus and urine after remission of clinical signs. This may be a means of spread of infection Costs of dairy cattle diseases to producers in Ohio Dorn, C. R., Miller, G. Y. Costs of dairy cattle diseases to producers in Ohio Dorn, C. R., Miller, G. Y. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1990 Sixteen Ohio dairy farms were surveyed monthly for 12 months to collect economic and epidemiological data as part of the National Animal Health Monitoring System. The total reported costs of disease prevention and occurrence associated with specific diseases or conditions averaged $172.40 per cow-year, with mastitis accounting for 26%, followed by infertility not otherwise specified 13%, pneumonia 5%, lameness 5%, dystocia 5%, milk fever 4%, left displaced abomasum 4%, and death 3%. Of the total disease cost of $172.40 per cow-year, $20.88 was for disease prevention and $151.52 was for disease occurrence. Most of the latter was due to deaths, culling, and stillbirths (56%), followed by milk loss (20%), drugs, biologicals, and veterinary services (17%), body weight loss (4%), and labour and carcass disposal (3%). Most of the $20.88 per cow-year of prevention costs was for drugs and biologicals ($10.93), followed by veterinary services ($6.91), and producer labour ($3.03). Mastitis had the highest annual estimated prevalence (37 cases per 100 cow-years), followed by metritis (32 cases per 100 cow-years), infertility (25 cases per 100 cow-years), pneumonia (19 cases per 100 cow-years), cystic ovaries (8 cases per 100 cow-years), and retained placenta (8 cases per 100 cow-years). When preventive expenditures not attributed to a specific disease were included, the total health-related cost was $188.21 per cow-year. The Ohio survey has provided estimates of the economic impacts of diseases at the producer level, as well as providing base-line data for future studies Lameness in Dairy-Cows and Farmers Knowledge, Training and Awareness Mill, J. M., Ward, W.R. Lameness in Dairy-Cows and Farmers Knowledge, Training and Awareness Mill, J. M., Ward, W.R. Veterinary Record 1994 Lameness in dairy cattle is important from welfare and economic points of view. In 15 dairy farms in England, the prevalence of lameness was correlated highly significantly and inversely with the knowledge, level of training and awareness of the farmers Evaluation of the efficacy of three non antibiotic treatments for digital dermatitis Milk Development Council, U. K. Evaluation of the efficacy of three non antibiotic treatments for digital dermatitis Milk Development Council, U. K. Evaluation of the efficacy of three non antibiotic treatments for digital dermatitis. MDC Study 99 T2 16. 2001, 26 pp.; 25 ref 2001 Survey for papillomatous digital dermatitis in Australian dairy cattle McLennan, M., Milinovich, G. J., Trott et al Survey for papillomatous digital dermatitis in Australian dairy cattle McLennan, M., Milinovich, G. J., Trott, D. J., Turner, S. A. Australian Veterinary Journal 2004 Objective To determine whether Treponema-associated papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) occurs in Australian dairy cattle. Design Mail-out questionnaire and histological and bacteriological examination of biopsy tissue from suspect PDD lesions. Procedure The questionnaire was mailed to 375 veterinarians to evaluate their knowledge of PDD, determine if they had observed the disease in Australian dairy cattle, and to request biopsy material from suspicious cases. Biopsies were examined for histological and bacteriological evidence of PDD, including for the presence of spirochaetes. Results Eighty-eight replies to the questionnaire were received (23.5%). Of 52 respondents who were aware of PDD as a possible cause of lameness, 26 reported observing the condition in Australian cattle. Of 32 respondents who were unaware of the condition, 6 reported observing lesions that might have been PDD. The majority of reports of PDD-like lesions came from the southern Australian states, the condition occurring during periods of high rainfall and proving responsive to topical or parenteral application of antimicrobials. Biopsies from five erosive lesions showed histological similarity to PDD whereas biopsies from five proliferative lesions were consistent with chronic inflammation, fibroma or cutaneous papilloma. The presence of spirochaetes was not demonstrated in any of the lesions by histological or bacteriological methods. Conclusion Anecdotal reports and analysis of biopsy material confirm that a condition similar to PDD does occur sporadically in dairy cattle in southern Australia. However, this condition has so far not been shown to be associated with the presence of spirochaetes in the lesions. [Selenium toxicity in domestic animals]. [Serbo-Croatian (Cyrillic)] Mihajlovic, M. [Selenium toxicity in domestic animals]. [Serbo-Croatian (Cyrillic)] Mihajlovic, M. Glas - Srpska Akademija Nauka i Umetnosti, Odeljenje Medicinskih Nauka 1992 The earliest written report of selenium poisoning is thought to be the description by Marco Polo of a necrotic hoof disease of horses that occurred in China in 13. century. However recognition of Se as toxic principle come in the early 1930s. Severity of Se poisoning depends on chemical forms of the element, species of animals and routes of administration. The soluble Se salts (Na2SeO3 and Na2SeO4) appear to be among the more toxic compounds; the Se inherent in grains and selenoamino acids (selenomethionine and selenocystine) appear to have relative moderate toxicity; the poorly soluble forms (e.g., elemental Se, Na2Se, SeS2 and diphenyl selenide) are among the least toxic of the Se compounds. In general, toxicity of Se compounds are substantially less when they are administered orally than when they are given parenterally. Rosenfeld and Beath described three clinical types of Se intoxication: acute selenosis, subacute selenosis (i.e., blind staggers type), and chronic selenosis (i.e., alkali disease type). Acute poisoning occurs when high Se content plants are consumed in large quantities within short period. Accidental acute poisoning occurs as consequence of errors in formulation of a Se supplemented diet. The most characteristic sign of acute selenosis is garlic breath due to the pulmonary excretion of volatile Se metabolites. Other signs include lethargy, excessive salivation, vomiting, dyspnea, muscle tremors and respiratory distress. Pathological findings are: congestion of the liver and kidney, fatty degeneration and focal necrosis of the liver, endocarditis and myocarditis. Subacute selenosis ("blind staggers") occurs as a consequence of exposure to large doses of Se over a longer period of time and manifests with neurological signs (e.g., blindness, ataxia, disorientation) and respiratory distress. This form of selenosis is most frequently observed in grazing animals that have consumed Se-accumulated plants. Chronic selenosis ("alkali disease") comes about when animals consume moderate levels of Se (more than 5 mg/kg and less than 40 mg/kg) for period of weeks or months. The usual clinical signs of chronic selenosis in horses, cattle and swine are: loss of hair (horses and cattle lose long hair from the mane and tails), emaciation, hoof lesions and lameness. In advanced cases liver cirrhosis, atrophy of the heart and anemia occur. In swine symmetrical poliomyclomalacia of cervical and lumbal/sacral spinal cord segment has been seen. Sheep seen to be more tolerant and get milder form of the disease. They lose appetite and have reduced gain. In growing chicks reduced gain and feed intake, rough feathers, and characteristics of nervousness has been observed. Reduced egg production, embryonic deformations and reduced hatchability has been observed in hens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Behavioural changes in dairy cows with lameness in an automatic milking system Abbott, Caroline, Cheyne, Lydia, French et al Behavioural changes in dairy cows with lameness in an automatic milking system Abbott, Caroline, Cheyne, Lydia, French, Andrew P., Huxley, Jonathan N, Kaler, Jasmeet, Miguel-Pacheco, Giuliana G., Pridmore, Tony P., Remnant, John Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2014 There is a tendency worldwide for the automation of farms; this has included the introduction of automatic milking systems (AMS) in the dairy industry. Lameness in dairy cows is highly prevalent and painful. These impacts potentially affect not only animal welfare, but also farm economies. Three independent observational studies were carried out to assess the impact of lameness on the behaviour of zero grazed high yielding Holstein cows managed in an AMS. The aim of the first study was to examine the impact of lameness on rumination time, the second study investigated differences between lame and sound dairy cows in total eating time and the third study assessed the impact of lameness on milking behaviour (frequency and time of visits to the AMS). In the first study data from 150 cows were used to analyse rumination (collected using rumination collars) for the 48 h following locomotion scoring. A multilevel linear regression demonstrated that lameness had a small but significant negative association (coefficient: −7.88 (SE: 3.93)) with rumination. In the second study the behaviour of eleven matched lame and sound pairs of cows at the feed face was analysed for 24 h after locomotion scoring. Each feeding behaviour variable (total duration time, frequency of feeding bouts and length of bouts) was analysed using individual single level regression models. There was a significant negative association between total feeding time and lameness (coefficient: −73.65 (SE: 25.47)) and the frequency of feeding bouts and lameness (−9.93 (2.49)). Finally, the third observational study used 38 matched pairs of lame and sound cows. Data on the number and timings of visits to the AMS were collected for 24 h after each locomotion score and analysed using a binomial logistic regression model. There was a significant difference in AMS visits between groups; lame animals visiting the robot less frequently than sound cows (median difference 0.50 milking visits; T = 256.0; N = 25; p = 0.01) and lame cows were 0.33 times less likely to visit the AMS between 24:01 and 06:00. Results from these studies reveal that lameness in an AMS affected feeding behaviour, rumination and AMS visits. All of these impacts are likely to have negative consequences for farm profitability, but also implications for the health and welfare of the animals. Principal component analysis for the early detection of mastitis and lameness in dairy cows Krieter, Joachim, Miekley, Bettina et al Principal component analysis for the early detection of mastitis and lameness in dairy cows Krieter, Joachim, Miekley, Bettina, Traulsen, Imke The Journal of dairy research 2013 This investigation analysed the applicability of principal component analysis (PCA), a latent variable method, for the early detection of mastitis and lameness. Data used were recorded on the Karkendamm dairy research farm between August 2008 and December 2010. For mastitis and lameness detection, data of 338 and 315 cows in their first 200 d in milk were analysed, respectively. Mastitis as well as lameness were specified according to veterinary treatments. Diseases were defined as disease blocks. The different definitions used (two for mastitis, three for lameness) varied solely in the sequence length of the blocks. Only the days before the treatment were included in the blocks. Milk electrical conductivity, milk yield and feeding patterns (feed intake, number of feeding visits and time at the trough) were used for recognition of mastitis. Pedometer activity and feeding patterns were utilised for lameness detection. To develop and verify the PCA model, the mastitis and the lameness datasets were divided into training and test datasets. PCA extracted uncorrelated principle components (PC) by linear transformations of the raw data so that the first few PCs captured most of the variations in the original dataset. For process monitoring and disease detection, these resulting PCs were applied to the Hotelling's T 2 chart and to the residual control chart. The results show that block sensitivity of mastitis detection ranged from 77·4 to 83·3%, whilst specificity was around 76·7%. The error rates were around 98·9%. For lameness detection, the block sensitivity ranged from 73·8 to 87·8% while the obtained specificities were between 54·8 and 61·9%. The error rates varied from 87·8 to 89·2%. In conclusion, PCA seems to be not yet transferable into practical usage. Results could probably be improved if different traits and more informative sensor data are included in the analysis. Detection of mastitis and lameness in dairy cows using wavelet analysis Krieter, Joachim, Miekley, Bettina et al Detection of mastitis and lameness in dairy cows using wavelet analysis Krieter, Joachim, Miekley, Bettina, Traulsen, Imke Livestock Science 2012 The aim of this study was to explore wavelet filtering for early detection of mastitis and lameness. Data were recorded at the Karkendamm dairy research farm between January 2009 and October 2010. In total, data of 237 cows with 46,427 cow days were analysed. Mastitis was specified according to three definitions: (1) udder treatment, (2) udder treatment and/or somatic cell count with more than 100,000 cells/ml and (3) udder treatment and/or somatic cell count exceeding 400,000 cells/ml. Lameness treatments were used to determine two definitions of lameness. They differed in the length of the corresponding disease block: (1) day of treatment including three days before treatment, (2) day of treatment including five days before treatment. Milk electrical conductivity and cow activity were utilised as indicator parameters for detection of mastitis and lameness, respectively. These values were filtered by wavelets. Filtered values of cow activity and the residuals between the observed and filtered values of milk electrical conductivity were applied to a classic and a self-starting CUSUM chart to identify blocks of disease (days of disease). Regarding performance of mastitis detection, the classic chart showed better results than the self-starting chart. The block sensitivity ranged between 72.6% and 76.3% (self-starting chart between 72.1% and 74.5%) while the obtained error rates were between 69.2% and 94.4% (self-starting chart between 73.4% and 95.7%). For both charts, block sensitivity and error rate improved from definition (1) to (3). In the case of lameness detection, the block sensitivity of the classic chart varied between 40.4% and 48.3%, which was lower than the block sensitivities of the self-starting chart (47.2% and 63.5%). The error rates of lameness detection were also high (90.6% to 93.3%). In conclusion, wavelet analysis seems to be applicable to mastitis and lameness detection in dairy cows. Results could probably be enhanced if more traits for a multivariate consideration are used. Implementation of multivariate cumulative sum control charts in mastitis and lameness monitoring Krieter, Joachim, Miekley, Bettina et al Implementation of multivariate cumulative sum control charts in mastitis and lameness monitoring Krieter, Joachim, Miekley, Bettina, Stamer, Eckhard, Traulsen, Imke Journal of Dairy Science 2013 This study analyzed the methodology and applicability of multivariate cumulative sum (MCUSUM) charts for early mastitis and lameness detection. Data used were recorded on the Karkendamm dairy research farm, Germany, between August 2008 and December 2010. Data of 328 and 315 cows in their first 200 d in milk were analyzed for mastitis and lameness detection, respectively. Mastitis as well as lameness was specified according to veterinary treatments. Both diseases were defined as disease blocks. Different disease definitions for mastitis and lameness (2 for mastitis and 3 for lameness) varied solely in the sequence length of the blocks. Only the days before the treatment were included in the disease blocks. Milk electrical conductivity, milk yield, and feeding patterns (feed intake, number of trough visits, and feeding time) were used for the recognition of mastitis. Pedometer activity and feeding patterns were used for lameness detection. To exclude biological trends and obtain independent observations, the values of each input variable were either preprocessed by wavelet filters or a multivariate vector autoregressive model. The residuals generated between the observed and filtered or observed and forecast values, respectively, were then transferred to a classic or self-starting MCUSUM chart. The combination of the 2 preprocessing methods with each of the 2 MCUSUM sum charts resulted in 4 combined monitoring systems. For mastitis as well as lameness detection requiring a block sensitivity of at least 70%, all 4 of the combined monitoring systems used revealed similar results within each of the disease definitions. Specificities of 73 to 80% and error rates of 99.6% were achieved for mastitis. The results for lameness showed that the definitions used obtained specificities of up to 81% and error rates of 99.1%. The results indicate that the monitoring systems with these study characteristics have appealing features for mastitis and lameness detection. However, they are not yet directly applicable for practical implementations. Supplemental dietary biotin for prevention of lesions associated with aseptic subclinical laminitis (pododermatitis aseptica... Hoblet, K. H., Midla, L. T. et al Supplemental dietary biotin for prevention of lesions associated with aseptic subclinical laminitis (pododermatitis aseptica diffusa) in primiparous cows Hoblet, K. H., Midla, L. T., Moeschberger, M. L., Weiss, W. P. American Journal of Veterinary Research 1998 Objective-To evaluate, in primiparous cows, the effect of dietary biotin supplementation on severity of lesions of aseptic subclinical laminitis. Animals-100 primiparous cows in a 800-cow commercial dairy herd. Procedure-Cows were assigned after calving to a biotin-supplemented (20 mg/head/d) or control group on an alternating basis. Digits 3 and 4 of the left forelimb and right hind limb were examined at a mean of 25, 108, and 293 days after parturition. Toe length, hoof angle, and heel depth were measured, and hooves were examined for solear hemorrhage, yellow solear discoloration, separation of the white line, and heel erosion. Serum and milk biotin concentrations were also measured. Results-Serum biotin concentrations were significantly higher for supplemented than for control cows. During the second examination, prevalence of separation of the white line of digits 3 and 4 of the hind limb and digit 4 of the forelimb was lower for supplemented than for control cows. Mean decrease in heel depth between the first and third examinations was approximately twice as great for digit 4 of the forelimb and 4 times as great for digit 3 of the forelimb in supplemented, versus control, cows. Other differences were nor found. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results suggest that supplemental dietary biotin may have a beneficial effect on hoof health in intensively managed primiparous dairy cows. Aetiology and epidemiology of laminitis in intensive beef bulls Arnbjerg, J., Basse, A., Mgasa, M. N. et al Aetiology and epidemiology of laminitis in intensive beef bulls Arnbjerg, J., Basse, A., Mgasa, M. N., Mortensen, K. Zimbabwe Veterinary Journal 1994 Digits of beef bulls on 4 feeding programmes (in Denmark) were examined. The 4 groups were: A, ad lib. concentrates; B, limited concentrates and ad lib. silage; C and D were also on ad lib. silage, but were changed to ad lib. concentrates as a finishing ration in the last 1.5 and 3 months, respectively, before slaughter. The bulls were examined clinically and radiologically from 1.5 to 11 months of age at 6-week intervals. All animals in group A had stance abnormalities indicating lameness. In addition the claws had marked grooves and concavity of the dorsal wall, severe broadening of the white line and a rotation of the distal phalanx. Histologically, uneven lamellae, reduced and defective horn production, with a cessation of horn production in some areas, were common in some claws. Other significant lesions in group A included: irregular arrangement of basal cells of the stratum basale and chronic thrombosis in the corium. The lesions in group A indicated laminitis due to their symetrical distribution in claws and the histological appearance. All animals in group B had healthy claws and there was no lameness observed. Only one animal in group C appeared lame at the age of 10 months. The lesions observed in either the gross or histological study of claws of bulls from both group C and D were not specific for laminitis. It is concluded that feeding bulls on ad lib. concentrates with limited access to roughage was a factor associated with the occurrence of severe laminitis. Confinement and restricted movement on concrete floors were also mentioned as possible predisposing factors Bovine pododermatitis aseptica diffusa (laminitis) aetiology, pathogenesis, treatment and control. [Review] [32 refs] Mgasa, M. N. Bovine pododermatitis aseptica diffusa (laminitis) aetiology, pathogenesis, treatment and control. [Review] [32 refs] Mgasa, M. N. Veterinary Research Communications 1987 Pododermatitis aseptica diffusa (laminitis) is a major cause of lameness and discomfort to cattle with resultant economic losses. The disease is a result of multifactorial aetiology most of which is not clearly understood. Feeding readily fermentable carbohydrates to unaccustomed cattle predisposes to the disease. Histamine, lactic acid and endotoxins are believed to be involved. Systemic acidosis, histaminosis and endotoxaemia are thought to produce the pathophysiological characteristics of laminitis. The diagnosis is primarily based on the observation of symmetrical and bilateral lesions in hooves and characteristic lameness affecting all feet. Gross lesions include concavity of the dorsal wall, discolorations in the sole and rotation of the pedal bone. Degenerative changes and arteriosclerosis are constant histological findings in the corium, with chronic thrombi and chronic granulation tissue. The disease may be treated conservatively and by application of cyclo-oxygenase inhibiting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and prevented or controlled by proper feeding and management practices. [References: 32] Gait Pattern of Heifers Before and After Claw Trimming: A High-Speed Cinematographic Study on a Treadmill Meyer, S. W., Nuss, K. A., Weishaupt et al Gait Pattern of Heifers Before and After Claw Trimming: A High-Speed Cinematographic Study on a Treadmill Meyer, S. W., Nuss, K. A., Weishaupt, M. A. J Dairy Sci 2007 The manner in which the claws contacted the ground at the walk was evaluated in 18 healthy heifers. The animals were filmed before and after claw trimming while walking on a treadmill using high-speed cinematography (500 frames/s). For each limb, 4 consecutive steps were recorded from a side and a frontal plane. The objectives of the study were to evaluate 1) the order of claw contact with the treadmill surface, 2) the initial claw contact area, and 3) the effect of trimming on claw contact patterns. The heifers placed their front feet on the ground in a plane sagittal to the shoulders, whereas the hind feet were advanced more toward the median plane. Before trimming, the lateral claws contacted the ground before the medial in 83% of front and 100% of hind limbs. Trimming changed the percentage to 92% in the front and to 97% in the hind limbs. The percentage with which the heel of the lateral claws became the region of initial contact with the ground increased from 47 to 64% in the front feet and from 50 to 78% in the hind feet. In the medial claws of the forelimbs, claw trimming shifted the region of initial contact from the toe to the abaxial wall and heel. In the hind limbs, the main region of initial contact of the medial claws became the abaxial wall. Weight bearing by the medial claw became visibly apparent only during the midstance, propulsion, and push-off phases. "Heel first" contact of the lateral claws in the front and hind limbs may be the normal gait pattern in cattle. On hard surfaces, this pattern may lead to overload and predispose to disease, especially in the hind limbs. Characterization of keratin proteins in bovine solar horne Hazlerigg, D., Lomax, M., Meyer et al Characterization of keratin proteins in bovine solar horne Hazlerigg, D., Lomax, M., Meyer, K. Galbraith, Wester, T. Journal of Dairy Science 1998 Hoof dimensional dynamics and incidence of lameness in Holstein dairy cows before and after turnout to pasture from concrete... Galbraith, H., Meyer, K., Scaife, J. Hoof dimensional dynamics and incidence of lameness in Holstein dairy cows before and after turnout to pasture from concrete cubicles or straw yards Galbraith, H., Meyer, K., Scaife, J. Journal of Dairy Science 1998 Influence of an acrylic spray on claw horn hardness and claw soundness in dairy cattle Hinterhofer, C., Meusburger, G., Peham et al Influence of an acrylic spray on claw horn hardness and claw soundness in dairy cattle Hinterhofer, C., Meusburger, G., Peham, C., Stanek, C. Praktische Tierarzt 1997 The influence of an acrylic spray on claw soundness and the hardness of the claw horn was tested in 48 dairy cows kept in tied stalls the year round, After claw trimming D-Shore hardness as well as the health status of the claws was measured using the scoring system according to Brandejsky et al. (1991). On the right hand claws of front and hind limbs the spray was applied, the left hand claws were used as a control group. 8, 16 and 24 weeks after the application Shore-D-hardness was measured, A second scoring was performed after 24 weeks during the next routine claw trimming. Shore-D-hardness was equal in the treated and in the untreated group at each follow up examination. Claw soundness expressed in score-figures also showed no differences. Shore-D-hardness was significantly higher in the claws of the front limbs. Breed differences could not be observed Investigations on the efficacy of herd-specific vaccines against digital dermatitis of cattle Klee, W., Metzner, M., Pijl, R., Schutz et al Investigations on the efficacy of herd-specific vaccines against digital dermatitis of cattle Klee, W., Metzner, M., Pijl, R., Schutz, W. Tierarztliche Praxis Ausgabe Grosstiere Nutztiere 2001 Investigations on the efficacy of herd-specific vaccines against digital dermatitis of cattle. The efficacy of two herd-specific inactivated vaccines against digital dermatitis (DD) was evaluated in a controlled study involving 429 cattle of a dairy farm in northern Germany. The vaccines contained various anaerobic bacterial species that were isolated from DD lesions of affected animals. One vaccine also contained Treponema sp. antigen (20% of bacteria count). The vaccine solution without antigens served as placebo and was used in the control group. No significant differences were found between the three groups concerning the prevalence of DD and a DD score at various times. On the basis of the results of this study and those of other studies, the use of herd-specific vaccines against DD cannot be recommended so far. Investigation on locomotor activity of dairy cows with digital dermatitis Esch, M., Klee, W., Metzner, M., Nueske et al Investigation on locomotor activity of dairy cows with digital dermatitis Esch, M., Klee, W., Metzner, M., Nueske, S. Dermatitis Digitalis in Cattle – Clinical-Features, Epidemiology and Treatment Dopfer, D., Kehler, W., Metzner, M. et al Dermatitis Digitalis in Cattle – Clinical-Features, Epidemiology and Treatment Dopfer, D., Kehler, W., Metzner, M., Pijl, R. Praktische Tierarzt 1995 Clinical and laboratory investigations on chronic bovine fluorosis Ashry, K. M., El Gharieb, S. A. et al Clinical and laboratory investigations on chronic bovine fluorosis Ashry, K. M., El Gharieb, S. A., Metwalli, A. A. During the summer of 1995, clinical chronic bovine fluorosis was identified in Fowa villages (Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate) where many brick kilns were established. 26 cows (5-9 years) of native breed were investigated. 16 animals were collected from different areas around the kilns, another 10 animals (control group) were taken from areas away from the brick kilns. The affected cows showed reduced appetite, general loss of body condition, lameness and dental lesions in the form of staining, mottling and blackish discoloration especially the incisors teeth. Serum calcium and total protein were significantly decreased, whereas serum alkaline phosphatase activity, fluoride content, urea, and creatinine were significantly increased, compared with control animals. Haematological examination of affected cows showed significant decreases in haemoglobin and haematocrit. It was suspected that fluorosis was caused by environmental pollution with fluorine-bearing smoke arising from the large number of brick kilns Lameness in cattle: rules of thumb Metre, D. C., van Metre, D. C. Lameness in cattle: rules of thumb Metre, D. C., van Metre, D. C. Manipulation of the periovulatory sex steroidal milieu affects endometrial but not luteal gene expression in early diestrus... Binelli, M., Bressan, F. F., França et al Manipulation of the periovulatory sex steroidal milieu affects endometrial but not luteal gene expression in early diestrus Nelore cows Binelli, M., Bressan, F. F., França, M. R., Meirelles, F. V., Membrive, C. M. B., Mesquita, F. S., Nogueira, G. P., Oliveira, M., Papa, P. C., Pugliesi, G., Ramos, R. S., Scolari, S. C., Silva, L. A. Theriogenology 2014 The genetic component of footshape and associated foot lameness in dairy cattle Merritt, J. B., Murray, R. D. et al The genetic component of footshape and associated foot lameness in dairy cattle Merritt, J. B., Murray, R. D., Owen- J. B. ed Axford- R. F. E. Breeding for disease resistance in farm animals 1991 The Effect of Lameness On Milk Production in Friesian-Holstein Cows Downham, D. Y., Manson, F. J., Merritt et al The Effect of Lameness On Milk Production in Friesian-Holstein Cows Downham, D. Y., Manson, F. J., Merritt, J. B., Russell, W. B. Animal Production 1992 A genetic component of lameness in dairy cattle Merritt, J. B. et al A genetic component of lameness in dairy cattle Merritt, J. B., Owen- J. B. ed Axford- R. F. E. Breeding for disease resistance in farm animals 1991 Evaluation of the dosage of tilmicosin for the treatment of acute bovine footrot (Interdigital Phlegmon) Dick, C., Merrill, J., Morck, D., Olson et al Evaluation of the dosage of tilmicosin for the treatment of acute bovine footrot (Interdigital Phlegmon) Dick, C., Merrill, J., Morck, D., Olson, M. Bovine Practitioner 1999 Two studies were conducted in a commercial feedlot in Western Canada to determine the dosage of subcutaneous tilmicosin injection required as therapy for bovine footrot. Three hundred and twenty animals showing signs of acute lameness including inflammation and swelling of the skin and tissues of the interdigital cleft, coronet, and/or the distal limb were considered suspect cases of footrot by pen riders and presented to the hospital facility for evaluation. Candidates for enrollment were thoroughly examined to eliminate those cases of lameness caused by foreign objects, sprains, fractures, sole abscesses or other causes of lameness not associated with acute bovine footrot. As animals presented they were randomly assigned to either placebo (saline at 1.5 ml/50 kg body wt), 2.5, 5.0 or 10.0 mg tilmicosin/kg body wt in blocks of four animals (study 1) or to either 2.5, 5.0 or 10.0 mg tilmicosin/kg body wt in blocks of three (study 2). On day 1 (defined as the point in time that the anim al is confirmed for inclusion on the trial and treatment administered), day 2, day 3 and day 4 the animals were scored for lameness, swelling and lesions using a 4 point scale. Treatment was considered successful if on day 4 the animal scored 0 (normal) for lameness and did not require retreatment for footrot in the next 10 days. Cure rates were 15.0, 68.0, 74.0 and 77.0%, respectively, for the placebo, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 mg tilmicosin/kg body weight. There were no significant differences between the 2.5, 5.0 and 10 mg tilmicosin/kg body weight dosages but all were significantly (p<.05) higher than the placebo. There appeared to be a trend to improved efficacy with higher dosages Peer reviewed – Bovine toxic mastitis: risk factors and control measures Mackie, D. P., Menzies, F. D. Peer reviewed – Bovine toxic mastitis: risk factors and control measures Mackie, D. P., Menzies, F. D. Irish Veterinary Journal 2001 Herd risk factors linked with bovine toxic mastitis include poor house design and inferior management practices, while at the cow level, genetic and physical characteristics along with the occurrence of other clinical and subclinical diseases are considered important. The main aim for preventing toxic mastitis should be to provide the cow with a clean, dry, comfortable environment. Provision of properly designed cow accommodation with frequent removal of slurry from the cows' immediate environment are fundamental in achieving this aim. A well-ventilated house will limit proliferation of the causal organisms, while daily scraping down the back of cubicles will help to minimise teat contamination. Cubicles need to be of an appropriate size for the type of cow and a 10 per cent cubicle excess should be provided for the cow group. Strategies to encourage the cow to remain standing after milking should be employed. Actions should be taken to minimise the incidence of lameness, milk fever and dystocia as reductions in concurrent disease problems will reduce the occurrence of toxic mastitis within the herd. A checklist of target areas requiring scrutiny during on-farm investigations is provided. Feed bunk utilization in dairy cows housed in pens with either two or three rows of free stalls Cook, N. B., Mentink, R. L. Feed bunk utilization in dairy cows housed in pens with either two or three rows of free stalls Cook, N. B., Mentink, R. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2006 Introducing structural elements into the free resting area in loose-housing systems with horned dairy cows: Effects on lying... Menke, C., Peer, M., Schneider, C. et al Introducing structural elements into the free resting area in loose-housing systems with horned dairy cows: Effects on lying behaviour and cleanliness Menke, C., Peer, M., Schneider, C., Spengler, A., Waiblinger, S. Livestock Science The transition of tie-stalls to loose housing systems is often accompanied by starting dehorning. Deep-litter and straw-flow systems can be more cost-effective and advantageous for various aspects of the welfare of dairy cows than cubicle loose housing. However, the number of social encounters and disturbances of lying animals can be higher in these systems especially for animals with horns. The use of structural elements may improve the situation and the aim of this project was to investigate the potential effects of structural elements in the free resting area on resting behaviour, animal cleanliness and straw usage in herds of horned dairy cows. On five commercial farms that keep horned dairy cows in a deep-litter system, data were collected in situations without and with a structural element present. Lying behaviour was recorded by scan sampling for each individual animal every 5 min. The cleanliness of the cows was assessed at the beginning and end of the four-day recording period. The proportion of scans in which animals were lying in 24 h, during day and at night as well as the change in cleanliness were analysed using linear mixed models. Straw usage was evaluated by counting the number of bales used on each of the four days on four farms. The proportion of lying was higher with the structural elements present than without for 24 h (p<0.001) and at night (p<0.001), while no effect was found during the day (p=0.964). This was particularly true for high-ranking and middle-ranking animals (interaction rank*structure: p=0.007), for which lying time increased by about 1 h on average, while for low-ranking animals it increased only about 10 min. The strength of the effect, however, varied considerably between individual farms. Animals were also less dirty with the structural element present than without (p=0.008). For straw usage, no uniform trend was found on the farms. In conclusion, the results indicate a positive effect of the presence of a Y-shaped structural element in the free resting area of straw yard systems on lying time and cleanliness of horned dairy cows. The use of structural elements in straw yard or comparable systems thus has the potential to improve the welfare of horned dairy cows and furthers keeping of horned cows as an alternative to dehorning. Comparison of peripartum metabolic status and postpartum health of Holstein and Montbéliarde-sired crossbred dairy cows Abade, C. C., Chebel, R. C., da Silva et al Comparison of peripartum metabolic status and postpartum health of Holstein and Montbéliarde-sired crossbred dairy cows Abade, C. C., Chebel, R. C., da Silva, E. M., Hansen, L. B., Hansen, W. P., Litherland, N. B., Mendonça, L. G. D. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Management of Transition Cows to Optimize Reproductive Efficiency in Dairy Herds Melendez, Pedro, Risco, Carlos A. Management of Transition Cows to Optimize Reproductive Efficiency in Dairy Herds Melendez, Pedro, Risco, Carlos A. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2005 The association between lameness, ovarian cysts and fertility in lactating dairy cows Archbald, L. F., Bartolome, J., Donovan et al The association between lameness, ovarian cysts and fertility in lactating dairy cows Archbald, L. F., Bartolome, J., Donovan, A., Melendez, P. Theriogenology 2003 Radiographic observation of joint disorders of lame cattle Meimandi-Parizi, A., Raddanipour, M. Radiographic observation of joint disorders of lame cattle Meimandi-Parizi, A., Raddanipour, M. Disorders of bone in digital region of lame cattle Meimandi-Parizi, A., Raddanipour, M. Disorders of bone in digital region of lame cattle Meimandi-Parizi, A., Raddanipour, M. Procedure in purulent arthritis of adult cattle and clinical experience with joint lavage Meier, C. Procedure in purulent arthritis of adult cattle and clinical experience with joint lavage Meier, C. Praktische Tierarzt 1997 The technique and results of joint lavage for treatment of purulent arthritis in adult cattle are reported and discussed for use also under field conditions. Acute infectious arthritis was diagnosed in 130 adult cattle. 108 (83 %) of them had to be excluded from therapy because of polyarthritis (n = 57), ichorous or progredient monarthritis with osteomyelitis or monarthritis with uneconomical prognosis (n = 51). One young heifer suffering from osteomyelitis was treated by arthrodesis. The other 21 cattle (16 %) were selected for joint lavage. 17 (81 %) of them recovered. Out of the 73 cattle with monarthritis 32 per cent had an infection of the hock, 27 per cent of the fetlock, 19 per cent of the wrist and stifle and two per cent of other joints. Patients with tarsitis (39 %), fetlock arthritis (30 %) and carpitis (29 %) were more often selected for therapy than with gonitis (14 %). All treated infections of the fetlock, wrist and stifle were healed, but only 56 per cent of the patients with tarsitis recovered. On average 8,8 joint lavages and 14, 8 days of antibiotic therapy were necessary for recovery. The patients stayed for 18,9 days in clinic. These parameters differed considerably between the joints affected. Selection for therapy and success decreased evidently with increasing duration of disease. Total cell count in synovial fluid has only little prognostic value. The degree of lameness on the 10th day of therapy allows an exact prognosis Sound analysis in dairy cattle vocalisation as a potential welfare monitor Leenders, N. L. G., Meen, G. H., Noldus et al Sound analysis in dairy cattle vocalisation as a potential welfare monitor Leenders, N. L. G., Meen, G. H., Noldus, L. P. J. J., Schellekens, M. A., Slegers, M. H. M., van Erp-van der Kooij, E. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 2015 In modern farming there is a growing demand for innovative tools gathering and analysing information concerning the herd, as well as individual animals. In Precision Livestock Farming (PLF), technology continuously measures various variables as activity, food intake or oestrus activity, thereby supporting farmers in monitoring his livestock. Sound analysis has shown to be useful as an early warning tool in pigs and it is unknown whether sound analysis can also be applied in cattle. Goal of this research was to determine whether a correlation can be found between cattle vocalisation and cattle behaviour. The vocalisations and behaviour of Holstein Friesian cattle were observed using audio and video recordings. Four cameras and four microphones were installed at a high production dairy farm in Herwijnen, the Netherlands. Three sets (a set consisting of both a camera and a microphone) recorded dairy cattle between two and fourteen years of age, one set recorded heifers between four and ten months of age. Recordings were made for fifteen days in three consecutive weeks, ten hours per day. Calls of cattle were traced to an individual cow and, if possible, linked with simultaneously expressed behaviour. The used ethogram consisted of six behavioural groups: lying & ruminating, feeding related behaviour, social interaction, sexual related behaviour, stress related behaviour and remaining behaviour. Lying & ruminating was a separate class since this behaviour expresses the needs of a cow. The maximum frequency in Hertz (Hz) of each call was determined. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the mean maximum frequency (Hz) of calls during lying & ruminating and calls recorded during other behaviours (83 ± 4.3 Hz versus 298 ± 8.0 Hz; p < 0.05). Calls by adult dairy cattle had a significantly lower maximum frequency (Hz) than calls by heifers. (332.6 ± 0.2 Hz versus 218.5 Hz ± 0.3 Hz; p < 0.05). This study may provide a foothold towards the use of sound analysis as a tool for dairy cattle management. If calls by cattle can be used to monitor welfare, dairy farmers can be alerted when cattle welfare is decreasing. Relevance of iodine, selenium, copper and cobalt deficiencies on Irish cattle farms Mee, J. F., Rogers, P. A. M. Relevance of iodine, selenium, copper and cobalt deficiencies on Irish cattle farms Mee, J. F., Rogers, P. A. M. Irish Veterinary Journal 1996 Infertility in Irish beef heifers has been associated with long term molybdenum intake in conjunction with low copper status. However, the importance of selenium, iodine and cobalt deficiency in the fertility of Irish dairy herds has not been established in controlled experiments nor has the role of copper and cobalt deficiency in calf mortality. Although selenium deficiency is a feature of perinatal calf mortality, controlled supplementation studies generally have not reduced calf mortality. The frequency of thyroid hyperplasia in stillborn calves has been reduced by prepartum iodine supplementation but the calf mortality rate did not decrease in controlled experiments. The role of trace elements in the occurrence of calving problems or mastitis in Irish dairy herds has not been established. There is a poor correlation between milk yield and the trace element status of Irish dairy farms. Liveweight gain responses to copper or selenium supplementation are inconsistent while very few data are published on the effects of iodine or cobalt deficiency on weight gain in Irish cattle. Specific types of lameness and diarrhoea have been associated with copper deficiency in Irish herds. Coat changes in Irish beef herds have been associated with copper deficiency in Irish herds. Coat changes in Irish beef herds have been associated with copper deficiency; the relationship in dairy herds is unclear Bioexclusion of diseases from dairy and beef farms: Risks of introducing infectious agents and risk reduction strategies Geraghty, Tim, Mee, John F., More et al Bioexclusion of diseases from dairy and beef farms: Risks of introducing infectious agents and risk reduction strategies Geraghty, Tim, Mee, John F., More, Simon J., O’Neill, Ronan The Veterinary Journal 2012 Behavioral changes in dairy cows with mastitis de Passille, A. M., Gibbons, J. et al Behavioral changes in dairy cows with mastitis de Passille, A. M., Gibbons, J., Medrano-Galarza, C., Rushen, J., Wagner, S. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Observer ratings: Validity and value as a tool for animal welfare research Meagher, Rebecca K. Observer ratings: Validity and value as a tool for animal welfare research Meagher, Rebecca K. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2009 Vaccination Strategies for Emerging Disease Epidemics of Livestock McVey, D. Scott, Shi, Jishu Vaccination Strategies for Emerging Disease Epidemics of Livestock McVey, D. Scott, Shi, Jishu Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2010 Digital dermatitis in a Friesian cow McKenzie, R. A., McLennan, M. W. Digital dermatitis in a Friesian cow McKenzie, R. A., McLennan, M. W. Australian Veterinary Journal 1996 An outbreak of seborrhoeic dermatitis (greasy heel) in cattle Daniel, R. C. W., McLennan, M. W. An outbreak of seborrhoeic dermatitis (greasy heel) in cattle Daniel, R. C. W., McLennan, M. W. Australian Veterinary Journal 1991 The outbreak affected 100 of 190 lactating cows in a dairy herd with the first cases occurring 7 days after a period of heavy rain. Areas around hayracks, molasses and water troughs and walkways were very muddy. Over a 2-week period affected cows showed moderate lameness associated with swelling of the pastern area of one or both hind legs. The plantar aspects the pastern area was deeply fissured with accumulations of exudate. The legs of the more severely affected cows were swollen from the coronet to the hock region with fissures and scabs on the plantar aspect of the fetlock joint. In most cows the skin was thickened in the pastern area and some exhibited a moist exudative area (greasiness) from the bulb of the heel to the fetlock. There was a moderate increase in rectal temperature in affected cows and herd milk production declined by 20%. Individual lesions persisted for 2 to 3 weeks. Various pathogenic aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were isolated. Treatments with antibiotics and topical potassium permanganate solution were ineffective. Two cows that were moved to a dry yard were effectively treated with one injection of penicillin and daily treatment with cetrimide and gentian violet spray. On the farm fencing off muddy areas, improving walkways and the use of footbaths (5% copper sulfate for one week then a quaternary ammonium detergent) helped to control the outbreak Incidence of lameness requiring veterinary treatment in dairy cattle in Queensland McLennan, M. W. Incidence of lameness requiring veterinary treatment in dairy cattle in Queensland McLennan, M. W. Australian Veterinary Journal 1988 A survey of the incidence of lesions causing lameness in dairy cattle was conducted by veterinarians in 9 practices in Queensland between November 1984 and July 1985. One hundred and eighty five cases were treated in 83 dairy herds. The average incidence of lameness which required treatment by veterinarians was 2.7 cases per 100 cows per 9 months, with a range of 1.4 to 5.5% in the 9 practices. Foot lesions constituted 83.2% of all lesions; the most common being interdigital necrobacillosis (15%), deep sepsis (8.9%), white line disease (8.4 per cent), axial groove fissure (8.4%), bruised sole (5.6%) and foreign body in the sole/heel (5.6%). Sixty-five per cent of foot lesions occurred in the hind feet and 63% of these lesions occurred in the lateral claw, while 37% of foot lesions occurred in abnormally shaped claws. Limb lesions accounted for the remaining 16.8% of lesions, and 50% of these lesions occurred in the hip and stifle, while trauma was the main cause of limb lesions Effect of acarbose on milk yield and composition in early-lactation dairy cattle fed a ration to induce subacute ruminal acidosis Bruce, C., Greenwood, K., McLaughlin et al Effect of acarbose on milk yield and composition in early-lactation dairy cattle fed a ration to induce subacute ruminal acidosis Bruce, C., Greenwood, K., McLaughlin, C. L., Sherington, J., Thompson, A. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 The relationship between disease occurrence, feeding management and return over feed in Ontario dairy herds Duffield, T. F., Grexton, B., Kelton et al The relationship between disease occurrence, feeding management and return over feed in Ontario dairy herds Duffield, T. F., Grexton, B., Kelton, D. F., Leslie, K. E., Lissemore, K. D., McLaren, C. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2002 The relationship between herd level disease incidence and a return over feed index in Ontario dairy herds Duffield, T. F., Grexton, B., Kelton et al The relationship between herd level disease incidence and a return over feed index in Ontario dairy herds Duffield, T. F., Grexton, B., Kelton, D. F., Leslie, K. E., Lissemore, K. D., McLaren, C. J. Canadian Veterinary Journal-Revue Veterinaire Canadienne 2006 The objective of the current research was to examine the association of herd level disease incidence with the return over feed (ROF) (milk income minus feed cost) herd profit index offered through Canwest Dairy Herd Improvement. The lactational incidence risks (LIR) for displaced abomasum, retained placenta, clinical mastitis, milk fever, clinical ketosis, and lameness submitted by producers (n = 48) were similar to previous reports. However, there was no negative association of clinical disease LIR's with ROF. Subclinical ketosis and subclinical mastitis cumulative incidence were determined during the early postpartum period by using a cow-side test for betahydroxybutyrate in milk and the California Mastitis Test, respectively. Subclinical mastitis was not associated with ROF. However, a unit increase in the cumulative incidence of subclinical ketosis was associated with a decrease of $0.015/cow/day in the ROF. The results highlight the economic significance that subclinical ketosis may have in Ontario dairy herds. Comparison of bacterial populations and chemical composition of dairy wastewater held in circulated and stagnant lagoons McGarvey, J. A., Miller, W. G., Sanchez et al Comparison of bacterial populations and chemical composition of dairy wastewater held in circulated and stagnant lagoons McGarvey, J. A., Miller, W. G., Sanchez, S., Silva, C. J., Whitehand, L. C. Journal of Applied Microbiology 2005 Aims: This study compared the chemical, physical and bacterial composition of circulated and stagnant dairy wastewaters. Methods and Results: Samples taken from circulated and stagnant wastewater lagoons, over a 1-year period, were analysed for 10 chemical (total N, NH3, NO3, NO2, Na, Ca, HCO3, Fe, P and K) and six physical (biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, pH and sodium absorption ratio) parameters and were found to be similar. The 16S rDNA genes from the samples were amplified, cloned and BLAST analysed. In total, 996 stagnant and 1052 circulated wastewater derived sequences were obtained, comprising 294 and 362 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from the circulated and stagnant wastewaters respectively. Coverage estimates of the OTUs identified were 72.1% for the stagnant, and 63.6% for the circulated wastewater libraries. The greatest difference between the two wastewaters was a c. sixfold greater number of sequences representative of the family Chromatiaceae in the circulated wastewater derived library and a c. fivefold greater number of sequences representative of the phylum Chloroflexi in the stagnant wastewater derived library. Conclusions: Circulation of dairy wastewater does not affect any of the chemical or physical parameters tested; however, circulation does alter the bacterial community structure. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study provides evidence that circulation of dairy wastewater promotes the growth of bacteria within the family Chromatiaceae and that stagnant systems promote the growth of the phylum Chloroflexi. A review of prevention and control of heifer mastitis via non-antibiotic strategies Compton, C. W. R., Heuer, C., McDougall et al A review of prevention and control of heifer mastitis via non-antibiotic strategies Compton, C. W. R., Heuer, C., McDougall, S., Parker, K. I. Veterinary Microbiology 2009 Health and productivity of beef breeding bulls in Ontario Allen, O. B., Martin, S. W., McDermott et al Health and productivity of beef breeding bulls in Ontario Allen, O. B., Martin, S. W., McDermott, J. J. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1994 178 randomly selected Ontario cow-calf herds were followed from breeding in 1986 to calving in 1987. The distribution of age, breed, culling, and disease for 315 breeding bulls and the patterns of bull management and usage in these herds are described. Potential associations between individual bull factors and bull fertility were examined for a subset of 134 bulls, from 106 herds, used in single-sire breeding groups. Limousin was the predominant bull breed. Hereford, Charolais and Simmental were also common. Lameness, both acute (6%) and chronic (5.7%), was the most frequently occurring disease class. Other diseases were recorded infrequently. The average sire age was 3 years. The overall culling rate was 26.1% and age-specific culling rates increased with age. Prebreeding soundness examinations were used rarely. Of the 315 bulls followed, 134 had been enrolled in official growth-performance tests. The mean pregnancy rate in the 134 single-sire breeding groups was 92.7% and the mean group calving interval was 364.7 days. Chronic disease and supplemental grain feeding of bulls at selected periods in the year were associated with lower pregnancy rate. Both acute and chronic diseases of bulls were associated with increased mean group calving interval. It is suggested that reproductive performance could be improved by better observation and replacement of diseased bulls just prior to and during the breeding season Culling Practices of Ontario Cow-Calf Producers Allen, O. B., Martin, S. W., McDermott et al Culling Practices of Ontario Cow-Calf Producers Allen, O. B., Martin, S. W., McDermott, J. J. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research 1992 This study describes the distribution of herd culling rates for 123 Ontario cow-calf herds maintaining individual animal records. Associations between culling and factors at both the individual and herd level were examined. In addition, the relative importance of individual animal and herd level influences on culling were investigated. The following individual cow culling risk factors: nonpregnancy, age, weaning weight index, calf outcome, abortion, prolapsed vagina, prolapsed uterus, calving injury, lameness and mastitis or udder problems were significantly associated with culling (p < 0.01). Two herd level factors were associated with increased culling rates: a higher than average proportion of heifers and a shorter than average calving season (p < 0.01). The proportion of culling variation attributed to individual animal and herd level influences varied with model type. While simple models (one-way ANOVA) indicated that the herd variance component for culling was relatively minor, more complex models indicated larger herd-to-herd variability (mixed model ANOVA). Thus, it appeared that the probability of culling for a cow with a given set of risk factors depended to an important extent on manager decisions in the herd of origin Experience in using scores on feet and legs in selection of dairy cattle McDaniel, B. T. Experience in using scores on feet and legs in selection of dairy cattle McDaniel, B. T. Zuchtungskunde 1995 The goal of evaluating feet and legs is to identify bulls that transmit resistance to lameness. To be effective, this must be done accurately, cheaply, and in the initial progeny test based on first lactation progeny. Our experience indicates that we must use traits of feet and legs that are easily and accurately scored by eye to be efficient when evaluating progeny groups. Actual measurements are certainly more accurate than scores for most if not all traits, but not enough so to be justified for large progeny groups. The heritabilities of single eye scores or judgements of most traits of feet and legs are usually low. Thus, efforts must focus on sire progeny groups rather than on individual cows. Our criteria fbi determining the relative value of individual claw and leg traits is their ability to predict longevity, individually and collectively. Leg traits that appear to best fit these criteria are leg set viewed from the rear and leg set viewed from the side. Higher foot angles have proven to be associated with longer life and fewer claw problems. Research in the Netherlands, Germany and our preliminary findings in the USA indicate claw diagonal predicts longevity more accurately than other individual claw traits or combinations of them. Eye judgements of locomotion will require careful standardization and continuous training of evaluators. For highest efficiency, 40 or more progeny of bulls should be scored in commercial herds once for 1-2 claw traits, 1-2 leg traits, and locomotion. The goal of scoring or measuring claw and leg traits is to increase animal well-being, reduce lameness and the true costs of producing milk Short communication: Analysis of health and survival in a population of Ontario Holstein heifer calves Kelton, D., Koeck, A., Leslie, K. E. et al Short communication: Analysis of health and survival in a population of Ontario Holstein heifer calves Kelton, D., Koeck, A., Leslie, K. E., McCorquodale, C. E., Miglior, F., Robinson, A., Sewalem, A. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 A necropsy-based descriptive study of dairy cow deaths on a Colorado dairy Garry, F. B., Gould, D. H., Hill, A. E. et al A necropsy-based descriptive study of dairy cow deaths on a Colorado dairy Garry, F. B., Gould, D. H., Hill, A. E., Kidd, J. A., Lombard, J. E., McConnel, C. S. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Livestock Housing: Modern Management to Ensure Optimal Health and Welfare of Farm Animals, A. Aland, T. Banhazi (Eds.).... McConnel, Craig S. Livestock Housing: Modern Management to Ensure Optimal Health and Welfare of Farm Animals, A. Aland, T. Banhazi (Eds.). Wageningen Academic Publishers, The Netherlands (2013), ISBN: 978-90-8686-217-7 McConnel, Craig S. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2014 The effect of stocking rate and calving date on reproductive performance, body state, and metabolic and health parameters of... Brennan, A., Delaby, L., Horan, B. et al The effect of stocking rate and calving date on reproductive performance, body state, and metabolic and health parameters of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows Brennan, A., Delaby, L., Horan, B., McCarthy, B., Pierce, K. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 The effect of stocking rate and calving date on milk production of Holstein–Friesian dairy cows Brennan, A., Delaby, L., Horan, B. et al The effect of stocking rate and calving date on milk production of Holstein–Friesian dairy cows Brennan, A., Delaby, L., Horan, B., McCarthy, B., Pierce, K. M. Livestock Science 2013 The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of stocking rate (SR) and calving date (CD) on milk production, BW and BCS within grass-based production systems post-European Union milk quotas using modern grazing management practices and high genetic potential Holstein–Friesian (HF) spring calving dairy cattle over a two year period. Two groups of HF dairy cows with different mean CD were established from within the existing research herd at Moorepark (Teagasc, Ireland). Animals were assigned either to an early calving (mean CD: 12 February) treatment or a late calving (mean CD: 25 February) treatment. Animals within each CD treatment were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 SR treatments, Low (2.51 cows/hectare (ha), Medium (2.92 cows/ha) and High (3.28 cows/ha) which were designed to represent 3 alternative whole farm SR in a post-European Union milk quota, spring calving, grass-based milk production system. A total of 138 spring-calving dairy cows, comprised of two strains of HF (North American HF and New Zealand HF genetic strains), were used during 2009 and 2010, respectively. The effects of CD, SR treatment, genetic strain and their interactions on milk production per cow and per ha, body weight and body condition score were analyzed. Although reducing per animal production, increased SR resulted in increased milk and milk solids production per ha. The results also indicate that although CD had no effect on total lactation performance, adjusting mean CD may be an effective strategy to align animal requirements and grass supply and reduce the requirement for supplements at increased SR in early lactation. An economic analysis of hyperketonemia testing and propylene glycol treatment strategies in early lactation dairy cattle Guard, C. L., McArt, J. A. A., Nydam et al An economic analysis of hyperketonemia testing and propylene glycol treatment strategies in early lactation dairy cattle Guard, C. L., McArt, J. A. A., Nydam, D. V., Oetzel, G. R. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2014 The purpose was to develop stochastic economic models which address variation in disease risks and costs in order to evaluate different simulated on-farm testing and propylene glycol (PG) treatment strategies based on herd hyperketonemia (HYK) incidence during the first 30 DIM. Data used in model development concerning the difference in health and production consequences between HYK and non-ketotic cows were based on results from 10 studies representing over 13,000 cows from 833 dairy farms in North America, Canada, and Europe. Inputs for PG associated variables were based on a large field trial using cows from 4 free-stall dairy herds (2 in New York and 2 in Wisconsin). Four simulated on-farm testing and treatment strategies were analyzed at herd HYK incidences ranging from 5% to 80% and included: 1) treating all cows with 5 d of PG starting at 5 DIM, 2) testing all cows for HYK 1 day per week (e.g. Mondays) from 3 to 16 DIM and treating all positive cows with 5 d of oral PG, 3) testing all cows for HYK 2 days per week (e.g. Mondays and Thursdays) from 3 to 9 DIM and treating all positive cows with 5 d of oral PG, and 4) testing all cows for HYK 3 days per week (e.g. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) from 3 to 16 DIM and treating all positive cows with 5 d of oral PG. Cost-benefit analysis included the costs associated with labor to test cows, β-hydroxybutyrate test strips, labor to treat cows, PG, and the associated gain in milk production, decrease in DA and early removal risks of PG treated HYK positive cows compared to non-treated HYK positive cows. Stochastic models were developed to account for variability in the distribution of input variables. Per 100 fresh cows in a herd with an HYK incidence of 40%, the mean economic benefits of the 4 different strategies were $1088, $744, $1166, and $760, respectively. Testing cows 2 days per week from 3 to 9 DIM was the most cost-effective strategy for herds with HYK incidences between 15% and 50%; above 50%, treating all fresh cows with 5 d of PG was the most cost-effective strategy. These results show that for herds similar to those used in model, when herd HYK incidences rise above 25%, almost any HYK testing and treatment protocol will be economically beneficial for the farm. Dry period and parturient predictors of early lactation hyperketonemia in dairy cattle McArt, J. A. A., Nydam, D. V., Oetzel et al Dry period and parturient predictors of early lactation hyperketonemia in dairy cattle McArt, J. A. A., Nydam, D. V., Oetzel, G. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Epidemiology of subclinical ketosis in early lactation dairy cattle McArt, J. A. A., Nydam, D. V., Oetzel et al Epidemiology of subclinical ketosis in early lactation dairy cattle McArt, J. A. A., Nydam, D. V., Oetzel, G. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of subclinical ketosis (SCK) in dairy cows in early lactation and determine the association of (1) days in milk (DIM) at onset of SCK, and (2) blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration at onset of SCK with development of displaced abomasum (DA) and removal from herd in the first 30 DIM, conception to first service, days to conception within 150 DIM, and early lactation milk yield. Cows from 4 freestall dairy herds (2 in New York and 2 in Wisconsin) were each tested 6 times for SCK from 3 to 16 DIM using the Precision Xtra meter (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL). Subclinical ketosis was defined as a BHBA concentration of 1.2 to 2.9 mmol/L. Mixed-effects multivariable Poisson regression was used to assess DA, removal from herd, and conception to first service. Semiparametric proportional hazards models were used to evaluate days to conception, and repeated-measures ANOVA was used to evaluate milk yield in the first 30 DIM. A total of 741 of 1,717 (43.2%) eligible cows had a least one BHBA test of 1.2 to 2.9 mmol/L. Peak incidence of SCK occurred at 5 DIM, when 22.3% of cows had their first SCK-positive test. Peak prevalence of SCK occurred at 5 DIM, when 28.9% of cows had a SCK-positive test. Median time from first positive SCK test until BHBA test <1.2 mmol/L was 5 d. Cows first testing SCK positive from 3 to 5 DIM were 6.1 times more likely [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.3 to 16.0] to develop a DA than cows first testing SCK positive at 6 DIM or later. Cows first testing SCK positive from 3 to 7 DIM were 4.5 times more likely (95% CI = 1.7 to 11.7) to be removed from the herd, were 0.7 times as likely (95% CI = 0.6 to 0.8) to conceive to first service, and produced 2.2 kg less milk per day for the first 30 DIM than cows first testing positive at 8 DIM or later. Each 0.1 mmol/L increase in BHBA at first SCK-positive test increased the risk of developing a DA by a factor of 1.1 (95% CI = 1.0 to 1.2), increased the risk of removal from herd by a factor of 1.4 (95% CI = 1.1 to 1.8), and was associated with a decrease in milk production by 0.5 kg/d for the first 30 DIM. These results show that time of onset and BHBA concentration of first SCK-positive test are important indicators of individual cow performance. Myositis, lameness, and paraparesis associated with use of an oil- adjuvant bacterin in beef cows McAllister, Milton M., O'Toole et al Myositis, lameness, and paraparesis associated with use of an oil- adjuvant bacterin in beef cows McAllister, Milton M., O'Toole, Donal Griggs Kenneth Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1995 Myositis, lameness, and paraparesis associated with use of an oil-adjuvant bacterin in beef cows McAllister, M. M. Myositis, lameness, and paraparesis associated with use of an oil-adjuvant bacterin in beef cows McAllister, M. M. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1995 Right hind limb lameness, progressing to bilateral paraparesis, was observed in 56 of 610 (9%) beef cows. Lameness began 6 days to 4 weeks after vaccination in the right longissimus lumborum (loin) muscle with an Escherichia coli/Campylobacter bacterin in an oil adjuvant. Postmortem examination of 5 affected cows revealed a large inflammatory mass at the site of vaccination. In each cow, the mass spread through adjacent intervertebral foramina into the vertebral canal and compressed the lumbar portion of the spinal cord. Microbiologic procedures did not reveal a microbial agent in affected tissues or in an unopened bottle of bacterin from the same lot used in the herd. Histologic examination revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation of the vaccination site and adjacent epidural tissue, with inflammatory nodules centered around large clear spaces that probably represented remnant emulsion from the oil adjuvant in the bacterin. As evident in these cows, IM injection of irritating products may cause severe myositis. Vaccination into paravertebral muscles is risky because of possible extension of inflammation through intervertebral foramina Non-fracture lameness in cattle: a retrospective study Kihurani, D. O., Mbithi, P. M. F. et al Non-fracture lameness in cattle: a retrospective study Kihurani, D. O., Mbithi, P. M. F., Mbiuki, S. M., Nguhiu Mwangi, J. Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa 1991 During 1983-88, out of 3278 cattle presented for treatment at the Large Animal Clinic, University of Nairobi, 549 (16.74%) had non-fracture lameness. Foot lameness constituted 65% of these and the commonest cause of foot lameness (37.34%) was septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint. The data are being used to establish examination, therapeutic and preventive protocols Consistency and stability of behavioural fear responses of heifers to different fear-eliciting situations involving humans Boivin, Xavier, Crowe, Mark A., Earley et al Consistency and stability of behavioural fear responses of heifers to different fear-eliciting situations involving humans Boivin, Xavier, Crowe, Mark A., Earley, Bernadette, Mazurek, Mickael, McGee, Mark, Prendiville, Daniel J. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2011 This study investigated the consistency and stability of fear responses in housed beef heifers over time using three behavioural tests. The flight (time to join peers and avoidance distance), docility (isolation and handling) and fear (4 phases; responses of isolated heifers in (i), the absence (ii), the presence, of food and responses to a stationary human (iii) without and (iv) with visual contact with their peers) tests were carried out over three consecutive days, in that order, commencing on day 30 and again on day 81 post-housing. Animals were blood sampled twice, in a chute, between the two test sessions. Scores (low scores = more fearful) were assigned to the fear responses. Ten out of 19 variables were consistent over time. Consistency was more evident in the presence of a human, whereas agitation and avoidance of the animals were the most reliable measures. For each session, Principal Component Analysis showed that these behaviours were also consistent within different situations and that the two first components explained more than 55% of the variation of the data. Crossbred heifers showed stability for the consistent behaviours while purebred heifers were more fearful during the second test session. This study showed that fearfulness is a multi dimensional construct and that genetic factors as well as environmental factors affected the behavioural responses. Human–animal relationship can be assessed by measuring agitation while general fearfulness requires tests measuring different dimensions. A field investigation of the use of the pedometer for the early detection of lameness in cattle Aizinbud, E., Bargai, U., Mazrier, H. et al A field investigation of the use of the pedometer for the early detection of lameness in cattle Aizinbud, E., Bargai, U., Mazrier, H., Tal, S. Canadian Veterinary Journal-Revue Veterinaire Canadienne 2006 The efficacy of the pedometer to predict lameness earlier than the appearance of the clinical signs in a herd of dairy cows was investigated by correlating pedometric activity (PA) with clinical cases of lameness. The computer program was set to identify cows with a reduction of 5% or more in PA compared with their own previous 10 days average; these animals were then examined for clinical lameness. At the same time, every lame cow was checked to see if and when its PA was reduced. Forty-six cows showed a reduced PA; 38 cases of lameness were identified by either a reduction in PA or clinical observation; of these, 21 lame cows (45.7%) showed a reduction in PA of 5% or more, 7 to 10 days prior to the appearance of clinical signs. This cohort comprised 55.3% of the lame cows. In 92% of the lame cows identified by PA, the decrease was above 15%. Effect of early lactation foot trimming in lame and non-lame dairy heifers: a randomised controlled trial Hudson, C. D., Huxley, J.N., Maxwell et al Effect of early lactation foot trimming in lame and non-lame dairy heifers: a randomised controlled trial Hudson, C. D., Huxley, J.N., Maxwell, O. J. Vet Rec 2015 Foot trimming is a common management intervention in prevention of lameness in dairy cattle. Despite this, there is surprisingly limited experimental evidence on its efficacy, especially in regard to primiparous heifers. A randomised, negatively controlled trial was conducted to investigate the association between an early lactation foot trim on primiparous animals and production outcomes. 282 heifers were enrolled from eight farms in the UK, and randomly assigned to treatment or control groups. Milk yield (305-day-adjusted whole-milk yield) was not significantly different between groups (trimmed 7727 litres, untrimmed 7646 litres). However, multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that this relationship was confounded by lameness state. Animals that were lame at the time of trimming gave significantly more milk (734 litres, P=0.02) than those that were non-lame and untrimmed. The present results suggest that, based on milk production alone, it would not have been cost beneficial to trim all heifers; however, a targeted intervention aimed at lame animals would have delivered a substantial return on investment. As a very minimum, the authors recommend heifers should be regularly assessed in early lactation, and treated as soon as they are identifiably lame. The high prevalence of lesions identified suggests routine trimming for all heifers may be justifiable on welfare grounds even if the milk-yield benefits are marginal. Mycoplasma bovis Infections in Young Calves Donovan, G. Arthur, Maunsell, Fiona P. Mycoplasma bovis Infections in Young Calves Donovan, G. Arthur, Maunsell, Fiona P. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2009 Subacute ruminal acidosis and total mixed ration preference in lactating dairy cows Heinrichs, A. J., Maulfair, D. D. et al Subacute ruminal acidosis and total mixed ration preference in lactating dairy cows Heinrichs, A. J., Maulfair, D. D., McIntyre, K. K. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Short communication: Breed differences affecting dairy cattle welfare in traditional alpine tie-stall husbandry systems Andreoli, E., Barbieri, S., Battini, M. et al Short communication: Breed differences affecting dairy cattle welfare in traditional alpine tie-stall husbandry systems Andreoli, E., Barbieri, S., Battini, M., Mattiello, S. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 The lying and standing activity indices of dairy cows in free-stall housing Mattachini, Gabriele, Provolo, Giorgio et al The lying and standing activity indices of dairy cows in free-stall housing Mattachini, Gabriele, Provolo, Giorgio, Riva, Elisabetta Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2011 Behavioural activity is used as an indication of animal comfort, and lying and standing behaviours are often used as a sign of well-being in cattle and to evaluate the quality of stalls. The aim of this study was to compare the values of different behavioural indices at different scan-sampling frequencies and to evaluate the different methods of data aggregation that are used to obtain daily behavioural indices. The lying, standing, feeding and drinking behaviours of 69 cows in a free-stall barn were recorded over 7 days using continuous video recording. The temperature humidity index (THI) was recorded at 15-min intervals during the entire experimental period. Behavioural indices were calculated based on scan sampling intervals of 10, 20, 30, 60 and 120-min, as well as for different time periods during the day. The results highlighted how lying, standing and feeding behaviours can be properly interpreted by analysing images taken on an hourly basis (highly correlated with 10, 20 and 30-min scan samples; r > 0.85, P < 0.01) and restricting the period of analysis between the two daily milkings (07:00–14:00) and the evening hours (19:00–22:00) after the second milking (highly correlated with daily behaviour; r > 0.898, P < 0.01). Night hours might not be considered in the calculation of daily behaviour because they did not improve the quality of the indices obtained. The analysis of the indices has also revealed how the activity of cows 1–2 h after milking is highly affected by farm management. The results obtained indicate that video or automatic recording systems provide adequate data that can be used to effectively analyse cow activity. Automated measurement of lying behavior for monitoring the comfort and welfare of lactating dairy cows Antler, A., Arbel, A., Mattachini, G. et al Automated measurement of lying behavior for monitoring the comfort and welfare of lactating dairy cows Antler, A., Arbel, A., Mattachini, G., Provolo, G., Riva, E. Livestock Science 2013 Behavioral monitoring may be useful to assess the welfare, state of health and comfort of farm animals. Lying behavior is often used as an indication of well-being in cattle and for evaluating the stall quality. The use of electronic data loggers to automate behavioral recording has become increasingly common. We tested the use of the Pedometer Plus tag (S.A.E. Afikim, Israel) for measuring the lying behavior of dairy cattle (n=18 lactating cows). Behavior was recorded for 11 days with the Pedometer Plus tag, from which the rest bout, bout duration and rest time were calculated. The lying behavior was simultaneously recorded using a HOBO Pendant G logger as a reference system to validate the Pedometer Plus tag. A linear regression analysis between the measurement methods showed that the recorded lying time (R2≥0.948) and the recorded number of lying bouts (R2≥0.718) were closely related, which was also confirmed by the comparison of the means (lying time, P=0.60; lying bouts, P=0.72). Despite the positive relationship, in some days, slope and intercept were statistically different from 1 and 0, respectively. The recordings of lying time and the number of lying bouts between the devices, for some cows, differed by more than 5%. The Pedometer Plus tag overestimates the number of lying bouts and underestimates the time that cows spend lying down with respect to HOBO pendant G logger recording. The different sampling, editing and filtering methods between devices may contribute to these discrepancies. This system will be advantageous for the reliable, 24 h/d automated recording of individual animals in a herd. This system reduces the difficulty of performing continuous measurements of behavior for a large number of animals over a prolonged period of time. In summary, the Pedometer Plus tag is likely a useful tool for the measurement of lying behavior in dairy cows. Randomised controlled trials of veterinary homeopathy: Characterising the peer-reviewed research literature for systematic review Clausen, Jürgen, Hacke, Daniela et al Randomised controlled trials of veterinary homeopathy: Characterising the peer-reviewed research literature for systematic review Clausen, Jürgen, Hacke, Daniela, Mathie, Robert T. Homeopathy 2012 Surgical disorders of the bovine foot: their treatment following bacteriological examinations Cosma, C., Curea, M., Marica, D., Mates et al Surgical disorders of the bovine foot: their treatment following bacteriological examinations Cosma, C., Curea, M., Marica, D., Mates, N., Serban, D. Buletinul Institutului Agronomic Cluj Napoca.Seria Zootehnie si Medicina Veterinara 1990 Bacteriological examinations were carried out on samples from foot lesions found in two herds of cows, and in a large calf fattening unit. In all, 116 cases of gangrenous pododermatitis, foot rot or sole ulcer were found, and beta-haemolytic Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Aeromonas hydrophila, Proteus, Enterobacter, Corynebacterium [Actinomyces] pyogenes, enterococci, spirochaetes and leptospires were isolated. No anaerobic bacteria were isolated. It is suggested that Bacteroides necrophorus may have been implicated in the first few days of the inflammatory process New methods of treatment for foot disorders in cows Cosma, C., Curea, M., Mates, N., Oana et al New methods of treatment for foot disorders in cows Cosma, C., Curea, M., Mates, N., Oana, L. Buletinul Institutului Agronomic Cluj Napoca.Seria Zootehnie si Medicina Veterinara 1992 The effects of 2 different schemes of treatment were compared on 2 dairy farms, on which about 18% of the total of 1250 cows and heifers showed foot lesions. Following excision of affected tissue, 110 animals on one farm were treated with an oxytetracycline/corticosteroid spray, (Bioxiteracor) followed by application of ether iodoformate and a zinc ointment (Jecozinc). The 114 animals on the other farm were treated with an erythromycin/sulfathiazole preparation (Ericaden) with an anti-inflammatory agent and calcium, followed by the zinc ointment. The percentage of healing was 75% higher with the first scheme Cow behaviour pattern recognition using a three-dimensional accelerometer and support vector machines Järvinen, Mikko, Kolehmainen, Mikko et al Cow behaviour pattern recognition using a three-dimensional accelerometer and support vector machines Järvinen, Mikko, Kolehmainen, Mikko, Martiskainen, Paula, Mononen, Jaakko, Skön, Jukka-Pekka, Tiirikainen, Jarkko Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2009 Evaluation of peripartal calcium status, energetic profile, and neutrophil function in dairy cows at low or high risk of... Bisinotto, R. S., Galvão, K., Greco et al Evaluation of peripartal calcium status, energetic profile, and neutrophil function in dairy cows at low or high risk of developing uterine disease Bisinotto, R. S., Galvão, K., Greco, L. F., Lima, F. S., Martinez, N., Maunsell, F., Ribeiro, E. S., Risco, C. A., Santos, J. E. P. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Two alternative inocula to reproduce bluetongue virus serotype 8 disease in calves Dal Pozzo, Fabiana, De Clercq, Kris et al Two alternative inocula to reproduce bluetongue virus serotype 8 disease in calves Dal Pozzo, Fabiana, De Clercq, Kris, De Leeuw, Ilse, Martinelle, Ludovic, Saegerman, Claude, Sarradin, Pierre, Thiry, Etienne, Thys, Christine, Ziant, Dominique Vaccine 2011 Analyzing the heterogeneity of farmers’ preferences for improvements in dairy cow traits using farmer typologies Amer, P. R., Axford, M., Byrne, T. J. et al Analyzing the heterogeneity of farmers’ preferences for improvements in dairy cow traits using farmer typologies Amer, P. R., Axford, M., Byrne, T. J., Martin-Collado, D., Pryce , J. E., Santos, B. F. J Dairy Sci 2015 Giving consideration to farmers' preferences for improvements in animal traits when designing genetic selection tools such as selection indexes might increase the uptake of these tools. The increase in use of genetic selection tools will, in turn, assist in the realization of genetic gain in breeding programs. However, the determination of farmers' preferences is not trivial because of its large heterogeneity. The aim of this study was to quantify Australian dairy farmers' preferences for cow trait improvements to inform and ultimately direct the choice of traits and selection indexes in the 2014 review of the National Breeding Objective. A specific aim was to analyze the heterogeneity of preferences for cow trait improvements by determining whether there are farmer types that can be identified with specific patterns of preferences. We analyzed whether farmer types differed in farming system, socioeconomic profile, and attitudes toward breeding and genetic evaluation tools. An online survey was developed to explore farmers' preferences for improvement in 13 cow traits. The pairwise comparisons method was used to derive a ranking of the traits for each respondent. A total of 551 farmers fully completed the survey. A principal component analysis followed by a Ward hierarchical cluster analysis was used to group farmers according to their preferences. Three types of farmers were determined: (1) production-focused farmers, who gave the highest preference of all for improvements in protein yield, lactation persistency, feed efficiency, cow live weight, and milking speed; (2) functionality-focused farmers with the highest preferences of all for improvements in mastitis, lameness, and calving difficulty; and (3) type-focused farmers with the highest preferences of all for mammary system and type. Farmer types differed in their age, their attitudes toward genetic selection, and in the selection criteria they use. Surprisingly, farmer types did not differ for herd size, calving, feeding system, or breed. These results support the idea that preferences for cow trait improvements are intrinsic to farmers and not to production systems or breeds. As a result of this study, and some bioeconomic modeling (not included in this study), the Australian dairy industry has implemented a main index and 2 alternative indexes targeting the different farmer types described here. [Lameness in cattle]. [German] Martig, J. [Lameness in cattle]. [German] Martig, J. Tierarztliche Praxis - Supplement 1977 Osteochondrosis in feedlot cattle Alessi, A. C., Canola, J. C., Marques et al Osteochondrosis in feedlot cattle Alessi, A. C., Canola, J. C., Marques, L. C. Arquivo Brasileiro De Medicina Veterinaria E Zootecnia 1998 This paper reports the occurrence of osteochondrosis in feedlot cattle submitted to a high-caloric diet. About 11.6% of the animals showed symptoms that included lameness, tarsal hyperflexion, muscle fasciculations, reluctance to move and delayed recumbency. Necropsy and radiologic examination showed typical lesion of osteochondrosis, including cartilage discontinuity and osseous injury. The diet, age and high grow rate of the animals were considered to he factors in the development of osteochondrosis [Podotrochilitis. Etiology of lameness in cattle: preliminary report]. [German] Marolt, J. [Podotrochilitis. Etiology of lameness in cattle: preliminary report]. [German] Marolt, J. Tierarztliche Praxis - Supplement 1984 Traumatic Conditions of the Coxofemoral Joint: Luxation, Femoral Head-Neck Fracture, Acetabular Fracture Desrochers, André, Fecteau, Gilles et al Traumatic Conditions of the Coxofemoral Joint: Luxation, Femoral Head-Neck Fracture, Acetabular Fracture Desrochers, André, Fecteau, Gilles, Marchionatti, Emma Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2014 Current trends in British dairy management regimens D. J. Roberts, F. M. Langford et al Current trends in British dairy management regimens D. J. Roberts, F. M. Langford, M. D. March, M. G. G. Chagunda, M. J. Haskell Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Effects of feeding flaxseed or sunflower-seed in high-forage diets on beef production, quality and fatty acid composition Aalhus, J. L., Baron, V. S., Basarab et al Effects of feeding flaxseed or sunflower-seed in high-forage diets on beef production, quality and fatty acid composition Aalhus, J. L., Baron, V. S., Basarab, J. A., Block, H. C., Dugan, M. E. R., Lopez-Campos, O., Mapiye, C., McAllister, T. A., Proctor, S. D., Rolland, D. C., Turner, T. D., Uttaro, B. Meat Science 2013 The Effect of Concentrate – Silage Ratio and of Hoof Trimming on Lameness in Dairy-Cattle Leaver, J. D., Manson, F. J. The Effect of Concentrate – Silage Ratio and of Hoof Trimming on Lameness in Dairy-Cattle Leaver, J. D., Manson, F. J. Animal Production 1989 The Influence Of Dietary-Protein Intake And Of Hoof Trimming On Lameness In Dairy-Cattle Leaver, J. D., Manson, F. J. The Influence Of Dietary-Protein Intake And Of Hoof Trimming On Lameness In Dairy-Cattle Leaver, J. D., Manson, F. J. Animal Production 1988 In an experiment during weeks 3 to 26 of lactation, two groups of 12 cows were offered a mixed concentrate/grass silage diet containing 161 g crude protein per kg dry matter, and two similar groups a diet containing 198 g crude protein per kg dry matter. The concentrate: forage ratios and the daily metabolizable energy intakes were the same for all four groups. The cows in one of the two groups at each crude protein level had their hooves trimmed prior to parturition, the other group remaining untrimmed. The high protein diet significantly increased locomotion score (higher scores indicate poorer locomotion), the number and duration of clinical cases of lameness and outer toe length. Trimming of hooves reduced locomotion scores and the number and duration of clinical cases. Hoof growth was significantly increased by trimming. Mid-sole hardness was negatively correlated with locomotion score. At the two extremes, the low protein trimmed group had five cows lame for an average of 1·0 weeks, whereas the high protein untrimmed group had nine cows lame for an average of 4-2 weeks. Condition score and live-weight change were negatively correlated with locomotion score. There were no significant differences between treatments in milk solids yield. The Influence Of Concentrate Amount On Locomotion And Clinical Lameness In Dairy-Cattle Leaver, J. D., Manson, F. J. The Influence Of Concentrate Amount On Locomotion And Clinical Lameness In Dairy-Cattle Leaver, J. D., Manson, F. J. Animal Production 1988 Effect Of Concentrate To Silage Ratio And Hoof Trimming On Lameness In Dairy-Cows Leaver, J. D., Manson, F. J. Effect Of Concentrate To Silage Ratio And Hoof Trimming On Lameness In Dairy-Cows Leaver, J. D., Manson, F. J. Animal Production 1987 Effect Of Hoof Trimming And Protein Level On Lameness In Dairy- Cows Leaver, J. D., Manson, F. J. Effect Of Hoof Trimming And Protein Level On Lameness In Dairy- Cows Leaver, J. D., Manson, F. J. Animal Production 1986 Lameness and cattle welfare – a case study Manson, F. J. Lameness and cattle welfare – a case study Manson, F. J. 1989 Associations of sole ulcer at Claw trimming and fertility, udder health and culling in Swedish dairy cattle Bergsten, C., Hultgren, J., Manske, T. Associations of sole ulcer at Claw trimming and fertility, udder health and culling in Swedish dairy cattle Bergsten, C., Hultgren, J., Manske, T. 13th International symposium and conference on lameness in ruminants 2004 Topical treatment of digital dermatitis associated with severe heel-horn erosion in a Swedish dairy herd Bergsten, Christer, Hultgren, Jan et al Topical treatment of digital dermatitis associated with severe heel-horn erosion in a Swedish dairy herd Bergsten, Christer, Hultgren, Jan, Manske, Thomas Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2002 Two experiments were run in a commercial dairy herd to test the efficacy of topical treatments of digital dermatitis associated with severe heel-horn erosion. In Experiment I, topical treatments with solutions of either glutaraldehyde or oxytetracycline were compared with foot trimming and cleansing alone. After trimming of all feet, one front and one rear foot in each cow were treated with either glutaraldehyde or oxytetracycline (regardless of dermatitis status), while the other feet were used as controls and only trimmed. Two hundred foot records were obtained from 34 Swedish Red and White and 16 Swedish Holstein cows. The proportions (p) of feet cured from digital dermatitis were compared between each group of medically treated feet and the control feet, assuming the feet to be independent observations with respect to curing. Oxytetracycline was significantly more effective than hoof trimming alone (p=0.87 and 0.34, respectively; P<0.001) and than glutaraldehyde (p=0.41; P=0.004). Treatment with glutaraldehyde was no more effective than hoof trimming alone. In Experiment II, a specially designed footbath with two longitudinal compartments was used to study the effectiveness of a solution of acidic ionised copper in preventing or curing digital dermatitis. The footbath—using water in one compartment—was constructed to make within-cow comparisons of treatment efficacy possible. The hoof health of 44 dairy cows (also included in Experiment I) were studied when the animals first were turned out to pasture and at the end of the grazing season (approximately 6 months later). During the grazing season, the cows were walked through the footbath twice daily after milking for a total of 47 days, divided into five separate periods ranging in length from 3 to 16 days. As judged by a two-sample comparison of proportions, a higher proportion of the cows’ hind feet that were affected by dermatitis were cured by the copper solution (20/24) than by water alone (12/23). The copper solution had no significant preventive effect on healthy feet. The effect of claw trimming on the hoof health of Swedish dairy cattle Bergsten, C., Hultgren, J., Manske, T. The effect of claw trimming on the hoof health of Swedish dairy cattle Bergsten, C., Hultgren, J., Manske, T. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2002 A 2-year experiment on the effect of claw trimming on hoof health was performed in 77 Swedish dairy herds (3444 dairy cattle) selected on herd size, breed composition and membership in the official milk-recording scheme. In the autumn, cows within each herd were blocked according to breed, parity and stage of lactation and allocated to two treatments: autumn trimming (AT) or no autumn trimming (NAT). Outcome variables were claw measurements and prevalence of hoof lesions and lameness (measured at spring trimming) and the need for hoof treatments between scheduled trimmings. At spring trimming, NAT cows had longer and shallower claws than AT cows. The average net growth of the toe wall was greater for AT than for NAT cattle, with a marked variation between housing systems. Most hoof lesions present at AT had disappeared at the subsequent spring trimming. Controlled for clustering by herd-within-year and for the effects of individual-and herd-level covariates, AT cattle at spring trimmings had significantly lower odds of lameness (OR = 0.66) and of haemorrhages of the sole or white-line (OR = 0.86), sole ulcer (OR = 0.59) and white-line fissure or double sole (OR = 0.71)-but not of moderate-to-severe heel-horn erosion or dermatitis (OR = 0.96). Acute hoof treatments between claw trimmings were more common in the NAT group (OR = 2.02). (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. Prevalence and interrelationships of hoof lesions and lameness in Swedish dairy cows Bergsten, C., Hultgren, J., Manske, T. Prevalence and interrelationships of hoof lesions and lameness in Swedish dairy cows Bergsten, C., Hultgren, J., Manske, T. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2002 The prevalence of hoof lesions and lameness in 4899 heifers and cows was determined at claw trimming one time in a cross-sectional study on 101 Swedish dairy farms, 1996-1998. The percentage of affected animals was 41% for heel-horn erosion, 30% for sole haemorrhages, 27% for erosive dermatitis, 21% for abnormal claw shape, 14% for white-line haemorrhages, 8.8% for white-line fissures, 8.6% for sole ulcers, 3.3% for double soles, 2.3% for verrucose dermatitis, and 1.8% for interdigital hyperplasia (IH). Seventy-two percent of all animals had at least one hoof lesion. The prevalence of lameness was 5.1%; most hoof lesions did not cause lameness. Differences between herds were substantial; the herd-specific, animal-level prevalence of lesions ranged from 25 to 98% and of lameness from 0 to 33%. Sole haemorrhages were found in all herds. The proportion of variance at the between-herd level was particularly high for heel-horn erosion (62%) and abnormal claw shape (54%). Strong correlations between lesions were found within hooves (and animals), e.g. for heel-horn erosion and dermatitis (Spearman's rank correlation, r(s) = 0.36 and 0.37, respectively) and for sole and white-line haemorrhages (r(s) = 0.25 and 0.28). Most hoof lesions affected hind and front hooves bilaterally, whereas the correlation between hind and front hooves generally was lower. Herds that ranked high for prevalence of sole ulcer also ranked high for sole haemorrhages and for abnormal claw shape and herds that ranked high for dermatitis also ranked high for heel-horn erosion, verrucose dermatitis and IH. Abnormal claw shape was strongly associated with sole ulcer (r(s) = 0.41 at cow level)-suggesting the importance of maintaining a correct claw shape for the prevention of hoof-horn lesions. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. Effect of a prewash on footbath contamination: a randomised control trial Bell, N.J., Blackmore, T.L., Hurst et al Effect of a prewash on footbath contamination: a randomised control trial Bell, N.J., Blackmore, T.L., Hurst, B.S., Mahendran, S.A., Manning, A.D. Vet Rec 2016 Evidence base behind foot trimming in UK dairy cattle Bell, N.J., Mahendran, S., Manning, A. Evidence base behind foot trimming in UK dairy cattle Bell, N.J., Mahendran, S., Manning, A. Livestock 2016 Effects of concentrate type and level on the performance and health of finishing Hereford bulls given a grass silage-based diet... Jauhiainen, L., Koho, N., Manninen, M. et al Effects of concentrate type and level on the performance and health of finishing Hereford bulls given a grass silage-based diet and reared in cold conditions Jauhiainen, L., Koho, N., Manninen, M., Pösö, R., Ruusunen, M., Soveri, T. Livestock Science 2010 Invited review: Environmental enrichment of dairy cows and calves in indoor housing Klement, E., Mandel, R., Nicol, C.J. et al Invited review: Environmental enrichment of dairy cows and calves in indoor housing Klement, E., Mandel, R., Nicol, C.J., Whay, H. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2016 In recent years, an increasing number of farmers are choosing to keep their cows indoors throughout the year. Indoor housing of cows allows farmers to provide high-yielding individuals with a nutritionally balanced diet fit for their needs, and it has important welfare benefits for both cows and their calves, such as protection from predators, parasites, and exposure to extreme weather conditions. However, it also confronts cows and calves with a wide range of environmental challenges. These include abiotic environmental sources of stress (e.g., exposure to loud and aversive sound) and confinement-specific stressors (e.g., restricted movement and maintenance in abnormal social groups). Cows and calves that live indoors are also faced with the challenge of occupying long periods with a limited range of possible behavioral patterns. Environmental enrichment can improve biological functioning (measured as increased lifetime reproductive success, increased inclusive fitness, or a correlate of these such as improved health), help animals to cope with stressors in their surroundings, reduce frustration, increase the fulfillment of behavioral needs, and promote more positive affective states. Here, we review recent findings on the effect of social, occupational, physical, sensory, and nutritional enrichment on dairy cows and calves, and we assess the appropriateness and practicality of implementing different enrichment practices on commercial dairy farms. Some of the enrichment methods reviewed here may also be applied to those more extensive cattle-raising systems, where similar challenges occur. Effect of feeding according to energy balance on performance, nutrient excretion, and feeding behavior of early lactation dairy... Barbosa, L. F., Bueno, P., De Vries, A. et al Effect of feeding according to energy balance on performance, nutrient excretion, and feeding behavior of early lactation dairy cows Barbosa, L. F., Bueno, P., De Vries, A., Greco, L. F., Kaniyamattam, K., Maltz, E., Santos, J. E. P., Scagion, L. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 The treatment of difficult foot conditions in the individual cow Malmo, J. The treatment of difficult foot conditions in the individual cow Malmo, J. Brucella arthritis in newborn crossbred calves Maiti, S., Parai, T., Singh, D., Singh et al Brucella arthritis in newborn crossbred calves Maiti, S., Parai, T., Singh, D., Singh, Ran Vir Indian Veterinary Journal 1999 Fifteen newborn calves (5-30 days) had clinical bilateral septic carpitis (inflammation of knee joints) and lameness. Thirteen were subjected to serological test for Brucella abortus infection. Attempts to culture Brucella or other pathogens gave negative results. However the serological tests gave strong positive results Incidence of foot disorders in an organised dairy farm Maiti, S., Nautiyal, L., Parai, T. Incidence of foot disorders in an organised dairy farm Maiti, S., Nautiyal, L., Parai, T. Indian Veterinary Journal 1996 Effect of the RSPCA Freedom Food scheme on the welfare of dairy cattle Green, L. E., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER et al Effect of the RSPCA Freedom Food scheme on the welfare of dairy cattle Green, L. E., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER, A.J.F., Whay, H. R. Veterinary Record 2003 To evaluate the effect of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Freedom Food (FF) scheme on the welfare of dairy cattle in England, 28 FF and 25 non-FF farms were assessed during the winter of 2000 to 2001. The assessments were based on a protocol which included the examination of the farms' records, the farmers' estimates of the incidence of disease, and independent observations of the behaviour and physical condition of the cows. The data were analysed to identify which measures of welfare were affected by FF membership and to assess the number of farms on which intervention would be required, as defined by a panel of 50 experts. The FF farms had better results for 12 of the welfare indicators, including those for mastitis, non-hock injuries, cow cleanliness and body condition, and poorer welfare indicators for eight of the measures, including hock injuries, lameness and restrictions in rising behaviour. Except for the prevalence of dull coats (which was lower on the FF farms) there were no significant differences in the proportions Of FF and non-FF farms on which intervention was required according to the experts' assessment. Preliminary investigation into the use of expert opinion to compare the overall welfare of dairy cattle farms in different farm... Green, L. E., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER et al Preliminary investigation into the use of expert opinion to compare the overall welfare of dairy cattle farms in different farm assurance schemes Green, L. E., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER, A.J.F., Whay, H. R. Animal Welfare 2003 This paper describes an approach to assessing the overall welfare of cows oil dairy farms. Veterinary and behaviour experts were shown results for ten selected welfare parameters for 2.5 pairs of dairy farms paired for farm assurance status but with similar geographical location and husbandry system. From this information alone they were asked to state which farms had better welfare. Overall, there were no significant differences between the conclusions of veterinary and behaviour experts. There was a significant relationship between the proportion of experts rating a farm as poorer and the measured difference in the number of cows with lameness or rising restrictions between the paired farms. There were no significant relationships between the expert decisions and differences in milk yield, flight distance, swollen hocks, mastitis incidence, dystocia level, conception rates, prevalence of thin cows and proportion of cows with dirty udders. Clearly, experts rate lameness and discomfort as highly important indices of poor welfare in dairy cows. Moving from animal welfare assessment to improvement Main, D. C. J., Whay, H. R. Moving from animal welfare assessment to improvement Main, D. C. J., Whay, H. R. UFAW symposium, Science in the service of animal welfare 2004 Best practice framework for animal welfare certification schemes Atkinson, C., Blokhuis, H. J., Cooper et al Best practice framework for animal welfare certification schemes Atkinson, C., Blokhuis, H. J., Cooper, M., Main, D. C. J., Mullan, S., Wrathall, J. H. M. Trends in Food Science & Technology Evaluating an intervention to reduce lameness in dairy cattle Barker, Z. E., Bell, N.J., Leach, K. A. et al Evaluating an intervention to reduce lameness in dairy cattle Barker, Z. E., Bell, N.J., Leach, K. A., Maggs, C. M., Main, D. C. J., Sedgwick, A. K., Whay, H. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Sampling strategies for monitoring lameness in dairy cattle Barker, Z. E., Bell, N.J., Browne et al Sampling strategies for monitoring lameness in dairy cattle Barker, Z. E., Bell, N.J., Browne, W. J., Leach, K. A., Main, D. C. J., Whay, H. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Evolution of Animal-Welfare Education for Veterinary Students David C.J. Main Evolution of Animal-Welfare Education for Veterinary Students David C.J. Main Journal of Veterinary Medical Education 2010 Biomechanical testing of the suspensory apparatus of the phalanx distalis in the claw of beef bulls Bohmisch, R., Maierl, J., Metzner, M. Biomechanical testing of the suspensory apparatus of the phalanx distalis in the claw of beef bulls Bohmisch, R., Maierl, J., Metzner, M. Wiener Tierarztliche Monatsschrift 2002 The strength of the suspensory apparatus of the third phalanx in cattle: an in vitro study Boehmisch, R., Liebich, H. G., Maierl et al The strength of the suspensory apparatus of the third phalanx in cattle: an in vitro study Boehmisch, R., Liebich, H. G., Maierl, J., Nuss, K. Variations in the blood constituents of cows subjected to various stress factors Bertoni, G., Cappa, V., Lombardelli, R. et al Variations in the blood constituents of cows subjected to various stress factors Bertoni, G., Cappa, V., Lombardelli, R., Maianti, M. G. Zootecnica e Nutrizione Animale 1990 Blood samples were taken from four cows before and at various periods after hoof trimming in stalls, from four given two i.m. injections of 100 IU ACTH at a 12-hour interval, and from two given nine daily i.m. injections of 51 IU ACTH; there were equal numbers of untreated controls. The acute stress of hoof trimming caused immediate transient increases in blood cortisol and glucose and to a lesser extent in urea, non-esterified fatty acids and sodium. Similar changes occurred in the animals given ACTH, with the greatest changes in the three groups occurring in the animals given the nine consecutive ACTH injections. On the day following treatment both the stressed and control animals showed falls (2-13%) in milk production Effects of time and sampling location on concentrations of β-hydroxybutyric acid in dairy cows Burfeind, O., Heuwieser, W., Mahrt, A. Effects of time and sampling location on concentrations of β-hydroxybutyric acid in dairy cows Burfeind, O., Heuwieser, W., Mahrt, A. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 A study on digital diseases of cattle in Morocco Mahin, L. A study on digital diseases of cattle in Morocco Mahin, L. Annales de Recherches Veterinaires 1986 Digital diseases of cattle, as defined by the "International Council on Digital Diseases of the Ruminants" were studied on 32 farms with various management systems in Morocco. This study involved 953 cattle without lameness for claw examination and 89 lame cattle for detailed clinical examination and semiological trimming of the eight claws. Claw deformities, interdigital dermatitis and ungular erosion, chronic diffuse aseptic pododermatitis, circumscribed pododermatitis and deep digital diseases were described regarding their prevalence and clinical characteristics, including their distribution on fore and hind limbs, and on antero-medial, antero-lateral, postero-medial and postero-lateral claws. Interrelationships between different digital diseases and relationships between some digital diseases and environmental factors were searched by correlation studies. The results are compared with the characteristics of the same digital diseases in other countries Randomised control trial to evaluate the effect of foot trimming before and after first calving on subsequent lameness episodes... Barrett, D. C., Bell, N.J., Blackmore et al Randomised control trial to evaluate the effect of foot trimming before and after first calving on subsequent lameness episodes and productivity in dairy heifers Barrett, D. C., Bell, N.J., Blackmore, T., Burnell, M., Chang, Y., Huxley, J.N., Mahendran, S., Whay, H. R. Veterinary Journal Submitted 2016 Lameness in cattle 2. Managing claw health through appropriate trimming techniques Bell, N.J., Mahendran, S. Lameness in cattle 2. Managing claw health through appropriate trimming techniques Bell, N.J., Mahendran, S. In Practice 2015 Therapeutic efficacy of diclofenac sodium in clinical and experimental cases of arthritis and myositis in cattle and buffaloes Bhoop, Singh, Mahajan, D. N. et al Therapeutic efficacy of diclofenac sodium in clinical and experimental cases of arthritis and myositis in cattle and buffaloes Bhoop, Singh, Mahajan, D. N., Mir Salabat, Ali Indian Veterinary Journal 1994 Therapeutic efficacy of diclofenac sodium (Zobid, Sarabhai) 1 mg/kg i.m. was evaluated against clinical and experimental cases of myositis and arthritis in cattle and buffaloes. An overall recovery rate of 85% (12 out of 14) and 60% (3 out of 5) was recorded in myositic and arthritic cases, respectively. All the eight calves with lactic acid- and turpentine induced myositis and non-infectious arthritis responded well to treatment with 2-3 and 4-7 injections of diclofenac sodium (1 mg/kg), respectively, whereas the control group showed muscular atrophy and permanent lameness Chondrosarcoma Associated With the Appendicular Skeleton of Two Domestic Ferrets Jenkins, Jeffrey R., Maguire, Patrick et al Chondrosarcoma Associated With the Appendicular Skeleton of Two Domestic Ferrets Jenkins, Jeffrey R., Maguire, Patrick, Maguire, Rina, Reavill, Drury R. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine Development of a real time cow gait tracking and analysing tool to assess lameness using a pressure sensitive walkway: The... Baert, Jeroen, De Campeneere, Sam et al Development of a real time cow gait tracking and analysing tool to assess lameness using a pressure sensitive walkway: The GAITWISE system Baert, Jeroen, De Campeneere, Sam, Jantuan, Alexandru, Maertens, Willem, Mertens, Koen C., Opsomer, Geert, Pluk, Arno, Van Nuffel, Annelies, Van Weyenberg, Stephanie, Vangeyte, Jürgen Biosystems Engineering 2011 Cattle lameness causes considerable animal welfare problems and negatively affects the farm economy. Gait scoring techniques and claw health reports are commonly used for research and surveys, but few daily management solutions exist to monitor gait parameters from individual cows within a herd. A tool to automate and process the measurement of spatiotemporal kinematic and force variables was developed using a pressure sensitive walkway, commercial farm infrastructure and management tools. A fully automatic setup on ILVO’s experimental farm measures and analyses the gait of each cow that exits the milking parlour by registration of 20 basic kinematic gait variables. Based on this variable set, a wide range of typical gait parameters such as triple support time, abduction, etc. can be calculated. This paper presents some practical results and considerations related to this system of automated gait analysis. A first validation of the acquired variables shows that the Gaitwise system is capable of clustering observations in relation to the observer score with an overall sensitivity of 76–90% and specificity of 86–100%. Variables of asymmetry and speed seem most promising for further research on the detection of lameness. For future reference, the resulting cow gait variables will be stored for time series analysis to detect changes in individual cow walking behaviour in relation to any source (claw lesions, gestation stage, etc.). Such measurements could provide valuable information for management, veterinary check-ups and further research for automatic lameness detection in cattle. A semi-parametric model for lactation curves: Development and application Browne, W. J., Green, M. J., Huxley et al A semi-parametric model for lactation curves: Development and application Browne, W. J., Green, M. J., Huxley, J.N., Madouasse, A., Toni, F. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2012 Idiopathic gonitis in heifers: 34 cases (1976-1986) Madison, J. B. Idiopathic gonitis in heifers: 34 cases (1976-1986) Madison, J. B. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1989 Acute suppurative arthritis of the stifle joint was diagnosed in 34 Holstein heifers between 1976 and 1986. Only 1 stifle joint was affected in each heifer; however, 1 heifer also had involvement of the contralateral radiocarpal joint. In each heifer, there was marked lameness and synovitis characterized by an effusion with high synovial fluid nucleated cell counts and total protein concentration. Seventy-four percent (25/34) of the heifers had radiographic evidence of an osteolytic lesion involving the lateral tibial plateau. Bacteriologic cultures of synovial fluid, synovial membrane, and bone yielded no growth. Eighteen of 23 (78%) affected heifers for which follow-up data was obtained became productive herd members after treatment Rib Callus in Cows: An Abattoir Study. Maddox, J.G. Rib Callus in Cows: An Abattoir Study. Maddox, J.G. The Meat Hygienist 1986 The Pathology and Pathogenesis of Bluetongue Darpel, K. E., Drew, C. P., Maclachlan et al The Pathology and Pathogenesis of Bluetongue Darpel, K. E., Drew, C. P., Maclachlan, N. J., Worwa, G. Journal of Comparative Pathology 2009 Bluetongue: History, global epidemiology, and pathogenesis Maclachlan, N. James Bluetongue: History, global epidemiology, and pathogenesis Maclachlan, N. James Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2011 Metabolic problems in high producing cows on a predominantly pasture based diet Macky, S. Metabolic problems in high producing cows on a predominantly pasture based diet Macky, S. The traditional pasture-based dairying systems of New Zealand present numerous opportunities for metabolic disease, especially in high-yielding herds. Particular metabolic disorders discussed in this article are hypocalcaemia, ketosis and rumen acidosis/laminitis Fear responses to novelty in testing environments are related to day-to-day activity in the home environment in dairy cattle Deag, John M., Haskell, Marie J. et al Fear responses to novelty in testing environments are related to day-to-day activity in the home environment in dairy cattle Deag, John M., Haskell, Marie J., MacKay, Jill R. D., van Reenen, Kees Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2014 Behavioural tests for cattle take time to perform and can be stressful for the animals but are currently the only way of assessing behavioural reactions to fear-causing stimuli in a standardised manner. It may be possible to use behavioural data collected remotely in the home pen environment through the use of activity monitors and robotic milkers to identify fearful cattle without testing. In this study eighty five dairy cows were given a novel arena novel object (NANO) test and 79 of these were also human approach (HAP) tested, both thought to reflect fear. All animals had their activity recorded for 40 days prior to the testing period using a tri-axial accelerometer activity monitor. High numbers of novel object contacts in the test was associated with younger animals with fewer lying bouts per day and were less variable in their lying bout duration ( R adj 2 = 0.13 , F3,75 = 4.65, P = 0.005). Cows with a higher tolerance for human approach had fewer lying bouts per day, a shorter average standing bout duration and presented themselves to the robot milker more often ( R adj 2 = 0.08 , F3,69 = 3.12, P = 0.032). Personality traits constructed from a principle components analysis of the observed NANO behaviours were also associated with home pen activity. Cows which scored highly on the first component termed ‘neophobia’ were older, had more lying bouts and a greater variation in the duration of their average lying bout ( R adj 2 = 0.15 , F3,75 = 5.32, P = 0.002) while cows which scored highly on the second component termed ‘boldness’ were older cows with less variation in their average lying bout duration ( R adj 2 = 0.11 , F2,75 = 5.63, P = 0.005). To conclude, significant relationships exist between behaviours in short-term personality tests and home pen activity recorded over several weeks. As fearfulness is reflected in spontaneous home pen behaviours, activity databases could be incorporated into models predicting fearfulness and welfare assessment protocols. Establishing the extent of behavioural reactions in dairy cattle to a leg mounted activity monitor Deag, John M., Haskell, Marie J. et al Establishing the extent of behavioural reactions in dairy cattle to a leg mounted activity monitor Deag, John M., Haskell, Marie J., MacKay, Jill R. D. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2012 The effect of claw horn disruption lesions and body condition score at dry-off on survivability, reproductive performance, and... Bicalho, R. C., Caixeta, L. S., Machado et al The effect of claw horn disruption lesions and body condition score at dry-off on survivability, reproductive performance, and milk production in the subsequent lactation Bicalho, R. C., Caixeta, L. S., Machado, V. S., McArt, J. A. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Effects of time of year and reproductive state on the proliferation and keratinisation of bovine hoof cells Hendry, K. A. K., Knight, C. H., Logue et al Effects of time of year and reproductive state on the proliferation and keratinisation of bovine hoof cells Hendry, K. A. K., Knight, C. H., Logue, D. N., MacCallum, A. J., Offer, J. E., Wilde, C. J. Veterinary Record 2002 Effects of chemical and mechanical wearing on the cleanability and surface properties of traditional and new surface materials in... Hellstedt, Maarit, Kuisma, Risto et al Effects of chemical and mechanical wearing on the cleanability and surface properties of traditional and new surface materials in cattle barns – a laboratory study Hellstedt, Maarit, Kuisma, Risto, Kymäläinen, Hanna-Riitta, Määttä, Jenni, Mahlberg, Riitta, Sjöberg, Anna-Maija Biosystems Engineering 2009 Efficacy of ethylenediamine dihydriodide in the prevention of naturally occurring foot rot in cattle Maas, J. Efficacy of ethylenediamine dihydriodide in the prevention of naturally occurring foot rot in cattle Maas, J. American Journal of Veterinary Research 1984 The efficacy of an ethylenediamine dihydriodide containing salt mixture was evaluated with regard to the prevention of naturally occurring foot rot in pastured cattle. Ninety-six cattle were assigned to the treatment group and 96 were assigned to the control group. The groups were allowed consumption of salt-mineral mixtures, ad libitum, that were identical, except with respect to iodine concentration. The control group's mixture contained 0.0025% iodine and the treatment group's mixture contained 0.125% iodine (0.156% ethylenediamine dihydriodide). The incidence of foot rot was measured, as was the severity of the lesions and accompanying lameness. The incidence of foot rot in the control group (20.8%) was significantly (P less than 0.05) greater than the incidence in the treatment group (8.3%). The severity of foot rot was greater (P = 0.024) in the control calves vs the treatment calves. Total serum iodine concentrations were measured in the 2 groups on days 0, 46, and 130 of the experiment. The serum iodine values of the treatment group on day 46 (46 +/- 19.8 g/dl) and day 130 (23 +/- 12.3 g/dl) were significantly different (P less than 0.01) than the serum iodine concentrations of the control animals and the pretreatment values (day 0) of both groups. Production was measured via calf weaning weights. There were no detectable differences between the 205-day adjusted weaning weights of the calves in the control group vs the calves in the treatment group. Clinical signs of iodism were not observed in the cattle involved in this study Milking frequency management in pasture-based automatic milking systems: A review Garcia, S. C., Kerrisk, K. L., Lyons et al Milking frequency management in pasture-based automatic milking systems: A review Garcia, S. C., Kerrisk, K. L., Lyons, N. A. Livestock Science 2014 Lame cows alter behaviour; mineral complexes efficacious Lundeen, T. Lame cows alter behaviour; mineral complexes efficacious Lundeen, T. Feedstuffs 2002 A study of methods for evaluating the success of the transition period in early-lactation dairy cows De Vries, A., Lukas, J. M., Reneau et al A study of methods for evaluating the success of the transition period in early-lactation dairy cows De Vries, A., Lukas, J. M., Reneau, J. K., Wallace, R. L. Journal of Dairy Science ABSTRACT Three transition monitors were developed in this study that serve on 2 levels: the individual cow level and the herd level. On the first level they screen all cows for potential onset of postparturient health disorders and could be used to trigger implementation of more specific diagnostic initiatives. On the second level they can be used within herd to monitor the implementation of transition protocols and evaluate the transition management on the farm, signaling potential problems before clinical disease onset. The performance of 3 transition monitors based on daily milk yield (MY) within the first 7 d in milk was evaluated in 3 herds with differing transition management intensity. The 3 monitors considered were increase in MY (LINE), average MY (MY7), and the difference between MY7 and expected MY (transition success measure, TSM). Transition monitors were evaluated not only as within-herd predictors of individual cow transition problems but also as indicators of herd transition management failures by relating their value with probability of early-lactation health disorders, culling, and treatment cost. Analysis of logistic models, correlations, and sensitivity and specificity estimates identified TSM as the most reliable measure of transition failure on both the individual cow level as well as the farm level across all study herds, with best performance achieved in herds with the most intensive postpartum cow management. As evaluated by logistic regression models, TSM was able to successfully predict the probability of a cow remaining healthy for the first 21 d of lactation (c-statistic between 0.68 and 0.78), and probability of culling by 100 d in milk (c-statistic between 0.73 and 0.86). Total cost of treatment by 21 d in milk also showed the strongest correlation with TSM, with correlation coefficients ranging between 0.2 and 0.4. Statistical-process control cumulative sum charts for TSM designed to monitor postpartum management process in the herd identified transition failure events with at least 90% sensitivity at specificity above 92% within a 14-d window of 7 d before and 7 d after the event. Biophysical and biochemical study of the hoof horn in cows Luk' yanovskii, V. A. Biophysical and biochemical study of the hoof horn in cows Luk' yanovskii, V. A. Vestnik Sel'skokhozyaistvennoi Nauki Moskva 1992 The study of the hoof horn quality in 1100 cows of different breeds, housed under different conditions and during different seasons involved an assessment of hardness, tensible strength, intensity of hoof growth and wearing out, resistance to wearing out, heat conductivity of the horn and the contents of moisture, ash, protein and fat. The highest quality of horn was found in the Ayrshire breed kept in autumn on wooden floors and was superior to the indigenous and imported German Pied breed Increasing number of cattle suffering from papillomatous digital dermatitis Switzerland Kollbrunner, M., Luginbuhl, A. Increasing number of cattle suffering from papillomatous digital dermatitis Switzerland Kollbrunner, M., Luginbuhl, A. Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde 2000 The increasing number of cattle suffering from papillomatous digital dermatitis was reason enough for a literature review and do describe one of the possible methods of treatment applicable in medium sized farms and alpine farming Spirochetes belonging to the genus Treponema are supposed to be the pathogens of the disease. Footbaths recommended by several authors are often not applicable because of technical reasons. Good results are obtained by surgical treatment using intravenous limb anaesthesia together with general and local application of antibiotics (chloramphenicol or oxytetracycline). After surgery cows were immediately bandaged and housed. By using this method 24 cases could successfully be treated. On average it took 6 days (1-12 days), 1 to 3 antibiotic bandages and 1 to 4 intravenous injections of antibiotics to treat the disease. Housing the infected animals helps to prevent the disease from spreading within the herd. Increasing number of cattle suffering from papillomatous digital dermatitis in Switzerland. Vermehrtes Auftreten der Dermatitis... Kollbrunner, M., Luginbuhl, A. Increasing number of cattle suffering from papillomatous digital dermatitis in Switzerland. Vermehrtes Auftreten der Dermatitis digitalis des Rindes (Erdbeerfuss) in der Schweiz Kollbrunner, M., Luginbuhl, A. Schweizer Archiv fuer Tierheilkunde 2000 The increasing number of cattle suffering from papillomatous digital dermatitis was reason enough for a literature review and to describe one of the possible methods of treatment applicable in medium sized farms and alpine farming. Spirochetes belonging to the genus Treponema are supposed to be the pathogens of the disease. Footbaths recommended by several authors are often not applicable because of technical reasons. Good results are obtained by surgical treatment using intravenous limb anaesthesia together with general and local application of antibiotics (chloramphenicol or oxytetracyline). After surgery cows were immediately bandaged and housed. By using this method 24 cases could successfully be treated. On average it took 6 days (1-12 days), 1 to 3 antibiotic bandages and 1 to 4 intravenous injections of antibiotics to treat the disease. Housing the infected animals helps to prevent the disease from spreading within the herd Short-term associations between disease and milk yield of dairy cows Lucey, S. Short-term associations between disease and milk yield of dairy cows Lucey, S. Journal of Dairy Research 1986 Short-term associations between disease and milk yield were studied in 1594 lactations occurring between 1977 and 1982 in 732 Friesian, Ayrshire and Holstein crossbred cows. Statistically significant differences in milk yield between one week before and one week after clinical diagnosis were observed for ketosis (5.1 kg/d), hypomagnesaemia (4.1 kg/d), mastitis occurring after peak yield (2.1 kg/d) and lameness (1.1 kg/d). Milk yield declined for as much as 2-4 weeks before diagnosis of disease, and total losses in milk yield associated with ketosis or hypomagnesaemia were estimated to be 60-70 kg. No significant differences were found for endometritis or for mastitis when it occurred before peak yield. Milk yield was suppressed for about 4 weeks after calvings with retained placenta, but there were no corresponding effects of dystocia or hypocalcaemia on milk yield. It is suggested that if automatic daily milk recording is available it may be possible to detect deviations from normal, and hence detect subclinical disease 2 or more weeks before its clinical appearance The association between lameness and fertility in dairy cows Lucey, S. The association between lameness and fertility in dairy cows Lucey, S. Veterinary Record 1986 One thousand, four hundred and ninety-one lactations in 770 Friesian, Holstein and Ayrshire crossbred cows have been used to study the associations between lameness and fertility. Lameness was associated with a longer interval between calving and first service and a longer interval between calving and conception. The largest increases in these intervals, of 17 and 30 days, respectively, occurred in cows with either sole or white line lesions occurring between 36 and 70 days after calving. The conception rate during the 63 days before a diagnosis of lameness was made was lower (31 per cent) than at other times (40 per cent) An assessment of lameness in finishing beef cattle accommodated on different floor types over the winter months Beattie, V. E., Lowe, D. E., Steen et al An assessment of lameness in finishing beef cattle accommodated on different floor types over the winter months Beattie, V. E., Lowe, D. E., Steen, R. W. J. Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research 2000 Epidemiological studies of the occurrence of abomasal displacement in dairy cows Lotthammer, K. H. Epidemiological studies of the occurrence of abomasal displacement in dairy cows Lotthammer, K. H. Tierarztliche Umschau 1992 In a study of herd health and fertility problems in 1089 dairy herds in north and north-west Germany in 1989-1991, the occurrence of abomasal displacement, determined as one or more cases per herd, was examined in relation to the management of the herd and the occurrence of other health problems. 18.1% of the herds had experienced one or more cases of abomasal displacement per year. A positive association between milk yield and the occurrence of abomasal displacement was observed. The percentage of herds with abomasal displacement was 8.1% for herds with an average milk yield of <5500 kg compared with 34.0% of herds with an average milk yield of >8000 kg. No significant associations were observed between the occurrence of abomasal displacement and herd size or feeding practices. The variation in the disease incidence with different housing systems was accounted for by the difference in the average milk yield. The percentage of herds experiencing cases of acetonaemia, problems with lameness and fertility and with mastitis was greater for herds with displaced abomasum than those not affected. It was concluded that an unbalanced energy supply in the diets of high yielding dairy cows increases the risk of occurrence of abomasal displacement Economic impacts of reduced milk production associated with papillomatous digital dermatitis in dairy cows in the USA Losinger, W. C. Economic impacts of reduced milk production associated with papillomatous digital dermatitis in dairy cows in the USA Losinger, W. C. Journal of Dairy Research 2006 The goal of this study was to measure the economic impacts of reduced milk production associated with papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) in dairy cows in the USA, and of specific risk factors for PDD, in 1996. The method applied was an economic-welfare analysis of producer and consumer surplus, with the GUM Workbench used to analyse uncertainties in the measurements. Reduced milk production associated with PIDD was found to reduce consumer surplus by $750 million +/-$580 million, and to increase the economic surplus of producers by $560 million +/-$470 million, with a net economic loss of $190 million +/-$130 million. An examination of the economic effects of specific epidemiologic risk factors for PDD showed that having dairy cows that were not born on the operation had important economic consequences associated with the disease, as did the type of land to which dairy cows had access during the winter months and the type of flooring on which cows walked. Washing hoof-trimming equipment between cows was an important biosecurity measure that was associated with reduced PDD. The epidemiologic model used also implicated hoof trimmers who trimmed cattle hooves on other operations as having an important economic impact associated with this disease, although this finding may have been erroneous. The influence of genital tract status in postpartum period on the subsequent reproductive performance in high producing dairy cows Garcia-Ispierto, I., López-Gatius, F. et al The influence of genital tract status in postpartum period on the subsequent reproductive performance in high producing dairy cows Garcia-Ispierto, I., López-Gatius, F., López-Helguera, I. Theriogenology 2012 Intrafollicular insemination for the treatment of infertility in the dairy cow Hunter, R. H. F., López-Gatius, F. Intrafollicular insemination for the treatment of infertility in the dairy cow Hunter, R. H. F., López-Gatius, F. Theriogenology 2011 Feeling the ovaries prior to insemination. Clinical implications for improving the fertility of the dairy cow López-Gatius, F. Feeling the ovaries prior to insemination. Clinical implications for improving the fertility of the dairy cow López-Gatius, F. Theriogenology 2011 Factors affecting pregnancy loss from gestation Day 38 to 90 in lactating dairy cows from a single herd López-Béjar, M., López-Gatius, F. et al Factors affecting pregnancy loss from gestation Day 38 to 90 in lactating dairy cows from a single herd López-Béjar, M., López-Gatius, F., Rutllant, J., Santolaria, P., Yaniz, J. Theriogenology 2002 The present study was designed to establish whether factors such as previous estrus synchronization, corpus luteum and embryo number at the time of pregnancy diagnosis, changes in body condition score, milk production, clinical disease (mastitis or lameness) and the inseminating bull affect pregnancy loss from 38 to 90 days of gestation. We derived data from 601 pregnant lactating dairy cows from a single herd. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography between Day 38 and 44 following insemination. We also recorded corpus luteum and embryo number at this time. Pregnancy loss was defined as a negative pregnancy diagnosis on the second palpation per rectum undertaken between 90 and 96 days after insemination. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression methods. Cows that had an additional corpus luteum were eight times less likely to miscarry. The risk of pregnancy loss was 3.1 times higher in cows bearing twins. A one unit reduction in body condition score from previous partum to 30 days postpartum resulted in a 2.4-fold increase in pregnancy loss. We noted a higher incidence of pregnancy loss in cows inseminated using semen from one of the six bulls used. This particular bull led to a 3.4-fold increase in the rate of pregnancy loss. Logistic regression analysis showed no significant effects of previous estrus synchronization, milk production, clinical disease, body condition at previous partum or at pregnancy diagnosis, or body condition change between previous partum and pregnancy diagnosis. Our findings indicate a positive relationship between the presence of an additional corpus luteum and the maintenance of gestation. Risk factors for pregnancy loss were twin pregnancy, reduced body condition after previous parturition and the inseminating bull Comparison of ketoprofen and flunixin efficacy in the treatment of post partum musculo-skeletal disorders Consalvi, P. J., Gool, F. van, Longo et al Comparison of ketoprofen and flunixin efficacy in the treatment of post partum musculo-skeletal disorders Consalvi, P. J., Gool, F. van, Longo, F., Trenti, F., Van Gool, F. 45 cows affected with musculoskeletal disorders in the postpartum period were included in this study. 43 animals were recumbent able or unable to rise. After random division, 23 cows were given ketoprofen at a dose of 3 mg/kg and 22 cows received 2.2 mg/kg of flunixin meglumine i.m. during 1 to 3 consecutive days. A good or very good improvement was observed in 68.2% and 73.9% of the cases respectively, after ketoprofen and flunixin treatment. The initial scores of general behaviour, locomotion and pain, quickly decreased after the ketoprofen or flunixin administrations. Both products provided similar changes of these parameters. The comparison of ketoprofen and flunixin on the respiratory frequency and the rectal temperature were not statistically significant Short communication: Comparison of 2 methods of assessing calf birth weights in dairy calves Collier, R. J., Long, N. M., Smith et al Short communication: Comparison of 2 methods of assessing calf birth weights in dairy calves Collier, R. J., Long, N. M., Smith, J. F. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Associations between cow hygiene, hock injuries, and free stall usage on US dairy farms Kopral, C. A., Lombard, J. E., Tucker et al Associations between cow hygiene, hock injuries, and free stall usage on US dairy farms Kopral, C. A., Lombard, J. E., Tucker, C. B., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 This cross-sectional study evaluated cow comfort measures in free stall dairies across the United States as part of the National Animal Health Monitoring System's Dairy 2007 study. The study was conducted in 17 states and evaluations were completed between March 5 and September 5, 2007. Assessors recorded hygiene and hock scores, number of cows housed in the pen, the number of cows standing with only the front feet in a stall, standing fully in a stall, and lying in a stall. Facility design measures included bedding type, bedding quantity, stall length and width, presence of a neck rail or brisket locator, and relevant distances from the rear and bed of the stall. Of the 491 operations that completed the cow comfort assessment, 297 had Holstein cows housed in free stalls and were included in this analysis. Negative binomial models were constructed to evaluate the following outcomes: the number of cows that were very dirty, had severe hock injuries, stood with front feet in the stall, stood with all feet in the stall, and were lying in the stall. Hygiene was better on farms that did not tail dock cows compared with those that did (5.7 vs. 8.8% were dirty) and on farms located in the study's west region compared with those located in the east region (5.2 vs. 9.7% were dirty). Severe hock injuries were less common on farms in the west than those in the east (0.5 vs. 4.1%). In addition, severe hock injuries were less common on farms that used dirt as a stall base or sand as bedding compared with farms that did not. A higher percentage of cows was standing with front feet in the stall at higher ambient temperatures (incidence rate ratio = 1.016) and as time since feeding increased (incidence rate ratio = 1.030). A lower percentage of cows were standing with front feet in the stall when the stalls were shorter and when there were fewer cows per stall. Standing fully in a stall was performed by a higher percentage of cows during the summer than during the spring (13.6 vs. 8.1%), when cows were provided free stalls with rubber mats or mattresses, and as the distance from the rear curb to neck rail increased. A higher percentage of cows were lying in a stall when sand bedding was used, when bedding was added more frequently, and during the spring months. Results of this national survey indicate that tail docking provides no benefit to cow hygiene and that stall base and bedding are key factors influencing hock injuries and stall usage on US free stall dairy farms. Associations between decreased fertility and management factors, claw health, and somatic cell count in Swedish dairy cows Frössling, J., Gustafsson, H. et al Associations between decreased fertility and management factors, claw health, and somatic cell count in Swedish dairy cows Frössling, J., Gustafsson, H., Hallén-Sandgren, C., Lomander, H., Svensson, C. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 The effect of forage type on foot health in dairy heifers – final report for MDC Brocklehurst, S., Leach, K. A., Logue et al The effect of forage type on foot health in dairy heifers – final report for MDC Brocklehurst, S., Leach, K. A., Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E., WEBSTER, A.J.F. 2001 Improving claw trimming in cattle: Onwards from the Dutch Technique Logue, D. N., Murray, R. D., Offer et al Improving claw trimming in cattle: Onwards from the Dutch Technique Logue, D. N., Murray, R. D., Offer, J. E. Veterinary Journal 2006 The bovine digital cushion – how crucial is it to contusions on the bearing surface of the claw of the cow? Logue, D. N., McGovern, R. D., Offer et al The bovine digital cushion – how crucial is it to contusions on the bearing surface of the claw of the cow? Logue, D. N., McGovern, R. D., Offer, J. E. The Veterinary Journal 2004 Cattle lameness and the welfare of the dairy cow Berry, R., Chaplin, S. A., Le fevre, A. et al Cattle lameness and the welfare of the dairy cow Berry, R., Chaplin, S. A., Le fevre, A., Leach, K., Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E. Research in Veterinary Science 2001 Digital dermatitis – The aetiological soup Ellis, W. A., Laven, R. A., Logue et al Digital dermatitis – The aetiological soup Ellis, W. A., Laven, R. A., Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E. Veterinary Journal 2005 A New Technique For Use in the Study of Lameness in Dairy Cows Bax, J. A., Bradley, H., Kempson, S. A. et al A New Technique For Use in the Study of Lameness in Dairy Cows Bax, J. A., Bradley, H., Kempson, S. A., Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E. Animal Production 1992 Lameness in Dairy-Cattle Kempson, S. A., Logue, D. N., Offer et al Lameness in Dairy-Cattle Kempson, S. A., Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E. Irish Veterinary Journal 1993 Lameness is a major cuase of suffering in dairy cattle. For many years it has been evident that systems of management predisposed to the condition. However, the interactions are complex and, unfortunately, epidemiological research, while identifying risk factors, has largely failed to apportion the relative importance of the various influencing factors. Equally, because of inadequate control, experimental studies have also proved difficult to interpret. This is because the underlying aetiology and development of lesions of the foot, the most common cause of lameness in dairy cattle, have been inadequately defined and some factors ignored, such as insults to the hoof prior to the experimental period. A radical reappraisal of the problem has been sought, starting with a model of the development of lesions of the sole, which occur even in cattle that never become lame. Only with this background will it be possible to define suitable experiments to identify the relative importance and interrelationship of the various factors involved in lameness. The present study has obtained time-dependent relationships between aspects of hoof horn ultrastructure and the occurrence of hoof lesions and has shown that the interrelationship between the physiological demands of growth, pregnancy, and lactation and the consequent management of the in-calf heifer and first - calving cow are more important factors in the development of hoof lesions than has been generally recognised to date. Relationship of Diet, Hoof Type and Locomotion Score with Lesions of the Sole and White Line in Dairy-Cattle Hyslop, J. J., Logue, D. N., Offer et al Relationship of Diet, Hoof Type and Locomotion Score with Lesions of the Sole and White Line in Dairy-Cattle Hyslop, J. J., Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E. Animal Production 1994 Three groups of 16 cattle each comprising three multiparous Jersey cross Holstein-Friesian cows, seven primiparous and six multiparous Holstein-Friesian cattle were offered, ad libitum, a silage-based complete diet with different concentrate ingredients following an initial 3-week convariate period. The relationship between these three diets and other parameters with lesions of the weight-bearing surface of the hoof was studied by scoring mobility weekly (locomotion score) and examining all the feet of all cows for visual lesions particularly those involving the horn of the foot. In addition hoof angle, hardness and growth and wear also recorded. The mean locomotion score during the initial 3-week covariate period was a significant covariate for the subsequent locomotion score, milk yield, and live weight (P < 0.001). Furthermore weekly locomotion score also proved a significant covariate for weekly milk yield (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between dietary treatment groups for locomotion score, overall lesion score (despite significantly fewer ulcers of the sole in one dietary group: P < 0.001) but a significant (P < 0.05) difference between cow 'type' and there was also a significant (P < 0.05) diet X breed interaction for locomotion score and milk yield. It was concluded first that initial mobility was an important factor in subsequent mobility of the cow and so experimental design; secondly that while nutrition and genotype interacted to influence mobility, visual lesions of the hoof and lameness, the mechanisms involved were far from clear; and thirdly that the simple lesion score used required some adjustment or correction factor(s) to ensure that more severe lesions were given a greater weight than a simple unitary increase. Recording lameness in cattle: A Discussion Document for the Workshop held at BCVA Congress 28th-30th October 2005 Brocklehurst, S., Le Fevre, A. M. et al Recording lameness in cattle: A Discussion Document for the Workshop held at BCVA Congress 28th-30th October 2005 Brocklehurst, S., Le Fevre, A. M., Logue, D. N., Mason, C. S., Offer, J. E. Cattle Practice 2005 The effect of forage type on foot health in dairy heifers Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E. The effect of forage type on foot health in dairy heifers Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E. Veterinary Journal 2001 Laminitis & lameness: putting science into practice! Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E. Laminitis & lameness: putting science into practice! Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E. Cattle Practice 2000 Lameness in the dairy cow: Pain and welfare Logue, D. N., McNulty, D., Nolan, A. M. Lameness in the dairy cow: Pain and welfare Logue, D. N., McNulty, D., Nolan, A. M. Veterinary Journal 1998 Lameness in the dairy cow: pain and welfare [editorial; comment] Logue, D. N., McNulty, D., Nolan, A. M. Lameness in the dairy cow: pain and welfare [editorial; comment] Logue, D. N., McNulty, D., Nolan, A. M. Veterinary Journal 1998 The effect of hoof trimming method on claw conformation and lesion development Logue, D. N., McGovern, R., Offer, J. E. The effect of hoof trimming method on claw conformation and lesion development Logue, D. N., McGovern, R., Offer, J. E. Welfare-positive management and nutrition for the dairy herd: A European perspective Logue, David N., Mayne, C. Sinclair Welfare-positive management and nutrition for the dairy herd: A European perspective Logue, David N., Mayne, C. Sinclair The Veterinary Journal 2014 As European dairy farms become larger and diverge between grass-based and fully housed systems, interest in the welfare of the dairy cow and related environmental issues by consumers and legislators is increasing. These pressures mean that good nutrition and management, which underpin much dairy cow welfare, is critical. Despite considerable research into the management and nutrition of the dairy cow from calf to adulthood there is much on-farm variability in its application. While the incidences of many endemic diseases are reduced most are still significant, for example lameness. In addition, trade and climate change are bringing a more diverse range of pathogens, parasites and pests into Northern Europe. Housing aspects are limited in application by economics and in most cases still do not match grazing for welfare in temperate climates. Genomic technologies offer increased opportunities to breed for ‘robustness’ but like ‘precision animal management systems’ have still to be fully exploited. Effect of diet in lesion development from birth up to the end of first lactation Brocklehurst, S., Leach, K. A., Logue et al Effect of diet in lesion development from birth up to the end of first lactation Brocklehurst, S., Leach, K. A., Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E. A field evaluation of a footbathing solution for the control of digital dermatitis in cattle Gibert, T., Logue, D. N., Parkin, T. et al A field evaluation of a footbathing solution for the control of digital dermatitis in cattle Gibert, T., Logue, D. N., Parkin, T., Taylor, D. J., Thomson, S. The Veterinary Journal 2012 Footbathing is one of the most commonly used methods for controlling digital dermatitis (DD). A farm-based trial was undertaken using six dairy herds involving over 600 cubicle-housed Holstein-Friesian cattle. Split footbaths (length 2.2 m) were used to compare the efficacy of two dips, namely, a positive control (5% copper sulphate) and a non-heavy metal-based proprietary dip. The dips were used from early January 2009 for a minimum of 103 days, bathing twice a day for 3 consecutive days every week, using one footbath (three herds) or two in line (three herds). The lesions of DD on the hind feet of cattle were scored by borescope while the animals were being milked, on three occasions (at approximately days 0, 55 and 110) and then compared both directly and by calculating the change in severity from the previous examination (when possible). Data from the 408 cows that had their feet examined for lesions on all three occasions were analysed separately. A reduction in lesion score was seen for both footbath products, but feet bathed in 5% copper sulphate improved more (OR = 1.6, CI: 1.14–2.32; P < 0.01), and, irrespective of solution, there was a significantly greater improvement in those herds where two footbaths were used (OR = 3.39, CI: 2.07–5.19; P < 0.001). Lesion improvement over time also increased with lactation number (OR = 1.13, CI: 1.02–1.25; P < 0.05). Consequences of “metabolic load” for lameness and disease Ball, P. J. H., Bax, J., Berry, R. J. et al Consequences of “metabolic load” for lameness and disease Ball, P. J. H., Bax, J., Berry, R. J., Chaplin, S. J., Crawshaw, W. M., Leach, K. A., Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E. Cattle Practice 1999 Constraints on reproduction in dairy cattle: A veterinary viewpoint Logue, D. N. Constraints on reproduction in dairy cattle: A veterinary viewpoint Logue, D. N. Cattle Practice 2004 Veterinary research in dairying at SAC including lameness Logue, D. N. Veterinary research in dairying at SAC including lameness Logue, D. N. Cattle Practice 2000 Report on the workshop on the biology of lameness (Funded by MDC & Scottish Office) Logue, D. N. Report on the workshop on the biology of lameness (Funded by MDC & Scottish Office) Logue, D. N. Cattle Practice 1999 This workshop brought together 40 researchers on cattle lameness to improve links between them, review and present current knowledge and identify areas where more research is needed. In the first session on risk factors for lameness two papers were presented (Pathogenesis of lameness due to claw horn lesions, by P. Ossent, and Functional anatomy its relationship to claw horn lesions, by S. Kempson) and groups considered the following risk factors, growth and aging, genotype and phenotype, nutrition, environment, and behaviour. In the second session on the biology of lameness papers on claw horn disruption (by J. Webster) and aspects of cell biology (C. Knight and K. Hendry) were followed by round-table discussions on cell biology, nutrition, endocrinology, soft tissue and internal biomechanics, claw horn, and intercellular material. It was concluded that the three main hypothesis (biomechanical stressor, primary laminitic lesion induced by an unknown agent, and parturition induced) could all be valid. There was disagreement on whether research in future should concentrate on applying current knowledge in field trials or concentrate on gaining a greater understanding of the underlying cell biology Lameness in the dairy cow: pain and welfare. [letter; comment.] Logue, D. N. Lameness in the dairy cow: pain and welfare. [letter; comment.] Logue, D. N. Veterinary Journal 1998 Productivity, management and disease in dairy cattle Logue, D. N. Productivity, management and disease in dairy cattle Logue, D. N. Bovine Practitioner 1997 Strategies for reducing lameness in dairy cattle Phase 1 : modelling risk factors for dairy cow lameness (volume 1) Brocklehurst, S., French, N., Hirst, M. et al Strategies for reducing lameness in dairy cattle Phase 1 : modelling risk factors for dairy cow lameness (volume 1) Brocklehurst, S., French, N., Hirst, M., Le fevre, A., Logue, D. 2000 Lameness, Lesions of the Claw of the Dairy-Cow and Subclinical Laminitis Logue, D. Lameness, Lesions of the Claw of the Dairy-Cow and Subclinical Laminitis Logue, D. British Veterinary Journal 1995 Lameness, lesions of the claw of the dairy cow and subclinical laminitis [editorial; comment] Logue, D. Lameness, lesions of the claw of the dairy cow and subclinical laminitis [editorial; comment] Logue, D. British Veterinary Journal 1995 Lameness, lesions of the claw of the dairy cow and subclinical laminitis. [letter; comment.]. [Review] [16 refs] Logue, D. Lameness, lesions of the claw of the dairy cow and subclinical laminitis. [letter; comment.]. [Review] [16 refs] Logue, D. British Veterinary Journal 1995 Solar haemorrhages in dairy cattle [letter; comment] Kempson, S. A., Logue, D. N. Solar haemorrhages in dairy cattle [letter; comment] Kempson, S. A., Logue, D. N. Veterinary Record 1993 Use of AI technician scores for body condition, uterine tone and uterine discharge in a model with disease and milk production... Brand, A., deGraaf, F. M., deVries et al Use of AI technician scores for body condition, uterine tone and uterine discharge in a model with disease and milk production parameters to predict pregnancy risk at first AI in holstein dairy cows Brand, A., deGraaf, F. M., deVries, M. J., deZeeuw, A. C., Dijkhuizen, A. A., Loeffler, S. H., Schukken, Y. H. Theriogenology 1999 Technicians recorded body condition score (BCS) and several parameters related to estrus and/or metritis for 1694 first insemination cows on 23 farms. Additional variables for modeling the adjusted odds ratios (OR) for pregnancy were data on disease prior to or within 21 days of AI and test day milk yields. Significant predictors for pregnancy were farm, year and season, BCS, uterine tone, contaminated insemination gun after AI, fat-protein corrected kilograms milk (FPCM), days in milk (DLM), and diseases. Vaginal mucus, ease of cervical passage, and lameness were not significant predictors for pregnancy. Pregnancy risk at AI increased with increasing DIM, reaching a near optimum after 82 days. Lack of uterine tone was associated with a lowered pregnancy risk (OR=0.69) as was contaminated insemination gun (OR=0.67), first-parity lactation, FPCM > 33kg (OR=0.71), BCS 2.5 at Al (OR=0.65), clinical mastitis (OR=0.53), cystic ovarian disease (OR=0.53), and metritis (OR=0.74). It was concluded that data on BCS and uterine findings, as collected by AI technicians, are significant predictors of Al outcome. Daily producers and veterinarians should jointly examine the potential costs and value of such AI technician-based data to improve herd fertility. (C) 1999 by Elsevier Science Inc The effects of time of disease occurrence, milk yield, and body condition on fertility of dairy cows de Vries, M. J., Loeffler, S. H. et al The effects of time of disease occurrence, milk yield, and body condition on fertility of dairy cows de Vries, M. J., Loeffler, S. H., Schukken, Y. H. Journal of Dairy Science 1999 The associations between occurrence of diseases, milk yield, and body condition score on conception risk after first artificial insemination (AI) were analyzed in an observational study on a convenience sample of 43 farms participating in a herd health program. Data were taken from 9369 lactations, from 4382 cows inseminated between 20 and 180 d in milk from 1990 to 1996. Two logistic regression models, one containing data from all lactations and a subset containing data from 1762 lactations with body condition scoring, were used to determine pregnancy risk at first Al. The effects of herd deviation in test-day milk yield, body condition score loss, and milk fat to protein ratio changes in early lactation were significant predictors of pregnancy risk, independent of disease; days in milk; farm; and seasonal factors. Three different methods of disease parameterization (incidence rates, binomial classes dependent on the interval in days since last occurrence with respect to Al, and a linear variable weighted for this interval) produced similar results. Metritis, cystic ovarian disease, lameness, and mastitis gave odds ratios for pregnancy risk ranging from 0.35 to 1.15, largely dependent on the interval in days from final disease occurrence to first AI. Displaced abomasum, milk fever, and retained fetal membranes resulted in odds ratios for pregnancy risk of 0.25, 0.85, and 0.55, respectively. These diseases showed little relationship between fertility and the number of days since last occurrence. Results of this study confirm the negative effects of milk yield, body score condition loss, and disease on dairy cow fertility. The effects of some diseases on first service conception were strongly dependent on the interval since last disease occurrence. This was especially valid for clinical mastitis, which has an extremely weak effect on conception if occurring prior to AI and is associated with >50% reduction in pregnancy risk if occurring in the 3 wk directly after Al. Behaviour and claw health in tied dairy cows with varying access to exercise in an outdoor paddock Bergsten, C., Lidfors, L., Loberg, J. et al Behaviour and claw health in tied dairy cows with varying access to exercise in an outdoor paddock Bergsten, C., Lidfors, L., Loberg, J., Telezhenko, E. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2004 The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different access to an exercise area on behaviour, time to lie down, claw conformation, claw lesions and milk production. The study was carried out on an organic dairy farm with 52 tied cows. The cows were randomly assigned to one of four treatments, with 13 cows in each group, and matched according to lactation number, milk production and whether or not they were de-horned. The treatments were: exercise every day (E7), exercise two days per week (E2), exercise one day per week (E1) or no exercise (NoE). Exercised cows were brought to one of two outdoor paddocks for 1 h. Observations of behaviour were made using one-zero sampling during the 1 h exercise, twice per month and treatment, during the six months of winter housing (780 min per group in total). Treatment NoE was observed in their stalls during the same time as the other treatments were exercised. The duration of the two phases of the lying down movement was recorded four times per cow. Claw traits were recorded at trimming at the beginning and the end of the six month study period. The farm measured the individual milk yield one day per month. There was an increase in the mean percentage of walking and trotting with decreasing access to exercise. Cows in the E1 and E2 treatment explored the environment more than cows in the E7 treatment. The wear of the claws during the winter was greater for the exercised cows compared to NoE and resulted in shorter claws at spring trimming. There was no difference in the duration of lying down movements for different treatments, nor a difference in milk production. These results shows that adult dairy cows used the time to walk, trot and explore the environment when given access to an outdoor paddock, and that exercise had a positive effect on the claw conformation. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Effect of stocking density on social, feeding, and lying behavior of prepartum dairy animals Chebel, R. C., Endres, M. I. et al Effect of stocking density on social, feeding, and lying behavior of prepartum dairy animals Chebel, R. C., Endres, M. I., Lobeck-Luchterhand, K. M., Silva, P. R. B. Journal of Dairy Science 2015 The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of prepartum stocking density on social, lying, and feeding behavior of dairy animals and to investigate the relationship between social rank and stocking density. In total, 756 Jersey animals were enrolled in the study approximately 4 wk before expected calving date. This study used 8 experimental units (4 replicates × 2 pens/treatment per replicate), and at each replicate, one pen each of nulliparous and parous (primiparous and multiparous) animals per treatment was enrolled. The 2 treatments were 80% stocking density (80D, 38 animals per pen; each pen with 48 headlocks and 44 stalls) and 100% stocking density (100D, 48 animals per pen). Parous animals were housed separately from nulliparous animals. Animals at 254 ± 3 d of gestation were balanced for parity (parous vs. nulliparous) and projected 305-d mature-equivalent milk yield (only parous animals) and randomly assigned to either 80D or 100D. Displacements from the feed bunk were measured for 3 h after fresh feed delivery on d 2, 5, and 7 of each week. Feeding behavior was measured for 24-h periods (using 10-min video scan sampling) on d 2, 5, and 7 on wk 1 of every replicate and d 2 and 5 for the following 4 wk. A displacement index (proportion of successful displacements from the feed bunk relative to all displacements the animal was involved in) was calculated for each animal and used to categorize animals into ranking categories of high, middle, and low. Seventy nulliparous and 64 parous focal animals in the 80D treatment and 89 nulliparous and 74 parous focal animals in the 100D were used to describe lying behavior (measured with data loggers). Animals housed at 80D had fewer daily displacements from the feed bunk than those housed at 100D (15.2 ± 1.0 vs. 21.3 ± 1.0 per day). Daily feeding times differed between nulliparous and parous animals at the 2 stocking densities. Nulliparous 80D animals spent 12.4 ± 5.0 fewer minutes per day feeding than nulliparous 100D animals, whereas 100D parous animals tended to spend 7.6 ± 4.5 fewer minutes per day feeding than 80D parous animals. The 2 treatments were not different in the number of lying bouts or lying-bout duration; lying time was longer for 100D on d −33, −29, and −26 and shorter on d −7, −5, and 0 than 80D. The interaction between treatment, parity, and social rank was associated with lying and feeding times. In summary, animals in the 80D treatment had a lower number of displacements from the feed bunk and spent more time lying down near parturition than 100D animals, and 80D nulliparous animals had reduced daily feeding time compared with 100D nulliparous animals. Although these results showed some potential behavior benefits of a prepartum stocking density of 80% compared with 100%, observed changes were small. However, greater stocking density cannot be recommended; more research is needed to evaluate the effects of stocking densities greater than 100% and with other breeds of cattle besides Jersey. Effect of prepartum grouping strategy on displacements from the feed bunk and feeding behavior of dairy cows Chebel, R. C., Endres, M. I. et al Effect of prepartum grouping strategy on displacements from the feed bunk and feeding behavior of dairy cows Chebel, R. C., Endres, M. I., Lobeck-Luchterhand, K. M., Silva, P. R. B. Journal of Dairy Science Animal welfare in cross-ventilated, compost-bedded pack, and naturally ventilated dairy barns in the upper Midwest Endres, M. I., Fetrow, J., Godden et al Animal welfare in cross-ventilated, compost-bedded pack, and naturally ventilated dairy barns in the upper Midwest Endres, M. I., Fetrow, J., Godden, S. M., Lobeck, K. M., Shane, E. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Effect of concentrate composition and cubicle bedding on the development of hoof haemorrhages in Holstein heifers after calving Laven, R. A., Livesey, C. T., Metcalf et al Effect of concentrate composition and cubicle bedding on the development of hoof haemorrhages in Holstein heifers after calving Laven, R. A., Livesey, C. T., Metcalf, J. A. Veterinary Record 2003 Changes in cysteine concentration in sole horn of holstein cattle through pregnancy and lactation Johnstone, A. M., Laven, R. A., Livesey et al Changes in cysteine concentration in sole horn of holstein cattle through pregnancy and lactation Johnstone, A. M., Laven, R. A., Livesey, C. T., Marsh, C. M. The effects of methionine supplementation and rearing heifers in deep litter straw yards or concrete yards on foot conformation,... Johnstone, A. M., Laven, R. A., Livesey et al The effects of methionine supplementation and rearing heifers in deep litter straw yards or concrete yards on foot conformation, hoof growth and wear and the development of foot lesions in Holstein cows; evidence of abnormal heel development in heifers reared on straw Johnstone, A. M., Laven, R. A., Livesey, C. T., Marsh, C. M. Summary of the results of a three year research contract on the subclinical laminitis syndrome funded in the U.K. by the Ministry... Johnstone, A. M., Laven, R. A., Livesey et al Summary of the results of a three year research contract on the subclinical laminitis syndrome funded in the U.K. by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Milk Development Council Johnstone, A. M., Laven, R. A., Livesey, C. T., Marsh, C. M. The effect of diet and housing on the development of sole haemorrhages, white line haemorrhages and heel erosions in Holstein... Harrington, T., Johnston, A.M., et al The effect of diet and housing on the development of sole haemorrhages, white line haemorrhages and heel erosions in Holstein heifers Harrington, T., Johnston, A.M.,, Livesey, C. T., May, S. A., Metcalf, J. A. Animal Science 1998 Haemorrhagic lesions, heel erosions and changes in foot conformation were monitored in 40 Holstein heifers in a 2 X 2 factorial design starting in the last trimester of pregnancy and continuing until 12 weeks post partum. Heifers were housed in straw yards or cubicles and were given alternative complete diets during lactation which differed in concentrate:forage ratio. A scoring system was developed for each of the foot lesions to allow statistical analysis of results. Locomotion scoring was carried out weekly. White line haemorrhages, sole haemorrhages and heel erosions were all present before calving. White line haemorrhages were exacerbated by housing in cubicle yards and alleviated by housing in straw yards (P<0.001) with an interaction between diet and housing around calving (P<0.05). Sole haemorrhages were exacerbated both by housing in cubicle yards (P<0.01) and the high concentrate diet (P<0.01) with an interaction between diet and housing around calving (P<0.05). Heel erosions were exacerbated (P<0.05) by housing in straw yards but not affected by diet. Sole haemorrhage and heel erosion scores generally increased during early lactation (P<0.001) independently of the treatments. There was evidence that these foot lesions were not caused by laminitis. There was a higher incidence of lameness for heifers given the high concentrate diet but no correlation between locomotion score and the type of lesion or lesion score was found Comparison of high starch and high fibre diets and the development of subclinical laminitis syndrome in dairy heifers Johnston, A., Livesey, C., Marsh, C. et al Comparison of high starch and high fibre diets and the development of subclinical laminitis syndrome in dairy heifers Johnston, A., Livesey, C., Marsh, C., May, S., Metcalf, J. BRITISH SOCIETY OF ANIMAL SCIENCE.Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 1997 Enhancing the prediction accuracy of bovine lameness models through transformations of limb movement variables Dyer, R. M., Liu, J., Neerchal, N. K. et al Enhancing the prediction accuracy of bovine lameness models through transformations of limb movement variables Dyer, R. M., Liu, J., Neerchal, N. K., Rajkondawar, P. G., Tasch, U. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 The issue of modeling bovine lameness was explored by testing the hypothesis that B-spline transformation of limb movement variables (LMV) employed in predictive models improved model accuracy. The objectives were to determine the effect of number of B-spline knots and the degree of the underlying polynomial approximation (degree of freedom) on model accuracy. Knot number used in B-spline transformation improved model accuracy by improving model specificity and to a lesser extent model sensitivity. Degree of polynomial approximation had no effect on model predictive accuracy from the data set of 261 cows. Model stability, defined as changes in predictive accuracy associated with the superimposition of perturbations (0.5 and 1.0%) in LMV on the measured data, was explored. Model specificity and to a lesser degree, sensitivity, increased with increased knot number across data set perturbations. Specificity and sensitivity increased by 43 and 11%, respectively, when knot number increased from 0 to 7 for a perturbation level of 0.5%. When the perturbation level was 1%, the corresponding increases in specificity and sensitivity were 32 and 4%, respectively. Nevertheless, different levels of LMV perturbation varied the optimal knot number associated with highest model accuracy. The optimal knot number for 0.5% perturbation was 8, whereas for 1% perturbation the optimal knot number was 7. The B-spline transformation improved specificity and sensitivity of predictive models for lameness, provided the appropriate number of knots was selected. Improved laboratory diagnosis of ovine footrot: An update Liu, D., Yong, W. K. Improved laboratory diagnosis of ovine footrot: An update Liu, D., Yong, W. K. Veterinary Journal 1997 Ovine footrot is a complex clinical disease syndrome primarily resulting from infection by the anaerobic bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus. In order to aid clinical diagnosis, various laboratory tests based on the detection and measurements of phenotypic properties of D. nodosus have been developed for genus-specific detection as well as virulence determination. However, these tests are generally time-consuming, and tend to be variable with external factors that affect the growth and metabolism of the bacterium. A new generation of diagnostic reagents, such as monoclonal antibodies, gene probes and polymerase chain reaction, has been developed recently. Preliminary assessment of these reagents has shown potential to vastly improve the laboratory identification and determination of the virulence of D. nodosus. It is important that these ne iv reagents are vigorously assessed against existing laboratory tests, such as the elastase test and gelatin gel test, prior to their adoption for the routine diagnosis of footrot. Dichelobacter Nodosus – Differentiation of Virulent and Benign Strains by Gene Probe Based Dot-Blot Hybridization Liu, D., Yong, W. K. Dichelobacter Nodosus – Differentiation of Virulent and Benign Strains by Gene Probe Based Dot-Blot Hybridization Liu, D., Yong, W. K. Veterinary Microbiology 1993 Gene probes specific for benign and virulent strains of Dichelobacter nodosus were used in a dot blot hybridisation procedure involving 96 strains of D. nodosus isolated from cases of ovine footrot. The performance of the probes was compared with that of the elastase test. All 27 strains with elastase activity at 7 days and 12 of 25 strains with elastase activity at 14 days reacted with the virulent-specific probe. Twenty-four strains with elastase activity between 21-28 days, and 20 strains with negative elastase activity up to 28 days did not bind with this probe. On the other hand, the benign-specific probe failed to bind with the 27 strains with elastase activity at 7 days, and 13 of the 25 strains with elastase activity at 14 days but reacted with 20 of the 24 strains with elastase activity at 21-28 days, and 19 of the 20 strains with negative elastase activity up to 28 days. The 12 strains with elastase activity at 14 days which were detected by the virulent-specific probe were not those recognised by the benign-specific probe. The use of virulent and benign specific gene probes in combination provides a rapid and precise screening system for differentiation of virulent and higher intermediate footrot from benign and lower intermediate footrot. Relationship between Clinical Manifestations of Footrot and Specific DNA Products of Dichelobacter-Nodosus Amplified through Pcr Liu, D., Roycroft, C., Samuel, J. et al Relationship between Clinical Manifestations of Footrot and Specific DNA Products of Dichelobacter-Nodosus Amplified through Pcr Liu, D., Roycroft, C., Samuel, J., Webber, J. Research in Veterinary Science 1995 A total of 141 Dichelobacter nodosus isolates from 46 merino sheep farms with various clinical forms of footrot was examined by the gelatin gel test and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using virulent (Vf2 and Vr2) and benign (Bf and Br) specific primers. Isolates from sheep with virulent and high intermediate footrot usually produced relatively thermostable proteases, but a decreasing proportion of the isolates from sheep with medium and low intermediate or benign footrot had thermostable proteases, as determined by the gelatin gel lest. The amplification by PCR of a major band of 857 bp by Vf2 and Vr2 was often associated with isolates from the more virulent forms of footrot whereas the presence of a major band of 1300 bp by VE! and Vr2 and/or a band of 609 bp by Bf and Br was associated with isolates from less virulent forms of footrot. Nevertheless, the virulent and benign gene regions represented by Vf2 and Vr2 and Bf and Br are only two of the many factors involved in determining the virulence of D nodosus. As a result the relationship observed between the clinical manifestations of footrot and specific DNA products amplified by PCR was not complete. [Healing process of claw lesions in dairy cows in alpine mountain pastures] Geyer, H., Lischer, C. J., Lutz, B. et al [Healing process of claw lesions in dairy cows in alpine mountain pastures] Geyer, H., Lischer, C. J., Lutz, B., Ossent, P., Wehrle, M. Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr 2000 The field study investigated severity, localisation and incidence of claw lesions of dairy cows and their healing process during a period of three months on selected mountain pastures in the central part of Switzerland. In 60 cows, which were at least 120 days in their lactation, the healing process was compared with the biochemical profiles. In 141 cows 197 claw lesions were recorded. Diagnosed were only sole ulcers (38%) and white line lesions (62%). In the first and second half of the summer term, the number of claw lesions was equal, although more severe lesions occurred mainly during the second half (89%). The lesions were treated surgically and the affected claw was elevated on a wood block or a plastic shoe. Average time for formation of a close layer of horn was 14 days. A delayed healing process was observed in dairy cows with an milk yield over 5500 kg per lactation, as well as in the second half of the summer term. Cows with a delayed healing process had significantly higher concentrations of free fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate, and higher plasma enzyme activities for AST than cows with adequate healing process. This indicates that cows with a relatively high milk production touch upon the limits of their physical capacity under harder conditions on alpine pastures, which may affect also the healing process of claw lesions Diagnosis of Laminitis in Dairy-Cattle – 183 Cases (1982-1993) Braun, U., Iselin, U., Lischer, C. J. et al Diagnosis of Laminitis in Dairy-Cattle – 183 Cases (1982-1993) Braun, U., Iselin, U., Lischer, C. J., Ossent, P. Wiener Tierarztliche Monatsschrift 1994 A total of 1491 cattle were submitted between January 1, 1982 and July 31, 1993 to the Veterinary Surgical Clinic of the University of Zurich with a lameness problem. In 183 (12%) of these animals laminitis was diagnosed as the cause of lameness. 76 (42%) of these cases were referred to our clinic without a diagnosis (15 cases) or with one of the following tentative diagnoses: lameness of unknown origin (18), chronic traumatic reticuloperitonitis (15), polyarthritis (7), CNS problem with ataxia (6), milk fever (5), indigestion (5) and others (5). Laminitis was the only disorder in 29 animals. The other cases exhibited one or more concurrent disease conditions. Acute and subacute laminitis was encountered more frequently with abomasal displacement, fatty liver syndrome, acetonuria and endometritis. The chronic form was frequently found in conjunction with other claw disorders. A post mortem examination of the claws was performed in 57 of the 95 slaughtered animals. The diagnosis ''laminitis'' was confirmed in 98%. However, in 37% the clinically diagnosed stage of laminitis did not correlate with the pathologic findings [Bovine sole ulcer: a literature review] Lischer, C. J., Ossent, P. [Bovine sole ulcer: a literature review] Lischer, C. J., Ossent, P. Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr 2001 Sole ulcers are the most frequently encountered lesion in lame cattle. They are of growing concern to the dairy industry since the incidence of ulcers is increasing. Ulcers cause financial losses, the animal's wellbeing is disturbed to a high degree and they harm the image of the industry in general. Biomechanic factors and laminitis are of particular significance in the pathogenesis of the sole ulcer. The development of sole contusions and ulcers is assumed to occur in 3 phases (Sinking theory). In the first phase there is a general disturbance in the vascular system of the corium. The second phase follows when the structures that suspend the claw bone within the horn shoe give way. The locus minoris resistentiae has yet to be identified. The claw bone sinks and causes various lesions when it pinches the underlying sole or heel corium. The third phase begins when haemorrhages become visible on the horn surface of the sole or when the sole ulcerates; socalled third phase lesions. The relationship between the development of sole ulcers and anatomical structures such as the claw bone's tuberculum flexorium or the fat bodies under the bone are unclear. Epidemiological studies have shown that sole ulcers have a high rate of recurrence. The healing processes and the factors that influence them have hitherto not been studied Diagnosis of Lyme disease in two cows by the detection of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA Braun, U., Leutenegger, C. M., Lischer et al Diagnosis of Lyme disease in two cows by the detection of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA Braun, U., Leutenegger, C. M., Lischer, C. J., Lutz, H. Veterinary Record 2000 Two cows from different herds in a district of Switzerland known to harbour ixodid ticks had erythematous lesions on the hairless skin of the udder, were in poor general condition with a poor appetite and decreased milk production, and had a stiff gait and swollen joints. B. burgdorferi s.s. DNA was detected in samples of synovial fluid and milk from one of the cows and B. afzelii DNA was detected in synovial fluid from the other by means of a real-time PCR Correlations between biochemical blood parameters and claw lesions in Brown Swiss dairy cattle on alpine pasture Geyer, H., Landerer, R., Lischer, C. J. et al Correlations between biochemical blood parameters and claw lesions in Brown Swiss dairy cattle on alpine pasture Geyer, H., Landerer, R., Lischer, C. J., Lutz, B., Ossent, P., Wehrle, M. Wiener Tierarztliche Monatsschrift 2000 The influence of the harsh alpine conditions on claw health was evaluated in a hundred Brown Swiss dairy cattle. Their claws were examined clinically three times during the ninety days on pasture and the lesions were recorded according to degree and localization. The data were compared with the biochemical parameters. Thirty of one hundred cows did not develop any claw lesions during the entire time (group 1), nine animals had white line separation without lesions in the sole (group 2). Hemorrhage and yellow discoloration in the sole of more than two claws were observed in sixty-one animals (group 3). The prevalence of lameness ranged between 15 and 21 %. Heel horn erosion and yellow discoloration decreased during the course of the ninety day period, whereas white line lesions and solar hemorrhages increased. Higher concentrations of urea, beta -hydroxybutyrate, free fatty acids and cholesterol in over 50 % of the cows reflected the meager feeding conditions. Animals with solar hemorrhages and yellow discolorations (group 3) had higher plasma enzyme activities for AST, GLDH and gamma -GT than groups 1 and 2. Relation between radiologic findings at the third phalanx and the healing process of sole ulcers in dairy cows Auer, J. A., Geyer, H., Koller, U. et al Relation between radiologic findings at the third phalanx and the healing process of sole ulcers in dairy cows Auer, J. A., Geyer, H., Koller, U., Lischer, C. J., Ossent, P. Tierarztliche Praxis Ausgabe Grobtiere Nutztiere 2001 Effect of therapeutic dietary biotin on the healing of uncomplicated sole ulcers in dairy cattle: A double blinded controlled... Geyer, H., Koller, U., Lischer, Ch J. et al Effect of therapeutic dietary biotin on the healing of uncomplicated sole ulcers in dairy cattle: A double blinded controlled study Geyer, H., Koller, U., Lischer, Ch J., Muelling, Ch, Ossent, P., Schulze, J. Veterinary Journal 2002 The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of orally administered biotin on the healing of uncomplicated sole ulcers in dairy cattle. In a double-blind controlled study, 24 dairy cows with a mild, uncomplicated sole ulcer on a lateral hind claw were given either 40 mg biotin per day or a placebo feed over a period of 50 days. An orthopaedic shoe was fitted to the medial claw of the affected foot. The healing process was assessed clinically and by histological examination of horn samples. In the biotin-treated animals, the newly formed epidermis covering the sole ulcers was found to be of significantly better histological quality after 50 days than at the start of the study. The significant improvement in histological horn quality found in the biotin-treated animals suggests that biotin exerts a positive influence on the healing of sole ulcers, however the study period of 50 days appears to have been too short to permit macroscopic detection of the improvement in horn quality Healing process of uncomplicated sole ulcers in dairy cows kept in tie stalls: clinical description and biochemical investigations Dietrich-Hunkeler, A., Geyer, H. et al Healing process of uncomplicated sole ulcers in dairy cows kept in tie stalls: clinical description and biochemical investigations Dietrich-Hunkeler, A., Geyer, H., Lischer, C. J., Ossent, P., Schulze, J. Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde 2001 A total of 74 dairy cows with 105 separate lesions were treated and the healing process was observed for half a year and the results compared with the biochemical data. The mean time for the formation of a closed layer of horn was 25 days for lesions with slight corium alterations, 33 days for moderate and 42 days for severe alterations. Thirty days after the initial treatment 68% of all lesions were completely covered by a solid layer of new horn. The further evaluation of the healing process was based on quality and rate of the new horn formation, recovery from lameness and sensitivity to hooftesters. Using these parameters the healing potential of exposed corium was judged one month after treatment with a scoring system. The 30-day-healing process was considered to be good in 61% and moderate to bad in 39% of the cows. The concentration of glucose, cholesterin, LDH and blood urea was increased in one third of the animals. Phosphorus and magnesium concentrations were lower than the reference values in 30%, and 26% of the animals, respectively. Cows with prolonged healing had higher levels of bilirubin, creatinkinase, LDH, ALT and AST than cows with a good healing process. Concentration of iron, vitamin A and biotin were significantly lower in cows with moderate to bad healing parameters than cows with a good healing potential. From these results it is suggested that biochemical blood parameters and the vitamin status might influence the healing of uncomplicated sole ulcers, respectively. Healing process of uncomplicated sole ulcers in dairy cows kept in tie stalls: Clinical description and biochemical... Dietrich-Hunkeler, A., Geyer, H. et al Healing process of uncomplicated sole ulcers in dairy cows kept in tie stalls: Clinical description and biochemical investigations. Heilungsverlauf von unkomplizierten Sohlengeschwuren bei Milchkuhen in Anbindehaltung: Klinische Beschreibung und blutchemische Untersuchungen Dietrich-Hunkeler, A., Geyer, H., Lischer, Ch J., Ossent, P., Schulze, J. Schweizer Archiv fuer Tierheilkunde 2001 A total of 74 dairy cows with 105 separate lesions were treated and the healing process was observed for half a year and the results compared with the biochemical data. The mean time for the formation of a closed layer of horn was 25 days for lesions with slight corium alterations, 33 days for moderate and 42 days for severe alterations. Thirty days after the initial treatment 68% of all lesions were completely covered by a solid layer of new horn. The further evaluation of the healing process was based on quality and rate of the new horn formation, recovery from lameness and sensitivity to hooftesters. Using these parameters the healing potential of exposed corium was judged one month after treatment with a scoring system. The 30-day-healing process was considered to be good in 61% and moderate to bad in 39% of the cows. The concentration of glucose, cholesterin, LDH and blood urea was increased in one third of the animals. Phosphorus and magnesium concentrations were lower than the reference values in 30%, and 26% of the animals, respectively. Cows with prolonged healing had higher levels of bilirubin, creatinkinase, LDH, ALT and AST than cows with a good healing process. Concentration of iron, vitamin A and biotin were significantly lower in cows with moderate to bad healing parameters than cows with a good healing potential. From these results it is suggested that biochemical blood parameters and the vitamin status might influence the healing of uncomplicated sole ulcers, respectively Clinical and biochemical findings in dairy cows with uncomplicated sole ulcers with regard to laminitis as a predisposing factor.... Dietrich-Hunkeler, A., Geyer, H. et al Clinical and biochemical findings in dairy cows with uncomplicated sole ulcers with regard to laminitis as a predisposing factor. Untersuchungen ueber die klinischen und biochemischen Befunde bei Milchkuehen mit unkomplizierten Sohlengeschwueren unter Beruecksichtigung der Klauenrehe als praedisponierenden Faktor Dietrich-Hunkeler, A., Geyer, H., Lischer, Ch J., Ossent, P., Schulze, J. Schweizer Archiv fuer Tierheilkunde 2000 A total of 160 dairy cows with no signs of systemic disease that were treated for an uncomplicated claw lesion with exposed corium were included in this study. The clinical findings of the orthopedic examination were compared with the biochemical profile. The cows with a mean age of 7.4 +- 2.6 years had an average milk yield of 6188 +- 1174 litres (data from previous lactation). Cows with the same or a higher milk yield than the herd average were over-represented (72%). Almost half (45%) of the cows were in the second half of their lactation when examined (5.9 +- 4.1 months). A total of 236 lesions were recorded. Twelve (7.5%) of the 160 cows had 3 or more lesions, 49 (30.6%) cows 2 lesions and 99 (61.9%) cows one lesion. The most common localisation of ulceration were at the outer hind claw at the typical site in the sole (62%) and in the wall (17%). The alterations of the exposed corium were either classified as slight (63%), moderate (22%) or severe (15%). Changes attributed to laminitis were observed in two thirds of all animals (subclinical 36%; clinical 30%). The concentration of glucose, cholesterin, LDH and urea was increased in one third of the animals. Phosphorus and magnesium concentrations were lower than the reference values in 43%, and 23% of the animals, respectively. Cows with a history of former claw lesions in a previous lactation, with laminitis, with more than one moderate to severe claw lesions and cows with acute lesions had higher urea concentrations than the respective control group. Blood levels for AST, bilirubin, creatin-kinase were higher and iron lower, respectively, in cows with moderate to severe claw lesions than in cows with mild lesions in only one claw. The fact that cows with more than one chronic claw lesion had a higher incidence of alterations in the blood chemical profile than cows with mild claw lesions in only one claw indicates that severe claw diseases occur concurrently with metabolic disorders or vice versa [Healing process of uncomplicated sole ulcers in dairy cows kept in tie stalls: clinical description and blood chemical... Lischer, C. J. [Healing process of uncomplicated sole ulcers in dairy cows kept in tie stalls: clinical description and blood chemical investigations.]. [German] Lischer, C. J. Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde 2001 A total of 74 dairy cows with 105 separate lesions were treated and the healing process was observed for half a year and the results compared with the biochemical data. The mean time for the formation of a closed layer of horn was 25 days for lesions with slight corium alterations, 33 days for moderate and 42 days for severe alterations. Thirty days after the initial treatment 68% of all lesions were completely covered by a solid layer of new horn. The further evaluation of the healing process was based on quality and rate of the new horn formation, recovery from lameness and sensitivity to hooftesters. Using these parameters the healing potential of exposed corium was judged one month after treatment with a scoring system. The 30-day-healing process was considered to be good in 61% and moderate to bad in 39% of the cows. The concentration of glucose, cholesterin, LDH and blood urea was increased in one third of the animals. Phosphorus and magnesium concentrations were lower than the reference values in 30%, and 26% of the animals, respectively. Cows with prolonged healing had higher levels of bilirubin, creatinkinase, LDH, ALT and AST than cows with a good healing process. Concentration of iron, vitamin A and biotin were significantly lower in cows with moderate to bad healing parameters than cows with a good healing potential. From these results it is suggested that biochemical blood parameters and the vitamin status might influence the healing of uncomplicated sole ulcers, respectively Ensuring healthy feet by correct foot care Lischer, C. J. Ensuring healthy feet by correct foot care Lischer, C. J. Milchpraxis 1995 The significance of the suspensory mechanism of the third phalanx and its fat bodies in the pathogenesis of sole ulcers in cattle... Geyer, H., Lischer, Ch, Ossent, P. et al The significance of the suspensory mechanism of the third phalanx and its fat bodies in the pathogenesis of sole ulcers in cattle Part II: microscopic findings Geyer, H., Lischer, Ch, Ossent, P., Raeber, M. The significance of the suspensory mechanism of the third phalanx and its fat bodies in the pathogenesis of sole ulcers in cattle... Geyer, H., Lischer, Ch, Ossent, P. et al The significance of the suspensory mechanism of the third phalanx and its fat bodies in the pathogenesis of sole ulcers in cattle Part I: macroscopic findings Geyer, H., Lischer, Ch, Ossent, P., Raeber, M. Bovine laminitis: a review of the literature Lischer, C., Ossent, P. Bovine laminitis: a review of the literature Lischer, C., Ossent, P. Tierarztliche Praxis 1994 Sole ulcer, what’s new about an old disease Lischer, Ch, Ossent, P. Sole ulcer, what’s new about an old disease Lischer, Ch, Ossent, P. [Laminitis in cattle: a literature review]. [Review] [82 refs] [German] Lischer, C. [Laminitis in cattle: a literature review]. [Review] [82 refs] [German] Lischer, C. Tierarztliche Praxis - Supplement 1994 Worldwide afflictions of the claws belong to the economically important diseases in dairy cattle. The significance of laminitis has gained importance in the last years since the condition is regarded as the most important predisposing factor for the development of lesions such as sole ulcer, white line disease and heel horn erosion. Apart from the clinical stages (acute, subacute, chronic, chronic-recurrent) there is also a subclinical form of laminitis which does not cause lameness. It is characterized by soft yellowish sole and heel horn with haemorrhages in the sole and along the white line. Laminitis is a multifactorial event in which nutrition, genetic disposition and the perinatal period, combined with the associated diseases of high-yielding cows, have a particular significance. Currently, two principally different hypotheses on the pathogenesis are discussed. The generally accepted theory bases on a disturbance in the microcirculation of the corium. According to the other theory the circulatory disturbances are secondary to changes which occur in the horn producing cells of the stratum basale of the epidermis. The predisposing factors and the pathogenesis of laminitis are discussed in the light of possible therapeutic and prophylactic measures. [References: 82] The Delphi Method: techniques and applications. Linstone, H.A., Turoff, M. The Delphi Method: techniques and applications. Linstone, H.A., Turoff, M. 1975 Calf birth weight and its association with calf and cow survivability, disease incidence, reproductive performance, and milk... Bicalho, R. C., Linden, T. C., Nydam et al Calf birth weight and its association with calf and cow survivability, disease incidence, reproductive performance, and milk production Bicalho, R. C., Linden, T. C., Nydam, D. V. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Validation of Nordic dairy cattle disease recording databases—Completeness for locomotor disorders Ersbøll, A. K., Espetvedt, M. N., Houe et al Validation of Nordic dairy cattle disease recording databases—Completeness for locomotor disorders Ersbøll, A. K., Espetvedt, M. N., Houe, H., Lind, A., Rintakoski, S., Thomsen, P. T., Wolff, C. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2012 Unravelling the temporal association between lameness and body condition score in dairy cattle using a multistate modelling... Green, M. J., Huxley, J.N., Kaler, J. et al Unravelling the temporal association between lameness and body condition score in dairy cattle using a multistate modelling approach Green, M. J., Huxley, J.N., Kaler, J., Lim, P. Y., Othman, A. R., Willshire, J. A. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2015 Recent studies have reported associations between lameness and body condition score (BCS) in dairy cattle, however the impact of change in the dynamics of BCS on both lameness occurrence and recovery is currently unknown. The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate the effect of change in BCS on the transitions from the non-lame to lame, and lame to non-lame states. A total of 731 cows with 6889 observations from 4 UK herds were included in the study. Mobility score (MS) and body condition score (BCS) were recorded every 13–15 days from July 2010 until December 2011. A multilevel multistate discrete time event history model was built to investigate the transition of lameness over time. There were 1042 non-lame episodes and 593 lame episodes of which 50% (519/1042) of the non-lame episodes transitioned to the lame state and 81% (483/593) of the lame episodes ended with a transition to the non-lame state. Cows with a lower BCS at calving (BCS Group 1 (1.00–1.75) and Group 2 (2.00–2.25)) had a higher probability of transition from non-lame to lame and a lower probability of transition from lame to non-lame compared to cows with BCS 2.50–2.75, i.e. they were more likely to become lame and if lame, they were less likely to recover. Similarly, cows who suffered a greater decrease in BCS (compared to their BCS at calving) had a higher probability of becoming lame and a lower probability of recovering in the next 15 days. An increase in BCS from calving was associated with the converse effect, i.e. a lower probability of cows moving from the non-lame to the lame state and higher probability of transition from lame to non-lame. Days in lactation, quarters of calving and parity were associated with both lame and non-lame transitions and there was evidence of heterogeneity among cows in lameness occurrence and recovery. This study suggests loss of BCS and increase of BCS could influence the risk of becoming lame and the chance of recovery from lameness. Regular monitoring and maintenance of BCS on farms could be a key tool for reducing lameness. Further work is urgently needed in this area to allow a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind these relationships. Ranking experts’ preferences regarding measures and methods of assessment of welfare in dairy herds using Adaptive Conjoint... Lievaart, J. J., Noordhuizen et al Ranking experts’ preferences regarding measures and methods of assessment of welfare in dairy herds using Adaptive Conjoint Analysis Lievaart, J. J., Noordhuizen, J. P. T. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Control of footrot and liver abscesses with FUSOGARD R: a new Fusobacterium necrophorum bacterin for cattle Anderson, G. A., Cain, D. V., Liem, A. et al Control of footrot and liver abscesses with FUSOGARD R: a new Fusobacterium necrophorum bacterin for cattle Anderson, G. A., Cain, D. V., Liem, A., MacGregor, S., Smith, R. A., Stine, D. L. 1999 Influence of breed, milk production, season, and ambient temperature on dairy cow reticulorumen temperature Bewley, J. M., Clark, J. D., Liang, D. et al Influence of breed, milk production, season, and ambient temperature on dairy cow reticulorumen temperature Bewley, J. M., Clark, J. D., Liang, D., McQuerry, K. J., Ray, D. L., Wood, C. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Automatic monitoring of core body temperature in dairy cattle could be useful for identification of illness, heat stress, general physiological stress, and estrus. The SmartBolus (TenXSys Inc., Eagle, ID) system used a reticulorumen bolus to automatically record and transmit dairy cow temperatures. The objective of this research was to characterize the influence of milk yield (MY), time of day, breed, ambient temperature (AT), and season on reticulorumen temperatures (RT) in lactating dairy cows. Continuous RT and AT were collected by SmartBolus transponders every 15 min (96 records per d) from 93 cows (65 Holstein, 18 crossbred, and 10 Jersey) for 615 d. Mean (±SD) daily RT, AT, and MY were 40.14 ± 0.32°C, 12.20 ± 10.61°C, and 33.85 ± 8.67 kg, respectively. The maximum and minimum RT were recorded at 2330 and 1000 h, respectively. Ambient temperature increased RT. Summer RT was significantly greater than spring, fall, or winter RT. The effect of MY on RT varied by breed, season, and AT. Crossbred RT was significantly lower than Holstein RT after adjusting for MY. Crossbred RT responded less to increasing AT than did Holstein RT, potentially indicating improved heat tolerance among these crossbred dairy cows. Reticulorumen temperature increased more dramatically for cows with greater milk yield as AT increased, demonstrating that high-producing cows are more susceptible to heat stress than low-producing cows. These results could be useful in interpretation of automatic temperature system data, heat stress management, and genetic selection of heat-tolerant cows. Seasonal response of herbage production and its nutrient and mineral contents to long-term cattle grazing on a Rough Fescue... Han, Guodong, Hao, Xiying, Li, Chunli et al Seasonal response of herbage production and its nutrient and mineral contents to long-term cattle grazing on a Rough Fescue grassland Han, Guodong, Hao, Xiying, Li, Chunli, Willms, Walter D., Zhao, Mengli Agriculture/ Ecosystems & Environment 2009 Measurement of mechanical thresholds, plasma cortisol and catecholamines in control and lame cattle: a preliminary study Ley, S. J., Livingston, A., Waterman et al Measurement of mechanical thresholds, plasma cortisol and catecholamines in control and lame cattle: a preliminary study Ley, S. J., Livingston, A., Waterman, A. E. Research in Veterinary Science 1996 Cows lame in 1 hind limb and 5 to 10 healthy cows from each of 8 dairy farms were studied. The threshold response to a mechanical nociceptive stimulus was measured on the affected hind limb just below the tarsus, using a modification of an air driven device. The pressure applied was gradually increased until the cow responded by raising or shaking the leg. Blood was collected from each cow and plasma cortisol and catecholamine concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay and HPLC, respectively. The threshold response to a nociceptive stimulus was significantly lower on the lame hind limb of lame cows than on the same limb of sound cows. There were no significant differences between the concentrations of cortisol, noradrenaline, adrenaline or dopamine in the blood plasma of the sound and lame cows Effects of Chronic Lameness on the Concentrations of Cortisol, Prolactin and Vasopressin in the Plasma of Sheep Ley, S. J., Livingston, A., Waterman et al Effects of Chronic Lameness on the Concentrations of Cortisol, Prolactin and Vasopressin in the Plasma of Sheep Ley, S. J., Livingston, A., Waterman, A. E. Veterinary Record 1991 Plasma cortisol, prolactin and vasopressin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay in blood samples from control and lame sheep. The lame sheep were all suffering from naturally occurring clinical cases of footrot and showed all the behavioural characteristics of chronic pain; they were scored for impairment of gait and pathology of the foot and divided into mild and severely lame groups. The severely lame sheep had increased plasma prolactin and decreased plasma cortisol concentrations. Plasma vasopressin was variable and showed no consistent changes with lameness. The relationships between plasma cortisol, prolactin and vasopressin may be a useful index in the assessment of animals experiencing chronic pain, when taken in conjunction with other measurements. Severe foul-in-the-foot in dairy cattle [letter; comment] Lewis, W. Severe foul-in-the-foot in dairy cattle [letter; comment] Lewis, W. Veterinary Record 1993 The effect of some common management practices on the ease of handling of dairy cows Hurnik, J. F., Lewis, N. J. The effect of some common management practices on the ease of handling of dairy cows Hurnik, J. F., Lewis, N. J. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 1998 Ease of handling (halter placement, leading, entering the squeeze, entering the headgate and exiting the squeeze) of 40 multiparous and 40 primiparous dairy cows, housed in tie stalls and milked in a herringbone parlour, was scored and analysed for effects related to recent (6 months) management procedures. The order of difficulty of these tests was exiting the squeeze, entering the headgate, halter placement, entering the squeeze and leading. The scores for these tests were 1.5, 1.5, 2.1, 2.3 and 2.8, respectively, on a 5-point scale, where 1 = easy to handle and 5 = difficult to handle. Four categories of ease of handling were distinguished; consistent ease (33%), predominant ease (1 adverse response) (40%), unpredictable (equal adverse and positive responses) (25%), and consistent difficulty (1%). Although the ease of handling was relatively good in this herd, 24% of the cows were difficult to handle in >1 test. Ease of handling while being led was correlated with the score for squeeze entry (r=0.23) and entering the squeeze and entering the headgate were also correlated (r=0.47). Correlations between these variables were presumed to be related to previous hoof trimming in the squeeze. Aversive experiences and inexperience in a squeeze were shown to negatively impact on the subsequent ease with which a cow could be led to the squeeze and confined in the headgate. However, squeeze experience was the only variable in which significant correlations were apparent. It is concluded that aversive management procedures, applied only when necessary, and therefore on a random basis, did not appear to adversely affect the ease of handling of dairy cows in the squeeze or in the milking parlour Assessment and Management of Pain in Dairy Cows with Clinical Mastitis Leslie, Kenneth E., Petersson-Wolfe et al Assessment and Management of Pain in Dairy Cows with Clinical Mastitis Leslie, Kenneth E., Petersson-Wolfe, Christina S. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2012 Rapeseed or linseed supplements in grass-based diets: Effects on dairy performance of Holstein cows over 2 consecutive lactations Chilliard, Y., Ferlay, A., Lerch, S. et al Rapeseed or linseed supplements in grass-based diets: Effects on dairy performance of Holstein cows over 2 consecutive lactations Chilliard, Y., Ferlay, A., Lerch, S., Martin, B., Pires, J. A. A., Pomiès, D. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 A survey of some factors relevant to animal welfare on 249 dairy farms in the Republic of Ireland Part 2: Data on incidence of... Egan, J., Griffin, J., Hanlon, A. et al A survey of some factors relevant to animal welfare on 249 dairy farms in the Republic of Ireland Part 2: Data on incidence of disease, culling and biosecurity measures Egan, J., Griffin, J., Hanlon, A., Leonard, N., Poole, D. Irish Veterinary Journal 2001 This survey was conducted by questionnaire. The animal population surveyed comprised 12,067 cows and 2,955 heifers in 249 herds. In 48 herds that participated in the "Dairymis" programme, the questionnaire was completed by the visiting technician in consultation with the farmer; in the other 201 herds it was completed by a practicing veterinary surgeon in the presence of the farmer. The principal diseases recorded were mastitis (affected 1,540 animals: 10 per cent), lameness (1,430 animals: 9.5 per cent) and infertility (1,126 animals: 7.5 per cent). The animal mortality and culling rates were one per cent and 17 per cent, respectively. Magnesium supplementation was used in 75 per cent of the 249 herds surveyed, anthelminthic dosing in 72 per cent and vaccination in 66 per cent of the herds. There was Less uptake of disease prevention measures in smaller farms (Less than 30 cows). Analysis of farm roadway surfaces on dairy farms and the relationship with lameness Crilly, J., Leonard, N., O'Farrell, K. Analysis of farm roadway surfaces on dairy farms and the relationship with lameness Crilly, J., Leonard, N., O'Farrell, K. Irish Veterinary Journal 1998 Effect of overcrowding on claw health in first-calved Friesian heifers Leonard, F. C., O'Connell, J. M. et al Effect of overcrowding on claw health in first-calved Friesian heifers Leonard, F. C., O'Connell, J. M., O'Farrell, K. J. British Veterinary Journal 1996 In two studies on overcrowding and foot lesion development, claw health was monitored monthly, and behavioural activities such as lying/standing observed every 15 min for 5 consecutive days and nights each month of the housing season. In the first experiment, 35 autumn-calving heifers were housed at a 2:1 heifer to cubicle ratio immediately after calving. In the second study, 40 spring-calving heifers were housed at a 2:1 ratio for 2 months before calving and with one cubicle each after calving. Lying time was reduced to 5 h per 24 h in some of the autumn-calving animals and these animals had significantly worse foot lesion scores and clinical lameness than animals lying for 7 or 10 h per 24 h. The spring-calving animals did not show such a severe reduction in lying time and no significant correlation between haemorrhage score and lying time was detected. It is concluded that reduced lying time acts as an exacerbating factor in the development of claw lesions Effect of different housing conditions on behaviour and foot lesions in Friesian heifers Leonard, F. C., O'Connell, J. et al Effect of different housing conditions on behaviour and foot lesions in Friesian heifers Leonard, F. C., O'Connell, J., O'Farrell, K. Veterinary Record 1994 Spring-calving Friesian heifers were randomly allocated either to Dutch Comfort cubicles (2130 x 1160 mm) bedded with rubber mats or to modified Newton Rigg cubicles (2060 x 1090 mm) without bedding. Their behavioural activities, including lying down and standing, were monitored every 30 minutes for two days and two nights each week from November to March, and all four feet of each animal were examined at housing, at calving and monthly thereafter. During January, February and March the 22 heifers in the Dutch Comfort cubicles lay down significantly longer and spent significantly less time standing half-in the cubicles than the 21 heifers in the Newton Rigg cubicles (P < 0.01). Claw health deteriorated in all the animals after housing, but less in the heifers in the Dutch Comfort cubicles, at both one and two months after calving (P < 0.05). There were moderate correlations between the lying behaviour and the total foot lesions and the lesions in the sole ulcer area of the heifers in the Dutch Comfort cubicles but none for the heifers in the Newton Rigg cubicles, possibly because lameness is a multifactorial condition and other factors may have masked the effect of lying down on foot lesions in this group. The better conditions provided by the Dutch Comfort cubicles were associated with better claw health and this effect was partially mediated through the increased time spent lying down by the heifers in these cubicles Housing conditions and foot lesions in Friesian heifers Bottcher, R. W., Hoff, S. J., Jm et al Housing conditions and foot lesions in Friesian heifers Bottcher, R. W., Hoff, S. J., Jm, O. Connell, Kj, O. Farrell, Leonard, F. C. The effect of housing conditions on behaviour and foot lesions in first-calved heifers was investigated in 4 trials comprised of 2 groups, respectively, of 43 and 40 spring-calving and 2 groups of 35 and 28 autumn-calving heifers. The behaviour and foot lesions of the heifers were monitored under different housing conditions including housing in cramped, poorly designed cubicles, in well designed cubicles and in conditions of 50% overcrowding. There was a relationship between housing conditions and claw lesion development which was partially mediated through lying time. Only severe reductions in lying time (5 h lying time per 24 h) were associated with increased clinical lameness. It is concluded that reduced lying time acts as an exacerbating factor in the development of claw lesions Investigations on the infestation of ticks and the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi and Babesia divergens in cattle in Bavaria Edelhofer, R., Just, F. T., Lengauer et al Investigations on the infestation of ticks and the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi and Babesia divergens in cattle in Bavaria Edelhofer, R., Just, F. T., Lengauer, H., Pfister, K. Berliner Und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift 2006 During the grazing period 2002 319 cattle from 31 farms located in 6 districts of southern Bavaria were examined for the presence of ticks in 4- to 5-week intervals, and 287 serum samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi and Babesia divergens. Ticks were detected in all 31 farms with a mean prevalence of 69%. 3218 out of 3453 collected ticks were Nodes ricinus; 139 nymphs, 19 larvae and 77 damaged adult specimens could only be determined to the Genus level (Ixodes). The seasonal pattern revealed the highest frequencies of ticks in May/June and September. The intensity of tick infestation of positive animals was generally low. 76.5% of parasitized cattle had 1-6 ticks per day of investigation. Individual cattle showed up to 250 ticks per day. The percentage of infested animals in each herd varied within the period between 0-100 %. The examination of serum samples by immunfluorescence technique (IFAT) revealed positive anti-Borrelia antibody titers (>= 1:64) for 45.6% of the animals. The within-farm seroprevalence of borreliosis ranged from 20 to 100% in 27 of the 31 farms. A significant correlation could be detected between the number of ticks/cattle and the anti-Borrelia burgdorferi IgG-titer. By contrast, there was no significant correlation between the age of the animals and anti-Borrelia serum titers. For comparative reasons, 64 IFAT-positive serum samples were tested by Westernblot techniques for the presence of antibodies cross-reacting with Borrelia gorinii antigen. These analyses revealed that 69% of the samples reacted positively, 28% were unclear and 3 % were negative. Examinations of the 287 serum samples for the presence of anti-Babesia divergens antibodies revealed one positive animal with a titer of 1:16. Digital dermatitis: A histopathological evaluation and some new aspects in the pathogenesis of a multifactorial disease Leist, G., Natterman, H., Rudolph, R. Digital dermatitis: A histopathological evaluation and some new aspects in the pathogenesis of a multifactorial disease Leist, G., Natterman, H., Rudolph, R. Bovine Practitioner 1998 Tissue samples of skin affected by digital dermatitis were studied histopathologically together with postmortem findings and anamnestic datas to achieve better understanding of this disease. There are hyperplastic, ulcerative, proliferative and combined forms distinguishable. The epidermal cells show signs of degeneration, hypertrophy and hyperplasia, combined with differing extensions of cell destruction by bacteria and spirochetes. Dermal reactions contain arteriosclerosis-like plaques, activation of endothelial cells, thrombosis and different patterns of perivascular infiltration. It is concluded that epidermal lesions are a sequel of dermal malperfusion. Partial or total ischaemia leads to hyperplasia and ulceration, respectively. Endotoxins of gram negative bacteria taking part in other diseases in the same cattle are strongly presumed as causing agents. This indicates a multifactorial pathogenesis Hereditary syndactyly in Angus cattle Huston, K., Leipold, H. W., Schmidt et al Hereditary syndactyly in Angus cattle Huston, K., Leipold, H. W., Schmidt, G. L., Steffen, D. J., Vestweber, J. G. E. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation 1998 Twenty-five syndactylous Angus cattle, characterized pathologically, were reported from 16 herds in 10 states from 1979 to 1994. Twenty- one (84%) had all 4 legs syndactylous, 3 (12%) had 3 legs syndactylous, and 1 (4%) had 2 legs syndactylous. All syndactylous cattle walked with considerable difficulty. Hooves of aged animals became curled and bent laterally or medially. Affected hooves had the appearance of a truncated cone, the base of which was located at the coronary band. Most hooves were fused completely with no indication of dual anlage. An occasional hoof had a distal notch, and other hooves had a dorsally located groove indicating dual embryonic origin. Lateral dewclaws were enlarged in most cases. Radiographs and dissections of limbs of 19 animals revealed a consistent pattern of fusion in most affected calves. Lesions included 1 or more of the following: disappearance of the large metacarpal and metatarsal intertrochlear notches, horizontal fusion of 1 or more carpals and tarsals, fusion of proximal sesamoids, 1 distal sesamoid, and fusion of paired phalanges. Evidence of a genetic cause consisted of 11 syndactylous calves among 70 offspring of 4 3/4 sib families, 8 preterm syndactylous fetuses among 148 preterm fetuses and 13 calves in progenies of 19 animals tested for possible heterozygosity, and 5 syndactylous calves from matings of an Angus syndactylous bull with 1 Angus and 4 Holstein syndactylous cows. Data were consistent with recessive inheritance at a single locus. Angus cattle with sydactytly had a larger number of affected limbs than did syndactylous Holsteins and their Angus crosses, suggesting existence of 2 recessive alleles. The allele of Holsteins (sy(H)) appeared to influence phenotypic expression in a dominant pattern over the Angus allele (sy(A)). Both sy(A) and sy(H) alleles acted as reccessives to the normal SY allele. Phenotypic effects on limb development were most dramatic in calves with the sy(A)/sy(A) genotype Preference and usage of pasture versus free-stall housing by lactating dairy cattle Legrand, A. L., von Keyserlingk et al Preference and usage of pasture versus free-stall housing by lactating dairy cattle Legrand, A. L., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Body Temperature and Respiratory Rate of Lactating Dairy Cattle Under Field and Chamber Conditions1 Barrada, M. S., Casady, R. B., Farthing et al Body Temperature and Respiratory Rate of Lactating Dairy Cattle Under Field and Chamber Conditions1 Barrada, M. S., Casady, R. B., Farthing, B. R., Legates, J. E. Journal of Dairy Science 1991 A coordinated field and chamber experiment assessed breed, sire, and cow differences in body temperatures and respiratory rates. During each of 4 yr, 10 lactating Ayrshire, Guernsey, Holstein, and Jersey cows, 40 animals per yr, were observed in the field on 10 d when the air temperature approached 32°C. For the first 3 yr, each cow also was exposed in a controlled atmospheric chamber at 40°C and 34 mm Hg vapor pressure. Significant breed differences were found for body temperature and respiratory rate. The order of tolerance to hot conditions was Jersey, Guernsey, Ayrshire, and Holstein both in the field and chamber. Significant sire differences, interpreted as genetic, were found for the field measures but not in the chamber. Repeatability of individual field observations for a cow on different days in a year ranged from .38 to .55. Correlations between the average of 10 observations for a cow in the field during a year and the chamber evaluation were positive but lower than the repeatability values. Correlations of ambient temperature with body temperatures and respiratory rates were highest; those for radiation were next, followed by vapor pressure and air movement. Radiotelemetry Measurement of Body Temperatures of Feedlot Steers During Summer1 A.M. Lefcourt, W. R. Adams Radiotelemetry Measurement of Body Temperatures of Feedlot Steers During Summer1 A.M. Lefcourt, W. R. Adams J Anim Sci. 1996 Interference of colostral antibodies with response to a Bluetongue serotype 8 inactivated vaccine in lambs born from hyperimmune... Besancon, Laure, Bibard, Amandine et al Interference of colostral antibodies with response to a Bluetongue serotype 8 inactivated vaccine in lambs born from hyperimmune ewes Besancon, Laure, Bibard, Amandine, Chery, Roland, Duboeuf, Michelle, Goutebroze, Sylvain, Hamers, Claude, Hudelet, Pascal, Kirschvink, Nathalie, Leemans, Jérôme Vaccine 2013 Efficacy of four synchronization protocols on the estrus behavior and conception in native Korean cattle (Hanwoo) Chung, Hak-Jae, Kwon, Woo-Sung, Lee et al Efficacy of four synchronization protocols on the estrus behavior and conception in native Korean cattle (Hanwoo) Chung, Hak-Jae, Kwon, Woo-Sung, Lee, Myeung-Sik, Pang, Myung-Geol, Rahman, Md Saidur, Yang, Boh-Suk Theriogenology 2013 Effect of disease on days open assessed by survival analysis Lee, L. A. Effect of disease on days open assessed by survival analysis Lee, L. A. Journal of Dairy Science 1989 Survival analysis, a regression technique for analyzing data in which the time to an event is the measured outcome, was used to quantify the effects of five common herd diseases on days open in dairy cattle. Data were collected retrospectively from health and production records of 467 cows in five herds. In the 5-yr study period, 1059 lactations were followed to a conception or culling event. Retained placenta, nonsystemic metritis, systemic metritis, ovarian cysts, and lameness were associated with a decrease in conception rate and an increase in median days open. The hazard ratios for conception were .66, .83, .70, .70, and .69 and the increase in median days open 5, 15, 13, 22, and 28 d for the five diseases, respectively. Several attributes of survival analysis make it a valuable tool for quantifying days open in dairy cattle, including the ability to use reproductive information from observations which fail to conceive. Additionally, results obtained from survival analysis complement economic and decision analyses and will facilitate accurate cost assessment of suboptimal reproductive performance Adaptation of feedlot cattle to a high-energy ration by intraruminal transplantation of adapted ruminal fluid Chung, J. S., Chung, JaeSuck, Jang et al Adaptation of feedlot cattle to a high-energy ration by intraruminal transplantation of adapted ruminal fluid Chung, J. S., Chung, JaeSuck, Jang, J. S., Jang, JongSik, Kim, K. S., Kim, KiSeok, Kwon, O. D., Kwon, OhDeog, Lee, H. B., Lee, HyunBeom, Lee, Y. J., Lee, YoungJu, Sung, E. J., Sung, EnJu, Tak, R. B., Tak, RyunBin Korean Journal of Veterinary Clinical Medicine 1998 Nineteen Korean calves, 4-6 months of age, were fed on artificial hay containing 10% concentrates or lucerne and ryegrass hay for 2 months and assigned to 5 groups. Group 1 was inoculated for 2 days via a stomach tube with rumen fluid (1500 ml daily) from Korean beef cattle previously adapted to a high-energy diet. Group 2 was inoculated by trocarization for 2 days with the same rumen fluid. Group 3 was inoculated by trocarization with bacterial culture (1500 ml daily) containing 2 X 109/ml of Gram-negative bacteria derived from adapted rumen fluid. The remaining 2 control groups were treated with normal saline solution by the same methods. All cattle were fed on high-energy diets containing 80% grain ad libitum for 30-74 days. All experimental groups inoculated with rumen fluid and bacterial culture from adapted cattle did not show any signs of rumen acidosis or other related diseases; most of the control calves showed diarrhoea and bloat and a calf laminitis. Average daily weight gain and feed conversion efficiency of experimental calves improved slightly compared with control calves. Following the feeding of high-grain diet, rumen fluid pH decreased in experimental and control calves. Severe acidosis with pH<5.0 was observed only in control group 2. Protozoan count in rumen fluid decreased during high-grain feeding in experimental and control calves, the decrease being greatest in control calves. No significant differences in haematological and blood chemical values between the experimental and control calves were observed. However, in one control calf which showed laminitis a marked increase in serum glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase and lactic dehydrogenase activities and a decrease in serum glucose were observed. It is concluded that intraruminal transplantation of unadapted calves with rumen fluid from cattle adapted to a high-energy diet prevents diseases associated with high-grain feeding and improves performance Subclinical bluetongue virus infection in domestic ruminants in Taiwan Chang, Wei-Ming, Jong, Ming-Hwa, Lee et al Subclinical bluetongue virus infection in domestic ruminants in Taiwan Chang, Wei-Ming, Jong, Ming-Hwa, Lee, Fan, Ting, Lu-Jen, Wang, Fun-In Veterinary Microbiology 2010 Evaluation of data loggers, sampling intervals, and editing techniques for measuring the lying behavior of dairy cattle Ledgerwood, D. N., Tucker, C. B. et al Evaluation of data loggers, sampling intervals, and editing techniques for measuring the lying behavior of dairy cattle Ledgerwood, D. N., Tucker, C. B., Winckler, C. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Lying behavior in dairy cattle can provide insight into how cows interact with their environment. Although lying behavior is a useful indicator of cow comfort, it can be time consuming to measure. In response to these time constraints, using data loggers to automate behavioral recording has become increasingly common. We tested the accuracy of the Onset Pendant G data logger (Onset Computer Corporation, Bourne, MA) for measuring lying behavior in dairy cattle (n = 24 cows; 12 in each of 2 experiments). Cows wore the logger on the lateral (experiment 1) or medial (experiment 2) side of the hind leg above the metatarsophalangeal joint. Loggers recorded behavior at 4 sampling intervals (6, 30, 60, and 300 s) for at least 1.5 d. Data were smoothed using 3 editing methods to examine the effects of short, potentially erroneous readings. For this purpose, Microsoft Excel macros (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA) converted readings (i.e., lying events bordered by standing or vice versa) occurring singly or in consecutive runs of ≤2 or ≤6. Behavior was simultaneously recorded with digital video equipment. The logger accurately measured lying and standing. For example, predictability, sensitivity, and specificity were >99% using 30-s sampling and the single-event filter compared with continuously scored video recordings. The 6- and 30-s sampling intervals were comparable for all aspects of lying behavior when short events were filtered from the data set. Estimates of lying time generated from the 300-s interval unfiltered regimen were positively related (R2 ≥ 0.99) to estimates of lying time from video, but this sampling regimen overestimated the number of lying bouts. This is likely because short standing and lying bouts were missed (12 and 34% of lying and standing bouts were <300 s in experiment 1 and 2, respectively). In summary, the data logger accurately measured all aspects of lying behavior when the sampling interval was ≤30 s and when short readings of lying and standing were filtered from the data set. Dermatitis digitalis in cattle Ledecky, V., Orsag, A., Veghova, J. Dermatitis digitalis in cattle Ledecky, V., Orsag, A., Veghova, J. Folia Veterinaria 1997 Dermatitis digitalis was diagnosed in 170 of 596 dairy cows with lameness on 2 farms with different housing systems in Kosice, Slovakia [date not specified]. 134 of 500 cows (26.8%) kept on a bedding-free floor and 36 of 96 cows (37.5%) kept in traditional housing with bedding were affected. Hind legs were affected in 87% of cases and forelegs in 13%. Lesions were located mainly on the plantar surface of the heel (115 cows). Traditionally housed cows were treated with chloramphenicol ointment (chronicin ung.) and were bandaged for 10 days. Cows in bedding-free housing were treated with flavonoids (Teraprol spray) without bandages for 9 days. Both treatments were 100% effective Feedlot health and management Lechtenberg, K. F., Smith, R. A. et al Feedlot health and management Lechtenberg, K. F., Smith, R. A., Stokka, G. L. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1998 The effect of prepartum injection of vitamin E on health in transition dairy cows Bateman, Ken G., Duffield, Todd F. et al The effect of prepartum injection of vitamin E on health in transition dairy cows Bateman, Ken G., Duffield, Todd F., Johnson, Walter H., LeBlanc, Stephen J., Leslie, Ken E., TenHag, Jeromy, Walton, John S. Journal of Dairy Science 2002 The objective of this study was to investigate parenteral vitamin E for the prevention of peripartum disease in dairy cows. A randomized clinical trial was conducted in 21 commercial dairy herds. Cows (n = 1142) were randomly assigned to receive either a single subcutaneous injection of 3000 IU of vitamin E, or placebo, 1 wk before expected calving. Serum alpha-tocopherol was significantly increased in treated cows at 7 and 14 d, but not at 21 d after injection. Overall, there were no significant differences between treatment groups in the incidence of retained placenta, clinical mastitis, metritis, endometritis, ketosis, displaced abomasum, or lameness. However, there was a conditional benefit of treatment for reduction of the incidence of retained placenta. Cows with marginal pretreatment vitamin E status (serum alpha-tocopherol to cholesterol mass ratio < 2.5 X 10-3) that received an injection of vitamin E tended to have reduced risk of retained placenta. However, in cows with adequate serum vitamin E, there was no reduction in the incidence of any disease. For clinical application, primiparous animals were most likely to benefit from prepartum injection of vitamin E Impact of nutrition on lameness and claw health in cattle Golder, H. M., Lean, I. J., Vermunt et al Impact of nutrition on lameness and claw health in cattle Golder, H. M., Lean, I. J., Vermunt, J. J., Westwood, C. T. Livestock Science 2013 Energy and Protein Nutrition Management of Transition Dairy Cows DeGaris, Peter J., Lean, Ian J. et al Energy and Protein Nutrition Management of Transition Dairy Cows DeGaris, Peter J., Lean, Ian J., Van Saun, Robert Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2013 Bovine somatotropin Baldwin, R. L., Bruss, M. L., Lean et al Bovine somatotropin Baldwin, R. L., Bruss, M. L., Lean, I. J., Troutt, H. F. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1992 The effects of use of the growth hormone bovine somatotropin (GH) on dairy cattle production and the dairy industry are reviewed. Subject headings are as follows: structure and control; insulin-like growth factors; function; nutrient partitioning changes; diabetogenic action; effects on plasma lipid and free fatty acid concn., blood ketones, cholesterol, minerals, energy and protein balance, growth and mammary development, and body composition; increases in appetite, mammary perfusion, mammary efficiency and milk production with GH use; effects on milk composition, fertility and health, mastitis, mammary health, immune function, disease response, lameness, environmental stress, and growth and mammary development Effect of feeding biotin on milk production and hoof health in lactating dairy cows: A quantitative assessment Lean, I. J., Rabiee, A. R. Effect of feeding biotin on milk production and hoof health in lactating dairy cows: A quantitative assessment Lean, I. J., Rabiee, A. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 The mystery of hairy footwarts: The plot thickens with conflicting clues Leake, Linda L. The mystery of hairy footwarts: The plot thickens with conflicting clues Leake, Linda L. Large Animal Practice 1998 Working towards a reduction in cattle lameness: 2. Understanding dairy farmers’ motivations Barker, Z. E., Bell, A. K., Leach et al Working towards a reduction in cattle lameness: 2. Understanding dairy farmers’ motivations Barker, Z. E., Bell, A. K., Leach, K. A., Maggs, C. M., Main, D. C. J., Paul, E. S., Whay, H. R. Research in Veterinary Science 2010 Working towards a reduction in cattle lameness: 1. Understanding barriers to lameness control on dairy farms Barker, Z. E., Bell, A. K., Leach et al Working towards a reduction in cattle lameness: 1. Understanding barriers to lameness control on dairy farms Barker, Z. E., Bell, A. K., Leach, K. A., Maggs, C. M., Main, D. C. J., Paul, E. S., Whay, H. R. Research in Veterinary Science 2010 The effects of early treatment for hindlimb lameness in dairy cows on four commercial UK farms Bell, N.J., Green, L. E., Leach, K. A. et al The effects of early treatment for hindlimb lameness in dairy cows on four commercial UK farms Bell, N.J., Green, L. E., Leach, K. A., Main, D. C. J., Tisdall, D. A. The Veterinary Journal 2012 An ‘early threshold’ protocol for treating cows within 48 h of being detected lame in one or more hind limbs at fortnightly mobility scoring was tested on a randomly selected group of cattle on four commercial dairy farms. The outcomes of the early threshold treatment for first cases of lameness were compared with those of the farmers’ conventional approach to treatment. The early threshold schedule resulted in a much shorter time to treatment than the conventional approach, for which the median time from the cow first being scored lame to treatment was 65 days. The early threshold group presented with less severe foot lesions and cattle were less likely to be selected for further treatments by the farmer than conventionally treated cows. Early threshold treatment reduced the prevalence of lameness 4 weeks after treatment, compared with controls. A clear effect of the early treatment on milk yield was not detected. Reducing lameness in dairy herds – Overcoming some barriers Barker, Z. E., Leach, K. A., Maggs et al Reducing lameness in dairy herds – Overcoming some barriers Barker, Z. E., Leach, K. A., Maggs, C. M., Main, D. C. J., Paul, E. S., Sedgwick, A. K., Whay, H. R. Research in Veterinary Science 2013 Effects of type of forage fed to dairy heifers: Associations between claw characteristics, clinical lameness, environment and... Leach, K. A., Logue, D. N., Offer et al Effects of type of forage fed to dairy heifers: Associations between claw characteristics, clinical lameness, environment and behaviour Leach, K. A., Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E., Svoboda, I. Veterinary Journal 2005 Heifers were reared separately on wet fermented (WF) (grass silage based) or dry unfermented (DU) (straw based) diets. Clinical lameness was recorded and physical claw attributes were measured regularly, up to six months after calving at approximately two years of age. Two months before calving, some aspects of animal behaviour and the properties of slurry were studied. The incidence of lameness due to claw horn lesions was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in WF than in DU. WF suffered more serious heel erosion prior to calving (P < 0.05) and had softer claw horn at two (heel and axial sole) out of five sites throughout (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). The slurry produced by WF had lower total solids content (P < 0.05) and viscosity (P < 0.001). WF spent longer standing and feeding (P < 0.001). It is proposed that standing for longer in less viscous slurry contributed to softer claw horn and more severe heel erosion, predisposing WF to claw horn lesions causing lameness. Reducing contact with low dry matter slurry is recommended for improving claw health. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Effect of diet fed to youngstock on lameness, heel erosion, lying time and properties of slurry Leach, K. A., Logue, D. N., Middlemass et al Effect of diet fed to youngstock on lameness, heel erosion, lying time and properties of slurry Leach, K. A., Logue, D. N., Middlemass, C. A., Offer, J. E., Svoboda, I. Claw lesions in dairy cattle: Methods for assessment of sole and white line lesions Kempson, S. A., Leach, K. A., Logue et al Claw lesions in dairy cattle: Methods for assessment of sole and white line lesions Kempson, S. A., Leach, K. A., Logue, D. N., Randall, J. M. Veterinary Journal 1998 Claw lesions are a major cause of lameness in dairy cattle. Analysis of the development of lesions is aided by numerical representation of their significance. Using data from observations on 31 heifers at 9 weeks post-calving, 5 lesion scoring method were compared. These were: (1) number of lesions; (2) severity; (3) adjusted severity; (4) size (measured by a novel technique involving image analysis of distal view photographs) and (5) size multiplied by adjusted severity (combined score). Relationships between scores for sole and white line lesions and between different claws within a cow were investigated. The small size but high clinical significance of severe lesions means that severity must be weighted if combined with size in a score. Sole and white line lesions showed a moderate but significant correlation in terms of severity but none in terms of size. The highest correlation between scores for a single claw (the right hind outer) and the remaining claws was found for adjusted severity of sole lesions. Claw lesions in dairy cattle: Development of sole and white line haemorrhages during the first lactation Kempson, S. A., Leach, K. A., Logue et al Claw lesions in dairy cattle: Development of sole and white line haemorrhages during the first lactation Kempson, S. A., Leach, K. A., Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E., Randall, J. M., Ternent, H. E. Veterinary Journal 1997 Assessing lameness in cows kept in tie-stalls Dippel, S., Huber, J., Leach, K. A. et al Assessing lameness in cows kept in tie-stalls Dippel, S., Huber, J., Leach, K. A., March, S., Whay, H. R., Winckler, C. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 The establishment and performance of a dairy system based an perennial ryegrass – White clover swards compared with a... Bax, J. A., Leach, K. A., Roberts et al The establishment and performance of a dairy system based an perennial ryegrass – White clover swards compared with a system based on nitrogen fertilized grass Bax, J. A., Leach, K. A., Roberts, D. J., Thomas, C. Biological Agriculture & Horticulture 2000 A dairy system based on grass-white clover (GC) swards, receiving no artificial nitrogen fertilizer, was established and its physical performance compared with that of a system in which grass only (GN) swards received 350 kg N ha(-1) year(-1). The comparison wits made over 3 years using two self-contained Holstein-Friesian herds of 70 cows and replacements. initially the stocking rate for both systems was 2.4 livestock units ha(-1). Grass-clover swards were successfully established and GC herbage ensiled. Total silage yields from GC swards (t DM ha(-1) year(-1)) were on average 0.87 those of GN swards. Over the three years of the study, grazed sward clover contents were maintained at an average of 25% of total dry matter production over the whole season, and followed a repeatable seasonal increase from an average of 8% in April to 37% in August. Milk yield per cow was within 0.97 of the target of 5700 l cow(-1) in each year. However, in years 1 and 2, as a result of the lower herbage yield from GC swards, the level of concentrate required to achieve this was higher in the GC system. In year 3, the stocking rate of the GC unit was reduced to 1.9 livestock units ha(-1) and equal milk yields were achieved by the two units, with equal concentrate inputs. Although problems are perceived with the use of GC swards, this study has shown that, with appropriate management, GC swards can support a viable dairying system, providing an opportunity for minimizing the use of nitrogen fertilizer. Recycling manure as cow bedding: Potential benefits and risks for UK dairy farms Archer, Simon C., Bradley, Andrew J. et al Recycling manure as cow bedding: Potential benefits and risks for UK dairy farms Archer, Simon C., Bradley, Andrew J., Breen, James E., Green, Martin J., Leach, Katharine A., Ohnstad, Ian C., Tuer, Sally The Veterinary Journal Material obtained from physical separation of slurry (recycled manure solids; RMS) has been used as bedding for dairy cows in dry climates in the US since the 1970s. Relatively recently, the technical ability to produce drier material has led to adoption of the practice in Europe under different climatic conditions. This review collates the evidence available on benefits and risks of using RMS bedding on dairy farms, with a European context in mind. There was less evidence than expected for anecdotal claims of improved cow comfort. Among animal health risks, only udder health has received appreciable attention. There are some circumstantial reports of difficulties of maintaining udder health on RMS, but no large scale or long term studies of effects on clinical and subclinical mastitis have been published. Existing reports do not give consistent evidence of inevitable problems, nor is there any information on clinical implications for other diseases. The scientific basis for guidelines on management of RMS bedding is limited. Decisions on optimum treatment and management may present conflicts between control of different groups of organisms. There is no information on the influence that such ‘recycling’ of manure may have on pathogen virulence. The possibility of influence on genetic material conveying antimicrobial resistance is a concern, but little understood. Should UK or other non-US farmers adopt RMS, they are advised to do so with caution, apply the required strategies for risk mitigation, maintain strict hygiene of bed management and milking practices and closely monitor the effects on herd health. A facilitation approach to reducing lameness in dairy herds Barker, ZE, Bell, NJ, Leach, KA, Maggs et al A facilitation approach to reducing lameness in dairy herds Barker, ZE, Bell, NJ, Leach, KA, Maggs, CM, Main, DCJ, Sedgwick, AK, Whay, HR Best-Practice Knowledge Transfer 2011 Activities of organic farmers succeeding in reducing lameness in dairy cows Barker, Zoe, Bell, Nick, Leach et al Activities of organic farmers succeeding in reducing lameness in dairy cows Barker, Zoe, Bell, Nick, Leach, Katharine, Maggs, Clare, Main, David, Sedgwick, Anouska, Whay, Helen Agriculture and Forestry Research 2012 Correlations of measurements of subclinical claw horn lesions in dairy cattle Gettinby, G., Le Fevre, A. M., Logue et al Correlations of measurements of subclinical claw horn lesions in dairy cattle Gettinby, G., Le Fevre, A. M., Logue, D. N., McKendrick, I., Offer, J. E. Veterinary Record 2001 Interrelationships of claw horn lesions of dairy cattle among claws and between the sole and the white line revealed using... Gettinby, G., Le Fevre, A. M., Logue et al Interrelationships of claw horn lesions of dairy cattle among claws and between the sole and the white line revealed using logistic regression Gettinby, G., Le Fevre, A. M., Logue, D. N., McKendrick, I. Recent acute and subacute mycotoxicoses recognized in France Le Bars, J., Le Bars, P. Recent acute and subacute mycotoxicoses recognized in France Le Bars, J., Le Bars, P. Veterinary Research 1996 Successful investigation and prevention of mycotoxic problems requires close collaboration between scientists from several disciplines ranging from agronomists and technologists required during production of food and feeds, to toxicologists and pathologists examining the effects of mycotoxins on animals and man. Zootoxic metabolites following fungal infection result from four general mechanisms: (i) secondary fungal metabolism (mycotoxins, eg, aflatoxins); (ii) bioconversion of vegetal race to a general haemorrhagic syndrome. Several cases of acute equine leucoencephalomalacia, characterized by pathognomonic lesions and recently supported by fumonisin analysis, have been diagnosed in the southern part of France and other countries (eg, New Caledonia and the Ivory Coast). Facial eczema in sheep is endemic in the Basque country, as a result of specific bioclimatic and zootechnic conditions. Reproductive disorders in sheep, cattle, goats and rabbits have been associated with high levels of coumestrol in alfalfa, clover and their derivatives. A few cases of fescue foot disease, associated with the endophyte Acremonium, have been diagnosed recently. In addition, several nervous disorders may be due to unknown mycotoxins.These acute or subacute mycotoxicoses suggest a potentially widespread occurrence of low level toxins and insidious asymptomatic mycotoxicoses, and justify interdisciplinary research in order to improve diagnosis and preventative measures Behavioural signs of estrus and their relationship to time of ovulation in Zebu (Sahiwal) cattle Behera, K., Chand, S., Kumaresan, A. et al Behavioural signs of estrus and their relationship to time of ovulation in Zebu (Sahiwal) cattle Behera, K., Chand, S., Kumaresan, A., Layek, S. S., Mohanty, T. K. Animal Reproduction Science 2011 Lameness, metabolic and digestive disorders, and technical efficiency in Danish dairy herds: a stochastic frontier production... Agger, J. F., Coelli, T., Lawson, L. G. et al Lameness, metabolic and digestive disorders, and technical efficiency in Danish dairy herds: a stochastic frontier production function approach Agger, J. F., Coelli, T., Lawson, L. G., Lund, M. Livestock Production Science 2004 The relationship between reported treatments of lameness, metabolic disorders (milk fever, ketosis), digestive disorders, and technical efficiency (TE) was investigated using neutral and non-neutral stochastic frontier analysis (SFA). TE is estimated relative to the stochastic frontier production function for a sample of 574 Danish dairy herds collected in 1997. Contrary to most published results, but in line with the expected negative impact of disorders on the average cow milk production, herds reporting higher frequencies of milk fever are less technically efficient. Unexpectedly, however, the opposite results were observed for lameness, ketosis, and digestive disorders. The non-neutral stochastic frontier indicated that the opposite results are due to the relative. high productivities of inputs. The productivity of the cows is also reflected by the direction of impact of herd management variables. Whereas efficient farms replace cows more frequently, enroll heifers in production at an earlier age, and have shorter calving intervals, they also report higher frequency of disorder treatments. The average estimated energy corrected milk loss per cow is 1036, 451 and 242 kg for low, medium and high efficient farms. The study demonstrates the benefit of the stochastic frontier production function involving the estimation of individual technical efficiencies to evaluate farm performance and investigate the source of inefficiency. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Further investigation of lameness in cows at pasture: An analysis of the lesions found in, and some possible risk factors... Chesterton, R. N., Laven, R. A. et al Further investigation of lameness in cows at pasture: An analysis of the lesions found in, and some possible risk factors associated with, lame New Zealand dairy cattle requiring veterinary treatment Chesterton, R. N., Laven, R. A., Lawrence, K. E. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Observations on the incidence and seasonality of uterine torsion and left displaced abomasum following the 2001 outbreak of... Laven, R., Lawrence, K., Tulley, W. Observations on the incidence and seasonality of uterine torsion and left displaced abomasum following the 2001 outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the UK Laven, R., Lawrence, K., Tulley, W. The Veterinary Journal 2013 Effect of dietary protein content on estrous behavior of dairy cows during early and mid lactation Kilpatrick, D. J., Law, R. A., Mayne et al Effect of dietary protein content on estrous behavior of dairy cows during early and mid lactation Kilpatrick, D. J., Law, R. A., Mayne, C. S., Patterson, D. C., Wylie, A.R.G., Young, F. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Effect of dietary protein content on the fertility of dairy cows during early and mid lactation Kilpatrick, D. J., Law, R. A., Mayne et al Effect of dietary protein content on the fertility of dairy cows during early and mid lactation Kilpatrick, D. J., Law, R. A., Mayne, C. S., Patterson, D. C., Wylie, A.R.G., Young, F. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Association of conception rate with pattern and level of somatic cell count elevation relative to time of insemination in dairy... Ezra, E., Lavon, Y., Leitner, G. et al Association of conception rate with pattern and level of somatic cell count elevation relative to time of insemination in dairy cows Ezra, E., Lavon, Y., Leitner, G., Wolfenson, D. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Pathogenesis of epiphyseal osteochondrosis Girard, Christiane, Laverty, Sheila Pathogenesis of epiphyseal osteochondrosis Girard, Christiane, Laverty, Sheila The Veterinary Journal 2013 Use of an antibiotic footbath in the treatment of bovine digital dermatitis Laven, R. A., Proven, M. J. Use of an antibiotic footbath in the treatment of bovine digital dermatitis Laven, R. A., Proven, M. J. Veterinary Record 2000 One hundred and eleven dairy cows with digital dermatitis, on six commercial farms, were used to test the efficacy of a footbath containing erythromycin for treating the condition. Four days after 55 of the cows had walked through the footbath after two successive milkings their lesions were significantly less active and painful than those of the 56 untreated cows. These 56 cows were then treated in the same way and both groups were re-examined seven days later. There were no significant differences between the clinical signs observed in the two groups, and the benefits of the treatment had persisted for the 11 days of the trial. Treatment strategies for digital dermatitis for the UK Laven, R. A., Logue, D. N. Treatment strategies for digital dermatitis for the UK Laven, R. A., Logue, D. N. Veterinary Journal 2006 Digital dermatitis is a worldwide disease causing lameness in cattle, especially when housed. Despite its widespread nature there are relatively few peer-reviewed articles providing experimental data concerning its treatment and control. At the risk of descending to anecdote, this review attempts to summarise the current state of knowledge. Three approaches to digital dermatitis treatment have been used: (1) systemic antibiotics, (2) individual topical treatment, and (3) mass topical therapy using a footbath. Systemic antibiotics have become a rare treatment because of their cost and perceived lack of efficacy. Individual topical treatment, mainly with antibiotic preparations, is the most commonly reported method. It is widely considered the treatment of choice by virtue of reliable information about efficacy, the advantage of precise targeting of antibiotic usage and the requirements of legislation. However, at least in the UK, mass treatment of digital dermatitis by footbathing is commonly used on many farms. In some cases, for example with antibiotic footbath solutions, these treatments create legislative, health and safety and environmental difficulties. Despite the widespread use of many different treatments, there is a lack of good comparative data and the consequence is a very variable and somewhat anecdotal approach in the field. There is a pressing need for well-researched treatment strategies for different herd situations. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Relationship between acute phase proteins and hoof horn haemorrhages in postpartum first-lactation heifers Laven, R. A., Livesey, C. T., May, S. A. Relationship between acute phase proteins and hoof horn haemorrhages in postpartum first-lactation heifers Laven, R. A., Livesey, C. T., May, S. A. Veterinary Record 2004 The effect of housing and methionine intake on hoof horn hemorrhages in primiparous lactating holstein cows Laven, R. A., Livesey, C. T. The effect of housing and methionine intake on hoof horn hemorrhages in primiparous lactating holstein cows Laven, R. A., Livesey, C. T. Journal of Dairy Science 2004 An evaluation of the seasonality of veterinary treatments for lameness in UK dairy cattle Laven, R. A., Lawrence, K. R. An evaluation of the seasonality of veterinary treatments for lameness in UK dairy cattle Laven, R. A., Lawrence, K. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2006 Of the 4 main diseases causing lameness in UK dairy cattle, 2 (digital dermatitis and foul-in-the-foot, or interdigital necrobacillosis) are infectious diseases that are commonly associated with similar underfoot conditions, and 2 (sole ulcer and white-line disease) result from subclinical laminitis. Comparison of the seasonality of these 2 diseases can identify whether their own unique risk factors are more important than the risk factors they share. Using a database from 46 veterinarians distributed across the United Kingdom, the seasonality of treatments for these 4 diseases was evaluated. This analysis showed that the seasonality of lameness in UK dairy cattle was significantly reduced in comparison with previous reports from the 1980s. This was primarily due to 1) a reduction in the seasonality of digital dermatitis (outbreaks of which accounted for 6.7% of veterinary reports), with only 60% of reports during the winter as opposed to 72% in earlier studies, and 2) a change in the seasonality of white-line disease from a disease that was most commonly seen in the winter (55% of reports) to a disease that was most commonly reported in the late summer or early autumn, with significantly more reports in August and October than in February. Comparison of the seasonality of digital dermatitis and foul-in-the-foot showed a significant difference in the seasonality of the 2 diseases, with foul-in-the-foot being significantly more common compared with digital dermatitis in June and August. This implies that significant risk factors exist for digital dermatitis that are not as important for foul-in-the-foot. The difference in the seasonality of sole ulcer and white-line disease was even more marked, with white-line disease being significantly more common than sole ulcer from August to October, despite these diseases being more closely linked in the literature than digital dermatitis and foul-in-the-foot. This comparison shows that the seasonality of lameness has changed in the United Kingdom and that white-line disease has significantly different risk factors than sole ulcer. The prevalence of digital dermatitis in the hind feet of Holstein heifers from late pregnancy until mid lactation Hunt, H., Laven, R. A., Livesey, C. T. et al The prevalence of digital dermatitis in the hind feet of Holstein heifers from late pregnancy until mid lactation Hunt, H., Laven, R. A., Livesey, C. T., Marsh, C. M. Evaluation of copper sulphate, formalin and peracetic acid in footbaths for the treatment of digital dermatitis in cattle Hunt, H., Laven, R. A. Evaluation of copper sulphate, formalin and peracetic acid in footbaths for the treatment of digital dermatitis in cattle Hunt, H., Laven, R. A. Veterinary Record 2002 The efficacy of three non-antibiotic products (copper sulphate, formalin and peracetic acid) was compared with the efficacy of erythromycin, when the four substances were applied in footbaths for the treatment of cows with digital dermatitis. The cows were divided into four groups on the basis of their current housing and randomly allocated to one of the four treatments. Cattle allocated to the non-antibiotic treatments were footbathed daily for seven days, but the cattle treated with erythromycin were footbathed for two days only. Complete records were obtained for 252 lesions from 169 cows. There were significant reductions in the lesion scores of all four groups, but there was no significant effect of treatment and no significant interaction between treatment and time. Comparison of valnemulin and lincomycin in the treatment of digital dermatitis by individually applied topical spray Hunt, H., Laven, R. A. Comparison of valnemulin and lincomycin in the treatment of digital dermatitis by individually applied topical spray Hunt, H., Laven, R. A. Veterinary Record 2001 A comparison of local and systemic antibiotics for the treatment of digital dermatitis Hunt, H., Laven, R. A. A comparison of local and systemic antibiotics for the treatment of digital dermatitis Hunt, H., Laven, R. A. Applying animal-based welfare assessments on New Zealand dairy farms: feasibility and a comparison with United Kingdom data Fabian, J., Laven, R. A. Applying animal-based welfare assessments on New Zealand dairy farms: feasibility and a comparison with United Kingdom data Fabian, J., Laven, R. A. N Z Vet J 2016 AIMS: To assess the feasibility of applying animal-based welfare assessments developed for use in Europe on New Zealand dairy farms; in particular, to identify measures which could be evaluated during a single visit at milking time alongside whole herd locomotion scoring. METHODS: A protocol for animal welfare assessment, developed in the United Kingdom (UK), was evaluated. Measures that were suitable for use on pasture-based dairy farms in New Zealand were then assessed for practicability on 59 farms across New Zealand, during and immediately after milking, alongside whole herd locomotion scoring. Where data were collected the results were compared to those from a UK study of 53 dairy farms. RESULTS: Thirteen observations of the physical condition of cows were considered suitable for measurement, excluding observations related to hock lesions as they are rarely observed on pasture-based farms. Five of these measures were not assessed as there was not time to do so during milking alongside whole herd locomotion scoring. Thus, the prevalence of dirty flanks, hind limbs and udders, dull coat, thick hairy coat, significant hair loss, very fat cows (body condition score (BCS) >/=7 on 1-10 scale) and very thin cows (BCS Relationship of antibodies to spirochaetes and the prevalence and severity of digital dermatitis Blowey, R. W., Carter, S. D., Demirkan et al Relationship of antibodies to spirochaetes and the prevalence and severity of digital dermatitis Blowey, R. W., Carter, S. D., Demirkan, I., Laven, R. A. Systematically tackling hock lesions Laven, R. A. Systematically tackling hock lesions Laven, R. A. Vet J 2015 Efficacy of systemic cefquinome and erythromycin against digital dermatitis in cattle Laven, R. A. Efficacy of systemic cefquinome and erythromycin against digital dermatitis in cattle Laven, R. A. Veterinary Record 2006 The environment and digital dermatitis Laven, R. A. The environment and digital dermatitis Laven, R. A. Cattle Practice 1999 Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs around calving: Maximizing comfort, productivity and fertility Chambers, Paul, Laven, Richard et al Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs around calving: Maximizing comfort, productivity and fertility Chambers, Paul, Laven, Richard, Stafford, Kevin The Veterinary Journal 2012 Bovine lameness: Still more to learn Laven, Richard Bovine lameness: Still more to learn Laven, Richard The Veterinary Journal 2012 Control of digital dermatitis in cattle Laven, R. Control of digital dermatitis in cattle Laven, R. In Practice 2001 DIGITAL dermatitis is an infectious disease which affects the skin of cattle and is usually seen around the bulbs of the heel. It was first identified almost 30 years ago in Italy, but has since been diagnosed in most of the major cattle-producing countries, including the UK, where it has spread rapidly through the dairy herd. Digital dermatitis is now the most common infectious cause of lameness in the dairy cow and, along with white line disease and sole ulcers, is one of the top three causes of lameness, with over 70 per cent of herds affected. The disease is a major cause of poor welfare and economic loss, and its control should therefore form an integral part of any herd health plan. This article describes the most important. An evaluation of the changes in distance from the external sole surface to the distal phalanx in heifers in their first lactation Laven, L. J., Laven, R. A. et al An evaluation of the changes in distance from the external sole surface to the distal phalanx in heifers in their first lactation Laven, L. J., Laven, R. A., Lopez-Villalobos, N., Margerison, J. K., Parkinson, T. J. The Veterinary Journal 2012 Genetic parameters for claw and leg health, foot and leg conformation, and locomotion in Danish Holsteins Boelling, D., Laursen, M. V., Mark, T. Genetic parameters for claw and leg health, foot and leg conformation, and locomotion in Danish Holsteins Boelling, D., Laursen, M. V., Mark, T. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Skin lesions and forelimb lameness in calves Fischerstrom, J., Jacobsson, S. O. et al Skin lesions and forelimb lameness in calves Fischerstrom, J., Jacobsson, S. O., Larsson, B., Pellhagen, I. Svensk Veterinartidning 1991 A high incidence of carpal skin lesions and swelling of the carpus among calves in 2 dairy herds was most prevalent in animals less than 6 weeks of age. The small amount of bedding provided on the concrete floor of the maternity pens, resulting in repeated contusion of the carpal area, was thought to be the cause of the condition The relationship between reaction to sudden, intermittent movements and sounds and temperament Avery, D., Grandin, T., Green, R. D. et al The relationship between reaction to sudden, intermittent movements and sounds and temperament Avery, D., Grandin, T., Green, R. D., Lanier, J. L., McGee, K. Journal of Animal Science 2000 Casual observations indicated that some cattle are more sensitive to sudden movement or intermittent sound than other cattle. Six commercial livestock auctions in two states and a total of 1,636 cattle were observed to assess the relationship between breed, sex, and temperament score on the response to sudden, intermittent visual and sound stimuli, such as the ringman swinging his arm for a bid and the sound of him briefly yelling a bid. A 4-point temperament score was used to score each animal while it was in the ring. The scores used were 1) walks and(or) stands still, with slow, smooth body movements; 2) continuously walks or trots, and vigilant; 3) gait is faster than a trot (runs even a couple of steps), with fast, abrupt, jerky movements, and very vigilant; and 4) hits the ring fence, walls, partitions, or people with its head. Animals were observed for flinches, startle responses, or orientation toward sudden, intermittent sounds, motions, and tactile stimulation, such as being touched with a cane or plastic paddle. The cattle observed were mostly Bos taurus beef breeds and Holstein dairy cattle. Holsteins were more sound-sensitive (P = .02) and touch-sensitive (P < .01) than beef cattle. Sensitivity to sudden, intermittent stimuli (e.g., sound, motion, and touch) increased as temperament score (excitability) increased. Cattle with a temperament score of 1 were the least sensitive to sudden, intermittent movement and sound and those with a temperament score of 4 were the most sensitive (P < .01). This same relationship was sometimes observed for touch but was not statistically significant. Motion-sensitive cattle were more likely than nonsensitive cattle to score a temperament rating of 3 or 4 (P < .01). Steers and heifers were more motion-sensitive than the older bulls and cows (P = .03). Beef cattle urinated (P < .01, n = 1,581) and defecated (P < .01, n = 1,582) more often in the ring than did dairy cattle. Cattle that became agitated during handling in an auction ring were the individuals that were most likely to be startled by sudden, intermittent sounds and movements. Reactivity to sudden, intermittent stimuli may be an indicator of an excitable temperament Cubicle housing for dairy cows Langley, R. W. Cubicle housing for dairy cows Langley, R. W. Landwards 1998 The design of cubicle housing for dairy cows is discussed with respect to cow accommodation requirements, cow lameness, lying times, general aspects of cubicle design, cubicle dimensions, cubicle partition/division design, the cubicle bed, bedding materials, cubicle mats/mattresses, housing floor surfaces and slurry contact, housing for heifers, and housing layout and space requirements Behavior of cows during and after peak feeding time on organic and conventional dairy farms in the United Kingdom Haskell, M. J., Jack, M. C., Langford et al Behavior of cows during and after peak feeding time on organic and conventional dairy farms in the United Kingdom Haskell, M. J., Jack, M. C., Langford, F. M., Lawrence, A. B., Rutherford, K. M. D., Sherwood, L. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 The influence of cow and management factors on reproductive performance of Irish seasonal calving dairy cows Beltman, Marijke E., Crowe, Mark A. et al The influence of cow and management factors on reproductive performance of Irish seasonal calving dairy cows Beltman, Marijke E., Crowe, Mark A., Lane, Elizabeth A., More, Simon J. Animal Reproduction Science 2013 [Characterization of the pathology of lactating cows based on the level of lactation. Principal factors in the variation and... Landais, E. [Characterization of the pathology of lactating cows based on the level of lactation. Principal factors in the variation and typing of pathologic profiles of lactation]. [French] Landais, E. Annales de Recherches Veterinaires 1989 The health disturbances investigated were observed during a long-term trial (six years) conducted at an experimental station located at 1,100 m elevation. The study dealt with 487 lactations involving 190 cows of the Montbeliarde and French Friesian breeds, which produced on average 4,200 kg milk per lactation. The disturbances concerned 59% of monitored lactations, with a mean incidence of 2.1 disturbances per lactation. Lameness and mastitis accounted respectively for 52 and 24% of the clinical affections. Pathology was significantly influenced by breed, basic diet (hay or grass silage), concentrate quantities, lactation rank and year. The authors describe a method permitting an independent analysis of the effects of lactation stage and of season on mastitis and lameness frequency, by limiting the biases due to grouping of calvings and to culling. The study of lactations affected by several pathological disturbances shows that the different types of affections recorded are mutually independent but that successive occurrences of the same affection are not. On the basis of these results, the authors have proposed to globally characterize the "pathological profiles" of lactations A comparison of claw conformation and claw horn structure of two sheep breeds, and their relationship to footrot incidence Brandt, H., Erhardt, G., Friedrich, C. et al A comparison of claw conformation and claw horn structure of two sheep breeds, and their relationship to footrot incidence Brandt, H., Erhardt, G., Friedrich, C., Gauly, M., Lambertz, C., Moors, E. Small Ruminant Research 2014 Pig, cattle and poultry farmers with a known interest in research have comparable perspectives on disease prevention and on-farm... De Vliegher, S., Dewulf, J., Gelaude et al Pig, cattle and poultry farmers with a known interest in research have comparable perspectives on disease prevention and on-farm biosecurity De Vliegher, S., Dewulf, J., Gelaude, P., Hendriksen, C., Laanen, M., Maes, D., Rosseel, Y. Preventive Veterinary Medicine Treatment of cystic ovarian disease (COD) in cows with low fertility. II. The influence of some factors on the treatment efficacy Kuzma, R., Romaniuk, J. Treatment of cystic ovarian disease (COD) in cows with low fertility. II. The influence of some factors on the treatment efficacy Kuzma, R., Romaniuk, J. Bulletin of the Veterinary Institute in Pulawy 1994 The investigations were carried out on 935 cows from 5 herds over a 5-year period. 1068 cases of COD were treated and the efficacy of treatment decreased with the age of the cows and the time between calving and beginning of treatment. Clinical forms of ketosis, laminitis, mastitis and indigestion significantly reduced the efficacy of treatment irrespective of periparturient complications Case report: Left displacement of abomasum in dairy cows in northern Taiwan: A study of 92 cases Kuo, Chih-Chi Chang Cheng-Hung Case report: Left displacement of abomasum in dairy cows in northern Taiwan: A study of 92 cases Kuo, Chih-Chi Chang Cheng-Hung Journal of the Chinese Society of Veterinary Science 1994 Clinical and surgical findings in ninety-two dairy cows with left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) in the past ten years in northern Taiwan were reviewed to determine the profiles of the disease. Thirty-six cases (39.1%) were found in the first lactating cows (P lt 0.001) with higher incidence in April and May (0.01 gt P gt 0.005) ; forty-three (46.7%) of the cases were developed in cows during the first week of parturition (0.01 gt P gt 0.005) ; and sixteen cases (17.4%) occurred in late pregnancy. The most often concurrent clinical pathological change was ketonuria. Eight cases (8.7%) recurred or developed right displacement of abomasum (RDA) subsequently in the same or the proceeding productive period. Two of the 92 LDA cases had had a history of cured RDA by medication in the last productive period. The total culling rate in these LDA cows was 7.6% (7 cases), the main cause for the animals being culled were severe lameness, gangrenous mastitis, recurrent terminal torsion of abomasum, and subdiaphragmatic caseous abscess Biomechanical background of functional claw trimming in cattle Kumper, H. Biomechanical background of functional claw trimming in cattle Kumper, H. Praktische Tierarzt 1997 In a natural environment like pasture with changing weather conditions the superficial layers of the claw sole crumble away and cattle walk mainly on the hard weight bearing border of the claw wall. The sole can yield elastically to hard cushions of the pedal bone. Under manmade conditions like cubicles without straw cows walk most time of their life on a flat, hard, rough and humid surface. The humidity of the floor soaks the weight bearing border of the claw wall and the rough surface of the ground quickly grinds it off to sole level. After three to four months of walking in a cubicle the sole gets a flat shape and all parts of the sole contact the ground. Walking on the hard surface stimulates horn growth and by the time the more loaded claws (on hind limb the outer claws and on the forelimb the inner claws) get higher than the less loaded ones. Under this conditions the axial area of the higher claws bears too much weight and becomes susceptible to contusions that may progress to sole ulceration. In cubicles functional claw trimming is the mayor tool to prevent sole bruises. Most important purpose of claw trimming is to keep inner and outer claws on the same level of height and to relieve the endangered caudal axial third of the sole by a slight carving Control of digital dermatitis Laven, R. Control of digital dermatitis Laven, R. Cattle Practice 2000 Lameness problems of housed dairy cows Kumper, H. Lameness problems of housed dairy cows Kumper, H. Praktische Tierarzt 1994 Short communication: Determination of the ability of Thymox to kill or inhibit various species of microorganisms associated with... Allard, M., Dopfer, D., Kulow, M. et al Short communication: Determination of the ability of Thymox to kill or inhibit various species of microorganisms associated with infectious causes of bovine lameness in vitro Allard, M., Dopfer, D., Kulow, M., Zibaee, F. J Dairy Sci 2015 Infectious claw diseases continue to plague cattle in intensively managed husbandry systems. Poor foot hygiene and constant moist environments lead to the infection and spread of diseases such as digital dermatitis (hairy heel warts), interdigital dermatitis, and interdigital phlegmon (foot rot). Currently, copper sulfate and formalin are the most widely used disinfecting agents in bovine footbaths; however, the industry could benefit from more environmentally and worker friendly substitutes. This study determined the in vitro minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations of Thymox (Laboratoire M2, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada) for a selection of microorganisms related to infectious bovine foot diseases. Thymox is a broad-spectrum agricultural disinfectant that is nontoxic, noncorrosive, and readily biodegradable. The values for minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration indicated that Thymox inhibited growth and killed the various species of microorganisms under study at much lower concentrations compared with the recommended working concentration of a 1% solution. Overall, the values found in this study of minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of Thymox show its potential as an alternative antibacterial agent used in bovine footbaths; however, field trials are needed to determine its effectiveness for the control and prevention of infectious claw diseases. Use of force sensors to detect and analyse lameness in dairy cows Kujala, M., Pastell, M., Soveri, T. Use of force sensors to detect and analyse lameness in dairy cows Kujala, M., Pastell, M., Soveri, T. Veterinary Record 2008 White-line disease and haemorrhages in hooves of Finnish dairy cattle Dohoo, Ian R., Kujala, Minna, Soveri et al White-line disease and haemorrhages in hooves of Finnish dairy cattle Dohoo, Ian R., Kujala, Minna, Soveri, Timo Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2010 Sole ulcers in Finnish dairy cattle Dohoo, Ian R., Kujala, Minna, Laakso et al Sole ulcers in Finnish dairy cattle Dohoo, Ian R., Kujala, Minna, Laakso, Minna, Schnier, Christian, Soveri, Timo Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2009 Immunisation against digital dermatitis in dairy herds Kuhn, T. Immunisation against digital dermatitis in dairy herds Kuhn, T. Praktische Tierarzt 1996 In herds of diary cows and fattening cattle digital dermatitis is a widespread disease, Its etiology is probably due to infectious processes. Antibacterial chemotherapy often has no fundamental influence on the problem. Based on exact differentiation diagnostics and surveys about the occurrence of the disease in herds of dairy cows, first experiences gained with the use of herd specific vaccines and possible prospects for the vaccination are shown by the following article. Controlling the shape and function of cattle claws by the help of a new measuring device Kuemper, H. Controlling the shape and function of cattle claws by the help of a new measuring device Kuemper, H. Strategies for time of culling in control of paratuberculosis in dairy herds Kudahl, A. B., Nielsen, S. S. et al Strategies for time of culling in control of paratuberculosis in dairy herds Kudahl, A. B., Nielsen, S. S., Ostergaard, S. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Organic milk production in Germany Boehncke, E., Herrmann, H. J. et al Organic milk production in Germany Boehncke, E., Herrmann, H. J., Krutzinna, C. Biological Agriculture and Horticulture 1996 The results of a study of organic milk production in Germany, based on a sample of 268 organic dairy farms with a total of 7990 cows are reported. Data such as milk yield and the number and age of dairy cows are from 1992. Only 40 (15%) of the 268 farms were certified organic before 1979, with most (139 or 52%) completing their conversion between 1980 and 1990. The average milk yield of these farms was 4941 kg/cow per lactation. The cows on average were only 5.7 years old, and were milked for only 3.2 years. Concentrate feeding was moderate (average of 580 kg/cow per year). The diets mainly consisted of silage, hay and fodder beet. On 60% of the sample farms, the cows were housed in tie stalls and 26% were confined all year round. The order of importance of herd health problems was the same as in conventional agriculture: mastitis, fertility disorders and hoof diseases were the main problems on 56, 37 and 26% of 204 of the farms respectively. Metabolic disorders, such as ketosis and parturient paresis were less frequent. Usually, diseases were treated by a combination of methods, including conventional veterinary medicine (53%), homeopathy (27%) and other alternative methods, such as herb medicine and home remedies (20%) Osteochondrosis in beef bulls Krupnik Ya, G. Osteochondrosis in beef bulls Krupnik Ya, G. Veterinariya Moskva 1991 On a Ukrainian farm producing 2000 beef bulls a year, about 100 had to be culled each year because of lameness. Examination of 730 bulls, supplemented by radiography of the carpus and tarsus of 15 bulls and histopathological examination of 60, revealed osteoporosis accompanied by osteochondrosis of articular cartilage. The bulls had been fed silage and concentrates Digital dermatitis: Natural lesion progression and regression in Holstein dairy cattle over 3 years Gorden, Patrick J., Krull, Adam C. et al Digital dermatitis: Natural lesion progression and regression in Holstein dairy cattle over 3 years Gorden, Patrick J., Krull, Adam C., Plummer, Paul J., Scott, H. Morgan, Shearer, Jan K. Journal of Dairy Science 2016 Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is a leading cause of lameness in dairy cattle in the United States, with prevalence estimates as high as 30%. Whereas clinical lesions have been well described, little is known about the morphologic changes that are associated with the early stages of lesion development from normal skin to clinical lesions. This study used the Iowa DD scoring system to evaluate the epidemiology of natural lesion development by digitally photographing the rear legs of a cohort of dairy cows over a 3-yr period. Sixty-one adult Holstein dairy cows were monitored for 1,032 cow foot-months. The incidence rate of lesion development was 4 lesions per 100 cow foot-months, with the average time for a lesion to develop being 133 d. Whereas 20% of the 1,678 foot observations exhibited clinical DD lesions, an additional 55% of all observations exhibited preclinical stage 1 and 2 lesions that were indicative of DD lesion development. Utilizing the dichotomous categorization of preclinical lesions in the Iowa DD scoring system, it was found that first-lactation heifers had a higher rate of the thickened and crusted “B” type lesions, whereas the ulcerative “A” type lesions were more likely to be identified in multiparous animals. For clinical DD lesions that received topical treatment, scoring of the post-treatment lesions using the Iowa DD scoring system was found to be useful in prognosticating both the risk of recrudescence and the time until recrudescence. Systemic disease, systemic antibiotic therapy, and periparturient stress were not associated with an increase or decrease in DD lesion scores. Treatment with a single topical tetracycline wrap was associated with a significant decrease (−1.17) in DD lesion score. The results of this study demonstrate that the complex morphologic changes associated with digital dermatitis can be readily classified using the Iowa DD scoring system and the scores can be used to predict and monitor the effects of treatment and prevention measures. Deep Sequencing Analysis Reveals Temporal Microbiota Changes Associated with Development of Bovine Digital Dermatitis Cooper, V. L., Gorden, P. J., Krull et al Deep Sequencing Analysis Reveals Temporal Microbiota Changes Associated with Development of Bovine Digital Dermatitis Cooper, V. L., Gorden, P. J., Krull, A. C., Phillips, G.J., Plummer, P. J., Shearer, J. K. Infect Immun 2014 A Highly Effective Protocol for the Rapid and Consistent Induction of Digital Dermatitis in Holstein Calves Coatney, J. W., Cooper, V. L., Gorden et al A Highly Effective Protocol for the Rapid and Consistent Induction of Digital Dermatitis in Holstein Calves Coatney, J. W., Cooper, V. L., Gorden, P. J., Krull, A. C., Plummer, P. J., Shearer, J. K. PLoS One 2016 Bovine Digital Dermatitis (DD) is a leading cause of lameness in dairy cattle. DD is reportedly increasing in prevalence in beef cattle feedlots of the US. The exact etiologic agent(s) responsible for the disease have yet to be determined. Multiple studies have demonstrated the presence of a variety of Treponema spp. within lesions. Attempts to reproduce clinically relevant disease using pure cultures of these organisms has failed to result in lesions that mirror the morphology and severity of naturally occurring lesions. This manuscript details the systematic development of an experimental protocol that reliably induces digital dermatitis lesions on a large enough scale to allow experimental evaluation of treatment and prevention measures. In total, 21 protocols from five experiments were evaluated on their effectiveness in inducing DD lesions in 126 Holstein calves (504 feet). The protocols varied in the type and concentration of inoculum, frequency of inoculation, duration the feet were wrapped, and type of experimental controls need to validate a successful induction. Knowledge gained in the first four experiments resulted in a final protocol capable of inducing DD lesions in 42 of 44 (95%) feet over a 28 day period. All induced lesions were macroscopically and microscopically identified as clinical DD lesions by individuals blinded to protocols. Lesions were also located at the site of inoculation in the palmer aspect of the interdigital space, and induced clinically measurable lameness in a significant portion of the calves. Collectively these results validate the model and provide a rapid and reliable means of inducing DD in large groups of calves. Did vaccination with an infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) marker vaccine on thirteen cattle farms give rise to... Kruif, A. de Did vaccination with an infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) marker vaccine on thirteen cattle farms give rise to ‘chronic wasting’ among dairy cattle? Kruif, A. de Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde 2001 Cestrum diurnum poisoning in Florida cattle Krook, L. Cestrum diurnum poisoning in Florida cattle Krook, L. Cornell Veterinarian 1975 Cestrum diurnum poisoning was described in a Florida bull. Clinical signs included chronic wasting and progressive lameness. Plasma clacium was elevated for long periods of time but decreased toward low normal values. There was pronouced C-cell hyperplasia. Osteopetrosis was very severe and reflected retarded osteocytic osteolysis and chondrolysis. Further negative effects on the osteocytes eventually lead to osteonecrosis. Soft tissue calcinosis involved tendons and ligaments, major arteries and veins but kidneys and lungs were spared. Whereas the osteopetrosis could be explained by hypercalcitoninism, the osteonecrosis was believed to result from direct action by the Cestrum diurnum factor, previously shown to have an action similar to that of 1,25-dihydroxy-cholecalciferol, which is the biologically active metabolite of vitamin D3 Recombinant bovine somatotropin and animal welfare Kronfeld, D. S. Recombinant bovine somatotropin and animal welfare Kronfeld, D. S. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2000 Effect of soft flooring in free stalls on milk yield, fat, protein and somatic cell counts in dairy cattle Forster, M., Kremer, P., Nuske, S. et al Effect of soft flooring in free stalls on milk yield, fat, protein and somatic cell counts in dairy cattle Forster, M., Kremer, P., Nuske, S., Scholz, A. M. Archiv Fur Tierzucht-Archives of Animal Breeding 2006 Using a herd health monitoring system in the assessment of welfare Danuser, J., Krebs, S., Regula, G. Using a herd health monitoring system in the assessment of welfare Danuser, J., Krebs, S., Regula, G. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section A-Animal Science 2001 Restless behavior increases over time, but not with compressibility of the flooring surface, during forced standing at the feed... Berry, S. L., Krebs, N., Tucker, C. B. Restless behavior increases over time, but not with compressibility of the flooring surface, during forced standing at the feed bunk Berry, S. L., Krebs, N., Tucker, C. B. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Effect of alternative models for increasing stocking density on the short-term behavior and hygiene of Holstein dairy cows Ballard, C. S., Butzler, R. E., Carter et al Effect of alternative models for increasing stocking density on the short-term behavior and hygiene of Holstein dairy cows Ballard, C. S., Butzler, R. E., Carter, M. P., Dann, H. M., Grant, R. J., Krawczel, P. D., Mooney, C. S. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Short-term increases in stocking density affect the lying and social behavior, but not the productivity, of lactating Holstein... Butzler, R. E., Dann, H. M., Grant et al Short-term increases in stocking density affect the lying and social behavior, but not the productivity, of lactating Holstein dairy cows Butzler, R. E., Dann, H. M., Grant, R. J., Klaiber, L. B., Klaiber, L. M., Krawczel, P. D., Mooney, C. S. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Effects of forage particle size and grain fermentability in midlactation cows. II. Ruminal pH and chewing activity Beauchemin, K. A., Combs, D. K., Krause et al Effects of forage particle size and grain fermentability in midlactation cows. II. Ruminal pH and chewing activity Beauchemin, K. A., Combs, D. K., Krause, K. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2002 Our study investigated the effects of, and interactions between, level of dietary ruminally fermentable carbohydrate (RFC) and forage particle size on rumen pH and chewing activity for dairy cows fed one level of dietary NDF. Also, correlations between intake, production, chewing, and ruminal pH parameters were investigated. Eight cows (61 days in milk) were assigned to four treatments in a double 4 x 4 Latin square. Treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial design; finely chopped alfalfa silage (FS) and coarse alfalfa silage (CS) were combined with concentrates based on either dry, cracked-shelled corn (DC; low RFC) or ground, high-moisture corn (HMC; high RFC). Diets were fed ad libitum as a total mixed rations with a concentrate:forage ratio of 60:40. Diets averaged 18.7% crude protein, 24.0% neutral detergent fiber, 18.3%, acid detergent fiber and 27.4% starch on a DM basis. Mean particle size of the four diets were 6.3, 2.8, 6.0, and 3.0 mm for DCCS, DCFS, HMCCS, and HMCFS, respectively. Decreasing forage particle size decreased ruminal pH from 6.02 to 5.81, and increasing level of RFC decreased pH from 5.99 to 5.85. Minimum daily ruminal pH decreased from 5.66 to 5.47 when level of RFC was increased, and decreased from 5.65 to 5.48 when forage particle size decreased, Time below pH 5.8 per day increased from 7.4 h to 10.8 h when level of RFC increased, and increased from 6.4 h to 11.8 h when forage particle size was decreased. Area below 5.8 showed the same relationship with RFC and forage particle size. Also, forage particle size affected the postprandial pH pattern. Cows spent more time eating when fed CS compared with FS (274 vs. 237 min/d), and time spent eating decreased when level of RFC was increased (271 vs. 241 min/d). Decreasing forage particle size decreased time spent ruminating (485 vs. 320 min/d), rumination periods (15.3 vs. 11.7), and duration of rumination periods (29 vs. 26 min). Increasing level of RFC increased time spent ruminating per kg NDF intake (68.5 vs. 79.5 min/kg). Milk fat percentage was correlated to mean ruminal pH (r = 0.41), time spent below pH 5.8 (r = -0.55), and area below 5.8 (r = -0.57), but not to intake or chewing variables. DMI of particles retained on a screen equivalent in size to the top screen of the Penn State particle separator was the intake parameter explaining most of the variation in mean ruminal pH (r = 0.27) and was correlated to time spent ruminating (r = 0.61) and chewing (r = 0.61). Mastitis and lameness detection in dairy cows by application of fuzzy logic Cavero, D., Kramer, E., Krieter, J. et al Mastitis and lameness detection in dairy cows by application of fuzzy logic Cavero, D., Kramer, E., Krieter, J., Stamer, E. Livestock Science 2009 The aim of the present study was to develop a fuzzy logic model for classification and control of lameness and mastitis in cows using the data of the Futterkamp dairy research farm of the Schleswig–Holstein Chamber of Agriculture. A dataset of about 13,500 records from 125 cows was used. Lameness treatments were used to determine two definitions of lameness; they differed in the length of the corresponding disease block. Mastitis was determined according to the definitions: (1) udder treatments and (2). udder treatment or SCC over 400,000/ml. Disease alerts by the fuzzy logic model were generated using the variables milk yield, dry matter intake, dry matter intake behaviour (number of visits at the feeding trough, time spent at the feeding troughs), water intake, activity and information about preliminary diseases as input data. To develop and verify the model, the dataset was divided into training data (9074 records) and test data (4604 records). The evaluation of the model was carried out according to sensitivity, specificity and error rate. If the block-sensitivity was set to be at least 70%, the specificity for lameness detection ranged between 75.3% and 75.9% and the error rate varied between 98.9% and 99.5% depending on lameness definition. With the mastitis detection models, specificities ranged between 84.1% and 92.1%, while error rates were obtained between 96.2% and 97.9%. The results of the test data verified those of the training data, indicating that the models could be generalized but also are not yet applicable in practice. [Neurectomy of tibial and superficial fibular nerve as a therapeutic measure in chronic lameness of breeding bulls]. [German] Krahmer, R. [Neurectomy of tibial and superficial fibular nerve as a therapeutic measure in chronic lameness of breeding bulls]. [German] Krahmer, R. Archiv fur Experimentelle Veterinarmedizin 1969 Heart Rate Variability as an Indicator of Chronic Stress Caused by Lameness in Dairy Cows Jurkovich, V., Kezer, F. L., Kovacs, L. et al Heart Rate Variability as an Indicator of Chronic Stress Caused by Lameness in Dairy Cows Jurkovich, V., Kezer, F. L., Kovacs, L., Kulcsar-Huszenicza, M., Tozser, J. PLoS One 2015 Most experimental studies on animal stress physiology have focused on acute stress, while chronic stress, which is also encountered in intensive dairy cattle farming--e.g. in case of lameness--, has received little attention. We investigated heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) as indicators of the autonomic nervous system activity and fecal glucocorticoid concentrations as the indicator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in lame (with locomotion scores 4 and 5; n = 51) and non-lame (with locomotion scores 1 and 2; n = 52) Holstein-Friesian cows. Data recorded during the periods of undisturbed lying--representing baseline cardiac activity--were involved in the analysis. Besides linear analysis methods of the cardiac inter-beat interval (time-domain geometric, frequency domain and Poincare analyses) non-linear HRV parameters were also evaluated. With the exception of standard deviation 1 (SD1), all HRV indices were affected by lameness. Heart rate was lower in lame cows than in non-lame ones. Vagal tone parameters were higher in lame cows than in non-lame animals, while indices of the sympathovagal balance reflected on a decreased sympathetic activity in lame cows. All geometric and non-linear HRV measures were lower in lame cows compared to non-lame ones suggesting that chronic stress influenced linear and non-linear characteristics of cardiac function. Lameness had no effect on fecal glucocorticoid concentrations. Our results demonstrate that HRV analysis is a reliable method in the assessment of chronic stress, however, it requires further studies to fully understand the elevated parasympathetic and decreased sympathetic tone in lame animals. Analgesic efficacy of sodium salicylate in an amphotericin B-induced bovine synovitis-arthritis model Anderson, D. E., Apley, M. D., Coetzee et al Analgesic efficacy of sodium salicylate in an amphotericin B-induced bovine synovitis-arthritis model Anderson, D. E., Apley, M. D., Coetzee, J. F., Gehring, R., Kotschwar, J. L., KuKanich, B. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Factors influencing incidence of lameness in dairy cattle Dubey, B. M., Jayadevappa, S. M. et al Factors influencing incidence of lameness in dairy cattle Dubey, B. M., Jayadevappa, S. M., Kotresh, M. R., Krishnaswamy, A. Indian Journal of Animal Health 2000 Factors associated with high milk test day somatic cell counts in large dairy herds in Brandenburg. I: Housing conditions Heuwieser, W., Koster, G., Tenhagen et al Factors associated with high milk test day somatic cell counts in large dairy herds in Brandenburg. I: Housing conditions Heuwieser, W., Koster, G., Tenhagen, B. A. Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series a-Physiology Pathology Clinical Medicine 2006 The aim of this study was to examine influences of housing conditions on the udder health in 80 German dairy herds with a herd size between 100 and 1100 cows. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire for the farm manager and a farm visit using a standardized data capture form on hygiene and management. The somatic cell counts of all lactating cows on each farm were collected monthly by the local dairy herd improvement association and analysed to assess udder health status. Factor analysis was used to analyse the variables describing the environmental hygiene. The values derived for the extracted components were classified into good, moderate and poor. The association of the categories was then analysed for their influence on log somatic cell count of the current month (CMSCC) and the year before the farm visit (YASCC) by a one-way ANOVA. In comparison to other housing systems, free stalls with cubicles had the lowest geometric mean somatic cell count. Three components were derived from the factor analysis. Of those, acceptance of the cubicles by the cows and barn hygiene were determined as components influencing the CMSCC and YASCC significantly, while the association of hygiene of the milking parlour with somatic cell counts was only significant for YASCC. The results of the study show that the cow comfort and housing hygiene have a substantial impact on milk quality and should therefore become the focus of further research on the farm management practices. The costs of production diseases in dairy herds in England Esslemont, R. J., Kossaibati, M. A. The costs of production diseases in dairy herds in England Esslemont, R. J., Kossaibati, M. A. Veterinary Journal 1997 Economic losses due to common health problems in dairy cattle were investigated in 90 Friesian/Holstein herds (average size 152 cows), which calved in England during the 1992/1993 season with an average annual yield of about 6000 1 per cow. By using only the direct costs of common production diseases and other health problems (mastitis, lameness, vulval discharge, treatments for oestrus-not-observed, retained foetal membranes, milk fever, twinning, calf mortality and aid at calving), the cost of ill health in a 100 cow herd with average rates of these problems (compared with target levels) was estimated at pound 6300 per year. The costs ranged from pound 1200 (average of the top 10%) to pound 13 600 (average of the worst 10% of the herds). The main losses were due to mastitis and lameness (38 and 27% of health cost, respectively). The costs of production diseases in dairy herds in England [see comments] Esslemont, R. J., Kossaibati, M. A. The costs of production diseases in dairy herds in England [see comments] Esslemont, R. J., Kossaibati, M. A. Veterinary Journal 1997 Economic losses due to common health problems in dairy cattle were investigated in 90 Friesian/Holstein herds (average size 152 cows), which calved in England during the 1992/1993 season with an average annual yield of about 6000 l per cow. By using only the direct costs of common production diseases and other health problems (mastitis, lameness, vulval discharge, treatments for oestrus-not-observed, retained foetal membranes, milk fever, twinning, calf mortality and aid at calving), the cost of ill health in a 100 cow herd with average rates of these problems (compared with target levels) was estimated at Pounds 6300 per year. The costs ranged from Pounds 1200 (average of the top 10%) to Pounds 13600 (average of the worst 10% of the herds). The main losses were due to mastitis and lameness (38 and 27% of health cost, respectively) The incidence of lameness in 50 dairy herds in England Esslemont, R. J., Kossaibati, M. A. The incidence of lameness in 50 dairy herds in England Esslemont, R. J., Kossaibati, M. A. The costs of production diseases in dairy herds in England. [see comments.] Kossaibati, M. A. The costs of production diseases in dairy herds in England. [see comments.] Kossaibati, M. A. Veterinary Journal 1997 Economic losses due to common health problems in dairy cattle were investigated in 90 Friesian/Holstein herds (average size 152 cows), which calved in England during the 1992/1993 season with an average annual yield of about 6000 l per cow. By using only the direct costs of common production diseases and other health problems (mastitis, lameness, vulval discharge, treatments for oestrus-not-observed, retained foetal membranes, milk fever, twinning, calf mortality and aid at calving), the cost of ill health in a 100 cow herd with average rates of these problems (compared with target levels) was estimated at Pounds 6300 per year. The costs ranged from Pounds 1200 (average of the top 10%) to Pounds 13600 (average of the worst 10% of the herds). The main losses were due to mastitis and lameness (38 and 27% of health cost, respectively) Efficacy of the Non-antibiotic Paste Protexin Hoof-Care for Topical Treatment
of Digital Dermatitis in Dairy Cows Hofmann-Parisot, M., Kopfler, J et al Efficacy of the Non-antibiotic Paste Protexin Hoof-Care for Topical Treatment
of Digital Dermatitis in Dairy Cows Hofmann-Parisot, M., Kopfler, J, Pospichal, M. J. Vet. Med. A 2004 Modification of the Penn State forage and total mixed ration particle separator and the effects of moisture content on its... Buckmaster, D. A., Heinrichs, A. J. et al Modification of the Penn State forage and total mixed ration particle separator and the effects of moisture content on its measurements Buckmaster, D. A., Heinrichs, A. J., Kononoff, P. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2003 The Penn State Particle Separator has led to widespread measurement of forage and, total mixed ration (TMR) particle size, However, a large proportion of small particles may pass through both sieves. when a TMR is analyzed, and field research has suggested that both shaking frequency and sample dry matter may affect the results. The objectives of this, project were to test the effects of an additional sieve with a smaller aperture size, shaking frequency, and sample.. moisture content on results obtained. A sieve was constructed out of wire with a nominal size aperture of 1.18 mm. Samples of alfalfa haylage, corn silage, and a TMR were shaken at frequencies of 0.9, 1.1, and 1.6 Hz with a 17-cm stroke length. Reducing shaking frequency to. 0.9 Hz resulted in more material being retained on the 19.0-mm sieve for all sample types, increasing the geometric mean. Increasing frequency to 1.6, Hz did not affect the geometric mean, but did result in a. greater amount,of corn silage failing through. the 1.18-mm sieve. For alfalfa haylage, moisture content between 57.4 and. 35.6% did not affect results; however, for corn silage, less moisture increased the percentage of particles less than 1.18 mm and decreased the geometric mean. For both sample types, further drying caused a greater proportion of small particles and a smaller geometric mean. We suggest using a third sieve and shaking at 1.1 Hz or greater with a stroke length of 17 cm when using the Penn. State Particle Separator to analyze forage particle size. The effect of reducing alfalfa haylage particle size on cows in early lactation Heinrichs, A. J., Kononoff, P. J. The effect of reducing alfalfa haylage particle size on cows in early lactation Heinrichs, A. J., Kononoff, P. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2003 The objective of this experiment was to evaluate effects of reducing forage particle size on cows in early lactation based on measurements of the Penn State Particle Separator (PSPS). Eight cannulated, multiparous cows averaging 19 +/- 4 d in milk and 642 +/- 45 kg BW were assigned to one of two 4 x 4 Latin Squares. During each of the 23-d periods, animals were offered one of four diets, which were chemically identical but included alfalfa haylage of different particle size; short (SH), mostly short (MSH), mostly long (MLG), and long (LG). Physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) was determined by measuring the amount of neutral detergent fiber retained on a 1.18 mm screen and was similar across diets (25.7, 26.2, 26.4, 26.7%) but the amount of particles > 19.0 mm significantly decreased with decreasing particle size. Reducing haylage particle size increased dry matter intake linearly (23.3, 22.0, 20.9, 20.8 kg for SH, MSH, MLG, LG, respectively). Milk production and percentage fat did not differ across treatments averaging 35.5 +/- 0.68 kg milk and 3.32 +/- 0.67% fat, while a quadratic effect was observed for percent milk protein, with lowest values being observed for LG. A quadratic effect was observed for mean rumen pH ( 6.04, 6.15, 6.13, 6.09), while A: P ratio decreased linearly (2.75, 2.86, 2.88, 2.92) with decreasing particle size. Total time ruminating increased quadratically ( 467, 498, 486, 468 min/d), while time eating decreased linearly ( 262, 253, 298, 287 min/d) with decreasing particle size. Both eating and ruminating per unit of neutral detergent fiber intake decreased with reducing particle size (35.8, 36.7, 44.9, 45.6 min/kg; 19.9, 23.6, 23.5, 23.5 min/kg). Although chewing activity was closely related to forage particle size, effects on rumen pH were small, indicating factors other than particle size are critical in regulating pH when ration neutral detergent fiber met recommended levels. Feeding alfalfa haylage based rations of reduced particle size resulted in animals consuming more feed but did not affect milk production. The Role of Anaerobe in the Occurrence of Dermatitis Digitalis and Interdigitalis in Cattle Koniarova, I., Ledecky, V., Orsag, A. The Role of Anaerobe in the Occurrence of Dermatitis Digitalis and Interdigitalis in Cattle Koniarova, I., Ledecky, V., Orsag, A. Veterinarni Medicina 1993 Altogether 52 tissue samples and swabs from the corium of the claw of diseased cattle were investigated. Microbiological examinations revealed the presence of 11 strictly anaerobic bacterial strains that belonged to the species Peptococcus asacharolyticus, Pc. sacharolyticus, Peptostreptococus anaerobius, Bacteriodes asacharolyticus and B. melaninogenicus. The remaining isolates were classified as Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Streptococcus and Clostridium. In the above mentioned strains observations of their biochemical, morphological and enzymatic properties (Tab. I) were carried out. Their resistance to antibiotics was evaluated from the qualitative viewpoint (Tab. II). Capillary isotachophoresis was used to determine the amounts of volatile fatty acids that developed during glucose fermentation (Tab. III). In the single clinical samples the above-mentioned strains occurred as association of microorganism. The anaerobic genera Bacteroides and Fusobacterium were found in 52 % of the samples (Bacteriodes sp. and Fusobacterium sp. were recorded in 25 % and 12 % of the samples, respectively, whereas in 15 % of the samples both species occurred). According to our results the etiology of dermatitis digitalis et interdigitalis is closely connected with the incidence of anaerobes. Of the latter, those belonging to the genera Bacteroides and Fusobacterium are of major importance Experimental poisoning of cattle by the mushroom Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae): a study of the morphology and... Kommers, G. D., Santos, M. N. Experimental poisoning of cattle by the mushroom Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae): a study of the morphology and pathogenesis of lesions in hooves, tail, horns and tongue Kommers, G. D., Santos, M. N. Vet Hum Toxicol 1995 Seven 2 to 7-mo-old calves were fed the mushroom Ramaria flavo-brunnescens. Clinical signs of toxicosis included salivation, nasal serous discharge, smoothing of the dorsum of the tongue, increased sensitivity in the hooves, reddening of the coronary bands, loss of the long hairs of the tip of the tail, softening of the base of the horns, and progressive weight loss. Affected calves either died or were euthanatized in extremis within 12-37 d from the initiation of feeding. Postmortem examination confirmed changes observed in the live calves. Histopathologic changes were marked in those structures where hard keratinization occurred and there normally is a high uptake of sulfur in the form of cystine during the keratinization process. Toxicosis appeared to alter the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids in keratinocytes, particularly cystine, with resultant strength loss in the molecular structure of hard keratin and loosening of the hooves, hairs and horns, and flattening of the lingual filiform papillae Animal welfare: An animal science approach Akunal, T., Koknaroglu, H. Animal welfare: An animal science approach Akunal, T., Koknaroglu, H. Meat Science 2013 Laminitis with severe rarefactive osteitis of the distal phalanx in a young Simmental bull Kofler, J., Stanek, C. Laminitis with severe rarefactive osteitis of the distal phalanx in a young Simmental bull Kofler, J., Stanek, C. Tierarztliche Praxis 1990 A case report of a 9-month-old Simmental bull with chronic laminitis is presented including clinical examination, radiology and pathomorphology. The condition is similar to several cases of laminitis described earlier in Jersey cattle, which have been attributed to hereditary factors Efficacy of the non-antibiotic paste Protexin((R)) Hoof-Care for topical treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cows Hofmann-Parisot, M., Kofler, J. et al Efficacy of the non-antibiotic paste Protexin((R)) Hoof-Care for topical treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cows Hofmann-Parisot, M., Kofler, J., Pospichal, M. Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series a-Physiology Pathology Clinical Medicine 2004 In this study, the efficacy of the non-antibiotic paste Protexin((R)) Hoof-Care containing metallic salts and organic acids, was tested for local treatment of 26 acute digital dermatitis lesions. The control group (26 cases) was treated with local application of oxytetracycline spray. These 52 affected limbs with digital dermatitis were diagnosed in 47 dairy cows from eight different farms with slatted floors. The therapeutic effect was evaluated using a scoring system for weightbearing at stance, lameness at walk and pain of the digital dermatitis lesions. The pre-treatment and control examination scores were documented on days 0, 4, 10 and 28. Both treatment regimens were effective, no statistical differences regarding the examined parameters was found between the group treated with the non-antibiotic Protexin((R)) Hoof-Care paste and the group treated with oxytetracycline spray. Twenty-seven digital dermatitis lesions required only one treatment with one of these products. A second topical treatment was carried out on day 4 in 13 lesions of the study group and in 12 lesions of the control group. The data of this pilot study indicate that the non-antibiotic paste Protexin((R)) Hoof-Care could be a valuable alternative to topical antibiotic treatment for digital dermatitis in dairy cattle. Ultrsonographic imaging of disorders of the carpal region in 34 cattle – arthritis, tenosynovitis, carpal hygroma,... Kofler, J., Martinek, B. Ultrsonographic imaging of disorders of the carpal region in 34 cattle – arthritis, tenosynovitis, carpal hygroma, periarticular abscess Kofler, J., Martinek, B. Ultrasonographic imaging and thickness measurement of the sole horn and the underlying soft tissue layer in bovine claws Henninger, W., Kofler, J., Kubber, P. Ultrasonographic imaging and thickness measurement of the sole horn and the underlying soft tissue layer in bovine claws Henninger, W., Kofler, J., Kubber, P. Veterinary Journal 1999 Ultrasonographic imaging and thickness measurements of sole horn and underlying soft tissue layer were evaluated in 100 bovine claw specimens. The claws were trimmed and examined in longitudinal planes using a 7.5 MHz linear transducer. The sole horn, underlying soft tissue layer and distal surface of the distal phalanx of all claws were clearly visualized. The sole horn had a heterogeneous hypoechoic appearance; the underlying soft tissue layer was predominantly anechoic. Cerium and subcutis could be differentiated. The best imaging of these structures was achieved in claws with less than 10 mm sole horn thickness and soft sole horn. Imaging of the dorsal wall structures was more difficult. In each claw, B- and A-mode measurements of horn thickness of sole and dorsal wall and distance from outer claw surface to distal phalanx surface were made at three marked points on the weightbearing surface and at one point on the dorsal wall. In 10 claws, CT-images were taken and the horn density was determined. All claws were then frozen, transected and anatomical reference measurements were made after thawing. Statistical correlation coefficients of 0.88 and higher were found for B-mode ultrasonographic and anatomical measurements of sole horn thickness. A-mode proved not to be useful for the sole horn thickness measurement. B-mode ultrasonography was carried out successfully in the claws of five living cattle Ultrasonographic measurement of sole horn thickness in bovine claws Kofler, J., Kubber, P. Ultrasonographic measurement of sole horn thickness in bovine claws Kofler, J., Kubber, P. Berliner Und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift 2000 Diagnostic Imaging in Bovine Orthopedics Geissbühler, Urs, Kofler, Johann et al Diagnostic Imaging in Bovine Orthopedics Geissbühler, Urs, Kofler, Johann, Steiner, Adrian Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2014 Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging of Soft-Tissues in the Bovine Distal Limb Edinger, H. K., Kofler, J. Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging of Soft-Tissues in the Bovine Distal Limb Edinger, H. K., Kofler, J. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 1995 In this study sonographic images of healthy flexor tendons, digital flexor tendon sheaths, metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints, and proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of the bovine limb were made. Then, synovial cavities in cadavers were filled with the necessary amount of fluid to make the lumina visible sonographically. After injecting 30-40 ml of saline solution into the digital flexor tendon sheath and into the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints, or 8 ml in the proximal interphalangeal joint and 10 ml in the distal interphalangeal joint, the pouches of these synovial cavities were clearly demarcated. Afterwards, the sonographic image of synovial cavities distended by various inflammatory content were described. When the sonographic findings were compared to the findings in clinical patients, centesis and intraoperative procedures, there appeared to be a relationship as to the extent and location of the disorders as well as to the nature of the synovial effusion. Finally, we identified which planes on diseased bovine distal limbs were appropriate for obtaining optimal sonographic images Necrosis of the apex of the distal phalanx in cattle – postmortem, histological and bacteriological findings Alton, K., Kofler, J., Licka, T. Necrosis of the apex of the distal phalanx in cattle – postmortem, histological and bacteriological findings Alton, K., Kofler, J., Licka, T. Wiener Tierarztliche Monatsschrift 1999 Postmortem, histological and bacteriological findings of apical pedal bone necrosis in 18 cattle are described. Twenty-nine affected distal limbs with apical pedal bone necrosis were examined. All claws were examined for lesions in the sole and wall, afterwards the horn shoes were removed. The complete inner surface of the horn shoes and cerium was inspected to assess inflammatory alterations. An apical pedal bone necrosis was diagnosed in 35 claws, a toe ulcer was found in 3 other claws. Necrosis of the apex of the distal phalanx was assessed in 3 claws per cow in 6 cows (33.3 %), in 2 claws per cow in 5 cows (27.8 %) and in one claw per cow in 7 cows (38.9 %). Extensive lesions of the horn sole at the toe were visualized in 17 of 35 claws with apical pedal bone necrosis (48.6 %), in the 21 other claws the lesions were represented only by small separations between the sole and the wall within the white line at the toe. The gross-pathological findings of the exungulated claws ranged from moderate topical inflammatory signs of the cerium at the toe of the claw to severe and extensive alterations of the cerium of the complete sole and wall. In addition, slight topical or extensive bone necrosis and osteomyelitis of the pedal bone were seen. Histologically, different types of demarcation of the necrotic bone were found, Microbiological examinations revealed predominantly mixed infections. The visualization of the pathological changes of the complete inner surface of the cerium allowed a conclusive understanding of the severe lameness or stiff gait observed in cows with osteolysis of the apex of the pedal bone, where often only small lesions on the horn sole were visible. Computerised claw trimming database programs as the basis for monitoring hoof health in dairy herds Kofler, Johann Computerised claw trimming database programs as the basis for monitoring hoof health in dairy herds Kofler, Johann The Veterinary Journal 2013 Ultrasonography as a Diagnostic Aid in Bovine Musculoskeletal Disorders Kofler, Johann Ultrasonography as a Diagnostic Aid in Bovine Musculoskeletal Disorders Kofler, Johann Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2009 Clinical study of toe ulcer and necrosis of the apex of the distal phalanx in 53 cattle Kofler, J. Clinical study of toe ulcer and necrosis of the apex of the distal phalanx in 53 cattle Kofler, J. Veterinary Journal 1999 Clinical signs, causative factors, radiographic findings, type and duration of treatment or reason for killing were evaluated in 53 cattle (mean age: 5.3 years) suffering from toe ulcer and/or apical pedal bone necrosis. A total of 78 claws were affected. Four cattle suffered from a toe ulcer in one claw, 35 cattle showed osteolysis of the apex of the distal phalanx in a single claw and 14 cattle in two or three claws per cow. Overtrimming by means of a grinding disc and/or perforation of the sole was diagnosed as the major cause in 27 cattle (49%), laminitis in 30.2% and traumatic injuries in 11.3%. Radiography revealed a varying degree of osteolysis involving up to two-thirds of the pedal bone. Twenty-one cattle (39.6%) showing multiple toe disorders or involvement of one single claw with concurrent internal diseases were destroyed. In 23 cattle, the osteolytic bone was resected using a bone curette or hammer and chisel. Of these, the treatment was successful in 20 animals. The healing period ranged from 16-60 days when one claw was affected and from 43-53 days when two claws were affected. In five cattle, the digit was amputated Diagnosis and therapy of bovine digital dermatitis Kofler, J. Diagnosis and therapy of bovine digital dermatitis Kofler, J. Magyar Allatorvosok Lapja 1998 Diagnosis and treatment of digital dermatitis in cattle Kofler, J. Diagnosis and treatment of digital dermatitis in cattle Kofler, J. Magyar Allatorvosok Lapja 1998 Diagnostic ultrasound in the investigation of septic tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath in 33 cattle Kofler, J. Diagnostic ultrasound in the investigation of septic tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath in 33 cattle Kofler, J. Bovine Practitioner 1998 Clinical, radiographic, sonographic, centesis and intraoperative findings in 33 cattle with septic tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath were evaluated retrospectively. A unilateral septic tenosynovitis was diagnosed in 13 cattle. In 20 cattle the contralateral digital flexor tendon sheath or one or more of digital joints were affected additionally. Using diagnostic ultrasound (7.5 MHz linear scan), the distended compartments of the digital flexor tendon sheath and, if affected, the distended digital joint recesses could be determined accurately. Depending on the type of inflammation (serous, fibrinous, purulent) the compartments and recesses were filled with anechoic, heterogeneous hypoechoic or echogenic inflammatory exudate. Involvement of the 3 compartments of the tendon sheath varied. Flow-phenomena within the synovial cavity were observed in all cases with liquid effusion. Ultrasonography provided accurate preoperative details of pathological alterations of tendon sheaths, tendons and adjoining digital joints Outbreak of digital dermatitis (”Mortellaro disease”) in a dairy herd in lower-Austria Kofler, J. Outbreak of digital dermatitis (”Mortellaro disease”) in a dairy herd in lower-Austria Kofler, J. Wiener Tierarztliche Monatsschrift 1997 In one farm, 87 animals (= 42.4 %) were affected by digital dermatitis (''Mortellaro disease''). Of the cows housed an slatted floors with cubicles 70 % were affected, and of the cows housed on deep straw 33 % were affected. The animals suffering from digital and / or interdigital dermatitis showed the lesions typical for the condition: round, 2 to 8 am in diameter, red, hairless, and painful; the chronic stages showed a papillomatous appearance. Most of the lesions were located immediately proximal to the horn-skin junction plantar or palmar adjacent to the heels, less common on the dorsal aspect of the digit or in the interdigital space. The affected cows showed a stiff gait, seldom a moderate lameness. Digits of the hindlimbs were predominantly involved. Bacteriological examination of lesion swaps and pathohistological examinations of excised tissue revealed spirochaetes. The prevalence of digital dermatitis in this dairy herd could be reduced to 20 % in the stall with ?he slatted floor and to 6.7 % in the deep straw yard within 7 weeks. The claws and the lesions were carefully cleaned with water using a high pressure hose, and an oxytetracycline spray was repeatedly applied. Housing hygiene was generally improved. The extensive international literature on etiology, predisposing factors and various therapeutic regimens of digital dermatitis is discussed. Arthrosonography – The use of diagnostic ultrasound in septic and traumatic arthritis in cattle – A retrospective... Kofler, J. Arthrosonography – The use of diagnostic ultrasound in septic and traumatic arthritis in cattle – A retrospective study of 25 patients Kofler, J. British Veterinary Journal 1996 The case records, clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic and arthrocentesis findings from 25 cattle with septic or traumatic arthritis were reviewed. The total of 30 joints involved were: articulatio cubiti (elbow joint)-1, articulatio carpi (carpal joint)- 10; articulatio genus (stifle joint)-4; articulatio tarsocruralis (tarsocrural joint)-8; articulatio metacarpo-/metatarsophalangea (metacarpo-/metatarsophalangeal joint -7. Ultrasonographic investigation was performed using 7.5 MHz linear and 5 MHz sector transducers. In eight cattle, a concurrent infection of periarticular tendon sheaths or hygroma was diagnosed. The distension of the joint cavities could be imaged in all cases. Assessing echogenicity, acoustic enhancement, ultrasonographic character of the exudate (liquid or clotted) and findings revealed by aspiration, arthrotomy or at necropsy, the synovial effusion was classified as: serous, fibrinous or fibrino-purulent. Diagnostic ultrasound provided a comprehensive preoperative diagnosis in septic and traumatic arthritis by imaging the accurate localization of soft-tissue swelling and the extent and consistency of joint effusion Diagnostic ultrasound examination in bovine lameness Kofler, J., Trenti, F. Diagnostic ultrasound examination in bovine lameness Kofler, J., Trenti, F. In addition to radiography, centesis of synovial or other cavities, ultrasonic diagnosis was used to examine the soft tissue disorders in 10 clinical bovine cases. The cattle showed various swellings of the carpus, antebrachium, tarsus, stifle, digits, pelvic region, arthritis, tenosynovitis, bursitis and abscesses and haematomas were observed. The clinical and radiographic findings and results of centesis were compared with the sonographic ones. The ultrasonic findings produced more information than the radiographic ones when only soft tissues and joint recesses were affected. It was concluded that as a complimentary tool to the classical diagnostic methods of examination of locomotory system disorders in cattle, sonography provided accurate preoperative details of the extent and character of the fluid accumulations and soft tissue swellings (oedema, haemorrhage, synovial fluid, purulent exudate and coagulated fibrin masses) The use of ultrasonic examination for the diagnosis of diseases of the locomotor system in cattle Kofler, J. The use of ultrasonic examination for the diagnosis of diseases of the locomotor system in cattle Kofler, J. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd 1995 Besides the classical orthopedic examination, radiography and centesis of diseased synovial cavities ultrasonography was applied, for the first time, in 18 cattle for the investigation of proximal bovine limb disorders. The clinical and radiographic findings as well as the results of centesis were compared with the sonographic findings. Arthritis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, abscess formation and haematomas especially in proximal limb regions were observed. A 7,5 MHz linear-scan or a 5 MHz sector-scan were used for ultrasonic examination. By means of radiography, 8 out of 14 cattle showed a soft tissue swelling, whereas specific radiographic findings could only be determined in those cases with affection of joints and bones. The sonographic examination produced more information than radiography when only soft tissues and joints were affected. As a complimentary tool to the classical examination of locomotory system disorders in cattle, sonography provided accurate preoperative details of the extent and character of fluid accumulations and soft tissue swellings. It helped to differentiate rapidly and on a non-invasive basis between affected structures and any subtle defects in neighbouring tissues, it enabled a more accurate centesis of evident fluid filled areas of synovial cavities or other swellings, and revealed much more information than often insufficiently depicted on radiographs. Sonography was, therefore, the imaging method of choice to differentiate pathologic involvement of soft tissue structures in bovine limbs Septic Arthritis of the Proximal Interphalangeal (Pastern) Joint in Cattle – Clinical, Radiographic, Ultrasonographic... Kofler, J. Septic Arthritis of the Proximal Interphalangeal (Pastern) Joint in Cattle – Clinical, Radiographic, Ultrasonographic Findings and Treatment Kofler, J. Berliner Und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift 1995 Clinical, radiographic, sonographic, arthrocentesis and intraoperative findings in 19 cattle suffering from a septic arthritis of the proximal interphalangeal (p.i.p.) joint in 20 digits were evaluated retrospectively. In 6 cattle the p.i.p. joint was exclusively affected, in 13 animals a concurrent infection was ascertained in other 18 synovial cavities: digital flexor tendon sheath and the adjoining digital joints. As origin of the p.i.p. joint infection 11 cases showed perforating wounds, 6 cases a contiguous spread from adjacent purulent tissue affections and in 2 calves a haematogenous contamination was found. According to the progress of septic joint affection the increasing severity of the radiographic findings in this study were classified in 6 degrees. This systematic classification of the radiographic findings of septic arthritis in cattle is proposed as a basis for a comparable description and diagnosis of the radiographic signs. The sonographic imaging of the distended dorsal and plantar recesses of the p.i.p. joint in 3 cattle was proved to be a valuable adjunct to the other examination methods available. Five animals were slaughtered after diagnosis. An amputation through the distal third of the phalanx proximalis, respectively a modified disarticulation in the p.i.p. joint was performed in 14 patients. After an average hospitalization of 4.6 weeks the 13 healed patients were dismissed Life Expectancy of Cattle after Amputation or Exarticulation of a Digit Kofler, J. Life Expectancy of Cattle after Amputation or Exarticulation of a Digit Kofler, J. Wiener Tierarztliche Monatsschrift 1991 Postoperative course was evaluated in 48 cattle with an unilateral amputation or exarticulation of a digit of a hindlimb with questionaires. Interpretable results were obtained from 37 cattle (32 cows and 5 fattening bulls). The duration of the economic use of all cows after release from the clinic was 14.9 months in average with a range of 1 to 56 months. 43.8% of the cattle were culled within six months, 21.9% between 6 and 12 months, and 34.3% were used longer than 24 months after operation. At the time of survey 4 cows were still alive. 19 cows (59.4%) with an amputated digit produced a total of 32 calves with a maximum of 4 calves in one cow. The most frequent reasons of culling were affections of the remaining digit and a reduced milk yield (total 35.6%). The recorded details were management, conditions of environment and housing, pre- and postoperative milk yield and informations on claw trimming. 32 owners (86.5%) would accept again this type of intervention. Correlations between feeding and leg disorders in cattle. Diagnosis, therapy and prophylaxis Kofler, J. Correlations between feeding and leg disorders in cattle. Diagnosis, therapy and prophylaxis Kofler, J. Ultrsonographic examination of the bovine corpus: normal findings Kofler, J. Ultrsonographic examination of the bovine corpus: normal findings Kofler, J. Genetic parameters of claw and foot disorders estimated with logistic models Eise, M., Koenig, S., Landmann, D. et al Genetic parameters of claw and foot disorders estimated with logistic models Eise, M., Koenig, S., Landmann, D., Sharifi, A. R., Simianer, H., Wentrot, H. Journal of Dairy Science 2005 The primary aim of this study was to estimate heritabilities for different types of claw and foot disorders and the genetic relationship of disorders with milk yield and selected conformation traits by applying logistic models in Holstein dairy cattle. The study included data from 5634 Holstein cows kept on large-scale dairy farms in Eastern Germany. Dichotomous response variables were the presence or absence of the disorder in 2003. Cows that were present in herds for <6 wk in 2003 were excluded from the analysis. Incidences, disregarding repeated measurements, for digital dermatitis (DD), sole ulceration (SU), wall disorder (WD), and interdigital hyperplasia (IH) in rear legs were 13.2, 16.1, 9.6, and 6.3%, respectively. The herd effect was highly significant for all disorders. Incidences increased with increasing parities for SU and WD, but were highest among heifers for DD. High milk yield at the first 2 test d after calving was associated with a greater risk for claw and foot disorders in the same lactation. Estimates of heritability were 0.073 for DD, 0.086 for SU, 0.104 for WD, and 0.115 for IH. Genetically, health problems appear to occur in clusters (i.e., a cow showing one disease has an increased genetic risk of showing another claw disease). This phenomenon was also observed between claw and foot disorders and the somatic cell score. Genetic correlations between milk yield in early lactation and disorders were 0.240 for DD, 0.057 for SU, 0.270 for WD, and 0.336 for IH, indicating a physiological antagonism. Correlations between breeding values for claw and foot disorders of bulls and official breeding values for functional type traits were mostly favorable. Routine recording of claw data will offer a new chance to improve claw health within the population as was elaborated by different scenarios applying selection index procedures. Alternative somatic cell count traits to improve mastitis resistance in Canadian Holsteins Kelton, D. F., Koeck, A., Miglior, F. et al Alternative somatic cell count traits to improve mastitis resistance in Canadian Holsteins Kelton, D. F., Koeck, A., Miglior, F., Schenkel, F. S. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Health recording in Canadian Holsteins: Data and genetic parameters Kelton, D. F., Koeck, A., Miglior, F. et al Health recording in Canadian Holsteins: Data and genetic parameters Kelton, D. F., Koeck, A., Miglior, F., Schenkel, F. S. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Farmer-observed health data around calving–Genetic parameters and association with veterinarian diagnoses in Austrian... Egger-Danner, C., Fuerst, C., Koeck, A. Farmer-observed health data around calving–Genetic parameters and association with veterinarian diagnoses in Austrian Fleckvieh cows Egger-Danner, C., Fuerst, C., Koeck, A. J Dairy Sci 2015 The objective of this study was to investigate if farmer-observed health data around calving can be used together with veterinarian diagnoses for genetic evaluations. Four diseases are recorded by farmers: retained placenta, downer cow syndrome, mastitis, and lameness. Mean disease frequencies were 4.7, 3.8, and 1.8% for retained placenta, downer cow syndrome, and mastitis, respectively. Lameness had a very low frequency (0.7%) and a preliminary analysis revealed a heritability close to zero for this trait. Therefore, lameness was not considered in the analysis. For genetic analyses, univariate and bivariate linear animal models were fitted. Heritabilities for retained placenta, downer cow syndrome, and mastitis were 0.01, 0.03, and 0.003, respectively. Genetic correlations among the investigated disease traits were low to moderate and not significantly different from zero. Pearson correlations between estimated breeding values for disease traits and other routinely evaluated traits were computed, which revealed mostly favorable relationships to fertility, maternal calving ease, muscling, and longevity. In addition, a moderate favorable association was found between mastitis and somatic cell score. Heritability estimates of farmer-observed health traits were comparable to estimates based on veterinarian diagnoses. Genetic correlations between the investigated diseases based on farmer observations and veterinarian diagnoses were almost 1, with estimates ranging from 0.98 to 0.99. These results suggest that farmer recorded health data could be used together with veterinarian diagnoses for genetic evaluations. Lameness in cattle. A systematic investigation into possible causes of lameness in a dairy herd Gondrosen, E. B., Gronstol, H., Knutsen et al Lameness in cattle. A systematic investigation into possible causes of lameness in a dairy herd Gondrosen, E. B., Gronstol, H., Knutsen, G. H., Skaar, N., Vikane, O. Norsk Veterinaertidsskrift 1995 For a 1-year-period in a dairy herd in which lameness occurred, a study was made by clinical examination, investigation of herd management and environmental factors related to housing, milk recording and blood sampling. The incidence rate and the risk of lameness in the herd was 3.3/cow/year and 80%, and for laminitis 0.99/cow/year and 60%, respectively. Cases occurred throughout the period of housing and were not related to specific events (e.g. calving) in the animals. It was thought that environmental factors, particularly relating to the design of the cowshed, and lack of exercise predisposed to lameness Multilevel statistical models allow simultaneous consideration of both individual and group effects KNOWLES, T.G. Multilevel statistical models allow simultaneous consideration of both individual and group effects KNOWLES, T.G. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2002 Effects of housing, parturition and diet change on the biochemistry and biomechanics of the support structures of the hoof of... Craft, H., Knott, L., Tarlton, J. F. et al Effects of housing, parturition and diet change on the biochemistry and biomechanics of the support structures of the hoof of dairy heifers Craft, H., Knott, L., Tarlton, J. F., WEBSTER, A.J.F. The Veterinary Journal 2007 This study investigated effects of housing, diet and parturition on the biochemistry, biomechanics and pathology of feet of maiden, pregnant and lactating dairy heifers. Strength/laxity, laminar morphology, connective tissue (CT) biochemistry and sole lesions were assessed. Although no animals became clinically lame, severity of sole lesions was significantly greater in heifers housed in cubicles vs. straw yards, and in lactating/pregnant heifers vs. maidens. These effects were additive. Cubicle housing and parturition each increased CT metabolism (and were additive), and altered CT composition. Similarly, both impaired the biomechanical resilience of the hoof. There were no effects for diet. The results indicate that parturition/lactation causes non-inflammatory changes in CT that impair resilience of the feet to external stresses associated with poor housing. This “parturition effect” appears to be unrelated to change in diet and relatively brief, unless exacerbated by additional stresses of housing. Thus heifer lameness may be significantly reduced through short-term, low-cost improvements in husbandry around the time of calving. Lactation and gestation in dairy cows: flexibility avoids nutritional extremes Knight, C. H. Lactation and gestation in dairy cows: flexibility avoids nutritional extremes Knight, C. H. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 2001 The modem dairy cow has been selectively bred to produce large amounts of milk. Partly as a result, food consumption is considerably less than milk energy output in early lactation. It is only at 2 months or more postpartum that intake increases to the point where positive energy balance is regained, the initial production being achieved by a substantial mobilisation of body reserves. These reserves are laid down before parturition, but it is certainly not the case that the pregnant cow will accumulate adipose tissue recklessly; in the last third of pregnancy well-fed cows in good body condition exhibit reduced, not increased, appetite. There is a fine balancing act to per-form. Excessive body condition at parturition quickly leads to metabolic problems such as ketosis, but cows who subsequently become too thin have increased risk of metabolic diseases such as mastitis and lameness. ne biological mechanisms regulating output of milk are reasonably well understood, those controlling appetite less well so, and there has been little attempt at systematic integration of the two. The transition from pregnancy to lactation represents a major challenge to homeostasis, made more complicated in multiparous cows by the fact that much of gestation is concurrent with lactation. Herein lies the potential for nutritionally-entrained flexibility. In the wild, concurrent pregnancy and lactation only occur when nutritional conditions are favourable. If conditions are poor, rebreeding will be delayed and lactation will continue, at an energetically-sustainable level, for much longer than its 'normal' duration. In this way the twin energetic burdens of pregnancy and lactation are separated, and extremes are avoided. Given the increasing public concern about stresses suffered by intensively-managed dairy cows, this case may be one where commercial dairying could learn useful lessons from nature. Lactation and gestation in dairy cows: flexibility avoids nutritional extremes. [Review] [92 refs] Knight, C. H. Lactation and gestation in dairy cows: flexibility avoids nutritional extremes. [Review] [92 refs] Knight, C. H. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 2001 The modern dairy cow has been selectively bred to produce large amounts of milk. Partly as a result, food consumption is considerably less than milk energy output in early lactation. It is only at 2 months or more postpartum that intake increases to the point where positive energy balance is regained, the initial production being achieved by a substantial mobilisation of body reserves. These reserves are laid down before parturition, but it is certainly not the case that the pregnant cow will accumulate adipose tissue recklessly; in the last third of pregnancy well-fed cows in good body condition exhibit reduced, not increased, appetite. There is a fine balancing act to perform. Excessive body condition at parturition quickly leads to metabolic problems such as ketosis, but cows who subsequently become too thin have increased risk of metabolic diseases such as mastitis and lameness. The biological mechanisms regulating output of milk are reasonably well understood, those controlling appetite less well so, and there has been little attempt at systematic integration of the two. The transition from pregnancy to lactation represents a major challenge to homeostasis, made more complicated in multiparous cows by the fact that much of gestation is concurrent with lactation. Herein lies the potential for nutritionally-entrained flexibility. In the wild, concurrent pregnancy and lactation only occur when nutritional conditions are favourable. If conditions are poor, rebreeding will be delayed and lactation will continue, at an energetically-sustainable level, for much longer than its 'normal' duration. In this way the twin energetic burdens of pregnancy and lactation are separated, and extremes are avoided. Given the increasing public concern about stresses suffered by intensively-managed dairy cows, this case may be one where commercial dairying could learn useful lessons from nature. [References: 92] [A combination hoof-tester for cattle claws and horse hooves. Contribution to the the diagnosis of lameness in cattle]. [German] Knezevic, P. [A combination hoof-tester for cattle claws and horse hooves. Contribution to the the diagnosis of lameness in cattle]. [German] Knezevic, P. Wiener Tierarztliche Monatsschrift 1966 Care of hooves in cattle – often neglected, always important Knechtges, W. Care of hooves in cattle – often neglected, always important Knechtges, W. Milchpraxis 1994 Many farmers rely on natural wear to regulate hoof growth and do not carry out regular hoof care. In cattle housing, even in modern buildings, hooves seem to grow more quickly than natural wear can remove, with resulting malformations. There can also be excessive wear when hooves have become soft through rough surfaces and faulty feeding. Possible reasons for damaged hooves include dirty housing, lack of dietary structural carbohydrates, infection, lack of hoof care, injuries and hereditary factors. Active hoof management is advocated to minimize danger to health and maintain milk yield. The importance of improving practical and theoretical knowledge in using equipment and tools for hoof care is stressed Cross-infection of virulent Dichelobacter nodosus between sheep and co-grazing cattle Fjeldaas, Terje, Gilhuus, Marianne et al Cross-infection of virulent Dichelobacter nodosus between sheep and co-grazing cattle Fjeldaas, Terje, Gilhuus, Marianne, Jensen, Tim K., Jørgensen, Hannah J., Knappe-Poindecker, Maren, Vatn, Synnøve Veterinary Microbiology 2014 Interdigital dermatitis, heel horn erosion, and digital dermatitis in 14 Norwegian dairy herds Fjeldaas, T., Gilhuus, M., Jensen et al Interdigital dermatitis, heel horn erosion, and digital dermatitis in 14 Norwegian dairy herds Fjeldaas, T., Gilhuus, M., Jensen, T. K., Klitgaard, K., Knappe-Poindecker, M., Larssen, R. B. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 “The Dutch method” of hoof trimming Kloosterman, P. “The Dutch method” of hoof trimming Kloosterman, P. Cattle Practice 2004 In the late 1960's lameness in dairy cows was an increasing problem in the Netherlands. The cows were mainly of the Dutch Friesian breed at that time. Toussaint Raven, Professor at the Veterinary University Utrecht, investigated the lameness problem and the trimming techniques of several hoof trimmers. At that time housing changes were made from tie-stall to cubicle housing. Weight bearing of the claws was measured on ordinary scales and weight shifting in a standing animal was measured. Lameness occurred mainly in the hind legs and then mostly in the lateral claw. With measuring the weight bearing the lateral claw is taking 55 - 80 % of the weight with a visible height difference between the bulb of the medial and lateral claw. By trimming the height difference regular lameness decreased and sole ulcers appeared less frequently. Cows walking much of their time on a flat and hard surface showed reasonable flat claws. Trimming the soles of the claws flat stabilised the weight bearing tremendously. By sectioning the claws of Dutch Friesian cows the length of the dorsal wall was found to be around 7 cm. Cutting the claws perpendicular to the sole and leaving a 0.5 cm cutting edge, left the sole thickness of 5-7 mm, which was measured on normal developed claws. For teaching the new developed method, the Practical Training Centre (PTC) was an ideal school to teach farmers, vets and professional hoof trimmers. Holstein-Friesian cows are taller than the Dutch Friesian cows, so in 1980 the length of a claws changed to 7.5 cm (average sized cow). Is lameness a welfare problem in dairy farms with automatic milking systems? Fossing, C., Hindhede, J., Klaas, I. C. et al Is lameness a welfare problem in dairy farms with automatic milking systems? Fossing, C., Hindhede, J., Klaas, I. C., Rousing, T., Sorensen, J. T. Animal Welfare 2003 Lameness, a disease often observed in loose-housed dairy cattle herds, affects animal welfare in general and reduces cow locomotion. As cow traffic may be affected by restricted locomotion, lameness may be a significant problem in herds with automatic milking systems (AMSs). Between January and August 2002, a field study was conducted to evaluate animal health in eight herds with an AMS. Herd sizes ranged from 60 (n = 5 herds with one automatic milking unit [AMU]) to 120 cows (n = 3 herds with two AMUs). Four visits were made, during which 40-50 cows were randomly assigned for clinical examination of body condition, cleanliness, claw length, disorders of claws and legs, lameness, pressure lesions, and disorders of udder and teats. Lameness was observed in 14% of cows, ranging from 5% to 28% between herds. Approximately; 60% of cows had pressure lesions on the hock and 23% of cows had overgrown claws. Preliminary, results show that overgrown claws, pressure sores with swellings, early stage of lactation, and high milk yield significantly increased the risk of lameness. Lameness significantly reduced the number of voluntary milkings per day. Effect of the provision of a low-nutritive feedstuff on the behavior of dairy heifers limit fed a high-concentrate ration DeVries, T. J., Duncan, I. J. H., Kitts et al Effect of the provision of a low-nutritive feedstuff on the behavior of dairy heifers limit fed a high-concentrate ration DeVries, T. J., Duncan, I. J. H., Kitts, B. L., McBride, B. W. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Use of the cobra head bone plate for distal long bone fractures in large animals. A report of four cases Kirker-Head, C. A. Use of the cobra head bone plate for distal long bone fractures in large animals. A report of four cases Kirker-Head, C. A. Veterinary Surgery 1989 Four long bone fractures with a short distal fragment were repaired with a cobra head bone plate alone (2 cattle) or in combination with a straight, broad dynamic compression plate (2 horses). Three fractures were of the distal femur (1 horse, 2 cattle) and one was of the distal radius (1 horse). The long-term outcome of the three femoral fractures was soundness in one case and mild lameness in two. Although satisfactory bone healing progressed in the horse with the radial fracture, laminitis in the contralateral forelimb necessitated euthanasia at week 6 Attitudes and expectations of beef farmers in Austria, Germany and Italy towards the Welfare Quality® assessment system Cozzi, Giulio, Kirchner, Marlene K. et al Attitudes and expectations of beef farmers in Austria, Germany and Italy towards the Welfare Quality® assessment system Cozzi, Giulio, Kirchner, Marlene K., Knierim, Ute, Tessitore, Elena, Vogl, Christian, Westerath-Niklaus, Heike Schulze, Winckler, Christoph Livestock Science 2014 Husbandry methods predisposing to production diseases in dairy cows King, J. O. Husbandry methods predisposing to production diseases in dairy cows King, J. O. Veterinary Record 1981 Errors in management, other than nutrition, which can be predisposing causes of disease, eg, walking on abrasive surfaces and prolonged standing in slurry (which precipitate lameness), faulty milking and a dirty environment (which are conducive to mastitis), breeding to produce oversized fetuses (leading to dystocia) and inefficient observation (leading to a failure to detect oestrus) are described. Nutritional factors affecting conception rates and the occurrence of the metabolic diseases, ketosis, hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia are outlined Verrucose dermatitis and digital papillomatosis in dairy cows Aoki, O., Gotoh, N., Hataya, M., Kanoe et al Verrucose dermatitis and digital papillomatosis in dairy cows Aoki, O., Gotoh, N., Hataya, M., Kanoe, M., Kimura, Y., Kubo, M., Matsumoto, N., Ohkawara, K., Satoh, M., Takahashi, M., Tsukida, H. Journal of Veterinary Medicine, Japan 1993 Between April 1991 and June 1992, 27 digital lesions, diagnosed as verrucose dermatitis and/or digital papillomatosis, were found in 18 cows from 3 dairy farms in Gunma Prefecture; 24 lesions were in the hind feet, 23 being in the plantar aspect, midway between the heel bulbs and adjacent to the coronary band. Topical application of antibiotic ointments or an oxytetracycline/gentian violet aerosol produced recovery, but a 5% formalin spray had no beneficial effects. Histological examination showed hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis of the epidermis and perivascular mononuclear cell infiltrations in the dermis. Spirochaetes were detected in the epidermis by the Levaditi silver impregnation method. Ultrastructurally the spirochaetes resembled Treponema, being 9 `m long and 0.2-0.4 `m wide with 8 coils and 10 axial fibres Development of a model for a National Animal Health Monitoring System in Gyeongnam. III. Cost estimates of selected dairy cattle... Choi, M. C., Choi, MinCheol, Hah, D. S. et al Development of a model for a National Animal Health Monitoring System in Gyeongnam. III. Cost estimates of selected dairy cattle diseases Choi, M. C., Choi, MinCheol, Hah, D. S., Hah, DaeSik, Kim, C. H., Kim, ChungHui, Kim, G. S., Kim, GonSup, Kim, J. S., Kim, JongShu, Kim, Y. H., Kim, YongHwan, Lee, H. J., Lee, HyoJong, Park, J. H., Park, JeongHee Korean Journal of Veterinary Clinical Medicine 1999 To estimate the cost of major dairy cattle diseases 40 of the 167 dairy herds in Gyeongnam (Chinju) area were graded and selected randomly for participation in the National Animal Health Monitoring System. Gyeongsnag University veterinarians, Gyeongnam Livestock Promotion Institute veterinarians and clinic veterinarian visited each herd once a month for 12 months. Data on disease, production, management, finance, treatments, preventive activities, animal events, and any other relevant events were collected. Monthly and annual cost estimates of disease treatment were analysed by computer for each herd and grade (including cost of prevention). Results were expressed as cost per head and given separately for cows, young stock, and calves. In cows, the most costly 7 diseases were clinical mastitis, reproductive disorder, gastrointestinal problems, multiple system disorders, parturition complications, metabolic/nutritional disease, and lameness. In young stock, the most costly disease were the multiple system disorders, reproductive disorders, respiratory disease, gastrointestinal disease, and lameness. In calves, the most costly diseases were gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory disease, skin diseases, multiple system disorders, and metabolic/nutritional disorders Development of a model for animal health monitoring system in Gyeongnam: I. Design, data and frequencies of selected dairy cattle... An, D. W., An, DongWon, Choi, M. C. et al Development of a model for animal health monitoring system in Gyeongnam: I. Design, data and frequencies of selected dairy cattle diseases An, D. W., An, DongWon, Choi, M. C., Choi, MinCheol, Hah, D. S., Hah, DaeSik, Heo, J. H., Heo, JungHo, Jeong, M. H., Jeong, MyeongHo, Kim, C. H., Kim, ChungHui, Kim, G. S., Kim, GonSup, Kim, J. S., Kim, JongShu, Kim, Y. H., Kim, YongHwan, Park, J. H., Park, JeongHee Korean Journal of Veterinary Research 1999 A national animal health monitoring system (NAHMS) in Gyeongnam area, Korea Republic, was started in 1997. This paper describes the implementation and maintenance of the system in Gyeongnam and presents and discusses selected findings. Veterinary Medical Officers (VMOs, professors and graduate students from Gyeongnam National University, Faculty of Gyeongnam Livestock Promotion Institute and practising veterinarians) collected the data. After appropriate training, the VMOs participated in selection of the sample herds and data gathering. 40 of 167 dairy herds were selected randomly and the VMOs visited them once a month for 12 months to collect management, disease, inventory, production, preventive treatment and financial data. Strict data quality control devices were used. Specific feed-back was developed for the producers and data collectors. Of the three age groups studied, cows had the greatest number of disease problems. The six disorders found most frequently were (from the highest to the lowest) breeding problems, clinical mastitis, birth problems, gastrointestinal problems, metabolic problems and lameness. In young stock, respiratory diseases, multiple systemic diseases, breeding problems and gastrointestinal problems predominated. In calves, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin diseases were most important The Relationship between Farmers’ Perceptions and Animal Welfare Standards in Sheep Farms Bozkurt, Z., Kılıç, İ The Relationship between Farmers’ Perceptions and Animal Welfare Standards in Sheep Farms Bozkurt, Z., Kılıç, İ Asian Australas. J. Anim. Sci 2013 Dairy farmer attitudes and empathy toward animals are associated with animal welfare indicators Kielland, C., Skjerve, E., Zanella et al Dairy farmer attitudes and empathy toward animals are associated with animal welfare indicators Kielland, C., Skjerve, E., Zanella, A. J., Østerås, O. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Prevalence and risk factors for skin lesions on legs of dairy cattle housed in freestalls in Norway Kielland, C., Ruud, L. E., Zanella et al Prevalence and risk factors for skin lesions on legs of dairy cattle housed in freestalls in Norway Kielland, C., Ruud, L. E., Zanella, A. J., Østerås, O. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Risk factors for skin lesions on the necks of Norwegian dairy cows Bøe, K. E., Kielland, C., Zanella et al Risk factors for skin lesions on the necks of Norwegian dairy cows Bøe, K. E., Kielland, C., Zanella, A. J., Østerås, O. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Milk production during the colostral period is not related to the later lactational performance in dairy cows Bruckmaier, R. M., Gross, J. J. et al Milk production during the colostral period is not related to the later lactational performance in dairy cows Bruckmaier, R. M., Gross, J. J., Kessler, E. C. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Implementing fertility programmes on farm Collick, D. W., Kerby, M. K. Implementing fertility programmes on farm Collick, D. W., Kerby, M. K. Cattle Practice 2003 Poor fertility is the single most important economic loss on UK dairy farms at an estimated pound130/cow/year. The establishment of a regular, planned fertility visit on a herd of approximately 100 dairy cows demonstrated a cost benefit of 1.08 pence per litre (pound65.62/cow/year) when there was total control over service and even 0.30 pence per litre (pound17.51/cow/year) when there was less control due to a bull running with the herd. Veterinary involvement and cost benefits extended into other areas such as nutrition, production, cell counts and lameness. Producing milk with 2.5% fat – The biology and health implications for dairy cows Kennelly, J. J. Producing milk with 2.5% fat – The biology and health implications for dairy cows Kennelly, J. J. Animal Feed Science and Technology 1996 Consumer demand for the major components of milk has changed considerably over the past 10 years. The trend in recent years is for reduced consumption of milk fat as a component of fluid milk and in dairy products such as butter, cheese and yoghurt. Matching production of milk components to demand improves biological efficiency and ultimately enhances the overall profitability of the dairy industry. Genetic selection of dairy cattle allows the dairy industry to respond to consumer demand in the long-term. However, it is not a satisfactory means of manipulating milk composition in the short- or medium-term. The potential of nutrition as a tool to alter the composition of milk - especially milk fat percentage - has not been fully exploited. Changes in the composition of the diet, in particular the forage to concentrate ratio, can result in changes in milk fat percentage in the range of 2.0 to 4.0%. The largest reduction in milk fat is achieved in mid- to late-lactation and this is also a time when cows are less susceptible to metabolic disorders. Although experiments designed to evaluate the long-term effects of feeding extreme fat-depressing diets have not been conducted there are sufficient examples of apparently healthy herds which produce milk with a fat content in the range of 2.5 to 3.0% to allow cautious optimism that low milk fat is not necessarily incompatible with 'healthy' cows Borrelia-Burgdorferi Stimulates Release of Interleukin-1 Activity From Bovine Peripheral Blood Monocytes Czuprynski, C. J., Kenefick, K. B. et al Borrelia-Burgdorferi Stimulates Release of Interleukin-1 Activity From Bovine Peripheral Blood Monocytes Czuprynski, C. J., Kenefick, K. B., Lederer, J. A., Schell, R. F. Infect Immun 1992 Infection with Borrelia burgdorferi is suspected to be a cause of lameness and arthritits in cattle. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) activity has been detected in joint fluids from human patients affected various arthritides, including Lyme arthritis. In addition, human monocytes and murine macrophages have been reported to release IL-1 activity when incubated with B. burgdorferi in vitro. To address a possible mechanism by which B. burgdorferi might cause a bovine arthritic syndrome, we determined whether bovine peripheral blood monocytes released IL-1 activity when coincubated with B. burgdorferi in vitro. High-passage and low-passage isolates of B. burgdorferi stimulated release of IL-1 activity from bovine monocytes. The amount of IL-1 activity released was dependent on the number of borreliae added to the monocyte cultures. In addition, live and heat-killed B. burgdorferi cells stimulated release of similar amounts of IL-1. We also obtained no evidence that soluble components released from in vitro-cultured B. burgdorferi stimulated IL-1 release from bovine monocytes. A recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist blocked the proliferative activity of monocyte-conditioned medium in a thymocyte costimulation assay, thus demonstated that the costimulatory activity detected was due to IL-1 Borrelia burgdorferi stimulates release of interleukin-1 activity from bovine peripheral blood monocytes Kenefick, K. B. Borrelia burgdorferi stimulates release of interleukin-1 activity from bovine peripheral blood monocytes Kenefick, K. B. Infection & Immunity 1992 Infection with Borrelia burgdorferi is suspected to be a cause of lameness and arthritis in cattle. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) activity has been detected in joint fluids from human patients affected by various arthritides, including Lyme arthritis. In addition, human monocytes and murine macrophages have been reported to release IL-1 activity when incubated with B. burgdorferi in vitro. To address a possible mechanism by which B. burgdorferi might cause a bovine arthritic syndrome, we determined whether bovine peripheral blood monocytes released IL-1 activity when coincubated with B. burgdorferi in vitro. High-passage and low-passage isolates of B. burgdorferi stimulated release of IL-1 activity from bovine monocytes. The amount of IL-1 activity released was dependent on the number of borreliae added to the monocyte cultures. In addition, live and heat-killed B. burgdorferi cells stimulated release of similar amounts of IL-1. We also obtained no evidence that soluble components released from in vitro-cultured B. burgdorferi stimulated IL-1 release from bovine monocytes. A recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist blocked the proliferative activity of monocyte-conditioned medium in a thymocyte costimulation assay, thus demonstrating that the costimulatory activity detected was due to IL-1 Cranioventral coxofemoral luxation in a muturu cow Anene, B., Kene, R. Cranioventral coxofemoral luxation in a muturu cow Anene, B., Kene, R. Tropical Veterinarian 1996 Cranioventral coxofemoral luxation of the left limb was diagnosed radiographically in a two year old muturu cow that became lame after being turned out to graze in the field. There was associated fracture of the trochanter major. The cow was later slaughtered The trace element and humoral immune response of lambs administered a zinc, cobalt and selenium soluble glass bolus Kendall, N. R., Mackenzie, A. M. et al The trace element and humoral immune response of lambs administered a zinc, cobalt and selenium soluble glass bolus Kendall, N. R., Mackenzie, A. M., Telfer, S. B. Livestock Science 2012 Ultrastructural Observations of Hoof Horn from Dairy-Cows – Changes in the White Line During the 1st Lactation Kempson, S. A., Logue, D. N. Ultrastructural Observations of Hoof Horn from Dairy-Cows – Changes in the White Line During the 1st Lactation Kempson, S. A., Logue, D. N. Veterinary Record 1993 Recommendations for recording and calculating the incidence of selected clinical diseases of dairy cattle Kelton, David F., Lissemore, Kerry D. et al Recommendations for recording and calculating the incidence of selected clinical diseases of dairy cattle Kelton, David F., Lissemore, Kerry D., Martin, Rochelle E. Journal of Dairy Science 1998 The report upon which the current discussion is based was prepared in response to the increasing interest of the dairy industry in the recording of clinical disease data. The major objective was to introduce guidelines and standards for the recording and presentation of the diseases of dairy cattle. Eight clinically identifiable diseases of economic importance to the dairy industry were considered: milk fever, retained placenta, metritis, ketosis, left displaced abomasum, cystic ovarian disease, lameness, and clinical mastitis. Standardized definitions for these diseases were established through consultation with industry partners. Two approaches to summarization and reporting were proposed. For retrospective analysis, which is used when historical data are summarized for genetic evaluation for example, lactational incidence risk (cumulative incidence) has been recommended. For current analysis, which is used for herd health monitoring, a true incidence rate has been recommended. Milk fever and retained placenta were exceptions to the latter because of their short periods of risk. For these two diseases, lactational incidence risks are reported Multidisciplinary approach to dairy herd
health and productivity management. Kelly, J. M., Whitaker, D. A. Multidisciplinary approach to dairy herd
health and productivity management. Kelly, J. M., Whitaker, D. A. British Society of Animal Science Occasional Publication 2001 Lameness in Dairy-Cattle and the Type of Concentrate Given Kelly, E. F., Leaver, J. D. Lameness in Dairy-Cattle and the Type of Concentrate Given Kelly, E. F., Leaver, J. D. Animal Production 1990 Special considerations of laminitis lesions for claw trimming (hind claw of Holstein Fresian cows) Kehler, W., Sohrt, J. T. Special considerations of laminitis lesions for claw trimming (hind claw of Holstein Fresian cows) Kehler, W., Sohrt, J. T. Standard measurements of the normal hind claw of Holstein Fresian cows: the relation between the internal anatomical structure... Kehler, W., Sohrt, J. T. Standard measurements of the normal hind claw of Holstein Fresian cows: the relation between the internal anatomical structure and the horn capsule Kehler, W., Sohrt, J. T. Evidence-based lameness detection and quantification Keegan, K. G. Evidence-based lameness detection and quantification Keegan, K. G. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice 2007 Inbreeding trends and application of optimized selection in the UK Holstein population Coffey, M. P., Kearney, J. F. et al Inbreeding trends and application of optimized selection in the UK Holstein population Coffey, M. P., Kearney, J. F., Villanueva, B., Wall, E. Journal of Dairy Science 2004 A comprehensive review of ceftiofur sodium and hydrochloride formulations for treatment of acute bovine foot rot. Kausche, F. M., Robb, E.J. A comprehensive review of ceftiofur sodium and hydrochloride formulations for treatment of acute bovine foot rot. Kausche, F. M., Robb, E.J. Veterinary therapeutics 2003 Farmer attitude toward improvement of animal welfare is correlated with piglet production parameters Kauppinen, Tiina, Valros, Anna, Vesala et al Farmer attitude toward improvement of animal welfare is correlated with piglet production parameters Kauppinen, Tiina, Valros, Anna, Vesala, Kari Mikko Livestock Science 2012 Energy expenditure of grazing cows and cows fed grass indoors as determined by the 13C bicarbonate dilution technique using an... Dohme-Meier, F., Görs, S., Junghans et al Energy expenditure of grazing cows and cows fed grass indoors as determined by the 13C bicarbonate dilution technique using an automatic blood sampling system Dohme-Meier, F., Görs, S., Junghans, P., Kaufmann, L. D., Metges, C. C., Münger, A., Rérat, M. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Postinsemination treatment of primiparous and multiparous cows with cloprostenol failed to affect ovulation and pregnancy rate in... Beynon, N., Failing, K., Gommel, R. et al Postinsemination treatment of primiparous and multiparous cows with cloprostenol failed to affect ovulation and pregnancy rate in dairy cattle Beynon, N., Failing, K., Gommel, R., Kauffold, J., Wehrend, A. Theriogenology 2009 Molecular Characterization of a Genomic Region Associated with Virulence in Dichelobacter-Nodosus Katz, M. E., Rood, J. I., Strugnell et al Molecular Characterization of a Genomic Region Associated with Virulence in Dichelobacter-Nodosus Katz, M. E., Rood, J. I., Strugnell, R. A. Infection and Immunity 1992 The major pathogen implicated in footrot, a highly contagious disease of sheep, is the strict anaerobe Dichelobacter nodosus (formerly Bacteroides nodosus). Sequence analysis of a 2,262-bp segment of the D. nodosus genome which is more prevalent in virulent isolates than in other isolates showed the presence of four open reading frames which appeared to have consensus transcriptional and translational start signals. These virulence-associated genes have been designated vapABCD. Two of the three copies of the vap region in the genome of the reference strain D. nodosus A198 were shown to carry all of the vap genes, whereas one copy contained only the vapD gene. The VapD protein was gel purified, shown to contain the predicted amino-terminal sequence, and used to raise rabbit antibodies. Western blots (immunoblots) showed that all of the D. nodosus strains tested that contained the vap region produced the VapD protein. The VapD protein had significant amino acid sequence identity with open reading frame 5 from the cryptic plasmid of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and the vapBC operon had sequence similarity with the trbH region of the Escherichia coli F plasmid. It is proposed that these gene regions evolved from the integration of a conjugative plasmid from another bacterial species into the D. nodosus chromosome. Prevalence of lameness and of associated claw disorders in Greek dairy cattle industry Christodoulopoulos, G., Katsoulos, P. D. Prevalence of lameness and of associated claw disorders in Greek dairy cattle industry Christodoulopoulos, G., Katsoulos, P. D. Livestock Science 2009 Researches on the Cast of Zinc-Sulfate (Znso4) and Vitamin-a in the Prophylaxy of Sheep Footrot Jovanovitch, M., Katitch, R. V. et al Researches on the Cast of Zinc-Sulfate (Znso4) and Vitamin-a in the Prophylaxy of Sheep Footrot Jovanovitch, M., Katitch, R. V., Katrinka, M., Yatchimovitch, S. Bulletin De L Academie Veterinaire De France 1986 Mucin 1 and cytokines mRNA in endometrium of dairy cows with postpartum uterine disease or repeat breeding Kasimanickam, R., Kasimanickam, V. et al Mucin 1 and cytokines mRNA in endometrium of dairy cows with postpartum uterine disease or repeat breeding Kasimanickam, R., Kasimanickam, V., Kastelic, J. P. Theriogenology 2014 Use of yearling bulls in beef cattle operations .2. Genetic selection and management Jones, R., Kasari, T. R., Wikse, S. E. Use of yearling bulls in beef cattle operations .2. Genetic selection and management Jones, R., Kasari, T. R., Wikse, S. E. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian 1997 Part I of this two-part presentation discussed fertility assessment and the economics of using yearling bulls to breed beef cows. This part discusses genetic selection and the management of yearling bulls in the breeding pasture. Use of yearling bulls can accelerate genetic improvement. In particular, bulls can be selected to promote calving ease. Well-grown, 14- to 15-month-old bulls can each successfully settle at least 25 cows during a confined breeding period. Young bulls with high libido can withstand considerably higher mating loads. Bulls in multiple-sire pastures tend to mount a larger percentage of estrous females. Also, multiple sires provide some protection against production loss in the event of illness, lameness, or penile injury Use of Autogenous Cancellous Bone-Graft For Treatment of Osteolytic Defects in the Phalanges of 3 Cattle Baird, A. N., Kasari, T. R., Morris et al Use of Autogenous Cancellous Bone-Graft For Treatment of Osteolytic Defects in the Phalanges of 3 Cattle Baird, A. N., Kasari, T. R., Morris, E. L., Taylor, T. S. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1992 Osteolytic defects were detected radiographically in the distal sesamoid bone of a 16-month-old Bralers heifer, in the middle phalanx of a 14-month-old American Gray Brahman bull, and in the distal phalanx of a 3-year-old American Gray Brahman bull. The articular cartilage was damaged in each animal because of osteolysis or pathologic fracture. After each animal was anesthetized and positioned in lateral recumbency, the lesions were curetted and packed with cancellous bone harvested from the same animal's tuber coxae. Basic postoperative management involved stall rest and immobilization of the graft site with a fiberglass cast (42 to 79 days), afterwhich a support bandage was used for approximately 2 weeks. Recurrence of lameness has not been observed in these animals for 60 months, 58 months, and 21 months, respectively. These cases exemplify the benefit of using an autogenous cancellous bone graft for treatment of severe osteolysis of a digit in cattle Use of autogenous cancellous bone graft for treatment of osteolytic defects in the phalanges of three cattle Kasari, T. R. Use of autogenous cancellous bone graft for treatment of osteolytic defects in the phalanges of three cattle Kasari, T. R. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1992 Osteolytic defects were detected radiographically in the distal sesamoid bone of a 16-month-old Bralers heifer, in the middle phalanx of a 14-month-old American Gray Brahman bull, and in the distal phalanx of a 3-year-old American Gray Brahman bull. The articular cartilage was damaged in each animal because of osteolysis or pathologic fracture. After each animal was anesthetized and positioned in lateral recumbency, the lesions were curetted and packed with cancellous bone harvested from the same animal's tuber coxae. Basic postoperative management involved stall rest and immobilization of the graft site with a fiberglass cast (42 to 79 days), after which a support bandage was used for approximately 2 weeks. Recurrence of lameness has not been observed in these animals for 60 months, 58 months, and 21 months, respectively. These cases exemplify the benefit of using an autogenous cancellous bone graft for treatment of severe osteolysis of a digit in cattle The principles of trimming the bovine hoof Kasari, T. R. The principles of trimming the bovine hoof Kasari, T. R. Veterinary Medicine 1991 Septic arthritis and osteomyelitis in a bovine digit: a mixed infection of Actinomyces pyogenes and Fusobacterium necrophorum Kasari, T. R. Septic arthritis and osteomyelitis in a bovine digit: a mixed infection of Actinomyces pyogenes and Fusobacterium necrophorum Kasari, T. R. Cornell Veterinarian 1988 A 4-year-old beefmaster cow was examined for a left hind leg lateral claw lameness due to septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint and associated osteomyelitis of the second and third phalanges. Actinomyces pyogenes and Fusobacterium necrophorum, which have been demonstrated previously to act synergistically in ovine heel abscesses, were isolated from the affected digit. A claw amputation was performed because of the advanced destructive nature of the lesion Late-gestation heat stress abatement on performance and behavior of Holstein dairy cows Drackley, J. K., Ghorbani, G. R. et al Late-gestation heat stress abatement on performance and behavior of Holstein dairy cows Drackley, J. K., Ghorbani, G. R., Kargar, S., Karimi, M. T. Journal of Dairy Science ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate cooling to lessen the effects of heat stress during the last 3 wk of gestation on performance and behavior of multiparous Holstein cows. Twenty nonlactating cows were randomly assigned to treatments approximately 21 d before their expected calving date based on mature equivalent milk production and parity. Treatments were only imposed during the last 3 wk of gestation and included heat stress (HT; n = 10) and cooling (CL; n = 10), both under a similar photoperiod (14 h of light and 10 h of dark). Dry cows were housed in a sand-bedded stall with the stall areas for CL cows equipped with sprinklers and fans that were on from 0700 to 1900 h, whereas those for the HT cows were not. After parturition, all cows were housed in a barn with cooling devices. Rectal temperatures were measured daily at 1400 h and respiration rates were recorded by counting the flank movements for 1 min at 1500 h on odd days over the last 3 wk of gestation to calving. Daily dry matter intake was measured from −21 d relative to expected calving to 21 d after calving and milk production was recorded daily up to 180 d in milk. Behavioral changes of dry cows were studied continuously for 24 h at −10 d relative to expected calving. The average temperature-humidity index during the last 3 wk of gestation was 69.7 and was not significantly different between treatments. Heat-stressed cows exhibited greater rectal temperatures (39.5 vs. 39.2°C), greater respiration rates (70.4 vs. 63.3 breaths/min), and decreased dry matter intake (13.7 vs. 15.5 kg/d) compared with CL cows. Compared with HT cows, CL cows produced more milk during 180 d in milk (40.5 vs. 44.6 kg/d). Heat stress decreased ruminating (243.2 vs. 282.5 min/d) and chewing times (390.6 vs. 448.7 min/d) at −10 d before calving. The CL cows had shorter standing times than their HT counterparts (390.4 vs. 474.0 min/d). These results confirm that heat stress abatement in the late gestation period improves performance of dairy cows in subsequent lactation. Suboptimal reproductive performance of dairy cattle kept in smallholder herds in a rural highland area of northern Tanzania Aboud, A. A., Bittegeko, S. B., Kanuya et al Suboptimal reproductive performance of dairy cattle kept in smallholder herds in a rural highland area of northern Tanzania Aboud, A. A., Bittegeko, S. B., Kanuya, N. L., Kessy, B. M., Mdoe, N. S. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2000 The objectives of the present study were to assess the reproductive performance and cumulative incidence risk of reproductive disorders and to compare the success of artificial insemination (AI) to natural service (by handmating; NS) in dairy cattle kept in smallholder herds under a zero-grazing system in a rural highland area of Tanzania. Data on occurrence of all normal and abnormal reproductive events were collected for 215 adult animals belonging to 74 households.The median and range of the intervals: intercalving, calving to first service, and calving to pregnancy were 477 (335-860), 154 (38-486) and 206 (61-567) days, respectively. Breed and parity did not affect the reproductive parameters (P>0.05). However, cows in the milked group had a shorter median calving interval than those in the suckled group (P<0.001). The overall percentage pregnant and the percentage pregnant to first service were higher in the NS than in the AI group (49 vs. 32%; P=0.007) and (67 vs. 25%; P<0.001), respectively. The median numbers of services per pregnancy were not different between the AI (3) and NS (2) groups (P=0.17). The cumulative incidence risk of abortion, dystocia, prolapse, retained fetal membranes, mastitis, milk fever and cyclic non-breeders were 16.0, 1.7, 2.5, 4.2, 5.0, 1.7, and 6.1%, respectively. Hoof overgrowth (4.6%) and hoof deviation (4.6%) were the most-frequent digital problems. We concluded that reproductive parameters and cumulative incidence risk of abortion show suboptimal reproductive performance in rural-based, zero-grazed smallholder dairy herds in Tanzania particularly those using AI Research on the improvement of slatted floors Blanken, K., Kant, P. Research on the improvement of slatted floors Blanken, K., Kant, P. Praktijkonderzoek Rundvee, Schapen en Paarden 1998 The effect of slatted floors of steel and concrete on claw health of cows was investigated during 1996-98 at the experimental farm Bosma Zathe in the Netherlands. Claw diseases were divided into infectious, mechanical and other diseases. The total number of diseases did not change significantly between floor types, but the type of disease changed on steel floors (more mechanical diseases and fewer infectious diseases during summer). Synthetic mats on steel floors reduced the number of mechanical diseases The National Animal Health Monitoring System in Michigan Usa I. Design Data and Frequencies of Selected Dairy Cattle Diseases Hurd, H. S., Kaneene, J. B. The National Animal Health Monitoring System in Michigan Usa I. Design Data and Frequencies of Selected Dairy Cattle Diseases Hurd, H. S., Kaneene, J. B. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1990 A National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) in Michigan was started in 1986 to develop statistically valid data for use in estimating disease frequencies in dairy cattle, and the associated costs. The objectives of this paper are to: (1) describe what was done to implement and maintain the system in Michigan; (2) present selected disease frequencies; (3) discuss the epidemiological considerations of what was done and implications for the results obtained. Veterinary medical officers (VMOs - veterinarians from the university, state and federal governments) served as data collectors. After several sessions of training in current disease and management problems of dairy cattle, interview techniques, sampling methods, and data collection instruments, the VMOs participated in selection of the sample herds and data gathering. Sixty (n = 60) of 6012 dairy herds were selected randomly and the VMOs visited the farms once a month for 12 months to collect management, disease, inventory, production, preventive treatment, financial and any other relevant data. Strict data quality control devices were used. Specific feedback and morale-boosting techniques were developed for the producers and data collectors. Of the three age groups studied, cows had the greatest number of disease problems. The six disorders found most frequently were (from highest to lowest) breeding problems, clinical mastitis, birth problems, metabolic problems, gastrointestinal problems, and lameness. In young stock, respiratory, multiple system, breeding, gastrointestinal, lameness, and birth problems were predominant, whereas in calves, gastrointestinal, respiratory, multiple system, lameness, metabolic/nutritional, and urogenital disorders were the major problems The National Animal Health Monitoring System in Michigan. III. Cost estimates of selected dairy cattle diseases Hurd, H. S., Kaneene, J. B. The National Animal Health Monitoring System in Michigan. III. Cost estimates of selected dairy cattle diseases Hurd, H. S., Kaneene, J. B. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1990 A study was conducted to estimate costs of major dairy cattle diseases. Sixty of the 6012 dairy herds in Michigan were stratified and selected randomly for participation in the National Animal Health Monitoring System. Government and university veterinarians visited each herd once a month for 12 months. At each visit data on diseases, production, management, finance, treatments, preventive activities, animal events, and any other relevant events were collected. Monthly and annual cost estimates of disease treatments were computed in each herd and stratum. Similarly, monthly and annual estimated preventive costs were estimated. Results were expressed as cost per head and given separately for cows, young stock, and calves. In cows, the most expensive 7 disease entities (from most to least) were: clinical mastitis, breeding problems, gastrointestinal problems, parturition problems, multiple system problems, lameness and metabolic/nutritional diseases. In terms of estimated annual preventive cost, however, the ranking of the seven disease entities were (from highest to lowest) mastitis, breeding problems, lameness, parturition problems, multiple system problems, gastrointestinal disease, and metabolic/nutritional problems. In young stock, the most costly diseases were the multiple system problems, breeding problems, respiratory disease, birth problems, gastrointestinal disease, and lameness, In calves, the most costly disease problems were gastrointestinal problems, respiratory diseases, multiple system problems, birth problems, metabolic diseases, and lameness. Methodological issues, as they relate to data collection and estimation of costs as well as suggestions for improving the accuracy of these estimates, are discussed Applying additive logistic regression to data derived from sensors monitoring behavioral and physiological characteristics of... Burke, J. K., Frank, E., Jago, J. G. et al Applying additive logistic regression to data derived from sensors monitoring behavioral and physiological characteristics of dairy cows to detect lameness Burke, J. K., Frank, E., Jago, J. G., Kamphuis, C., Verkerk, G. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 The hypothesis was that sensors currently available on farm that monitor behavioral and physiological characteristics have potential for the detection of lameness in dairy cows. This was tested by applying additive logistic regression to variables derived from sensor data. Data were collected between November 2010 and June 2012 on 5 commercial pasture-based dairy farms. Sensor data from weigh scales (liveweight), pedometers (activity), and milk meters (milking order, unadjusted and adjusted milk yield in the first 2 min of milking, total milk yield, and milking duration) were collected at every milking from 4,904 cows. Lameness events were recorded by farmers who were trained in detecting lameness before the study commenced. A total of 318 lameness events affecting 292 cows were available for statistical analyses. For each lameness event, the lame cow’s sensor data for a time period of 14 d before observation date were randomly matched by farm and date to 10 healthy cows (i.e., cows that were not lame and had no other health event recorded for the matched time period). Sensor data relating to the 14-d time periods were used for developing univariable (using one source of sensor data) and multivariable (using multiple sources of sensor data) models. Model development involved the use of additive logistic regression by applying the LogitBoost algorithm with a regression tree as base learner. The model’s output was a probability estimate for lameness, given the sensor data collected during the 14-d time period. Models were validated using leave-one-farm-out cross-validation and, as a result of this validation, each cow in the data set (318 lame and 3,180 nonlame cows) received a probability estimate for lameness. Based on the area under the curve (AUC), results indicated that univariable models had low predictive potential, with the highest AUC values found for liveweight (AUC = 0.66), activity (AUC = 0.60), and milking order (AUC = 0.65). Combining these 3 sensors improved AUC to 0.74. Detection performance of this combined model varied between farms but it consistently and significantly outperformed univariable models across farms at a fixed specificity of 80%. Still, detection performance was not high enough to be implemented in practice on large, pasture-based dairy farms. Future research may improve performance by developing variables based on sensor data of liveweight, activity, and milking order, but that better describe changes in sensor data patterns when cows go lame. Problems in feeding food producing animals to meet the energy and nutrient requirements as well as to enable animals’... Kamphues, J. Problems in feeding food producing animals to meet the energy and nutrient requirements as well as to enable animals’ well-being Kamphues, J. Dtw 1998 The efforts in optimizing feeding conditions of food producing animals in the past were focussed primarily on promoting performance and/or the products' quality (MEYER 1997). In spite of great success in this direction various risks occur due to the conflict between the increased requirements on the one hand and the species typical demands on the other (for example: need of roughage as well as of concentrates with high energy and nutrient density in ruminants). Especially in feeding high yielding dairy cows the conflict is obvious: Even in the case, that high amounts of concentrates are fed it becomes more and more difficult to meet the energy requirement when the milk yield exceeds 40 kg milk per day (FLACHOWSKY a. LEBZIEN 1997). A negative energy balance is accompanied by a forced predisposition for ketosis and infertility (KRUIP 1996). Insufficient proportions of roughage in those rations predispose the animals for rumen acidosis and associated problems (health of claws etc.) as well as for displacement of abomasum. Thereby in feeding high yielding dairy cows there is only the choice between different risks due to the fact that the feed intake capacity did not increase to the same extent as the milk production did. In fattening calves the use of roughage (in Germany required by law) is on debate in this direction (necessary to avoid disturbances in the behaviour). Further problems in feeding animals according to their species typical demands are related to the established conditions of housing, feeding and water supply (risks of mechanization and automatization due to potential disfunction). The generally increased feeding intensity results - for example in poultry - in a higher frequency of skeleton diseases; the more and more specialized pig production (separate units for piglet production, rearing units, fattening units) is accompanied by increased changes in diets and techniques of feed and water supply, to that the animals have to be accustomed, too. The science of animal nutrition gets more and more involved in questions on the species depending requirements that guarantee a physiological development of the animal, health and normal behaviour. There is an increased need to create and evaluate parameters that can be used for characterization animals' well-being related to different feeding strategies. Without any doubts it is a special task to veterinary nutritionists to point out risks, problems, conflicting aims when the feeding intensity is forced continuously. The slogan "back to nature" is too simple and does not correspond to the complexity of efforts which are suitable and necessary to meet animals' energy and nutrient requirements as well as demands of animals' welfare. Eventually it is helpful to remember sometimes the limits set up by the biology and physiology when feeding intensity or techniques are on debate Physical characteristics and chemical composition of normal, eroded and ulcerated soles in dairy cattle Acorda, J. A., Ghamsari, S. M., Kameya et al Physical characteristics and chemical composition of normal, eroded and ulcerated soles in dairy cattle Acorda, J. A., Ghamsari, S. M., Kameya, T., Yamada, H. Philippine Journal of Veterinary Medicine 1995 The physical properties and chemical composition of the sole horn were examined in 120 claws of 30 Holstein-Friesian cows in Hokkaido, Japan. Colour, water saturation, hardness, moisture content, mineral amino acids composition were determined in normal, eroded and ulcerated soles. Normal soles had yellowish brown to reddish discoloration while ulcerated and eroded soles had yellowish brown to black discoloration. Ulcerated and eroded soles had thicker horns than the normal soles. There were no differences in the hardness and moisture content of normal and diseased soles but diseased soles had higher water saturation than normal soles. Total protein fraction of ulcerated and eroded soles was lower than that of normal soles. Serine, glutamic acid and glycine contents of ulcerated soles and serine concentration of eroded soles were lower than those in normal soles. Ash and mineral components were higher in diseased soles than in normal soles Factors associated with changes of state of foot conformation and lameness in a flock of sheep Calvo-Bado, L. A., Green, L. E. et al Factors associated with changes of state of foot conformation and lameness in a flock of sheep Calvo-Bado, L. A., Green, L. E., Grogono-Thomas, R., Kaler, J., King, E. M., Medley, G. F., Moore, L. J., Russell, C., Wassink, G. J., Wellington, E. M. H. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2010 The aim of this research was to investigate transitions between foot conformation, lameness and footrot in sheep. Data came from one lowland flock of approximately 700 ewes studied for 18 months. Multilevel multistate analyses of transitions between good and poor foot conformation states in ewes, and lame and non-lame states in ewes and lambs were conducted. Key results were that the longer sheep had feet in good conformation, the more likely they were to stay in this state; similarly, the longer a ewe was not lame the more likely she was not to become lame. Ewes with poor foot conformation were more likely to become lame (OR: 1.83 (1.24-2.67)) and to be >4 years (OR: 1.50 (1.09-2.05)). Ewes with footrot were less likely to move to good foot conformation (OR: 0.48 (0.31-0.75)) and were more likely to become lame (OR: 3.81 (2.60-5.59)). Ewes lame for >4 days and not treated with parenteral antibacterials had a higher risk of developing (OR: 2.00 (1-3.61)), or remaining in (OR: 0.49 (0.29-0.95)), poor foot conformation compared with ewes never lame. Treatment of ewes lame with footrot with parenteral antibacterials increased the probability of transition from a lame to a non-lame state (OR: 1.46 (1.05-2.02)) and these ewes, even if lame for >4 days, were not more likely to develop poor foot conformation. The risk of a ewe becoming lame increased when at least one of her offspring was lame (OR: 2.03 (1.42-2.92)) and when the prevalence of lameness in the group was >=5% (OR: 1.42 (1.06-1.92)). Lambs were at increased risk of becoming lame when they were male (OR: 1.42 (1.01-2.01)), single (OR: 1.86 (1.34-2.59)) or had a lame dam or sibling (OR: 3.10 (1.81-5.32)). There were no explanatory variables associated with lambs recovering from lameness. We conclude that poor foot conformation in ewes increases the susceptibility of ewes to become lame and that this can arise from untreated footrot. Treatment of ewes lame with footrot with parenteral antibacterials leads to recovery from lameness and prevents or resolves poor foot conformation which then reduces the susceptibility to further lameness with footrot. Sheep farmer opinions on the current and future role of veterinarians in flock health management on sheep farms: A qualitative... Green, L. E., Kaler, Jasmeet Sheep farmer opinions on the current and future role of veterinarians in flock health management on sheep farms: A qualitative study Green, L. E., Kaler, Jasmeet Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2013 Farmers’ practices and factors associated with the prevalence of all lameness and lameness attributed to interdigital... Green, L. E., Kaler, J. Farmers’ practices and factors associated with the prevalence of all lameness and lameness attributed to interdigital dermatitis and footrot in sheep flocks in England in 2004 Green, L. E., Kaler, J. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2009 The effect of reproductive performance on the dairy cattle herd value assessed by integrating a daily dynamic programming model... Cabrera, V. E., Kalantari, A. S. The effect of reproductive performance on the dairy cattle herd value assessed by integrating a daily dynamic programming model with a daily Markov chain model Cabrera, V. E., Kalantari, A. S. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Low molecular weight versus standard heparin for prevention of venous thromboembolism after major abdominal surgery Cohen, A. T., Cooper, D. J., Das, S. K. et al Low molecular weight versus standard heparin for prevention of venous thromboembolism after major abdominal surgery Cohen, A. T., Cooper, D. J., Das, S. K., Edmonson, R. A., Kakkar, S., Kakkar, V. V., Maher, K. T., Phillips, M. J., Sanderson, R. M. The Lancet 1993 Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is effective in the prevention of postoperative venous thromboembolism but does it have the safety advantages over standard heparin (SH) that have been claimed? In a multicentre randomised trial in 3809 patients undergoing major abdominal surgery (1894 LMWH, 1915 SH) heparin was given preoperatively and continued for at least 5 postoperative days. Patients were assessed in the postoperative period and were followed up for at least 4 weeks, the emphasis being on safety. Major bleeding events occurred in 69 (3·6%) patients in the LMWH group and 91 (4·8%) patients in the SH group (relative risk 0·77, 95% confidence interval 0·56-1·04; p=0·10). 93 indices of major bleeding were observed in the 69 LMWH patients and 141 in the SH patients. (p=0·058). Severe bleeding was less frequent in the LMWH group (1 0% vs 1·9%; p=0·02), as was wound haematoma (1·4% vs 2·7%; p=0·007). Bleeding episodes with LMWH were less likely to lead to further surgery to evacuate a haematoma or to control bleeding, and injection site bruising was also less common in the LMWH group. No significant differences were found in the efficacy of the two agents. Perioperative death rates were 3·3% in the LMWH group and 2·5% in the SH group; pulmonary emboli were detected in 0·7% and 0·7%; and deep-vein thrombosis was diagnosed in 0·6% of patients in each group. Follow-up was done on 91% of 3699 evaluable patients. There were 19 further deaths (10 LMWH, 9 SH group) and 25 patients with thromboembolic complications (15 and 10). Of the 3 patients with fatal pulmonary emboli during follow-up 2 had received LMWH and 1 SH. The two drugs were of similar efficacy. The primary end point, the frequency of major bleeding, showed a 23% reduction in the LMWH group, but this difference was not significant. The secondary safety end points revealed that LMWH was significantly better than SH. Fatal pulmonary embolism occurs rarely (0·09%) following discharge from hospital so the cost benefit ratio would not justify prolonged prophylaxis in this setting. Environmental heat stress modulates thyroid status and its response to repeated endotoxin challenge in steers Baumgard, L. H., Collier, R. J. et al Environmental heat stress modulates thyroid status and its response to repeated endotoxin challenge in steers Baumgard, L. H., Collier, R. J., Elsasser, T. H., Kahl, S., Rhoads, R. P. Domestic Animal Endocrinology 2015 The objective of this study was to evaluate in cattle, the effects of acute exposure to a heat stress (HS) environment on the status of the pituitary (thyrotropin, TSH)–thyroid (thyroxine, T4)–peripheral tissue T4 deiodination (type 1 5’-deiodinase [D1]; triiodothyronine [T3]; reverse-triiodothyronine [rT3]) axis, and the further response of this pituitary–thyroid–peripheral tissue axis (PTTA) to perturbation caused by the induction of the proinflammatory innate immune state provoked by the administration of gram-negative bacteria endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]). Ten steers (318 ± 49 kg body weight) housed in controlled environment chambers were subjected to either a thermoneutral (TN: constant 19°C) or HS temperature conditions (cyclical daily temperatures: 32.2°C–40.0°C) for a total period of 9 d. To minimize the effects of altered plane of nutrition due to HS, steers in TN were pair-fed to animals in HS conditions. Steers received 2 LPS challenges 3 d apart (LPS1 and LPS2; 0.2 μg/kg body weight, intravenously, Escherichia coli 055:B5) with the first challenge administered on day 4 relative to the start of the environmental conditioning. Jugular blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, and 24 h relative to the start of each LPS challenge. Plasma TSH, T4, T3, and rT3 were measured by radioimmunoassay. Liver D1 activity was measured in biopsy samples collected before the LPS1 (0 h) and 24 h after LPS2. Before the start of LPS1, HS decreased (P < 0.01 vs TN) plasma TSH (40%), T4 (45.4%), and T3 (25.9%), but did not affect rT3 concentrations. In TN steers, the LPS1 challenge decreased (P < 0.01 vs 0 h) plasma concentrations of TSH between 1 and 7 h and T4 and T3 at 7 and 24 h. In HS steers, plasma TSH concentrations were decreased at 2 h only (P < 0.05), whereas plasma T3 was decreased at 7 and 24 h (P < 0.01). Whereas plasma T4 concentrations were already depressed in HS steers at 0 h, LPS1 did not further affect the levels. Plasma rT3 concentrations were increased in all steers at 4, 7, and 24 h after LPS1 (P < 0.01). The patterns of concentration change of T4, T3, and rT3 during LPS2 mirrored those observed in LPS1; the responses in plasma TSH were of smaller magnitude than those incurred after LPS1. The LPS challenges reduced (P < 0.01) hepatic activity of D1 in all animals but no differences were observed between steers subjected to TN or HS environment. The data are consistent with the concept that acute exposure of cattle to a HS environment results in the depression of the pituitary and thyroid components of the PTTA, whereas a normal capacity to generate T3 from T4 in the liver is preserved. The data also suggest that LPS challenge further suppresses all components of the PTTA including liver T3 generation, and these PTTA perturbations are more pronounced in steers that encounter a HS exposure. Linear and threshold model genetic parameters for disease, fertility and milk production in dairy cattle Kadarmideen, H. N., Simm, G., Thompson et al Linear and threshold model genetic parameters for disease, fertility and milk production in dairy cattle Kadarmideen, H. N., Simm, G., Thompson, R. Animal Science (Pencaitland) 2000 This study provides estimates of genetic parameters for various diseases, fertility and 305-day milk production traits in dairy cattle using data from a UK national milk recording scheme. The data set consisted of 63891 multiple lactation records on diseases (mastitis, lameness, milk fever, ketosis and tetany), fertility traits (calving interval, conception to first service, number of services for a conception, and number of days to first service), dystocia and 305-day milk, fat and protein yield. All traits were analysed by multi-trait repeatability linear animal models (LM). Binary diseases and fertility traits were further analysed by threshold sire models (TM). Both LM and TM analyses were based on the generalized linear mixed model framework. The LM included herd-year-season of calving (HYS), age at calving and parity as fixed effects and genetic, permanent environmental and residual effects as random. The TM analyses included the same effects as for LM, but HYS effects were treated as random to avoid convergence problems when HYS sub-classes had 0 or 100% incidence. Because HYS effects were treated as random, herd effects were fitted as fixed effects to account for effect of herds in the data. The LM estimates of heritability ranged from 0.389 to 0.399 for 305-day milk production traits, 0.010 to 0.029 for fertility traits and 0.004 to 0.038 for diseases. The LM estimates of repeatability ranged from 0.556 to 0.586 for 305-day milk production traits, 0.029 to 0.086 for fertility traits and 0.004 to 0.100 for diseases. The TM estimates of heritabilities and repeatabilities were greater than LM estimates for binary traits and were in the range 0.012 to 0.126 and 0.013 to 0.168, respectively. Genetic correlations between milk production traits and fertility and diseases were all unfavorable: they ranged from 0.07 to 0.37 for milk production and diseases, 0.31 to 0.54 for milk production and poor fertility and 0.06 to 0.41 for diseases and poor fertility. These results show that future selection programmes should include disease and fertility for genetic improvement of health and reproduction and for sustained economic growth in the dairy cattle industry Genetic parameters and evaluations from single- and multiple-trait analysis of dairy cow fertility and milk production Coffey, M. P., Kadarmideen, H. N. et al Genetic parameters and evaluations from single- and multiple-trait analysis of dairy cow fertility and milk production Coffey, M. P., Kadarmideen, H. N., Kossaibati, M. A., Thompson, R. Livestock Production Science 2003 Survival and replication of Mycoplasma species in recycled bedding sand and association with mastitis on dairy farms in Utah Corbett, R., Goodell, G., Harding, R. et al Survival and replication of Mycoplasma species in recycled bedding sand and association with mastitis on dairy farms in Utah Corbett, R., Goodell, G., Harding, R., Justice-Allen, A., Trujillo, J., Wilson, D. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Effects on the health of claws of dairy cows Junge, W. Effects on the health of claws of dairy cows Junge, W. Zuchtungskunde 1997 In dairy Farms of Schleswig-Holstein cows were investigated concerning claw injuries. The most Important results may be summarized as Follows: 1. The most important lesions are Putrescence, Haematoma, Ulcus Rusterholz and in the interdigital space Limax and Necrosis Interdigitalis. 2. The claws of the rear legs show higher frequencies of lesions in comparison to the front legs. 3. Housing system only has an influence on the frequencies of Putrescence and Haematoma. 4. By summarizing all lesions of one cow to a so-called lesion-index the housing systems can be ranged. Claw-health is the best when the cows are kept on a grid, straw tying and loose housing on slatted near are following, claw-health an concrete floors is the worse. 5. Claw-health is heritable. It seems to be possible to ameliorate claw-health by breeding The importance of FMDV localisation in lymphoid tissue Bengis, R. G., Charleston, B., Juleff et al The importance of FMDV localisation in lymphoid tissue Bengis, R. G., Charleston, B., Juleff, N. D., Maree, F. F., Waters, R. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 2012 A fat based rumen protection technology post-ruminally delivers a B vitamin complex to impact performance of multiparous Holstein... Evans, Essi, Juchem, Sérgio O. et al A fat based rumen protection technology post-ruminally delivers a B vitamin complex to impact performance of multiparous Holstein cows Evans, Essi, Juchem, Sérgio O., Robinson, P. H. Animal Feed Science and Technology 2012 Grazing as an alternative for utilization of saline-sodic soils in the San Joaquin Valley: Selenium accretion and performance of... Benes, Sharon E., Brito, Martin et al Grazing as an alternative for utilization of saline-sodic soils in the San Joaquin Valley: Selenium accretion and performance of beef heifers Benes, Sharon E., Brito, Martin, Chilibroste, Pablo, Grattan, Stephen R., Juchem, Sérgio O., Robinson, P. H., Vasquez, Pablo Science of The Total Environment 2012 Inherited epidermal dysplasia in Holstein-Friesian calves Button, C., Jerrett, I. V., Jubb, T. F. et al Inherited epidermal dysplasia in Holstein-Friesian calves Button, C., Jerrett, I. V., Jubb, T. F., Malmo, J., Morton, J. M. Australian Veterinary Journal 1990 Inherited epidermal dysplasia (IED), formerly called baldy calf syndrome, is a lethal disease of calves of Holstein-Friesian ancestry. The disease causes progressive illthrift and skin, horn and hoof lesions, which can be confused with inherited zinc deficiency. The clinicopathological features and ancestry of 10 affected calves in Gippsland, Victoria are described Lesions causing lameness requiring veterinary treatment in pasture-fed dairy cows in East Gippsland [Victoria, Australia] Jubb, T. F., Malmo, J. Lesions causing lameness requiring veterinary treatment in pasture-fed dairy cows in East Gippsland [Victoria, Australia] Jubb, T. F., Malmo, J. Australian Veterinary Journal 1991 In 653 mature dairy cows examined for lameness between February 1987 and July 1988, 783 lesions were identified. Most of these were located below the pastern (90.5%) and most lesions involved hindlimbs (79%). Of digital and interdigital lesions, hind limbs had the most lesions (69.2%). Medial digits of forelimbs were least affected (7.8%) and lateral digits of hindlimbs were the most affected (44.4%). Lateral digits of forelimbs were slightly more affected than medial digits of hindlimbs (17.0% vs 14.8%). Ten different types of lesions contributed to 84.5% of foot lameness. Most common were axial wall cracks (21.7%), underrun sole (14.6%), footrot (13.0%), punctured sole (9.3%) and white line disease (7.2%). Age, rainfall and the early lactation period were factors determining the incidence of lameness Phosphorus supplements and fluorosis in cattle–a northern Australian experience Annand, T. E., Jubb, T. F., Main, D. C. et al Phosphorus supplements and fluorosis in cattle–a northern Australian experience Annand, T. E., Jubb, T. F., Main, D. C., Murphy, G. M. Australian Veterinary Journal 1993 Chronic fluoride toxicosis caused lameness, dental lesions and illthrift in an extensive beef cattle herd in northern Australia. Up to 15% of the herd was lame and the disease forced the culling of large numbers of cows. The source of fluoride was fertiliser-grade monoammonium and diammonium phosphate fed as part of a mineral supplement. Large quantities of mineral supplement were provided to the cattle because lameness was attributed to phosphorus deficiency, which is endemic in the area. Most lameness developed in the late dry season in the post-lactation phase. Severe lameness was caused by fractured pedal bones Phosphorus supplementation of cattle Jubb, T. F. Phosphorus supplementation of cattle Jubb, T. F. Australian Veterinary Journal 1988 Severe lameness in a large proportion of an Angus cattle herd was attributed to phosphorus deficiency. The diagnosis was supported by a rapid response to phosphorus supplementation of the diet. A brief review of the development and diagnosis of phosphorus deficiency is presented. Practical considerations severely limit the choice of a phosphorus supplement. Directions for the use of the supernatant of high-phosphorus fertiliser and water mixtures, as feed or stock water additive and the production of a phosphorus lick are described. Other phosphorus supplements are discussed with particular reference to the fluorine hazard Impact of lameness on behaviour and productivity of lactating Holstein cows Juarez, S. T., Price, E. O., Robinson et al Impact of lameness on behaviour and productivity of lactating Holstein cows Juarez, S. T., Price, E. O., Robinson, P.H. DePeters, E.J. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2003 Impact of lameness on behavior and productivity of lactating Holstein cows DePeters, E. J., Juarez, S. T., Price et al Impact of lameness on behavior and productivity of lactating Holstein cows DePeters, E. J., Juarez, S. T., Price, E. O., Robinson, P. H. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2003 The impact of lameness on behavior and milk production of multiparity Holstein cows was examined on two commercial dairy farms. Pens of cows were selected based on distance from the milking parlor. Cows within each pen were locomotion scored to quantify lameness severity. Based on their locomotion score (i.e. 1-4), where an increasing number indicates an increased severity of lameness, cows were color marked and observed to quantify behaviors. Data recorded by cow was the return time from the milking parlor (i.e. time after the first cow returned; in minutes) after the morning milking and then, at hourly intervals until cows left for the afternoon milking, whether marked cows were lying or standing and their distance from the pen entrance. Milk production and composition was determined. In Experiment 1, the percentage of cows lying increased at an increasing rate (linear (L): P = 0.02; quadratic (Q): P = 0.07), distance from the pen entrance was highest in intermediate locomotion score groups (Q: P = 0.02), return time tended to increase linearly (P = 0.07), and milk (P = 0.02) and protein production (P < 0.01) decreased linearly as the locomotion score groups increased. In Experiment 2, the percentage of cows lying increased linearly (P < 0.01), distance from the pen entrance decreased at an increasing rate (L: P < 0.01; Q: P < 0.01), and return time increased at an increasing rate (L: P = 0.07; Q: P = 0.05) as locomotion score groups increased. Percentage of cows lying was highest in the farthest pen (P < 0.01), distance from the pen entrance decreased at an increasing rate (L: P < 0.01 and Q: P < 0.01), and cows return time increased linearly (P < 0.01) as pen distance from the milking parlor increased. Increased locomotion score and pen distance were judged to have negatively impacted cow behavior and productivity. However, lack of interactions between locomotion score and pen distance do not support a recommendation to place lame cows in pens closer to the milking parlor to increase welfare and/or productivity. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Growth kinetics and immune response of chimeric foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype ‘O’ produced through replication... Ahmad, Kakoli, Bharath, G. N. et al Growth kinetics and immune response of chimeric foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype ‘O’ produced through replication competent mini genome of serotype Asia 1, 63/72, in BHK cell lines Ahmad, Kakoli, Bharath, G. N., Chandrasekar, S., Chokkalingam, Ashok Kumar, Das, D. N., Dechamma, H. J., Gopinath, S. M., Joshi, Rahul, Paul, Soumya, Reddy, G. R., Saravanan, T., Shaila, M. S., Suryanarayana, V. V. S. Virus Research 2013 Short communication: Born to be a loser cow? Jørgensen, H. B. H., Norberg, E. et al Short communication: Born to be a loser cow? Jørgensen, H. B. H., Norberg, E., Pedersen, L. D., Sørensen, M. K., Thomsen, P. T. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 The effect of shape, width and slope of a resting platform on the resting behaviour of and floor cleanliness for housed sheep Bøe, Knut Egil, Jørgensen et al The effect of shape, width and slope of a resting platform on the resting behaviour of and floor cleanliness for housed sheep Bøe, Knut Egil, Jørgensen, Grete Helen Meisfjord Small Ruminant Research 2009 Effects of Recombinant Methionyl Bovine Somatotropin Sometribove in High Producing Cows Milked Three Times Daily Aguilar, A. A., Bailey, C., Hartnell et al Effects of Recombinant Methionyl Bovine Somatotropin Sometribove in High Producing Cows Milked Three Times Daily Aguilar, A. A., Bailey, C., Hartnell, G. F., Jordan, D. C., Madsen, K. S., Olson, J. D. Journal of Dairy Science 1991 Effects of daily sometribove administration on milk yield and composition, body condition score, BW, and SCC were evaluated in Holstein cows milked three times daily. Lactating cows (n = 104) were assigned randomly to control or sometribove-treated (25 mg/d) groups. The experimental period was 16 wk, consisting of 2-wk pretreatment, 12-wk treatment, and 2-wk posttreatment periods. All cows were injected once daily starting at 53 to 180 d postpartum, housed in free stalls, and fed one of five total mixed rations according to milk production. Body weights were measured weekly, and body condition was scored biweekly. Milk yield was recorded daily, and weekly milk samples were analyzed for fat, protein, lactose, total solids, and SCC. Milk yield and milk protein were increased 18.8% (38.6 vs. 32.5 kg/d) and 3.3% (3.1 vs. 3.0%), respectively, whereas percentage of milk fat, lactose, SNF, SCC, and BW were unaffected by treatment. Overall average body condition scores were lower for the sometribove-treated group versus control (2.2 vs. 2.4). No apparent differences in the number of cows treated for mastitis, foot rot, displaced abosmasum, or lameness were observed between treatment groups. Sometribove treatment significantly enhanced milk yield (6.1 kg/d) with no apparent negative effects on health in high producing cows milked three times per day Effects of recombinant methionyl bovine somatotropin (sometribove) in high producing cows milked three times daily Jordan, D. C. Effects of recombinant methionyl bovine somatotropin (sometribove) in high producing cows milked three times daily Jordan, D. C. Journal of Dairy Science 1991 Effects of daily sometribove administration on milk yield and composition, body condition score, BW, and SCC were evaluated in Holstein cows milked three times daily. Lactating cows (n =104) were assigned randomly to control or sometribove-treated (25 mg/d) groups. The experimental period was 16 wk, consisting of 2-wk pretreatment, 12-wk treatment, and 2-wk posttreatment periods. All cows were injected once daily starting at 53 to 180 d postpartum, housed in free stalls, and fed one of five total mixed rations according to milk production. Body weights were measured weekly, and body condition was scored biweekly. Milk yield was recorded daily, and weekly milk samples were analyzed for fat, protein, lactose, total solids, and SCC. Milk yield and milk protein were increased 18.8% (38.6 vs. 32.5 kg/d) and 3.3% (3.1 vs. 3.0%), respectively, whereas percentage of milk fat, lactose, SNF, SCC, and BW were unaffected by treatment. Overall average body condition scores were lower for the sometribove-treated group versus control (2.2 vs. 2.4). No apparent differences in the number of cows treated for mastitis, foot rot, displaced abomasum, or lameness were observed between treatment groups. Sometribove treatment significantly enhanced milk yield (6.1 kg/d) with no apparent negative effects on health in high producing cows milked three times per day Factors associated with the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment for ovine virulent footrot Jessep, T. M., Jordan, D., Nicol, H. I. et al Factors associated with the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment for ovine virulent footrot Jessep, T. M., Jordan, D., Nicol, H. I., Plant, J. W., Scrivener, C. J. Australian Veterinary Journal 1996 Factors associated with the proportion of sheep cured of virulent footrot after antibiotic treatment were studied in a field trial under dry environmental conditions. From 2 similar flocks, 1091 Merino sheep weighing about 50 kg and infected with virulent footrot received an intramuscular injection of either 12 mL of a mixture of penicillin (250 mg/mL) and streptomycin (250 mg/mL), 6 mt of long acting oxytetracycline (200 mg/mL) or 6 mt of a mixture of lincomycin (50 mg/mL) and spectinomycin (100 mg/mL). Variables that were significantly associated with the proportion of sheep cured were: the type of antibiotic used, the numb er of feet infected and the flock from which the sheep came. There was an interaction between antibiotic type and number of feet infected and between antibiotic type and flock in association with the proportion of sheep cured. The extent of paring and the occurrence of blowfly strike in footrot lesions treated with diazinon had no significant association with the proportion of sheep cured. Dairy-cattle health in Gyeongnam, Korea Chung, H. Kim, Dae, S. Hah, Gong et al Dairy-cattle health in Gyeongnam, Korea Chung, H. Kim, Dae, S. Hah, Gong, S. Kim, Jong, S. Kim Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2001 An animal-health monitoring system in the Gyeongnam area was started in 1997 to develop statistically valid data for use in estimating disease frequencies in dairy cattle, and the associated costs. The objectives of this study were to: (1) describe what was done to implement and maintain the system in Gyeongnam; (2) present selected disease frequencies; (3) discuss the epidemiological consideration of what was done and implications for results obtained. Veterinary medical officers (VMOs), comprising professors and graduate students from Gyeongsang National University, faculty of Gyeongnam Livestock Promotion Institute and clinic veterinarians, served as data collectors. After training on current disease and management problems of dairy cattle, interview techniques, sampling methods and data-collection instruments, the VMOs participated in selection of the sample herds and data gathering. Forty (n=40) of 167 dairy herds were selected randomly using a computer-generated list of random numbers and the VMOs visited farms once in a month for 12 months to collect data about management, disease, inventory, production, preventive treatment, financial and other relevant data. Strict data-quality control devices were used. Specific feed-back was developed for the producers and data collectors. The six disorders found most frequently in cows (from the highest to the lowest) were breeding problems, clinical mastitis, birth problems, gastrointestinal problems, metabolic problems and lameness. In young stock, respiratory, multiple system, breeding and gastrointestinal problems were predominant, whereas in calves, gastrointestinal, respiratory and integumental problems predominated Priorities for research in cattle disease – the views of BCVA [British Cattle Veterinary Association] members Jones, T. O. Priorities for research in cattle disease – the views of BCVA [British Cattle Veterinary Association] members Jones, T. O. Cattle Practice 1997 Synovial fluid pharmacokinetics of tulathromycin, gamithromycin and florfenicol after a single subcutaneous dose in cattle Coetzee, J. F., Fajt, V. R., Jones et al Synovial fluid pharmacokinetics of tulathromycin, gamithromycin and florfenicol after a single subcutaneous dose in cattle Coetzee, J. F., Fajt, V. R., Jones, M. L., Rice, S., Washburn, K. E. BMC Vet Res 2015 BACKGROUND: Deep digital septic conditions represent some of the most refractory causes of severe lameness in cattle. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of tulathromycin, gamithromycin and florfenicol into the synovial fluid of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of cattle after single subcutaneous administration of drug to evaluate the potential usefulness of these single-dose, long-acting antimicrobials for treating bacterial infections of the joints in cattle. RESULTS: Twelve cross-bred beef cows were randomly assigned to one of the drugs. Following subcutaneous administration, arthrocentesis of the left metatarsophalangeal joint was performed at various time points up to 240 hours post-injection, and samples were analyzed for drug concentration. In synovial fluid, florfenicol pharmacokinetic parameters estimates were: mean Tmax 7 +/- 2 hours, mean t(1/2) 64.9 +/- 20.1 hours and mean AUC0-inf 154.0 +/- 26.2 ug*h/mL. Gamithromycin synovial fluid pharmacokinetic parameters estimates were: mean Tmax 8 hours, mean t(1/2) 77.9 +/- 30.0 hours, and AUC0-inf 6.5 +/- 2.9 ug*h/mL. Tulathromycin pharmacokinetic parameters estimates in synovial fluid were: Tmax 19 +/- 10 hours, t(1/2) 109 +/- 53.9 hours, and AUC0-inf 57.6 +/- 28.2 ug h/mL. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, synovial fluid concentrations of all three antimicrobials were higher for a longer duration than that of previously reported plasma values. Although clinical data are needed to confirm microbiological efficacy, florfenicol achieved a synovial fluid concentration greater than the MIC90 for F. necrophorum for at least 6 days. Bovine lameness due to suspected chlamydial infection Jones, G. Bovine lameness due to suspected chlamydial infection Jones, G. Modern Veterinary Practice 1981 Patterns of heat response and adaptation on summer pasture: A comparison of heat-sensitive (Angus) and -tolerant (Romosinuano)... Eichen, P. A., Johnson, J. S., Scharf et al Patterns of heat response and adaptation on summer pasture: A comparison of heat-sensitive (Angus) and -tolerant (Romosinuano) cattle Eichen, P. A., Johnson, J. S., Scharf, B., Spiers, D. E., Weaber, R. L. Journal of Thermal Biology 2012 Heat stress in Bos taurus cattle is a problem that affects many regions of the world. Numerous studies have focused on heat stress in feedlots or environmental chambers; but few have looked at undisturbed cattle on pasture. The present study followed two Bos taurus cattle breeds throughout a mid-Missouri summer to determine thermoregulatory responses to fluctuating summer air temperature (Ta), as well as differences in adaptation to heat. Heat-sensitive Angus steers (ANG; n=22; 480±7.15 kg BW), and heat-tolerant Romosinuano steers (RO; n=11; 352±6 kg BW) were monitored on 12 day from June through August of 2009 in an endophyte free tall fescue pasture. Data were grouped into two, six-day periods representing peak (Period 1) and late (Period 2) summer for determination of adaptation. Respiration rate (RR) was measured via flank counting and telemetric temperature transmitters in the rumen of each animal monitored core temperature (Trum). Romosinuano sustained a lower (P<0.05) RR and Trum compared to ANG during both periods. Linear relationships for RR and Trum, compared against Ta for both Periods were determined. Slopes of RR to Ta from Period 1 to Period 2 decreased (P<0.05) from 2.63 to 1.08 bpm/°C and 2.25 to 0.49 bpm/°C for ANG and RO, respectively. Slopes of Trum to Ta also decreased (P<0.05) from Periods 1 to 2 from 0.12 to 0.02 °C Trum/°C Ta for ANG; however, RO showed no differences between periods. Although Romosinuano have a lower respiration rate and ruminal temperature than Angus, they share a similar pattern of respiration rate adaptation from early to late summer periods. Experimental Brucella-Abortus Strain 19 Arthritis in Young Cattle Confer, A. W., Johnson, B., Morton et al Experimental Brucella-Abortus Strain 19 Arthritis in Young Cattle Confer, A. W., Johnson, B., Morton, R. J., Mosier, D. A. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation 1994 Several reports have shown an association between lameness in cattle and vaccination with Brucella abortus strain 19. Affected joints are culture negative for Brucella, but the synovial fluid is positive for B. abortus antibodies. The joints contain cloudy fluid, with villous proliferation of the synovium. Brucella abortus antigens are often found in the synovium with fluorescent antibody staining. This report describes the experimental reproduction of a chronic synovitis in 6 young Angus steers using intra-articular injections of B. abortus strain 19. The carpal and tibial joints were injected with 5 x 10(9) colony-forming units/ml of B. abortus strain 19 and regularly biopsied over a 28-day period. Steers started becoming serologically positive for B. abortus on post-inoculation day (PID) 5 and were all positive by PID 7. Joints were cultured and examined by fluorescent antibody staining, immunohistochemical methods, and light and transmission electron microscopy. Lesions typical of the field cases were present by PID 21. Brucella abortus was cultured more often during PID 1-5 (6 of 9 joints) than during PID 7-28 (3 of 15 joints). Brucella abortus was only found on PID 1 and 5 by fluorescent antibody staining and in only 2 joints immunohistochemically on PID 5 and 7. The reproduction of lesions typical of field cases but the inability to locate B. abortus antigens in the synovium raises the question of whether in field cases the synovium is continually or intermittently seeded with bacteria or if factors other than just the bacterium are needed to perpetuate the lesion Experimental Brucella abortus strain 19 arthritis in young cattle Johnson, B. Experimental Brucella abortus strain 19 arthritis in young cattle Johnson, B. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation 1994 Several reports have shown an association between lameness in cattle and vaccination with Brucella abortus strain 19. Affected joints are culture negative for Brucella, but the synovial fluid is positive for B. abortus antibodies. The joints contain cloudy fluid, with villous proliferation of the synovium. Brucella abortus antigens are often found in the synovium with fluorescent antibody staining. This report describes the experimental reproduction of a chronic synovitis in 6 young Angus steers using intra-articular injections of B. abortus strain 19. The carpal and tibial joints were injected with 5 x 10(9) colony-forming units/ml of B. abortus strain 19 and regularly biopsied over a 28-day period. Steers started becoming serologically positive for B. abortus on post-inoculation day (PID) 5 and were all positive by PID 7. Joints were cultured and examined by fluorescent antibody staining, immunohistochemical methods, and light and transmission electron microscopy. Lesions typical of the field cases were present by PID 21. Brucella abortus was cultured more often during PID 1-5 (6 of 9 joints) than during PID 7-28 (3 of 15 joints). Brucella abortus was only found on PID 1 and 5 by fluorescent antibody staining and in only 2 joints immunohistochemically on PID 5 and 7. The reproduction of lesions typical of field cases but the inability to locate B. abortus antigens in the synovium raises the question of whether in field cases the synovium is continually or intermittently seeded with bacteria or if factors other than just the bacterium are needed to perpetuate the lesion The role of trace minerals in bovine lameness Greenough, P. R., Johnson, A. B., Socha et al The role of trace minerals in bovine lameness Greenough, P. R., Johnson, A. B., Socha, M. T. Feed Compounder 1999 The roles of iodine, zinc, copper, selenium and manganese, and their interactions, in lameness in cattle are reviewed briefly Identification and grouping of Dichelobacter nodosus, using PCR and sequence analysis Abraham, K. J., Ellis, R. P., John et al Identification and grouping of Dichelobacter nodosus, using PCR and sequence analysis Abraham, K. J., Ellis, R. P., John, G. H., Smith, R. Molecular and Cellular Probes 1999 Dichelobacter nodosus is the causative agent of ovine foot rot, a disease that is a constant economic burden for many Western sheep ranches. Vaccination is one method of treating foot rot. A higher and more specific immune response is observed when monovalent vaccines are used to treat foot rot, as compared to multivalent vaccines, which incorporate all 10 major New Zealand D. nodosus serogroups. There is no single assay for specifically identifying and grouping D. nodosus for the purpose of incorporating only the desired serogroup(s) in a vaccine. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay was used to specifically identify and group D. nodosus from a fool rot lesion. Identification and grouping was determined by predicted fragment size analysis and nucleotide sequence information. The PCR approach vastly improves the accuracy in identifying and grouping D. nodosus from a foot rot lesion. (C) 1999 Academic Press. Minimum inhibitory concentrations for 25 selected antimicrobial agents against Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium strains... Jimenez, R., Mateos, E., Piriz, S. et al Minimum inhibitory concentrations for 25 selected antimicrobial agents against Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium strains isolated from footrot in sheep of portugal and spain Jimenez, R., Mateos, E., Piriz, S., Vadillo, S. Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series B-Infectious Diseases and Veterinary Public Health 2004 The agar dilution method was used to determine the inhibitory activity of 25 antimicrobial agents against 69 strains of Dichelobacter nodosus and 108 strains of the genus Fusobacterium, all of which were isolated from 90 clinical cases of ovine footrot between October 1998 and November 2000. In the case of the micro-organisms belonging to the genus Fusobacterium, the six beta-lactams studied (benzyl penicillin, ampicillin, cloxacillin, cefadroxil, cefuroxime and cephalexine) proved to be, in general, the most effective antimicrobial agents. Chloramphenicol, clindamycin and doxycycline were also quite active against Fusobacterium spp. With regard to the 69 strains of D. nodosus tested, the levels of resistance remain low. Outbreak of bovine dermatitis digitalis and dermatitis verrucosa in Korea Han, H. R., Jeong, S. W., Na, S. H. et al Outbreak of bovine dermatitis digitalis and dermatitis verrucosa in Korea Han, H. R., Jeong, S. W., Na, S. H., Seo, I. B. Korean Journal of Veterinary Clinical Medicine 1994 Study on application of surgical therapeutic method of foot diseases and foot anesthesia technique in cattle Jeong, S. W., Jeong, SoonWuk, Yun et al Study on application of surgical therapeutic method of foot diseases and foot anesthesia technique in cattle Jeong, S. W., Jeong, SoonWuk, Yun, S. J., Yun, SukJung Korean Journal of Veterinary Research 1999 A surgical technique for treatment of lameness was evaluated in 45 cows with pododermatitis circumscripta, hyperplasia interdigitalis and dermatitis verrucosa. Surgery was performed under regional retrograde intravenous anaesthesia of claw. The mean duration of anaesthesia was 75 min and the mean surgery time for treatment of pododermatitis circumscripta, hyperplasia interdigitalis and dermatitis verrucosa was 35, 20 and 21 min, respectively. Seven days after operation, lameness score was 0, and surgical wounds were clean without swelling, fistulation or purulent exudate Study on the use of retrograde intravenous regional anaesthesia of the foot in lame cows Jeong, S. W., Jeong, SoonWuk Study on the use of retrograde intravenous regional anaesthesia of the foot in lame cows Jeong, S. W., Jeong, SoonWuk Korean Journal of Veterinary Clinical Medicine 1998 Preferences of lame cows for type of surface and level of social contact in hospital pens Forkman, B., Herskin, M. S., Houe, H. et al Preferences of lame cows for type of surface and level of social contact in hospital pens Forkman, B., Herskin, M. S., Houe, H., Jensen, M. B., Thomsen, P. T. J Dairy Sci 2015 To investigate preferences of lame cows for flooring and level of social contact, 37 lame, lactating dairy cows (diagnosed with sole ulcer or white line disease) were housed individually for 6 d in experimental hospital pens, where they could choose between 2 equally sized areas (6m x 4.5m) with either deep-bedded sand or a rubber surface. On both surfaces, cows could choose between 2 equally sized areas either near or away from heifers in a neighboring group pen. Cows spent more time lying on the deep-bedded sand than on the rubber surface (870 vs. 71min/d), whereas they spent less time upright (standing or walking) on the sand than on the rubber surface (180 vs. 319min/d). In addition, cows spent less time self-grooming on the sand than on the rubber surface (2.2 vs. 4.7% of time spent upright). With regard to level of social contact, cows spent more time near the neighboring heifers than away from them; this was true both while lying (565 vs. 374min/d) and upright (276 vs. 223min/d). Self-grooming was seen significantly more near neighboring heifers than away from them (4.8 vs. 3.3% of time spent upright). When lying, cows more often positioned themselves in areas of the pen where they could maintain visual contact with neighboring heifers. Lame cows with sole ulcers or white line disease preferred deep-bedded sand for lying, and preferred to perform self-grooming while on the rubber surface. Similarly, they preferred to lie and to perform self-grooming while positioned near animals in a neighboring pen. These results suggest that provision of a deep-bedded lying area in hospital pens is important to the welfare of lame cows. We found no evidence of isolation-seeking behavior in animals with these diagnoses (and no systemic symptoms) while they were kept in individual hospital pens. Behaviour around the time of calving in dairy cows Jensen, Margit Bak Behaviour around the time of calving in dairy cows Jensen, Margit Bak Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2012 The early behaviour of cow and calf in an individual calving pen Jensen, Margit Bak The early behaviour of cow and calf in an individual calving pen Jensen, Margit Bak Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2011 Epidemiology of toe tip necrosis syndrome (TTNS) of North American feedlot cattle Fenton, K., Jelinski, M., Paetsch, C. et al Epidemiology of toe tip necrosis syndrome (TTNS) of North American feedlot cattle Fenton, K., Jelinski, M., Paetsch, C., Perrett, T. Can Vet J 2016 Toe Tip Necrosis Syndrome (TTNS) is predominantly a hind limb lameness of feedlot cattle that develops early in the feeding period. Retrospective analyses of feedlot health records were conducted in order to describe the epidemiology of the disease at the level of the individual animal, lot, and feedyard. Analysis of 1904 lots (cohorts of > 100 head) of cattle, from 48 feedyards, found that TTNS occurred sporadically, but clustered by both lots and feedyards. Only 3.8% of lots had >/= 1 case of TTNS; however, 26.4% of these lots were associated with 1 feedyard. Analysis of 702 cases of TTNS found that the disease clusters early in the feeding period; the mean (median; range) number of days on feed at death was 42.3 d (27.0 d; 4 to 302 d). The disease occurred in all months of the year and affected calves, yearlings, steers, and heifers. It was equivocal as to whether the source of the animals was associated with how quickly they died of TTNS in the feedyard.
Publisher: Epidemiologie du syndrome de la necrose du bout des doigts (SNBD) du betail dans les parcs d'engraissement d'Amerique du Nord. Le syndrome de la necrose du bout des doigts (SNBD) est une boiterie des membres posterieurs du betail des parcs d'engraissement qui se developpe de 1 a 4 semaines apres l'arrivee au parc d'engraissement. Des analyses retrospectives des dossiers de sante des parcs d'engraissement ont ete realisees afin de decrire l'epidemiologie de la maladie au niveau de l'animal individuel, du lot d'animaux et du parc d'engraissement. Une analyse de 1904 lots (cohortes de > 100 tetes) de betail, provenant de 48 parcs d'engraissement, a constate que le SNBD se produisait sporadiquement, mais qu'il etait regroupe selon les lots et les parcs d'engraissement. Seulement 3,8 % des lots avaient >/= 1 cas de SNBD; cependant, 26,4 % de ces lots etaient associes a 1 parc d'engraissement. Une deuxieme analyse des 702 cas de SNBD a confirme que la maladie se regroupe au debut de la periode d'engraissement; le nombre moyen de jours (mediane; ecart) d'engraissement a la mort etait de 42,3 jours (27,0 jours; de 4 a 302 jours). La maladie se produisait durant tous les mois de l'annee et touchait les veaux, les animaux d'un an, les bouvillons et les genisses. Il etait equivoque a savoir si la source des animaux etait associee a la rapidite d'une mort causee par SNBD dans le parc d'engraissement.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallieres).
fre Eradication of ovine footrot by repeated daily footbathing in a solution of zinc sulphate with surfactant Depiazzi, L. J., Galvin, D. A., Jelinek et al Eradication of ovine footrot by repeated daily footbathing in a solution of zinc sulphate with surfactant Depiazzi, L. J., Galvin, D. A., Jelinek, P. D., Palmer, M. A., Pitman, D. R., Spicer, I. T. Australian Veterinary Journal 2001 Objective To investigate the effect on ovine footrot of repeated daily footbathing in a solution of zinc sulphate with surfactant. Design Merino sheep were allocated to control and treatment groups of 119 sheep each at week 0. The sheep had a history of S1, U1,T and/or U6 types of Dichelobacter nodosus in interdigital and underrunning footrot lesions. Feet were not pared prior to treatment. Procedure Treatment sheep were footbathed in a 15 to 18% (w/v) solution of zinc sulphate with surfactant for 10 min on five consecutive days during week 1. At week 2, and fortnightly to week 52, all feet were inspected, lesion scores were recorded and samples were taken for laboratory tests. At week 53, all feet with no lesions at week 52, but with underrunning lesions prior to week 1, were pared and samples were taken. Results After footbathing, there were no lesions in any treatment sheep at any inspection to week 52. The percentage of feet of control sheep with lesions increased from 9% (391 of 4284) between weeks 20 and 36, to 14% (593 of 4284) between weeks 36 and 52. Ninety-five of 96 control sheep with no lesions at week 20 were still asymptomatic at week 52. D nodosus was not isolated from samples taken from 99 and 87 pared feet of treatment and control sheep, respectively. Conclusion Repeated daily footbathing combined with prolonged exposure to a dry environment eradicated footrot in sheep with both interdigital and underrunning lesions in feet that were not pared prior to treatment. Occurrence of different strains of Dichelobacter nodosus in new clinical lesions in sheep exposed to footrot associated with... Depiazzi, L. J., Galvin, D. A., Jelinek et al Occurrence of different strains of Dichelobacter nodosus in new clinical lesions in sheep exposed to footrot associated with multi-strain infections Depiazzi, L. J., Galvin, D. A., Jelinek, P. D., Palmer, M. A., Pitman, D. R., Spicer, I. T. Australian Veterinary Journal 2000 Objective To investigate the occurrence of S1, U1 and T strains of Dichelobacter nodosus in new clinical lesions in sheep exposed to footrot associated with multi-strain infections. Design Seventy-seven donor sheep were grazed with 84 recipients for 33 weeks. The donor sheep were Merinos with a history of clinically virulent footrot associated with protease type S1, U1 and T strains of D nodosus that hybridised with gene sequences pJIR314B, pJIR318 and/or pB645-335. The recipient sheep were Merinos with no history of footrot. Procedure Each fortnight, all feet were examined, their lesion scores were recorded and samples of lesion material were taken for laboratory tests. Results Eighty-nine percent (299 of 336) of feet of recipient sheep developed new clinical lesions. S1, U1 and T strains of D nodosus were recovered from 58%, 22% and 18%, respectively, of these lesions at a ratio that remained constant during two apparent peaks in footrot transmission. Gene sequences homologous to pJIR314B and pB645-335 were detected in 56% (93 of 166) and 29% (48 of 166), respectively, of S1 strains of D nodosus at a ratio that was not constant during the experiment. Conclusions S1 was the dominant protease type of D nodosus in new clinical lesions. The occurrence of S1 strains did not increase relative to U1 and T strains of D nodosus during the experiment. S1, U1 and T strains of D nodosus remained in equilibrium despite changes in environment, genetic types in the population of S1 strains, and host resistance to footrot. Failure to eradicate ovine footrot associated with Dichelobacter nodosus strain A198 by repeated daily footbathing in zinc... Depiazzi, L. J., Jelinek, P. D. Failure to eradicate ovine footrot associated with Dichelobacter nodosus strain A198 by repeated daily footbathing in zinc sulphate with surfactant Depiazzi, L. J., Jelinek, P. D. Australian Veterinary Journal 2003 Objective To investigate the effect of repeated daily footbathing in zinc sulphate on virulent ovine footrot associated with S1, U1 and U5 zymogram types of Dichelobacter nodosus, including the highly virulent S1 strain A198. Design A field trial with experimentally infected sheep. Procedure At week 0, 50 sheep were infected with D nodosus strains A198 (S1)), C305 (U1), BC3993 (U5) and BC3995 (U5). At weeks 1 and 47, respectively, 169 and 235 uninfected sheep were added. At week 60, sheep were allocated to control and treatment groups each containing 220 sheep. Every 2 or 4 weeks to week 113, feet were inspected, and lesions were scored and sampled. Treatment sheep were footbathed in 15 to 18% (w/v) zinc sulphate with surfactant for 5 consecutive days (10 min per day) during week 61. During week 110, the footbathing protocol was applied again, this time to all surviving treatment and control sheep. Results BC3993 and All 98 were isolated from 57% (162 of 285) and 20% (58 of 285), respectively, of new lesions sampled between weeks 3 and 13, and 21% (57 of 271) and 50% (136 of 271) between weeks 49 and 59. Percentages of new lesions associated with C305 and BC3995 remained constant. During the initial 17 weeks after footbathing at week 61, 90% (75 of 83) and 19% (95 of 490) of lesions in treatment and control sheep, respectively, were score 4 or 5, and 94% (47 of 50) and 38% (33 of 87) of those were associated with A198. Conclusions Repeated daily footbathing did not eradicate virulent ovine footrot because strain A198 produced deep, covert lesions that facilitated the survival of D nodosus. Validation of an r3AB1-FMDV-NSP ELISA to distinguish between cattle infected and vaccinated with foot-and-mouth disease virus Compaired, D., Fondevila, N., Jaworski et al Validation of an r3AB1-FMDV-NSP ELISA to distinguish between cattle infected and vaccinated with foot-and-mouth disease virus Compaired, D., Fondevila, N., Jaworski, J. Pablo, Perez, M., Trono, K., Trotta, M. Journal of Virological Methods 2011 Associations of subclinical hypocalcemia at calving with milk yield, and feeding, drinking, and standing behaviors around... Huzzey, J. M., Jawor, P. E., LeBlanc et al Associations of subclinical hypocalcemia at calving with milk yield, and feeding, drinking, and standing behaviors around parturition in Holstein cows Huzzey, J. M., Jawor, P. E., LeBlanc, S. J., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Measurement of temperature generation in the corium of bovine claws during claw trimming with an angle grinder using different... Altenbrunner-Martinek, B., Haller, J. et al Measurement of temperature generation in the corium of bovine claws during claw trimming with an angle grinder using different grinding and cutting disks Altenbrunner-Martinek, B., Haller, J., Jantscher, H., Kofler, J., Schobesberger, H., Windischbauer, G. Berliner Und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift 2005 On 80 bovine hindclaws from slaughtered cows a correct functional claw trimming (sole horn thickness 5 mm; group 1) and on further 80 hindclaws a standardised, incorrect claw trimming (sole horn thickness 2 mm; group 2) was performed using 4 different disks (one cutting, three grinding disks). Two thermocouples were inserted into the solar corium and the heat production on the corium was measured during claw trimming. During correct functional claw trimming with each of the 4 disks a temperature increase in the corium with a median of <= 0.3 degrees C was calculated. During incorrect claw trimming (2 mm sole horn thickness) a temperature increase with a median of <= 0.3 degrees C for the first three disks was determined. During claw trimming using the abrasive semiflexible plastic disk a median of 1.3 degrees C temperature increase was calculated. Comparison of the temperatures measured in the claws from group 1 and 2 showed a statistically significant difference between all four disks. Comparison of the temperature increase within each group (group I and 2) revealed a statistically significant difference between the cutting disk with steel blades and the abrasive, semiflexible plastic disk in both groups. The highest temperatures measured were 41.5 degrees C in group I using the disk with 70 % amount of fitted hard metal granulate, and 42.2 degrees C in group 2 (temperature increase of 10.6 degrees C) using the abrasive semiflexible plastic disk. Under the experimental conditions of this study, only a very slight thermogenesis was found when a functional and correct claw trimming using the 4 tested disks was performed. This slight thermogenesis should not be able to cause thermic injury of the corium. By trimming the sole horn incorrectly (2 mm) the measured heat generation in the corium was minor, without danger of thermic insult, excepted for using the disk with a 70 % amount of fitted hard metal granulate and the abrasive semiflexible plastic disk. Even, it is unlikely that a short term temperature increase of 10.6 degrees C can cause thermic insults of the solar corium. Short communication: Pilot study on hormonal, metabolic, and behavioral stress response to treatment of claw horn lesions in... Daenicke, S., Heppelmann, M., Janssen et al Short communication: Pilot study on hormonal, metabolic, and behavioral stress response to treatment of claw horn lesions in acutely lame dairy cows Daenicke, S., Heppelmann, M., Janssen, S., Kehler, W., Meyer, U., Palme, R., Rehage, J., Rizk, A., Starke, A., Steiner, A., Wunderlich, C. J Dairy Sci 2016 Short-term effects of therapeutic claw trimming in acutely lame cows (n=21) with nonadvanced claw horn lesions on the endocrine, metabolic, and behavioral stress responses were investigated in comparison to regular claw trimming in nonlame control cows (n=21). Controls were matched to lame cows by parity and stage of lactation. Lame cows suffering from typical sole ulcers or white line disease were blinded and randomly assigned to 2 treatments, receiving 15 min before interventions either ketoprofen (n=11; 3mg/kg of BW intramuscularly; Romefen, Merial, Lyon, France) or placebo (n=10; saline in equivalent amount and route of administration). All cows underwent functional claw trimming in lateral recumbency on a surgical tipping table, and claw horn lesions in lame cows were conventionally treated (removal of loose horn, block on opposing claw, bandaging of affected claw). Blood samples collected 15 min before, at the end, and 24h after claw trimming were analyzed for concentrations of cortisol, fatty acids, lactate, and glucose, and fecal samples (collected before treatment and after 24 h) for cortisol metabolites. Behavioral stress responses during functional and therapeutic claw trimming were recorded. Concentrations of blood cortisol, fatty acids, glucose, and fecal cortisol metabolites were higher in lame than in nonlame cows after treatment. During claw treatment, more leg movements were recorded for lame cows than nonlame cows. Pre-emptive administration of ketoprofen had no obvious effects on stress responses to therapeutic claw trimming. Treatments of claw horn lesions caused a significant stress and pain reaction in acutely lame cows, demonstrating the necessity of adequate pain management protocols for such interventions. EFFECT OF THE FREQUENCY OF SOLUTION
CHANGE IN WALK THROUGH FOOTBATHS Bathina, H.,, Hemling, T., Janowicz, P., EFFECT OF THE FREQUENCY OF SOLUTION
CHANGE IN WALK THROUGH FOOTBATHS Bathina, H.,, Hemling, T., Janowicz, P., Ruminant lameness symposium 2006 Post-mortem Findings in Irish Culled Hounds Bassett, H. F., Callanan, J. J., Jahns et al Post-mortem Findings in Irish Culled Hounds Bassett, H. F., Callanan, J. J., Jahns, H., McElroy, M. C., Sammin, D. J. Journal of Comparative Pathology 2011 Amputation of the bovine claw by partial resection of the distal phalanx, an operation feasible for general practice, including... Jahn Falk, D., Martin, R. Amputation of the bovine claw by partial resection of the distal phalanx, an operation feasible for general practice, including cattle in loose housing Jahn Falk, D., Martin, R. Praktische Tierarzt 1997 Partial resection of a claw because of severe infectious and necrotic lesions permitted the retention of cows housed on slatted flooring, when the alternative would have been slaughter. The operation was performed on 15 cows during a 3-year period. In each case the external claw of a hind limb was affected Bovine fluorosis I: clinical pathology and investigations into source of fluorine Bhalerao, D. P., Jagadish, S., Samad et al Bovine fluorosis I: clinical pathology and investigations into source of fluorine Bhalerao, D. P., Jagadish, S., Samad, A., Singh, L. K. Indian Veterinary Journal 1998 In a herd of 165 cows on a government farm in Palghar, Mumbai, 93 (56.4%) developed clinical signs of fluorine poisoning, including general unthriftiness, lameness, reduced milk yield and feed intake, diarrhoea, visible bone exostoses, and dental lesions (discoloration, mottling and brown pigmentation). Values for serum calcium were lower, and those for alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and fluorine were significantly higher than those in 8 control cows. Severely affected animals had mild microcytic hypochromic anaemia, and mild eosinophilia. Analysis of the feed of the affected animals revealed that the concentrate used had a very high fluoride content (186 mg/kg) compared to that fed to the animals used as controls (28.8 mg/kg) Incidence and economics of digestive and locomotive disorders in Holstein X Sahiwal crossbreds Jadhav, K. L., Kale, M. M., Tripathi et al Incidence and economics of digestive and locomotive disorders in Holstein X Sahiwal crossbreds Jadhav, K. L., Kale, M. M., Tripathi, V. N. Indian Journal of Dairy Science 1995 The well-being of dairy cows in hot and humid climates .2. Reducing stress Jacobsen, K. L. The well-being of dairy cows in hot and humid climates .2. Reducing stress Jacobsen, K. L. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian 1996 Part I of this two-part presentation discussed the effects of heat stress in dairy cows. This article describes methods for alleviating heat stress for dairy cows in hot and humid climates. It also discusses control of other stressor (e.g., nutritional diseases and transient voltage). Dairy cows in hot and humid climates can benefit from natural or artificial shades as well as from fans and sprinklers. Improper nutrition can produce ruminal damage and laminitis. Electrical shocks resulting from transient voltage can cause pain and distress; shocks from waters may decrease the cow's fluid intake. Cows respond well to gentle treatment and apparently produce more milk when country music is played in the milking parlor Invited review: The impact of automatic milking systems on dairy cow management, behavior, health, and welfare Jacobs, J. A., Siegford, J. M. Invited review: The impact of automatic milking systems on dairy cow management, behavior, health, and welfare Jacobs, J. A., Siegford, J. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Over the last 100 yr, the dairy industry has incorporated technology to maximize yield and profit. Pressure to maximize efficiency and lower inputs has resulted in novel approaches to managing and milking dairy herds, including implementation of automatic milking systems (AMS) to reduce labor associated with milking. Although AMS have been used for almost 20 yr in Europe, they have only recently become more popular in North America. Automatic milking systems have the potential to increase milk production by up to 12%, decrease labor by as much as 18%, and simultaneously improve dairy cow welfare by allowing cows to choose when to be milked. However, producers using AMS may not fully realize these anticipated benefits for a variety of reasons. For example, producers may not see a reduction in labor because some cows do not milk voluntarily or because they have not fully or efficiently incorporated the AMS into their management routines. Following the introduction of AMS on the market in the 1990s, research has been conducted examining AMS systems versus conventional parlors focusing primarily on cow health, milk yield, and milk quality, as well as on some of the economic and social factors related to AMS adoption. Additionally, because AMS rely on cows milking themselves voluntarily, research has also been conducted on the behavior of cows in AMS facilities, with particular attention paid to cow traffic around AMS, cow use of AMS, and cows’ motivation to enter the milking stall. However, the sometimes contradictory findings resulting from different studies on the same aspect of AMS suggest that differences in management and farm-level variables may be more important to AMS efficiency and milk production than features of the milking system itself. Furthermore, some of the recommendations that have been made regarding AMS facility design and management should be scientifically tested to demonstrate their validity, as not all may work as intended. As updated AMS designs, such as the automatic rotary milking parlor, continue to be introduced to the dairy industry, research must continue to be conducted on AMS to understand the causes and consequences of differences between milking systems as well as the impacts of the different facilities and management systems that surround them on dairy cow behavior, health, and welfare. Lactating dairy cows adapt quickly to being milked by an automatic milking system Jacobs, J. A., Siegford, J. M. Lactating dairy cows adapt quickly to being milked by an automatic milking system Jacobs, J. A., Siegford, J. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Pen walks as a tool to determine the prevalence of digital dermatitis in young stock on Alberta dairy farms Barkema, W., Jacobs, C., Morabito, E. et al Pen walks as a tool to determine the prevalence of digital dermatitis in young stock on Alberta dairy farms Barkema, W., Jacobs, C., Morabito, E., Orsel, K. 18th International Symposium and 10th International Conference on lameness in ruminants 2015 Treatment of septic arthritis in calves Jackson, P. Treatment of septic arthritis in calves Jackson, P. In Practice 1999 Blackleg – a New Perspective On an Old Disease Jackson, C. A., McDonough, P. L. et al Blackleg – a New Perspective On an Old Disease Jackson, C. A., McDonough, P. L., Rebhun, W. C. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian 1995 Two first-calf Holstein heifers with a history of anorexia, depression, decreased milk production, severe hindlimb lameness, and swelling of 18 to 24 hours in duration were examined in February of 1993. The two animals were from a herd that, within a three-week period, had four bred heifers and one first-calf heifer die suddenly after exhibiting similar clinical signs. A pure culture of Clostridium chauvoei was isolated from the affected legs of both examined heifers. Fluorescent antibody examination was also positive for C. chauvoei. One heifer became recumbent and was euthanatized. The second heifer was treated and survived. None of the affected cattle in this outbreak was febrile. Despite an overwhelming infection, the two heifers had either normal or slightly elevated white blood cell counts and normal aspartate transaminase and creatine kinase serum chemistry values. Therefore, blood work may not be helpful in the diagnosis of clostridial myositis. Gram-stained smears or fluorescent antibody testing of the affected muscle can provide a rapid diagnosis of clostridial myositis. Bacterial culture can identify the species and confirm the diagnosis interdigital skin diseases nd sole lesions causing lameness in cattle. A review Izci, C. interdigital skin diseases nd sole lesions causing lameness in cattle. A review Izci, C. Lalahan Hayvancilik Arastirma Enstitusu Dergisi 1994 An important foot disease of cattle;: laminitis Izci, C. An important foot disease of cattle;: laminitis Izci, C. Lalahan Hayvancilik Arastirma Enstitusu Dergisi 1994 Lameness from toe abscesses Iwanski, C., Thompson, W. Lameness from toe abscesses Iwanski, C., Thompson, W. Large Animal Practice 1997 A novel technique of ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block in calves Devkota, Bhuminand, Furuhama, Kazuhisa et al A novel technique of ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block in calves Devkota, Bhuminand, Furuhama, Kazuhisa, Iwamoto, Jiro, Kim, Danil, Sasaki, Kouya, Yamagishi, Norio Research in Veterinary Science 2012 Impact of animal health and welfare planning on medicine use, herd health and production in European organic dairy farms Brinkmann, J., Gratzer, E., Hansen, B. et al Impact of animal health and welfare planning on medicine use, herd health and production in European organic dairy farms Brinkmann, J., Gratzer, E., Hansen, B., Henriksen, B. I. F., Huber, J., Ivemeyer , S., Leeb, C., March, S., Mejdell, C., Nicholas, P., Roderick, S., Smolders, G., Stöger, E., Vaarst, M., Walkenhorst, M., Whistance, L. K., Winckler, C. Livestock Science 2012 Farmers taking responsibility for herd health development – Stable Schools as a tool for dairy health and welfare planning in... Bell, N.J., Brinkmann, J., Cimer, K. et al Farmers taking responsibility for herd health development – Stable Schools as a tool for dairy health and welfare planning in Europe Bell, N.J., Brinkmann, J., Cimer, K., Gratzer, E., Ivemeyer , S., Leeb, C., March, ., Mejdell, M., Roderick, ., Smolders, G., Vaarst, M., Walkenhorst, M., Winckler, C. Organic Agriculture 2015 Lying behavior: Assessing within- and between-herd variation in free-stall-housed dairy cows Ito, K., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G. et al Lying behavior: Assessing within- and between-herd variation in free-stall-housed dairy cows Ito, K., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 One of the most important design criteria for dairy cow housing is access to a comfortable lying area. Behaviors such as the time cows spend lying down and how often they lie down can be used to evaluate the quality of stalls; however, assessing lying behavior on farms can be challenging. Indices such as the cow comfort index (CCI) and stall use index (SUI) have been widely used in on-farm assessments. The aims were to establish reliable sampling and recording methods for measuring lying behavior, to evaluate the adequacy of the CCI and SUI as estimates of lying behavior, and to describe variation in the lying behaviors of free-stall-housed dairy cows. The time spent lying down and the number of lying bouts for 2,033 cows on 43 farms were recorded for 5 d using electronic data loggers sampling at 1-min intervals. The CCI and SUI were calculated based on a single observation taken 2 h before the afternoon milking on each farm. Subsets of data were created, including 4, 3, 2, or 1 d per cow and 40, 30, 20, 10, 5, or 1 cow(s) per farm. The estimates derived from each sample size were compared with the overall means (based on 5 d and 44 cows per farm) for lying time and number of lying bouts, and the CCI and SUI were compared with the farm means of lying time, number of lying bouts, and bout duration using linear regression. Recording 30 or more cows for 3 d or more represented the overall means with high accuracy (R2 > 0.9), but using fewer cows or fewer days per cow resulted in poorer estimates of the farm mean. The CCI and SUI showed no association with the daily lying time (h/d; R2 < 0.01), and CCI was only weakly associated with the number of lying bouts per day (R2 = 0.16) and bout duration (min/bout; R2 = 0.09). Cows lay down 11.0 ± 2.1 h/d in 9 ± 3 bouts/d, with a bout duration of 88 ± 30 min/bout. These values ranged from 9.5 to 12.9 h/d, 7 to 10 bouts/d, and 65 to 112 min/bout across farm means, and 4.2 to 19.5 h/d, 1 to 28 bouts/d, and 22 to 342 min/bout across individuals, showing that variation in lying behavior among individual cows within farm was greater than differences among farms. Lying behavior as an indicator of lameness in dairy cows Ito, K., LeBlanc, S. J. et al Lying behavior as an indicator of lameness in dairy cows Ito, K., LeBlanc, S. J., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Lameness is widely recognized as one of the most serious welfare and production concerns in the dairy industry. Our objectives were to evaluate the associations between lying behavior and lameness, and to determine whether lying behavior can be used as a diagnostic tool for lameness. Electronic data loggers recorded lying behavior of 1,319 cows from 28 farms at 1-min intervals for 5 d. These cows were gait scored according to a 5-point Numerical Rating System (NRS), and categorized as NRS ≤2, NRS = 3, or NRS = 4; no cow was scored as NRS = 5. Lameness was dichotomized twice: LAME (NRS ≥3) and SEVLAME (NRS = 4). Data were divided into 2 groups: 11 farms using deep-bedded stalls (DB) and 17 farms using mattress stalls (MAT). Differences in the daily lying time (h/d), frequency of lying bouts (n/d), duration of lying bouts (min/bout), and the standard deviation of bout duration (min/bout) between LAME or SEVLAME cows and those that were not were tested using mixed models. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to identify behavioral thresholds to distinguish SEVLAME cows from the rest. Odds ratios for SEVLAME were estimated using logistic regression. Overall, 28.5% of cows were LAME including 7.3% that were SEVLAME. The prevalence of SEVLAME was higher on MAT farms than on DB farms (9.3 ± 1.3 vs. 4.4 ± 1.2%, respectively). SEVLAME cows on DB farms spent 12.8 [confidence interval (CI): 12.0 to 13.7] h/d lying down compared with 11.2 (CI: 10.7 to 11.8) h/d for cows that were not SEVLAME. These cows had longer duration of lying bouts [95.3 (CI: 84.6 to 107.3) vs. 80.3 (CI: 74.9 to 86.1) min/bout] and greater SD of bout duration [44.4 (CI: 41.1 to 48.0) vs. 50.7 (CI: 44.1 to 58.3) min/bout]. There were no behavioral differences among lameness categories on MAT farms. Within DB farms, cows with lying times >14.5 h/d had 16.2 (5.8 to 45.2) times higher odds of being SEVLAME. Cows with average lying bouts >90 min/bout were at 3.0 (1.2 to 7.4) times higher odds of being SEVLAME, and cows with average SD of bout duration >55 min/bout were at 4.1 (1.7 to 9.9) times higher odds of being SEVLAME. These results show that high lying times, long lying bouts, and variability in the duration of lying bouts were associated with lameness, and that stall surface influenced the behavioral responses of lame cows. Associations between herd-level factors and lying behavior of freestall-housed dairy cows Chapinal, N., Ito, K., von Keyserlingk et al Associations between herd-level factors and lying behavior of freestall-housed dairy cows Chapinal, N., Ito, K., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Our objective was to investigate the associations between herd-level factors and lying behavior of high-producing dairy cows housed in freestall barns. Lying behavior of approximately 40 focal cows in one high-producing pen was monitored on each of 40 farms in the northeastern United States (NE) and 39 farms in California (CA). All cows within the pen were gait scored using a 1-to-5 scale to calculate the prevalence of clinical lameness (score ≥3) and severe lameness (score ≥4). Facility and management measures, including stall design, bedding, and flooring type within the pen, were collected. Herd-level factors associated with daily lying time, standard deviation (SD) of daily lying time, frequency of lying bouts, and lying bout duration at the univariate level were submitted to multivariable general linear models. In the NE, daily lying time increased with the use of deep bedding (estimate = 0.80 ± 0.31 h/d) and as average days in milk (DIM) of the focal cows increased (estimate = 0.08 ± 0.04 h/d for a 10-d increase in DIM). The SD of daily lying time decreased as stall stocking density increased (estimate = −0.08 ± 0.03 h/d for a 10% increase), and increased with the presence of rubber flooring in the pen (estimate = 0.16 ± 0.08 h/d) and percentage of stalls with fecal contamination (estimate = 0.04 ± 0.01 h/d for a 10% increase). Frequency of lying bouts decreased (estimate = −1.90 ± 0.63 bouts/d) and average bout duration increased (estimate = 15.44 ± 3.02 min) with the use of deep bedding. In CA, where all farms used deep bedding, daily lying time increased as average DIM of the focal cows increased (estimate = 0.08 ± 0.03 h/d for a 10-d increase). The SD of daily lying time decreased when feed was delivered more than once per day (estimate = −0.24 ± 0.08 h/d). The percentage of lame cows was correlated with the percentage of stalls with fecal contamination (r = 0.45), which in turn was associated with fewer (estimate = −0.25 ± 0.06 bouts/d) and longer lying bouts (estimate = 1.85 ± 0.39 min/d). These findings suggest that lying time be interpreted in conjunction with variability in lying time and bout structure and in context with lameness prevalence, production parameters, and facility characteristics. A relationship between corium lesions and location of distal phalanges in dairy cows Ishii, R. A relationship between corium lesions and location of distal phalanges in dairy cows Ishii, R. Radiology and histopathology of lameness in young cattle with secondary copper deficiency Irwin, M. R. Radiology and histopathology of lameness in young cattle with secondary copper deficiency Irwin, M. R. Journal of Comparative Pathology 1974 Space Allowance and Type of Housing For Growing Cattle – a Review of Performance and Possible Relation to Neuroendocrine... Andersen, H. R., Ingvartsen, K. L. Space Allowance and Type of Housing For Growing Cattle – a Review of Performance and Possible Relation to Neuroendocrine Function Andersen, H. R., Ingvartsen, K. L. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section A-Animal Science 1993 This paper reviews the effect of space allowance, feeding space and floor type in loose housing and the effect of tie stalls versus loose housing on voluntary feed intake, daily gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass and meat quality, and health. Possible physiological mechanisms involved in mediating housing-induced differences in performance are discussed. Furthermore, animal well-being, practical implications and need for future research are commented. From the review the following conclusions are made: (1) Reduced space allowance from 4.7 to 1.5 m2 per animal changes feed intake, daily gain and feed conversion ratio to 92, 81 and 115%, respectively, for bulls and steers weighing 250-500 kg. (2) Only minor differences in performance are expected in animals kept on deep bedding and slatted floors when animals are compared at the same space allowance. (3) Reducing space at feed manger to less than one per animal in loose housing systems may reduce performance, but more data are needed to quantify the effects (4) Compared to tethered animals, loose-housed animals (greater-than-or-equal-to 4.7 m2 per animal) eat approximately 4% more and have an approximately 4% higher feed conversion ratio, probably due to increased exercise. (5) Loose- housed animals tend to have a higher conformation score and area of longissimus dorsi, less fat, darker meat and a tendency for tougher meat compared to tethered animals. (6) Loose-housed animals have a higher risk of inflamed legs and hoof problems compared to tethered animals. Loose-housed animals also have a higher risk of liver abscesses when they are fed high amounts of concentrates. A low space allowance on slatted floors increases the risk of tail tip lesions. Differences in performance due to space allowance are probably caused by stress. Stress results in changed levels of a multiplicity of hormones orchestrated by the neuropeptides corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), somatostatin (SS) and the catecholamines. A stress- induced reduction of feed intake may be mediated by increased levels of SS, CRF and possibly insulin, glucagon and gastrin. Evidence for the involvement of GH, ACTH, cortisol and testosterone, however, is weak. The mechanisms mediating stress-induced increase on feed conversion ratios are complex and not well understood in ruminants. However, stress may change the function of the gastrointestinal tract, nutrients absorbed, partitioning of nutrients and metabolism. A number of hormones are involved in these mechanisms, including somatotropic hormones. It is concluded that a low space allowance threatens the well-being of bulls and steers Analysis of the economically optimal voluntary waiting period for first insemination Hogeveen, H., Inchaisri, C., Jorritsma et al Analysis of the economically optimal voluntary waiting period for first insemination Hogeveen, H., Inchaisri, C., Jorritsma, R., van der Weijden, G. C., Vos, P. L. A. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 The voluntary waiting period (VWP) is defined as the time between parturition and the time at which the cow is first eligible for insemination. Determining the optimal VWP from field data is difficult and unlikely to happen. Therefore, a Monte-Carlo dynamic-stochastic simulation model was created to calculate the economic effects of different VWP. The model is dynamic and uses time steps of 1 wk to simulate the reproductive cycle (ovulation, estrous detection, and conception), the occurrence of postpartum disorders, and the lactation curve. Inputs of the model were chosen to reflect the situation of Dutch dairy cows. In the model, we initially created a cow of a randomly selected breed, parity, month of calving, calf status of last calving, and expected 305-d milk yield. The randomly varied variables were based upon relevant distributions and adjusted for cow statuses. The lactation curve was modeled by Wood's function. The economic input values in the analysis included: cost of milk production (€0.07 to €0.20 per kg), calf price (€35 to €150 per calf), AI cost (€7 to €24 per AI), calving management cost (€137 to €167 per calving), and culling cost, expressed as the retention pay-off (€118 to €1,117). A partial budget approach was used to calculate the economic effect of varying the VWP from 7 to 15 wk postpartum, using a VWP of 6 wk as reference. Per iteration, the VWP with either the lowest economic loss or the maximum profit was determined as the optimal VWP. The optimal VWP of most cows (90%) was less than 10 wk. On average, every VWP longer than 6 wk gave economic losses. Longer VWP were in particular optimal for the first parity of breeds other than Holstein-Friesian, cows calving in winter with low milk production, high milk persistency, delayed peak milk yield time, a delayed time of first ovulation, or occurrence of a postpartum disorder, and while costs of milk production are low and costs for AI are high. Economic consequences of reproductive performance in dairy cattle Hogeveen, H., Inchaisri, C., Jorritsma et al Economic consequences of reproductive performance in dairy cattle Hogeveen, H., Inchaisri, C., Jorritsma, R., van der Weijden, G. C., Vos, P. L. A. M. Theriogenology 2010 The net economic value of reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle was estimated using a stochastic dynamic simulation model. The objective was to compare the economic consequences of reproductive performance scenarios (“average” and “poor”) of a cow having a good reproductive performance and to explore which reproductive factors have an important impact on economic efficiency. A “good” reproductive performance scenario was defined with 1 ovulation rate (POVUi), 0.7 estrus detection rate (PEst), 0.7 conception rate (PCon), 0.03 incidence rate of postpartum disorders prolonging the ovarian cyclicity (CO), 0.2 incidence rate of postpartum disorders reducing conception (ME), 0.05 embryonic death rate (ED), and voluntary waiting period (VWP) of 9 wks pp (post partum). In the current situation of dairy cows in the Netherlands, an “average” reproductive scenario (0.95 POVUi, 0.5 PEst, 0.5 Pcon, 0.07 CO, 0.27 ME, 0.07 ED and VWP of 12 wks pp) and a “poor” reproductive scenario (0.90 POVUi, 0.3 PEst, 0.3 Pcon, 0.11 CO, 0.33 ME, 0.09 ED and VWP of 15 wks pp) were identified. A sensitivity analysis was performed by comparing changes of single effect of factors in a good and poor scenario with the average scenario. The mean net economic loss (NELi) compared with the good scenario was €34 and €231 per cow per year for the average and poor reproductive performance scenario, respectively. Increasing the calving interval resulted in greater economic loss. The important factors on the cost of reproductive efficiency were the involuntary culling cost and the return of milk production. Variation in PCon, PEst, ME, ED, and VWP had large impacts on economic benefits. Effects of nutrition and metabolic disorders on limb diseases in high-yielding dairy cows Illek, J. Effects of nutrition and metabolic disorders on limb diseases in high-yielding dairy cows Illek, J. Veterinarstvi 1998 Short communication: Automatic detection of social competition using an electronic feeding system Huzzey, J. M., Tiau, B. Y. F. et al Short communication: Automatic detection of social competition using an electronic feeding system Huzzey, J. M., Tiau, B. Y. F., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science Changes in Feeding, Drinking, and Standing Behavior of Dairy Cows During the Transition Period Huzzey, J. M., von Keyserlingk et al Changes in Feeding, Drinking, and Standing Behavior of Dairy Cows During the Transition Period Huzzey, J. M., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2005 The aims of this study were to determine how measures of feeding, drinking, and standing behavior change over the period around calving, to derive objective meal and drinking bout criteria for transition cows, and to describe the within-cow consistency of these behavioral measures. Fifteen transition dairy cows were monitored from 10 d before until 10 d after calving. Meal criteria were calculated for each cow in both the pre- and postcalving periods and varied among cows from 5.3 to 105.2 min. There was a tendency for the average number of meals per day to be higher after calving than before calving, but time spent eating declined from 87 to 62 min/d from the precalving to the postcalving period. Time spent drinking before calving averaged 5.5 min/d and increased gradually after calving to an average of 6.8 min/d. Total daily standing times remained reasonably similar over the transition period but were highest at around calving (14.4 h) and lowest during the precalving period (12.3 h). On the day of calving, there was a dramatic increase in the number of standing bouts (21.8 bouts) compared with the pre- and postcalving averages of 11.7 and 13.1 bouts, respectively. In summary, changes in feeding behavior may help account for the well-documented changes in feed intake during transition. Documented changes in standing behavior suggest that cow comfort may be particularly important during the time around calving. Prepartum Behavior and Dry Matter Intake Identify Dairy Cows at Risk for Metritis Huzzey, J. M., Veira, D. M. et al Prepartum Behavior and Dry Matter Intake Identify Dairy Cows at Risk for Metritis Huzzey, J. M., Veira, D. M., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2007 Metritis is a disease of particular concern after calving because of its profound negative effects on the reproductive performance of dairy cows. Cows at risk for metritis have shorter feeding times in the days before calving but prepartum dry matter intake (DMI) and water intake may also be useful in identifying cows at risk for this disease. Feeding, drinking, and intake measures may also be affected by social interactions among group-housed cows. The objective of this study, therefore, was to measure intake, feeding, drinking, and social behavior to determine which measures could identify cows at risk for metritis after calving. Feeding and drinking behavior and intake measures were collected from 101 Holstein dairy cows from 2 wk before until 3 wk after calving using an electronic monitoring system. Social behavior at the feed bunk was assessed from video recordings. Metritis severity was diagnosed based on daily rectal body temperature as well as condition of vaginal discharge that was assessed every 3 d after calving until d +21. In this study, 12% of cows were classified as severely metritic and 27% as mildly metritic. Prepartum feeding time and DMI were best able to identify cows at risk for metritis. Cows that developed severe metritis spent less time feeding and consumed less feed compared with healthy cows beginning 2 wk before the observation of clinical signs of infection. For every 10-min decrease in average daily feeding time during the week before calving, the odds of severe metritis increased by 1.72, and for every 1-kg decrease in DMI during this period, cows were nearly 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with this disorder. During the week before calving, cows that were later diagnosed with severe metritis had lower DMI and feeding times during the hours following fresh feed delivery. During this period these cows also engaged in fewer aggressive interactions at the feed bins compared with cows that remained healthy. This research is the first to show that social behavior may play an important role in transition cow health. Research is now required to determine how management should be changed to reduce or prevent illness in transition dairy cows. Short communication: Relationship between competitive success during displacements at an overstocked feed bunk and measures of... Grant, R. J., Huzzey, J. M., Overton et al Short communication: Relationship between competitive success during displacements at an overstocked feed bunk and measures of physiology and behavior in Holstein dairy cattle Grant, R. J., Huzzey, J. M., Overton, T. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Current attitudes of cattle practitioners to pain and the use of analgesics in cattle Huxley, J.N., Whay, H. R. Current attitudes of cattle practitioners to pain and the use of analgesics in cattle Huxley, J.N., Whay, H. R. Veterinary Record 2006 A questionnaire to examine the attitudes and perceptions of cattle practitioners to pain in cattle was sent to 2398 practitioners working in the UK, and 641 responses were received. From the range of procedures and conditions outlined in the questionnaire, claw amputation was scored as the most painful procedure undergone by adult cattle (assuming no analgesic drugs were administered), and neck calluses were scored as the least painful condition experienced by adult cattle. The pain associated with dystocia was considered the least painful experience for calves, and fracture of a distal limb and surgery for an umbilical hernia equally the most painful. There were significant differences between the pain scores assigned by men and women and by respondents who had graduated in different decades; female respondents and more recent graduates tended to give a higher pain score for most conditions. There were also significant differences between the pain scores assigned by respondents who routinely used analgesics and those who did not, the latter being more likely to assign significantly lower pain scores. Lameness and infertility in UK dairy herds. Two intractable Problems Bell, N.J., Huxley, J.N., Main et al Lameness and infertility in UK dairy herds. Two intractable Problems Bell, N.J., Huxley, J.N., Main, D. C. J., Whay, H. R. Reproduction in Domestic Animals 2007 Animal welfare assessment benchmarking as a tool for health and welfare planning in organic dairy herds Burke, J., Huxley, J.N., Main, D. C. J. et al Animal welfare assessment benchmarking as a tool for health and welfare planning in organic dairy herds Burke, J., Huxley, J.N., Main, D. C. J., Roderick, S., Whay, H. R. Veterinary Record 2004 Herd health and welfare benchmarking on organic dairy farms in South-West England Burke, J., Huxley, J.N., Main, D. C. J. et al Herd health and welfare benchmarking on organic dairy farms in South-West England Burke, J., Huxley, J.N., Main, D. C. J., Roderick, S., Whay, H. R. Cattle Practice 2003 This paper describes the assessment of herd health plans (HHP) carried out as part of a larger study evaluating the usefulness of health and welfare benchmarking in the development of HHPs. Fifteen farms were visited during the winter of 2002-2003. The assessment was composed of three parts, an inter-view, inspection and scoring of the records and herd health plan and an assessment of the milking cows in their winter housing environment. Preliminary results suggest that there is currently no clear link between the quality of the records and HHP and cow health and welfare. This is probably because currently, despite the presence of a HHP, most farms do not fully implement the contents of the plan on farm. So whilst herd health planning is now widespread, the impact on animal health and welfare is unclear. Attitudes towards HHPs and possible reasons for our findings are discussed. Impact of lameness and claw lesions in cows on health and production Huxley, J.N. Impact of lameness and claw lesions in cows on health and production Huxley, J.N. Livestock Science 2013 Lameness in cattle: An ongoing concern Huxley, J.N. Lameness in cattle: An ongoing concern Huxley, J.N. The Veterinary Journal 2012 An investigation into the effects of herd health planning and welfare benchmarking on cattle health and welfare on organic dairy... Huxley, J.N. An investigation into the effects of herd health planning and welfare benchmarking on cattle health and welfare on organic dairy farms in South West England Huxley, J.N. 2005 Survey on the use of pain relief in cattle Huxley, J., Whay, B. Survey on the use of pain relief in cattle Huxley, J., Whay, B. Veterinary Record 2004 Management and characteristics of recycled manure solids used for bedding in Midwest freestall dairy herds Endres, M. I., Husfeldt, A. W., Janni et al Management and characteristics of recycled manure solids used for bedding in Midwest freestall dairy herds Endres, M. I., Husfeldt, A. W., Janni, K. A., Salfer, J. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Association between stall surface and some animal welfare measurements in freestall dairy herds using recycled manure solids for... Endres, M. I., Husfeldt, A. W. Association between stall surface and some animal welfare measurements in freestall dairy herds using recycled manure solids for bedding Endres, M. I., Husfeldt, A. W. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Bilateral upward patellar fixation in two pregnant beef heifers Husband, J. A., Weaver, A.D. Bilateral upward patellar fixation in two pregnant beef heifers Husband, J. A., Weaver, A.D. Veterinary Record 1995 Strategies for the control of milk fever Husband, J. Strategies for the control of milk fever Husband, J. In Practice 2005 IN the past 25 years, average milk yields in the UK national herd have increased by 30 per cent and it is expected that they will continue to rise. The lactational demands on the dairy cow make it almost unique in its inability to maintain calcium homeostasis at parturition. Hence, milk fever or clinical periparturient hypocalcaemia is an important production disease in dairy animals, with an estimated annual incidence of 4 to 9 per cent in the UK. Milk fever depresses rumen contractility and is associated with other periparturient disorders such as retained placenta, dystocia, displaced abomasum, mastitis, lameness and ketosis. Periparturient disease and impaired rumen function can cause a drop in feed intake and worsen the precarious postpartum energy status of a cow. Ketosis and negative energy balance in the postpartum period, in turn, exert a strong influence on fertility. By offering the correct advice, it is often fairly easy to reduce the incidence of clinical and subclinical periparturient hypocalcaemia on farm. This article highlights the importance of a proactive, preventive approach, especially bearing in mind the cost of the disease and its association with several other periparturient disorders. This can provide a valuable opportunity for the practitioner to become more involved in herd nutrition. Aetiology of ovine footrot in Spain Hurtado, M. A., Jimenez, R., Piriz, S. et al Aetiology of ovine footrot in Spain Hurtado, M. A., Jimenez, R., Piriz, S., Vadillo, S., Valle, J. Veterinary Record 1998 Four hundred and sixty strains of obligate anaerobes were isolated from 216 cases of ovine footrot distributed throughout Spain, The predominant species was Dichelobacter nodosus, which was isolated in 168 cases (77.8 per cent). A higher proportion of the strains of D nodosus than of the other strains had elastolytic activity, 118 of the 168 strains degrading elastin, Species belonging to the genus Prevotella were isolated from 96 cases (44.4 per cent). Serotyping of the D nodosus strains showed that serovars Al, A2 and C were the most commonly isolated in Spain. Effect of a pre-wash on footbath contamination: a randomised control trial (Short comm) Bell, N.J., Blackmore, T.L., Hurst et al Effect of a pre-wash on footbath contamination: a randomised control trial (Short comm) Bell, N.J., Blackmore, T.L., Hurst, B.S., Mahendran, S.A., Manning, A.D. 2016 Does a pre-wash reduce the contamination in the treatment footbath at Boltons Park Farm? Hurst, B. Does a pre-wash reduce the contamination in the treatment footbath at Boltons Park Farm? Hurst, B. Final year research project 2015 Immunological parameters associated with antigenic competition in a multivalent footrot vaccine Brown, L. E., Hunt, J. D., Jackson et al Immunological parameters associated with antigenic competition in a multivalent footrot vaccine Brown, L. E., Hunt, J. D., Jackson, D. C., Stewart, D. J., Wood, P. R. Vaccine 1995 A murine model for antigenic competition with multivalent D. nodosus pill vaccine has been established that parallels the phenomenon observed in sheep where levels of antibody, specific for any particular serogroup of pili, are significantly lower following vaccination in the presence of multiple serogroups of pill than with that serogroup alone. This competition was observed in both high and low responder strains of mice and was not dependent on the multiplicity of the antigens in the multivalent vaccine bur could be observed with a large excess of a single heterologous serogroup. Competition was manifest by a reduction in the number of serogroup-specific antibody secreting cells elicited in response to vaccination The antibody response to a single serogroup of pili reached a plateau at high doses and it was at these doses that antigenic competition was most pronounced under conditions where both B- and T-cell responses were limiting The limit in T-cell responsiveness was not imposed at the level of presentation of antigen. Pili-specific T cells were largely cross-reactive for different serogroups, and tinder conditions of limiting T-cell stimulation within a lymph node the available T cells would have to be shaved between B cells specific for each serogroup of pili, which may in turn result in the decrease of serogroup-specific antibody induced following inoculation with the multivalent vaccine. Manipulation of the helper T cell response to influence antigenic competition occurring with a multivalent vaccine Brown, L. E., Hunt, J. D., Jackson et al Manipulation of the helper T cell response to influence antigenic competition occurring with a multivalent vaccine Brown, L. E., Hunt, J. D., Jackson, D. C., Stewart, D. J., Wood, P. R. Immunology and Cell Biology 1996 The reduction in antibody observed following inoculation with multiple heterologous Dichelobacter nodosus pill antigens is thought to be due to competition between antigen-specific B cells for a limited amount of T cell help. We demonstrate here that this competition is not further influenced by the expansion of cross-reactive antibody secreting cells at the expense of serogroup specific antibody secreting cells. The T cell determinants of pill recognized by sheep and BALB/c mice have been defined using 15 residue peptides. These T cell determinants include cross-reactive determinants in the conserved amino terminal region of the antigen. Here we investigate the effect of expanding the pill-specific T cell population by griming with pill derived T cell determinants. It was not possible to increase the antibody elicited in response to the multivalent vaccine by priming mice with either a synthetic peptide spanning a T cell determinant or with reduced and alkylated or heterologous serogroups of pili 4 weeks before inoculation with the multivalent vaccine. A strategy designed to increase the T cell population by inoculating animals with pill covalently coupled to an extrinsic T cell determinant was pursued. Associations of sole ulcer at claw trimming with reproductive performance, udder health, milk yield, and culling in Swedish dairy... Bergsten, C., Hultgren, J., Manske, T. Associations of sole ulcer at claw trimming with reproductive performance, udder health, milk yield, and culling in Swedish dairy cattle Bergsten, C., Hultgren, J., Manske, T. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2004 The association between sole ulcer found at routine claw trimming 2-6 months after calving and reproductive, health and productive traits in the same lactation, was investigated in an observational study of 2368 dairy cows in 102 Swedish herds. The data were analysed by mixed multivariable linear-, logistic- and Poisson-regression modelling at the cow level, accounting for clustering within herd. Associations were found between sole ulcer and first-service conception risk in the first study year (OR 0.59), calving interval (2% longer), treatment for anoestrus (OR 1.61), and 305-day milk yield (479 kg ECM higher). No associations could be shown between sole ulcer and first-service conception risk in the second study year, the number of services per conception, clinical mastitis, high milk somatic-cell counts or culling. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Housing conditions and routine hoof care of dairy cattle in western Sweden. A survey Bergsten, C., Hultgren, J., Manske, T. Housing conditions and routine hoof care of dairy cattle in western Sweden. A survey Bergsten, C., Hultgren, J., Manske, T. Report Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences 1997 In a survey conducted during the winter of 1996-97, questionnaires were sent to almost all of the dairy farmers in the area; 1989 replies were received, representing 47% of the farms (50% of the dairy cattle). Long stalls with stanchions were the most common housing type (in about half of the herds), followed by short stall stanchions (in one third); loose housing was used in 10% of herds. The litter was mainly chopped straw, except in cubicles where sawdust or wood shavings were generally found; rubber mats were used in the stalls of about half of the farms. Hoof trimming was carried out twice a year (or more often) in a third of the farms, and once a year in half of the farms. About 75% of the farmers hired professional hoof trimmers; those who served a large number of herds used electric grinders to a greater extent. Of those trimmed manually, most were done with a mallet and blade Effects of a rubber-slatted flooring system on cleanliness and foot health in tied dairy cows Bergsten, C., Hultgren, J. Effects of a rubber-slatted flooring system on cleanliness and foot health in tied dairy cows Bergsten, C., Hultgren, J. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2001 Effects on animal cleanliness and foot health of a new rubber-slat system for tied dairy cows, with the ability to drain faeces and urine, were studied in a 2-year controlled quasi-randomised trial in a Swedish university herd. Swedish Red and White cows were kept tied in 42 traditional long-stalls with rubber mats. In total, 82 cows were observed. In 21 stalls, the rearmost 0.74 m of the solid stall floor was replaced with nine rubber-coated 53 mm wide slats, divided by 29 mm slots. The cleanliness was assessed subjectively weekly (year 1) or bi-weekly (year 2) by observations of the hind part of the body. Claw measurements and foot health in hind feet were assessed in connection with hoof trimmings at the beginning, middle and end of the housing period. The foot-health recordings were blinded to flooring. For the analysis of both cleanliness (1781 records, 73 cows) and foot health (240 records, 79 cows), logistic regression was applied, using marginal models and cow observations as repeated measures within each year. The risk of getting dirty on the rubber-slatted floor was significantly lower (odds ratio 0.12 for hind feet when short stall dividers were used, 0.39 for hind legs and 0.38 for thighs and udder), comparing with the solid stall floor. The prevalence of foot diseases in hind feet at trimming was significantly lower on the rubber slats (odds ratio 0.23 for dermatitis, 0.09 for heel horn erosion, and 0.34 for sole ulcer or sole or white line haemorrhage). (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. Foot/leg and udder health in relation to housing changes in Swedish dairy herds Hultgren, J. Foot/leg and udder health in relation to housing changes in Swedish dairy herds Hultgren, J. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2002 Fractures and luxations of the pelvis and proximal femur. [Review] [25 refs] Hull, B. L. Fractures and luxations of the pelvis and proximal femur. [Review] [25 refs] Hull, B. L. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1996 Although lameness caused by fractures and luxations of the pelvis and proximal femur are rare, they are serious and often end an animal's productive life unless properly diagnosed and promptly treated. Diagnosis of these injuries is difficult without special radiographic equipment; however, careful physical examination will often lead to a tentative diagnosis. Coxofemoral luxations and slipped capital epiphysis are two of these life-threatening injuries. This article discusses their diagnosis and possible options for treatment, which can lead to a useful, productive life. The diagnosis of other pelvic injuries is discussed, although these injuries are often not as amenable to treatment. [References: 25] Treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis in cattle: 11 cases (1974-1988) Hull, B. L., Koenig, G. J., Monke, D. R. Treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis in cattle: 11 cases (1974-1988) Hull, B. L., Koenig, G. J., Monke, D. R. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1990 A mixed population of 11 cattle (7 dairy, 4 beef; 9 male, 2 female) were examined because of acute onset of non-weightbearing hind limb lameness. Radiography revealed slipped capital femoral epiphyseal fracture in all cattle, with the exception of one large bull. Ten of the 11 cattle were treated with open reduction and internal fixation, using intramedullary pins. Cattle affected with slipped capital femoral epiphyseal fracture in previous reports typically have been calves that required forced extraction during dystocia. Cattle in this report were in the following 2 age groups in which trauma was the likely cause: 3 to 5 months and 1.5 to 2.3 years. Follow-up information was provided for 7 of the 10 cattle. Four of the 7 were functional and had no clinical signs of arthritis, abnormal gait, atrophy, scarring, contralateral compensation, breakdown, or other difficulty 6 months after surgical correction. If early diagnosis is achieved, it appears that reduction with intramedullary pinning can provide a good long-term prognosis in cattle when function as breeding animals is important to their future value Prevalence of digital dermatitis in first lactation cows assessed at breeding cattle auctions Hulek, M., Kofler, J., Sommerfeld-Stur et al Prevalence of digital dermatitis in first lactation cows assessed at breeding cattle auctions Hulek, M., Kofler, J., Sommerfeld-Stur, I. The Veterinary Journal 2010 Evaluation of Instrumentation for Cow Positioning and Tracking Indoors Ahokas, J., Hakojärvi, M., Huhtala, A. et al Evaluation of Instrumentation for Cow Positioning and Tracking Indoors Ahokas, J., Hakojärvi, M., Huhtala, A., Mäkelä, P., Suhonen, K. Biosystems Engineering 2007 It has been seen that changes in cows’ behaviour are strong indicators of their health and welfare problems and thus they can be used as input to an early warning system. Many researchers have confirmed that lack of animal locomotion indicates lack of welfare. An automatic cow tracking system can be a solution, which can find the animals with welfare problems or oestrus. A lot of technologies have been used for location and tracking but only some are useable for animal tracking indoors. The possibility of using different indoor positioning systems for cow tracking was investigated. Based on the survey, the solution which uses wireless local area network (WLAN) has been chosen for a test installation. The installation was made to observe a loose housing system with 10 cows. In principle, the system accuracy was good (position accuracy 70% under 1 m) but in the actual case, the measurements were not stable enough. The system has shown its capability for the task but further development is needed before it is possible to use this solution for exact cow tracking. Environmental control of bovine lameness Cripps, P. J., Faull, W. B., French et al Environmental control of bovine lameness Cripps, P. J., Faull, W. B., French, N. P., Hughes, J. W. Cattle Practice 1997 A pilot study was started in 1994 on 4 farms in the UK, 2 of which had decided to make substantial alterations to their existing cubicle houses, whilst the other 2 had decided to replace them with straw yards. The effects of the changes on the incidence and prevalence of lameness and on cow comfort were assessed. In an additional study investigating outdoor walking surfaces suitable for dairy cows, different tracks were prepared along a lane used regularly by a dairy herd. The cows were observed walking on the tracks noting behaviour and track selection. Uncomfortable cubicles could be made more comfortable quite simply, but no clearcut reduction in incidence and prevalence of lameness was demonstrated. Cows appeared to have maximum freedom and comfort in straw yards, and the incidence and prevalence of lameness were dramatically reduced. No change in incidence of mastitis was shown in modified cubicles nor in straw yards. Cows preferred purpose-built tracks and gateways and walked quickly and confidently along them. Wood peelings provided a satisfactory surface which needed topping up at the beginning and middle of the grazing season. It is suggested that adjacent hedges should be cut back to maintain the width of the track. A width of 1.2 m seemed better than 0.9 m Cows and cubicles Hughes, J. Cows and cubicles Hughes, J. In Practice 2000 THE modern Holstein cow is a very different animal from her Friesian. Ayrshire and Shorthorn ancestors which she has now largely replaced. Breeding technology developed over recent years has hastened this change. On average, she is approximately 15 Em (6") taller at the shoulder and 30 cm (1') longer from nose to tail than the conventional Friesian. She produces up to three times as much milk, which means that with a fully stocked udder she has to carry around, with milk and tissue, the equivalent of 50 kg between her legs. As a result, she is more stressed and more Vulnerable and, to perform to her potential, she has a correspondingly increased need to be housed in comfort and cleanliness. Unfortunately. the modern dairy cow has largely inherited cubicle sheds designed 25 to 30 years ago for her smaller and more hardy predecessors. The adverse consequences often manifest themselves in mastitis, foot lameness, and swollen hocks, hips and knees. Analysis of Pressure Distributions Underneath Claws of the Cattle Breeds German Black-and-White As Well As German Simmental Distl, O., Hubert, C. Analysis of Pressure Distributions Underneath Claws of the Cattle Breeds German Black-and-White As Well As German Simmental Distl, O., Hubert, C. Zuchtungskunde 1994 The aim of this study was the analysis of pressure distributions underneath claws, hardness and electrical resistance of the claw horn at the ground surface of dairy cattle using a computerized measuring system. The investigation was carried out on each 10 cows of the two breeds German Black and White (DSB) as well as German Simmental (DFV) kept in a loose housing system. The measurements were taken at the right front leg and were first done in claws not trimmed since six months. The second measurements were performed six weeks after trimming of the claws. The pressure distribution recording system consists of a measuring platform equipped with 2048 pressure sensors working independently of each other, a central control unit and additional peripheral devices. The hardness of claw horn was determined by means of a 200 mm x 300 mm platform with 4 x 4 sensors placed every 4 cm like in a matrix. The test procedure is in accordance with Shore D, DIN 53 505. Electrical resistance as parameter for moisture content of claw horn was recorded by 16 spring sensors arranged like the elements of a 4 x 4 matrix in a distance of 3 cm. The dimensions of the platform are 200 mm x 200 mm. The results of the pressure distribution analysis showed that the medial claws of either the DSB and the DFV were overloaded. The central zones, especially the medical claws, were loaded by significantly higher average and maximum pressures in DFV as compared to DSB. In both breeds investigated, trimming of the claws significantly reduced the average and maximum pressure on the medial and lateral claws, and also equalised the varying pressures among the medial and the lateral claws. In untrimmed claws local pressure peaks up to 110 N/cm2 were registered, whereas on recently trimmed claws pressure records did not exceed 98 N/cm2. Claw trimming in DSB cows lowered local pressure peaks and improved pressure distribution more as contrasted to DFV. The moisture content of claw horn of the ground surface was the same in both breeds, but hardness was lower in DFV than in DSB Effect of breed, housing system and claw trimming on pressure distribution underneath claws of dairy cattle Distl, O., Hubert, C. Effect of breed, housing system and claw trimming on pressure distribution underneath claws of dairy cattle Distl, O., Hubert, C. Effect of breed, housing system and claw care on pressures exerted on the bovine claw and on the hardness and moisture content of... Hubert, C. Effect of breed, housing system and claw care on pressures exerted on the bovine claw and on the hardness and moisture content of claw horn Hubert, C. 1993 Measurements were made by means of sensors for pressure, hardness and electrical resistance on the claws of 35 cows of German Black Pied and German Spotted cows, before and after claw trimming, under loose and tethered housing conditions. There was relative overload on the medial claws in both breeds. The bearing surface was larger under loose housing than under tethered housing. Claw trimming reduced and equalised pressure on the bearing surfaces. Claws were harder in Black Pied than in Spotted cows, but there was no breed difference in electrical resistance (as a guide to moisture content) Evaluation of fixed factors affecting hoof health Huang, Y. C., McCoy, G. C., Shanks et al Evaluation of fixed factors affecting hoof health Huang, Y. C., McCoy, G. C., Shanks, R. D. Livestock Production Science 1995 Hoof trimming data collected from the University of Illinois dairy farm were studied for a single year (1983). There were 4722 trimmings in 1239 cows of 5 breeds (Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, and Jersey). Scores for six traits (corkscrew claw (CC), heel erosion (HE), interdigital dermatitis (ID), laminitis (LA), sole ulcers (SU) and white line separation (WLS)) were tested for fixed factors (breed, year, season, age, trimming interval and months postpartum) by an animal model. Ayrshires and Jerseys had `better' claw scores for all six traits. Brown Swiss had the worst score for CC. LA, SU and WLS were worst in Guernseys, and HE and ID were worst in Holsteins. November was the highest risk season for HE, SU and LA, whereas WLS was worst at July trimming. Scores of CC and ID were worst in March. Risk of each of the six traits increased with age. A 4-month trimming interval had worse scores than a longer trimming interval for all traits except SU and CC. This emphasized that cows trimmed more frequently usually had a higher probability of repeating their problems. Multiple factors were significantly involved in the expression of one or more of the six hoof traits Within herd estimates of heritabilities for six hoof characteristics and impact of dispersion of discrete severity scores on... Huang, Y. C., Shanks, R. D. Within herd estimates of heritabilities for six hoof characteristics and impact of dispersion of discrete severity scores on estimates Huang, Y. C., Shanks, R. D. Livestock Production Science 1995 Heritabilities and repeatabilities of 6 hoof traits were estimated from 10 years of routine hoof trimming data for a research dairy herd. Heritabilities were estimated using a Derivative-free Restricted Maximum Likelihood algorithm with an animal model on original scores and Snell-transformed scores. A sire threshold model was also tested, but was numerically unstable because of the small number of observations per sire. Heritability estimates based on 3821 records of the transformed scores were 0.05, 0.12, 0.06, 0.14, 0.02 and 0.08 for corkscrew claw, heel erosion, interdigital dermatitis, laminitis, sole ulcers and white line separation respectively; the repeatabilities were 0.17, 0.19, 0.15, 0.19, 0.14 and 0.14. Highly consistent estimates were obtained from original scores. Low h2 estimates with a relatively large proportion of permanent environmental variance with respect to additive genetic variance implied that the response to selection for a single score of corkscrew claw, interdigital dermatitis and sole ulcers would be small. Large proportions of environmental variance were consistent with 2 hypotheses: (1) corkscrew claw is affected by other diseases or inappropriate hoof care; (2) interdigital dermatitis or sole ulcers affect some cows repeatedly. Heritability estimates for heel erosion and laminitis were >0.1 Genetic Evidence For Claw Disorders Huang, Y. C., Shanks, R. D. Genetic Evidence For Claw Disorders Huang, Y. C., Shanks, R. D. Journal of Dairy Science 1992 Log-linear association models applied to interpretation of inheritance of hoof conformation and health Huang, Y., McCoy, G., Shanks, R. Log-linear association models applied to interpretation of inheritance of hoof conformation and health Huang, Y., McCoy, G., Shanks, R. Journal of Dairy Science 1994 Visualization of inheritance patterns from graphic representation of additive and dominance relationships between animals Huang, Y., Shanks, R. Visualization of inheritance patterns from graphic representation of additive and dominance relationships between animals Huang, Y., Shanks, R. Journal of Dairy Science 1995 Evaluation of pedigrees of normal and affected individuals help to suggest possible patterns of inheritance. Because large numbers of individuals are involved in studies of genetic disease, classic two-dimensional family tree charts are difficult to draw. Instead, DFA plots of graduated circles, weighted by dominance relationships, inbreeding, and additive relationships between individuals can be plotted above, on, and below the diagonal. Base animals without phenotypic measurements contribute information for computation of approximate dominance relationships, inbreeding, and additive relationships, but are not explicitly in the graph. Plotting only a set of randomly selected animals for each combination of phenotypes improves the visualization effect, especially when pedigrees are large or when computer resources are limited. For deficiency of uridine monophosphate synthase and interdigital hyperplasia, DFA plots showed higher densities of additive and dominance relationships among affected animals. However, DFA plots did not show clear patterns of inheritance for heel erosion, laminitis, or sole ulcers because environmental effects were important for those traits. Grouped graduated circles also improved visualization. The function of DFA plots is comparable with statistical scatter plots that display data to help examine statistical approaches. The DFA plots serve as a first approach to evaluate genetic hypotheses before a more complex model is fit Molecular characterization of foot-and-mouth disease virus isolated from ruminants in Taiwan in 1999-2000 Huang, C. C., Huang, T. S., Jong, M. H. et al Molecular characterization of foot-and-mouth disease virus isolated from ruminants in Taiwan in 1999-2000 Huang, C. C., Huang, T. S., Jong, M. H., Lee, S. H., Lin, S. Y., Lin, Y. L., Tu, W. J. Vet Microbiol 2001 In 1999, 10 sporadic outbreaks of cattle foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) occurred in Taiwan. By the time, infection was limited to the Chinese yellow cattle (a native species of beef cattle in Mainland China), which did not develop vesicular lesions under field conditions. Five viruses isolates obtained from individual farms were confirmed to be the serotype O FMD virus (O/Taiwan/1999). During January-February 2000, however, this virus has spread to dairy cattle and goat herds, causing severe mortality in goat kids and vesicular lesions in dairy cattle. Partial nucleotide sequence of the capsid coding gene 1D (VP1) was determined for the virus isolates obtained in this study. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP1 sequences indicated that the O/Taiwan/1999 viruses shared 95-97% similarities to the virus strains isolated from the Middle East and India. The species susceptibility of the O/Taiwan/1999 virus was experimentally studied in several species of susceptible animals, showing that the virus did cause generalized lesions in dairy cattle and pigs, however, it would not cause vesicular lesions on the Chinese yellow cattle and the adult goats. These studies suggested that the O/Taiwan/1999 virus was a novel FMD virus of Taiwan and it presented various levels of susceptibility in cattle species Anti-3AB antibodies in the Chinese yellow cattle infected by the O/Taiwan/99 foot-and-mouth disease virus Huang, C. C., Huang, T. S., Jong, M. H. et al Anti-3AB antibodies in the Chinese yellow cattle infected by the O/Taiwan/99 foot-and-mouth disease virus Huang, C. C., Huang, T. S., Jong, M. H., Lee, F., Lee, S. H., Lin, S. Y., Lin, Y. L., Tu, W. J. Vet Microbiol 2002 The O/Taiwan/99 foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), a South Asian topotype of serotype O, was introduced into Taiwan in 1999. The Chinese yellow cattle infected by the virus did not develop clinical lesions under experimental and field conditions. A blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit with the 3AB antigen, a polypeptide of FMDV non-structural (NS) proteins, was used to evaluate the development and duration of anti-3AB antibodies, proving active viral replication, in the Chinese yellow cattle. The specificity of the assay was 99%, as was established with negative sera from regularly vaccinated and from naive cattle. The sensitivity tested with sera from naturally infected animals was approximately 64% and it was lower than that obtained by serum neutralization (SN) test. Under experimental infection, the Chinese yellow cattle developed lower anti-3AB antibodies than that developed in other species. Duration of anti-3AB antibodies was traced in two herds of naturally infected animals, indicating that anti-3AB antibodies persisted for approximately 6 months after outbreaks. On the basis of this study, we propose that the Chinese yellow cattle may have natural resistance, which limits viral replication and reduces the development of anti-3AB antibodies Characteristics of foot and mouth disease virus in Taiwan Huang, C. C., Jong, M. H., Lin, S. Y. Characteristics of foot and mouth disease virus in Taiwan Huang, C. C., Jong, M. H., Lin, S. Y. J Vet Med Sci 2000 Since March 1997 two strains of foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus have found their way into Taiwan, causing severe outbreaks in pigs and in Chinese yellow cattle. Outbreaks occurred in March 1997 were caused by a pig-adapted virus strain (O/Taiwan/97) which did not infect other species of cloven-hoofed animals by natural route. The epidemic spread over the whole region of Taiwan within two months and the aftermath was 6,147 pig farms infected and 3,850,746 pigs destroyed. In June 1999, the second strain of FMD virus (O/Taiwan/99) was isolated from the Chinese yellow cattle in the Kinmen Prefecture and in the western part of Taiwan. By the end of 1999, Chinese yellow cattle were the only species infected and those infected cattle did not develop pathological lesions. Seroconversions of serum neutralization antibody and on non-structural protein (NSP) antibodies were the best indicators for infection in non-vaccinated herds. The infected animals, however, excreted infectious levels of virus to infect new hosts. Based on the detection of the specific antibody to FMD virus, and virus isolation from oesophageal-pharyngeal (OP) fluid samples, ten herds of Chinese yellow cattle located in Kinmen and Taiwan were declared to have been infected. During the period of January to March 2000, however, five outbreaks caused by FMD virus similar to the O/Taiwan/99 virus occurred in four prefectures of Taiwan. The infected species included goats, Chinese yellow cattle and dairy cattle. Those outbreaks have caused high mortality in goat kids under two weeks old and also developed typical clinical signs of infection in dairy cattle Treatment of ovine footrot with zinc sulfate/sodium lauryl sulfate footbaths Hristov, S., Mihailovic, M., Todorovic et al Treatment of ovine footrot with zinc sulfate/sodium lauryl sulfate footbaths Hristov, S., Mihailovic, M., Todorovic, M. Acta Veterinaria-Beograd 1999 Seven groups of sheep, with a total of 365 animals were used to determine the efficacy of treating ovine footrot by footbathing in aqueous zinc sulfate solution (20% w/v) or aqueous zinc sulfate solution (20% w/v) with added sodium lauryl sulfate (2% w/v). The average percentage of cured ovine feet in all trial groups ranged from 86, 11 to 96.61% of the number of affected feet. The cure rates were 94.71% for sheep that were foothathed in 20% zinc sulfate solution, and 96.61% for those footbathed in 20% zinc sulfate solution with added 2% sodium lauryl sulfate, when treatment was for 10 minutes every day for 14 days. When 45 minute footbathings, given three times at intervals of 4 days were examined, the cure rates were 91.27% for sheep treated in 20% zinc sulfate solution, and 92.85% for those footbathed in 20% zinc sulfate solution with 2% sodium lauryl sulfate. Treatment of sheep, involving 30 minute footbathings with 20% zinc sulfate solution, four times, intervals of 3 days, resulted in 88.64% cures. Fully healed feet were obtained in 86. 11% of sheep stood for 1 hour in a footbath containing 20% zinc sulfate solution with 2% sodium lauryl sulfate, and the treatment was repeated after 5 days. Surgical treatment did not have any significant effect on the percentage of cured feet compared with routine horn paring in the affected hooves. In cured sheep no reinfection was recorded for the next 30 days after therapy termination. The results obtained for curing affected sheep as well as the coparative advantages over other therapeutic agents, suggest that zinc sulfate and zinc sulfate with sodium lauryl sulfate are the means of choice for treating ovine footrot. Hereditary laminitis in Jersey calves in Zimbabwe Hoyer, M. J. Hereditary laminitis in Jersey calves in Zimbabwe Hoyer, M. J. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 1991 The clinical signs and radiological findings of a rare laminitis-like condition in Jersey calves (n = 6) are described. Regular hoof-trimming proved very beneficial. Pedigree studies of the affected calves strongly suggest a recessive autosomal inheritance Dietary interrelationships may influence cow hoof health, growth Howie, M. Dietary interrelationships may influence cow hoof health, growth Howie, M. Feedstuffs 1998 Effect of stage of gestation and pre-natal nutrition on claw characteristics of fetal sheep Birnie, M., Galbraith, H., Howard, K. Effect of stage of gestation and pre-natal nutrition on claw characteristics of fetal sheep Birnie, M., Galbraith, H., Howard, K. On-farm evaluation of the effect of metabolic diseases on the shape of the lactation curve in dairy cows through the MilkBot... Ehrlich, J., Hostens, M., Opsomer, G. et al On-farm evaluation of the effect of metabolic diseases on the shape of the lactation curve in dairy cows through the MilkBot lactation model Ehrlich, J., Hostens, M., Opsomer, G., Van Ranst, B. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Effects of a supplement containing multiple types of gluconeogenic precursors on production and metabolism in Holstein bull... Aghaziarati, N., Amanlou, H., Baumgard et al Effects of a supplement containing multiple types of gluconeogenic precursors on production and metabolism in Holstein bull calves during heat stress Aghaziarati, N., Amanlou, H., Baumgard, L. H., Harkinezhad, M. T., Hossein Yazdi, M., Mahjoubi, E., Mirzaei-Alamouti, H. R., Nabipour, A., Noori, G. R. Livestock Science 2015 Glucose appears to be a preferred systemic fuel during heat stress (HS) in a variety of species. Increasing the dietary grain content can enhance the post-absorptive carbohydrate status, but providing excessive fermentable starch can cause rumen disorders and this is especially true during HS. Current study objectives were to evaluate the effects of a glycerol based supplemental product on growth and metabolic variables in Holstein bull calves during controlled HS. Before the start of the experiment, bull calves (n=14; 163.6±30.1 kg body weight) were subjected to thermal neutral conditions [26.5±3.4 °C and a temperature–humidity index (THI) of 70.4±2.8] for 7 d (period 1; P1). During this period, productive parameters as well as blood metabolites were measured and used as covariates for the subsequent HS period. Following P1, a cyclical HS pattern was implemented for 21 d (P2) where daily ambient temperatures ranged from 29.1 to 39.7 °C and the THI was >74 for 24 h/d and >83 for at least 14 h/d. During P2, half of the HS calves (n=7) received a control diet (CON) and the other half received the control diet supplemented with a product (300 g/d) containing gluconeogenic precursors (GLU). Throughout each period respiration rate, rectal temperature and skin temperature at the shoulder and rump were recorded at 0600, 1100 and 1500 h daily. Blood samples were obtained prior to and 4 h post the a.m. feeding during both periods. Although HS markedly reduced DMI (18%) and growth as expected, supplemental GLU did not affect body weight gain. Supplemental GLU decreased the shoulder temperature at 0600 and 1500 h (P<0.01), and decreased respiratory rate at 1500 h (P<0.02). Feeding GLU did not affect blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose or nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations, but increased circulating insulin prior to the a.m. feeding (P<0.03) and this demonstrates that GLU was effective at enhancing the post-absorptive carbohydrate status. Our results suggest that feeding supplemental GLU improves some body temperature indices but did not enhance growth performance in Holstein bull calves during HS. Veterinary surveillance Howe, M. Veterinary surveillance Howe, M. Veterinary Record 2003 Footrot and lameness in sheep Hosie, B. Footrot and lameness in sheep Hosie, B. Veterinary Record 2004 SAC Veterinary Services hosted a workshop at the Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh, last year, to discuss issues surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of lameness in sheep. The workshop was chaired by Dr David Henderson, of the Farm Animal Welfare Council, with Mr Brian Hosie, of SAC Veterinary Services, fulfilling the role of secretary. Here, Mr Hosie describes the proceedings and the conclusions reached by the 14 delegates attending the workshop. A survey of the on-farm treatment of sole ulcer and white line disease in dairy cattle Bell, N.J., Horseman, S. V., Huxley et al A survey of the on-farm treatment of sole ulcer and white line disease in dairy cattle Bell, N.J., Horseman, S. V., Huxley, J.N., Mason, C. S., Whay, H. R. The Veterinary Journal 2013 A telephone survey of UK dairy farmers was conducted to investigate current on-farm practice in the treatment of mild sole ulcer (SU)/sole bruising (SB), and white line disease (WLD), and the potential barriers associated with therapy. A total of 84 dairy farmers were questioned about the process of detecting and treating lame cows on their farm as well as about the specific treatments they applied. Farmers were also canvassed for their views on the efficacy of different potential treatments for mild SU/SB and WLD. In general, respondents discussed treatments for SU and WLD rather than specifically for mild SU/SB and WLD. Furthermore, when describing treatment methods, farmers rarely differentiated between SU and WLD. Trimming the affected claw with or without the additional use of orthopaedic blocks was the most commonly reported treatment method considered effective and practical by the majority of farmers. Antibiotics and/or analgesics were used by a small number of farmers, and some housed their most severely lame cows in straw pens. Lack of time, inadequate equipment and poor farm layout were identified by many survey respondents as barriers to the prompt and/or effective treatment of their lame animals. Farmer responses to questions about how quickly they treat lame cows-comparing two methodological approaches for interviewing... Bell, NJ, Horseman, S, Huxley, JN et al Farmer responses to questions about how quickly they treat lame cows-comparing two methodological approaches for interviewing farmers Bell, NJ, Horseman, S, Huxley, JN, Mason, CS, Whay, HR Cattle Practice 2013 Strategies used by dairy family farmers in the south of Brazil to comply with organic regulations Barbosa Silveira, I. D., Honorato et al Strategies used by dairy family farmers in the south of Brazil to comply with organic regulations Barbosa Silveira, I. D., Honorato, L. A., Hötzel, M. J., Machado Filho, L. C. P. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 [The clinical symptoms of foot and mouth disease in the first confirmed cases at five different farms in the Netherlands.] Holzhauer, M., van Wuijckhuise, L. A. et al [The clinical symptoms of foot and mouth disease in the first confirmed cases at five different farms in the Netherlands.] Holzhauer, M., van Wuijckhuise, L. A., Verhoeff, J. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd 2001 Measuring the intial concentration of formalin in walk-through footbaths in dairy herds Counotte, G.H.M., Holzhauer, M. et al Measuring the intial concentration of formalin in walk-through footbaths in dairy herds Counotte, G.H.M., Holzhauer, M., Sampimon, O.C. 13th International symposium and conference on lameness in ruminants 2004 Herd- and cow-level prevalence of digital dermatitis in the Netherlands and associated factors Bartels, C. J. M., Frankena, K. et al Herd- and cow-level prevalence of digital dermatitis in the Netherlands and associated factors Bartels, C. J. M., Frankena, K., Hardenberg, C., Holzhauer, M. Journal of Dairy Science 2006 The objective of this cross-sectional study was to reevaluate the prevalence of digital dermatitis (DD) and associated risk factors in The Netherlands. Between May 2002 and December 2003, information about the presence or absence of DD lesions and other claw disorders on the hind claws of dairy cows in The Netherlands was collected by 20 hoof trimmers during trimming of all dairy cows in 383 herds. A questionnaire was used to acquire information regarding management and housing. Additional information, such as parity, breed, and stage of lactation of the cows, was provided by the Dutch Herd Book Organization. Digital dermatitis was present in 21.2% (SE = 0.3) of the study population (n = 22,454 cows). The herd prevalence varied from 0% (9.1% of the herds) to 83.0%. Most common was herd prevalence between 5 and 10%. The Holstein-Friesian breed was at higher risk for DD [odds ratio (OR) = 1.7] than was the Meuse Rhine IJssel breed (dual purpose breed). The risk for DD decreased with increasing parity. Cows at the peak of their lactation ( 30 to 60 d in milk) and in the third parity had higher odds for DD in comparison with cows that were later than 60 DIM. The presence of other claw disorders, such as interdigital dermatitis/heel horn erosion (IDHE), interdigital hyperplasia (HYP), and interdigital phlegmon, appeared to be predisposing for DD. Based on estimation of the population-attributable fraction, it was concluded that if IDHE, HYP, and interdigital phlegmon were not present among the study population, respectively, 32.2, 9.0, and 1.1% of the DD cases could have been prevented. The risk for DD slightly decreased when cows affected by IDHE had access to pasture. Because of the interrelation between infectious claw disorders, an effective intervention strategy against DD should focus on an integrated approach to the control of all infectious claw diseases. Cows trimmed > 12 mo before the study (risk for DD than were cows that were trimmed at shorter intervals. Animals that had > 8 h of access to pasture were at higher risk for DD (OR = 1.6) compared with no access to pasture. Finally, cows in small-sized herds (< 45 cows) affected with HYP were at lower risk (OR = 0.6) for DD than were cows affected with HYP in medium- and large-sized herds (60 to 85 cows per herd). A longitudinal study into the effect of grazing on claw disorders in female calves and young dairy cows Brummelman, B., Frankena, K., Holzhauer et al A longitudinal study into the effect of grazing on claw disorders in female calves and young dairy cows Brummelman, B., Frankena, K., Holzhauer, M., Lam, T. J. G. M. The Veterinary Journal 2012 Intra-class correlation attributable to claw trimmers scoring common hind-claw disorders in Dutch dairy herds Bartels, C. J. M., Holzhauer, M. et al Intra-class correlation attributable to claw trimmers scoring common hind-claw disorders in Dutch dairy herds Bartels, C. J. M., Holzhauer, M., van den Borne, B. H. P., van Schaik, G. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2006 Data of a cross-sectional study on prevalence of seven common bovine-claw disorders were used to calculate the intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) for claw trimmers. Fifteen professional claw trimmers were trained in diagnosing claw disorders uniformly. During regular trimming of all dairy cows in a herd, they recorded the presence (yes/no) of hind-claw disorders for digital dermatitis (DD), chronic laminitis (CL), sole ulcer (SU), white-line disease (WLD) and interdigital hyperplasia (HYP). For the claw disorders interdigital dermatitis/heel-horn erosion (1DHE) and sole haemorrhage (SH), claw trimmers also recorded (using graduated scores 1-3) the extent of the lesion. Complete information of 21,153 animals from 361 herds in The Netherlands was recorded between July 2002 and December 2003. To assure objective recording of claw disorders, ideally there would not be any correlation between observations. However, quantified ICCs from claw-trinuners observations ranged from 4.9% for DD to 38.0% for CL, while ICCs for herd ranged from 7.9% for SU to 26.7% for DD. Changes in the cut-off values for the diagnosis of IDHE and SH did not result in any relevant changes of the ICCs from claw-trimmers observations and these remained larger than the ICC explained by the herd. Based on these results, we conclude that for estimating measures of frequencies for different claw disorders, uniformity in recording certain diagnoses becomes an issue to consider when involving more than one observer. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. The effect of an acidified, ionized copper sulphate solution on digital dermatitis in dairy cows Bartels, Chris J., Bergsten, Christer et al The effect of an acidified, ionized copper sulphate solution on digital dermatitis in dairy cows Bartels, Chris J., Bergsten, Christer, Frankena, Klaas, Holzhauer, Menno, Lam, T. J. G. M., van Riet, Miriam M. J. The Veterinary Journal 2012 Digital dermatitis (DD) is the most important infectious claw disorder in dairy cattle and herd-based foot bathing with antibacterials, such as 4% formalin, is often used to prevent it. However, there is a lack of long-term studies of the effectiveness of such regimes and in this study the preventive and curative effect of 4% formalin was compared with that of an acidified, ionized copper sulphate solution over a 4-month period on a commercial 120-cow dairy farm. The cows were walked through a split-leg footbath where left claws were treated with an acidified copper solution twice daily for 5 days/week, while right claws were treated with 4% formalin twice daily for 1 day/every second week. Hind claws were scored for the presence and severity of DD in a trimming chute at the start of the study and every 4 weeks throughout the study period. At the start of the study 21/110 cows had ulcerative DD lesions with 10 on the left hind foot, 8 on the right and 3 on both. These lesions, as well as any new lesions which arose during the study, were treated with chlortetracycline spray. During the study 440 observations were made and seven new DD lesions were recorded on left feet (copper treated) and 20 on right feet (formalin treated). Based on survival analysis, the risk of developing a new ulcerative DD lesion on copper-treated (left hind) feet was almost three times less (RR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.16–0.91) than formalin-treated (right hind) feet. Cure rates of DD lesions were not different between copper and formalin. Curative effect of topical treatment of digital dermatitis with a gel containing activated copper and zinc sulphate Barneveld, M., Bartels, C.J., Holzhauer et al Curative effect of topical treatment of digital dermatitis with a gel containing activated copper and zinc sulphate Barneveld, M., Bartels, C.J., Holzhauer, M., Lam, T., Vulders, C. Veterinary Record 2011 [Discussion about cow comfort and claw health.] Holzhauer, M. [Discussion about cow comfort and claw health.] Holzhauer, M. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd 2000 [Lameness in Scottish Highlanders in the Imbos area]. [Dutch] Holzhauer, C. [Lameness in Scottish Highlanders in the Imbos area]. [Dutch] Holzhauer, C. Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde 1988 Lameness occurred in Scottish Highlanders which were pastured in a part of the National Park Veluwezoom. This was followed by a general clinical picture, cachexia and death in a number of cases. Osteodystrophy resulting from calcium and phosphorus deficiencies in the local soil is regarded as the main cause Using an interactive system for graphical analysis of lactation curves Holtz, C. R., Jones, L. R. Using an interactive system for graphical analysis of lactation curves Holtz, C. R., Jones, L. R. Journal of Dairy Science 1990 A user-friendly microcomputer program was developed to provide an interactive tool to analyse lactation curves graphically. One method of evaluating lactation curves is to plot a composite curve for a contemporary group of animals. Groups can be defined by parity number (e.g. 1, 2, 3+) and according to days in milk or month of calving, thus allowing for evaluation of varying stages of lactation as well as management and/or seasonal changes. To provide a reference, standard lactation curves according to rolling herd av. level (5445-10 890 kg by 454 kg increments) and parity group (1, 2, 3+) are also provided. The group lactation curves can be compared with a standard curve to determine sub-standard performance (e.g. low peaks or poor persistencies) and to identify groups that may be performing below management capabilities. A higher standard can also be chosen to evaluate necessary changes for improving performance. The impact of management changes and herd problems can be observed with changes in the shapes of curves. Such information allows managers to focus on specific segments of a herd regarding nutrition, body condition, grouping strategies and other management factors. Caution should be observed, however, when drawing conclusions about a small group of animals at a single data point (e.g. <10 observations). The other method for evaluating lactation curves is for individual cows. This method can reveal the impact of independent animal problems (e.g. laminitis, metabolic disorders) and management problems that can be masked in a group composite curve. In this mode, the program provides other desciptive information (e.g. percentage milk fat, percentage protein, reproductive status, linear score, etc.) that can be utilized in making management and culling decisions regarding the animal. Users of the program report excellent results in terms of being able to define and display lactation curves graphically for evaluation of herd management practices and abilities Re-capturing bovine life: Robot–cow relationships, freedom and control in dairy farming Bear, Christopher, Holloway, Lewis et al Re-capturing bovine life: Robot–cow relationships, freedom and control in dairy farming Bear, Christopher, Holloway, Lewis, Wilkinson, Katy Journal of Rural Studies 2014 The histology and histopathology of the support structures in the laminated region of the bovine hoof in maiden heifers and... Evans, K. M., Holah, D. E., Pearson et al The histology and histopathology of the support structures in the laminated region of the bovine hoof in maiden heifers and around the time of first calving Evans, K. M., Holah, D. E., Pearson, G. R., Tarlton, J. F., WEBSTER, A.J.F. Predicting sleep and lying time of calves with a support vector machine classifier using accelerometer data Hänninen, Laura, Hokkanen, Ann-Helena et al Predicting sleep and lying time of calves with a support vector machine classifier using accelerometer data Hänninen, Laura, Hokkanen, Ann-Helena, Pastell, Matti, Tiusanen, Johannes Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2011 Influence of social dominance on the secondary sex ratio and factors affecting hierarchy in Holstein dairy cows Hohenbrink, S., Meinecke-Tillmann, S. Influence of social dominance on the secondary sex ratio and factors affecting hierarchy in Holstein dairy cows Hohenbrink, S., Meinecke-Tillmann, S. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Sensors and Clinical Mastitis—The Quest for the Perfect Alert Hogeveen, Henk, Kamphuis, Claudia et al Sensors and Clinical Mastitis—The Quest for the Perfect Alert Hogeveen, Henk, Kamphuis, Claudia, Mollenhorst, Herman, Steeneveld, Wilma Sensors 2010 2010 Short- and long-term effects of a 2 year dairy herd health and management program. DYKHUIZEN, A. A., Hogeveen, H., SOL, J. Short- and long-term effects of a 2 year dairy herd health and management program. DYKHUIZEN, A. A., Hogeveen, H., SOL, J. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1992 Comparison of modeled sampling strategies for estimation of dairy herd lameness prevalence and cow-level variables associated... Hoffman, A. C., Moore, D. A., Vanegas et al Comparison of modeled sampling strategies for estimation of dairy herd lameness prevalence and cow-level variables associated with lameness Hoffman, A. C., Moore, D. A., Vanegas, J., Wenz, J. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Association of abnormal hind-limb postures and back arch with gait abnormality in dairy cattle Hoffman, A. C., Moore, D. A., Vanegas et al Association of abnormal hind-limb postures and back arch with gait abnormality in dairy cattle Hoffman, A. C., Moore, D. A., Vanegas, J., Wenz, J. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Detection of lameness in individual cows is important for the prompt treatment of this painful and production-limiting disease. Current methods for lameness detection involve watching cows walk for several strides. If clinical signs predictive of lameness could be observed more conveniently, as cows are undergoing regularly scheduled examinations while standing, detection levels could increase. The objective of this study was to assess the association between postures observed while cows are standing in stanchions and clinical lameness evaluated by locomotion scoring, and to evaluate the observation of these postures as a test for lameness. The study included 1,243 cows from 4 farms. Cows were observed while standing in stanchions for regularly scheduled management procedures and the presence of arched back and cow-hocked, wide-stance, and favored-limb postures were recorded. The same cows were locomotion-scored as they exited the milking parlor. The proportion of cows observed with arched back and cow-hocked and favored-limb postures increased with increasing severity of lameness (higher locomotion score) but did not increase for the wide-stance posture. For the presence of these postures as a test for lameness (locomotion score ≥3), sensitivity and specificity were 0.63 and 0.64 for back arch, 0.54 and 0.57 for cow hocks, and 0.05 and 0.98 for favored limb. Back-arched, cow-hocked, and favored limb postures were associated with lameness but were not highly sensitive or specific as diagnostic tests. However, observation of back arch may be useful to identify cows needing further examination. An investigation into hindleg lameness in dairy cows Hoey, W. A. An investigation into hindleg lameness in dairy cows Hoey, W. A. Australian Veterinary Journal 1976 A hind leg lameness of dairy cows was investigated in south-east Queensland. Samples of bone, blood, saliva, faeces, urine and milk were collected from lame and normal cows, some of which had received a phosphorus supplement of 30 g per day. Results of these investigations are presented and discussed. Clinical observations and pathological examinations indicated that the disease was an arthropathy affecting either the coxo-femoral or femoro-tibial joints. The disease was present in 30% of herds surveyed. Each owner reported 2 to 3 lame cows. The affected cows could not be differentiated from the normal cows on biochemical grounds. An hypothesis is advanced to explain the reported response of lame animals to large supplements of phosphorus. Information which indicates that previous nutritional status and methods of production cannot be ignored as predisposing factors is presented Detection of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos in cattle with anaemia Dieckmann, Sarah M., Hoelzle, Katharina et al Detection of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos in cattle with anaemia Dieckmann, Sarah M., Hoelzle, Katharina, Hoelzle, Ludwig E., Kramer, Manuela M., Winkler, Margit, Wittenbrink, Max M. The Veterinary Journal 2011 Lesions of hoof horn observed in 13 month-old Holstein heifers on concrete floors: a preliminary report Anderson, D. E., Hoblet, K. H. et al Lesions of hoof horn observed in 13 month-old Holstein heifers on concrete floors: a preliminary report Anderson, D. E., Hoblet, K. H., Moeschberger, M. L., Weiss, W. P. Metabolic hoof horn disease – Claw horn disruption Hoblet, K. H., Weiss, W. Metabolic hoof horn disease – Claw horn disruption Hoblet, K. H., Weiss, W. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2001 Low-quality hoof horn is a frequent underlying cause of lameness in cattle. Because the lesions that are observed are the result of insults that affect horn production at the cellular level, the term claw horn disruption has been proposed to describe the disease process. Although claw horn disruption may result from multiple etiologies, the response of the keratinocytes is relatively nonspecific in that lesions often appear the same regardless of cause. To solve herd problems, the investigation of possible etiologies must be integrated with a basic understanding of the anatomic and physiologic features of hoof horn production. Metabolic hoof horn disease: claw horn disruption Hoblet, K. H., Weiss, W. Metabolic hoof horn disease: claw horn disruption Hoblet, K. H., Weiss, W. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2001 Use of Dairy-Herd Improvement Monthly Summary Data to Monitor Intervention Strategies in a Dairy-Herd Experiencing Suboptimal... Eastridge, M. L., Goldsmith, P. D. et al Use of Dairy-Herd Improvement Monthly Summary Data to Monitor Intervention Strategies in a Dairy-Herd Experiencing Suboptimal Reproductive-Performance and Reduced Milk-Production Eastridge, M. L., Goldsmith, P. D., Hayhow, C. S., Hoblet, K. H., Staubus, J. R. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1991 An 87-cow dairy herd with a history of high milk production was visited because of reduced reproductive performance and decreasing milk production. Cows that had recently delivered calves were thin, and many cows had evidence of previous episodes of laminitis. A ration that provided an unfavorable forage-to-concentrate ratio was being fed. In addition to various diagnostic efforts, management changes that were made included alteration of the ration and installation of a computer-operated feeder. After the initial visit, the herd was monitored for 30 months by the use of Dairy Herd Improvement monthly herd summary data. Several potential strengths and weaknesses of using selective production and reproduction monthly summary statistics were illustrated by this study. Milk production, as monitored by mature-equivalent production and average relative value-milk, continued to increase throughout the 30 months after intervention. Reproductive performance, as indicated by first-service conception rate, did not begin to improve until the final 6 months of the monitoring period. Overall, in addition to assisting in diagnostic efforts, Dairy Herd Improvement monthly herd summary data may be used to establish goals, provide comparisons, and maintain producer interest after practitioner intervention in herd management Metabolic hoof horn disease. Claw horn disruption. [Review] [53 refs] Hoblet, K. H. Metabolic hoof horn disease. Claw horn disruption. [Review] [53 refs] Hoblet, K. H. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2001 Low-quality hoof horn is a frequent underlying cause of lameness in cattle. Because the lesions that are observed are the result of insults that affect horn production at the cellular level, the term claw horn disruption has been proposed to describe the disease process. Although claw horn disruption may result from multiple etiologies, the response of the keratinocytes is relatively nonspecific in that lesions often appear the same regardless of cause. To solve herd problems, the investigation of possible etiologies must be integrated with a basic understanding of the anatomic and physiologic features of hoof horn production. [References: 53] Subclinical laminitis in dairy cattle: Maintaining healthy hoof horns Hoblet, K., Midla, L., Smilie, R. et al Subclinical laminitis in dairy cattle: Maintaining healthy hoof horns Hoblet, K., Midla, L., Smilie, R., Weiss, W. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian 2000 Subclinical laminitis is a multifactorial disease of cattle characterized by a time lapse between the occurrence of an insult and observation of lesions. Although lesions primarily result from production of inferior-quality hoof horn, the underlying cause is a disturbance in the microvasculature of the pododerm. Primiparous heifers appear to be at increased risk. Repeated episodes of subclinical laminitis lead to flattened, soft, elongated hooves typical of chronic laminitis. Corrective strategies to reduce the prevalence of lesions in a herd include attention to cattle comfort, environment, and feeding management and nutrition. A mixed-effects time-to-event analysis of the relationship between first-lactation lameness and subsequent lameness in dairy cows... French, N. P., Hirst, W. M., Murray et al A mixed-effects time-to-event analysis of the relationship between first-lactation lameness and subsequent lameness in dairy cows in the UK French, N. P., Hirst, W. M., Murray, R. D., Ward, W.R. Prev Vet Med 2002 Data for 611 second-lactation and 251 third-lactation cows were examined using mixed-effects time-to-event models to determine the shape of the hazard, quantify relative risk and estimate herd- and sire-level variation in time to lameness. The semi-parametric Cox and fully parametric Weibull models were suggested from univariable Kaplan-Meier plots. Time to all-lameness, claw-horn lameness and skin lameness were modelled. Explanatory variables were season of current-lactation calving, age at first calving and first-lactation lameness history (whether all-lameness or claw-horn and skin lameness).In mixed-effects models of lactation-2 lameness, previously lame cows had a significantly increased hazard (hazard ratio (HR)=2.0 for all types of lameness and HR=3.2 for claw-horn lameness) compared to those not previously lame. These relationships were less marked in the third lactation. There was little evidence for an effect of age at first calving, whilst possible differences between calving seasons were observed. The hazard function suggested that the rate of lameness was roughly flat across each lactation. Herd-level variation was more evident for infectious foot diseases. The contribution of the sire increased with parity and might be important for sole ulcer and white-line disease The importance of first lactation lameness as a risk factor for subsequent lameness: a mixed effects event time approach French, N. P., Hirst, W. M., Murray et al The importance of first lactation lameness as a risk factor for subsequent lameness: a mixed effects event time approach French, N. P., Hirst, W. M., Murray, R. D., Ward, W.R. Generalised additive models and hierarchical logistic regression of lameness in dairy cows French, N. P., Hirst, W. M., Murray et al Generalised additive models and hierarchical logistic regression of lameness in dairy cows French, N. P., Hirst, W. M., Murray, R. D., Ward, W.R. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2002 We examined the relationship between lameness (defined by locomotion score) and four time-related variables using data collected from a study of cattle lameness conducted in the UK from 1998 to 1992. The data were 19,667 locomotion scores for 1790 cows from 27 dairy herds; the four variables were time-from-calving, time of year, parity and time spent in the study. The shape of the relationships between calving and temporal variables and lameness were assessed using loess smoothed terms in a multivariable logistic generalised additive model (GAM). Polynomial relationships derived from the GAM then were included in a Bayesian hierarchical logistic-regression model incorporating between-herd. between-cow and within-cow random effects. The final hierarchical multivariable model showed that the most important variable influencing the probability of lameness was the time of scoring in the study; but, parity, time of year and time-from-calving also were significant. Between-herd and between-cow effects were of roughly equal importance. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. A systematic compilation and classification of the literature on lameness in cattle Chaplin, S. J., French, N. P., Hirst et al A systematic compilation and classification of the literature on lameness in cattle Chaplin, S. J., French, N. P., Hirst, W. M., Le Fevre, A. M., Logue, D. N., Murray, R. D., Offer, J. E., Ward, W.R. Veterinary Journal 2002 Pododermal angiogenesis and angioadaptation in the bovine claw Hirschberg, R. M., Plendl, J. Pododermal angiogenesis and angioadaptation in the bovine claw Hirschberg, R. M., Plendl, J. Microscopy Research and Technique 2005 Microvasculature of the bovine claw demonstrated by improved micro- corrosion-casting technique Bragulla, H., Hirschberg, R. M. et al Microvasculature of the bovine claw demonstrated by improved micro- corrosion-casting technique Bragulla, H., Hirschberg, R. M., Mulling, C. K. W. Microscopy Research and Technique 1999 A new and improved technique for microvascular corrosion casting was developed and verified by examination of corrosion casts of 90 bovine limbs. The described technique renders a complete filling of the vasculature of the claw even in regions that hitherto proved to be difficult regarding completeness of filling such as the dorsal area of the claw. This is demonstrated by an exemplary examination of all regions of the claw. The advantages and disadvantages of the new method are discussed. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc Microvasculature and micorcirculation of the health and diseased bovine claw Hirschberg, R. M. Microvasculature and micorcirculation of the health and diseased bovine claw Hirschberg, R. M. Diaphyseal sequestration of the hollow bones in cattle Hirsbrunner, G., Martig, J., Steiner, A. Diaphyseal sequestration of the hollow bones in cattle Hirsbrunner, G., Martig, J., Steiner, A. Tierarztl Prax 1995 Between 1990 and 1993 ten cows with diaphyseal sequestration of the metacarpal or metatarsal bone were brought to the Clinic for Food Animals and Horses, University of Bern. History, clinical and radiographic findings at admission, therapy, and clinical and radiographic short- and longterm results were evaluated retrospectively. Six animals had a history of trauma. The metatarsal bone (n = 9) was much more frequently affected than the metacarpal bone (n = 1). Lameness was slight in seven cases and intermediate in three cases. Soft tissue swelling was present in all cases, and fistula formation in eight cases. Sequestrectomy was performed in nine cases, the exuberant new bone circumferentially removed in three of these cases, and the skin primarily closed in all nine cases treated surgically. One animal with a small sequestrum, showing no fistula formation, was treated conservatively. Four to 44 months after surgery, interviews with the owners by telephone revealed that the recovery had been satisfactory in all ten cases. At the same time period, clinical and radiographic examinations of the six animals that were still alive were performed by a veterinarian additionally. Normal limb function had been restored in all six animals, although the affected limb was clearly distinctable from the unaffected contralateral limb, because of its increased diameter. From the results of this study we concluded that longterm prognosis after sequestrectomy is favourable; primary wound closure can be attempted with good success. Cosmetically promising results, however, can only be achieved, if sequestrectomy is performed early enough in the course of the disease or if the exuberant new bone is surgically removed Treatment of infectious arthritis of the radiocarpal joint of cattle with gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges Hirsbrunner, G., Steiner, A. Treatment of infectious arthritis of the radiocarpal joint of cattle with gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges Hirsbrunner, G., Steiner, A. Veterinary Record 1998 Gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges were used successfully in the treatment of chronic septic arthritis of the radiocarpal joint in two cattle. Both animals were moderately to severely lame and refractory to systemic antibiotics, and one of them was refractory to joint lavage and local antibiotics. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by radiography and arthrocentesis. Arthroscopy was performed under general anaesthesia and, after debridement and lavage of the joint, gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges were placed intraarticularly, Synovial fluid was sampled at 10 and 20 days after surgery and radiographs were taken three months (case 1) and two months (case 2) after surgery. The infection was eliminated from both animals and they recovered without residual lameness [Diaphyseal sequestration of the hollow bones in cattle]. [German] Hirsbrunner, G. [Diaphyseal sequestration of the hollow bones in cattle]. [German] Hirsbrunner, G. Tierarztliche Praxis - Supplement 1995 Between 1990 and 1993 ten cows with diaphyseal sequestration of the metacarpal or metatarsal bone were brought to the Clinic for Food Animals and Horses, University of Bern. History, clinical and radiographic findings at admission, therapy, and clinical and radiographic short- and longterm results were evaluated retrospectively. Six animals had a history of trauma. The metatarsal bone (n = 9) was much more frequently affected than the metacarpal bone (n = 1). Lameness was slight in seven cases and intermediate in three cases. Soft tissue swelling was present in all cases, and fistula formation in eight cases. Sequestrectomy was performed in nine cases, the exuberant new bone circumferentially removed in three of these cases, and the skin primarily closed in all nine cases treated surgically. One animal with a small sequestrum, showing no fistula formation, was treated conservatively. Four to 44 months after surgery, interviews with the owners by telephone revealed that the recovery had been satisfactory in all ten cases. At the same time period, clinical and radiographic examinations of the six animals that were still alive were performed by a veterinarian additionally. Normal limb function had been restored in all six animals, although the affected limb was clearly distinctable from the unaffected contralateral limb, because of its increased diameter. From the results of this study we concluded that longterm prognosis after sequestrectomy is favourable; primary wound closure can be attempted with good success. Cosmetically promising results, however, can only be achieved, if sequestrectomy is performed early enough in the course of the disease or if the exuberant new bone is surgically removed Epidemiologic strategies for study of a newly-emerging disease: papillomatous digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Hird, D., Read, D., Rodriguez Lainz, A. et al Epidemiologic strategies for study of a newly-emerging disease: papillomatous digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Hird, D., Read, D., Rodriguez Lainz, A., Walker, R. Epidemiologie et Sante Animale 1997 Development of a twenty-one-component finite element distal hind limb model: Stress and strain in bovine digit structures as a... Apprich, V., Collins, S. N., Ferguson et al Development of a twenty-one-component finite element distal hind limb model: Stress and strain in bovine digit structures as a result of loading on different floorings Apprich, V., Collins, S. N., Ferguson, J. C., Haider, H., Hinterhofer, C., Stanek, C. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 A finite element model of the bovine claw under static load for evaluation of different flooring conditions Apprich, V., Ferguson, J. C., Haider et al A finite element model of the bovine claw under static load for evaluation of different flooring conditions Apprich, V., Ferguson, J. C., Haider, H., Hinterhofer, C., Stanek, C. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 2005 AIM: To create a computer-based finite element (FE) model of the bovine claw and to use finite element analysis (FEA) to estimate stress and deformation of a physiologically shaped model claw under static load, to visualise potential material weakness and to evaluate the effect of different flooring conditions. METHODS: Model geometry was derived using digitalised images from a recently trimmed, sound, hind claw from a 4-year-old Austrian Fleckvieh cow. Material properties of bovine claw horn were defined from preliminary investigations and recently established material data, using a modulus of elasticity from 200 to 600 N/mm(2). Meshing of the model was performed with 42,127 elements based on 116,141 nodes. Loading of the model was defined at 756 N per claw on a hard and soft surface. RESULTS: The FE model of the bovine claw under a load of 756 N showed only minimal deformation, most of which took place at the axial wall. Highest stresses were evident in the proximal axial wall, the outer edge of the weight-bearing surface and under the heels. The claw-floor contact image showed a pressure distribution resembling the distal rim of the claw wall. On the hard surface, the maximum stresses were three times higher than those on the soft surface. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: FEA allowed visualisation of the effects that loading on different floor surfaces have on the biomechanics of the claw. Uneven preparation of the claw sole resulted in high stresses at and close to irregularities of the sole. Consequences were more severe on harder flooring. The model supports the hypothesis that mechanical factors play a substantial role in the pathogenesis of claw lesions. Effect of space allowance, access to bedding, and flock size in slatted floor systems on the production and health of dairy... Hindhede et al Effect of space allowance, access to bedding, and flock size in slatted floor systems on the production and health of dairy Heifers Hindhede, Jens Sorensen Jan Tind Jensen Margit Bak Krohn Christian Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section A-Animal Science 1996 An experiment was conducted on seven Danish commercial dairy farms with 200 Danish Friesian heifers (315 kg) in 152 days from the month of November. Founded on existing slatted floor systems, 32 experimental pens were established with Low (L) or High (H) space allowance (1.5 vs. 3.0 m-2 per animal), different type of separate lying area (Slatted (S) vs. Bedded (B) floor) and different flock size (6 vs. 12 animals). Eating spaces were standardized to about 50 cm per animal. Ad libitum feeding was practised and rations contained a maximum 30% concentrates (dry matter). An increase in space allowance from 1.5 to 3.0 m-2 per animal in pens with fully slatted floors increased the live weight gain by 174 g day-1 or 31% (P = .04) and net energy intake per kg live weight gain was reduced by 23% (P = .04). Heifers housed in small pens lay down less than heifers in large pens. Access to bedding affected number of lying periods. Production, however, was not influenced by access to a bedded lying area. Flock size is of minor importance for heifers' production, when fed ad libitum and one eating space per animal is ensured. The prevalence of heel horn erosion was reduced and claw length was increased in heifers with access to bedding. No occurrence of tall tip necrosis regardless of pen type was found. Reproduction expressed as aces at pregnancy was not significantly influenced by any of the treatments Dairy cows in deep bedded pack barn: hygiene, health, production, and special costs Boon, C., Collins, E., Enevoldsen, C. et al Dairy cows in deep bedded pack barn: hygiene, health, production, and special costs Boon, C., Collins, E., Enevoldsen, C., Hindhede, J. Deep bedded pack (DBP) barns were studied to characterize the performance of housed cattle as compared against those housed in tie stall and free stall barns. Functionality of DBP barns was examined, along with effects on hygiene, udder health, foot disorders and milk yield. Frequency of dirty teats was not higher in DBP barns than in tie stall and free stall barns. Housing systems did not generally affect the frequency of mastitis, but for the DBP barns there was a tendency toward lower frequency in the 3rd and 4th quarters of the year. Frequency of laminitic lesions and heel horn erosions was not significantly different between the different housing systems studied. Milk yield, measured in energy corrected milk (ECM), was higher in tie stall barns than in DBP or free stall barns, but variation among herds was concluded to be more important than the relatively small variations attributed to housing systems Patterns of Intramammary Infection and Clinical Mastitis over a 5-Year Period in a Closely Monitored Herd Applying Mastitis... Bramley, A. J., Hillerton, J. E. et al Patterns of Intramammary Infection and Clinical Mastitis over a 5-Year Period in a Closely Monitored Herd Applying Mastitis Control Measures Bramley, A. J., Hillerton, J. E., McKinnon, C. H., Staker, R. T. Journal of Dairy Research 1995 Investigation of osteochondrosis in grazing beef cattle Hill, B. D., Sutton, R. H., Thompson, H. Investigation of osteochondrosis in grazing beef cattle Hill, B. D., Sutton, R. H., Thompson, H. Australian Veterinary Journal 1998 Severe lameness attributed to osteochondrosis is described in an extensively managed Brahman herd grazing on improved native pasture. Clinical signs were observed in five animals, three of which were necropsied. The most prominent lesions were in the elbow and stifle joints. There was multiple fissuring and ulceration of thickened articular cartilage with numerous osteochondral bodies present in the joint spaces. All affected animals were entire males sharing a common ancestral sire. Inheritance and gender were suspected to be contributing factors in the development of the disease Relationship between herd size and annual prevalence of and primary antimicrobial treatments for common diseases on dairy... Dargatz, David A., Green, Alice L. et al Relationship between herd size and annual prevalence of and primary antimicrobial treatments for common diseases on dairy operations in the United States Dargatz, David A., Green, Alice L., Hill, Ashley E., Wagner, Bruce A. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2009 Current and Future Developments in Dairy Cattle Breeding: A research viewpoint Brotherstone,, Hill,, Visscher, Current and Future Developments in Dairy Cattle Breeding: A research viewpoint Brotherstone,, Hill,, Visscher, Advances in dairy cow genetics and breeding??? 2002 Relationship between serum biotin concentration and moisture content of the sole horn in cows with clinical laminitis or sound... Higuchi, H., Nagahata, H. Relationship between serum biotin concentration and moisture content of the sole horn in cows with clinical laminitis or sound hooves Higuchi, H., Nagahata, H. Veterinary Record 2001 Relationship between serum biotin concentration and moisture content of the sole horn in cows with clinical laminitis and in cows... Higuchi, H., N, Nagahata Relationship between serum biotin concentration and moisture content of the sole horn in cows with clinical laminitis and in cows with sound hooves Higuchi, H., N, Nagahata Quantifying veterinarians’ beliefs on disease control and exploring the effect of new evidence: A Bayesian approach Green, M. J., Higgins, H. M., Huxley et al Quantifying veterinarians’ beliefs on disease control and exploring the effect of new evidence: A Bayesian approach Green, M. J., Higgins, H. M., Huxley, J.N., Wapenaar, W. Journal of Dairy Science Welfare of lactating Holstein cows under outdoor grazing and indoor housing in relation to temperature and humidity in summer in... Fukasawa, M., Higashiyama, M. et al Welfare of lactating Holstein cows under outdoor grazing and indoor housing in relation to temperature and humidity in summer in Japan Fukasawa, M., Higashiyama, M., Higashiyama, Y., Ikeda, K., Komatsu, T. Livestock Science 2013 A Historical Perspective of Laminitis Heymering, Henry W. A Historical Perspective of Laminitis Heymering, Henry W. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice 2010 Studies Into Toe Load and Horn Abrasion Regulation in Cattle Dietz, O., Heyden, H. Studies Into Toe Load and Horn Abrasion Regulation in Cattle Dietz, O., Heyden, H. Monatshefte fur Veterinarmedizin 1991 The possible risk of one-sided toe load of cattle was investigated in the first phase of these studies. A Moser loading device was used, in that context to turn up toes or place them in asymmetrical position, using a readjustable steel plate. One-sided loading was thus induced and measured. Possibilities were then discussed for the animals to add more load onto the bigger digit or to place toes in a crooked way for knock-kneed or straddling gait. Effects of moisture variation on sole horn brittleness were studied in a second phase of tests Short communication: Survey of fresh cow management practices of dairy cattle on small and large commercial farms Drillich, M., Gossellin, J., Heuwieser et al Short communication: Survey of fresh cow management practices of dairy cattle on small and large commercial farms Drillich, M., Gossellin, J., Heuwieser, W., Iwersen, M. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 The objective was to conduct a survey of current fresh cow management practices that have an effect on health and diseases postpartum considering different herd sizes of commercial dairy farms. A mail survey regarding aspects of the fresh cow program including general management issues, calving, diseases, and veterinary service was conducted utilizing a convenience sample. A total of 429 survey forms were returned (12.0% response rate) and could be used for final analysis. Only 21.6% of the farms had a designated fresh cow pen. Almost every farm executed some type of fresh cow examination. Only 18.5% of farm managers documented the observations. Most of the dairy managers used more or less subjective criteria such as general appearance (97.0%) and appetite (69.7%). Only a minority of the responding dairy managers monitored their fresh cows using objective (fever 33.6%) or semiquantitative measures (subclinical ketosis 2.8%; body condition score 36.4%). On most farms, the veterinarian visited the herd only if needed (72.6%). Most cases of retained fetal membranes were treated by manual removal (72.3%) and antibiotic pills (89.5%). Several challenges and opportunities were identified to improve cow management practices. Effect of monensin on blood ketone bodies, incidence and recurrence of disease and fertility in dairy cows Heuer, C., Jonker, L. J., Noordhuizen et al Effect of monensin on blood ketone bodies, incidence and recurrence of disease and fertility in dairy cows Heuer, C., Jonker, L. J., Noordhuizen, J. P., Schukken, Y. H., Wilkinson, J. I. J Dairy Sci 2001 Twelve trials designed to test the effect of monensin on milk production were carried out at eight different research farms. Data from these studies were evaluated for effects of monensin on health and reproduction. Monensin was added to the concentrate starting either 2 wk before (293 cows) or 5 wk after calving (601 cows) for periods ranging 16 to 37 wk. Applied after calving, the incidence of clinical mastitis was reduced in the monensin-treated animals. Monensin decreased the rate of intramammary infection (approximated by a change from below to above 250,000 somatic cells in milk) in first lactation heifers by 13%. Indicated by an adjusted incidence rate ratio of 0.58 (P = 0.03), the case incidence of noninfectious lameness decreased from 31% in control cows to 18% in cows receiving monensin before calving. The time from calving to first service was shorter for cows fed monensin before calving. Monensin reduced calving to conception intervals in cows with endometritis during the pretreatment period. No significant effects of monensin were observed for the duration of intra mammory infection (somatic cells in milk above 250,000), infectious lameness, endometritis, cystic ovarian disease, a summary category of 'other diseases,' times from calving to first observed estrus, and from first service to conception Postpartum body condition score and results from the first test day milk as predictors of disease, fertility, yield, and culling... Dobbelaar, P., Heuer, C., Schukken et al Postpartum body condition score and results from the first test day milk as predictors of disease, fertility, yield, and culling in commercial dairy herds Dobbelaar, P., Heuer, C., Schukken, Y. H. Journal of Dairy Science 1999 The study used field data from a regular herd health service to investigate the relationships between body condition scores or first test day milk data and disease incidence, milk yield, fertility, and culling. Path model analysis with adjustment for time at risk was applied to delineate the time sequence of events. Milk fever occurred more often in fat cows, and endometritis occurred between calving and 20 d of lactation more often in thin cows. Fat cows were less likely to conceive at first service than were cows in normal condition. Fat body condition postpartum, higher first test day milk yield, and a fat to protein ratio of > 1.5 increased body condition loss. Fat or thin condition or condition loss was not related to other lactation diseases, fertility parameters, milk yield, or culling. First test day milk yield was 1.3 kg higher after milk fever and was 7.1 kg lower after displaced abomasum. Higher first test day milk yield directly increased the risk of ovarian cyst and lameness, increased 100-d milk yield, and reduced the risk of culling and indirectly decreased reproductive performance. Cows with a fat to protein ratio of > 1.5 had higher risks for ketosis, displaced abomasum, ovarian cyst, lameness, and mastitis. Those cows produced more milk but showed poor reproductive performance. Given this type of herd health data, we concluded that the first test day milk yield and the fat to protein ratio were more reliable indicators of disease, fertility, and milk yield than was body condition score or loss of body condition score Ecology and pathogenicity of gastrointestinal Streptococcus bovis Herrera, Paul, Kwon, Young Min, Ricke et al Ecology and pathogenicity of gastrointestinal Streptococcus bovis Herrera, Paul, Kwon, Young Min, Ricke, Steven C. Anaerobe 2009 Effects of Pasture on Lameness in Dairy Cows Hernandez-Mendo, O., Veira, D. M. et al Effects of Pasture on Lameness in Dairy Cows Hernandez-Mendo, O., Veira, D. M., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2007 This study tested whether providing cows a 4-wk period on pasture would improve gait and change lying behavior. Eighteen groups, each of 4 lactating Holstein cows initially housed in a freestall barn, were assigned to either continued housing in the same freestall barn, or moved to pasture to provide changes in both physical environment and diet. To assess lameness, gait scores (1 to 5) were recorded weekly for 4 wk. Gait improved by an average of 0.22 units/wk for those cows kept on pasture. We also recorded 4 specific gait attributes (head bob, back arch, tracking up, and reluctance to bear weight evenly on all 4 hooves), and found that the latter 2 attributes also improved during the pasture period. Improved gait for cows on pasture was not because of increased lying times. Cows on pasture actually spent less time lying down than cows kept indoors (10.9 vs. 12.3 h/d), although this lying time was spread over a larger number of bouts (15.3 vs. 12.2 bouts). Cows housed on pasture also lost more weight and produced less milk relative to cows in freestalls, likely because of reduced nutrient intake. These results indicate that a period on pasture can be used to help lame cattle recover probably because pasture provides a more comfortable surface upon which cows stand, helping them to recover from hoof and leg injuries. Evaluation of post-farm-gate passive surveillance in swine for the detection of foot and mouth disease in Australia Cogger, N., Hernández-Jover, M. et al Evaluation of post-farm-gate passive surveillance in swine for the detection of foot and mouth disease in Australia Cogger, N., Hernández-Jover, M., Holyoake, P. K., Martin, P. A. J., Schembri, N., Toribio, J. A. L. M. L. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2011 Observed and expected combined effects of clinical mastitis and low body condition on pregnancy loss in dairy cows Hernandez, Jorge A., Lima, Fabio S. et al Observed and expected combined effects of clinical mastitis and low body condition on pregnancy loss in dairy cows Hernandez, Jorge A., Lima, Fabio S., Risco, Carlos A., Santos, Jose E. P. Theriogenology 2012 Evaluation of the efficacy of prophylactic hoof health examination and trimming during midlactation in reducing the incidence of... Garbarino, E. J., Hernandez, J. A. et al Evaluation of the efficacy of prophylactic hoof health examination and trimming during midlactation in reducing the incidence of lameness during late lactation in dairy cows Garbarino, E. J., Hernandez, J. A., Risco, C. A., Shearer, J. K., Thatcher, W. W. JAVMA 2007 Comparison of the calving-to-conception interval in dairy cows with different degrees of lameness during the prebreeding... Garbarino, E. J., Hernandez, J. A. et al Comparison of the calving-to-conception interval in dairy cows with different degrees of lameness during the prebreeding postpartum period Garbarino, E. J., Hernandez, J. A., Risco, C. A., Shearer, J. K., Thatcher, W. W. Javma-Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2005 Objective-To compare calving-to-conception intervals among cows classified as nonlame, moderately lame, or lame during the prebreeding postpartum period and to examine the relationship between severity of lameness and time to conception in cows that were classified as lame. Design-Longitudinal study. Animals-499 Holstein cows. Procedure-Cows in the prebreeding postpartum period were classified as nonlame, moderately lame, or lame by use of a 6-point locomotion scoring system. Time to conception (days) was compared among cows. A low, medium, or high cumulative locomotion score was assigned to lame cows, and time to conception among those cows was compared. Cows classified as lame were examined on a tilt table for diagnosis and treatment of lameness. Results-154 (31 %),214 (43%), and 131 (26%) cows were classified as nonlame, moderately lame, and lame, respectively. Most cows classified as lame had laminitis (54%) or disorders of the claw (33%). Median time to conception was 36 to 50 days longer in lame cows than in nonlame cows. Among lame cows, the median time to conception was 66 days longer in cows with high cumulative locomotion scores than in cows with low scores. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance-Nonlame cows became pregnant more quickly than lame cows. Lame cows with low cumulative locomotion scores during the prebreeding postpartum period became pregnant sooner than lame cows with high scores. Early diagnosis and intervention may mitigate the effects of lameness and improve reproductive performance in lame dairy cows. Effect of lameness on milk yield in dairy cows Hernández, J., Shearer, J. K., Webb et al Effect of lameness on milk yield in dairy cows Hernández, J., Shearer, J. K., Webb, D. W. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2002 OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between lameness and milk yield in dairy cows. DESIGN: Cohort study. ANIMALS: 531 dairy cows. PROCEDURE: Cows affected with lameness were classified into 1 of 3 groups on the basis of type of diseases or lesions observed, including interdigital phlegmon (foot rot), papillomatous digital dermatitis (foot warts), or claw lesions. Cows not affected with lameness were classified as healthy. From Dairy Herd Improvement Association records, 305-day mature equivalent milk yield data were collected at the end of lactation or when the cow left the herd. Milk yield was compared between cows affected with lameness and healthy cows. RESULTS: 167 (31%) cows were affected with lameness during lactation. Lame cows had claw lesions (60%), papillomatous digital dermatitis (31%), or interdigital phlegmon (9%). Milk yield in lame cows with interdigital phlegmon (mean, 17,122 lb) was significantly less, compared with healthy cows (19,007 lb). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this herd, interdigital phlegmon was associated with a 10% decrease in milk production. Lame cows with claw lesions or papillomatous digital dermatitis produced less milk than healthy cows, but the difference was not significant. Effect of papillomatous digital dermatitis and other lameness disorders on reproductive performance in a Florida dairy herd Hernández, J., Shearer, J. K., Webb, D. Effect of papillomatous digital dermatitis and other lameness disorders on reproductive performance in a Florida dairy herd Hernández, J., Shearer, J. K., Webb, D. Comparison of topical application of oxytetracycline and four nonantibiotic solutions for treatment of papillomatous digital... Elliott, J. B., Hernández, J., Shearer et al Comparison of topical application of oxytetracycline and four nonantibiotic solutions for treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis in dairy cows Elliott, J. B., Hernández, J., Shearer, J. K. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1999 Objective-To compare efficacy of topical treatment with oxytetracycline solution or 1 of 4 nonantibiotic solutions among dairy cows with papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD). Design-Randomized field trial. Animals-66 cows in a single herd. Procedure-Cows were randomly assigned to be treated with oxytetracycline solution; a commercial formulation of soluble copper, peroxide compound, and a cationic agent; 5% copper sulfate solution; acidified ionized copper solution; hydrogen peroxide-peroxyacetic acid solution; or tap water. Cows were examined 14 and 30 days after initial treatment. During each examination, pain and lesion scores were recorded. Results-On the basis of pain and lesion scores, oxytetracycline and the commercial formulation appeared equally effective for treatment of PDD and significantly more effective than 5% copper sulfate solution, acidified ionized copper solution, hydrogen peroxide-peroxyacetic acid solution, and tap water. Proportions of cows with signs of pain or visible lesions after treatment were significantly lower for cows treated with oxytetracycline or the commercial formulation than for cows in the other groups. Clinical Implications-Oxytetracycline and a commercial formulation of soluble copper, peroxide compound, and a cationic agent appeared to be effective for treatment of PDD in dairy cows. Efficacy of oxytetracycline for treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis lesions on various anatomic locations in dairy cows Hernández, J., Shearer, J. K. Efficacy of oxytetracycline for treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis lesions on various anatomic locations in dairy cows Hernández, J., Shearer, J. K. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2000 Objective--To evaluate efficacy of topical treatment with oxytetracycline solution among dairy cows with papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) lesions on the interdigital cleft, heels, or dewclaw. Design--Clinical trial. Animals--70 dairy cows from a single herd. Procedure--On the basis of anatomic location of PDD lesions, cows were allocated into 1 of 3 groups (interdigital cleft [n = 14], heels [30], or dewclaw [26]) and treated topically with oxytetracycline solution. Cows were examined 14 and 30 days after initial treatment. During each examination, pain and lesion size scores were recorded. Results--On the basis of pain and lesion size scores, oxytetracycline appeared significantly less effective among cows with lesions on the interdigital cleft than for cows with lesions on the heels or the dewclaw. Number of cows with signs of pain or visible lesions after treatment was significantly higher for cows with lesions on the interdigital cleft than for cows with lesions on heels or the dewclaw. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Anatomic location of PDD lesions has an effect on the efficacy of topical treatment with oxytetracycline solution in dairy cows affected with PDD, Cows with lesions on the interdigital cleft were less likely to respond to treatment, compared with cows with lesions on the heels or the dewclaw. Association between exposure to Neospora caninum and milk production in dairy cows Donovan, A., Hernández, J., Risco, C. Association between exposure to Neospora caninum and milk production in dairy cows Donovan, A., Hernández, J., Risco, C. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2001 Objective To determine association between exposure to Neospora caninum and milk production in dairy cows. Design-Prospective observational study. Animals-565 Holstein cows. Procedure-Cows were classified as seropositive or seronegative to N caninum within 7 days after calving by use of a kinetic ELISA. Milk production was compared between seropositive and seronegative cows. Results-On the basis of 305-day mature equivalent milk production data, seropositive cows produced less milk (2.8 lb/cow per day) than did seronegative cows. In addition, analysis of results throughout the first 300 days of lactation revealed that after adjusting for effects of lactation number, calving season, clinical mastitis, and lameness, milk weight of seropositive cows was 2.5 lb/cow per day less than that of seronegative cows. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Exposure to N caninum was associated with a 3 to 4% decrease in milk production. A decrease in milk production of 800 lb/cow for a typical 305-day lactation represents a loss of $128/cow. Effect of lameness on the calving-to-conception interval in dairy cows Hernández, J., Shearer, J. K., Webb et al Effect of lameness on the calving-to-conception interval in dairy cows Hernández, J., Shearer, J. K., Webb, D. W. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2001 Objective-To examine the relationship between lameness and the duration of the interval from calving to subsequent conception in lactating dairy cows. Design-Cohort study. Animals-837 dairy cows. Procedure-Cows affected with lameness were classified into 1 of 4 groups on the basis of types of disease or lesions observed, including foot rot, papillomatous digital dermatitis, claw lesions, or multiple lesions. Cows not affected with lameness were classified as healthy. Time from calving to conception was compared between lame cows and healthy cows, Results-254 (30%) cows were affected with lameness during lactation. Most lame cows (59%) had claw lesions. Lame cows with claw lesions were 0.52 times as likely to conceive as healthy cows. Median time to conception was 40 days longer in lame cows with claw lesions, compared with healthy cows. Number of breedings per conception for lame cows with claw lesions was significantly higher than that for healthy cows. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance-Claw lesions were the most important cause of lameness, impairing reproductive performance in dairy cows, as indicated by a higher incidence of affected cows and a greater time from calving to conception and a higher number of breedings required per conception, compared with healthy cows. Effects of tie-stalls or cubicles on dairy cows in grazing or zero-grazing conditions. Studies on behaviour, locomotion, hygiene,... Herlin, A. H. Effects of tie-stalls or cubicles on dairy cows in grazing or zero-grazing conditions. Studies on behaviour, locomotion, hygiene, health and performance Herlin, A. H. 1994 In a 3-year study of 106 Swedish Friesian cows and 101 first-calf heifers housed in either tethered stalls or cubicles, half of each group were housed permanently and the other half were turned out to graze in summer. Milk yield was 5% higher and feed conversion efficiency was 10-16% greater in tethered cows than in cubicle cows. This difference was unrelated to the degree of exercise. Locomotor problems were most prevalent in cubicle cows Ultrasonographic diagnosis of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle Heppelmann, M., Kofler, J., Rehage, J. et al Ultrasonographic diagnosis of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle Heppelmann, M., Kofler, J., Rehage, J., Starke, A. The Veterinary Journal 2009 Advances in surgical treatment of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle: A review Heppelmann, M., Kofler, J., Meyer, H. et al Advances in surgical treatment of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle: A review Heppelmann, M., Kofler, J., Meyer, H., Rehage, J., Starke, A. The Veterinary Journal 2009 Effect of postpartum suppression of ovulation on uterine involution in dairy cows Bollwein, H., Brömmling, A. et al Effect of postpartum suppression of ovulation on uterine involution in dairy cows Bollwein, H., Brömmling, A., Heppelmann, M., Piechotta, M., Weinert, M., Wrenzycki, C. Theriogenology 2013 Efficacy of ceftiofur sodium (excenelTM) for the treatment of acute foot rot (interdigital necrobacillosis) in cattle Arfi, L., Henke, C. L., Howie, N. M. et al Efficacy of ceftiofur sodium (excenelTM) for the treatment of acute foot rot (interdigital necrobacillosis) in cattle Arfi, L., Henke, C. L., Howie, N. M., Kausche, F. M., Smith, F. J., Trenti, F. 1994 Based on in vitro results ranging from 0.016 to 0.062 `g/ml for the sensitivity of bacteria associated with interdigital necrobacillosis, studies were conducted to test the efficacy in vivo in acute natural infections. Studies presented were conducted in cattle in a number of countries. Cattle were treated with a dose of 1 mg ceftiofur free acid equivalents/kg of body weight at 24-h intervals for 3 consecutive days. No additional treatment was given. Efficacy of the treatment for the individual animal was based of the evaluation of lameness and lesions after the end of the treatment. Estimation of the efficacy of the ceftiofur treatment in the treatment group was based on the comparisons with a pre-established clinical hurdle (i.e. cure rate) which had to be met. Results indicated that ceftiofur sodium is efficacious in the treatment of bovine interdigital necrobacillosis Laminitis in the dairy cow: a cell biological approach Hendry, K. A. K., Knight, C. H. et al Laminitis in the dairy cow: a cell biological approach Hendry, K. A. K., Knight, C. H., MacCallum, A. J., Wilde, C. J. Journal of Dairy Research 1997 Topics reviewed include: hoof anatomy and cell biology (anatomy, keratin structure and hoof keratins); laminitis; keratinization (experimental approaches, regulation by hormones and growth factors, and tissue microenvironment); aetiology of laminitis; and future developments Protein-Synthesis in Tissues Cultured from the Bovine Hoof Hendry, K. A. K., Kempson, S. A. et al Protein-Synthesis in Tissues Cultured from the Bovine Hoof Hendry, K. A. K., Kempson, S. A., Knight, C. H., Lancelott, M. J., Wilde, C. J. Cell and Tissue Research 1995 The mechanical strength of the bovine hoof depends on keratinization of cells in the germinal layers of the epidermis. Histological examination of hoof tissues in calves and young heifers has identified disturbances in this keratinization process which would result in ineffective hoof development and could precipitate lameness. Short-term culture of bovine hoof tissue was used to investigate epidermal keratinization. Cell function remains viable in these cultures. The rate of protein synthesis, measured by [S-35]-methionine incorporation, continued for at least 3 h in culture. Radiolabelled proteins in tissue homogenates were separated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and characterised by fluorography and were representative of the proteins found in hoof tissue. Three prominent radiolabelled bands were identified as keratins and actin by Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry showed that keratin was localised principally in the epidermal layers, and microautoradiography indicated that this was the major site of protein synthesis. Hoof tissues cultured under these conditions provide a useful system for studying the acute regulation of epidermal keratinization. Basement membrane role in keratinization of healthy and diseased hooves Galbraith, H., Hendry, K. A. K., Knight et al Basement membrane role in keratinization of healthy and diseased hooves Galbraith, H., Hendry, K. A. K., Knight, Ch, Wilde, C. J. Synthesis and distribution of cytokeratins in healthy and ulcerated bovine claw epidermis Hendry, K. A. K., Knight, C. H. et al Synthesis and distribution of cytokeratins in healthy and ulcerated bovine claw epidermis Hendry, K. A. K., Knight, C. H., MacCallum, A. J., Wilde, C. J. Journal of Dairy Research 2001 Keratinization of the epidermal cells of the bovine claw generates the horn that gives the tissue its mechanical strength. Disruption of keratinization is likely to have a detrimental effect on the strength and integrity of the horn. and could lead to solar lesions and lameness. As part of a wider investigation of the cell biological causes of lameness in dairy animals, we have compared keratin synthesis and distribution in healthy bovine claw tissue with those in hooves with solar ulcers. Protein synthesis was measured by [S-35]-labelled amino acid incorporation in claw tissue explant cultures. [S-35]-labelled protein synthesis was higher in tissue from diseased claws than in healthy claws, and highest at the ulcer site. The identity of proteins synthesised in vitro did not differ between healthy and diseased tissue. DNA synthesis indicative of cell proliferation Was also elevated in diseased tissue. Immunoblotting after one- or two-dimensional electrophoresis showed cytokeratins (CK) 4. 5/6, 10 and 14 to be amongst those expressed in healthy claw tissue. The relative abundance of these keratins was not altered in healthy regions of ulcerated hooves. nor at the ulcer site, but CK16, not usually found in healthy tissue, was detected in the sole of diseased claws. CK5/6 and CK14 were shown by immunohistochemistry to be present in the basal epidermis of healthy tissue,, whereas CK10 was found in supra-basal layers. In healthy tissue from ulcerated claws, this distribution Was unaltered, but at the site of solar ulcers, CK5/6 and CK14 were each found in both basal and supra-basal epidermis. The study suggests that solar ulceration of the bovine claw is not associated with gross alteration in the keratin composition of the tissue. but causes abnormal distribution of cytokeratins, perhaps as a result of loss of positional cues from the basement membrane. Ulceration did. however, stimulate cell repair involving epidermal protein synthesis (including keratins), and keratinocyte proliferation. Effect of endocrine and paracrine factors on protein synthesis and cell proliferation in bovine hoof tissue culture Hendry, K. A. K., Knight, C. H. et al Effect of endocrine and paracrine factors on protein synthesis and cell proliferation in bovine hoof tissue culture Hendry, K. A. K., Knight, C. H., MacCallum, A. J., Wilde, C. J. Journal of Dairy Research 1999 The hormonal regulation of keratin synthesis and cell proliferation in the bovine hoof was studied using tissue explants in organ culture. As the highest incidence of laminitis occurs during early lactation, the study focused on insulin, cortisol and prolactin, 3 hormones implicated in lactogenesis and galactopoiesis. Incubation of tissue explants for 24 h in medium containing insulin (10-5000 ng/ml) stimulated protein synthesis measured by incorporation of 35S-labelled amino acids. Histochemical examination showed that insulin binding co-localized with the site of protein synthesis. Insulin also stimulated DNA synthesis, an index of cell proliferation, which was measured by incorporation of [3H]methyl thymidine. Cortisol (10-5000 ng/ml) decreased protein synthesis, whereas prolactin (10-5000 ng/ml) had no significant effect on protein or DNA synthesis. Epidermal growth factor (10-200 ng/ml), a potent inhibitor of keratinization in other tissues, stimulated protein synthesis compared with untreated controls. Epidermal growth factor binding was located microscopically to the germinal and differentiating epidermal layers. SDS-PAGE and fluorography showed that the population of proteins synthesized in the presence of any hormone or growth factor combination did not differ from that in untreated controls and included the keratins involved in horn deposition. It is concluded that bovine hoof keratinization is under endocrine and growth factor control, and that systemic changes in lactogenic hormones inhibit keratin deposition Protein synthesis in tissues cultured from the bovine hoof Hendry, K. A. Protein synthesis in tissues cultured from the bovine hoof Hendry, K. A. Cell & Tissue Research 1995 The mechanical strength of the bovine hoof depends on keratinization of cells in the germinal layers of the epidermis. Histological examination of hoof tissues in calves and young heifers has identified disturbances in this keratinization process which would result in ineffective hoof development and could precipitate lameness. Short-term culture of bovine hoof tissue was used to investigate epidermal keratinization. Cell function remains viable in these cultures. The rate of protein synthesis, measured by [35S]-methionine incorporation, continued for at least 3 h in culture. Radiolabelled proteins in tissue homogenates were separated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and characterised by fluorography and were representative of the proteins found in hoof tissue. Three prominent radiolabelled bands were identified as keratins and actin by Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry showed that keratin was localised principally in the epidermal layers, and microautoradiography indicated that this was the major site of protein synthesis. Hoof tissues cultured under these conditions provide a useful system for studying the acute regulation of epidermal keratinization Polyarthritis due to Mycoplasma bovis infection in adult dairy cattle in Northern Ireland Ball, H. J., Henderson, J. P. Polyarthritis due to Mycoplasma bovis infection in adult dairy cattle in Northern Ireland Ball, H. J., Henderson, J. P. Veterinary Record 1999 The Welfare of Extensively Managed Dairy-Cattle – a Review Barnett, J. L., Beveridge, L. et al The Welfare of Extensively Managed Dairy-Cattle – a Review Barnett, J. L., Beveridge, L., Hemsworth, P. H., Matthews, L. R. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 1995 In contrast to intensive dairying practices in many Northern Hemisphere countries, dairy cattle in many countries in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia and New Zealand, are grazed outdoors all year round. Outdoor farming has a more favourable welfare image largely because of the freedom of the animals to perform a wide range of species-specific behaviours and possibly because of the perception of less stress and fewer health problems. However, there are a number of practices that have the potential to adversely affect the welfare of cows and calves. This review identifies some of the main animal welfare issues in extensive dairy production. Induced calving can result in high calf mortality rates (rates vary from 0 to 38.5%), particularly if induction occurs prior to 270 days of gestation, and in slower and less efficient uptake of colostral immunoglobulins. Also, the ability of cows to respond to stressors may be impaired due to long-term suppression of endogenous cortisol. Lameness is conservatively estimated to range between 5.5 and 14% of cows, although one estimate is as high as 60% of cows on an annual basis. Lameness may be affected by a number of factors including the type and maintenance of the farm track, the patience of the stockperson in handling the cows and the herd size. Transport of young calves can result in a 50% incidence of bruised stifles and mortality rates greater than 20% following transport, particularly when calves are transported younger than 14 days old. While calves are relatively cold sensitive at birth, both heat and cold can affect the immune system of calves and adversely affect growth rate of neonatal calves. The adult cow is adversely affected more by heat than by cold with effects on both reproduction and lactation; some of the adverse effects on lactation can be obviated by the provision of shade. Nevertheless, a climatic factor often associated with cold is wet weather and this can contribute to lameness. The behaviour of the stockperson (e.g. impatience) may be associated with lameness and there is some limited evidence to indicate that cows that are less fearful of humans may have better milking behaviour and milk production. Tail-docking can adversely affect fly-avoidance behaviour to such an extent that grazing and rumination are disturbed. Disbudding appears to be associated with pain responses that can be obviated by local anaesthesia. Some biotechnological manipulations currently include procedures such as bovine somatotrophin, superovulation, embryo transfer and genetic engineering. Results of a national survey of US veterinary college faculty regarding attitudes toward farm animal welfare Heleski, Camie R., Mertig, Angela G. et al Results of a national survey of US veterinary college faculty regarding attitudes toward farm animal welfare Heleski, Camie R., Mertig, Angela G., Zanella, Adroaldo J. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2005 The effect of meloxicam on behavior and pain sensitivity of dairy calves following cautery dehorning with a local anesthetic Duffield, T. F., Heinrich, A. et al The effect of meloxicam on behavior and pain sensitivity of dairy calves following cautery dehorning with a local anesthetic Duffield, T. F., Heinrich, A., Lissemore, K. D., Millman, S. T. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Impact of lameness and claw lesions in sows on welfare, health and production Heinonen, Mari, Peltoniemi, Olli et al Impact of lameness and claw lesions in sows on welfare, health and production Heinonen, Mari, Peltoniemi, Olli, Valros, Anna Livestock Science 2013 Osteoarthritic cartilage lesions in the bovine patellar groove: A macroscopic, histological and immunohistological analysis Heinola, T., Konttinen, Y. T. et al Osteoarthritic cartilage lesions in the bovine patellar groove: A macroscopic, histological and immunohistological analysis Heinola, T., Konttinen, Y. T., Lekszycki, T., Sillat, T., Sukura, A., Virkki, L. M. The Veterinary Journal Bovine Chronic Osteoarthritis Causes Minimal Change in Synovial Fluid de Grauw, J. C., Heinola, T., Kontinen et al Bovine Chronic Osteoarthritis Causes Minimal Change in Synovial Fluid de Grauw, J. C., Heinola, T., Kontinen, A., Konttinen, Y. T., Raulo, S. M., Sukura, A., Virkki, L. Journal of Comparative Pathology 2013 A longitudinal field trial of the incidence of the effect of biotin on claw health in dairy cows; trial design, problems and... Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Hedges et al A longitudinal field trial of the incidence of the effect of biotin on claw health in dairy cows; trial design, problems and solutions Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Hedges, V. J., Packington, A.J. A longitudinal field trial of the incidence of and location of specific causes of lameness and the effect of biotin on claw... Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Hedges et al A longitudinal field trial of the incidence of and location of specific causes of lameness and the effect of biotin on claw health in dairy cows Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Hedges, V. J., Packington, A.J. Biotin: an overview of recent research into its effect on lameness in the dairy cow Blowey, R. W., Cj, O' Callaghan, Green et al Biotin: an overview of recent research into its effect on lameness in the dairy cow Blowey, R. W., Cj, O' Callaghan, Green, L. E., Hedges, V. J., Packington, A.J. Cattle Practice 2002 A longitudinal field trial of the effect of biotin on lameness in dairy cows Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Hedges, J. et al A longitudinal field trial of the effect of biotin on lameness in dairy cows Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Hedges, J., O'Callaghan, C. J., Packington, A.J. Journal of Dairy Science 2001 A longitudinal prospective intervention study investigated the effect of biotin supplementation on the incidence (new cases per day) of visible lameness in milking cows and heifers on five commercial farms in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom. The trial lasted from June 1997 to April 1999. Each farm participated in the trial for 18 mo. Within each herd the cows were randomly allocated to either receive a supplement of 20 mg of biotin per day or not. All cows were run as one herd on each farm. When a lame cow was identified, the farmer called one of six veterinarians to examine and treat the affected animal; findings were recorded on a standard form. A veterinarian also carried out a bimonthly locomotion assessment to ensure that all lame cows were diagnosed. There were a total of 900 cows, 1120 cow years, in the trial. The overall incidence rate of lameness (per 100 cows per year) was 68.9, with a range of 31.6 to 111.5 per farm. The incidence rates of the four most frequently reported causes of lameness were sole ulcer, 13.8; white line separation, 12.7; digital dermatitis, 12.0; and interdigital necrobacillosis, 7.1. per 100 cows per year. There was a significant difference in the incidence rate of these four lesions between supplemented and unsupplemented cows on two of the five farms, with a significant decrease in lameness in the cows supplemented with biotin. When all the farms were pooled, the risk of lameness caused by white line separation in cattle supplemented with biotin was approximately halved (Cox proportional hazard survival analysis hazard ratio = 0.57). Arthritis due to Mycoplasma bovis in a homebred Charolais calf Doherty, M. L., Farmer, M. L., Healy et al Arthritis due to Mycoplasma bovis in a homebred Charolais calf Doherty, M. L., Farmer, M. L., Healy, A. M. Irish Veterinary Journal 1996 Mycoplasma bovis was isolated from the elbow joint of a lame Charolais calf in a self-contained beef herd in the Republic of Ireland Production, fertility, survival, and body measurements of Montbéliarde-sired crossbreds compared with pure Holsteins during... Hansen, L. B., Hazel, A. R., Heins et al Production, fertility, survival, and body measurements of Montbéliarde-sired crossbreds compared with pure Holsteins during their first 5 lactations Hansen, L. B., Hazel, A. R., Heins, B. J., Seykora, A. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Dealing with the organic dairy producer Hayton, A. J. Dealing with the organic dairy producer Hayton, A. J. Cattle Practice 1999 Implications for veterinary treatment of cows on farms in the UK either practising, or converting to, organic farming are discussed, under the headings: issues in relation to treatment/management of organic dairy cattle; subclinical mastitis/cell counts; clinical mastitis; fertility; lameness; disease control; parasites; and nutrition. Forthcoming legislation relating to this area is also briefly discussed Case report of a heifer with a piece of wooden fence in its chest wall Haugen, O., Wahl, E. Case report of a heifer with a piece of wooden fence in its chest wall Haugen, O., Wahl, E. Norsk Veterinaertidsskrift 1990 Factors associated with cattle cleanliness on Norwegian dairy farms Hauge, S. J., Kielland, C., Nafstad, O. et al Factors associated with cattle cleanliness on Norwegian dairy farms Hauge, S. J., Kielland, C., Nafstad, O., Ringdal, G., Skjerve, E. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Influence of floor surface and access to pasture on claw health in dairy cows kept in cubicle housing systems Friedli, Katharina, Gygax, Lorenz et al Influence of floor surface and access to pasture on claw health in dairy cows kept in cubicle housing systems Friedli, Katharina, Gygax, Lorenz, Haufe, Helge Christiane, Stauffacher, Markus, Wechsler, Beat Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2012 Influence of floor type in the walking area of cubicle housing systems on the behaviour of dairy cows Friedli, Katharina, Gygax, Lorenz et al Influence of floor type in the walking area of cubicle housing systems on the behaviour of dairy cows Friedli, Katharina, Gygax, Lorenz, Haufe, Helge Christiane, Stauffacher, Markus, Steiner, Beat, Wechsler, Beat Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2009 Effects of lameness on the behaviour of cows during the summer Hassall, S. A., Murray, R. D., Ward et al Effects of lameness on the behaviour of cows during the summer Hassall, S. A., Murray, R. D., Ward, W.R. Veterinary Record 1993 The welfare implications of lameness in dairy cattle are considerable, and in addition to causing great pain and discomfort to the animals it is detrimental to productivity. This study investigated the differences in behaviour of lame and normal cows during the summer. Their rank of entry and behaviour in the milking parlour were examined. Lame cows entered the parlour later than normal cows (P < 0.01), and were significantly more restless on their feet while being milked (P < 0.01). When cows were at pasture the lame cows lay down for longer (P < 0.01) and grazed for shorter periods than the normal cows (P < 0.01). All cows ruminated for longer periods when lying down than when standing, but the difference was significant only for the lame cows (P < 0.01). In addition, lame cows had significantly lower bite rates than normal cows (P < 0.01). The behavioural differences between lame and normal cows indicated that lameness had serious effects on the welfare and productivity of lame cows On-farm assessment of the effect of management and housing type on behaviour and welfare in dairy cattle Bowell, V. A., Haskell, M. J., Lawrence et al On-farm assessment of the effect of management and housing type on behaviour and welfare in dairy cattle Bowell, V. A., Haskell, M. J., Lawrence, A. B., Rennie, L. J., Wemelsfelder, F. Animal Welfare 2003 There is a trend toward increasing intensification in dairy farming in the United Kingdom. In particular, there is concern over systems in which cows are housed throughout the year, as the behavioural restriction implicit in these systems is associated with poor welfare in other species. The aim of this on-going project is to determine how this affects the behaviour and welfare of dairy cattle. A range of behavioural, physical and health measures are being used to assess cow welfare on about 40 commercial British dairy farms. Initially, five farm types were identified from analysis of returns from a farmer questionnaire. Milk production level and housing type were the principal factors explaining variation in farm type. The sample groups are: high-, mid- and low-production cubicle-housing units, mid-production straw-court units, and cubicle-housing high-production zero-grazing units. Observations will take place over three winter housing periods (2000101 to 2002103), with recording on each unit taking five days. Our main hypothesis is that the behavioural and physical responses of 'at-risk' younger cows provide a sensitive indication of farm-level 'stress'. Cows are marked according to age, and the feed-face videotaped continuously to record,feeding time and social interactions. Temporal organisation of behaviour will be analysed using fractal mathematics and qualitative assessment approaches used in a human interaction test. Cow cleanliness, condition score, response to a novel object and the incidences of lameness and leg injury are recorded, and building quality is assessed. Ultimately, multivariate methods will be used to test our underlying hypothesis and to assess affects of housing and production type on behaviour and welfare. This analysis may identify key objective measures of welfare for use in farm assurance schemes. Housing system, milk production, and zero-grazing effects on lameness and leg injury in dairy cows Bell, M. J., Bowell, V. A., Haskell et al Housing system, milk production, and zero-grazing effects on lameness and leg injury in dairy cows Bell, M. J., Bowell, V. A., Haskell, M. J., Lawrence, A. B., Rennie, L. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2006 The aim of this study was to assess the effect of grazing (G) vs. zero-grazing (ZG), level of milk production, and quality and type of housing system [free stalls (FS) and straw yards (SY)] on the prevalence of lameness and leg injuries in dairy cows. Observations were made on 37 commercial dairy farms across Great Britain. A single visit of 5 d duration was made to each farm. During this visit, lameness scores and the incidence of swellings, rubs, and injuries to hocks and knees were recorded on all the peak- or mid-lactation cows. Aspects of the quality of housing and management that were likely to affect foot and leg health were recorded. There were more lame cows on ZG farms (39 +/- 0.02%) than on grazing (G) farms (15 +/- 0.01%), and lameness scores were higher on FS farms compared with SY farms (0.25 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.05 +/- 0.01). Cows on SY farms had fewer hock and knee injuries compared with FS farms. The frequency of knee swellings was higher on ZG farms (0.31 +/- 0.02) than on G farms (0.15 +/- 0.01). Aspects of the free-stall design affected foot and leg health. The number of hock swellings increased with increasing stall gradient (0.16 +/- 0.01 with no slope vs. 0.39 +/- 0.02 at a 0 to 1.5% slope). There was an interaction between the length of the free-stall lunging space and the hip width of the cow, indicating that the incidence of lameness is generally highest on farms with small free stalls and heavy cows. High levels of milk production did not affect lameness or leg injury. The results indicate that housing cows throughout the year potentially has a detrimental effect on foot and leg health. However, good free-stall design may reduce lameness and leg lesions. The effect of a view to the surroundings and microclimate variables on use of a loafing area in housed dairy cattle Bell, David J., Haskell, Marie J. et al The effect of a view to the surroundings and microclimate variables on use of a loafing area in housed dairy cattle Bell, David J., Haskell, Marie J., Langford, Fritha M., Masłowska, Katarzyna, Roberts, David J. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2013 Report on Exeter seminar-farm assurance Harwood, D. G. Report on Exeter seminar-farm assurance Harwood, D. G. Cattle Practice 1998 Short communication: Minimum bactericidal concentration of disinfectants evaluated for bovine digital dermatitis-associated... Anklam, K., Buchalova, M., Dopfer, D. et al Short communication: Minimum bactericidal concentration of disinfectants evaluated for bovine digital dermatitis-associated Treponema phagedenis-like spirochetes Anklam, K., Buchalova, M., Dopfer, D., Hartshorn, R. E., Hemling, T. C., Lopez-Benavides, M. G., Thomas, E. C. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Systemic bioavailability of erythromycin in cattle when applied by footbath Hartog, B. J., Laven, R. A., Poole et al Systemic bioavailability of erythromycin in cattle when applied by footbath Hartog, B. J., Laven, R. A., Poole, D. A., Pouw, H. J., Tap, S. H. M. Veterinary Record 2001 The incidence, cost and factors associated with foot lameness in dairy cattle in south-western Victoria Harris, D. J. The incidence, cost and factors associated with foot lameness in dairy cattle in south-western Victoria Harris, D. J. Australian Veterinary Journal 1988 A survey of 73 dairy farms in south-western Victoria was conducted to assess the cost and mean herd incidence of foot lameness for the period from calving to the end of November, 1985, and to identify the herd, management and environmental factors associated with foot lameness. The mean herd size was 125 cows (range 82 to 220). Lameness occurred in 64 (88%) herds, and the mean herd incidence was 7.0% (range 0.0 to 30.9%). The main clinical signs associated with lameness were the presence of overworn and/or bruised soles, or stones lodged in the interdigital cleft. Factors associated with lameness were: property and herd size, age of cow, bail feeding, voluntary entry into the bails, and features of the farm track including its length, the presence of steep slopes, the type of surface material, presence and treatment of broken sections and maintenance including rolling history. The association of these factors with specific clinical signs was examined. The mean cost was estimated to be $42.90 per lame cow due to loss of production, treatment, the culling or death of lame cows, and extra man hours spent managing lame cows. It was concluded that the site, construction, maintenance and use of the farm track were of major importance to the incidence of lameness in herds in this area and recommendations for reducing lameness are made A field study evaluating health, performance, and behavior differences in crossbred beef calves administered different... Blasi, Dale A., Hanzlicek, Gregg A. et al A field study evaluating health, performance, and behavior differences in crossbred beef calves administered different vaccine-parasiticide product combinations Blasi, Dale A., Hanzlicek, Gregg A., Renter, David G., White, Brad J. Vaccine 2010 Identifying use and non-use values of animal welfare: Evidence from Swedish dairy agriculture Hansson, Helena, Lagerkvist, Carl Johan Identifying use and non-use values of animal welfare: Evidence from Swedish dairy agriculture Hansson, Helena, Lagerkvist, Carl Johan Food Policy 2015 Papillomatous Digital Dermatitis in a Canadian Dairy-Herd Duivenvoorden, P., Hanna, P., Lofstedt et al Papillomatous Digital Dermatitis in a Canadian Dairy-Herd Duivenvoorden, P., Hanna, P., Lofstedt, J. Canadian Veterinary Journal-Revue Veterinaire Canadienne 1994 Prince Edward Island. Papillomatous digital dermatitis in a Canadian dairy herd Duivenvoorden, P., Hanna, P., Lofstedt et al Prince Edward Island. Papillomatous digital dermatitis in a Canadian dairy herd Duivenvoorden, P., Hanna, P., Lofstedt, J. Canadian Veterinary Journal 1994 Expression of actin, vimentin and keratins in solear dermis and epidermis of Holstein x Fresian dairy cattle Birnie, M., Galbraith, H., Hammond, A. et al Expression of actin, vimentin and keratins in solear dermis and epidermis of Holstein x Fresian dairy cattle Birnie, M., Galbraith, H., Hammond, A., King, T. P. Genetic analysis of heat stress effects on yield traits, udder health, and fatty acids of Walloon Holstein cows Bastin, C., Gengler, N., Hammami, H. et al Genetic analysis of heat stress effects on yield traits, udder health, and fatty acids of Walloon Holstein cows Bastin, C., Gengler, N., Hammami, H., Rekik, B., Vandenplas, J., Vanrobays, M. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2015 Genetic parameters that considered tolerance for heat stress were estimated for production, udder health, and milk composition traits. Data included 202,733 test-day records for milk, fat, and protein yields, fat and protein percentages, somatic cell score (SCS), 10 individual milk fatty acids (FA) predicted by mid-infrared spectrometry, and 7 FA groups. Data were from 34,468 first-lactation Holstein cows in 862 herds in the Walloon region of Belgium and were collected between 2007 and 2010. Test-day records were merged with daily temperature-humidity index (THI) values based on meteorological records from public weather stations. The maximum distance between each farm and its corresponding weather station was 21km. Linear reaction norm models were used to estimate the intercept and slope responses of 23 traits to increasing THI values. Most yield and FA traits had phenotypic and genetic declines as THI increased, whereas SCS, C18:0, C18:1 cis-9, and 4 FA groups (unsaturated FA, monounsaturated FA, polyunsaturated FA, and long-chain FA) increased with THI. Moreover, the latter traits had the largest slope-to-intercept genetic variance ratios, which indicate that they are more affected by heat stress at high THI levels. Estimates of genetic correlations within trait between cold and hot environments were generally high (>0.80). However, lower estimates (< = 0.67) were found for SCS, fat yield, and C18:1 cis-9, indicating that animals with the highest genetic merit for those traits in cold environments do not necessarily have the highest genetic merit for the same traits in hot environments. Among all traits, C18:1 cis-9 was the most sensitive to heat stress. As this trait is known to reflect body reserve mobilization, using its variations under hot conditions could be a very affordable milk biomarker of heat stress for dairy cattle expressing the equilibrium between intake and mobilization under warm conditions. Identification of predictive biomarkers of disease state in transition dairy cows Ametaj, B. N., Dunn, S. M., Hailemariam et al Identification of predictive biomarkers of disease state in transition dairy cows Ametaj, B. N., Dunn, S. M., Hailemariam, D., Mandal, R., Saleem, F., Wishart, D. S. Journal of Dairy Science Tension band plating of an olecranon fracture in a bull Hague, B. A., Hooper, R. N., Roussel et al Tension band plating of an olecranon fracture in a bull Hague, B. A., Hooper, R. N., Roussel, A. J., Taylor, T. S., Watkins, J. P. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1997 A 1,018-kg (2,240-lb), 6-year-old bull was admitted for evaluation of a left forelimb lameness of 7 days' duration. Radiographic views of the proximal portion of the left forelimb revealed a type-III olecranon fracture that was minimally displaced. Conservative treatment, including stall confinement and administration of anti-inflammatory drugs, was attempted. Subsequent radiographic views, 27 days later, revealed displacement of the fracture with minimal callus formation. Open reduction and internal fixation was performed by placing a 4.5-mm, 10-hole broad dynamic-compression on the caudal surface of the olecranon. Good anatomic reduction was achieved, returning the bull to full weightbearing. Eight months following surgery the owners reported the bull was sound at a walk and able to breed cows Genetic parameters for hoof disorders and feet and leg conformation traits in Finnish Holstein cows Häggman, J., Juga, J. Genetic parameters for hoof disorders and feet and leg conformation traits in Finnish Holstein cows Häggman, J., Juga, J. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Slow release antibiotics for treatment of septic arthritis in large animals Habermacher, Judith, Haerdi-Landerer et al Slow release antibiotics for treatment of septic arthritis in large animals Habermacher, Judith, Haerdi-Landerer, M. Christina, Steiner, Adrian, Suter, Maja M., Wenger, Barbara The Veterinary Journal 2010 Frequency of foot diseases in Holstein-Friesian herds Gyorkos et al Frequency of foot diseases in Holstein-Friesian herds Gyorkos, Istvan Karman Tibor Bozo Sandor Mezes Miklos Magyar Allatorvosok Lapja 1995 Influence of digital dermatitis on milk production in dairy cows Bader, E., Gyorkos, I., Kovacs, K. et al Influence of digital dermatitis on milk production in dairy cows Bader, E., Gyorkos, I., Kovacs, K., Mezes, M., Nyakas, I. Allattenyesztes-es-Takarmanyozas 1999 Prevention of locomotor diseases in cattle herds. Future prospects for Hungarian animal production (challenges and opportunities)... Bardos, L., Borka, G., Gyorkos, I. et al Prevention of locomotor diseases in cattle herds. Future prospects for Hungarian animal production (challenges and opportunities) [programme leader Kovacs, F.] Bardos, L., Borka, G., Gyorkos, I., Kiss, Z., Oppel, K., Puski, J., Volgyi, C. J. Allattenyesztes-es-Takarmanyozas 1999 Milk Cortisol Concentration in Automatic Milking Systems Compared with Auto-Tandem Milking Parlors Gygax, L., Hauser, R., Kaufmann, C. et al Milk Cortisol Concentration in Automatic Milking Systems Compared with Auto-Tandem Milking Parlors Gygax, L., Hauser, R., Kaufmann, C., Neuffer, I., Wechsler, B. Journal of Dairy Science 2006 Milk cortisol concentration was determined under routine management conditions on 4 farms with an auto-tandem milking parlor and 8 farms with 1 of 2 automatic milking systems (AMS). One of the AMS was a partially forced (AMSp) system, and the other was a free cow traffic (AMSf) system. Milk samples were collected for all the cows on a given farm (20 to 54 cows) for at least 1 d. Behavioral observations were made during the milking process for a subset of 16 to 20 cows per farm. Milk cortisol concentration was evaluated by milking system, time of day, behavior during milking, daily milk yield, and somatic cell count using linear mixed-effects models. Milk cortisol did not differ between systems (AMSp: 1.15 ± 0.07; AMSf: 1.02 ± 0.12; auto-tandem parlor: 1.01 ± 0.16 nmol/L). Cortisol concentrations were lower in evening than in morning milkings (1.01 ± 0.12 vs. 1.24 ± 0.13 nmol/L). The daily periodicity of cortisol concentration was characterized by an early morning peak and a late afternoon elevation in AMSp. A bimodal pattern was not evident in AMSf. Finally, milk cortisol decreased by a factor of 0.915 in milking parlors, by 0.998 in AMSp, and increased by a factor of 1.161 in AMSf for each unit of ln(somatic cell count/1,000). We conclude that milking cows in milking parlors or AMS does not result in relevant stress differences as measured by milk cortisol concentrations. The biological relevance of the difference regarding the daily periodicity of milk cortisol concentrations observed between the AMSp and AMSf needs further investigation. Incidence of foot diseases on dairy cattle farms in Aydin area Erden, H., Guzel, N. Incidence of foot diseases on dairy cattle farms in Aydin area Erden, H., Guzel, N. Veteriner Cerrahi Dergisi 2000 Osteomyelitis and fractures in Holstein cows Erden, H., Guzel, N. Osteomyelitis and fractures in Holstein cows Erden, H., Guzel, N. Veteriner Cerrahi Dergisi 2000 Epidemiology of trace elements deficiencies in Belgian beef and dairy cattle herds Guyot, Hugues, Lebreton, Pascal, Rollin et al Epidemiology of trace elements deficiencies in Belgian beef and dairy cattle herds Guyot, Hugues, Lebreton, Pascal, Rollin, Frédéric, Saegerman, Claude, Sandersen, Charlotte Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology 2009 Long-term familiarity creates preferred social partners in dairy cows Gutmann, Anke Kristina, Špinka, Marek et al Long-term familiarity creates preferred social partners in dairy cows Gutmann, Anke Kristina, Špinka, Marek, Winckler, Christoph Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2015 Group is an essential resource for gregarious animals. Dairy cows are however frequently (re-)grouped according to productivity and reproductive state leading to an unstable social environment for the animals. The present study aimed at investigating whether cows maintain social relationships in a dynamic group. Therefore we analysed whether more familiar cows spend more time in close proximity, and interact more often in an affiliative way. Social interactions and direct neighbours during feeding and resting of 12 Holstein cows (1st to 3rd lactation) in a dynamic dairy cow group of 50 animals were assessed continuously over four days using focal animal sampling. A principal component analysis over the twelve assessed social behaviour variables per pair revealed four main components: social relationships may be characterised by time spent as direct neighbours when feeding and interacting affiliative as well as agonistically (excluding displacements), by displacement success, allogrooming interactions, and time spent as direct neighbours when resting. Long-term (shared youth experience, shared adult experience) and short-term (shared dry-period, synchronised group entry) familiarity was associated with higher scores for interacting and being direct neighbours when feeding (p < 0.05 for shared youth experience, shared adult experience, and shared dry-period), allogrooming (p < 0.1 for shared adult experience × shared dry-period), and being direct neighbours when resting (p < 0.05 for shared youth experience × shared adult experience). Long-term familiarity had a stronger effect on the intensity of social relationships, i.e. regarding investment of time and energy, than very recent shared experience. These results support the notion that dairy cows actively maintain valuable dyadic relationships. In practical terms, keeping well-acquainted cows together may contribute to a stable inner structure of a dairy herd and thus promote dairy cow welfare. Diagnosis and treatment programs for fresh cows Guterbock, Walter M. Diagnosis and treatment programs for fresh cows Guterbock, Walter M. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2004 Effect of daily exercise on the getting up and lying down behaviour of tied dairy cows Gustafson, G. M., LundMagnussen, E. Effect of daily exercise on the getting up and lying down behaviour of tied dairy cows Gustafson, G. M., LundMagnussen, E. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1995 The effect of daily exercise on tied dairy cows was studied in 65 first and second calvers of the Swedish Red and White dual-purpose breed in a 4 year experiment. Half the group walked outdoors for 2-3 km day(-1) from May to October and 400-800 m day(-1) from November to April. The rest of the cows were constantly tied. In the third and fourth years of the experiment and when the cows were in the tenth week of their third to fifth lactation, each cow was documented for movements of getting up and lying down during 24 h by an infra-red sensitive camera and a time-lapse video recorder. In the third year, 19 non-exercised (NE) cows and 18 exercised (E) cows were filmed, and in the fourth year ten ME cows and 13 E cows. When lying down, the time spent from the position when the cow started to move her head in a pendulum movement close to the ground until she had one knee on the floor was recorded (phase 1), and subsequently from this position until she was lying down (phase 2). During both years the NE cows had a significantly longer phase 1 than the E cows, which was associated with a significantly higher number of interrupted pendulum movements. In year 3, the median time for the total act of lying down was 70 s for NE cows and 36 s for E cows, in year 4 it was 46 s and 30 s, respectively. Median time for getting up was 8 s and 7 s for NE and E cows respectively, in both years. The number of getting-ups/lying-downs in 24 h did not differ significantly between the groups, nor did the time needed for getting up. On average, the cows of both groups had a side for lying which they significantly preferred. For the individual cow it could be either the left or the right side. We believe that the differences in time needed for the lying down movement and number of interrupted pendulum movements per lying down were largely due to differences in the condition of the limb joints, tendons and ligaments. Effects of Daily Exercise On the Health of Tied Dairy-Cows Gustafson, G. M. Effects of Daily Exercise On the Health of Tied Dairy-Cows Gustafson, G. M. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1993 The effect of daily exercise on tied dairy cows was studied in 65 initially first and second calvers of the Swedish Red and White dual- purpose breed in a 4 year experiment, starting in July 1985. Half of the group walked outdoors for 2-3 km day(-1) from May to October and 400-800 m day(-1) from November to April. The rest of the cows were constantly tied. Health in general was significantly and positively influenced by exercise, reducing the need for veterinary treatments. Analysis over time, within lactations, showed that the difference in the number of veterinary treatments occurred entirely in Weeks 0-2 of lactation. During those weeks, non-exercised (NE) cows were more affected by calving-related diseases, mastitis and leg problems than the exercised (E) cows. The difference between groups increased with increasing lactation number. In addition, somatic cell count in the milk was higher for the NE cows in their first month of lactation. Among feeding-related diseases, the cases of bloat were notable more frequent among NE cows, whereas exercise did not influence the occurrence of clinical or subclinical ketosis. Cases of non- infectious leg and hoof disorders were also notably more frequent in the NE group, which also showed a significantly more serious score for skin lesions on the hocks, measured on one occasion. Scores for sole ulcer were significantly higher for the E cows on one occasion of four, at which there were problems with the surface of the exercise area. The causes of exclusions strengthened the differences mentioned for treatments Spinal fractures in intensively-fed yearling cattle Gunning, R. F., Karvountzis, S. et al Spinal fractures in intensively-fed yearling cattle Gunning, R. F., Karvountzis, S., Vecqueray, R. J. Vet Rec 2000 Calf health monitoring in Norwegian dairy herds Gulliksen, S. M., Lie, K. I., Østerås et al Calf health monitoring in Norwegian dairy herds Gulliksen, S. M., Lie, K. I., Østerås, O. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Comparison between herd performance of different users of computerized information systems Esslemont, R., Guilhermino, M. Comparison between herd performance of different users of computerized information systems Esslemont, R., Guilhermino, M. Revista Argentina de Produccion Animal 1995 Responses received from 568 of 2000 dairy farmers in England and Wales to a Milk Marketing Board questionnaire on the use of computerized information systems (cIS) in herd management are analysed. Farmers who did not use cIS tended to have smaller herds and lower replacement and culling rates than those who used cIS. 59% of 356 users of cIS used the National Milk Records (NMR) system plus other cIS, 21% used the NMR system only, 18% used other cIS only and 2% did not specify which system they used. Compared with users of NMR only, farmers who used NMR plus other cIS had, on average, larger herds (209 vs. 74) and a higher percentage of cows developing mastitis and/or lameness; they also reported lower average age at first calving, higher stocking rate and higher annual milk yield/cow Recognizing and managing infectious causes of lameness in cattle Guard, C., Williams, E. I. Recognizing and managing infectious causes of lameness in cattle Guard, C., Williams, E. I. Investigating herds with lameness problems. [Review] [21 refs] Guard, C. Investigating herds with lameness problems. [Review] [21 refs] Guard, C. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2001 Many dairy herds have unusual or exceptionally serious lameness problems. Based on published observations of risk factors for specific disease problems, along with the author's experience, this article describes a systematic way to approach and evaluate lameness problems. It is important to define the etiologic diagnosis because preventive or corrective measures depend on the cause of the herd problem. Compound etiologies and complex risk factor interactions are the norm in this sometimes frustrating endeavor. [References: 21] Hemangiosarcoma in a cow Guard, C. Hemangiosarcoma in a cow Guard, C. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1984 A 4-year-old cow initially examined because of hindlimb lameness had a waxing and waning course of illness for 31 weeks. Signs included lameness, swelling of the affected limb, and intermittent fever, and anorexia. Radiography and bacterial culturing suggested osteomyelitis. Terminally, there was peracute anemia and dyspnea. The final diagnosis was hemangiosarcoma of the metatarsus, with metastasis to the lungs Detection of cows with insemination problems using selected classification models Dybus, Andrzej, Grzesiak, Wilhelm et al Detection of cows with insemination problems using selected classification models Dybus, Andrzej, Grzesiak, Wilhelm, Sablik, Piotr, Szatkowska, Iwona, Zaborski, Daniel, Żukiewicz, Agata Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 2010 Electron-Microscopic Examination of Spirochetes in Dermatitis- Digitalis Lesions in Cows Grund, S., Horsch, F., Nattermann, H. Electron-Microscopic Examination of Spirochetes in Dermatitis- Digitalis Lesions in Cows Grund, S., Horsch, F., Nattermann, H. Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series B-Zentralblatt Fur Veterinarmedizin Reihe B-Infectious Diseases and Veterinary Public Health 1995 In typical Dermatitis digitalis (D.d.) lesions, spirochaete-like bacteria with variations in spiralization were revealed by electron microscopy. While, in the early stages of the disease, these are found to be associated with fibrillar material of keratocytes, they occur massively in vacuoles at more advanced stages. The spirochaetes carry one pair of endoflagella, originating with a hook from the poles of the bacteria. These flagellas are composed of coiled flagelling fibrils in the pole region, merging towards the centre of the bacterium. A coat of fibrils was found in association with the cytoplasmatic membrane. The winding of this coat follows and may influence the coiling of the protoplast, and is probably involved in the rapid motility of this spirochaetes, together with the flagella. Immuno-electronmicroscopy revealed an antigenic relationship with Borrelia burgdorferi, at least with regard to the regions of flagella and undulating membrane. The paper discusses: 1. The possible classification of these spirochaetes with the genus Treponema; 2. The layer of peptidoglycan occuring on the outer membrane; and 3. The keratolytic activity of spirochaetes in D.d Optimizing replacement of dairy cows: modeling the effects of diseases Allore, H. G., DeLorenzo, M. A. et al Optimizing replacement of dairy cows: modeling the effects of diseases Allore, H. G., DeLorenzo, M. A., Galligan, D. T., Grohn, Y. T., Hertl, J. A., Rajala-Schultz, P. J. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2003 We modified an existing dairy management decision model by including economically important dairy cattle diseases, and illustrated how their inclusion changed culling recommendations. Nine common diseases having treatment and veterinary costs, and affecting milk yield, fertility and survival, were considered important in the culling decision process. A sequence of stages was established during which diseases were considered significant: mastitis and lameness, any time during lactation; dystocia, milk fever and retained placenta, 0-4 days of lactation; displaced abomasum, 5-30 days; ketosis and metritis, 5-60 days; and cystic ovaries, 61-120 days. Some diseases were risk factors for others. Baseline incidences and disease effects were obtained from the literature. The effects of various disease combinations on milk yield, fertility, survival and economics were estimated. Adding diseases into the model did not increase voluntary or total culling rate. However, diseased animals were recommended for culling much more than healthy cows, regardless of parity or production level. Cows in the highest production level were not recommended for culling even if they contracted a disease. The annuity per cow decreased and herdlife increased when diseases were in the model. Higher replacement cost also increased herdlife and decreased when diseases were in the model. Higher replacement cost also increased herdlife and decreased the annuity and voluntary culling rate. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Measuring the response to therapeutic foot trimming in dairy cows with fortnightly lameness scoring Bell, N.J., Groenevelt, M., KNOWLES et al Measuring the response to therapeutic foot trimming in dairy cows with fortnightly lameness scoring Bell, N.J., Groenevelt, M., KNOWLES, T.G., Main, D. C. J., Tisdall, D. The Veterinary Journal 2014 Lameness scoring (0–3) was carried out on four UK dairy farms during the housing period over three consecutive years (2010–2012). At the start of the study cows were matched by parity and stage of lactation and randomly allocated into a treatment (TX) and a control (CX) group. Cows were enrolled when two sound scores (0 or 1) were followed by a lame score (2). Farmers were immediately notified of score 3 cows, which were then excluded from the study, irrespective of whether they were in treatment or control groups. The animals in the TX group received treatment 3–48 h after being scored lame. Farmers remained blind to the treatment group. Throughout the study the participating farmers continued to identify and treat lame cows according to their usual approaches, this included treating animals in the CX or TX group if they so chose. The fortnightly lameness scoring and treatment of the TX group resulted in higher cure rates at each scoring session following treatment when compared with the CX group (P < 0.001). Two weeks after inclusion, 78% (SE ± 3.2) of TX cows were sound, compared with 66% (SE ± 3.1) of CX cows. At 18 weeks following initial recruitment this had fallen to 41% (SE ± 6.3) (TX) and 13% (SE ± 4.7) (CX). The percentage of total scores which were sound scores in the TX and CX groups following inclusion in the trial was 81% and 66.1%, respectively (P < 0.001). The main lesions found on treatment in the TX group were sole haemorrhage (41% of cases) and digital dermatitis (33%). Severe lesions (sole ulcers and toe necrosis) were only found in 6.6% of cases. In the treated CX animals the percentage of severe lesions was 14%. Cost-benefit analysis of vaccination against Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis in dairy cattle, given its... Groenendaal, Huybert, Patton et al Cost-benefit analysis of vaccination against Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis in dairy cattle, given its cross-reactivity with tuberculosis tests Groenendaal, Huybert, Patton, Elisabeth A., Wells, Scott J., Zagmutt, Francisco J. Journal of Dairy Science 2015 Johne’s disease (JD), or paratuberculosis, is a chronic enteric disease of ruminants, caused by infection with Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Johne’s disease causes considerable economic losses to the US dairy industry, estimated to be over $200 million annually. Available control strategies include management measures to improve calf hygiene, test-and-cull strategies, and vaccination. Although the first 2 strategies have shown to reduce the prevalence of MAP, they require dedicated and long-term efforts from dairy producers, with often relatively slow progress. As a result, uptake of both strategies has not been as wide as expected given the economic benefits especially of improved hygiene. Vaccination has also been found to reduce the prevalence and economic losses of JD, but most economic estimates have been based on simulation of hypothetical vaccines. In addition, if an animal is vaccinated, cross-reactivity between MAP antibodies and bovine tuberculosis (BTB) antigens may occur, decreasing the specificity of BTB tests. Therefore, MAP vaccination would cause additional indirect costs to the BTB surveillance and control program. The objective of the present study was to use data from a MAP vaccine trial together with an epidemiologic and economic model to estimate the direct on-farm benefits of MAP vaccination and to estimate the indirect costs of MAP vaccination due to the cross-reactivity with BTB tests. Direct economic benefits of MAP vaccination were estimated at $8.03 (90% predictive interval: −$25.97 to $41.36) per adult animal per year, all accruing to the dairy producers. This estimate is likely an underestimation of the true direct benefits of MAP vaccination. In addition, indirect economic costs due to cross-reactivity were $2.14 per adult animal per year, making MAP vaccination economically attractive. Only in regions or states with a high frequency of BTB testing (because of, for example, Mycobacterium bovis outbreaks in a wild deer population) and areas where typically small groups of animals are BTB tested would MAP vaccination not be economically attractive. Genetic Correlations of Clinical Mastitis and Feet and Legs Problems With Milk-Yield and Type Traits in Dutch Black-and-White... Groen, A. F., Hellinga, I., Oldenbroek et al Genetic Correlations of Clinical Mastitis and Feet and Legs Problems With Milk-Yield and Type Traits in Dutch Black-and-White Dairy-Cattle Groen, A. F., Hellinga, I., Oldenbroek, J. K. Netherlands Journal of Agricultural Science 1994 Direct selection for decreased disease incidence is difficult given low heritabilities and absence of disease recording. Genetic correlations between diseases and type traits indicate possibilities for indirect selection; however, correlations often include experimentally instead stead of routinely scored type traits. The aim of this study was to estimate genetic correlations of clinical mastitis and feet and legs problems with milk yield and routinely scored type traits in Dutch Black and White cows. From 1983 to 1991, incidence of diseases was recorded at 44 farms with Dutch Black and White dairy cattle. In total, records on 3617 cows sired by 224 bulls were analyzed. Heritabilities for milk yield, type traits, and diseases were obtained using an equal design multi-variate REML procedure considering all observations on a continuous scale. A bivariate threshold procedure was used to estimate heritabilities for diseases and genetic correlations of diseases with milk yield and type traits. Genetic correlations of clinical mastitis and feet and legs problems with milk yield were unfavorable (0.16, 0.26), and heritabilities for diseases were low (0.01-0.11). Unexpected positive relations between udder type traits and clinical mastitis were found (0.09-0.26), and possible reasons were discussed. Genetic correlations between type traits for feet and legs and feet and legs problems were negative (-0.01, -0.24). Final score for feet and legs might be used as selection criteria to select for lower incidence of feet and legs problems Risk-Factors Associated with Lameness in Lactating Dairy-Cattle in Michigan Foster, D., Groehn, J. A., Kaneene et al Risk-Factors Associated with Lameness in Lactating Dairy-Cattle in Michigan Foster, D., Groehn, J. A., Kaneene, J. B. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1992 A prospective cohort study was conducted to determine specific risk factors that may be associated with lameness in lactating dairy cattle. The data for this study were from the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) project from June 1986 to August 1987. Possible risk factors evaluated included the parity of the cow, herd size, housing type, exclusion of dry hay from the diet, bedding type and frequency of bedding changes. This study included 45 of the 54 randomly-selected herds that participated in the NAHMS project. Data were obtained from individual animal records and two herd management surveys completed by the producer at each farm. The results of the analysis show that for each 1 year increase in parity there was more than a 30% increased risk of becoming lame (odds ratio = 1.4; CI = 1.2-1.4). A herd size of 50-99 cattle was also associated with lameness in lactating daily cows (odds ratio = 4.6; CI = 1.2-12.7). Follow up of resections on claws of cattle Grisiger, M., Martig, J. Follow up of resections on claws of cattle Grisiger, M., Martig, J. Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift 1996 Between 1980 and 1991 205 partial resections on claws of cattle have been performed at our clinic. 111 of these cases could be included in a retrospective study. In 57.5 % of these cases parts of the third phalange had to be resected (group 1), in 14.2 % parts of the third phalange and the deep flexor tendon had to be removed (group 2); in 28.3 % also the distal sesamoid bone and/or other structures were affected (group 3). The average duration of treatment ((x) over bar +/- s) was 6.9 +/- 4.5 weeks for group 1, 6.5 +/- 1.9 weeks and 9.3 +/- 3.9 weeks for group 2 and 3, respectively. There was a highly significant difference between the means of group land 3 and a significant difference between group 2 and 3. Of 103 animals which were provided for pasturing 44.7 % could meet this requirement not at all or only with limitations. This was true for 66.7 % of animals of group 2 and 58.2 % of animals of group 3. 84.5 % of 84 animals, which could be evaluated in this respect, the normal milk production was regained after treatment. At the time the retrospective study was performed, 13 of the animals still were alive. The average survival time ((x) over bar +/- s) after surgical treatment of 74 animals, for which the date of slaughter was available, was 22.0 +/- 21.8 months. Recurring lameness from the treated or another leg was the reason for salvaging in 39.2 % of the animals. A comparison with results of an earlier retrospective study of our clinic, dealing with cattle after amputation to the toe revealed that with the exception of cases with a well delimited zone of necrosis in the third phalange for economical reasons the toe amputation should be performed rather than a partial resection. For cases, where slaughtering would be the only alternative to the resection, this method can well be recommended [Follow-up studies of resections of claws in cattle]. [German] Grisiger, M. [Follow-up studies of resections of claws in cattle]. [German] Grisiger, M. DTW - Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift 1996 Between 1980 and 1991 205 partial resections on claws of cattle have been performed at our clinic, 111 of these cases could be included in a retrospective study. In 57.5% of these cases parts of the third phalange had to be resected (group 1), in 14.2% parts of the third phalange and the deep flexor tendon had to be removed (group 2); in 28.3% also the distal sesamoid bone and/or other structures were affected (group 3). The average duration of treatment (mean +/- s) was 6.9 +/- 4.5 weeks for group 1, 6.5 +/- 1.9 weeks and 9.3 +/- 3.9 weeks for group 2 and 3, respectively. There was a highly significant difference between the means of group 1 and 3 and a significant difference between group 2 and 3. Of 103 animals which were provided for pasturing 44.7% could meet this requirement not at all or only with limitations. This was true for 66.7% of animals of group 2 and 58.2% of animals of group 3. 84.5% of 84 animals, which could be evaluated in this respect, the normal milk production was regained after treatment. At the time the retrospective study was performed, 13 of the animals still were alive. The average survival time (mean +/- s) after surgical treatment of 74 animals, for which the date of slaughter was available, was 22.0 +/- 21.8 months. Recurring lameness from the treated or another leg was the reason for salvaging in 39.2% of the animals. A comparison with results of an earlier retrospective study of our clinic, dealing with cattle after amputation to the toe revealed that with the exception of cases with a well deliminated zone of necrosis in the third phalange for economical reasons the toe amputation should be performed rather than a partial resection. For cases, where slaughter would be the only alternative to the resection, this method can well be recommended Feedlot diseases Griffin, D. Feedlot diseases Griffin, D. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1998 Ration composition affects short-term diurnal feeding patterns of dairy heifers DeVries, Trevor J., Greter, Angela M. et al Ration composition affects short-term diurnal feeding patterns of dairy heifers DeVries, Trevor J., Greter, Angela M., von Keyserlingk, Marina A. G. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2012 Effect of feed delivery method on the behavior and growth of dairy heifers DeVries, T. J., Greter, A. M., Leslie et al Effect of feed delivery method on the behavior and growth of dairy heifers DeVries, T. J., Greter, A. M., Leslie, K. E., Mason, G. J., McBride, B. W. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Dairy cow preference for a soft track surface Gregory, N. G., Taylor, O. D. Dairy cow preference for a soft track surface Gregory, N. G., Taylor, O. D. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 2002 Swelling of cattle heel horn by urine Gregory, N. G. Swelling of cattle heel horn by urine Gregory, N. G. Australian Veterinary Journal 2004 Softening of cattle hoof soles and swelling of heel horn by environmental agents Craggs, L., Gregory, N., Hobson, N. et al Softening of cattle hoof soles and swelling of heel horn by environmental agents Craggs, L., Gregory, N., Hobson, N., Krogh, C. Food and Chemical Toxicology 2006 Bovine soles and shavings from the heel were used in laboratory tests that examined the softening and swelling effects of rainwater, cow slurry (facces plus urine), urine, silage effluent, and washings from recently laid concrete. Formalin, glutaraldehyde and butyraldehyde were compared for their ability to prevent softening induced by water, urine or urea plus 2-mercaptoethanol. Exposure to rainwater, slurry or urine for 72 h softened the soles on average by 16, 13 and 14 Shore Durometer Units. Silage effluent had less softening effect on soles (7 Shore Durometer Units), and pre-treating heel shavings with silage effluent reversed the swelling effect of water. Washings and scrapings taken from 3- and 7-d-old concrete surfaces prepared from Portland cement, caused swelling in heel shavings by a factor of 1.5 and 1.3. Formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde and butyraldehyde pre-treatment reduced the sole softening effect of urea plus 2-mercaptoethanol in cow soles. Formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde pre-treatment reduced the sole softening effect of urine, and formaldehyde was effective at reducing concrete washings-induced swelling. The findings are relevant to solar bruising and ulceration in cattle. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. A review of factors predisposing to lameness in cattle Greenough, P. R., Weaver, AD A review of factors predisposing to lameness in cattle Greenough, P. R., Weaver, AD Breeding for disease resistance in farm animals 1991 Laminitis-Like Changes in the Claws of Feedlot Cattle Berg, P. A., Cohen, R. D. H., Fathy et al Laminitis-Like Changes in the Claws of Feedlot Cattle Berg, P. A., Cohen, R. D. H., Fathy, F. A., Greenough, P. R., McKinnon, J. J., Vermunt, J. J. Canadian Veterinary Journal-Revue Veterinaire Canadienne 1990 Evaluation of Subclinical Laminitis in a Dairy-Herd and Observations on Associated Nutritional and Management Factors Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. Evaluation of Subclinical Laminitis in a Dairy-Herd and Observations on Associated Nutritional and Management Factors Greenough, P. R., Vermunt, J. J. Veterinary Record 1991 Observations on claw abnormalities in beef cows: Part one: Physical characteristics and claw growth Greenough, Paul R., Petrie et al Observations on claw abnormalities in beef cows: Part one: Physical characteristics and claw growth Greenough, Paul R., Petrie, Lyall Campbell John Scott Todd Bovine Practitioner 1998 Sandcracks have been classified under five different categories or 'types'. Several possible causative mechanisms can be identified including the weight of the animal, the presence of horizontal defects and bending of the dorsal surface of the claw. In two groups of heifers it was found that the rate of claw growth is approximately 0.46 cm per month during the summer months and 0.32 cm per month during the winter. Applying these growth rates to the position of a horizontal defect relative to the skin/horn junction permits the date on which the defect was formed to be estimated. The incidence of horizontal defects is exceptionally high in some herds of beef cows and was found to vary from 29 to 100% of the animals in six of the herds in the study Alternatives to Amputation Ferguson, J. G., Greenough, P. R. Alternatives to Amputation Ferguson, J. G., Greenough, P. R. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1985 Animal welfare in dairy farming: Lameness and the organic movement Greenough, Paul R. Animal welfare in dairy farming: Lameness and the organic movement Greenough, Paul R. The Veterinary Journal 2009 Sand cracks, horizontal fissures, and other conditions affecting the wall of the bovine claw Greenough, P. R. Sand cracks, horizontal fissures, and other conditions affecting the wall of the bovine claw Greenough, P. R. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2001 Observations on bovine laminitis Greenough, P. R. Observations on bovine laminitis Greenough, P. R. In Practice 1990 An Illustrated Compendium of Bovine Lameness .2 Greenough, P. R. An Illustrated Compendium of Bovine Lameness .2 Greenough, P. R. Modern Veterinary Practice 1987 An Illustrated Compendium of Bovine Lameness .3 Greenough, P. R. An Illustrated Compendium of Bovine Lameness .3 Greenough, P. R. Modern Veterinary Practice 1987 An Illustrated Compendium of Bovine Lameness .1 Greenough, P. R. An Illustrated Compendium of Bovine Lameness .1 Greenough, P. R. Modern Veterinary Practice 1987 An Illustrated Compendium of Bovine Lameness .4 Greenough, P. R. An Illustrated Compendium of Bovine Lameness .4 Greenough, P. R. Modern Veterinary Practice 1987 Pododermatitis-Circumscripta (Ulceration of the Sole) in Cattle Greenough, P. R. Pododermatitis-Circumscripta (Ulceration of the Sole) in Cattle Greenough, P. R. Agri-Practice 1987 Lameness in cattle Greenough, P. R., Weaver, A.D. Lameness in cattle Greenough, P. R., Weaver, A.D. 1997 Development of an Approach to Lameness Examination in Cattle Greenough, P. R. Development of an Approach to Lameness Examination in Cattle Greenough, P. R. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1985 Veterinary interest in dairy sciences Greenough, P. Veterinary interest in dairy sciences Greenough, P. Veterinary Journal 2001 Transmission of Fusiformis nodosus infection from cattle to sheep. Bigland, C.H., Greenfield, J., Milligan et al Transmission of Fusiformis nodosus infection from cattle to sheep. Bigland, C.H., Greenfield, J., Milligan, J.D. Aust Vet J. 1970 Visceral blackleg in calves Green, W. H. Visceral blackleg in calves Green, W. H. Large Animal Practice 2000 Temporal associations between low body condition, lameness and milk yield in a UK dairy herd Banks, C., Green, L. E., Green, M. J. et al Temporal associations between low body condition, lameness and milk yield in a UK dairy herd Banks, C., Green, L. E., Green, M. J., Huxley, J.N. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2014 Previous work has hypothesised that cows in low body condition become lame. We tested this in a prospective longitudinal study. Body condition score (BCS), causes of lameness and milk yield were collected from a 600-cow herd over 44-months. Mixed effect binomial models and a continuous outcome model were used to investigate the associations between lameness, BCS and milk yield. In total, 14,320 risk periods were obtained from 1137 cows. There were 1510 lameness treatments: the most common causes of lameness were sole ulcer (SU) (39%), sole haemorrhage (SH) (13%), digital dermatitis (DD) (10%) and white line disease (WLD) (8%). These varied by year and year quarter. Body condition was scored at 60-day intervals. BCS ranged from 1 to 5 with a mean of 2.5, scores were higher in very early lactation but varied widely throughout lactation; approximately 45% of scores were <2.5. The key finding was that BCS < 2.5 was associated with an increased risk of treatment for lameness in the following 0–2 months and >2–4 months for all causes of lameness and also specifically for SU/WLD lameness. BCS < 2.5 was associated with an increased risk of treatment for SH in the following 0–2 months but not >2–4 months. There was no such association with DD. All lameness, SU/WLD, SH and DD were significantly more likely to occur in cows that had been lame previously, but the effect of BCS was present even when all repeat cases of lameness were excluded from the analysis. Milk yield was significantly higher and fell in the month before treatment in cows lame with SU/WLD but it was not significantly higher for cows that were treated for DD compared with non-lame cows. These findings support the hypothesis that low BCS contributes to the development of horn related claw lameness but not infectious claw diseases in dairy cows. One link between low BCS and lameness is a thin digital cushion which has been proposed as a trigger for claw horn disease. Cows with BCS 2 produced more milk than cows with BCS 2.5, however, this was only approximately 100 kg difference in yield over a 305-day lactation. Given the increased risk of lameness in cows with BCS 2, the direct costs of lameness and the small variability in milk yield by BCS, preventing cows from falling to BCS < 2.5 would improve cow welfare and be economically beneficial. The impact of clinical lameness on the milk yield of dairy cows Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Hedges et al The impact of clinical lameness on the milk yield of dairy cows Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Hedges, V. J., Menzies, F. D., Packington, A.J., REID, S.W.J., Schukken, Y. H. Biotin supplementation to dairy cows – multivariate analysis of the prospective longitudinal study Blowey, R. W., C, O'Callaghan, Green et al Biotin supplementation to dairy cows – multivariate analysis of the prospective longitudinal study Blowey, R. W., C, O'Callaghan, Green, L. E., Hedges, V. J., Packington, A.J. Use of survival analysis for modelling the incidence of lameness through time in dairy cows Blowey, R. W., C, O'Callaghan, Green et al Use of survival analysis for modelling the incidence of lameness through time in dairy cows Blowey, R. W., C, O'Callaghan, Green, L. E., Hedges, V. J., Packington, A.J. Biotin and lameness – A review Green, L., Muelling, C. Biotin and lameness – A review Green, L., Muelling, C. Cattle Practice 2005 There are now many research papers published that indicate that an oral biotin supplement can be beneficial as part of a control programme to reduce lameness in cattle. These research papers are of varying quality, but the weight of evidence biologically and statistically indicates that biotin is most likely to act by improving hoof horn quality and so reduce diseases that occur with damage to hoof horn integrity; the most common of these diseases in GB are white line disease and sole ulcer. Biotin acts at a cellular level by activation of protein synthesis; it has important functions in cellular lipid metabolism and lipid synthesis and according to recent results also influences/modulates expression of certain genes. Most important for its effects on claw horn structure and integrity is the role biotin plays in lipid synthesis. Biotin is an essential co-factor for enzymes involved in de novo synthesis of fatty acids or in synthesis of long chain fatty acids by chain elongation. Fatty acids and, in particular long chain fatty acid which are not present in the diet, are components of the complex lipids within the intercellular cementing substance of hoof horn. This cement establishes cell adhesion between the horn cells. Its quality is directly linked to hoof horn integrity. Biotin also influences keratin protein synthesis via activation on protein synthesis and thus helps improving stability of horn cells. Whether and to what extent the effects on gene expression are involved in the effects of biotin on horn formation remains unclear at this stage. However, it seems likely that additional mechanisms explaining the biological effects on horn formation will be revealed by laboratory research in the future. Results from epidemiological studies of supplementation indicate that a supplement of 20mg per day active biotin given continuously each day (this vitamin is water soluble) at all stages of production is effective at reducing lameness/foot lesions in cattle 4 - 6 months after starting supplementation. The amount of reduction will vary by herd but may be as high as 50%. The current cost of biotin (July 2005) is such that it costs 3.50 pound - 10.00 pound to supplement a dairy cow for one year. Lameness is estimated to cost 145 pound per cow per year. Consequently, if supplementing a 100 cow dairy herd reduces lameness by 3-7 cows per year, biotin is a cost effective tool in the fight to reduce lameness. There is also evidence that biotin may improve milk yield in high yielding herds by approximately 2kg per cow per day in early lactation; consequently it may also be worth considering that the cost of biotin supplementation may also be offset against the value of extra milk produced. However, biotin is not a cure all for the prevention of lameness, which has a multifactorial aetiology, and a focused programme for lameness reduction also needs to include a balanced diet, comfortable lying conditions, ease of rising, walking without fear to eat, to be milked, to loaf and to lying areas, high quality flooring where cattle can express their normal gait, successful social integration into the herd for heifers and returning dry cows, good management of transition cattle, and high standards of hygiene to minimise contact with faeces. Blood immunometabolic indices and polymorphonuclear neutrophil function in peripartum dairy cows are altered by level of dietary... Bertoni, G., Bionaz, M., Drackley et al Blood immunometabolic indices and polymorphonuclear neutrophil function in peripartum dairy cows are altered by level of dietary energy prepartum Bertoni, G., Bionaz, M., Drackley, J. K., Graugnard, D. E., Loor, J. J., Moyes, K. M., Salak-Johnson, J. L., Trevisi, E., Wallace, R. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Auditing animal welfare at slaughter plants Grandin, Temple Auditing animal welfare at slaughter plants Grandin, Temple Meat Science 2010 Characterisation and validation of farmers’ knowledge and practice of cattle trypanosomosis management in the cotton zone of... Affognon, Hippolyte, Clausen et al Characterisation and validation of farmers’ knowledge and practice of cattle trypanosomosis management in the cotton zone of West Africa Affognon, Hippolyte, Clausen, Peter-Henning, Diall, Omar, Dramane, Dao, Grace, Delia, Randolph, Thomas Acta Tropica 2009 Digital dermatitis of cattle Gourreau, J. M., Rousseau, J. F., Scott et al Digital dermatitis of cattle Gourreau, J. M., Rousseau, J. F., Scott, D. W. Point Veterinaire 1992 Comparative studies on the use of three different orthopaedic shoes in cattle with foot diseases associated with lameness Celimli, N., Gorgul, O. S. et al Comparative studies on the use of three different orthopaedic shoes in cattle with foot diseases associated with lameness Celimli, N., Gorgul, O. S., Seyrek Intas, D. Veteriner Cerrahi Dergisi 1998 Effects of voltages on cows over a complete lactation. 2. Health and reproduction Aneshansley, D. J., Gorewit, R. C. et al Effects of voltages on cows over a complete lactation. 2. Health and reproduction Aneshansley, D. J., Gorewit, R. C., Price, L. R. Journal of Dairy Science 1992 For the effects of voltages on health and reproduction, 40 cows in 2nd-5th lactation were divided into 4 groups of 10. These included a control group that was not subjected to voltages and 3 treatment groups that were given either 1, 2 or 4 V at the water bowl. Cows in the treatment groups were exposed during the entire lactation to voltage whenever they drank. Voltages did not sufficiently affect milk yield. General health parameters studied were mastitis, hoof problems and changes in body wt. Reproductive and calving parameters examined were days to 1st breeding, days open, services per conception, response to PGF2alpha, calving intervals, visible abortion and calves born dead. Voltages did not significantly influence cow health or reproductive performance Quadriceps muscle hypoplasia causing congenital lameness in Holstein calves [letter] Gordon, P. J., Oxby, N. Quadriceps muscle hypoplasia causing congenital lameness in Holstein calves [letter] Gordon, P. J., Oxby, N. Veterinary Record 1995 Quadriceps muscle hypoplasia causing congenital lameness in Holstein calves Gordon, P. J. Quadriceps muscle hypoplasia causing congenital lameness in Holstein calves Gordon, P. J. Veterinary Record 1995 Identification of the rumen fluke, Calicophoron daubneyi, in GB livestock: possible implications for liver fluke diagnosis Gordon, D. K., Lean, N., Roberts et al Identification of the rumen fluke, Calicophoron daubneyi, in GB livestock: possible implications for liver fluke diagnosis Gordon, D. K., Lean, N., Roberts, L. C. P., Sargison, N. D., Skuce, P. J., Zadoks, R. N. Veterinary Parasitology 2013 Control, Management, and Prevention of Bovine Respiratory Disease in Dairy Calves and Cows Gorden, Patrick J., Plummer, Paul Control, Management, and Prevention of Bovine Respiratory Disease in Dairy Calves and Cows Gorden, Patrick J., Plummer, Paul Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2010 Environmental mastitis, suboptimal production, reproductive inefficiency, and lameness caused by an inadequate housing system... Frank, G., Goodger, W. J., Nordlund et al Environmental mastitis, suboptimal production, reproductive inefficiency, and lameness caused by an inadequate housing system resulting in a limited financial return: 4 year case study in a 160 cow Wisconsin dairy herd Frank, G., Goodger, W. J., Nordlund, K. V. A loose-housing system had inadequate ventilation, unhygienic conditions, poor building maintenance and unsatisfactory manure disposal Epidemiologic study of on-farm management practices associated with prevalence of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis infections in... Collins, M. T., Eisele, C., Goodger et al Epidemiologic study of on-farm management practices associated with prevalence of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis infections in dairy cattle Collins, M. T., Eisele, C., Goodger, W. J., Nordlund, K. V., Pelletier, J., Sockett, D. C., Thomas, C. B. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1996 Financial assessment of results of intervention to correct a housing-system problem on a dairy farm Eisele, C., Frank, G. G., Goodger et al Financial assessment of results of intervention to correct a housing-system problem on a dairy farm Eisele, C., Frank, G. G., Goodger, W. J., Hilbelink, B., Nordlund, K. V. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1996 Objective-To monitor effects that improvements in housing facilities would have on herd performance. Financial measures were calculated to estimate whether improvements resulted in an improved financial status for the farm. Design-Prospective, observational study. Animals-160-cow dairy herd. Procedure-Farm visits were conducted from 1990 to 1994. Areas for improvement were identified, and changes were recommended. Herd production and farm financial records were analyzed before, during, and after adoption of recommended changes. Results-After improving facilities, somatic cell count was somewhat constant, but tended to decrease during the last 16 months of the study. During the last 8 months of the study, incidence for clinical cases of mastitis decreased to 3.3% per month. Reproductive variables improved dramatically after implementing use of a bull for breeding. Subjective evaluation of cow comfort and lameness indicated apparent improvements in each area. However, milk production remained fairly constant from January 1991 through December 1994. Review of the farm's financial status revealed that costs of production increased from 1990 through 1993, but decreased in 1994. Slow financial response to improvements were attributed to a large decrease in milk price in 1991 and a poor crop harvest in 1993. Thus, although progress was made toward financial stability, approximately 55% of the farm's assets (determined on a market-basis value) were represented by debt. Clinical Implications-It is important to monitor financial status when managing complex health problems that involve several aspects of a farm's operation. An alkalinizing oral rehydration solution containing lecithin-coated citrus fiber is superior to a nonalkalinizing solution in... Campbell, J., Constable, P. D., Goodell et al An alkalinizing oral rehydration solution containing lecithin-coated citrus fiber is superior to a nonalkalinizing solution in treating 360 calves with naturally acquired diarrhea Campbell, J., Constable, P. D., Goodell, G. M., Hoejvang-Nielsen, L., Stansen, W. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Changes in Feeding Behavior as Possible Indicators for the Automatic Monitoring of Health Disorders in Dairy Cows Coffey, M. P., Ferret, A., González et al Changes in Feeding Behavior as Possible Indicators for the Automatic Monitoring of Health Disorders in Dairy Cows Coffey, M. P., Ferret, A., González, L. A., Kyriazakis, I., Tolkamp, B. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2008 Changes in short-term feeding behavior of dairy cows that occur with the onset of the health disorders ketosis, acute locomotory problems, and chronic lameness were investigated using data collected during previous experiments. The objective of the study was to describe and quantify those changes and to test their suitability as early indicators of disease. Feed intake, feeding time, and number of daily feeder visits were recorded with computerized feeders. Ketosis in 8 cows was characterized by rapid daily decreases in feed intake [−10.4 kg of fresh matter (FM)], feeding time (−45.5 min), and feeding rate (−25.3 g of FM/min) during an average of 3.6 d before diagnosis by farm staff. Acute locomotion disorders in 14 cows showed smaller daily decreases in feed intake (−1.57 kg of FM) and feeding time (−19.1 min), and a daily increase in feeding rate (+21.6 g of FM/min) during an average of 7.7 d from onset to diagnosis. The effects of chronic lameness on short-term feeding behavior were assessed by analyzing changes during the 30 d before and 30 d after all cows were checked for foot lesions and trimmed, and cows were classified as either lame (n = 81) or not lame (n = 62). During the 30 d before trimming, cows classified as lame showed significant changes in daily feeding time, number of daily visits, and feeding rate, but nonlame cows did not. In lame cows, the observed daily changes (slope) for the 30 d before and the 30 d after trimming were −0.75 and +0.32 min/d for daily feeding time, −0.35 and +0.31 for daily number of visits, and +0.77 and −0.35 g/min for feeding rate, respectively. These changes in feeding behavior were not different among cows consuming low or high forage rations. Daily feeding time was the feeding characteristic that changed most consistently in relation to the studied disorders. A simple algorithm was used to identify cows whose daily feeding time was lower than the previous 7-d rolling average minus 2.5 standard deviations. The algorithm resulted in detection of more than 80% of cows with acute disorders at least 1 d before diagnosis by farm staff. Short-term feeding behavior showed very characteristic changes with the onset of disorders, which suggests that a system that monitors short-term feeding behavior can assist in the early identification of sick cows. Ruminal acidosis in feedlot cattle: Interplay between feed ingredients, rumen function and feeding behavior (a review) Calsamiglia, S., Ferret, A., González et al Ruminal acidosis in feedlot cattle: Interplay between feed ingredients, rumen function and feeding behavior (a review) Calsamiglia, S., Ferret, A., González, L. A., Manteca, X., Schwartzkopf-Genswein, K. S. Animal Feed Science and Technology 2012 Relationship between mild lameness and expression of oestrus in dairy cattle de Boer, H., Gomez, F., van Eerdenburg et al Relationship between mild lameness and expression of oestrus in dairy cattle de Boer, H., Gomez, F., van Eerdenburg, F.J.C.M. Veterinary Record 2004 The effect of digital dermatitis on hoof conformation Cook, N. B., Cooley, K. E., Dopfer, D. et al The effect of digital dermatitis on hoof conformation Cook, N. B., Cooley, K. E., Dopfer, D., Dunbar, K. A., Gomez, A., Rieman, J., Socha, M. T. J Dairy Sci 2015 Digital dermatitis (DD) is the most prevalent cause of lameness of infectious origin in cattle. However, little is known about the effects of DD on hoof conformation (HC) during the clinical disease. The objectives of the present study were to (1) evaluate the changes in HC observed in feet affected with clinical DD lesions and (2) investigate the temporal relationship between DD and heel horn erosion (HHE). A longitudinal study was carried out including a cohort of 644 Holstein heifers. Digital dermatitis, HC, and presence of HHE in the rear feet of each heifer were assessed during a period of 6 mo. A total of 1,979 feet evaluations were included in the data set, of which 157 corresponded to feet presenting DD lesions >20mm [mean (SD) size of 27.2 (8.2) mm]. Age, days of pregnancy, hip height, and girth circumference were also recorded at cow level. Significant HC changes were observed in DD-affected feet. Results standardized to a period of 90d of follow-up showed an increase in heel height [mean (95% CI) 3.4 (2.5, 4.4) and 2.8 (2.0, 3.7) mm] and claw angle [0.8 (0.2, 1.4) and 1.4 (0.7, 2.0) degrees] of the medial and lateral claws, respectively. In addition, an increase in depth of the interdigital cleft [3.2 (2.7, 3.7) mm] and on debris accumulation [14% (7, 21) of feet] was also observed. Feet affected with clinical DD lesions also experienced a 46% point increase in the presence of severe HHE. In the short term, HC changes returned to normal levels when clinical cure of DD was achieved after topical treatment. In conclusion, significant HC changes occur in heifers affected by clinical DD before lameness symptoms are detected. The transformation of the heel area in feet affected by DD likely promotes the creation of a local environment that favors the persistence of the disease and the occurrence of severe HHE. To avoid further hoof damage, active surveillance and early intervention to reduce HC changes are recommended to improve DD control programs. Successful restoration of HC can be achieved upon clinical cure of DD. The long-term effects in lifetime performance of the HC changes due to DD remain to be further investigated. An experimental infection model to induce digital dermatitis infection in cattle Bernardoni, N. D., Cook, N. B., Dopfer et al An experimental infection model to induce digital dermatitis infection in cattle Bernardoni, N. D., Cook, N. B., Dopfer, D., Dusick, A. F., Gomez, A., Hartshorn, R., Read, D. H., Rieman, J., Socha, M. T. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Time budgets of lactating dairy cattle in commercial freestall herds Cook, N. B., Gomez, A. Time budgets of lactating dairy cattle in commercial freestall herds Cook, N. B., Gomez, A. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 The aim of this study was to examine the time budgets of 205 lactating dairy cows housed in 16 freestall barns in Wisconsin and to determine the relationships between components of the time budget and herd- and cow-level fixed effects using mixed models. Using continuous video surveillance, time lying in the stall, time standing in the stall, time standing in the alleys (including drinking), time feeding, and time milking (time out of the pen for milking and transit) during a 24-h period were measured for each cow. In addition, the number of lying bouts and the mean duration of each lying bout per 24-h period were determined. Time milking varied between cows from 0.5 to 6.0 h/d, with a mean ± standard deviation of 2.7 ± 1.1 h/d. Time milking was influenced significantly by pen stocking density, and time milking negatively affected time feeding, time lying, and time in the alley, but not time standing in the stall. Locomotion score, either directly or through an interaction with stall base type (a rubber crumb-filled mattress, MAT, or sand bedding, SAND), influenced pen activity. Lame cows spent less time feeding, less time in the alleys, and more time standing in the stalls in MAT herds, but not in SAND herds. The effect of lameness on lying time is complex and dependent on the time available for rest and differences in resting behavior observed between cows in MAT and SAND herds. In MAT herds, rest was characterized by a larger number of lying bouts of shorter duration than in SAND herds (mean = 14.4; confidence interval, CI: 12.4 to 16.5 vs. mean = 10.2; CI: 8.2 to 12.2 bouts per d, and mean = 1.0; CI: 0.9 to 1.1 vs. mean = 1.3, CI: 1.2 to 1.4 h bout duration for MAT and SAND herds, respectively). Lameness was associated with an increase in time standing in the stall and a reduction in the mean (CI) number of lying bouts per day from 13.2 (CI: 12.3 to 14.1) bouts/d for nonlame cows to 10.9 (CI: 9.30 to 12.8) bouts/d for moderately lame cows, and an overall reduction in lying time in MAT herds compared with SAND herds (11.5; CI: 10.0 to 13.0 vs. 12.7; CI: 11.0 to 14.3 h/d, respectively). These results show that time out of the pen milking, stall base type, and lameness significantly affect time budgets of cows housed in freestall facilities. Effects of grain, fructose, and histidine feeding on endotoxin and oxidative stress measures in dairy heifers Celi, P., Golder, H. M., King, R., Lean et al Effects of grain, fructose, and histidine feeding on endotoxin and oxidative stress measures in dairy heifers Celi, P., Golder, H. M., King, R., Lean, I. J., Rabiee, A. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Effects of feed additives on rumen and blood profiles during a starch and fructose challenge Celi, P., Golder, H. M., Lean, I. J. et al Effects of feed additives on rumen and blood profiles during a starch and fructose challenge Celi, P., Golder, H. M., Lean, I. J., Rabiee, A. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Effects of grain, fructose, and histidine on ruminal pH and fermentation products during an induced subacute acidosis protocol Bramley, E., Celi, P., Golder, H. M. et al Effects of grain, fructose, and histidine on ruminal pH and fermentation products during an induced subacute acidosis protocol Bramley, E., Celi, P., Golder, H. M., Heuer, C., King, R., Lean, I. J., Miller, D. W., Rabiee, A. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Incidence of foot disorders in cattle Gogoi, S. N. Incidence of foot disorders in cattle Gogoi, S. N. Modern Veterinary Practice 1981 A clinical survey of foot lameness in cattle indicated incidence of 9.2% (432/4695), with 365 cases (84.5%) occurring in hot humid zones having high rainfall. Of the 432 affected animals, 399 (92.4%) were females; most were Jerseys and Friesians 3-7 years old. Scissor claw (32.6%), overgrown hoof (27.2%) and corkscrew claw (18.2%) were the most common foot abnormalities. Other less frequently observed conditions included beak claw, bruising of sole, interdigital growth, claw hypoplasia and arthritis. More forefeet (238) than hindfeet (104) were affected Physiological changes at parturition and their relationship to metabolic disorders Goff, J. P., Horst, R. L. Physiological changes at parturition and their relationship to metabolic disorders Goff, J. P., Horst, R. L. Journal of Dairy Science 1997 Most of the metabolic diseases of dairy cows-milk fever, ketosis, retained placenta, and displacement of the abomasum-occur within the first 2 wk of lactation. The etiology of many of those metabolic diseases that are not clinically apparent during the first 2 wk of lactation, such as laminitis, can be traced back to insults that occurred during early lactation. In addition to metabolic disease, the overwhelming majority of infectious disease, in particular mastitis, becomes clinically apparent during the first 2 wk of lactation. Three basic physiological functions must be maintained during the periparturient period if disease is to be avoided: adaptation of the rumen to lactation diets that are high in energy density, maintenance of normocalcemia, and maintenance of a strong immune system. The incidence of both metabolic and infectious diseases is greatly increased whenever one or more of these physiological functions are impaired. This paper discusses the etiological role of each of these factors in the development of common diseases encountered during the periparturient period The monitoring, prevention, and treatment of milk fever and subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows Goff, Jesse P. The monitoring, prevention, and treatment of milk fever and subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows Goff, Jesse P. The Veterinary Journal 2008 The periparturient cow undergoes a transition from non-lactating to lactating at calving. The animal is tremendously challenged to maintain calcium homeostasis. Those that fail can develop milk fever, a clinical disorder that is life threatening to the cow and predisposes the animal to a variety of other disorders. Guidelines for monitoring the incidence of hypocalcemia and methods for treating milk fever are reviewed. The physiological factors that cause milk fever and strategies for prevention of milk fever are discussed, focusing on the effects diet cation–anion difference can have on tissue sensitivity to parathyroid hormone. Another major risk factor for milk fever is hypomagnesemia, which is observed when animals are fed inadequate amounts of magnesium, or some factor is present in the diet that prevents adequate absorption of magnesium. Moderate hypomagnesemia impairs the ability of the cow to maintain calcium homeostasis and hypocalcemia occurs. The perception of the welfare of sheep in extensive systems Dwyer, C., Goddard, P., Stott, A. et al The perception of the welfare of sheep in extensive systems Dwyer, C., Goddard, P., Stott, A., Waterhouse, T. Small Ruminant Research 2006 With financial pressures on farm labour, development of increasingly sophisticated and informed consumer attitudes and decoupling of payments to farmers following revision of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy, sheep farmers may increasingly adopt more extensive systems of management. However, these current and new extensive systems of management, at least in the UK, are not, in our view, low-management systems. We maintain that high standards of animal welfare in these systems require significant management inputs which should focus on key events, for example providing appropriate nutrition to the pregnant ewe, care at lambing, and the control of diseases such as those caused by ectoparasites and endoparasites, and footrot which have the potential to lead to serious welfare problems. Such a system would use sheep with improving levels of adaptation to particular environments and challenges but provided with appropriate "support" at critical times in the annual cycle. There is a growing recognition of the need to consider the impact of any human:animal interactions on the sheep. The challenge is for sheep systems to develop adaptable management at a pace consistent with the rapidly changing European financial and consumer climate. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Benign Footrot – an Epidemiologic Investigation into the Occurrence, Effects on Production, Response to Treatment and... Glynn, T. Benign Footrot – an Epidemiologic Investigation into the Occurrence, Effects on Production, Response to Treatment and Influence of Environmental-Factors Glynn, T. Australian Veterinary Journal 1993 Benign footrot was studied in 1 1/2-years-old Merinos on 2 farms in central Victoria from September 1987 to August 1990, inclusive. Treatment groups of 1 00 sheep grazed together with the remaining untreated sheep. inspections were carried out every 3 weeks during the spring transmission period until the number of lesions greater than score 2 dropped below 3%. At each inspection, each sheep was weighed and lesion scores for each foot and digit were recorded, the treated group of sheep was treated by standing in 20% (w/v) zinc sulphate-sodium lauryl sulphate for 1 hour, and bacteriological samples were randomly collected from 5 sheep with and 5 without lesions. Dichelobacter nodosus organisms were obtained from sheep in both groups. Laboratory tests indicated benign organisms in flock A and low virulence, intermediate organisms in flock B. During the first 2 years, the number and severity of lesions were greater in flock A than in flock B. However, in the third year, with an early 'autumn break', there was a rapid and severe outbreak of footrot in flock 8; 98% of the flock had lesions at the first inspection in July 1989. Flock A had a less dramatic increase in lesions of footrot. Both treated and untreated groups in flock B recovered rapidly between the third and fourth inspections. A later increase in lesions for both flocks coincided with damage caused by barley grass seeds. During this period there was a significant difference (P < 0.001) in body weight between the treated and untreated sheep on farm B. An extra 0.2 kg of skirted fleece was obtained from treated sheep when shorn in 1990, compared with the untreated group (P = 0.04).Treated sheep had fewer tender fleeces, 11% compared with 25%. Wool from the untreated group was 0.5 micron finer but the value was $1.79 a head (7%) less than that from the treated group. Pain Evaluation in Dairy Cattle Andersen, Pia Haubro, Forkman, Björn et al Pain Evaluation in Dairy Cattle Andersen, Pia Haubro, Forkman, Björn, Gleerup, Karina Bech, Munksgaard, Lene Applied Animal Behaviour Science Pain compromises the welfare of animals. A prerequisite for being able to alleviate pain is that we are able to recognize it. Potential behavioural signs of pain were investigated for dairy cattle with the aim of constructing a pain scale for use under production conditions. Forty-three cows were selected and fifteen different behaviours were scored, subsequently a clinical examination was performed to allocate the cows to a pain and non-pain group. The animals were then treated with an analgesic or a placebo and after a resting period the cows were re-scored by two observers blinded to the treatment. Six behaviours were found to be significantly different between the pain and non-pain group and robust enough to be included in the pain scale: ‘attention towards the surroundings’, ‘head position’, ‘ears position’, ‘facial expressions’, ‘response to approach’ and ‘back position’ (a seventh, piloerection, was also significant but seemed difficult to use as it changed rapidly; p < 0.05 for all measures). The Cow Pain Scale is the sum of the score for the aforementioned behaviours. For each individual animal before and after treatment, it was significantly lower after analgesic treatment (p = 0.003) in the ClinPain group but not after placebo treatment (p = 0.06); the pain score did not differ significantly before compared to after treatment with analgesic or placebo for the non-pain group (p = 0.2; p = 0.1). A second study was conducted to further validate the Cow Pain Scale. Cows from two herds were randomly selected (n = 119) and their behaviour scored by two observers. Subsequently the cows were clinically examined and allocated to a pain and non-pain group (n = 96, 23 cows were excluded because of incomplete examination). The cows from the pain group scored higher on The Cow Pain Scale compared to the non-pain group for both observer I (p < 0.0001) and observer II (p = 0.0001). For the two observers the sensitivity of the Cow Pain Scale was calculated to 0.61/0.75 and the specificity to 0.75/0.75 with a weighted Kappa of 0.62. In conclusion the Cow Pain Scale has the potential to be applied for the assessment of pain in dairy cattle under production conditions. Metritis in dairy cows: Risk factors and reproductive performance Becu-Villalobos, D., de la Sota, R. L. et al Metritis in dairy cows: Risk factors and reproductive performance Becu-Villalobos, D., de la Sota, R. L., Giuliodori, M. J., Lacau-Mengido, I. M., Magnasco, R. P., Risco, C. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for lameness in dairy cattle in small-scale farms in Kikuyu Division, Kenya Gitau, T., Mbiuki, S. M., McDermott et al Prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for lameness in dairy cattle in small-scale farms in Kikuyu Division, Kenya Gitau, T., Mbiuki, S. M., McDermott, J. J. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1996 A prospective study was conducted to investigate the importance of lameness in dairy cattle on small-scale farms in Kenya. The gait and locomotor system of all cattle on randomly selected farms were examined during two visits, 3 months apart. Data on housing, management and signalment of cattle were obtained through an interview using a structured questionnaire. Seventy-eight farms, with a total of 216 cattle, participated in the study. The prevalence of clinical lameness on the initial farm visit was 11.7% (25/216), most of which was due to foot lesions (22/25). Foot lesions were highly prevalent (32.9%; 71/216). The prevalences of various foot lesions were: heel erosion 15%, under-running of the bearing surface 14.5%, loss of solar concavity 9.3%, interdigital cleft lesions 8.3% and hoof overgrowth 6.9%. The incidence of clinical lameness was 1.46% per cow-month (eight cases in 548 cow-months). Of foot lesions, interdigital cleft lesions (wounds, necrobacillosis, fibromas and dermatitis) had the highest incidence (4.54%) followed by heel erosion (4.43%) and loss of solar concavity (flat soles, 1.63%). Interdigital lesions (wounds and necrobacillosis) comprised 51.5% of clinical lameness cases while hoof overgrowth comprised 15.2%. Risk factors for the prevalence of lameness were modelled. A moderate proportion of the variability of lameness occurrence was due to farm (11.5%). The most important farm characteristic associated with an increased prevalence of lameness and foot lesions was confined housing. The odds of lameness for cattle in zero-grazing farms were 2.9 times higher than those for cattle grazed on pasture. Two individual-animal factors increased the risk of lameness: the Jersey breed (OR = 5.2 versus local and cross breeds) and the early and late lactation periods (OR = 4.1 for early lactation and 5.5 for late lactation versus non-lactating). Assessment of bovine hoof conformation and its association with lameness, animal factors and management practices on small-scale... Gitau, T., Mbiuki, S. M., McDermott et al Assessment of bovine hoof conformation and its association with lameness, animal factors and management practices on small-scale dairy farms in Kiambu district, Kenya Gitau, T., Mbiuki, S. M., McDermott, J. J. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research 1997 Digital health and conformation were assessed in 216 dairy cattle on 78 randomly selected small-scale farms. For each cow, gait was assessed and the digits examined in detail. Hoof measurements (angle and length of the dorsal hoof wall, heel depth and hoof-base area) were also made. Hoof measurements varied most between individual cattle. Dorsal angle was correlated with heel depth (r = 0,53; P = 0,001) and dorsal length (r = -0,40; P = 0,001). The hoof-base area was correlated with the dorsal length (r = 0,41; P = 0,001). There were significant breed differences in dorsal angle (P = 0,03) and dorsal length (P < 0,01). The dorsal angle was correlated with parity and body condition, while the dorsal length, heel depth and the hoof-base area were correlated with the heart girth (P < 0,01). Hoof conformation was associated with both clinical lameness and hoof lesions. Al-cm increase in the dorsal length increased the odds of lameness by 16,9, heel erosion by 1,8, underrunning by 5,4 and overgrowth by 40 (P < 0,01). Net flux of nutrients across splanchnic tissues of lactating dairy cows as influenced by dietary supplements of biotin and... Desrochers, A., Girard, C. L. Net flux of nutrients across splanchnic tissues of lactating dairy cows as influenced by dietary supplements of biotin and vitamin B12 Desrochers, A., Girard, C. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Development of a HACCP control programme for clinical mastitis Giovannini, G., Piccinini, R., Zecconi et al Development of a HACCP control programme for clinical mastitis Giovannini, G., Piccinini, R., Zecconi, A. Obiettivi e Documenti Veterinari 2001 The development of a control programme for clinical mastitis following HACCP principles Giovannini, G., Piccinini, R., Zecconi et al The development of a control programme for clinical mastitis following HACCP principles Giovannini, G., Piccinini, R., Zecconi, A. Improving ante mortem diagnosis of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection by use of oral fluids for bacterial, nucleic acid, and... Giménez-Lirola, Luis G., Halbur et al Improving ante mortem diagnosis of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection by use of oral fluids for bacterial, nucleic acid, and antibody detection Giménez-Lirola, Luis G., Halbur, Patrick G., Opriessnig, T., Xiao, Chao-Ting, Zavala, Marissa Journal of Microbiological Methods 2013 Biochemical alterations induced by oral subchronic exposure to fipronil, fluoride and their combination in buffalo calves Dumka, Vinod Kumar, Gill et al Biochemical alterations induced by oral subchronic exposure to fipronil, fluoride and their combination in buffalo calves Dumka, Vinod Kumar, Gill, Kamalpreet Kaur Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology 2013 Sarcocystosis in cattle in Kentucky Giles, R. C., Jr. Sarcocystosis in cattle in Kentucky Giles, R. C., Jr. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1980 Sarcocystosis was diagnosed in 41 eighteen-month-old heifers and steers. Clinical signs included anorexia, severe weight loss, nervousness, hypersalivation, lameness, and hair loss on the extremities. Hair loss was noticed especially at the end of the tail, where there was complete loss of the switch, giving the animals a "rat-tail" appearance. Consistent gross changes observed at necropsy of four affected animals included generalized lymphadenopathy, erosions and ulcerations in the oral cavity and esophagus, and severe laminitis. Microscopically, young cysts of Sarcocystis sp were disseminated in the heart, skeletal muscle, and brain. Ultrastructural examination indicated that the cysts were young because they contained metrocytes. Affected animals had moderate to severe nonsuppurative myocarditis and myositis, with focal degeneration of myofibers and infiltration by macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. Indirect hemagglutination of sera from 19 animals revealed a mean antibody titer of 1:24,000 against Sarcocystis bovicanis antigen. Epidemiologic investigation incriminated resident farm dogs that had been housed in a farm hayloft as the source of infection. Hay contaminated with sporocysts in dog feces was thought to have been fed to the heifers and steers Consistency of flight speed and response to restraint in a crush in dairy cattle Gibbons, Jenny M., Haskell, Marie J. et al Consistency of flight speed and response to restraint in a crush in dairy cattle Gibbons, Jenny M., Haskell, Marie J., Lawrence, Alistair B. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2011 Flight speed (FS) is an objective measure of the behavioural response to handling procedures in beef cattle but to date there is no published work on dairy cattle. It is useful to determine whether there is consistency in FS in dairy cattle, and assess the relationship between FS and other subjective measures of responsiveness in dairy cattle. The aims of this study were to: (a) evaluate the repeatability of the FS and crush score (CS) test in dairy cattle by repeated measurements and (b) examine the correlation of FS and CS with reactivity responses in a human approach test (HAT). FS and CS measurements for 55 Holstein–Friesian heifers were conducted three times at 4-week intervals. Flight response to a HAT was assessed in the passageway of the home-pen on a subset of 33 animals. On completion of the HAT, an assessment of six qualitative terms (at ease, friendly, bold, docile, shy, fearful and nervous) were assessed on a visual analogue scale according to a subjective judgement of whether a cow scored low or high for each term. Correlations between the three monthly repetitions of FS measurements were all significant and positive (FS1,2: rs = 0.36, P = 0.007; FS2,3: rs = 0.31, P = 0.002; FS1,3: rs = 0.47, P < 0.001) which indicates a level of individual consistency. No significant correlations between the three monthly repetitions of CS measurements were found. The mean FS was correlated with HAT flight response (rs = 0.42, P = 0.004). However, no significant correlations existed between the HAT and the CS. In conclusion, the results suggest that both HAT and FS measurements provide consistent (both intra- and inter-measure) assessments of temperament under these handling situations in dairy cows. Consistency of aggressive feeding behaviour in dairy cows Gibbons, Jenny M., Haskell, Marie J. et al Consistency of aggressive feeding behaviour in dairy cows Gibbons, Jenny M., Haskell, Marie J., Lawrence, Alistair B. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2009 Lying laterality and the effect of IceTag data loggers on lying behaviour of dairy cows Gibbons, Jenny, Marie de Passillé et al Lying laterality and the effect of IceTag data loggers on lying behaviour of dairy cows Gibbons, Jenny, Marie de Passillé, Anne, Medrano-Galarza, Catalina, Rushen, Jeffrey Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2012 Lying behaviour is a useful indicator of cow comfort, but can be time consuming to measure. Data loggers are commonly used to automatically record behavioural activity but may influence the animal's behaviour. We investigated the effect of a new model of the IceTag data logger (IceTag Sensor, IceRobotics© Ltd, Edinburgh, UK) on lying behaviour of forty dairy cows. Smaller Hobo® Pendant G data loggers (Onset Computer Corporation, Pocasset, MA) were attached to the hindlegs of all cows balanced for left and right and measured total duration of lying time, frequency and mean duration of lying bouts and the percent of time lying down on each side. Sixteen cows were semi-randomly split into two groups depending on the position of the IceTags on the inside of the leg (medial) or the outside (lateral). Each cow experienced four treatments in a Latin square design: no IceTag data logger attached as a control (C); one IceTag data logger on the left hind leg (L), one IceTag data logger on the right hind leg (R), and a IceTag data logger on both hind legs (B). Each treatment lasted for 6 days. As part of a separate study, lying laterality data from 24 cows with an IceTag data logger attached to the lateral part of each hindleg was used. On average, cows (n = 39) spent 47.5% of their time lying on the right side during a 24-h period. However, there was a large variation of time spent lying on the right side ranging from 25.1% to 65.7%. There was no significant effect of IceTag location (medial or lateral) or treatment (C, L, R, B) on total lying time, frequency of lying time, duration of lying bouts or percentage of time lying on each side. In summary, IceTags did not affect lying behaviour in dairy cows, allowing them to be reliably used in research as a high tech tool to measure activity. Overall as a group, cows show no preference for lying on one particular side, but individual cows do show a distinct preference. Responsiveness of dairy cows to human approach and novel stimuli Gibbons, Jenny, Haskell, Marie et al Responsiveness of dairy cows to human approach and novel stimuli Gibbons, Jenny, Haskell, Marie, Lawrence, Alistair Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2009 This study investigated intra-test and inter-test consistency of dairy cattle behavioural responses to a series of tests involving human approach and exposure to novelty. Thirty-six lactating Holstein–Friesian cows were each subjected to three human approach tests and three novel stimuli tests. Flight response score was assessed by an experimenter approaching cows when they were in the passageway of the home-pen (AP), lying down (AL) and at the feedface (FF). Each human approach test was repeated on each cow three times. The intra-animal repeatability estimates were 0.65, 0.40, 0.27 for AP, AL and FF tests, respectively. Repeatability evaluates an individual's consistency across tests by comparing it to the variation within the group. Cows showed moderate consistency in their flight response scores to the different approach tests (W35 = 0.56, P < 0.01). Three novel stimuli (water spray, striped boards and flashing light) were individually presented once to each cow. Investigatory and reactivity behavioural responses were assessed. Cows showed the greatest reactivity response to the water spray compared to the striped boards (U1 = 56, P < 0.001) and flashing light (U1 = 66, P < 0.001). No statistically significant agreement existed between the novel stimuli reactivity and investigatory responses with the AP flight response scores. In conclusion, consistency over time was demonstrated over a relatively short period for the AP test and consistency between human approach situations was shown, however, consistency between human and novel situations was not found. Technical note: A comparison of 2 methods of assessing lameness prevalence in tiestall herds Adam, Steve, de Passillé, Anne Marie et al Technical note: A comparison of 2 methods of assessing lameness prevalence in tiestall herds Adam, Steve, de Passillé, Anne Marie, Fournier, Alain, Gibbons, Jenny, Haley, Derek B., Higginson Cutler, Janet, Nash, Clemence, Pellerin, Doris, Rushen, Jeffrey, Vasseur, Elsa, Zaffino Heyerhoff, Jessica Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Identification and characterisation of serogroup M among Nepalese isolates of Dichelobacter nodosus, the transmitting agent of... Dhungyel, O. P., Egerton, J. R. et al Identification and characterisation of serogroup M among Nepalese isolates of Dichelobacter nodosus, the transmitting agent of footrot in small ruminants Dhungyel, O. P., Egerton, J. R., Ghimire, S. C., Joshi, H. D. Veterinary Microbiology 1998 One thousand and sixty three isolates of Dichelobacter nodosus cultured between 1992 and 1996 from cases of footrot in sheep and goats of migratory flocks of Nepal were characterised by agglutination test using prototype antisera of the Australian classification system. Of those, sixty six isolates could not be classified into any of the nine serogroups (A-I). This study was therefore undertaken to characterise these isolates. It was established that they were agglutinated by antiserum against serotype M of an alternative classification system. The distinct antigenic character of these isolates was further confirmed by DNA sequence analysis of the gene for the fimbrial subunit protein of two of them. At a molecular level, these isolates were closer to the prototype of serogroup F, VCS 1017. However, when compared with VCS 1017, the number of amino acid substitutions (28) in the fimbrial protein of these isolates was similar to that expected between isolates of different serogroups. Because these isolates are antigenically similar to 'serotype' M, but meet all the criteria to be classified into an independent serogroup, it is proposed that these isolates together with isolates previously classified as serotype M be classified as 'serogroup M'. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. PCR-RFLP of outer membrane proteins gene of Dichelobacter nodosus: a new tool in the epidemiology of footrot Egerton, J. R., Ghimire, S. C. PCR-RFLP of outer membrane proteins gene of Dichelobacter nodosus: a new tool in the epidemiology of footrot Egerton, J. R., Ghimire, S. C. Epidemiology and Infection 1999 Currently only phenotypic epidemiological markers, serogrouping and virulence testing of Dichelobacter nodosus, are available for investigating footrot outbreaks in small ruminants. These methods have limitations in tracing the source of infection. In this study, a genotypic marker, PCR-RFLP of outer membrane protein gene, was used to characterize D. nodosus. The technique was evaluated in a controlled experiment involving two strains of bacteria. PCR-RFLP was found to be highly specific in differentiating isolates obtained from recipient animals infected with different strains. Subsequently, this technique was used to characterize isolates obtained from field cases of footrot in Nepal. A total of 11 patterns was recognized among 66 Nepalese D. nodosus isolates representing four different serogroups. PCR-RFLP also discriminated isolates with similar phenotypic characteristics. However, all isolates which, phenotypically, were virulent were represented by only two patterns irrespective of their serogroups. It is suggested that PCR-RFLP described here could be a useful epidemiological marker in the study of footrot. Epidemiological, clinical and biochemical features of blood and urine in cattle in an area of enzootic osteomalacia Bale, G., Ghergariu, S., Kadar, L. et al Epidemiological, clinical and biochemical features of blood and urine in cattle in an area of enzootic osteomalacia Bale, G., Ghergariu, S., Kadar, L., Musca, M. Revista Romana de Medicina Veterinara 1994 In an area of northern Romania, cattle and buffaloes showed pica, stiffness, lameness and hypophosphataemia. Osteomalacia was diagnosed, together with rickets in calves. A very low phosphorus intake was the main cause, although an unusually high phosphaturia, which could not be explained, may have contributed in some cases Evaluation of the comparative efficacy of a moxidectin plus triclabendazole pour-on solution against adult and immature liver... Bartram, David, Bo, Liu, Geurden et al Evaluation of the comparative efficacy of a moxidectin plus triclabendazole pour-on solution against adult and immature liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, in cattle Bartram, David, Bo, Liu, Geurden, Thomas, Rugg, Douglas, Scott-Baird, Emer, Van Brussel, Leen Veterinary Parasitology 2012 Comparative safety study of three inactivated BTV-8 vaccines in sheep and cattle under field conditions Beer, M., Conraths, F. J., Gethmann, J. et al Comparative safety study of three inactivated BTV-8 vaccines in sheep and cattle under field conditions Beer, M., Conraths, F. J., Gethmann, J., Heyne, H., Hoffmann, B., Hüttner, K., Mettenleiter, T. C., Probst, C., Ziller, M. Vaccine 2009 Incidences of and genetic parameters for mastitis, claw disorders, and common health traits recorded in dairy cattle contract... Gernand, E., König, S., Rehbein, P. et al Incidences of and genetic parameters for mastitis, claw disorders, and common health traits recorded in dairy cattle contract herds Gernand, E., König, S., Rehbein, P., von Borstel, U. U. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Acute recumbency and marginal phosphorus deficiency in dairy cattle Gerloff, B. J., Swenson, E. P. Acute recumbency and marginal phosphorus deficiency in dairy cattle Gerloff, B. J., Swenson, E. P. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1996 Because of a mixing error at a local feed mill, a diet marginally deficient in phosphorus, compared with recommendations from the National Research Council, was fed to a high-producing dairy herd for 5 months. Two mature cows in early lactation became recumbent. Serum phosphorus concentration in 1 cow was low (1.8 mg/dl), but was not measured in the other cow. Ten other high-producing, first-lactation cows in the herd developed severe lameness. Results of analysis of rib bone samples from the recumbent cows were consistent with changes associated with demineralization. Bone ash, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium concentrations were lower than published ranges for healthy cattle. Serum calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium concentrations in 8 unaffected cows were normal. For 6 unaffected cows, mean serum hydroxyproline concentration was higher during the period that the phosphorus-deficient diet was fed than when an adequate diet was fed. Moderate (15%) restrictions in dietary phosphorus intake, compared with National Research Council recommendations, can possibly result in health problems in high-producing dairy cattle. Incidence and severity of Arcanobacterium pyogenes injection site abscesses with needle or needle-free injection Anderson, Gary A., Gerlach, Bryce M. et al Incidence and severity of Arcanobacterium pyogenes injection site abscesses with needle or needle-free injection Anderson, Gary A., Gerlach, Bryce M., Goehring, Brandon L., Higgins, James J., Hollis, Larry C., Houser, Terry A., Nietfeld, Jerome C., Tokach, Michael D. Meat Science 2012 Chapter 8 – Diseases of the Teats and Udder Divers, Thomas J., Ducharme, Norm et al Chapter 8 – Diseases of the Teats and Udder Divers, Thomas J., Ducharme, Norm, George, Lisle W., Welcome, Frank L. Rebhun's Diseases of Dairy Cattle (Second Edition) 2008 Evidence for bovine besnoitiosis being endemic in Italy—First in vitro isolation of Besnoitia besnoiti from cattle born in Italy Bassi, P., Gentile, A., Gollnick, N. S. et al Evidence for bovine besnoitiosis being endemic in Italy—First in vitro isolation of Besnoitia besnoiti from cattle born in Italy Bassi, P., Gentile, A., Gollnick, N. S., Militerno, G., Nanni, A., Schares, G., Testoni, S. Veterinary Parasitology 2012 Cortisol levels in skimmed milk during the first 22 weeks of lactation and response to short-term metabolic stress and lameness... Gellrich, Katharina, Meyer et al Cortisol levels in skimmed milk during the first 22 weeks of lactation and response to short-term metabolic stress and lameness in dairy cows Gellrich, Katharina, Meyer, Heinrich H. D., Sigl, Tanja, Wiedemann, Steffi Journal of animal science and biotechnology 2015 Cortisol is secreted into blood in reaction to acute stress, but also in phases of diminished feed intake and changed animal behavior. As cows do not always show clear signs of discomfort, reliable diagnostic markers could be used to provide information regarding individual cows' distress. The objective of this study was to establish an ether free immunoassay for the detection of cortisol and to determine values during the first 22 weeks of lactation. Furthermore, the response in milk cortisol levels was assessed during times of metabolic stress and pain associated symptoms of lameness. Relationship of changes in condition score to cow health in Holsteins Chase, L. E., Cooper, M. D., Curtis et al Relationship of changes in condition score to cow health in Holsteins Chase, L. E., Cooper, M. D., Curtis, C. R., Erb, H. N., Gearhart, M. A., Smith, R. D., Sniffen, C. J. Journal of Dairy Science 1990 The relationship of body condition score with disease occurrence was examined in 561 cows in nine herds. Cows were body condition scored on a five-point scale (1 = thin, 5 = obese) every 2 wk from drying off until 150 d in milk. Cows scored between 3- and 3+ were considered to be in average or good condition. Cows scored less than or equal to 2+ were considered to be underconditioned, whereas those scored greater than or equal to 4- were considered to be overconditioned. Relationships of health and condition score were examined using multiple logistic regression for dichotomous outcomes (e.g., diseased or healthy). Cows that developed dystocia or were culled lost more condition during the dry period than those that did not develop dystocia or were not culled. Cows overconditioned at drying off were more likely to develop cystic ovarian disease and reproductive problems. Cows underconditioned or overconditioned at drying off were more prone to foot problems after calving. Cows overconditioned at 30 d postpartum were more likely to have metritis Deep digital flexor tenotomy for treatment of severe laminitis in a cow Anderson, Kevin L., Blikslager et al Deep digital flexor tenotomy for treatment of severe laminitis in a cow Anderson, Kevin L., Blikslager, Anthony T., Burrell, Gayle A., Gayle, J'mai M., Redding, W. Rich Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2001 Laminitis is often cited as a cause of chronic lameness in dairy cattle. Laminitis with rotation of the distal phalanx is not well documented in cattle. Severe mastitis may lead to development of laminitis A new heat load index for feedlot cattle Gaughan,J. B., Holt,S. M., Lisle, A. et al A new heat load index for feedlot cattle Gaughan,J. B., Holt,S. M., Lisle, A., Mader,T. L. J. Animal Science 2008 Review of current assessment of cattle and microclimate during periods of high heat load Gaughan, J. B., Hahn, G.L., Holt, S. M. et al Review of current assessment of cattle and microclimate during periods of high heat load Gaughan, J. B., Hahn, G.L., Holt, S. M., Mader, T. L., Young, B.A. Anim. Prod. Aust. 2002 Cooling and feeding strategies to reduce heat load of grain-fed beef cattle in intensive housing Gaughan, J. B., Holt, S. M., Mader et al Cooling and feeding strategies to reduce heat load of grain-fed beef cattle in intensive housing Gaughan, J. B., Holt, S. M., Mader, T. L. Livestock Science 2008 Six Murray Grey × Hereford yearling steers were used to determine the effect of two cooling treatments (ENV) (day cooled (0600–1400) or night cooled (1400–2200), and two dietary treatments (DIET) – control (CON) no added fat or added fat (FAT) – on rectal temperature, respiration rate and dry matter intake (DMI). Cattle were exposed to 2 d of thermoneutral conditions followed by four hot days in a controlled climate facility. This was replicated 6 times. Steers were given a 10 d rest in outside pens between each replication. Sprinklers (2.84 L min− 1; 5 min on, 20 min off) and fans (continuous; 2 m s− 1) were used when ambient temperature (TA) ≥ 28 °C. Rectal temperature (5 min intervals) and respiration rate (hourly) were measured for 12 × 24 h periods on hot days (2 per replication). Individual DMI over two time periods (PER) (period 1; 0600–1500, and period 2; 1500–0600) and daily metabolisable energy (ME) intakes were also recorded. Steers fed FAT had greater (P < 0.05) DMI then the CON steers during day cooling. However, there were no DIET or PER differences for DMI during night cooling. DMI of FAT and CON fed steers during night cooling was similar to the DMI of the FAT fed steers during day cooling. Overall DMI was greater during night cooling (DMI from both diets pooled). There were PER differences for DMI, with more (P < 0.05) feed consumed during period 2 irrespective of ENV or DIET. ME intake was 22.9% greater (P < 0.05) for the FAT fed steers during day cooling then for the CON fed steers. There were no DIET effects on ME intake during night cooling. DIET had no effect (P > 0.05) on respiration rate however differences were seen for rectal temperature. Mean rectal temperature for the FAT steers was lower (P < 0.05) than the mean of the CON steers, however there were no within ENV differences. Day cooled cattle had a higher (P < 0.05) respiration rates (71.8 breaths/min; bpm) than the night cooled steers (65.3 bpm). There were no differences for rectal temperature. However, day cooled steers had lower (P < 0.05) rectal temperature and respiration rate than the night cooled steers during the day — which corresponded with the day cooling period. Night cooling appears to be beneficial in lowering mean rectal temperature and respiration rate, and in maintaining DMI. There is no suggestion that feeding fat will replace the need for supplementary measures to alleviate heat exposure of confined cattle. However feeding fat may be worthwhile in maintenance DMI when combined with strategies involving day cooling. Biomarkers of cartilage turnover. Part 1: Markers of collagen degradation and synthesis Clegg, Peter D., Garvican, Elaine R. et al Biomarkers of cartilage turnover. Part 1: Markers of collagen degradation and synthesis Clegg, Peter D., Garvican, Elaine R., Innes, John F., Vaughan-Thomas, Anne The Veterinary Journal 2010 Development of a real time PCR taqman assay based on the TPI gene for simultaneous identification of Clostridium chauvoei and... Buonavoglia, D., Fasanella, A., Galante et al Development of a real time PCR taqman assay based on the TPI gene for simultaneous identification of Clostridium chauvoei and Clostridium septicum Buonavoglia, D., Fasanella, A., Galante, D., Garofolo, G., Serrecchia, L. Journal of Microbiological Methods 2011 Allisonella histaminiformans gen. nov., sp. nov. A novel bacterium that produces histamine, utilizes histidine as its sole energy... Flint, J.F., Garner, M.R., Russell, J.B. Allisonella histaminiformans gen. nov., sp. nov. A novel bacterium that produces histamine, utilizes histidine as its sole energy source, and could play a role in bovine and equine laminitis. Flint, J.F., Garner, M.R., Russell, J.B. Syst Appl Microbiol. 2002 Mortality Morbidity Case-Fatality and Culling Rates For California Dairy Cattle As Evaluated By the National Animal Health... Christiansen, K. H., Danaye-Elmi, C. et al Mortality Morbidity Case-Fatality and Culling Rates For California Dairy Cattle As Evaluated By the National Animal Health Monitoring System 1986- 87 Christiansen, K. H., Danaye-Elmi, C., Gardner, I. A., Heron, B. R., Hird, D. W., Sischo, W. M., Utterback, W. W. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1990 During 1986 and 1987, morbidity, case-fatality, and culling rates were estimated for endemic disease conditions in 43 randomly selected California dairy farms. Data were collected mainly by farmer interview. Age- specific mortality rates were: calves 22.8 per 1000 calf-months at risk; young stock 1.2 and cows 2.0 per 100 animal-years at risk. No bulls died during the observational period. For calves, diarrhea/enteritis and pneumonia had the highest incidence rates, 115.8 and 76.5 per 1000 calf-months at risk, respectively. Average incidence rates per 100 cow-years for the five most commonly reported cow diseases were: mastitis 30.3; infertility 7.9; metritis 7.0; footrot 5.5; retained placenta 4.7. The highest case-fatality rate was 32% for cows with traumatic reticulitis (hardware disease). About 25% of all cows were culled. Low production, infertility, and mastitis accounted for 87.6% of all culled cows. Characteristics of participating herds and diagnostic criteria are presented. Limitations of the data and of the collection methods are discussed Effect of exercise and environmental terrain on development of the digital cushion and bony structures of the bovine foot Beyers, R. J., DeGraves, F. J. et al Effect of exercise and environmental terrain on development of the digital cushion and bony structures of the bovine foot Beyers, R. J., DeGraves, F. J., Edmondson, M. A., Gard, J. A., Rodning, S. P., Sanders, R. K., Schnuelle, M. L., Taylor, D. R., van Santen, E., Wilhite, D. R. Am J Vet Res 2015 OBJECTIVE: To determine whether exercise on alternative terrain affects the development of the digital cushion and bony structures of the bovine foot. ANIMALS: 20 weaned bull calves. PROCEDURES: Two-month-old calves were randomly allocated to an exercise or control group. For 4 months, the control group was maintained in grass paddocks, and the exercise group was maintained in a 0.8-km lane with a mixed terrain of dirt, stones (0.32- to 0.95-cm pea gravel and 5-cm crusher run), and grass. Water and food for the exercise group were located at opposite ends of the lane; calves were fed twice daily, which ensured they walked 3.2 km/d. Pedometers were applied to all calves to measure distance traveled. All calves were slaughtered at 6 months of age. The right forefeet and hind feet were harvested for MRI and CT evaluation. RESULTS: Control calves walked a mean of 1.1 km daily, whereas the exercised calves walked a mean of 3.2 km daily. Mean digital cushion volume and surface area were 25,335 mm(3) and 15,647 mm(2), respectively, for the exercised calves and 17,026 mm(3) and 12,745 mm(2), respectively, for the control calves. When weight was controlled, mean digital cushion volume and surface area for the exercise group were increased by 37.10% and 18.25%, respectively, from those for the control group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that exercise on alternative terrain increased the volume and surface area of the digital cushion of the feet of dairy calves, which should make them less susceptible to lameness. Neospora caninum and coxiella burnetii seropositivity are related to endocrine pattern changes during gestation in lactating... Almería, S., Beckers, J. F., de Sousa et al Neospora caninum and coxiella burnetii seropositivity are related to endocrine pattern changes during gestation in lactating dairy cows Almería, S., Beckers, J. F., de Sousa, N. M., Garcia-Ispierto, I., López-Gatius, F., Martínez-Bello, D., Nogareda, C., Yániz, J. L. Theriogenology 2010 Relationship between heat stress during the peri-implantation period and early fetal loss in dairy cattle De Rensis, F., Garcia-Ispierto, I. et al Relationship between heat stress during the peri-implantation period and early fetal loss in dairy cattle De Rensis, F., Garcia-Ispierto, I., López-Béjar, M., López-Gatius, F., Nogareda, C., Santolaria, P., Yániz, J. L. Theriogenology 2006 The aim of the present study was to establish whether temperature–humidity index values, as a measure of heat comfort, from Days 1 to 40 of gestation could be associated with the pregnancy loss rate in high producing dairy cows. Data from 1391 pregnancies were recorded. Pregnancy was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography between Days 34 and 45, and again 90 days after insemination. Pregnancy loss was assumed when the second pregnancy diagnosis on Day 90 proved negative and was registered in 7.8% (108/1391) of pregnancies. Mean and maximum temperature–humidity index values were established for each cow for Days 0 (day of insemination), 1, 2 and 3 after insemination, and averages established for Days 0–3, 0–10, 11–20, 21–30 and 31–40 after insemination. Cow and management variables previously found to be significantly correlated with the early fetal loss in the same geographical area were also recorded. The relative contribution of each factor to the probability of pregnancy loss was determined using logistic regression models. Based on the odds ratio, a strong association with pregnancy loss of the factors warm period of pregnancy (warm period–May to September versus cool–October to April), twin pregnancy (as negative factors: odds ratios 3.1 and 3.4, respectively) and an additional corpus luteum (as a positive factor: odds ratio 0.32) was confirmed. The likelihood of pregnancy loss increased by a factor of 1.05 for each additional unit of the mean maximum temperature–humidity index from Days 21 to 30 of gestation. Logistic regression analysis revealed no significant effects of temperature–humidity index values for the remaining gestation periods. Our results indicate that heat stress can compromise the success of gestation during the peri-implantation period, such that high temperature–humidity index values for the period 21–30 days of gestation are a risk factor for subsequent early fetal loss. Experienced and inexperienced observers achieved relatively high within-observer agreement on video mobility scoring of dairy cows Allesen-Holm, B. H., Amigo, J. M., Bro et al Experienced and inexperienced observers achieved relatively high within-observer agreement on video mobility scoring of dairy cows Allesen-Holm, B. H., Amigo, J. M., Bro, R., Enevoldsen, C., Garcia, E., Klaas, I. C., Konig, K. Journal of Dairy Science 2015 Assessment of lameness prevalence and severity requires visual evaluation of thelocomotion of a cow. Welfare schemes including locomotion assessments are increasingly being adopted, and more farmers and their veterinarians might implement a locomotion-scoring routine together. However, high within-observer agreement is a prerequisite for obtaining valid mobility scorings, and within-observer agreement cannot be estimated in a barn, because the gait of cows is dynamic and may change between 2 occasions. The objective of this study was to estimate the within-observer agreement according to the observers’ educational background and experience with cattle, based on video recordings with very diverse types of gait. Groups of farmers, bovine veterinarians, first- and fourth-year veterinary students, researchers, and cattle-inexperienced sensory assessors evaluated mobility using a 5-point mobility score system developed specifically for walking cows (n = 102 observers). The evaluation sessions were similar for all groups, lasted 75 min, and were organized as follows: introduction, test A, short training session, break, and test B. In total, video recordings of 22 cows were displayed twice in a random order (11 cows in each test × 2 replicates). Data were analyzed applying kappa coefficient, logistic regression, and testing for random effects of observers. The crude estimates of 95% confidence interval for weighted kappa in test A and B ranged, respectively, from 0.76 to 0.80 and 0.70 to 0.75. When adjusting for the fixed effects of video sample and gait scoring preferences, the probability of assigning the same mobility score twice to the same cow varied from 55% (sensory assessors) to 72% (fourth-year veterinary students). The random effect of the individual observers was negligible. That is, in general observers could categorize the mobility characteristics of cows quite well. Observers who preferred to assess the attributes back arch or the overall mobility score (based on uneven gait) had the highest agreement, respectively, 69 or 68%. The training session seemed insufficient to improve agreement. Nonetheless, even novice observers were able to achieve perfect agreement up to 60% of the 22 scorings with merely the experience obtained during the study (introduction and training session). The relatively small differences between groups, together with a high agreement, demonstrate that the new system is easy to follow compared with previously described scoring systems. The mobility score achieves sufficiently high within-observer repeatability to allow between-observer agreement estimates, which are reliable compared with other more-complex scoring systems. Consequently, the new scoring scale seems feasible for on-farm applications as a tool to monitor mobility within and between cows, for communication between farmers and veterinarians with diverse educational background, and for lamenessbenchmarking of herds. Lameness detection challenges in automated milking systems addressed with partial least squares discriminant analysis Amigo, J. M., Bro, R., Enevoldsen, C. et al Lameness detection challenges in automated milking systems addressed with partial least squares discriminant analysis Amigo, J. M., Bro, R., Enevoldsen, C., Garcia, E., Klaas, I. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Lameness causes decreased animal welfare and leads to higher production costs. This study explored data from an automatic milking system (AMS) to model on-farm gait scoring from a commercial farm. A total of 88 cows were gait scored once per week, for 2 5-wk periods. Eighty variables retrieved from AMS were summarized week-wise and used to predict 2 defined classes: nonlame and clinically lame cows. Variables were represented with 2 transformations of the week summarized variables, using 2-wk data blocks before gait scoring, totaling 320 variables (2 × 2 × 80). The reference gait scoring error was estimated in the first week of the study and was, on average, 15%. Two partial least squares discriminant analysis models were fitted to parity 1 and parity 2 groups, respectively, to assign the lameness class according to the predicted probability of being lame (score 3 or 4/4) or not lame (score 1/4). Both models achieved sensitivity and specificity values around 80%, both in calibration and cross-validation. At the optimum values in the receiver operating characteristic curve, the false-positive rate was 28% in the parity 1 model, whereas in the parity 2 model it was about half (16%), which makes it more suitable for practical application; the model error rates were, 23 and 19%, respectively. Based on data registered automatically from one AMS farm, we were able to discriminate nonlame and lame cows, where partial least squares discriminant analysis achieved similar performance to the reference method. Oestrous intensity is positively associated with reproductive outcome in high-producing dairy cows Algers, Bo, Fällman, Pontus, Garcia et al Oestrous intensity is positively associated with reproductive outcome in high-producing dairy cows Algers, Bo, Fällman, Pontus, Garcia, Emanuel, Geust, Johanna, Gunnarsson, Stefan, Hultgren, Jan, Rodriguez-Martinez, Heriberto, Stilwell, George Livestock Science 2011 Functional trimming in dry period its effect, on milk production and reproduction in cows Garcia, D., Hanh, M., Pino, D., Sanchez et al Functional trimming in dry period its effect, on milk production and reproduction in cows Garcia, D., Hanh, M., Pino, D., Sanchez, A., Villarroel, R., Vivas, I. Revista Cientifica-Facultad De Ciencias Veterinarias 2004 The main goal of this research was to evaluate the effect of functional trimming applied at the dry off period over milk production and reproduction of cows. The study was done on 47 Brown Swiss cows with two or more calving. The animals were divided randomly in two groups. The functional trimming technique was applied to the experimental group while the other group was kept as control. The observation were done basically over the reproduction parameters as claving interval-first service, calving-conception and numbers of breeding required per conception. The results indicate that milk production in the control group decreased 2.88 liters per cow/day in the first four month of lactation. The observations on reproductive parameters shows that the interval from calving to first service increased by 40.5 days and the interval from calving to conception increased by 39 days when compared with animals that received the functional trimming at the dry off period. Statistically significant differences were observed (P>0,05). According to the results, it can be concluded that functional trimming at the dry off period improved milk production in the first four months of lactation as well as reproductive parameters in dairy cows. Clinical-radiological diagnosis of bovine foot diseases Alvarado, M., Cruz, R., Garcia, D. et al Clinical-radiological diagnosis of bovine foot diseases Alvarado, M., Cruz, R., Garcia, D., Jimenez, U., Pino, D., Sanchez, A. Revista Cientifica, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad del Zulia 1998 A dorso-ventral radiograph of the foot was taken in 29 cattle, >1 year old, with foot diseases and the radiographic and clinical diagnoses were compared. The commonest clinical diagnoses were: false sole (25%), sole ulcer (18%), and callus or interdigital hyperplasia (16%). Commonest radiographic diagnoses were: osteomyelitis of the 3rd phalange (31%), interdigital abscess (20%) and osteonecrosis of the 3rd phalange (14%). A correlation was found between callus or interdigital hyperplasia and interdigital abscess (r=0.70); ulcer of the axial wall and osteomyelitis of the 3rd phalange (r=0.39); abaxial wall lesions and osteolysis of the 3rd phalange (r=0.55); necrosis of the axial wall and osteonecrosis of the 3rd phalange (r=0.41); callus or interdigital hyperplasia and fractures (r=0.53); scissor foot and inflammation of the axial wall (r=0.41); callus or interdigital hyperplasia with interdigital inflammation (r=037) Risk of carcase contamination with Campylobacter in sheep sent for slaughter into an abattoir in Scotland Garcia, A. B., REID, S.W.J., Steele et al Risk of carcase contamination with Campylobacter in sheep sent for slaughter into an abattoir in Scotland Garcia, A. B., REID, S.W.J., Steele, W. B., Taylor, D. J. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2010 Effect of Lameness on Ovarian Activity in Postpartum Holstein Cows Garbarino, E. J., Hernandez, J. A. et al Effect of Lameness on Ovarian Activity in Postpartum Holstein Cows Garbarino, E. J., Hernandez, J. A., Risco, C. A., Shearer, J. K., Thatcher, W. W. J Dairy Sci 2004 A longitudinal study was conducted to examine the relationship between lameness and delayed ovarian cyclicity during the first 60 d postpartum and days to first luteal activity during the first 300 d postpartum in Holstein cows. Two hundred thirty-eight cows from a 600-cow dairy that calved during a 12-mo period were used. Cows were classified into 1 of 6 categories of lameness during the first 35 d postpartum using a locomotion scoring system. Cows were blood-sampled weekly for detection of plasma progesterone concentrations during the first 300 d postpartum. Cows with delayed resumption of ovarian cyclicity were defined as those with progesterone concentrations consistently <1 ng/mL during the first 60 d postpartum. The null hypothesis that risk of delayed cyclicity is the same in cows classified as nonlame, moderately lame, or lame (after adjusting for potential modifying or confounding effects of loss of body condition and other variables related with delayed cyclicity) was tested using logistic regression. Analysis of results of the study reported here support the hypothesis that lameness is associated with delayed ovarian activity in Holstein cows during the early postpartum period. Cows classified as lame had 3.5 times greater odds of delayed cyclicity, compared with cows classified as nonlame. Attributable proportion analysis indicated that delayed ovarian cyclicity in lame cows would be reduced by 71%, if lameness had been prevented. Effect of prepartum maternal energy density on the growth performance, immunity, and antioxidation capability of neonatal calves Gao, F., Li, S. L., Liu, Y. C., Su et al Effect of prepartum maternal energy density on the growth performance, immunity, and antioxidation capability of neonatal calves Gao, F., Li, S. L., Liu, Y. C., Su, H. W., Zhang, C. Z., Zhang, Z. H. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Radiologic findings in bovine laminitis Gantke, S., Kostlin, R., Nuss, K. Radiologic findings in bovine laminitis Gantke, S., Kostlin, R., Nuss, K. Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 1998 In a clinical study, 366 radiographs--210 in an abaxioaxial plane, 156 in a dorsopalmar/-plantar view, of 179 bovines affected with laminitis were evaluated. Seven common findings were noted in laminitic claws: In the abaxioaxial plane these were rotation of the pedal bone (34.8%), radiolucency at the tip of phalanx III (31.9%), concave shape of the dorsum of the claw (18.6%), "ski jump" sign (16.2%), and radiolucency in the area of the dorsal laminae (10.0%). In the dorsopalmar/-plantar view a gross irregularity of the solar margin of the pedal bone (49.4%) or radiolucency of the pedal bone tip (34.0%) were evident. Bony proliferations in the region of the dorsal laminae (27.6%) and pedal osteitis at the solar surface of the pedal bone (18.6%) were not evaluated as being typical laminitic changes because they could not clearly be separated from the changes which depend on age. Changes in shape of the extensor process, shape of the dorsal surface of P3 were judged as physiologic variations. The distal displacement (sinking) of phalanx III could not be verified due to the lack of radiologic measurements in normal claws. A statistically proven correlation of laminitis with the septic pododermatitis circumscripta (deep Rusterholz' ulcer) could only be found for the radiolucency of the pedal bone tip Bluetongue disease—Global overview and future risks Ganter, Martin Bluetongue disease—Global overview and future risks Ganter, Martin Small Ruminant Research 2014 Osteological changes in the distal phalanges of cattle with pododermatitis Ganta, C., Pentea, M. Osteological changes in the distal phalanges of cattle with pododermatitis Ganta, C., Pentea, M. Lucrari Stiintifice Medicina Veterinara, Universitatea de Stiinte Agricole a Banatului Timisoara 1994 Advanced changes to the third phalanx were found in 64 of the 80 claws of ten cows with chronic pododermatitis. The changes were apparent in most articular surfaces and their borders, but especially in the apexes of the phalanges Unusual case of foreign body in the knee joint of a cow – a case report Ganesh, R., Kumar, B. R., Ramaswamy, V. et al Unusual case of foreign body in the knee joint of a cow – a case report Ganesh, R., Kumar, B. R., Ramaswamy, V., Thilagar, S. Indian Journal of Veterinary Surgery - XX Annual Convention of the Indian Society for Veterinary Surgery, Nagpur, India, 13 15 October 1996 1997 Global gene expression analysis in skin biopsies of European red deer experimentally infected with bluetongue virus serotypes 1... de la Fuente, José, Falconi, Caterina et al Global gene expression analysis in skin biopsies of European red deer experimentally infected with bluetongue virus serotypes 1 and 8 de la Fuente, José, Falconi, Caterina, Fernández-Pacheco, Paloma, Fernández-Pinero, Jovita, Galindo, Ruth C., Gortázar, Christian, Jiménez-Clavero, Miguel Ángel, López-Olvera, Jorge Ramón, Sánchez-Vizcaíno, José Manuel Veterinary Microbiology 2012 The occurrence of lameness in relation to individual behavioural responses in dairy cows Braun, S., Broom, D.M., Galindo, F. et al The occurrence of lameness in relation to individual behavioural responses in dairy cows Braun, S., Broom, D.M., Galindo, F., Nichelmann, M., Wierenga, H. K. A note on possible link between behaviour and the occurrence of lameness in dairy cows Broom, D.M., Galindo, F., Jackson et al A note on possible link between behaviour and the occurrence of lameness in dairy cows Broom, D.M., Galindo, F., Jackson, P. G. G. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2000 Standing half-in half-out as a predictor
Lameness in cattle is a major welfare problem and has important economic implications. It is known that lameness has a multifactorial causation; however, it is still not clear why some individuals are more susceptible than others to present foot lesions under the same environment. Social and individual behaviour is thought to play an important role. The aim of this study was to assess the possible relationships between social behaviour, individual time budgets, and the incidence of lameness in 40 dairy cows. The incidence of lameness in the group of cows observed was 42%. There were no differences in the mean time standing between low-, middle- and high-ranking cows. Low-ranking cows spent more time standing still in passageways and standing half in the cubicles than middle- and high-ranking cows. No differences were found in the mean time standing between cows that got lame and cows that did not get lame. However, cows that got clinically lame spent longer standing half in the cubicles and had a significantly lower index of displacements than those cows that did not get lame. This study may offer a starting point to better understand the relationships between behaviour and the occurrence of lameness in dairy cows The relationships between social behaviour of dairy cows and the occurrence of lameness in three herds Broom, D.M., Galindo, F. The relationships between social behaviour of dairy cows and the occurrence of lameness in three herds Broom, D.M., Galindo, F. Research in Veterinary Science 2000 Low social ranks as a risk factor
It is well known that lameness in cattle has a multifactorial causation, however it is still not clear why some individuals are more susceptible to foot lesions in the same environment. Behaviour is thought to play an important role. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between social and individual behaviour and the incidence of lameness in three dairy herds. Low-ranking cows spent less time lying and more time standing still and standing half in the cubicles than middle- and high-ranking cows. As time spent standing half in the cubicle increased, the number of soft tissue lesions increased and as total time standing increased the number of cases of lameness increased. The survival rate to lameness for low-ranking cows was significantly lower than for middle- or high-ranking individuals How does social behaviour of dairy cows affect the occurrence of lameness? Broom, D.M., Galindo, F. How does social behaviour of dairy cows affect the occurrence of lameness? Broom, D.M., Galindo, F. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 1994 Laminitis or founder in cattle Gagliardi, G. Laminitis or founder in cattle Gagliardi, G. Obiettivi e Documenti Veterinari 1995 Genomic selection for producer-recorded health event data in US dairy cattle Clay, J. S., Cole, J. B., Gaddis et al Genomic selection for producer-recorded health event data in US dairy cattle Clay, J. S., Cole, J. B., Gaddis, K. L. Parker, Maltecca, C. Journal of Dairy Science Pythium insidiosum: An overview De Cock, Arthur W. A. M., Exel, Tim K. et al Pythium insidiosum: An overview De Cock, Arthur W. A. M., Exel, Tim K., Gaastra, Wim, Lipman, Len J. A., Mendoza, Leonel, Pegge, Raymond B. G., Scheurwater, Josje, Vilela, Raquel Veterinary Microbiology 2010 Effects of low-dose follicle-stimulating hormone administration on follicular dynamics and preovulatory follicle characteristics... Friedman, E., Glick, G., Lavon, Y. et al Effects of low-dose follicle-stimulating hormone administration on follicular dynamics and preovulatory follicle characteristics in dairy cows during the summer Friedman, E., Glick, G., Lavon, Y., Roth, Z. Domestic Animal Endocrinology 2010 Cytotoxin CctA, a major virulence factor of Clostridium chauvoei conferring protective immunity against myonecrosis Bürki, Sibylle, Frey, Joachim et al Cytotoxin CctA, a major virulence factor of Clostridium chauvoei conferring protective immunity against myonecrosis Bürki, Sibylle, Frey, Joachim, Johansson, Anders, Redhead, Keith, Vilei, Edy M. Vaccine 2012 Reasons for culling cows which were involved in a continuous milk recording programme in the district of the Agricultural Chamber... Frerking, H. Reasons for culling cows which were involved in a continuous milk recording programme in the district of the Agricultural Chamber of Hannover from 1958 to 1997 Frerking, H. Praktische Tierarzt 1999 Between 1958 and 1997, 13 713 649 cows in the district of Hannover, Germany, were involved in a milk recording programme for _1 year. 4 205 027 (30.27%) of these animals were culled during this period. Fertility problems (29.88%) were the main reason for culling, followed by farm closure (23.61%), low milk yield (11.66%), sale of breeding cows (9.18%), mastitis (8.60%), lameness (4.50%), other diseases (4.49%) and poor milkability (1.85%). 5.87% of the cows were slaughtered because of age. During this study, the number of cows/farm increased from 7.8 to 36.5%, the proportion of cows involved in milk recording increased from 57.1 to 82%, the average milk yield increased from 4292 to 7285 kg/year and milk fat yield from 161 to 311 kg. Over the last 20 years, milk protein yield increased from 203 to 245 kg Epidemiological methods in the investigation of bovine lameness French, N. P. Epidemiological methods in the investigation of bovine lameness French, N. P. The production system and disease incidence in a national random longitudinal study of Swiss dairy herds Frei, C., Frei, P. P., Kihm, U. et al The production system and disease incidence in a national random longitudinal study of Swiss dairy herds Frei, C., Frei, P. P., Kihm, U., Pfeiffer, D.U., Stark, K. D. C. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1997 A prospective longitudinal observational study based on a stratified random sample of 113 Swiss dairy farms was conducted between April 1993 and July 1994 with the following objectives: (i) to provide statistically valid estimates of disease frequency in the Swiss dairy cow population, and (ii) to evaluate the feasibility and quality of an intensive farm-based data recording system. During the 15-month study period, farmers were asked to record every health and management event related to their cattle herd. This information was mailed back to the study centre at fortnightly intervals. Additionally, farms were visited regularly to verify received data and to discuss specific problems. During these farm visits, management data were recorded using questionnaires. A complete data set of individual animal events with a total observation time of about 1740 cow-years and 275 calf-years was collected and disease-incidence measures were calculated. The most frequent events were reproductive disorders and udder diseases, followed by lameness and metabolic disorders. Experience with the data collection technique used in this study suggests that a farm-based system is effective and reliable, as long as good contact with the farmers is maintained, and incentives to stimulate their motivation are provided. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. Cow preference and usage of free stalls compared with an open pack area Fregonesi, J. A., von Keyserlingk et al Cow preference and usage of free stalls compared with an open pack area Fregonesi, J. A., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Neck-rail position in the free stall affects standing behavior and udder and stall cleanliness Fregonesi, J. A., Tucker, C. B., Veira et al Neck-rail position in the free stall affects standing behavior and udder and stall cleanliness Fregonesi, J. A., Tucker, C. B., Veira, D. M., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Effects of Bedding Quality on Lying Behavior of Dairy Cows Fregonesi, J. A., Veira, D. M. et al Effects of Bedding Quality on Lying Behavior of Dairy Cows Fregonesi, J. A., Veira, D. M., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2007 Cows prefer to spend more time lying down in free stalls with more bedding, but no research to date has addressed the effects of bedding quality. Bedding in stalls often becomes wet either from exposure to the elements or from feces and urine. The aim of this study was to test the effect of wet bedding on stall preference and use. Four groups of 6 nonlactating Holstein cows were housed in free stalls bedded daily with approximately 0.1 m of fresh sawdust. Following a 5-d adaptation period, each group of cows was tested sequentially with access to stalls with either dry or wet sawdust bedding (86.4 ± 2.1 vs. 26.5 ± 2.1% dry matter), each for 2 d. These no-choice phases were followed by a 2-d free-choice phase during which cows had simultaneous access to stalls containing either wet or dry bedding. Stall usage was assessed by using 24-h video recordings scanned at 10-min intervals, and responses were analyzed by using a mixed model, with group (n = 4) as the observational unit. The minimum and maximum environmental temperatures during the experiment were 3.4 ± 2.2 and 6.8 ± 2.5°C, respectively. When cows had access only to stalls with wet bedding, they spent 8.8 ± 0.8 h/d lying down, which increased to 13.8 ± 0.8 h/d when stalls with dry bedding were provided. Cows spent more time standing with their front 2 hooves in the stall when provided with wet vs. dry bedding (92 ± 10 vs. 32 ± 10 min/d). During the free-choice phase, all cows spent more time lying down in the dry stalls, spending 12.5 ± 0.3 h/d in the dry stalls vs. 0.9 ± 0.3 h/ d in stalls with wet bedding. In conclusion, dairy cows show a clear preference for a dry lying surface, and they spend much more time standing outside the stall when only wet bedding is available. Effect of Rubber Flooring in Front of the Feed Bunk on the Time Budgets of Dairy Cattle Flower, Frances C., Fregonesi, Jose A. et al Effect of Rubber Flooring in Front of the Feed Bunk on the Time Budgets of Dairy Cattle Flower, Frances C., Fregonesi, Jose A., Tucker, Cassandra B., Vittie, Tyler, Weary, Daniel M. J Dairy Sci 2004 The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of rubber flooring in front of the feed bunk on the immediate behavioral response of dairy cattle. Four groups of 12 dairy cattle were alternately housed in sections of a free-stall barn with either 1.85 m of rubber flooring or grooved concrete in the area in front of the feed bunk. Rubber flooring did not affect time spent eating. However, animals showed a slight, but detectable, increase in time standing without eating on the rubber surface (5.5%) compared with concrete (4.8%). For reasons that are unclear, this increase in time spent standing was not limited to the area in front of the feed bunk; animals spent 11.0% of the available time standing elsewhere in the pen (outside of the free stall but not in front of the feed bunk) when they had access to the rubber flooring, compared with 9.0% when housed with access to only concrete floors. In addition, animals spent slightly less time lying in the free stall when they had access to rubber in front of the feed bunk (52.5 vs. 54.3%). Time spent engaged in behaviors such as standing elsewhere in the pen and eating were variable over time. For example, time spent eating declined from 23.1 to 17.4% over the 6-wk trial. In conclusion, dairy cattle with access to rubber flooring in front of the feeder showed small differences in where and how much time they spent standing, although the biological implications of these small changes are unclear. Overstocking Reduces Lying Time in Dairy Cows Fregonesi, J. A., Tucker, C. B., Weary et al Overstocking Reduces Lying Time in Dairy Cows Fregonesi, J. A., Tucker, C. B., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2007 Our objective was to understand the effect of overstocking on the lying and standing behavior of dairy cattle. We manipulated freestall availability by providing 12, 11, 10, 9, or 8 freestalls to 12 cows (n = 4 groups, 12 cows/group), thus creating stocking levels of 100, 109, 120, 133, and 150%, respectively. Treatments were applied for a week at a time in a switchback design. Each group returned to the 100% stocking level after exposure to the other treatments. In addition to lying and standing behavior, we measured each cow's ability to displace others from the freestall to understand the interaction between social status and response to overstocking. When groups of cows had fewer stalls available, they spent less time lying down. There was no effect of overstocking on time spent standing with only the front legs in the stall. Instead, cows compensated for the reduced lying times by spending more time outside of the stall. When fewer stalls were available, animals were more likely to be displaced from stalls. The cow's ability to displace others from the stalls, however, did not explain the magnitude of their reduction in lying time when provided with fewer freestalls. Due to increased competition for stalls, cows lay down sooner at 150% than at the 100% level. Stall use was more uniform across time and across stalls within the pen when fewer freestalls were available. In conclusion, when cows had access to fewer freestalls, there was increased competition for stalls, increased time standing outside the stalls, and reduced lying time. Behaviour, performance and health indicators of welfare for dairy cows housed in strawyard or cubicle systems Fregonesi, J. A., Leaver, J. D. Behaviour, performance and health indicators of welfare for dairy cows housed in strawyard or cubicle systems Fregonesi, J. A., Leaver, J. D. Livestock Production Science 2001 Objective methods are required to assess the welfare of livestock in different environments. Two experiments were conducted to determine comparative indicators of welfare in the two most common loose-housing systems for dairy cows, strawyards and cubicles. Experiment I examined the animal responses to the two housing systems with 16 high- and 16 low-yielding Holstein Friesian cows in a changeover design over two, 4-week periods, Experiment LI was carried out over 17 weeks to assess the longer-term responses to the two systems with 24 Holstein Friesian cows. In experiment I cows in the strawyard system had a significantly greater lying time, ruminating time and synchronisation of lying behaviour than the cubicle system. The cows were significantly cleaner in the cubicle system but there were no significant differences between systems in milk production, cell count or locomotion score. High yield cows had a shorter lying time but longer feeding time than low yield cows. The cows of different milk yield level responded similarly to the housing systems, indicating that cows of high milk yield do not require different housing systems from low yield cows. In experiment LI there were no significant differences between housing systems in lying, ruminating or synchronisation of lying behaviour. Milk yields were significantly lower in the strawyard than in the cubicle system due to a significantly higher incidence of clinical mastitis. Cell-counts were significantly lower and cows were significantly cleaner in cubicles. There were no significant effects of housing system on hoof dimensions, locomotion score or clinical lameness. It was concluded that total lying time, lying synchrony, milk cell count and locomotion score are potential indicators for the assessment of dairy cow welfare in different housing environments, (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. Suspected ergotism in two heifers Fraser, D. M. Suspected ergotism in two heifers Fraser, D. M. Australian Veterinary Journal 1983 A syndrome similar to gangrenous ergotism was seen in 2 Friesian heifers grazing meadow hay containing perennial rye grass seed heads parasited by an ergot presumed to be Claviceps purpurea. Clinical signs were bilateral hind limb lameness and gangrene. There was angiographic evidence of vasoconstriction in the lower hind limbs with necrosis of all tissues in the distal region of both hind limbs A Scientific Conception of Animal Welfare that Reflects Ethical Concerns Fraser, D., Milligan, B. N., Pajor et al A Scientific Conception of Animal Welfare that Reflects Ethical Concerns Fraser, D., Milligan, B. N., Pajor, E. A., Weary, D. M. Animal Welfare 1997 General Principles for the welfare of animals in production systems: The underlying science and its application Duncan, Ian J. H., Edwards, Sandra A. et al General Principles for the welfare of animals in production systems: The underlying science and its application Duncan, Ian J. H., Edwards, Sandra A., Fraser, David, Grandin, Temple, Gregory, Neville G., Guyonnet, Vincent, Hemsworth, Paul H., Huertas, Stella M., Huzzey, Juliana M., Mellor, David J., Mench, Joy A., Špinka, Marek, Whay, H. Rebecca The Veterinary Journal 2013 A cross-sectional study of prevalence and risk factors of dermatitis interdigitalis in female dairy calves in the Netherlands Frankena, Klaas Van Keulen Klaas et al A cross-sectional study of prevalence and risk factors of dermatitis interdigitalis in female dairy calves in the Netherlands Frankena, Klaas Van Keulen Klaas, Gundelach, Jan De Jong Douwe-Jan Saedt Irma, Noordhuizen, Jos P., Noordhuizen-Stassen, Elsbeth N. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1993 The hind claws of 1141 female dairy breeding calves, between 2.5 and 12 months of age, were examined for symptoms of dermatitis interdigitalis (DI). The mean prevalence in calves was 67.1% (+- 2.7% for 95% confidence interval). The prevalence of DI increased with age and eventually almost all 1-year-old animals were affected in at least one claw. Logistic regression modelling revealed that the presence of DI and sole haemorrhages were related positively. Large between-herd variation existed (range in prevalence: 0-100%). Herd factors related to DI were herd size and type of housing. Animals housed in a straw yard showed a 3.2-fold decreased risk of being affected when compared with housing on slatted floors. Also, feeding a larger variety of dietary components (hay, milk, concentrates plus silage) was protective. Using claw shape as one of the criteria for sire selection reduced the risk of DI 1.6- fold A cross-sectional study into prevalence and risk indicators of digital haemorrhages in female dairy calves Frankena, Klaas Van Keulen Klaas et al A cross-sectional study into prevalence and risk indicators of digital haemorrhages in female dairy calves Frankena, Klaas Van Keulen Klaas, Gundelach, Jan De Jong Douwe-Jan Saedt Irma, Noordhuizen, Jos P., Noordhuizen-Stassen, Elsbeth N. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1992 Hind claws of 1141 females dairy calves, between 2.5 and 12 months old, were examined for signs of sole haemorrhages. The prevalence of sole haemorrhages was 37.9%. The presence of these haemorrhages was related to positively to age. Apparently, the presence of sole haemorrhages had become a common condition during the early rearing period of these calves. The aetiology of sole haemorrhages might include internal (metabolic, other diseases) as well as external (trauma) factors. The aetiological relevance of these factors for sole haemorrhages (breed, age, nutrition, health status, housing, hygiene measures and management) was determined using a questionnaire and claw trimming for diagnosis. Housing on straw was a preventive factor for sole haemorrhages compared with housing on slatted floors. The presence of dermatitis interdigitalis was related positively to sole haemorrhages as well. Also, internal factors were important, because feeding of hay and supplying concentrates were related negatively to red discoloration The effect of digital lesions and floor type on locomotion score in Dutch dairy cows Frankena, K., Graat, E. A. M., Metz et al The effect of digital lesions and floor type on locomotion score in Dutch dairy cows Frankena, K., Graat, E. A. M., Metz, J. H. M., Schouten, W. G. P., Somers, J. G. C. J., Stassen, E. N., van Stek, J. V. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2009 Applied epidemiology: another tool in dairy herd health programs? Frankena, K., Noordhuizen, J. P. et al Applied epidemiology: another tool in dairy herd health programs? Frankena, K., Noordhuizen, J. P., Stassen, E. N. Veterinary Research 1994 Data bases of herd health programs concern data from individual animals mainly. Several parameters that determine herd performance can be calculated from these programs, and by comparing actual values with standard values, areas for further improvement of health (and production) can be advised. However, such advice is usually not backed up by the proper statistical analyses. Moreover, data concerning the environment of the animals are not present and hence advice concerning multifactorial diseases are based on common knowledge and experience. Veterinary epidemiology offers methods that might improve the value of herd health programs by identification and quantification of factors and conditions contributing to multifactorial disease occurrence. Implementation of these methods within herd health programs will lead to more scientifically sound advice Investigation of dairy cattle ease of movement on new methyl methacrylate resin aggregate floorings Bergeron, R., Conte, S., Curilla, W. et al Investigation of dairy cattle ease of movement on new methyl methacrylate resin aggregate floorings Bergeron, R., Conte, S., Curilla, W., DeVries, T., Franco-Gendron, N., Vasseur, E. J Dairy Sci 2016 Freestall dairy farms commonly present issues with cattle slips and falls caused by smooth flooring and manure slurry. This study examined the effect of 4 new methyl methacrylate (MMA) resin aggregate flooring types (1-4) compared with rubber (positive) and concrete (negative control) on dairy cow (n=18) ease of movement when walking on straight and right-angled corridors. Our hypothesis was that cow ease of movement when walking on the MMA surfaces would be better than when walking on traction milled concrete, and at least as good as when walking on rubber. Cattle ease of movement was measured using kinematics, accelerometers, and visual observation of gait and associated behaviors. Stride length, swing time, stance time, and hoof height were obtained from kinematic evaluation. Acceleration and asymmetry of variance were measured with accelerometers. Locomotion score and behaviors associated with lameness, such as arch back, head bob, tracking up, step asymmetry, and reluctance to bear weight were visually observed. Stride length, swing time, stance time, and the number of steps taken were the only variables affected by flooring type. Differences between flooring types for these variables were tested using a generalized linear mixed model with cow as a random effect, week as a random block factor, and flooring type as a fixed effect. Multiple comparisons with a Scheffe adjustment were done to analyze differences among flooring types. Stride length was 0.14 m longer (better) on rubber when compared with concrete, and 0.11 and 0.17 m shorter on MMA 1 and 2 compared with rubber. On MMA 3 and 4, stride length did not differ from either rubber or concrete. Swing time was 0.04 s shorter (worse) on MMA 1 than on rubber, but did not differ from any other flooring. Stance time was 0.18 s longer (worse) on MMA 2 when compared with rubber, but it did not differ from any other treatment. The number of steps was higher on MMA 4 compared with rubber (4.57 vs. 3.95 steps), but did not differ from any other treatment. Of all the MMA floors tested, MMA 3 was the only one that was consistently as good as rubber (positive control). All 4 MMA floors never differed from concrete (negative control) in any of the ease of movement variables measured. These results suggest that MMA 3 may improve cow ease of movement, compared with the other MMA floors, but more research is required to confirm these findings. Gangrenous fescue lameness in a Charolais heifer Franco, D. A. Gangrenous fescue lameness in a Charolais heifer Franco, D. A. Veterinary Medicine, Small Animal Clinician 1971 Diagnosis of clinical or subclinical mastitis in ewes Boscos, C. M., Fragkou, I. A. et al Diagnosis of clinical or subclinical mastitis in ewes Boscos, C. M., Fragkou, I. A., Fthenakis, G. C. Small Ruminant Research 2014 Mattresses for dairy cows! Fournier, A. Mattresses for dairy cows! Fournier, A. Producteur de Lait Quebecois 1995 Stalls with concrete floors which are covered with an inadequate quantity of litter have been associated with swelling, bruising and wounds on cows' limbs; when wet they can also be slippery. Using rubber mats on the floors of stalls gives a better foothold, and a level of comfort somewhere between cement and a plastic 'mattress' packed with litter. A table is used to illustrate the correlation between the type of floor surface of stalls and the length of time cows spend lying down per day, an indication of their level of comfort. Different types of mattress are compared. Alfa Laval markets the 'Eva' brand rubber mat, which has a level of comfort between that of an ordinary rubber mat and that of straw litter. There are various types of mattress available, designed either to cover individual stalls or several at once, and containing a variety of fillings, including sawdust, straw, or small granules of tyres. The 'Pasture Mat' mattress contains granulated tyres in a wax-coated, compartmentalized woven polyester-nylon cover. The cover 'breathes', preventing the accumulation of moisture under the mattress. This system permits a saving of approximately 50% in the cost of bedding straw. These mats are guaranteed for three years, but may last longer. A table is used to compare costs of different types of mattress. Use of measures such as this to improve the comfort of stalls, together with ensuring that stalls are clean and of an appropriate size, plays a major role in reducing the incidence of hoof disorders, mastitis and culling Effects of disease on milk production in the dairy cow: a review Bareille, N., Beaudeau, F., Fourichon et al Effects of disease on milk production in the dairy cow: a review Bareille, N., Beaudeau, F., Fourichon, C., Seegers, H. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1999 Estimates of milli losses consequent to dystocia, stillbirth, milk fever, retained placenta, metritis, cystic ovaries, ketosis, displaced abomasum and locomotor disorders were reviewed. Papers were selected if they provided quantitative estimates of losses based on data collected after 1965, with a sample size resulting in a minimum number of disease cases of 25. Thirty-five papers fulfilled the selection criteria. Milk losses were expressed in kg/day over the period under study to allow comparison of results. Milk fever and cystic ovaries were not associated with yield losses (six studies for each disease). Less than half of the studies found losses associated with dystocia, retained placenta, and metritis, with, respectively, five studies out of 13 (0.3-2.3 kg/day across the lactation), five studies out of 13 (0.8 kg/day across the lactation to 2.5 kg/day across 100 days in milk), and two studies out of 10 (0.4 kg/day across the lactation, and 2.3 kg/day across 119 days in milk). More than half of the studies found losses associated with stillbirth, clinical ketosis, ketosis evidenced by a diagnostic test, and locomotor disorders, with, respectively, three studies out of five (0.7-1.3 kg/day across the lactation), seven studies out of 11 (2.6-5.7 kg/day short-term, and 1.2 kg/day across the lactation), five studies out of seven (1-7 kg/day on the day of diagnosis, and around 1 kg/day across 200 days in milk), and six studies out of 11 (0.3-3.3 kg/day across the lactation). All the five studies, investigating effects of displaced abomasum, found losses (3.5-10.9 kg/day across 80 days in milk, or 0.8-2.5 kg/day across the lactation). (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. [Claw disorders in a Norwegian dairy herd: A case study.] Klauvproblemer i en norsk storfebesetning: En kasusbeskrivelse Fjeldaas, Terje, Forshell, Kerstin Plym et al [Claw disorders in a Norwegian dairy herd: A case study.] Klauvproblemer i en norsk storfebesetning: En kasusbeskrivelse Fjeldaas, Terje, Forshell, Kerstin Plym, Hjorungdal, Kjell Magne, Kleppa, Anna Lena Norsk Veterinaertidsskrift 2001 A case study from a Norwegian dairy herd with chronic claw disease problems, for the first time confirmed the diagnosis "digital dermatitis/papillomatous digital dermatitis", including findings of Treponema spp.. The problems had been ongoing since 1995. One animal, which was purchased in 1995, was emergency slaughtered after one year with severe claw problems. Since then the claw problems in the herd aggravated in spite of several attempts to stop them. At a herd investigation in May 2000, 29 claw diseases were diagnosed in 18 cows/heifers. Twelve animals had digital dermatitis, 12 had heel horn erosions, 4 had hemorrhages of the sole and one suffered from corns. Cows with moderate digital dermatitis were treated locally with oxytetracyclin, and cows with heel horn erosions/ slight digital dermatitis were treated with ordinary wood tar/CuSO4, after trimming. Biopsies demonstrated digital dermatitis/papillomatous digital dermatitis with hyperkeratosis and slender spiral organisms, immunoreactive to California PDD-associated Treponema spp. strains (kindly examined at California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS) in San Bernardino, USA.) This is the first time this organism is diagnosed in Norwegian cattle and confirms the suspicion that digital dermatitis may exist in the country. The farmer was recommended to follow up claw trimming and feeding routines and to introduce a body scoring system together with other preventive measures to stop further spreading of the infection. Half a year later, all the animals in the herd were recontrolled. Two cows had slight hemorrhages of the sole, and only one animal had slight symptoms of digital dermatitis Hoof diseases – a hidden problem Forshell, K. P. Hoof diseases – a hidden problem Forshell, K. P. Buskap 1999 The inclusion of the condition of the hooves in assessments of the health of cattle is advocated, as foot disorders that are not immediately apparent can have adverse effects on production. Of 14 797 cows that had their hooves trimmed in Sweden in 1997-1998, only 47.1% were healthy; foot rot was found in 21.9%, sole bleeding in 19.9%, ulcers in 5.6%, and other conditions in 5.5%. Although there are multiple causes, the main one is thought to be housing on concrete floors. Foot disorders are not a particular problem in dairy cattle in Norway, where herds tend to be smaller and milk yields not so high, but examination of feet is still recommended for animal welfare Combined use of Ovsynch and progesterone supplementation after artificial insemination in dairy cattle Beindorff, N., Bollwein, H., Forro, A. et al Combined use of Ovsynch and progesterone supplementation after artificial insemination in dairy cattle Beindorff, N., Bollwein, H., Forro, A., Jäkel, L., Sharifi, R., Tsousis, G. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Effects of an organic source of copper, manganese and zinc on dairy cattle productive performance, health status and fertility Archetti, Laura, Biagi, Giacomo et al Effects of an organic source of copper, manganese and zinc on dairy cattle productive performance, health status and fertility Archetti, Laura, Biagi, Giacomo, Emanuele, Stephen, Formigoni, Andrea, Fustini, Mattia, Sniffen, Charles Animal Feed Science and Technology 2011 Nutrition and disorders of ruminant claw Formigoni, A. Nutrition and disorders of ruminant claw Formigoni, A. International genetic evaluation for direct longevity in dairy bulls Fikse, W. F., Forabosco, F., Jakobsen et al International genetic evaluation for direct longevity in dairy bulls Fikse, W. F., Forabosco, F., Jakobsen, J. H. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Sickness behavior in dairy cows during Escherichia coli mastitis Fogsgaard, K. K., Herskin, M. S. et al Sickness behavior in dairy cows during Escherichia coli mastitis Fogsgaard, K. K., Herskin, M. S., Røntved, C. M., Sørensen, P. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Management and design of hospital pens relative to behavior of the compromised dairy cow: A questionnaire survey of Iowa dairy... Fogsgaard, Katrine K., Gorden et al Management and design of hospital pens relative to behavior of the compromised dairy cow: A questionnaire survey of Iowa dairy farms Fogsgaard, Katrine K., Gorden, Patrick J., Herskin, Mette S., Millman, Suzanne T., Shearer, Jan K., Timms, Leo L. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2016 Compromised dairy cows, such as those suffering from illness or injury, are likely to have different behavioral priorities and needs compared to healthy cows. Although hospital pens are typically required in animal welfare standards and assessment programs, there is surprisingly little information on best practices for housing and management of compromised cows. The purpose of this study was to provide descriptive information about management and husbandry practices of compromised cows on dairy farms in Iowa. A questionnaire-based survey was designed to examine demographic information, design and management of hospital pens, as well as decisions concerning humane endpoints when euthanasia is considered. The survey was sent to 300 Iowa dairy farmers including organic, large (>500 cows) and ordinary (≤500 cows) dairy farms, with overall response rate of 41%. Eighty-two percent of respondents had the possibility to house a sick or injured cow away from her normal pen. Hospital areas typically involved pen housing (89% of farms), and bedded pack was the most common flooring used (88%). Compromised cows were frequently housed in the same enclosure as fresh cows (45%), calving cows (36%), close up cows that are soon to calve (35%), dry cows (15%), or other cattle (8%), including heifers, calves and bulls. Half of the farms had standard management protocols for non-ambulatory cows. Calving difficulties, injury, milk fever, lameness and displaced abomasum were the most frequently cited conditions for moving cows into hospital pens. The present data can be used to formulate hypotheses and design experiments in order to examine relationships between the behavior of compromised cows under different management strategies. Research is needed to formulate recommendations for effective design and management of special needs areas and hospital pens, notably with respect to social groupings and behavioral needs of ill and injured cows. Lameness Prevalence and Risk Factors in Large Dairy Farms in Upstate New York. Model Development for the Prediction of Claw Horn... Bicalho, M. L., Bicalho, R. C. et al Lameness Prevalence and Risk Factors in Large Dairy Farms in Upstate New York. Model Development for the Prediction of Claw Horn Disruption Lesions Bicalho, M. L., Bicalho, R. C., Foditsch, C., Ganda, E. K., Kussler, A., Lima, S. F., Machado, V. S., Oikonomou, G., Ribeiro, B. L., Rossi, R. PLoS One 2016 The main objectives of this prospective cohort study were a) to describe lameness prevalence at drying off in large high producing New York State herds based on visual locomotion score (VLS) and identify potential cow and herd level risk factors, and b) to develop a model that will predict the probability of a cow developing claw horn disruption lesions (CHDL) in the subsequent lactation using cow level variables collected at drying off and/or available from farm management software. Data were collected from 23 large commercial dairy farms located in upstate New York. A total of 7,687 dry cows, that were less than 265 days in gestation, were enrolled in the study. Farms were visited between May 2012 and March 2013, and cows were assessed for body condition score (BCS) and VLS. Data on the CHDL events recorded by the farm employees were extracted from the Dairy-Comp 305 database, as well as information regarding the studied cows' health events, milk production, and reproductive records throughout the previous and subsequent lactation period. Univariable analyses and mixed multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyse the data at the cow level. The overall average prevalence of lameness (VLS > 2) at drying off was 14%. Lactation group, previous CHDL, mature equivalent 305-d milk yield (ME305), season, BCS at drying off and sire PTA for strength were all significantly associated with lameness at the drying off (cow-level). Lameness at drying off was associated with CHDL incidence in the subsequent lactation, as well as lactation group, previous CHDL and ME305. These risk factors for CHDL in the subsequent lactation were included in our predictive model and adjusted predicted probabilities for CHDL were calculated for all studied cows. ROC analysis identified an optimum cut-off point for these probabilities and using this cut-off point we could predict CHDL incidence in the subsequent lactation with an overall specificity of 75% and sensitivity of 59%. Using this approach, we would have detected 33% of the studied population as being at risk, eventually identifying 59% of future CHDL cases. Our predictive model could help dairy producers focusing their efforts on CHDL reduction by implementing aggressive preventive measures for high risk cows. Effect of Hoof Pathologies on Subjective Assessments of Dairy Cow Gait Flower, F. C., Weary, D. M. Effect of Hoof Pathologies on Subjective Assessments of Dairy Cow Gait Flower, F. C., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2006 To explore how hoof pathologies affect dairy cattle gait, we studied cows with sole hemorrhages (n = 14), sole ulcers (n = 7), and those with no visible injuries (n = 17). Overall gait assessments, scored from video using a 1 to 5 numerical rating system (1 = sound, 5 = severely lame) and a continuous 100-unit visual analog scale, found cows having sole ulcers had poorer gait than healthy cows (mean {+/-} SEM: 4.0 {+/-} 0.13 vs. 3.1 {+/-} 0.08, and 59 {+/-} 3 vs. 46 {+/-} 2, respectively). Six gait attributes (back arch, head bob, tracking-up, joint flexion, asymmetric gait, and reluctance to bear weight) were also assessed using continuous 100-unit scales. Compared with healthy cows, those having sole ulcers walked with a more pronounced back arch (12 {+/-} 3 vs. 28 {+/-} 4), more jerky head movement (2 {+/-} 2 vs. 10 {+/-} 3), shortened strides (7 {+/-} 2 vs. 26 {+/-} 4), and more uneven weighting among the limbs (16 {+/-} 2 vs. 32 {+/-} 3). Of all measures, the numerical rating system most effectively discriminated healthy cows from those with sole ulcers (R2 = 0.73), classifying 92% of animals correctly. No differences were detected among cows with and without sole hemorrhages. Intra- and interobserver reliabilities were reasonable for all measures (R2 [≥] 0.64) except joint flexion and asymmetric gait. In summary, subjective assessments of dairy cattle gait provide valid and reliable approaches to identifying cattle with sole ulcers. Analgesics Improve the Gait of Lame Dairy Cattle Carter, E., Flower, F. C., Sanderson et al Analgesics Improve the Gait of Lame Dairy Cattle Carter, E., Flower, F. C., Sanderson, D. J., Sedlbauer, M., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2008 Pain associated with injuries of the hoof and surrounding tissues is an important cause of lameness. The objective was to detect the attributes of impaired gait that are associated with pain. In 3 separate experiments, lactating Holstein cows (n = 20; n = 21; n = 27) diagnosed with varying degrees of gait impairment were injected i.m. (Exp. 1 and 2) or i.v. (Exp. 3) with the analgesic ketoprofen at 0, 0.3, 1.5, or 3.0 mg/kg of BW. Gait was evaluated subjectively using a numerical rating system (NRS; varying from 1 to 5) and 6 specific gait attributes (back arch, tracking up, joint flexion, asymmetric steps, head bob, and reluctance to bear weight). Each experiment was divided into 3 phases each lasting 3 d: before treatment, after treatment, and during treatment with daily injections of ketoprofen. The NRS improved by 0.25 {+/-} 0.05 with the highest dose of ketoprofen. Although none of the specific gait attributes showed a consistent response to treatment, there was an interaction between dose and experiment for asymmetric steps and reluctance to bear weight; in Exp. 1, but not Exp. 2 and 3, cow steps were more symmetrical (improving by 7.16 {+/-} 1.02), and cows distributed their weight more evenly (improving by 5.84 {+/-} 1.13) at the highest doses of ketoprofen. These results indicated that the NRS was more sensitive than the specific gait attributes in assessing differences in gait associated with pain. The results showed that ketoprofen has only a modest effect on gait, indicating either that this drug has little effect on pain due to lameness or that much variation in NRS was due to factors other than pain. Effects of Milking on Dairy Cow Gait Flower, F. C., Sanderson, D. J., Weary et al Effects of Milking on Dairy Cow Gait Flower, F. C., Sanderson, D. J., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2006 We studied cows with (n = 6) and without (n = 26) sole ulcers before and after milking to explore how milking influences dairy cattle gait and how this differs for cows with hoof injuries. Video recordings of cows were digitized using motion-analysis software to calculate stride variables for each hoof. Gait was scored using a 1-to-5 numerical rating system (1 = sound, 5 = severely lame) and a continuous 100-unit visual analog scale of gait attributes (back arch, head bob, tracking-up, and reluctance to bear weight). For cows with and without sole ulcers, differences in gait before and after milking were evident; after milking, all cows had significantly longer strides (123.3 vs. 133.5 {+/-} 2.0 cm, respectively), higher stride height (8.3 vs. 8.9 {+/-} 0.1 cm), shorter stride durations (1.49 vs. 1.41 {+/-} 0.03 s), walked faster (0.85 vs. 0.97 {+/-} 0.03 m/s), and had shorter periods of triple support (3 legs in ground contact; 80.0 vs. 71.7 {+/-} 2.0%). Tracking-up and reluctance to bear weight improved after milking (20 vs. 16 {+/-} 2; 20 vs. 15 {+/-} 1, respectively), but numerical rating scores and back arch did not. Cows with sole ulcers walked differently than cows without for all measures, except swing duration, both before and after milking. Interactions between hoof health and milking were found for swing duration and head bob but when tested separately, the only effect was that cows without sole ulcers had longer swing durations before milking (0.45 vs. 0.44 {+/-} 0.01 s, respectively). Gait differences were probably due to udder distention and motivation to return to the home pen. Our results suggest that the most suitable time to assess lameness is after milking when differences between cows with and without ulcers are most evident. Hoof Pathologies Influence Kinematic Measures of Dairy Cow Gait Flower, F. C., Sanderson, D. J., Weary et al Hoof Pathologies Influence Kinematic Measures of Dairy Cow Gait Flower, F. C., Sanderson, D. J., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2005 To explore how hoof pathologies affect the gait of dairy cattle, we studied gait profiles of cows with no visible injuries (n = 17), sole lesions (n = 14), and sole ulcers (n = 7). Video recordings of dairy cows were digitized using motion analysis software to calculate 6 stride variables for each hoof. Compared with cows with sole ulcers, healthy cows walked faster (1.11 ± 0.03 vs. 0.90 ± 0.05 m/s, mean ± SEM), had shorter stride durations (1.26 ± 0.03 vs. 1.48 ± 0.05 s), and longer strides (139.5 ± 2.1 vs. 130.0 ± 3.2 cm). Percentage of triple support in the gait cycle (time when cattle were supported by 3 legs) more than doubled for cows with sole ulcers compared with healthy cows (42 vs. 18%). Gait differences were likely due to cows reducing the load on an affected leg. Few differences were detected between healthy cows and those with sole lesions, perhaps because of variation in number, severity, and location of injuries. Kinematic gait analysis is a promising approach in understanding how hoof pathologies affect dairy cow gait. Softer, Higher-Friction Flooring Improves Gait of Cows With and Without Sole Ulcers de Passille, A. M., Flower, F. C. et al Softer, Higher-Friction Flooring Improves Gait of Cows With and Without Sole Ulcers de Passille, A. M., Flower, F. C., Rushen, J., Sanderson, D. J., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2007 We studied dairy cows (n = 30) walking on concrete and on a soft, high-friction composite rubber surface to examine how flooring influenced gait and how this differed for cows with hoof lesions. Cows had hooves trimmed 9 wk after the trial and were classified as either with or without sole ulcers. Video recordings of the cows while walking were digitized using motion analysis software to calculate stride variables (length, height, overlap, duration, proportion of triple support, and speed). Gait was scored by a subjective scoring system (1 = sound to 5 = severely lame) and by a continuous visual analog scale for each of 7 gait attributes. Cows with sole ulcers walking on a composite rubber surface had longer strides (156.9 {+/-} 2.6 vs. 149.6 {+/-} 2.6 cm), higher stride heights (9.7 {+/-} 0.3 vs. 8.8 {+/-} 0.3 cm), more stride overlap (0.4 {+/-} 2.0 vs. -4.3 {+/-} 2.0 cm), shorter periods of triple support (3 legs in ground contact; 68.6 {+/-} 2.0 vs. 73.8 {+/-} 2.0%), walked faster (1.22 {+/-} 0.04 vs. 1.17 {+/-} 0.04 m/s) and had lower overall gait scores (2.9 {+/-} 0.1 vs. 3.1 {+/-} 0.1), better tracking-up (19 {+/-} 2 vs. 24 {+/-} 2), better joint flexion (29 {+/-} 2 vs. 33 {+/-} 2), more symmetric steps (31 {+/-} 3 vs. 36 {+/-} 3), and less reluctance to bear weight on their legs (12 {+/-} 2 vs. 16 {+/-} 2) compared with walking on concrete. Similar results were found for cows without sole ulcers. Most of the subjective gait measures could distinguish between cows with and without sole ulcers, but this was not the case for kinematic measures other than stride height. Cows with higher gait scores (more severe lameness) showed the greatest improvement in stride length (r = -0.51), triple support (r = 0.59), swing duration (r = -0.44), overall gait score (r = 0.46), and reluctance to bear weight (r = 0.66) when walking on the rubber surface compared with cows with lower gait scores. These results indicate that rubber flooring provides a more secure footing and is more comfortable to walk on, especially for lame cattle. Testing measures of lameness: Using behaviour to predict presence and severity of hoof lesions in dairy cattle Flower, F., Weary, D. Testing measures of lameness: Using behaviour to predict presence and severity of hoof lesions in dairy cattle Flower, F., Weary, D. Journal of Dairy Science 2002 Identification of bovine virus diarrhea virus type-2 (BVDV-2) in southern Brazil Flores, Eduardo F., Gil, Laura H. et al Identification of bovine virus diarrhea virus type-2 (BVDV-2) in southern Brazil Flores, Eduardo F., Gil, Laura H., Pilati, Celso Driemeier David Moojen Valeria Wendelstein Ana Cristina, Weiblen, Rudi Scherer Charles Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 2000 Highly virulent bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) isolates, named BVDV type-2 (BVDV-2), were initially identified in outbreaks of acute and hemorrhagic BVD and have been previously isolated mainly in North America. The present article describes two cases of gastroenteric/respiratory disease in southern Brazil from which BVDV type 2 viruses were isolated. The viruses were isolated from two heifers belonging to different herds. One animal developed an acute disease, characterized by anorexia, ruminal atony, dark to bloody diarrhea, tenesmo and mucopurulent nasal discharge. The other animal developed a long lasting disease (7 months), characterized by retarded growth, anorexia, recurrent episodes of diarrhea, interdigital dermatitis, occasional digestive and genital bleeding, conjuntivitis, arthritis and chronic pneumonia. Disseminated mucosal congestion, extensive and deep ulcerations in the tongue, palate and esophagus, necrotic areas in the ruminal mucosa, areas of congestion covered with fibrin in the small intestine were the most prominent findings. BVDV antigens were detected by immunohistochemistry in the tongue epithelium, lungs and in mesenteric lymph nodes. Non-cytopathic BVD viruses were isolated from white blood cells and spleen from the affected animals through inoculation of cultured cells and demonstration of viral antigens by immunofluorescence. Subsequently, antigenic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of these - plus two BVD viruses that have been isolated from healthy fetuses - allowed their classification into the genotype 2. The presence of BVDV-2 among Brazilian cattle is epidemiologically relevant and may have important implications for diagnosis, immunization strategies and vaccine production Ultrasonography of Bovine Urinary Tract Disorders Floeck, Martina Ultrasonography of Bovine Urinary Tract Disorders Floeck, Martina Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2009 Clinical disorders in Holstein cows: Incidence and associations among lactational risk factors Fleischer, P., Hoedemaker, M., Metzner et al Clinical disorders in Holstein cows: Incidence and associations among lactational risk factors Fleischer, P., Hoedemaker, M., Metzner, M., Skrivanek, M., Slosarkova, S. Acta Veterinaria Brno 2001 The relationship between milk yield and the incidence of some diseases in dairy cows Beyerbach, M., Fleischer, P. et al The relationship between milk yield and the incidence of some diseases in dairy cows Beyerbach, M., Fleischer, P., Hoedemaker, M., Klee, W., Metzner, M. Journal of Dairy Science 2001 Dairy Herd Health, M. Green (Ed.). CAB International, Wallingford (UK)/Boston (USA) (2012) Flachowsky, Gerhard Dairy Herd Health, M. Green (Ed.). CAB International, Wallingford (UK)/Boston (USA) (2012) Flachowsky, Gerhard Animal Feed Science and Technology 2013 Locomotion and claw disorders in Norwegian dairy cows housed in freestalls with slatted concrete, solid concrete, or solid rubber... Fjeldaas, T., Sogstad, A. M., Østerås et al Locomotion and claw disorders in Norwegian dairy cows housed in freestalls with slatted concrete, solid concrete, or solid rubber flooring in the alleys Fjeldaas, T., Sogstad, A. M., Østerås, O. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Claw trimming routines in relation to claw lesions, claw shape and lameness in Norwegian dairy herds housed in tie stalls and... Fjeldaas, T., Sogstad, A. M., Østerås et al Claw trimming routines in relation to claw lesions, claw shape and lameness in Norwegian dairy herds housed in tie stalls and free stalls Fjeldaas, T., Sogstad, A. M., Østerås, O. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2006 We assessed the prevalence of claw lesions, abnormal claw shapes and lameness in relation to most-recent claw-trimming routines in Norwegian dairy herds housed in tie stalls and free stalls. Equal-sized groups were randomly sampled from both tie and free stalls in each of the three most animal-dense regions in Norway. The study population consisted of 2551 cows of the Norwegian Red breed housed in 54 tie stalls and 52 free stalls. Fourteen educated claw trimmers performed claw trimming and recording of claw lesions once during the spring of 2002. A multivariable model including Cluster effects and individual-cow factors was fit for each claw lesion and abnormal claw shape. In tie-stall herds with routine trimming 39.9% of the cows had one or more lesions or abnormal shapes in front or hind Claws Versus 52.8% in herds with no routine trimming. Hind-claw results in tie with concrete stall base: herds trimmed occasionally had more haemorrhages of the white line (OR = 2.8) and corkscrewed hind claws (OR = 3.6) versus herds trimmed routinely; herds never trimmed had more heel-horn erosions (OR = 2.6) versus herds trimmed routinely and less haemorrhages of the white line (OR = 0.3) and the sole (OR = 0.2) versus herds trimmed occasionally. In free-stall herds with routine trimming 76.8% of the cows had one or more lesions or abnormal shapes in front or hind claws versus 68.9% in herds with no routine trimming. Hind-claw results in free stalls with concrete stall base: herds never trimmed had less haemorrhages of the white line (OR = 0.3) and the sole (OR = 0.3) versus herds trimmed routinely; and also less haemorrhages of the white line (OR = 0.3) and white-line fissures (OR = 0.3) versus herds trimmed occasionally. Hindclaw results in free stalls with rubber-mat stall base: herds trimmed occasionally had less heel-horn erosions (OR = 0.5) and more dermatitis (OR = 5.4) versus herds trimmed routinely. The routine claw trimming performed in Norwegian free stalls has not had the desired effects on claw lesions and abnormal claw shapes. Routine trimming in tie stalls, however, seems to have prevented claw disorders. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Water footbath, automatic flushing, and disinfection to improve the health of bovine feet Bøe, K. E., Fjeldaas, T. et al Water footbath, automatic flushing, and disinfection to improve the health of bovine feet Bøe, K. E., Fjeldaas, T., Knappe-Poindecker, M., Larssen, R. B. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Disinfecting footbaths are used to treat and prevent interdigital dermatitis (ID) and heel horn erosion (HHE). However, many disinfectants are disadvantageous for the environment and, as an alternative, washing of the feet has been introduced. Our aim was to investigate the effect of water footbaths (trial 1), footbaths with CuSO4 (trial 2), automatic water flushing (trial 3), and water flushing followed by disinfection with a glutaraldehyde-based compound (trial 4) in 4 randomized controlled clinical trials performed in a freestall dairy herd of approximately 45 Norwegian Red cows. At trimming before and after each trial, hind foot diseases, hardness of the claw horn (in D-units), locomotion, and cleanliness of the claws were recorded. Before each trial, the cows were divided in comparable study and control groups, based on prevalence of ID and HHE, parity, and days in milk. Using a transponder-regulated gate, the study groups were led through a footbath (trials 1 and 2) or an automatic washer (trials 3 and 4), whereas the control groups were left untreated. Each trial lasted 3 mo and the curative effect in diseased cows and the preventive effect in cows with healthy feet on ID, HHE, and ID + HHE were analyzed. In trial 2, a preventive effect of CuSO4 on HHE compared with the untreated cows was observed. During trial 1, 100% (11/11) of the treated cows with ID got better and 22% (2/9) without ID became diseased, whereas 92% (11/12) of the treated cows with ID + HHE got better and 38% (3/8) without ID + HHE became diseased. During trial 2, 69% (9/13) of the treated cows with ID got better and 11% (1/9) without ID became diseased. During trial 4, 19% (3/16) of the untreated cows with ID + HHE got better and 71% (5/7) without ID + HHE became diseased. In trial 3, no significant effects on ID, HHE, or ID + HHE were revealed. In trial 2 (CuSO4), the treated cows’ claw horn was harder after the trial compared with the controls (D-unit difference: 13.25). In trial 3 (stationary water flushing) the treated cows’ claw horn was softer after the trial when compared with the controls (D-unit difference: −15.66). The CuSO4 footbaths were useful to prevent HHE and indicate that automatic stationary flushing with only water had no beneficial effect on ID or HHE. The claw horn of cows walking through CuSO4 became harder and the claw horn of cows that had their hind feet flushed with water became softer compared with the controls. Assessment of pain and welfare in sheep Fitzpatrick, J., Nolan, A., Scott, M. Assessment of pain and welfare in sheep Fitzpatrick, J., Nolan, A., Scott, M. Small Ruminant Research 2006 Animal welfare is the combination of subjective and objective (qualitative and quantitative) aspects of the conditions of life for animals, including health and disease, behaviour, husbandry and management, and is thus, a complex and abstract construct. Many definitions of farm animal welfare exist, but it is recognized that many prevalent inflammatory diseases are a major contributor to adverse welfare worldwide. Inflammation induces alterations in nociceptive information processing, which may have serious consequences for animals. Allodynia (perception of innocuous stimuli as noxious) and hyperalgesia (exaggerated responses to noxious stimuli) are common features of inflammatory pain. When these changes occur, animals and humans are said to be "hyperalgesic", that is they respond to an unpleasant stimulus at a level which would not affect normal individuals. Hyperalgesia can therefore, be used as an indicator of the presence of pain. Subjective and objective measures of pain in sheep have been investigated. Subjective measures include assessment of behaviours and the use of a number of scales to assess severity based on clinical and pathological signs. Objective measures include the use of cortisol, acute phase proteins and hyperalgesia. Sheep with footrot and chronic mastitis, and cows with lameness and acute mastitis, have been shown to be hyperalgesic and studies have shown that use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be useful in reducing hyperalgesia. Work is going on to develop composite indices that can be employed to assess both pain and welfare in sheep and other livestock species and that may be employed to measure changes in these parameters over time. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. The effect of meloxicam on pain sensitivity, rumination time, and clinical signs in dairy cows with endotoxin-induced clinical... Chapinal, N., DeVries, T. J., Duffield et al The effect of meloxicam on pain sensitivity, rumination time, and clinical signs in dairy cows with endotoxin-induced clinical mastitis Chapinal, N., DeVries, T. J., Duffield, T. F., Fitzpatrick, C. E., Kelton, D. F., Leslie, K. E., Petersson-Wolfe, C. S. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 The influence of long-term supplementation with biotin on the prevention of lameness in pasture fed dairy cows Elliott, R., Fitzgerald, T., Norton et al The influence of long-term supplementation with biotin on the prevention of lameness in pasture fed dairy cows Elliott, R., Fitzgerald, T., Norton, B. W., Podlich, H., Svendsen, O. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2000 Livestock-associated Staphylococcus aureus: origin, evolution and public health threat Fitzgerald, J. Ross Livestock-associated Staphylococcus aureus: origin, evolution and public health threat Fitzgerald, J. Ross Trends in Microbiology 2012 The effects of feed restriction and lying deprivation on pituitary–adrenal axis regulation in lactating cows Fisher, A. D., Matthews, L. R., Morrow et al The effects of feed restriction and lying deprivation on pituitary–adrenal axis regulation in lactating cows Fisher, A. D., Matthews, L. R., Morrow, C. J., Verkerk, G. A. Livestock Production Science 2002 In order to examine the effects of moderate feed restriction and periodic lying deprivation on pituitary–adrenal axis function in lactating dairy cows, 32 non-pregnant Jersey cows were allocated to two levels of feeding (4% vs. 3% of body weight of dry matter daily) and lying restriction (free lying vs. prevention of lying from 15:00 to 06:45 h daily) in a 2×2 factorial plan for 7 days. There were no feeding×lying interactions, and feeding level did not affect plasma cortisol concentrations, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol responses to challenge with 15 μg corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), or ACTH and cortisol responses to CRH following the administration of 0.3 mg dexamethasone. Compared with free-lying animals, lying-restricted cows had increased basal plasma cortisol concentrations, and reduced ACTH and cortisol responses following CRH challenge relative to pre-challenge baselines. Lying-restricted cows also had an increased plasma cortisol/ACTH ratio for the total area under the hormone response curves following CRH. Dexamethasone administration prior to CRH challenge produced a similar result to CRH challenge alone, indicating that there were no differences between lying-restricted and free-lying cows in negative feedback sensitivity of the pituitary to glucocorticoids. In conclusion, 7 days of moderate feed restriction did not appear to alter pituitary–adrenal axis function, whereas periodic lying deprivation reduced pituitary responsiveness to CRH and increased plasma cortisol/ACTH ratio following CRH challenge. The effects of surface type on lying behaviour and stress responses of dairy cows during periodic weather-induced removal from... Fisher, A. D., Matthews, L. R., Morrow et al The effects of surface type on lying behaviour and stress responses of dairy cows during periodic weather-induced removal from pasture Fisher, A. D., Matthews, L. R., Morrow, C. J., Stewart, M., Verkerk, G. A. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2003 In some dairy cow grazing systems, during wet weather, the cows are removed from the pasture to a separate area for most of the day, in order to minimise treading damage to the soil. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of four surfaces commonly used for this “stand-off” procedure, in terms of cow lying behaviour, bodyweight, dirtiness, locomotion, and faecal concentrations of stress-induced hormones. In a replicated 4×4 Latin square design, 32 non-lactating Friesian cows were allocated in groups of four to either a specially constructed wood chip pad, a concrete yard, a gravel-surfaced farm laneway or a small paddock. The cows were held on the stand-off areas for 4 days, apart from a 3 h period each day spent grazing at pasture. Both the farm laneway and the small paddock became extremely muddy. The total time spent lying per day was greater (P<0.001) for cows on the wood chip pad (11.9 h), than for cows on the concrete yard (7.0 h), farm laneway (5.7 h), or small paddock (6.9 h). These effects were driven by differences in the frequency of lying down on the stand-off surfaces, as there were no treatment effects on mean lying bout duration during stand-off. Cows on stand-off treatments where lying was reduced attempted to compensate by lying down to a greater extent during the 3 h period at pasture. Cows on the concrete yard had lower bodyweights and higher faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations at the end of the 4-day stand-off period than cows on the wood chip pad and the small paddock. Similarly, cows on the concrete yard had a reduced gait length at the end of the stand-off period compared with cows on the farm laneway and the small paddock. The cows on the wood chip pad were less dirty than cows on the other surfaces. These results highlight the importance of providing a well drained and comfortable surface for cows to rest upon during periodic weather-induced removal from the pasture. Lameness treatment of the new generation: a block [under the claw] for strain relief Fiedler, A. Lameness treatment of the new generation: a block [under the claw] for strain relief Fiedler, A. Milchpraxis 2000 Comparative studies about the prevalence of claw diseases in tie-stalls and loose-housing systems in Bavaria 1998 and 1999 Fiedler, A. Comparative studies about the prevalence of claw diseases in tie-stalls and loose-housing systems in Bavaria 1998 and 1999 Fiedler, A. Evaluation of a Serpens species bacterin for treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Alley, Mark L., Fidler, Andrew P. et al Evaluation of a Serpens species bacterin for treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Alley, Mark L., Fidler, Andrew P., Smith, Geof W. Research in Veterinary Science 2012 Using a systematic review of lameness in cattle to develop an intervention study Brocklehurst, S., Fevre, A. M., French et al Using a systematic review of lameness in cattle to develop an intervention study Brocklehurst, S., Fevre, A. M., French, N. P., Gettinby, G., Gibbs, A., Hirst, W. M., Laven, R., Le Fevre, A. M., Logue, D. N., Menzies, F. D., Offer, J. E., REID, S.W.J. Invited review: Culling: Nomenclature, definitions, and recommendations Fetrow, J., Nordlund, K. V., Norman et al Invited review: Culling: Nomenclature, definitions, and recommendations Fetrow, J., Nordlund, K. V., Norman, H. D. Journal of Dairy Science 2006 Development and laboratory validation of a lateral flow device for the detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus in clinical... Brocchi, Emiliana, Ebert, Katja, Ferris et al Development and laboratory validation of a lateral flow device for the detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus in clinical samples Brocchi, Emiliana, Ebert, Katja, Ferris, Nigel P., Grazioli, Santina, Hutchings, Geoffrey H., King, Donald P., Kristersson, Therese, Merza, Malik, Nordengrahn, Ann, Paton, David J., Reid, Scott M. Journal of Virological Methods 2009 Development and laboratory evaluation of two lateral flow devices for the detection of vesicular stomatitis virus in clinical... Clavijo, Alfonso, Ferris, Nigel P. et al Development and laboratory evaluation of two lateral flow devices for the detection of vesicular stomatitis virus in clinical samples Clavijo, Alfonso, Ferris, Nigel P., Hutchings, Geoffrey H., Kristersson, Therese, Merza, Malik, Nordengrahn, Ann, Velazquez-Salinas, Lauro, Yang, Ming Journal of Virological Methods 2012 On-Farm Methods for Assessing Zinc-Sulfate Concentrations in Footbaths Bowditch, L. C., Ferrier, G. R., Makin et al On-Farm Methods for Assessing Zinc-Sulfate Concentrations in Footbaths Bowditch, L. C., Ferrier, G. R., Makin, T. J. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 1992 An hydrometer and a titrimetric colour change method were compared as 2 on-farm tests for assessing the strength of zinc sulfate in footbaths used for the control of footrot in sheep. Contamination of zinc sulfate solutions with soil, water, and sheep faeces and urine reduced initial concentrations by up to 33%; however, zinc sulfate concentration could be still assessed by the 2 methods. The hydrometer was found to be the most practical method for on-farm use. Effect of different doses of equine chorionic gonadotropin on follicular and luteal dynamics and P/AI of high-producing Holstein... Ayres, H., Baruselli, P. S., Ferreira et al Effect of different doses of equine chorionic gonadotropin on follicular and luteal dynamics and P/AI of high-producing Holstein cows Ayres, H., Baruselli, P. S., Ferreira, R. M., Rodrigues, C. A., Sales, J. N. S., Souza, A. H. Animal Reproduction Science 2013 Effect of dietary supplementation with live-cell yeast at two dosages on lactation performance, ruminal fermentation, and... Bertics, S. J., Ferraretto, L. F. et al Effect of dietary supplementation with live-cell yeast at two dosages on lactation performance, ruminal fermentation, and total-tract nutrient digestibility in dairy cows Bertics, S. J., Ferraretto, L. F., Shaver, R. D. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Feeding potato and sweetpotato byproducts to beef cattle Ferko, B. L., Poore, M. H., Roger et al Feeding potato and sweetpotato byproducts to beef cattle Ferko, B. L., Poore, M. H., Roger, G. M., Schultheis, J. R. Veterinary Medicine 1998 The nutritional benefits of using potato (Solanum tuberosum) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) byproducts as alternative feed sources in beef cattle, as well as the potential health problems (toxic effects of mouldy potatoes, oesophageal obstruction, laminitis, dental erosion and digestive problems) in cattle fed these rations, are discussed Special considerations in bovine orthopedics and lameness Ferguson, J. G. Special considerations in bovine orthopedics and lameness Ferguson, J. G. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1985 This article discusses the features that make bovine orthopedics a unique area. Changes in methodology and design of internal fixation devices are considered, particularly as they differ in application to the different age and weight categories. Pediatric and economic considerations and the importance of client communications are reviewed in detail Bovine limb surgery Ferguson, J. Bovine limb surgery Ferguson, J. Diarrheal disease control: reviews of potential interventions Feachem, R.G., Hogan, R.C., Merson, M.H. Diarrheal disease control: reviews of potential interventions Feachem, R.G., Hogan, R.C., Merson, M.H. Bull. World Health organisation 1983 Effect of housing systems on behaviour and lameness in dairy cows Fayed, R. H. Effect of housing systems on behaviour and lameness in dairy cows Fayed, R. H. Veterinary Medical Journal Giza 1997 The effects of different housing systems on behavioural patterns and incidence of lameness were studied on 4 private dairy farms of 1800 cows in Giza and Kalubia governorates, Egypt, from April to August 1996. The cows were housed in cubicles with concrete floors or in a loose (yard) housing system with a dirty floor. The incidence of claw and leg lameness was significantly higher in cows kept in cubicles (8.66%) than in cows in loose housing (4.51%). Healthy cows in the loose housing system spent significantly more time lying down and less time standing than cows in cubicles, while lame cows in both housing systems spent more time lying down and less time standing than healthy cows. Cows kept loose ate more frequently but spent less time feeding than those kept in cubicles. The lame cows in both systems spent less time feeding than healthy cows. Gait and movements of the lame cows were significantly slower than those in normal cows. It is concluded that housing on concrete floors negatively affects claw health in dairy cows and contributes to the aetiology of lameness Disease occurrence in dairy herds: results from a 20-year study in three experimental farms Coulon, J. B., Faye, B., Landais, E. et al Disease occurrence in dairy herds: results from a 20-year study in three experimental farms Coulon, J. B., Faye, B., Landais, E., Lescourret, F. Productions Animales 1994 Health data collected for 20 years at 3 INRA dairy cow experimental stations in a partially-mountainous area of France were entered in the database LASCAR. The breakdown of disease occurrence was broadly similar to that found on private dairy farms. Clinical mastitis (31.7% of lactational incidence rate), lameness (25.6%), digestive disorders (12.3%) and placental retention (9.6%) predominated. Wide variations occurred according to location and genetic type: lameness most often affected the French Friesian (FFPN) of Marcenat (41.9%) while mastitis most often affected the Holstein X FFPN crossbreeds at Theix (53.0%). Health problems tended to increase with lactation rank, with the notable exception of calving problems. Onset of lactation was the most sensitive time, though no particular season could be said to present special risk. The latter could differ according to the health disorders. However, certain disorders occurred more often in Oct. at the start of calving Types of Health Profile in the Life-Cycle of Dairy-Cows Coulon, J. B., Duc, D., Faye, B. et al Types of Health Profile in the Life-Cycle of Dairy-Cows Coulon, J. B., Duc, D., Faye, B., Landais, E., Lescourret, F. Veterinary Research 1994 This paper presents a first approach of the health over the whole life-cycle of dairy cows, a scale which is intended to define a trajectory. Trajectories are defined as the chain of health profiles on the lactation scale, which are characterized by major disorders: foul of the foot; lameness; arthritis; calving disorders; mastitis; digestive and metabolic disorders; and no disorders. A few examples of trajectories are discussed for life-cycles lasting 4 lactations. Trajectory types of health status during the life of the dairy cow Coulon, J. B., Duc, D., Faye, B. et al Trajectory types of health status during the life of the dairy cow Coulon, J. B., Duc, D., Faye, B., Landais, E., Lescourret, F. Vet Res 1994 This paper presents a first approach of the health over the whole life-cycle of dairy cows, a scale which is intended to define a trajectory. Trajectories are defined as the chain of health profiles on the lactation scale, which are characterized by major disorders: foul of the foot; lameness; arthritis; calving disorders; mastitis; digestive and metabolic disorders; and no disorders. A few examples of trajectories are discussed for life-cycles lasting 4 lactations Types of health profile in the life-cycle of dairy cows Coulon, J., Duc, D., Faye, B., Landais et al Types of health profile in the life-cycle of dairy cows Coulon, J., Duc, D., Faye, B., Landais, E., Lescourret, F. Veterinary Research 1994 This paper presents a first approach of the health over the whole life-cycle of dairy cows, a scale which is intended to define a trajectory. Trajectories are defined as the chain of health profiles on the lactation scale, which are characterized by major disorders: foul of the foot; lameness; arthritis; calving disorders; mastitis; digestive and metabolic disorders; and no disorders. A few examples of trajectories are discussed for life-cycles lasting 4 lactations A method for describing disease patterns during the life span of dairy cows Boulme, R., Coulon, J. B., Faye, B. et al A method for describing disease patterns during the life span of dairy cows Boulme, R., Coulon, J. B., Faye, B., Lescourret, F. Veterinary Research 1996 This study presents some guidelines for describing the health status of dairy cows over their entire life span. It aims to define some types of health-paths (trajectories) described in terms of disease patterns (at the lactation level) and related to cow characteristics (breed, production potential) and farms. The data were collected over a 20-year period on three experimental farms. Eight diseases were analysed: clinical mastitis, lameness, placental retention, foot rot, digestive disorders, milk fever, metritis, and arthritis. The statistical procedures used were correspondence analysis of time-indexed tables and hierarchical ascending clustering. A total of 28 health-paths were identified and 16 of these (the most common) are described in detail. At the lactation level, eight disease patterns were defined: high incidence of disease other than mastitis (1), predominantly mastitis plus milk fever (2), predominantly foot rot (3), very low incidence of disease (4), mastitis plus digestive disorders (5), very high mastitis incidence (6), low incidence of disease (7), foot rot plus digestive disorders (8). Disease patterns 3 and 6 were more common in shorter life spans (less than or equal to 4 lactations). Conversely, health profiles 2 and 4 were generally related to the longest life spans. These results will be included in a future model of the life span of daiy cows which will also take into account other performance parameters such as milk production and reproduction. [Trajectory types of health status during the life of the dairy cow]. [French] Faye, B. [Trajectory types of health status during the life of the dairy cow]. [French] Faye, B. Veterinary Research 1994 This paper presents a first approach of the health over the whole life-cycle of dairy cows, a scale which is intended to define a trajectory. Trajectories are defined as the chain of health profiles on the lactation scale, which are characterized by major disorders: foul of the foot; lameness; arthritis; calving disorders; mastitis; digestive and metabolic disorders; and no disorders. A few examples of trajectories are discussed for life-cycles lasting 4 lactations Interrelationships Between Health-Status and Farm-Management System in French Dairy Herds Faye, B. Interrelationships Between Health-Status and Farm-Management System in French Dairy Herds Faye, B. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1992 The notion of pathological associations has led researchers to establish farm 'health profiles', in the knowledge that a certain number of health disorders on stock farms seem to be correlated. In this study (part of an coo-pathological survey of 83 diary farms representative of the range of dairy farm types to be found in France), five health profiles are described, allowing classification of the farms according to incidence levels of infectious diseases of the foot, uterus and treat (Profile 3), incidence of calving disorders (Profiles 2 and 4) and low disease incidence in general (Profiles 1 and 5). The farms were also analysed in terms of farm structure data, providing a classification into three dairy farm classes defined as traditional, intensive and intermediate. Crossing these three farm types against the five health profiles reveals a concordance between traditional farms and low-pathology health profiles, between intensive farms and a high incidence of infectious disease, and between intermediate farms and calving disorders. This concordance suggests that some production systems should be regarded as high risk, with a higher risk where the farmer has insufficient mastery of the techniques required for good herd management [Continuing eco-pathological survey: 5. Demonstration of pathologic associations in dairy cow stock: individual data]. [French] Faye, B. [Continuing eco-pathological survey: 5. Demonstration of pathologic associations in dairy cow stock: individual data]. [French] Faye, B. Annales de Recherches Veterinaires 1986 The calculation of pathological association ratio (or relative risk) from two ways contingency tables, allowed to show numerous interrelationships between diseases of 1,205 dairy cows. The analysis concerns the animal during productive life, the lactation (all lactation mixed), a particular one (1st, 2nd, 3rd and more) and the beginning of productive life of cow (three first lactations). The relationships are discussed according to the level of calculation (animal, lactation, or beginning of life). There is some triangular relations: calving trilogy (dystocia-stillbirth-retained placenta), infectious trilogy (foul of the foot-metritis-mastitis), metabolic trilogy (appetite disorders-ketosis-digestive disorders), foot disorders trilogy (lameness-non infectious diseases of foot-foul of the foot). These pathological groups seem to depend from common risk factors (climate-feeding-cowshed hygiene-control of heat-age-culling policy-genetic factors-anatomical or physiological predisposition, animal size...), but, numerous interactions between groups are also shown, leading to consider pathology in farm like a complex entity Characterizing biosecurity, health, and culling during dairy herd expansions Faust, M. A., Kinsel, M. L. et al Characterizing biosecurity, health, and culling during dairy herd expansions Faust, M. A., Kinsel, M. L., Kirkpatrick, M. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2001 Our objectives were to investigate strategies for biosecurity, expansion, and culling for expanding dairy herds in the Upper Midwest. Eighteen dairies in Iowa and Wisconsin were visited, and dairy managers and veterinarians were interviewed to characterize five biosecurity practices, herd culling practices, vaccines administered, and ensuing disease status for the herds. The majority of herds that were interviewed failed to employ comprehensive biosecurity programs for incoming cattle. Nearly 60% of herds obtained cattle from sources for which it was difficult to document genetic backgrounds and health histories, fewer than half required health testing for incoming cattle, and approximately 50% quarantined new cattle on arrival. Despite high rates of vaccination for bovine viral diarrhea, all herd owners and managers indicated that herd biosecurity was compromised as a result of expansion. Half of the interviewed herds indicated that bovine viral diarrhea and papillomatous digital dermatitis were notable disease problems. Herds that obtained cattle with unknown backgrounds and health status experienced the largest number of diseases. Before expansion, the most frequently cited reasons for culling were reproductively unsound; low milk production; mastitis, poor udder health, and high SCC; during expansion, the strategic decision to cull cows for low milk production was used less often. In addition, the stochastic simulation model, DairyORACLE, was used to evaluate economic outcomes for several expansion alternatives. Five model scenarios studied were: base scenario (herd size was maintained) and four expansion scenarios-all paired combinations of heifer quality (high, low) and voluntary culling (implemented, not implemented). Culling for low milk production yielded an additional $23.29 annually (6-yr annuity) per cow, but on the basis of purchased replacements, no voluntary culling was most profitable. Purchasing high versus low quality replacement heifers for expansions returned an additional $113.54 annually ($681.24 total net present value) per heifer purchased. Many opportunities exist to improve cattle-related factors for dairy herd expansions, including the use of comprehensive biosecurity programs, realistic planning and budgeting for cattle purchases, and cost effective purchase and culling practices. Epidemiology of lameness in dairy cattle: The influence of cubicles and indoor and outdoor walking surfaces Clarkson, M. J., Downham, D. Y., Faull et al Epidemiology of lameness in dairy cattle: The influence of cubicles and indoor and outdoor walking surfaces Clarkson, M. J., Downham, D. Y., Faull, W. B., Hughes, J. W., Manson, F. J., Merritt, J. B., Murray, R. D., Russell, W. B., Sutherst, J. E., Ward, W.R. Veterinary Record 1996 A survey of cubicles and indoor and outdoor walking surfaces on 37 farms served by four veterinary practices in Somerset, Cheshire, Wirral and west Wales was carried out in 1989 to 1991. A study of the space requirements of Friesian/Holstein cows at pasture showed that they required approximately 240 cm x 120 cm lying space and a further 60 cm lunging space for rising, By these standards, 87 per cent of the cubicles were too short and 50 per cent were too wide or too narrow, Over 1500 observations on cows lying down, rising and standing indicated that only 12 per cent of the cubicles permitted real freedom of movement; 91 per cent of top partition rails were judged to be too low and 70 per cent of bottom rails too low or too high, In addition, the kerb was very high in 76 per cent of the cubicles, As a result, 10 per cent of cows appeared moderately or severely restricted when lying down, 33 per cent when rising and 55 per cent when standing. Over 2000 cubicle beds were also studied; 75 per cent had a concrete base and of those, 63 per cent were judged to have too little bedding and 11 per cent next to none, Higher incidences and prevalences of lameness were associated with limited borrowing space (P<0.01) low bottom rails (P<0.05), high kerbs (P<0.05) and inadequate bedding (P<0.01). Of 3190 walking surfaces, only 25 per cent were classified as satisfactory in the first winter and 34 per cent in the second. In general, surfaces in silage bays were too rough and those in other sites were too smooth, The farms with the smoothest indoor walking surfaces had a significantly higher incidence of lameness (P<0.01). Of 3335 outdoor walking surfaces only 25 per cent were classified as satisfactory, and 70 per cent were too rough, The incidence of lameness was not significantly related to these findings Orthopaedic prostheses for foot lesions in cattle. [Abstract] Fattore, M., Pancani, I., Piromalli, G. Orthopaedic prostheses for foot lesions in cattle. [Abstract] Fattore, M., Pancani, I., Piromalli, G. Atti della Societa Italiana di Buiatria 1992 Foot-and-mouth disease virus strains and examination of exposure factors associated with seropositivity of cattle herds in... Adeleke, Gabriel A., Connell, Dana R. et al Foot-and-mouth disease virus strains and examination of exposure factors associated with seropositivity of cattle herds in Nigeria during 2007–2009 Adeleke, Gabriel A., Connell, Dana R., Fasina, Folorunso O., Hernandez, Jorge A., Lazarus, David D., Olusanya, Taiwo P., Talabi, Oladele A. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2013 Digital infections in cattle: their radiologic spectrum Farrow, C. S. Digital infections in cattle: their radiologic spectrum Farrow, C. S. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1999 Another perspective on the case of digital infection in a bull [letter; comment] Farrow, C. S. Another perspective on the case of digital infection in a bull [letter; comment] Farrow, C. S. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1997 The radiologic investigation of bovine lameness associated with infection Farrow, C. S. The radiologic investigation of bovine lameness associated with infection Farrow, C. S. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1999 Sodium salicylate treatment in early lactation increases whole-lactation milk and milk fat yield in mature dairy cows Bradford, B. J., Coetzee, J. F., Farney et al Sodium salicylate treatment in early lactation increases whole-lactation milk and milk fat yield in mature dairy cows Bradford, B. J., Coetzee, J. F., Farney, J. K., Hollis, L. C., Mamedova, L. K., Minton, J. E. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Report on the welfare of dairy cattle (Annual-report ) Farm Animal, Welfare Council Report on the welfare of dairy cattle (Annual-report ) Farm Animal, Welfare Council 1997 Topics covered include: method of investigation; the UK dairy industry and organic farming; the welfare issues; stockmanship and training; housing and environment; lameness; machine milking; infectious diseases - mastitis; other infectious diseases; nutrition; fertility and reproduction; handling facilities; calf and heifer rearing; mutilations; new technology and developments (somatotropin, unwanted progeny and extended lactation); and summary of recommendations. Appendices deal with membership of the Farm Animal Welfare Council; organizations who gave evidence and assistance; ultrasound pregnancy detection - advice to Ministers; and somatotropin - advice to Ministers Therapy of interdigital phlegmon in the cow, a novel protocol. Note 2: pharmacokinetic studies Farca, A. M., Girardi, C., Piromalli et al Therapy of interdigital phlegmon in the cow, a novel protocol. Note 2: pharmacokinetic studies Farca, A. M., Girardi, C., Piromalli, G., Re, G., Rimella, R., Trenti, F. Adult dairy cows with interdigital dermatitis were divided into 3 experimental groups and treated with 4 g of sulfamonomethoxine, injected into the jugular vein (group A), or the digital vein (group B), or into the digital vein during and followed by 20 min haemostasis (group C) respectively. Blood samples were collected at scheduled times ( from 1 min to 72 h) and the serum levels of sulfamonomethoxine were measured using a HPLC. The analysis of sulfamonomethoxine time course showed marked differences among the 3 groups. The i.v. injection in the presence of haemostasis induced a local distribution of sulfamonomethoxine in the foot tissues which it was concluded was responsible for the clinical efficacy of this therapeutic method Preference for pasture versus freestall housing by dairy cattle when stall availability indoors is reduced Falk, A. C., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G. et al Preference for pasture versus freestall housing by dairy cattle when stall availability indoors is reduced Falk, A. C., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M., Winckler, C. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Antimicrobial issues in bovine lameness Apley, M. D., Fajt, V. R. Antimicrobial issues in bovine lameness Apley, M. D., Fajt, V. R. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2001 This article reviews some of the issues surrounding antimicrobial use in treating diseases that cause lameness in cattle. The discussion includes sections on selection of an antimicrobial, regimen design, and medication of multiple animals. Pathogen susceptibility tasting is covered, along with empiric selection of antimicrobials. Other issues covered include regional perfusion and topical application of antimicrobials, antimicrobials in footbaths and in feed, and withdrawal time estimates. Antimicrobial issues in bovine lameness. [Review] [55 refs] Fajt, V. R. Antimicrobial issues in bovine lameness. [Review] [55 refs] Fajt, V. R. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2001 This article reviews some of the issues surrounding antimicrobial use in treating diseases that cause lameness in cattle. The discussion includes sections on selection of an antimicrobial, regimen design, and medication of multiple animals. Pathogen susceptibility testing is covered, along with empiric selection of antimicrobials. Other issues covered include regional perfusion and topical application of antimicrobials, antimicrobials in footbaths and in feed, and withdrawal time estimates. [References: 55] A survey on lameness and risk factors on some dairy farms in the north of Iran Bokaei, S., Fadip, Adibhashemi A survey on lameness and risk factors on some dairy farms in the north of Iran Bokaei, S., Fadip, Adibhashemi Combined chorioptic mange and dermatophilosis in a dairy cattle herd: Case report Faccini, J., Leite, A. Combined chorioptic mange and dermatophilosis in a dairy cattle herd: Case report Faccini, J., Leite, A. Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinaria 1996 Chorioptes texanus and Dermatophilus congolensis were diagnosed from skin scrapings in a dairy cattle herd from the State of Minas Gerais with desquamation, crusts and matted hair. Lesions were seen in the root of the tail and around hocks of the feet in stabled cows and heifers but not calves The prevalence of lameness on New Zealand dairy farms: A comparison of farmer estimate and locomotion scoring Fabian, J., Laven, R. A., Whay, H. R. The prevalence of lameness on New Zealand dairy farms: A comparison of farmer estimate and locomotion scoring Fabian, J., Laven, R. A., Whay, H. R. The Veterinary Journal 2014 Lameness is a significant welfare and economic issue in all dairy systems. However, there is only a limited amount of published data on the incidence and prevalence of lameness in the pasture-based systems used in New Zealand. One key area where knowledge is lacking is how well farmer perception of lameness matches that identified by more objective locomotion scoring. Previous studies of this topic have focussed on housed cows. Fifty-nine herds, 26 based in the South Island and 33 in the North Island, were surveyed. All farms were visited on one occasion at the expected peak time for lameness, and data were collected via a questionnaire which included details on farm size, and productivity as well as lameness. The latter included a farmer estimate of the number of lame cows which were currently on-farm and the number of lame cows there had been in the previous 12 months. Whole herd locomotion scoring, using the DairyCo 0–3 scale, was then used to estimate the prevalence of lameness in the herd. Farmers estimated that between 0 and 20% of their herd was lame (mean 2.2%), while locomotion scoring identified that between 1.2% and 36% of a herd was lame (mobility score ≥2; mean 8.1%). This finding indicated that, on a herd basis, only 27.3% (range 0–95%) of the cows with reduced mobility had been identified as such. There was no significant effect of herd size or geographical location on this percentage. The prevalence of lameness in this study was much lower than that reported in housed cattle, but the percentage of cows with reduced mobility recognised as lame was very similar. There is significant room for improvement in the detection of lameness on New Zealand farms, where routine mobility scoring, particularly at critical periods, could prove a valuable tool. Investigations into the occurrence and the antibiotic susceptibility of gram-negative anaerobes belonging to the genera... Amtsberg, G., Even, H., Rohde, J., Ryll et al Investigations into the occurrence and the antibiotic susceptibility of gram-negative anaerobes belonging to the genera Bacteroides, Prevotella, Porphyromonas and Fusobacterium in specimens obtained from diseased animals Amtsberg, G., Even, H., Rohde, J., Ryll, M., Verspohl, J. Berliner Und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift 1998 From different samples of 247 diseased animals (cattle, sheep, goat, horse, pig, dog, cat, rodent, zoo-animals), 410 strains of gram-negative anaerobes were cultured. 297 isolates (72.4%) could be differentiated to the species level by using cultural-biochemical methods, gaschromatography and cell-wall-lipidanalysis. They belonged to 29 different species. For an additional 113 strains (27.6%) only the genus could be determined. Bacteria belonging to the genus Fusobacterium occurred with the highest isolation rates (36% of all strains) in the samples examined, followed by Bacteroides spp. (26.1%), Prevotella spp. (19.9%) and Porphyromonas spp. (17.8%). Fusobacterium necrophorum was the single species isolated most frequently. Antibiotic susceptibility tests by E-test were performed on 100 strains belonging to the the above mentioned genera. Of these strains 18% were resistent to penicilllin and 20% to tetracyclin. The resistent strains belonged mainly to the Bacteroides fragilis-group. Resistent rates to most other antimicrobial agents tested were Amoxicillin in combination with clavulanic acid: 1%, Chloramphenicol: 3%, Clindamycin:8%. All 100 selected strains proved to be susceptible to Metronidazol. Diminished Reproductive Performance and Selected Toxicants in Forages and Grains Evans, Tim J. Diminished Reproductive Performance and Selected Toxicants in Forages and Grains Evans, Tim J. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2011 Host and environmental reservoirs of infection for bovine digital dermatitis treponemes Anthony Hart, C., Birtles, Richard J. et al Host and environmental reservoirs of infection for bovine digital dermatitis treponemes Anthony Hart, C., Birtles, Richard J., Brown, Jennifer M., Carter, Stuart D., Evans, Nicholas J., Isherwood, Diana R., Lehane, Michael J., Murray, Richard D., Sherlock, Kenneth, Timofte, Dorina, Williams, Jonathan M. Veterinary Microbiology 2012 Bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) is a global infectious disease causing lameness of cattle and is responsible for substantial animal welfare issues and economic losses. The causative agents are considered to be spirochetal bacteria belonging to the genus Treponema, which have consistently been identified in BDD lesions worldwide. One potential means of controlling infection is the disruption of transmission; however, the infection reservoirs and transmission routes of BDD treponemes have yet to be elucidated. To address these issues, we surveyed for evidence of BDD treponeme presence in the dairy farm environment, in bovine tissues and in bovine gastrointestinal (GI) tract contents. A total of 368 samples were tested using PCR assays specific for each of three currently recognised, isolated phylotypes of BDD treponemes. All environmental samples, together with insects and GI tract content samples were negative for BDD treponeme DNA from the three phylotypes. However, we identified BDD treponemes in two non-pedal bovine regions: the oral cavity (14.3% of cattle tested) and the rectum (14.8% of cattle tested). Whilst only single phylotypes were detected in the oral cavity, two of the rectal tissues yielded DNA from more than one phylotype, with one sample yielding all three BDD treponeme phylotypes. Whilst it might be considered that direct skin to skin contact may be a major transmission route of BDD treponemes, further studies are required to characterise and determine the potential contribution of oral and rectal carriage to BDD transmission. Association of treponemes with bovine ulcerative mammary dermatitis Blowey, R. W., Brown, J.M., Carter et al Association of treponemes with bovine ulcerative mammary dermatitis Blowey, R. W., Brown, J.M., Carter, S. D., Evans, N.J, Read, D. H., Scholey, R., Timofte, D. Veterinary Record 2010 Bovine digital dermatitis: Current concepts from laboratory to farm Carter, S. D., Evans, N.J, Murray, R. D. Bovine digital dermatitis: Current concepts from laboratory to farm Carter, S. D., Evans, N.J, Murray, R. D. The Veterinary Journal 2016 Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is a severe infectious disease causing lameness in dairy cattle worldwide and is an important ruminant welfare problem that has considerable economic issues. Bovine DD is endemic in many regions worldwide and it is important to understand this major disease so that effective control strategies can be identified. There is substantial evidence that specific treponeme phylotypes play an important causative role in bovine DD. This review considers current research, including DD Treponema spp. investigations, associated DD pathobiology, and current and potential treatment and control options. Epidemiological data, alongside new microbiological data, help delineate important transmission routes and reservoirs of infection that allow effective interventions to be identified. Better on-farm housing hygiene, pasture access, routine footbathing and claw trimming with disinfected equipment need to be implemented to significantly reduce the incidence of DD. There is a paucity of peer reviewed research into both commonly used and novel treatments. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility studies of DD treponemes and effective treatment of human treponematoses clearly indicate that antibiotics frequently selected for DD treatments are not the most efficacious. Whilst there are understandable concerns over milk withdrawal times in dairy cattle, more needs to be done to identify, license and implement more appropriate antibiotic treatments, since continued overuse of less efficacious antibiotics, applied incorrectly, will lead to increased disease recurrence and transmission. More research is needed into methods of preventing DD that circumvent the use of antibiotics, including vaccination and transmission blocking studies, to reduce or hopefully eradicate DD in the future. Differential inflammatory responses of bovine foot skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes to digital dermatitis treponemes Birtles, Richard J., Brown, Jennifer M. et al Differential inflammatory responses of bovine foot skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes to digital dermatitis treponemes Birtles, Richard J., Brown, Jennifer M., Carter, Stuart D., Evans, Nicholas J., Hart, C. Anthony, Murray, Richard D., Scholey, Rachel Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 2014 Bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) is a serious infectious inflammatory lameness causing pain and suffering to many cattle worldwide and which has severe economic implications. This study set out to investigate relationships between the treponemes considered causal of BDD and the local inflammatory response of the bovine host. Here we describe, for the first time, the isolation of bovine foot skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts as separate cell lineages. These cell lines were then exposed to treponeme whole-cell sonicates, and the gene expression of selected host inflammatory mediators investigated using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Several genes, including those encoding RANTES/CCL5, MMP12, TNFα, TGFβ and TIMP3 were significantly upregulated in fibroblasts exposed to whole-cell sonicates derived from BDD treponeme phylotypes. For each of the above genes there were similar fibroblast expression increases for all three BDD treponeme phylotypes tested, suggesting common virulence mechanisms. With bovine foot skin keratinocytes, we were unable to detect expression of RANTES/CCL5 and after incubation with BDD treponeme constituents we were unable to observe any significant changes in expression of inflammatory mediators tested. These contrasting results suggest fibroblasts rather than keratinocytes may be an important shared target of pathogenesis for BDD treponemes. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bovine digital dermatitis treponemes identifies macrolides for in vivo efficacy testing Brown, J.M., Carter, S. D., Evans, N.J et al Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bovine digital dermatitis treponemes identifies macrolides for in vivo efficacy testing Brown, J.M., Carter, S. D., Evans, N.J, Hartley, C., Smith, R. F. Veterinary Microbiology 2012 Digital dermatitis (DD) is a major infectious lameness of dairy cattle and sheep considered to be caused by treponemes. The aim of this study was to identify antibiotics effective against DD treponemes that might be useful in the treatment of ruminant DD in the future or to identify antibiotics useful in isolation studies. Here, a microdilution method was used to identify in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of treponemes cultured from DD lesions to eight relevant antibiotics. DD treponemes exhibited highest susceptibility to amoxicillin, azithromycin and gamithromycin. Unfortunately, amoxicillin whilst having potential for DD treatment in other animals (e.g. sheep) would require milk withhold periods in dairy cattle. DD treponemes were not particularly susceptible to two cephalosporins: cefalexin and ceftiofur, which do not require milk withhold. The bacteria demonstrated low susceptibility to trimethoprim and especially colistin suggesting these antimicrobials may be particularly useful in isolation of DD treponemes. The most promising high susceptibility results for macrolides indicate a rationale to consider veterinary licensed macrolides as DD treatments. Furthermore, given the DD treponeme antibiotic susceptibility similarities to established treatments for human treponematoses, identification of treponemacidal, long acting β-lactam analogues not requiring milk withhold may allow for development of a successful treatment for dairy cattle DD. Association of Unique, Isolated Treponemes with Bovine Digital Dermatitis Lesions Birtles,R.J., Blowey,R.W., Brown,J.M. et al Association of Unique, Isolated Treponemes with Bovine Digital Dermatitis Lesions Birtles,R.J., Blowey,R.W., Brown,J.M., Carter, S. D., Demirkan, I., Evans, N.J, Getty, B., Hart,C.A., Murray,R.D., Singh, P., Timofte, D., Vink, W.D. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2009 Three unique groups of spirochetes isolated from digital dermatitis lesions in UK cattle Blowey, Roger W., Brown, Jennifer M. et al Three unique groups of spirochetes isolated from digital dermatitis lesions in UK cattle Blowey, Roger W., Brown, Jennifer M., Carter, Stuart D., Demirkan, Ibrahim, Evans, Nicholas J., Hart, C. Anthony, Murray, Richard D., Vink, W. Daan Veterinary Microbiology 2008 Bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) is a severe infectious cause of lameness which has spread through dairy cattle populations worldwide, causing serious welfare and agricultural problems. Spirochetes are the main organisms implicated and have previously proven difficult to isolate. This study aimed to isolate and characterise the range of spirochetes associated with BDD in the UK. Twenty-three spirochete isolates were obtained from 30 BDD lesions, which by 16S rRNA gene and flaB2 gene analysis clustered within the genus Treponema as three phylogroups; groups 1 (Treponema medium/Treponema vincentii-like), 2 (Treponema phagedenis-like) and 3 (Treponema denticola/Treponema putidum-like). The treponemes displayed large genotypic and phenotypic diversity between phylogroups and differed from named treponeme species. A previously isolated contagious ovine digital dermatitis spirochete was located within one of the three phylogroups, group 3, and could also be identified within this group on the basis of phenotype testing, suggesting BDD and contagious ovine digital dermatitis may share the same aetiological agent. A strain isolated from a bovine interdigital dermatitis lesion, could be identified as part of BDD isolate group 2, suggesting bovine interdigital dermatitis and BDD may have the same causative agent. Two common enzyme activities, C4 esterase and C8 esterase lipase, were identified in all BDD associated treponemes suggesting common metabolic pathways for sharing this novel niche or even common virulence traits. Further studies are required to determine whether the three groups of novel treponemes are representative of new treponeme taxa and to delineate how they interact with bovine tissues to cause disease. Treponema pedis sp. nov., a spirochaete isolated from bovine digital dermatitis lesions Birtles, R.J., Brown, J.M., Carter et al Treponema pedis sp. nov., a spirochaete isolated from bovine digital dermatitis lesions Birtles, R.J., Brown, J.M., Carter, S. D., Demirkan, I., Evans, N.J, Hart, C.A., Murray, R. D. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology 2009 In vitro susceptibility of bovine digital dermatitis associated spirochaetes to antimicrobial agents Birtles, Richard, Brown, Jennifer M. et al In vitro susceptibility of bovine digital dermatitis associated spirochaetes to antimicrobial agents Birtles, Richard, Brown, Jennifer M., Carter, Stuart D., Demirkan, Ibrahim, Evans, Nicholas J., Hart, C. Anthony Veterinary Microbiology 2009 Bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) is an infectious lameness in cattle, which has a large global impact in terms of animal welfare and cost. The majority of evidence suggests that spirochaetes are the aetiological agent of this disease. The aim of this study was to identify the susceptibility of BDD associated spirochaetes to a range of antimicrobial agents with a view to potential usage in vivo to treat this widespread cattle disease. A microdilution method was adapted to determine the in vitro susceptibilities of 19 UK digital dermatitis spirochaetes (6 Treponema medium/Treponema vincentii-like, 8 Treponema phagedenis-like and 5 Treponema denticola/Treponema putidum-like) to eight relevant antimicrobials. The BDD spirochaetes exhibited the highest susceptibility to penicillin and erythromycin and this information may now be used to aid development of efficacious treatments. This study has also identified that BDD spirochaete T167 is spectinomycin resistant and that the likely biological basis is a point mutation in the 16S rRNA gene. Interestingly, nearly all Brachyspira isolate 16S rRNA gene sequences in Genbank have this substitution, suggesting it may be responsible for the characteristic spectinomycin resistance reported for the Brachyspira genus. Association between bovine digital dermatitis treponemes and a range of ‘non-healing’ bovine hoof disorders Blowey, R. W., Brown, J.M., Carter et al Association between bovine digital dermatitis treponemes and a range of ‘non-healing’ bovine hoof disorders Blowey, R. W., Brown, J.M., Carter, S. D., Evans, N.J, Isherwood, D. R., Murray, R., Paton, R. J., Timofte, D. Veterinary Record 2011 This study describes the association between bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) treponemes and three ‘non-healing’ bovine hoof horn lesions, namely, ‘toe necrosis’ (TN), ‘non-healing white line disease’ (nhWLD) and ‘non-healing sole ulcer’ (nhSU), which are disorders that involve penetration through the horn capsule to involve the corium. In this study, these non-healing disorders (n=44) were identified as foot lesions that exhibited a topical granular appearance, exuded a typical pungent smell, were severely painful to the animal involved, and typically originated from farms where BDD is endemic. Given the similarities between these ‘non-healing’ lesions and BDD, the authors subjected samples of diseased tissue to PCR assays to detect the presence of DNA of BDD treponemes. All the three characterised BDD treponeme groups were identified as present together in 84.2, 81.3 and 55.6 per cent of samples of TN (n=19), nhWLD (n=16) and nhSU (n=9), respectively. In contrast, healthy control horn samples from similar sites (n=16) were PCR-negative for the BDD treponemes. Hence, these non-healing hoof lesions were strongly associated with BDD treponemes. Samples from typical heel horn erosions (n=9) were also subjected to BDD treponeme PCR assays and no association could be identified between the BDD treponemes and this horn manifestation. Estimation of probability for the presence of claw and digital skin diseases by combining cow- and herd-level information using a... Ettema, Jehan Frans, Kristensen et al Estimation of probability for the presence of claw and digital skin diseases by combining cow- and herd-level information using a Bayesian network Ettema, Jehan Frans, Kristensen, Anders Ringgaard, Østergaard, Søren Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2009 Economic decision making on prevention and control of clinical lameness in Danish dairy herds Ettema, J. F., Ostergaard, S. Economic decision making on prevention and control of clinical lameness in Danish dairy herds Ettema, J. F., Ostergaard, S. Livestock Science 2006 From an economic point of view, clinical lameness is considered to be one of the major health disorders in dairy cattle. The aim of this study was to establish the costs of lameness in different herds and to improve decision-making on prevention and control of clinical lameness. Economically feasible strategies of prevention and control were defined and the potential effects were calculated by a dynamic, stochastic and mechanistic Monte Carlo model, called SimHerd. The modelled risk factors on cow level for lameness were base-risk in the herd, parity, milk yield potential, disease interrelationship, disease recurrence and season. Milk yield reduction, reduced feed intake, weight loss, reduced conception rate and mortality were modeled as effects of lameness. To study the effect of herd differences on the efficacy of the preventive methods, four different herds representing different levels of reproductive management, conception rates and milk production were designed and compared to the default situation. The loss per first case of lameness was found to be EUR192 in the default herd that represents the modem, average Danish dairy herd. An increase of the margin per cow-year of EUR22.7 was the result of halving the risk of lameness in the default herd. Implementation of footbaths and rubber flooring increased margin per cow-year by EUR4.2 and EUR17, respectively. In a sensitivity analysis, 16 model parameters were changed to their lowest and highest value found in the literature. The model seemed most sensitive to the uncertainty of the effect of lameness on milk yield. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Modelling the economic impact of three lameness causing diseases using herd and cow level evidence Ettema, Jehan, Kristensen et al Modelling the economic impact of three lameness causing diseases using herd and cow level evidence Ettema, Jehan, Kristensen, Anders Ringgaard, Østergaard, Søren Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2010 Relationship of production to reproductive performance in Ontario dairy cows: Herd level and individual animal descriptive... Etherington, W. G., Kinsel, M. L. et al Relationship of production to reproductive performance in Ontario dairy cows: Herd level and individual animal descriptive statistics Etherington, W. G., Kinsel, M. L., Marsh, W. E. Theriogenology 1996 Data were collected on reproductive, health and production events in 45 dairy herds distributed throughout southwestern and eastern Ontario. The data were collected between July 1990 and July 1993. The herds were serviced by 11 different veterinary practices. Herd size ranged from 19 to 231 lactating cows, but 90% of the herds consisted of fewer than 125 milking cows. Mean and median actual milk yields per cow per day were 46.0 and 52.3 Ibs, respectively, with a minimum of 21.3 and maximum of 67.8 lbs. Mean and medium adjusted corrected milk yields were 56.0 and 62.3 Ibs, reflecting mean and median average days in milk of 199.0 and 198.5 d, respectively. Mean and median days in milk at the first estrus were 85.1 and 83.9 d, respectively, at first service 94.0 and 88.9 d, and at conception 126.3 and 115.5 d. Mean and median percentages of days open > 120 were 27.7 and 23.1%, respectively. The mean estrus detection rate was 48.3%, with a minimum of 28.4% and a maximum of 64.2%. The mean first service conception rate was 48.2%, with a minimum of 27.0% and maximum of 72.1%. The mean overall conception rate was 46.7%, with a minimum of 29.8% and a maximum of 70.7%. Mean and median lactation lengths were 341.1 and 338.5 d and the mean and median average dry days were 62.0 and 67.0, respectively. The mean lactational removal rate was 20.6%, with a range of 4.3 to 40.5%. Reasons for culling were available for 1381 cows. Low production accounted for 23.7% of the cullings; reproductive reasons, 20.6%; dairy sales, 13.4%; mammary problems, 12.8%; and lameness, 9.9%. Lactational incidence rates for diseases were lower than previously reported for Ontario dairy herds. The most commonly used therapeutic agents were GnRH (10.5%) and PGF (11.7%). The incidence and costs of diseases in dairy herds Esslemont, R. J., Spincer, I. The incidence and costs of diseases in dairy herds Esslemont, R. J., Spincer, I. 1993 The data used in this report are drawn from the computer records of 63 farms in England, UK, using the Dairy Information System (DAISY). Health records from these farms were used to measure fertility and disease simultaneously, and to assess their financial impact on the herd. Subject areas examined included: data collection; herd selection; levels of health problems (twinning, calf mortality, aid at calving, retained foetal membranes, milk fever, oestrus not observed, vulval discharge, mastitis and lameness); fertility (proportion of served cows which calved, mean interval from calving to first service, pregnancy rate, mean interval from calving to conception and calving interval); estimates of health costs; and recording dairy cow data The scope for raising margins in dairy herds by improving fertility and health [see comments] Esslemont, R. J., Peeler, E. J. The scope for raising margins in dairy herds by improving fertility and health [see comments] Esslemont, R. J., Peeler, E. J. British Veterinary Journal 1993 Under today's difficult farming conditions, the farmer must examine every aspect of management that may improve economic efficiency. Apart from the usual areas such as feeding and the use of variable and fixed costs, there is scope in terms of improving health and fertility of the cattle in the herd. This is particularly so at the present time, as the standards of such performance are generally low. The main losses occur in animals with endometritis, lameness, mastitis, extended calving intervals and excessive involuntary culling. The cost in a 100 cow herd of carrying average rates, rather than practically attainable target rates, is around 10,000 pounds per year. By only using the direct costs of disease and by including indirect costs separately, as measured by whole herd fertility indices, double counting has been avoided Culling in 50 dairy herds in England Esslemont, R. J., Kossaibati, M. A. Culling in 50 dairy herds in England Esslemont, R. J., Kossaibati, M. A. Veterinary Record 1997 A survey of 50 Friesian/Holstein dairy herds (average size 178 cows) in England investigated the rate of culling and the reasons for disposal and death over three years from 1990 to 1992. The average total annual culling rate was 23.8 per cent (22.0 per cent sold and 1.8 per cent died). Of the disposals, 54 per cent were culled by the end of their fourth lactation, Poor fertility was the most important reason for culling (36.5 per cent of disposals), followed by management policy (11.5 per cent), mastitis (10.1 per cent), bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) (7.4 per cent) and lameness (5.6 per cent). The most common causes of death were mastitis (8.9 per cent) and BSE (11.5 per cent), but 46 per cent died far unknown reasons. Incidence of production diseases and other health problems in a group of dairy herds in England Esslemont, R. J., Kossaibati, M. A. Incidence of production diseases and other health problems in a group of dairy herds in England Esslemont, R. J., Kossaibati, M. A. Veterinary Record 1996 The incidence of major production diseases and other health problems was investigated in 90 Friesian/Holstein dairy herds in England (average size 152 cows) for cows calving during 12 months in 1992-1993. The mean incidence of mastitis was 33.2 cases per 100 cows, and it affected 20.6 per cent of the herd with 1.6 eases for each affected cow, On average, 17.4 per cent of the cows suffered from lameness, with 1.4 eases per affected cow and a total of 24.0 cases per 100 cows. Cows treated for oestrus-not-observed totalled 33.6 per cent, with 46.4 treatments per 100 cows. The incidence of milk fever was 7.7 cases per 100 cows, Retained fetal membranes affected 3.6 per cent of cows, Vulval discharge affected 15 per cent of the average herd with 1.4 treatments per affected cow and a total of 21.2 treatments per 100 cows, The mean incidence of twinning was 4.1 per cent, Calf mortality claimed 7.8 calves per 100 calves born, The average number of cows given aid at calving was 8.7 per 100 cows calving. The costs of lameness in dairy herds Esslemont, R. The costs of lameness in dairy herds Esslemont, R. UK Vet 2005 The effect of a topical anesthetic on the sensitivity of calf dehorning wounds Espinoza, C., Lomax, S., Windsor, P. The effect of a topical anesthetic on the sensitivity of calf dehorning wounds Espinoza, C., Lomax, S., Windsor, P. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 The principal contagious diseases in cattle raising Espinasse, J. The principal contagious diseases in cattle raising Espinasse, J. 1990 Completeness of metabolic disease recordings in Nordic national databases for dairy cows Espetvedt, M. N., Lind, A., Rintakoski et al Completeness of metabolic disease recordings in Nordic national databases for dairy cows Espetvedt, M. N., Lind, A., Rintakoski, S., Wolff, C., Østerås, O. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2012 Prevalence of lameness in high-producing Holstein cows housed in freestall barns in Minnesota Endres, M. I., Espejo, L. A., Salfer et al Prevalence of lameness in high-producing Holstein cows housed in freestall barns in Minnesota Endres, M. I., Espejo, L. A., Salfer, J. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2006 A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of clinical lameness in high-producing Holstein cows housed in 50 freestall barns in Minnesota during summer. Locomotion and body condition scoring were performed on a total of 5,626 cows in 53 high-production groups. Cow records were collected from the nearest Dairy Herd Improvement Association test date, and herd characteristics were collected at the time of the visit. The mean prevalence of clinical lameness (proportion of cows with locomotion score = 3 on a 1-to-5 scale, where 1 = normal and 5 = severely lame), and its association with lactation number, month of lactation, body condition score, and type of stall surface were evaluated. The mean prevalence of clinical lameness was 24.6%, which was 3.1 times greater, on average, than the prevalence estimated by the herd managers on each farm. The prevalence of lameness in first-lactation cows was 12.8% and prevalence increased on average at a rate of 8 percentage units per lactation. There was no association between the mean prevalence of clinical lameness and month of lactation (for months 1 to 10). Underconditioned cows had a higher prevalence of clinical lameness than normal or overconditioned cows. The prevalence of lameness was lower in freestall herds with sand stalls (17.1%) than in freestall herds with mattress stall surfaces (27.9%). Data indicate that the best 10th percentile of dairy farms had a mean prevalence of lameness of 5.4% with only 1.47% of cows with locomotion score = 4 and no cows with locomotion score = 5. Investigation of the efficacy of a poly-vinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP)-iodine-complexe on digital dermatitis in dairy cows Esch, M., Klee, W., Metzner, M., Nueske et al Investigation of the efficacy of a poly-vinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP)-iodine-complexe on digital dermatitis in dairy cows Esch, M., Klee, W., Metzner, M., Nueske, S. Association between alleles of the ovine major histocompatibility complex and resistance to footrot Bullock, D. W., Escayg, A. P., Hickford et al Association between alleles of the ovine major histocompatibility complex and resistance to footrot Bullock, D. W., Escayg, A. P., Hickford, J. G. H. Research in Veterinary Science 1997 Variation in natural resistance to footrot may be genetically derived, implying that genetic markers for resistance may exist and allow selection of superior animals. In this study association between variation within the ovine MHC class II region and resistance to footrot was investigated in two trials. Half-sib progeny were subjected to a field challenge with footrot and their condition subsequently recorded. The animals were then typed at their MHC class II loci to investigate associations between inherited paternal haplotype and footrot status. In the first trial an association between MHC haplotype and footrot status was observed across all animals (P = 0.005), when the self-curing and resistant animals were combined (P = 0.002) and when the self-curing animals were excluded from the analysis (P = 0.001). No association was observed in the second trial, a result attributed to the dry weather conditions which led to poor disease transmission and unreliable disease classification. Economic losses due to clinical lameness in dairy cattle Dijkhuizen, A. A., Enting, H., Huirne et al Economic losses due to clinical lameness in dairy cattle Dijkhuizen, A. A., Enting, H., Huirne, R. B. M., Kooij, D., NoordhuizenStassen, E. N. Livestock Production Science 1997 Effects of clinical digital diseases on milk production, calving interval, culling rate and incidence of other diseases were derived from data on 2183 cows and 6273 lactations, routinely collected by veterinarians on 21 dairy farms served by the School of Veterinary Medicine in Utrecht, Netherlands. Effects that could not be obtained from the dataset (i.e., fluctuations in live weight, labour requirement and treatments) were derived from literature. All physical effects were built into a Partial Budgeting model to calculate the economic losses on the farms. The results showed that the average losses from clinical digital diseases per foot-lame cow were NLG 230 per year. The incidence in these herds averaged 21%, resulting in a loss of almost NLG 50 per average cow present in the herd, This equals 4-5% of a typical income on Dutch dairy farms, and ranks third after mastitis (NLG 150 per cow) and fertility problems (NLG 125 per cow). Differences in losses among farms were found to be even greater than the average losses, indicating that there is potential for improvement. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. Claw lesions in lactating sows on commercial farms were associated with postural behavior but not with suboptimal reproductive... Enokida, M., Hoshino, Y., Koketsu, Y. et al Claw lesions in lactating sows on commercial farms were associated with postural behavior but not with suboptimal reproductive performance or culling risk Enokida, M., Hoshino, Y., Koketsu, Y., Saito, H., Sasaki, Y. Livestock Science 2011 Assessment of observer performance in a subjective scoring system: visual classification of the gait of cows André, G., Bruin, G., Buist, W., Engel et al Assessment of observer performance in a subjective scoring system: visual classification of the gait of cows André, G., Bruin, G., Buist, W., Engel, B. Journal of Agricultural Science 2003 As with any measurement procedure, the performance of a subjective classification procedure must be evaluated. Observers have to be trained and their performance has to be assessed, preferably on a regular basis, to guarantee sufficient consistency and accuracy of classification results. The current paper is a study of observer performance where observers were asked to classify the gait of cows from video recordings. Gait was classified in nine ordered categories (ranging from 1 = normal gait to 9 = severely abnormal gait) and also as a continuous fraction by putting a mark on a paper strip (the left end corresponding to 0 = normal gait and the right end to I = severely abnormal gait). The use of statistical models and methodology for analysis of these visual scores is demonstrated and discussed. Observers were assessed by comparing their classification results with the results of an expert. Models and methodology take proper account of typical features of the data, i.e. the fact that data are discrete scores or continuous scores with an upper and lower bound, the variance heterogeneity and non-linearity of model terms that arises from this, and the dependence between repeated classifications of videos of the same cow. Results of the analyses are summarized in simple tables and plots. These are useful tools to indicate possible flaws in judgement of an observer, that may be corrected by further training. When a high standard is developed, which usually takes the form of the opinion of one or more experts, this methodology can be applied prior to any experiment where responses are ordered subjective scores. Dairy cow characteristics related to Staphylococcus aureus isolation from quarter samples Enevoldsen, Carsten Grohn Yrjo, Thysen et al Dairy cow characteristics related to Staphylococcus aureus isolation from quarter samples Enevoldsen, Carsten Grohn Yrjo, Thysen, Iver Journal of Dairy Research 1995 A comprehensive description of the health status of 2406 cows in 28 herds was used to study complex interrelationships between Staphylococcus aureus occurrence and potential risk factors at the cow level over a broad spectrum of production conditions. The objective of the study was to characterize those cows shedding Staph. aureus in milk and to provide indications of possible causal relations that should be further explored. The estimates are expected to aid in providing valid and precise evaluations of results from cross sectional microbiological examination of bovine (quarter) milk samples. Staph. aureus were isolated at microbiological examination of quarter milk from 5.2, 13.5, 17.9 and 22.0% of 1552, 490, 296 and 277 cows in lactations 1, 2, 3 and 4-9 respectively. Simultaneous isolation of other mastitis pathogens was not significantly associated with occurrence of Staph. aureus. Of the positive samples, 95% had a positive California mastitis test reaction. Among the clinical measures of udder health, only visibly abnormal milk combined with normal udder tissue was associated with increased occurrence of Staph. aureus, although not consistently. Prior antibiotic treatment for udder disorders was not significantly associated with Staph. aureus isolation. The occurrence of sole ulcers in multiple digits was consistently associated with Staph. aureus in the first lactation. Milk yield was involved in interactions with other pathogens isolated, prior veterinary disease treatment, body weight and season of calving. Strong herd-year effects were revealed. This, combined with the interactions, indicated that some herd-specific factors were major determinants of Staph. aureus occurrence. The study indicated which cow characteristics should be taken into account in epidemiological analyses and causal interpretations of data from cross sectional microbiological examinations of dairy herds Prediction and statistical evaluation of treatment frequencies in dairy herds Enevoldsen, C., Sorensen, J. T., Thysen et al Prediction and statistical evaluation of treatment frequencies in dairy herds Enevoldsen, C., Sorensen, J. T., Thysen, I. Journal of Dairy Science 1989 Expected and acceptable numbers of cases of clinical mastitis, metabolic, reproduction, claw/leg and other disorders in a herd over 2-6 months were calculated from veterinary diagnosis and treatment records for the previous year and compared with observed numbers of cases. This approach can reveal changes in health status Physical injuries in dairy cows: associations with season, cow characteristics, disease, and production Enevoldsen, C., Grohn, Y. T. et al Physical injuries in dairy cows: associations with season, cow characteristics, disease, and production Enevoldsen, C., Grohn, Y. T., Thrusfield, M. V., Thysen, I. Data were obtained from 15 Danish Black and White and 3 Red Danish loose housed dairy herds on milk yield, body weight at calving, in spring and autumn and at culling, dates of calvings and cullings, and all veterinary treatments requiring injections or antibiotics. Claw health was recorded in degrees of severity (0-4). Presence or absence of contusions or wounds on hock, knee or body were recorded and symptoms scored (1-3). Interrelationships between dependent variables were analysed using a log-linear modelling procedure. The results are discussed Skin Injuries On the Body and Thigh of Dairy-Cows – Associations With Season, Claw Health, Disease Treatment, and Other Cow... Enevoldsen, C., Grohn, Y. T., Thysen, I. Skin Injuries On the Body and Thigh of Dairy-Cows – Associations With Season, Claw Health, Disease Treatment, and Other Cow Characteristics Enevoldsen, C., Grohn, Y. T., Thysen, I. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 1994 An epidemiological study was conducted in 18 dairy herds with the objective to characterize those groups of cows where skin injuries to the body and thighs occurred most frequently. Data were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression. The epidemiologic patterns were different in first and later lactations. In first lactation some degree of injury occurred among 7.7% of 1793 cows. For most cows occurrence of sole ulcer was positively associated with injury while occurrence of heel horn erosion was negatively associated with injury. The association between injury and body weight differed depending on month of calving (significant interaction). Injuries occurred most frequently among high yielding cows. Severe reproductive, metabolic, and/or infectious diseases were associated with injuries. In later lactations some degree of injury occurred among 13.4% of 832 cows in lactations 2 to 9 where severity of injury increased with lactation number. Injuries occurred least frequently at examinations made in the January to March. They occurred most frequently among cows with sole ulcers. Calving in March through October was associated with injuries especially if the cows were treated for limb disorders. Most cases of injuries occurred early or late in lactation or among high or very low yielding cows in lactations 2 to 9 Heel Erosion and Other Interdigital Disorders in Dairy-Cows – Associations with Season, Cow Characteristics, Disease, and... Enevoldsen, C., Grohn, Y. T., Thysen, I. Heel Erosion and Other Interdigital Disorders in Dairy-Cows – Associations with Season, Cow Characteristics, Disease, and Production Enevoldsen, C., Grohn, Y. T., Thysen, I. Journal of Dairy Science 1991 Epidemiologic associations between variables obtainable from dairy cow records and the occurrence of heel erosion, interdigital dermatitis, and interdigital hyperplasia at claw trimmings were estimated with multivariable logistic regression analysis on data from 1170 and 542 cows in lactation 1 and lactations 2 to 9, respectively. In the 17 herds, heel erosion, interdigital dermatitis, and hyperplasia occurred among 43.8, 4.5, and .9% of cows in lactation 1 and among 69.1, 7.6 and 5.9% of cows in lactations 2 to 9 respectively. Severity of heel erosion increased with parity, and risk increased with stage of lactation. Strong seasonal effects were present. Various combinations of veterinary treatments were associated with heel erosion and hyperplasia depending on parity, stage of lactation, and the presence of other claw disorders. In contrast, veterinary treatment had a protective effect for interdigital dermatitis in lactations 2 to 9. Severe degrees of sole ulcer increased the risk of heel erosion and interdigital dermatitis. The digital disorders were strongly associated in lactation 1 but not in later lactations. Heel erosion and hyperplasia were highly repeatable from one lactation to another. Sole Ulcers in Dairy-Cattle – Associations with Season, Cow Characteristics, Disease, and Production Enevoldsen, C., Grohn, Y. T., Thysen, I. Sole Ulcers in Dairy-Cattle – Associations with Season, Cow Characteristics, Disease, and Production Enevoldsen, C., Grohn, Y. T., Thysen, I. Journal of Dairy Science 1991 Epidemiological associations, expressed as odds ratios between variables obtained from dairy cow records and sole ulcer occurrence at claw trimmings were estimated with logistic regression analysis on data from 2204 and 1124 cows in lactation 1 and lactations 2 to 9, respectively. Sole ulcer in one foot or more than one foot occurred in 20.0 and 29.7% of cows in lactation 1 and in 23.5 and 24.7% of cows in lactations 2 to 9. The analysis revealed several complicated interactions. Trimming or calving in summer to fall was strongly associated with sole ulcer. Trimming later than 1 to 2 mo after calving was positively associated with sole ulcer depending on milk yield, body weight, or season of calving. If lactation 1 cows were treated for disease (limb, metabolic, digestive, or severe reproductive disorders), sole ulcer in more than one foot occurred earlier in lactation. Milk yield in early lactation and body weight were positively associated with sole ulcer. Heel erosion was associated with sole ulcer depending on season of trimming and parity. Presence of sole ulcer but not heel erosion in a lactation increased the risk of sole ulcer in the subsequent lactation. The interval between trimmings appeared to be important. Evaluation of the sample needed to accurately estimate outcome-based measurements of dairy welfare on farm Endres, M. I., Espejo, L. A. et al Evaluation of the sample needed to accurately estimate outcome-based measurements of dairy welfare on farm Endres, M. I., Espejo, L. A., Lobeck-Luchterhand, K. M., Tucker, C. B. Journal of Dairy Science Short Communication: Effect of Feed Barrier Design on the Behavior of Loose-Housed Lactating Dairy Cows DeVries, T. J., Endres, M. I. et al Short Communication: Effect of Feed Barrier Design on the Behavior of Loose-Housed Lactating Dairy Cows DeVries, T. J., Endres, M. I., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2005 The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 2 feed barrier systems on feeding and social behavior of dairy cows. Forty-eight lactating Holstein cows were subjected to each of 2 treatments in a cross-over design. The treatments were 2 types of feed-line barriers: 1) post-and-rail, and 2) headlock. Time-lapse video was used to quantify the feeding behavior and incidence of aggressive displacements of the cows at the feed bunk. Average daily feeding time did not differ when cows used the headlock barrier compared with the post-and-rail barrier. However, there were certain changes in feeding time during periods of peak feeding activity: cows that had lower feeding times relative to group mates when using the post-and-rail barrier showed more similar feeding times to group mates when using the headlock barrier. There were 21% fewer displacements at the feed bunk when cows accessed feed by the headlock barrier compared with the post-and-rail barrier. These results suggest that using a headlock barrier reduces aggression at the feed bunk and improves access to feed for socially subordinate cows during peak feeding periods. The influence of breed and animal housing on limb diseases in cattle Brzeski, W., Chamski, J., Empel, W. et al The influence of breed and animal housing on limb diseases in cattle Brzeski, W., Chamski, J., Empel, W., Nowicki, M., Obijalski, M., Pietrzak, A. Acta Academiae Agriculturae ac Technicae Olstenensis, Veterinaria 1990 The studies were carried out in 177 dairy cows (145 Polish Black-and-White Lowland and 32 crossbreds with Holstein-Friesian) and 100 beef cows (Polish Black-and-White Lowland crossbreds with Aberdeen-Angus (83) and Charolais (17)). Incidence of limb diseases was higher in dairy cows (31%) than in beef cattle (15%). Among beef cattle Charolais were more affected than Aberdeen Angus. The most prevalent diseases were: dermatitis interdigitalis, pododermatitis and Rusterholz ulcer. Morbidity rate per year was 43.5 cases per 100 cows for dairy cows. More cows were affected among those kept in stalls with shorter stands (150 cm) and open dung channel that for those kept in longer stands (165 cm) with the channel covered by a metal grid Cultural-Characteristics and Virulence of Strains of Fusobacterium-Necrophorum Isolated from the Feet of Cattle and Sheep Clark, B. L., Dufty, J. H., Emery et al Cultural-Characteristics and Virulence of Strains of Fusobacterium-Necrophorum Isolated from the Feet of Cattle and Sheep Clark, B. L., Dufty, J. H., Emery, D. L., Stewart, D. J., Vaughan, J. A. Australian Veterinary Journal 1985 Host responses of footrot and foot abscess Egerton- J. R. ed Yong- W. K. ed Riffkin et al Host responses of footrot and foot abscess Egerton- J. R. ed Yong- W. K. ed Riffkin- G. G., Emery, D. L. Footrot and foot abscess of ruminants 1989 Studies on the Purification of the Leukocidin of Fusobacterium-Necrophorum and Its Neutralization by Specific Antisera Edwards, R. D., Emery, D. L., Rothel et al Studies on the Purification of the Leukocidin of Fusobacterium-Necrophorum and Its Neutralization by Specific Antisera Edwards, R. D., Emery, D. L., Rothel, J. S. Veterinary Microbiology 1986 Biochemical and Functional-Properties of a Leukocidin Produced by Several Strains of Fusobacterium-Necrophorum Clark, B. L., Dufty, J. H., Emery, D. L. Biochemical and Functional-Properties of a Leukocidin Produced by Several Strains of Fusobacterium-Necrophorum Clark, B. L., Dufty, J. H., Emery, D. L. Australian Veterinary Journal 1984 The data – Sources and validation Egenvall, Agneta, Emanuelson, Ulf The data – Sources and validation Egenvall, Agneta, Emanuelson, Ulf Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2014 Administration of estradiol benzoate before insemination could skew secondary sex ratio toward males in Holstein dairy cows Akbarinejad, V., Bolourchi, M., Emadi et al Administration of estradiol benzoate before insemination could skew secondary sex ratio toward males in Holstein dairy cows Akbarinejad, V., Bolourchi, M., Emadi, S. R., Hovareshti, P., Rezaei, A. Domestic Animal Endocrinology 2014 Partial budgeting assessment of the treatment of pyometra, follicular cysts and ovarian inactivity causing postpartum anoestrus... El-Tahawy, Abd El-Gawad Salah, Fahmy et al Partial budgeting assessment of the treatment of pyometra, follicular cysts and ovarian inactivity causing postpartum anoestrus in dairy cattle El-Tahawy, Abd El-Gawad Salah, Fahmy, Mostafa Mohammed Research in Veterinary Science 2011 The field effectiveness of routine and emergency vaccination with an inactivated vaccine against foot and mouth disease Elnekave, E., Even-Tov, B., Gelman, B. et al The field effectiveness of routine and emergency vaccination with an inactivated vaccine against foot and mouth disease Elnekave, E., Even-Tov, B., Gelman, B., Hamblin, P., Hammond, J., Klement, E., Li, Y., Zamir, L. Vaccine 2013 Breeding soundness examination of a Longhorn bull pelleted with lead shot Brinsko, S. P., Elmore, R. G., Morris et al Breeding soundness examination of a Longhorn bull pelleted with lead shot Brinsko, S. P., Elmore, R. G., Morris, D. L., Warner, G. D. Bovine Practitioner 1990 Digital dermatitis in cattle and the importance of Borrelia burgdorferi in its aetiology Arican, M., Elma, E. Digital dermatitis in cattle and the importance of Borrelia burgdorferi in its aetiology Arican, M., Elma, E. Veteriner Cerrahi Dergisi 1998 Digital dermatitis was found in 14 (1.4%) of 1000 cattle examined in the Konya area of Turkey. Of 14 affected cattle, 6 were positive in an ELISA for serum antibodies to B. burgdorferi. The Warthin Starry silver stain showed numerous spirochaetes on sections of the foot lesions. Treatment was by removal of necrotic tissue and application of astringent and oxytetracycline dressings Bovine immune response to papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD)-associated spirochetes is skewed in isolate reactivity and... Alt, David P., Elliott, Margaret K. Bovine immune response to papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD)-associated spirochetes is skewed in isolate reactivity and subclass elicitation Alt, David P., Elliott, Margaret K. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 2009 Spirochetes at the forefront of periodontal infections Ellen, R. P., Galimanas, V. B. Spirochetes at the forefront of periodontal infections Ellen, R. P., Galimanas, V. B. Periodontology 2000 2005 Epidemiologic characteristics of bluetongue virus serotype 8 laboratory-confirmed outbreaks in The Netherlands in 2007 and a... Elbers, Armin R. W., van der Spek et al Epidemiologic characteristics of bluetongue virus serotype 8 laboratory-confirmed outbreaks in The Netherlands in 2007 and a comparison with the situation in 2006 Elbers, Armin R. W., van der Spek, Arco N., van Rijn, Piet A. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2009 Ulcerative and papillomatous digital dermatitis of the pastern region in dairy cattle: Clinical and histopathological studies El Ghoul, W., Shaheed, B. I. Ulcerative and papillomatous digital dermatitis of the pastern region in dairy cattle: Clinical and histopathological studies El Ghoul, W., Shaheed, B. I. Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift 2001 The study was carried out on a single herd of 500 Holstein breed dairy cattle. Only 50 dairy cows (10 %) were found to be suffering from focal ulcerative and papillomatous digital dermatitis of the pastern region. The cows were subjected to clinical and histopathological examinations. Early ulcerative stage was seen in 30 cows and late papillomatous stage was observed in 20 cows. The topical application of oxytetracycline solution or benzathine penicillin powder appeared to be effective for the treatment of the ulcerative lesions. The histopathological findings showed signs of epidermopoiesis and papilloma formation. The dermal reaction revealed signs of fibroplasia and perivascular aggregation of inflammatory cells. Silver stained sections indicated the presence of longer filamentous spiral spirochetes, cocci and large-sized anerobic bacilli invading the stratum spinosum. In conclusion it can be said that bovine digital dermatitis was observed in ulcerative and papillomatous form at the pastern region bordering the dewclaws. Spirochetes are frequently associated with and may be responsible for pathological changes in the lesion. Relationship between claw disorders and the peripartal period in dairy cows El Ghoul, W., Hassanein, A., Hofmann et al Relationship between claw disorders and the peripartal period in dairy cows El Ghoul, W., Hassanein, A., Hofmann, W., Khamis, Y. Praktische Tierarzt 2000 The study was performed on 40 clinically healthy cows during late pregnancy and early lactation period (peripartum period) which were examined for total blood counts and biochemical blood parameters. At the late pregnancy period the mean difference between the values of erythrocytic count, total leukocytic count, proportion of eosinophils, serum calcium, phosphorus, creatin-kinase, gamma -glutamyltransferase, urea, copper and zinc values were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. The mean difference of the proportion of unsegmented neutrophils, sodium, aspartate-aminotransferase and bilirubin values were significantly (p < 0.05) increased. During early lactation the mean of difference between haemoglobin content, haematocrit value, erythocytic count, the proportion of unsegmented neutrophils, serum sodium, potassium, creatin-kinase and bilirubin values were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. Magnesium, Infections caused by fungi of the Scedosporium/Pseudallescheria complex in veterinary species Elad, Daniel Infections caused by fungi of the Scedosporium/Pseudallescheria complex in veterinary species Elad, Daniel The Veterinary Journal 2011 Microbiological studies on claw affections in farm animals El Naenaeey, E. Y., El Sheikh, A. et al Microbiological studies on claw affections in farm animals El Naenaeey, E. Y., El Sheikh, A., Ibrahem, A. K., Kandeel, A., Mekkawy, N. H., Soliman, I. A. Veterinary Medical Journal Giza 1994 Clinical examination of 8473 adult animals (3413 Friesian cattle, 1500 native cattle, 1710 buffaloes, 1000 sheep and 850 goats) identified 376 animals with foot problems (215 Friesian cattle, 42 buffaloes, 25 sheep, 28 goats and 36 native cattle). 198 cases of claw conditions representing different lesions in different animals were examined. The majority of cases were interdigital necrobacillosis, pododermatitis circumscripta septica (cattle), heel erosions and under running (cattle and buffaloes), tenosynovitis (cattle and buffaloes), distal interphalangeal arthritis (cattle and sheep),and inflammation of the interdigital sinus (sheep). The isolated micro-organisms were Fusobacterium necrophorum, Bacteroides melaninogenicus, Dichelobacter nodosus, Corynebacterium pyogenes, Saprolegnia anthracoides, Staphylococcus aureus, S. citreus, S. albus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mucor sp., Candida sp., Penicillium sp., Rhizopus sp. and Aspergillus sp. Antibiotic sensitivity was determined and the feet conditions were treated with the appropriate antibiotics and preventative measures Abnormalities of the dewclaws in cows, buffaloes, sheep and goats Ahmed, M. F., El Guindy, M. H. Abnormalities of the dewclaws in cows, buffaloes, sheep and goats Ahmed, M. F., El Guindy, M. H. Assiut Veterinary Medical Journal(Egypt) 1997 Dew claw abnormalities and overgrowths were found in 201 of 437 buffaloes, 127 of 378 cattle, 145 of 572 sheep and 98 of 418 goats. Abnormalities included diverging dew claws, laterally and medially parallel dew claws, L-shaped and inverted L-shaped claws, hyperplasia, curved out and curved in claws and hook-shaped claws. Calcified dew claws were found only in buffaloes, wing like dew claws were only found in sheep and goats, while supernumary dew claws were found in all species except goats. The majority of these abnormalities were accompanied by abnormalities in the main claws. In government farms the percentage of these abnormalities was higher than those in private farms and in animals belonging to individual farms, because the attendants in the governmental farms neglected to clean between the claws and dew claws and neglected regular trimming of the claws. Dew claw abnormalities were more prevalent in white and pale claws than in dark or black claws Abnormalities and overgrowths of the claws in native cows, buffaloes, and Friesian cows Ahmed, M. F., El Guindy, M. H. Abnormalities and overgrowths of the claws in native cows, buffaloes, and Friesian cows Ahmed, M. F., El Guindy, M. H. Assiut Veterinary Medical Journal 1997 Foot problems were found in 101 (32%) of 316 native cows, 121 (18%) of 672 Friesian cows and 156 (38%) of 412 buffaloes in Assuit province , Egypt. The animals were 2-12 years old. Hind feet were affected more often than fore feet in Friesian cows. Corkscrew, wrinkled, scissor claws, toeing out and in, and overgrown claws were more prevalent in buffaloes than in native and Friesian cows. The age, species, type of floor, body weight, size of the udder and period of pregnancy were associated with the increase or decrease of claw abnormalities. The lateral pelvic claw of Friesian cows showed a high percentage of abnormalities. Two or more deformities may occur in a single animal, It was necessary to moisten the claws for at 12 h before correction in all species. In buffaloes it was necessary to give Rumpon i.m. 15 minutes before trimming because of their aggression Evaluation of claw scoring system and some blood parameters in diagnosis of subclinical laminitis in dairy cattle Ahmed, A. R., El Ghoul, W. S. et al Evaluation of claw scoring system and some blood parameters in diagnosis of subclinical laminitis in dairy cattle Ahmed, A. R., El Ghoul, W. S., El Tahlawy, M. R., Mahmoud, M. R., Shehab, M. M. The pathophysiology of osteochondrosis. [Review] [85 refs] Ekman, S. The pathophysiology of osteochondrosis. [Review] [85 refs] Ekman, S. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 1998 Osteochondrosis is a disorder of epiphyseal cartilage about which there is considerable confusion in the literature. We believe that this is due to the fact that osteochondrosis has been studied in the chronic stage when the lesions are morphologically complicated and the initial causative insult is impossible to determine. The etiology of osteochondrosis appears to be multifactorial, with trauma, hereditary factors and rapid growth, nutritional factors, and ischemia all having a role in its pathogenesis. Although predilection sites are variable among species, the morphology of the early lesions is strikingly similar, strongly suggesting that the pathogenesis of osteochondrosis is the same, regardless of the species affected. Based on recent studies in pigs and horses, and supported by observations in dogs and cattle, we believe that local ischemia secondary to defects in cartilage canal blood supply is a key factor in the initiation of lesions of osteochondrosis and explains many of the features of this disease. Local ischemia to the epiphyseal cartilage of the articular-epiphyseal cartilage complex leads to the formation of highly vulnerable zones of necrotic epiphyseal cartilage which later cause a delay in endochondral ossification, with extension of necrotic cartilage into the subchondral bone. Trauma, whether major or minor, to the overlying articular cartilage leads to cartilage cleft formation, clinical signs of pain and lameness, and other chronic sequelae. Studies aimed at further elucidating the pathogenesis of osteochondrosis should attempt to determine the cause of the vascular defect and whether or not it may be modified by experimental manipulations. [References: 85] Cultivation of Tissue From the Matrix of the Stratum Medium of the Equine and Bovine Hoof Walls Ekfalck, A., Obel, N. et al Cultivation of Tissue From the Matrix of the Stratum Medium of the Equine and Bovine Hoof Walls Ekfalck, A., Obel, N., Rodriguez-Martinez, H. American Journal of Veterinary Research 1990 Explants from the matrix of the stratum medium of the wall of the equine and bovine hoof each were cultured on a microporous membrane, using a standard culture medium. After incubation at 37.degree.C, the outgrowth was a mixture of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, with predominance of the latter. After incubation at 34.degree.C, the keratinocytes dominated, covering the lateral surfaces of the explant as well as the basal surface. Lateral outgrowth of keratinocytes was observed at the borderline of the original epidermis and at the borderline of the explant's contact with the membrane. Epithelial outgrowth from the former consisted of rounded aggregates protruding into the medium, whereas outgrowth from the latter formed a pluristratified carpet occupying a considerable part of the membrane. In the outer layers, keratinocytes covering the cut surfaces of the dermis of the explant had a differentiation pattern of the kind that characterizes the keratinocytes of the hoof; differentiation was not observed in the lateral outgrowth Possible Importance For Laminitis Research of Recent Studies On Substances Influencing the Differentiation of Cultured... Ekfalck, A., Jones, B., Obel, N. Possible Importance For Laminitis Research of Recent Studies On Substances Influencing the Differentiation of Cultured Keratinocytes Ekfalck, A., Jones, B., Obel, N. Journal of Veterinary Medicine, A 1991 After a survey of the state of laminitis research the authors conclude that none of the present concepts of the pathogenesis of laminitis unequivocally explains the basic clinical and morphological observations in this disease. There is therefore reason to consider the advances that have been made during the last decades in respect to the influence of various substances on the differentiation of cultured skin keratinocytes. The technique is available for studying hoof keratinocytes in a comparable way. Relevant literature on cultured skin keratinocytes is surveyed. Some of the results from experimental studies on skin keratinocytes have an obvious connection with observations in laminitis, a fact which has led the authors to hypothesize that laminitis may be a "multifactorial" disease and that it may be provoked by agents stimulating multiplication of hoof keratinocytes with consequent reduction of differentiation Effects of including chopped alfalfa hay in barley-based total mixed rations on production and rumen fermentation of lactating... Einarson, M. S., Plaizier, J. C. et al Effects of including chopped alfalfa hay in barley-based total mixed rations on production and rumen fermentation of lactating dairy cows Einarson, M. S., Plaizier, J. C., Wittenberg, K. M. Canadian Journal of Animal Science 2005 Alfalfa silage [13.6% dry matter (DM)] was replaced with chopped alfalfa hay in barley silage and barley-grain-based total mixed rations. This replacement increased DM from 45.2 to 54.9%, decreased physical effective fibre, determined as the proportion of the DM passing through the 8- and 19-min screens of the Penn State Particle Separator multiplied by dietary neutral detergent fibre (peNDF), from 21.9 to 16.2% DM, increased dry matter intake from 19.1 to 21.2 kg d(-1), numerically reduced milk protein yield from 1.01 to 0.93 kg d(-1), but did not affect milk yield, milk fat, rumen pH, and rumen ammonia. Effects of barley silage chop length on productivity and rumen conditions of lactating dairy cows fed a total mixed ration Einarson, M. S., Plaizier, J. C. et al Effects of barley silage chop length on productivity and rumen conditions of lactating dairy cows fed a total mixed ration Einarson, M. S., Plaizier, J. C., Wittenberg, K. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2004 Barley silage, cut at the early dough stage, was chopped long (19 mm) or short (10 mm), ensiled, and incorporated into total mixed rations (TMR). The TMR contained (dry matter [DM] basis) either 58.0 or 41.4% concentrate and either short- or long-chopped barley silage. Reducing chop length of barley silage decreased the proportion (as-is basis) of TMR particles retained by the 8- and 19-mm screens of the Penn State Particle Separator (PSPS) from 66.9 to 52.7% in the high concentrate TMR and from 74.8 to 60.9% in the low concentrate TMR. Chop length reduction decreased dietary physically effective fiber, calculated as the NDF retained by the 8- and 19-mm screens of the PSPS, from 29.2 to 25.2% DM in the high concentrate TMR and from 34.9 to 30.6% DM in the low concentrate TMR. Reduction in chop length did not affect rumen pH, total rumen volatile fatty acids, milk yield, and milk composition, but increased DM intake from 19.4 to 20.1 kg/d at the high level of concentrate and from 16.9 to 17.7 kg/d at the low level of concentrate and increased rumen propionate. Increasing the concentrate inclusion rate reduced rumen pH from 6.52 to 6.35, did not affect total volatile fatty acids, reduced the acetate-to-propionate ratio from 3.1 to 2.7, increased milk yield from 28.7 to 31.3 kg/d, reduced milk fat content from 3.48 to 2.94%, and increased milk protein content from 3.11 to 3.27% across chop lengths. Inadequate supply of selenium and vitamin E as the cause of herd outbreaks of peritarsitis in cattle Eicken, K., Scholz, H. et al Inadequate supply of selenium and vitamin E as the cause of herd outbreaks of peritarsitis in cattle Eicken, K., Scholz, H., Stockhofe Zurwieden, N. Tierarztliche Umschau 1992 Swelling of the hocks with lameness developed in 80 heifers of one herd, commencing just after calving. The condition had been seen in other herds in northern Germany for 10 years. It responded to sodium selenite injection and a daily supplement of 5 mg Se for cows, or 2-3 mg Se for calves (5 ppm in concentrate) Effects of rubber flooring during the first 2 lactations on production, locomotion, hoof health, immune functions, and stress Arthington, J. D., Eicher, S. D. et al Effects of rubber flooring during the first 2 lactations on production, locomotion, hoof health, immune functions, and stress Arthington, J. D., Eicher, S. D., Lay Jr, D. C., Schutz, M. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Morphological aspects in wound healing of Rusterholz ulcer in the bovine hoof Budras, K. D., Eggers, T., Lischer, Ch et al Morphological aspects in wound healing of Rusterholz ulcer in the bovine hoof Budras, K. D., Eggers, T., Lischer, Ch, Muelling, Ch Recording of direct health traits in Austria—Experience report with emphasis on aspects of availability for breeding purposes Egger-Danner, C., Fuerst, C. et al Recording of direct health traits in Austria—Experience report with emphasis on aspects of availability for breeding purposes Egger-Danner, C., Fuerst, C., Fuerst-Waltl, B., Grassauer, B., Koeck, A., Mayerhofer, M., Obritzhauser, W., Schwarzenbacher, H. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Footrot and foot abscess of ruminants Egerton, J. R., Riffkin, G. G., Yong et al Footrot and foot abscess of ruminants Egerton, J. R., Riffkin, G. G., Yong, W. K. 1989 This book contains 14 chapters by 16 contributors (including the three editors) to bring together the current state of knowledge of the major bacterial infections of the feet of ruminants. The chapters are in four sections: the diseases; bacteriology of the major pathogens; immunology (antigens and antigenic classifaction of Bacteroides nodosus, antigens of Fusabacterium necrophorum, host responses, vaccination); and applied biotechnology. Each section has a short introduction written by the editors, and each of the chapters has a substantial list of references. There is a good subject index Protection of Sheep against Footrot with a Recombinant DNA-Based Fimbrial Vaccine Anderson, B. J., Cox, P. T., Egerton et al Protection of Sheep against Footrot with a Recombinant DNA-Based Fimbrial Vaccine Anderson, B. J., Cox, P. T., Egerton, J. R., Kristo, C., Mattick, J. S., Norman, M. Veterinary Microbiology 1987 Experimental analysis of activity in healthy dairy cows Edwards, J. L., Tozer, P. R. Experimental analysis of activity in healthy dairy cows Edwards, J. L., Tozer, P. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2002 Surgery of the bovine digit Edwards, G. B. Surgery of the bovine digit Edwards, G. B. Irish Veterinary Journal 1999 P.R. Greenhough, Bovine Laminitis and Lameness – A Hands on Approach, 3rd ed., Saunders Elsevier, London, 2007, ISBN... Edwards, Barrie P.R. Greenhough, Bovine Laminitis and Lameness – A Hands on Approach, 3rd ed., Saunders Elsevier, London, 2007, ISBN 9789702027802, 311 pp.; £64.99 (hard) Edwards, Barrie The Veterinary Journal 2009 Genetic relatedness and phenotypic characteristics of Treponema associated with human periodontal tissues and ruminant foot... Dymock, D., Edwards, A. M., Jenkinson et al Genetic relatedness and phenotypic characteristics of Treponema associated with human periodontal tissues and ruminant foot disease Dymock, D., Edwards, A. M., Jenkinson, H. F., Woodward, M. J. Microbiology-Sgm 2003 Treponema have been implicated recently in the pathogenesis of digital dermatitis (DID) and contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) that are infectious diseases of bovine and ovine foot tissues, respectively. Previous analyses of treponemal 16S rDNA sequences, PCR-amplified directly from DID or CODD lesions, have suggested relatedness of animal Treponema to some human oral Treponema species isolated from periodontal tissues. In this study a range of adhesion and virulence-related properties of three animal Treponema isolates have been compared with representative human oral strains of Treponema denticola and Treponema vincentii. In adhesion assays using biotinylated treponemal cells, T denticola cells bound in consistently higher numbers to fibronectin, laminin, collagen type 1, gelatin, keratin and lactoferrin than did T. vincentii or animal Treponema isolates. However, animal DID strains adhered to fibrinogen at equivalent or greater levels than T denticola. All Treponema strains bound to the amino-terminal heparin l/fibrin I domain of fibronectin. 16S rDNA sequence analyses placed ovine strain UB1090 and bovine strain UB1467 within a cluster that was phylogenetically related to T vincentii, while ovine strain UB1466 appeared more closely related to T denticola. These observations correlated with phenotypic properties. Thus, T denticola ATCC 35405, GM-1, and Treponema UB1466 had similar outer-membrane protein profiles, produced chymotrypsin-like protease (CTLP), trypsin-like protease and high levels of proline iminopeptidase, and co-aggregated with human oral bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus crista. Conversely, T vincentii ATCC 35580, D2A-2, and animal strains UB1090 and UB1467 did not express CTLP or trypsin-like protease and did not co-aggregate with P. gingivalis or S. crista. Taken collectively, these results suggest that human oral-related Treponema have broad host specificity and that similar control or preventive strategies might be developed for human and animal Treponema-associated infections. From tooth to hoof: treponemes in tissue-destructive diseases Dymock, D., Edwards, A. M., Jenkinson et al From tooth to hoof: treponemes in tissue-destructive diseases Dymock, D., Edwards, A. M., Jenkinson, H. F. Journal of Applied Microbiology 2003 With the advent of new molecular and immunological tools, there is better understanding of the roles that difficult to cultivate bacteria, and not-yet-cultivated bacteria such as spirochaetes, play in polymicrobial diseases. Only relatively recently have studies implicated Treponema spirochaetes in human periodontal disease, a destructive condition of the tissues supporting the teeth. A number of different Treponema species have been isolated and their surface protein components that mediate adhesion, cytotoxicity, and tissue damage have been characterized. More recently, Treponema strains closely related to human oral isolates have been cultivated from active lesions of digital dermatitis, an ulcerative condition affecting the feet of cows and sheep. This condition, like periodontal disease, appears to have a polymicrobial aetiology in which enrichment for Treponema may play a crucial part. This article reviews the known mechanisms by which Treponema interact with eukaryotic host cells and tissue proteins, and how these interactions may contribute to pathogenic diversity. A Body Condition Scoring Chart for Holstein Dairy Cows Edmonson, A. J., Farver, T., Lean et al A Body Condition Scoring Chart for Holstein Dairy Cows Edmonson, A. J., Farver, T., Lean, I. J., Weaver, L. D., Webster, G. Journal of Dairy Science 1989 A chart for body condition scoring of freely moving Holstein dairy cows was developed using an iterative process consisting of literature review, interviews with experts, field testing, statistical analysis, and comments from chart users. The chart consists of text and diagrams that detail changes in conformation with body condition change for eight body locations identified as important in body condition scoring. The precision with which a prototype chart was used to give location specific condition scores to cows was examined, and the variability among the assessors described. This chart gave consistent results with small variability among assessors, no significant difference attributable to experience of assessors, and no significant cow assessor interaction. Minor modifications were made to the chart, which was then used to assess location specific and overall body condition scores. Assessors scored cows in the eight body locations and rescored the cows in a different order to assign an overall score. The chart produced consistent scores over a wide range of body conditions with small variance among assessors. The overall score was most closely related to the condition scores of the pelvic and tailhead areas of the cow. Both location specific scores within cows and the overall body score for a cow were strongly correlated, demonstrating that the chart was internally consistent. The chart is an effective field tool for body condition scoring Holstein cows. Some observations on the incidence of lameness in dairy cattle in Somerset Eddy, R. G., Scott, C.P. Some observations on the incidence of lameness in dairy cattle in Somerset Eddy, R. G., Scott, C.P. Veterinary Record 1980 A three year study of practice records of lame cows and meteorological data on rainfall suggests a correlation between rainfall and incidence of lameness in dairy cattle. Over a 12 month period requests to treat lameness in 1256 cattle were received by one six-person practice and were the subject of a detailed survey. The incidence on the 150 farms where lameness was recorded was 7.33 per cent, 92.2 per cent of lameness occurring in the foot. White line disease (34.9 per cent), pricked sole (20.4 per cent), foul in the foot (14.3 per cent) ulcerated sole (11.4 per cent), and foreign body (4.8 per cent) accounted for 85.8 per cent of the 927 recorded foot lesions. Hind feet lameness appeared more common in older cows, but this was not shown to be the case with front foot lameness. Lameness also appeared to be most common in early lactation and of relatively low incidence in the dry period. The seasonal distribution differed between the lesions, ulcerated sole being more common February to May, foul in the foot and white line separation in the autumn, and white line abscess and pricked sole in the autumn and winter months Solar haemorrhages in dairy cattle [letter; comment] [see comments] Eddy, R. G. Solar haemorrhages in dairy cattle [letter; comment] [see comments] Eddy, R. G. Veterinary Record 1993 Recognizing the radiographic features of some common bovine foot problems Ebeid, M., Steiner, A. Recognizing the radiographic features of some common bovine foot problems Ebeid, M., Steiner, A. Veterinary Medicine 1996 Bovine laminitis: a review Ebeid, M. Bovine laminitis: a review Ebeid, M. Veterinary Bulletin 1993 The effect of sea transport from Ireland to the Lebanon on inflammatory, adrenocortical, metabolic and behavioural responses of... Crowe, M. A., Earley, B., McDonnell, B. et al The effect of sea transport from Ireland to the Lebanon on inflammatory, adrenocortical, metabolic and behavioural responses of bulls Crowe, M. A., Earley, B., McDonnell, B., Murray, M., Prendiville, D. J. Research in Veterinary Science 2011 Phenotypic effects of calving ease on the subsequent fertility and milk production of dam and calf in UK Holstein-Friesian heifers Coffey, M. P., Eaglen, S. A. E., Mrode et al Phenotypic effects of calving ease on the subsequent fertility and milk production of dam and calf in UK Holstein-Friesian heifers Coffey, M. P., Eaglen, S. A. E., Mrode, R., Wall, E., Woolliams, J. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Suspected chemical burn on the digital skin of dairy cows following foot bathing with 5% formalin solution Allen, N., Allen, T., Armstrong, T. et al Suspected chemical burn on the digital skin of dairy cows following foot bathing with 5% formalin solution Allen, N., Allen, T., Armstrong, T., Bell, N.J., Davies, A., Dyson, S. Proceedings of the 17th International Symposium and 9th International Conference on Lameness in Ruminants 2013 Objective Determination of Claw Pain and Its Relationship to Limb Locomotion Score in Dairy Cattle Dyer, P., Dyer, R. M., Neerchal, N. K. et al Objective Determination of Claw Pain and Its Relationship to Limb Locomotion Score in Dairy Cattle Dyer, P., Dyer, R. M., Neerchal, N. K., Rajkondawar, P. G., Tasch, U., Wu, Y. Journal of Dairy Science 2007 We hypothesized that claw and foot pain could be objectively determined and have a strong effect on limb locomotion. Claw pain was measured using hoof testers equipped with a pressure gauge. Soft tissue pain was evaluated with an algometer. Pain was determined as the maximum pressure recorded at the time the limb was withdrawn following claw or soft tissue compression with the hoof tester or algometer. Locomotion scores and claw and soft tissue pain were determined on 263 Holstein cows from 2 commercial dairy farms. The frequency and the magnitude of pain had an effect on locomotion score in the ipsilateral limb for lateral, but not medial, claws. The magnitude of the lateral claw pain index for limbs with locomotion scores 1 to 5 was 0.95 ± 0.01, 0.90 ± 0.02, 0.67 ± 0.04, 0.65 ± 0.05, and 0.45 ± 0.11, respectively. The magnitude of the medial claw pain index for limbs with locomotion scores 1 to 5 was 1.0 ± 0.00, 0.99 ± 0.01, 0.98 ± 0.01, 1.0 ± 0.00, and 1.0 ± 0.00, respectively. The frequency of painful claws (n = 208) in limbs with locomotion scores 1, 2, and ≥3 was 0.529, 0.173, and 0.298, respectively. The frequency of painless claws (n = 318) in limbs with locomotion scores 1, 2, or ≥3 was 0.792, 0.088, and 0.120, respectively. The frequency of pain (27.1%) and total lesions (85.6%) was greater in lateral claws (n = 524) than that of pain (2.1%) and total lesions (14.4%) in medial claws (n = 524). Yet the magnitude of the pain index in sore claws was similar for medial (0.73 ± 0.09) and lateral claws (0.64 ± 0.02). The magnitude and frequency of claw pain in one hind limb was inconsistently and weakly affected by locomotion score or claw pain in the contralateral limb. The prevalence of unilateral (32.8%) and bilateral (23.3%) pain was similar and lower than the occurrence of bilaterally nonpainful claws (43.9%) in the study group. Painful claws (n = 78) occurred on sound limbs (n = 332) with a pain index (0.72 ± 0.02) indicative of less pain than the pain index (0.61 ± 0.02) of painful claws (n = 130) on lame limbs (n = 192). The results showed that lateral claw pain was related to ipsilateral limb locomotion score and subclinical pain was a relatively common occurrence. Objective measures of pain may provide a more reliable, continuous measure of clinical events used in modeling lameness. Textbook of veterinary anatomy Dyce, K. M., Sack, W. O., Wensing et al Textbook of veterinary anatomy Dyce, K. M., Sack, W. O., Wensing, C. J. G. 1998 Welfare of sheep: Providing for welfare in an extensive environment Dwyer, C. M. Welfare of sheep: Providing for welfare in an extensive environment Dwyer, C. M. Small Ruminant Research 2009 Hydrofluorosis in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in India Dwivedi, S. K. Hydrofluorosis in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in India Dwivedi, S. K. Science of The Total Environment 1997 The concentration of fluoride was determined in water, forage and urine and serum samples of buffaloes from the Unnao district of India. The water and forage samples contained 2.01 +/- 0.51 and 22.50 +/- 0.82 ppm of fluoride, respectively. The analysis of biosamples collected from the affected animals revealed higher levels of fluoride in serum (0.58 +/- 0.05 ppm) and urine (10.64 +/- 1.23 ppm). Clinical examination identified a 40.34% prevalence rate of clinical lesions suggestive of fluorosis in buffalo of this locality. Dental lesions were present invariably in all affected animals whereas lameness, painful bony exostosis and emaciation were recorded in 28.17%, 8.45% and 76.00% of the animals. Based on the clinical lesions and fluoride content in water, serum and urine, it was concluded that the problem of fluorosis in buffalo is attributable to drinking water containing toxic levels of fluoride Dynamic cattle behavioural classification using supervised ensemble classifiers Bishop-Hurley, Greg, Dutta, Ritaban et al Dynamic cattle behavioural classification using supervised ensemble classifiers Bishop-Hurley, Greg, Dutta, Ritaban, Henry, Dave, Hills, James, Rawnsley, Richard, Smith, Daniel, Timms, Greg Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 2015 In this paper various supervised machine learning techniques were applied to classify cattle behaviour patterns recorded using collar systems with 3-axis accelerometer and magnetometer, fitted to individual dairy cows to infer their physical behaviours. Cattle collar data was collected at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) Dairy Research Facility in Tasmania. In the first stage of analysis a novel hybrid unsupervised clustering framework, comprised of probabilistic principal component analysis, Fuzzy C Means, and Self Organizing Map network algorithms was developed and used to study the natural structure of the sensor data. Findings from this unsupervised clustering were used to guide the next stage of supervised machine learning. Five major behaviour classes, namely, Grazing, Ruminating, Resting, Walking, and other behaviour were identified for the classification trials. An ensemble of classifiers approach was used to learn models of cow behaviour using sensor data and ground truth behaviour observations acquired from the field. Ensemble classification using bagging, Random Subspace and AdaBoost methods along with conventional supervised classification methods, namely, Binary Tree, Linear Discriminant Analysis classifier, Naive Bayes classifier, k-Nearest Neighbour classifier, and Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System classifier were compared. The highest average correct classification accuracy of 96% was achieved using the bagging ensemble classification with Tree learner, which had 97% sensitivity, 89% specificity, 89% F1 score and 9% false discovery rate. This study has shown that cattle behaviours can be classified with a high accuracy using supervised machine learning technique. As dairy and beef systems become more intensive, the ability to identify the changes in the behaviours of individual livestock becomes increasingly difficult. Accurate behavioural monitoring through sensors provides a significant potential in providing a mechanism for the early detection and quantitative assessment of animal health issues such a lameness, informing key management events such as the identification of oestrus, or informing changes in supplementary feeding requirements. Culling in Quebec Holstein herds: 2. Study of phenotypic trends in reasons for disposal Cue, R. I., Durr, J. W., Monardes et al Culling in Quebec Holstein herds: 2. Study of phenotypic trends in reasons for disposal Cue, R. I., Durr, J. W., Monardes, H. G., Philpot, J. C. Canadian Journal of Animal Science 1997 1558 080 lactation records were collected from "Programme d'Analyse des Troupeaux Laitiers du Quebec" Holstein cows which calved between November 1979 and March 1995. Differences in culling trends between official milk recorded and owner-sampler herds, between parities and between agricultural regions were compared. Statistical analysis was carried out using a logistic regression model, and the significance of trends was tested by linear contrasts. Involuntary culling increased from 23% in 1981 to 32% in 1994, as opposed to culling for low milk production (voluntary), which decreased from 16% in 1981 to 4.5% in 1994. The increase in involuntary culling was mainly due to increasing trends in culling for reproductive problems, mastitis, and feet and leg problems. Official herds had a greater proportion of cows that were sold and fewer cows culled for mastitis than owner-sampler herds. In official herds the percentage of cows sold tended to increase over time whereas in owner-sampler herds the proportion did not tend to change. A greater proportion of cows were culled for low productivity in the 1st lactation than in later lactations, but all parities showed a descending trend over time. The proportion of cows that were sold decreased with parity number. The proportion of cows culled for all involuntary reasons increased with parity number. All agricultural regions had similar trends for the major reasons for culling over the whole study period. [For Pt. I see pp. 593-600 of the same number of the journal.] Influence of breed and non-genetic effects on the frequency of health disorders in North German dairy herds During, F., Ernst, E. Influence of breed and non-genetic effects on the frequency of health disorders in North German dairy herds During, F., Ernst, E. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics 1989 The influence of herd and cow effects on the incidence of health disorders was analysed for Angeln, German Red Pied (GRP) and German Black Pied (GBP) cows. Herd was the main source of variation for all diseases considered (calving difficulty, retained placenta, sterility, mastitis, milk fever, other metabolic disorders and claw disorders) except for milk fever. 3.4% (retained placenta) to 11.6% (sterility) of total variance was determined by the whole set of effects. Breed significantly influenced the frequency of milk fever (highest for Angeln and lowest for GRP cows) and sterility (highest for GBP and lowest for GRP cows). Lactation number was an important influence for all of the diseases; except for calving difficulties and sterility, the lowest disease incidence was found for cows in 1st and 2nd lactation. Calving month significantly affected the incidences of retained placenta, sterility, mastitis and milk fever. Seasonal trends were only significant for sterility and milk fever. The results indicate that the occurrence of some disorders was influenced by disease history. Age at first calving affected the incidences of sterility and claw disorders, although <0.8% of total variance was associated with this effect. Milk yield influenced the incidences of mastitis and metabolic disorders The frequency of individual methods of treatment for health disorders in north German dairy herds During, F. The frequency of individual methods of treatment for health disorders in north German dairy herds During, F. DTW Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr 1989 Disease data were recorded in 143 north German dairy herds including cows of three breeds: Angler, German Red and White and German Black and White. The following disease complexes were analysed: retained placenta, sterility, mastitis, milk fever and claw disorders. Data recording was performed by the herdsman and included date and type of disease per cow and a note, by whom the medical therapy was conducted (veterinary or herdsman). A comparison of both, therapy performed by veterinary or by herdsman, indicated that 75% of all cases of mastitis, 48% of all claw disorders and 25% of all cases of retained placenta were treated by the herdsman, whereas concerning milk fever and sterility only 10 resp. 8% of all cases were treated by the herdsman. An analysis was performed to investigate which factors of region, farm and herd may be related to the extent, in which disorders are treated by the herdsman. The results indicated that region, housing system, herd size and herd milk (kg) and fat (%) were affecting at least two of the five parameters which were formed to describe the herdsman's willingness to conduct medical therapy himself Sole ulcers in cattle Durgun, T. Sole ulcers in cattle Durgun, T. Saglik Bilimleri Dergisi Veteriner, Firat Universitesi 1998 foot diseasesulcersdisease preventioncattle Comparative Invitro Susceptibility of Bacteroides and Fusobacterium Isolated from Footrot in Sheep to 28 Antimicrobial Agents Duran, S. P., Machota, S. V., Manzano et al Comparative Invitro Susceptibility of Bacteroides and Fusobacterium Isolated from Footrot in Sheep to 28 Antimicrobial Agents Duran, S. P., Machota, S. V., Manzano, J. V., Valera, R. C. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 1991 The agar dilution method was used to determine the bacteriostatic activity of 28 antimicrobial agents against 141 strains to the genus Bacteroides and 29 strains from the genus Fusobacterium. All organisms were isolated from clinical cases of ovine footrot. The strains were isolated from 125 Merino sheep, over a period of 2 years, from January 1987 to December 1988. The three ureidopenicillins studied (azlocillin, mezlocillin and piperacillin) proved to be the most effective antimicrobial agents. Chloramphenicol, metronidazole and tinidazole effectively inhibited the growth of Bacteroides spp., while phosphomycin was active against Fusobacterium spp. Predictive models of lameness in dairy cows achieve high sensitivity and specificity with force measurements in three dimensions Dunthorn, J., Dyer, R. M., McHenry et al Predictive models of lameness in dairy cows achieve high sensitivity and specificity with force measurements in three dimensions Dunthorn, J., Dyer, R. M., McHenry, J. S., Neerchal, N. K., Rajkondawar, P. G., Steingraber, G., Tasch, U. J Dairy Res 2015 Lameness remains a significant cause of production losses, a growing welfare concern and may be a greater economic burden than clinical mastitis . A growing need for accurate, continuous automated detection systems continues because US prevalence of lameness is 12.5% while individual herds may experience prevalence's of 27.8-50.8%. To that end the first force-plate system restricted to the vertical dimension identified lame cows with 85% specificity and 52% sensitivity. These results lead to the hypothesis that addition of transverse and longitudinal dimensions could improve sensitivity of lameness detection. To address the hypothesis we upgraded the original force plate system to measure ground reaction forces (GRFs) across three directions. GRFs and locomotion scores were generated from randomly selected cows and logistic regression was used to develop a model that characterised relationships of locomotion scores to the GRFs. This preliminary study showed 76 variables across 3 dimensions produced a model with greater than 90% sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). The result was a marked improvement on the 52% sensitivity, and 85% specificity previously observed with the 1 dimensional model or the 45% sensitivities reported with visual observations. Validation of model accuracy continues with the goal to finalise accurate automated methods of lameness detection. Contagious ovine digital dermatitis: An emerging disease Angell, J. W., Carter, S. D., Duncan et al Contagious ovine digital dermatitis: An emerging disease Angell, J. W., Carter, S. D., Duncan, J. S., Evans, N.J, Grove-White, D. H., Sullivan, L. E. The Veterinary Journal 2014 The novel sheep disease, contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) was first described in the UK in 1997. The disease is characterised by severe lameness associated with initial inflammation at the coronary band, followed by progressive separation of the hoof capsule from the underlying tissue. On microbiological examination, treponeme bacteria have been frequently isolated from cases of CODD, including treponemes phylogenetically identical to those associated with bovine digital dermatitis (BDD). Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium necrophorum have also been isolated from CODD lesions although their role in the pathogenesis remains uncertain. While epidemiological data indicate that the prevalence of CODD is increasing in the UK, the routes of transmission and associated risk factors have not been clearly elucidated. Evidenced-based treatment trials indicate that parenteral administration of long-acting amoxicillin is an efficacious treatment for CODD, while anecdotal evidence suggests other antibiotics, given locally and/or parenterally, may also be beneficial. Further microbiological and epidemiological research is urgently required to develop sustainable control strategies, including the development of vaccines and appropriate biosecurity and farm management protocols. In this review current knowledge of the clinical, aetiological, and epidemiological aspects of CODD is assessed as well as approaches to its control. Effluent quality and ammonia emissions from out-wintering pads in England, Wales and Ireland Camp, V., Chadwick, D. R., Dumont et al Effluent quality and ammonia emissions from out-wintering pads in England, Wales and Ireland Camp, V., Chadwick, D. R., Dumont, P. A., French, P., Hill, R. A., Misselbrook, T. H., Murray, R., Robinson, J. S., Sagoo, E., Scott, A., Smith, K. A. Agriculture/ Ecosystems & Environment 2012 Unbedded self cleaning sloped floors as alternatives to fully slatted floors for beef cattle housing Boon, C., Collins, E., Dumelow, J. Unbedded self cleaning sloped floors as alternatives to fully slatted floors for beef cattle housing Boon, C., Collins, E., Dumelow, J. A fully slatted beef cattle building was converted so that parts of the slatted areas in some of the pens were replaced with sloped solid concrete floors. This was found to considerably reduce the incidence and severity of lameness, but also resulted in an increase in dirtiness of the cattle Studies On the Frequency of Therapies On Health Disorders in North German Dairy Herds Conducted By the Herdsman Duering, F. Studies On the Frequency of Therapies On Health Disorders in North German Dairy Herds Conducted By the Herdsman Duering, F. Dtw 1989 Disease data were recorded in 143 north German dairy herds including cows of three breeds: Angler, German Red and White and German Black and White. The following disease complexes were analyzed: retained placenta, sterility, mastitis, milk fever and claw disorders. Data recording was performed by the herdsman and included data and type of disease per cow and a note, by whom the medical therapy was conducted (veterinary or herdsman). A comparison of both, therapy performed by veterinary or by herdsman, indicated that 75% of all cases of mastitis, 48% of all claw disorders and 25% of all cases of retained placenta were treated by the herdsman, whereas concerning milk fever and sterility only 10 resp. 8% of all cases were treated by the herdsman. An analysis was performed to investigate which factors of region, farm and herd may be related to the extent, in which disorders are treated by the herdsman. The results indicated that region, housing system, herd size and herd milk (kg) and fat (%) were affecting at least two of the five parameters which were formed to describe the herdsman's willingness to conduct medical therapy himself Stifle injuries in cattle. [Review] [42 refs] Ducharme, N. G. Stifle injuries in cattle. [Review] [42 refs] Ducharme, N. G. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1996 Lameness of the hindlimbs originating from the stifle joint may be difficult to diagnose and treat. This article describes anatomic considerations and the diagnostic procedures necessary to accurately evaluate the bovine stifle joint. The emphasis is toward obtaining a diagnosis based on physical examination and simple diagnostic procedures in field situation. Specific treatments and/or management alternatives for cattle with various ligament injuries (cranial cruciate rupture, collateral ligament injuries), or with luxated patella, upward fixation of the patella, septic arthritis, and subchondral bone cysts are described. Current knowledge of the prognosis after various treatments is presented. [References: 42] Tail Tip Necrosis in Ontario Beef Feedlot Cattle Drolia, H., Luescher, U. A., Meek et al Tail Tip Necrosis in Ontario Beef Feedlot Cattle Drolia, H., Luescher, U. A., Meek, A. H., Wilcock, B. P. Canadian Veterinary Journal-Revue Veterinaire Canadienne 1991 Studies were performed to establish the prevalence and importance of tail tip necrosis in the southern Ontario beef feedlot industry and to characterize the gross appearance and histopathology of the condition. In a mail survey, 96% of 71 feedlots with slatted floors, but only 5% of 184 feedlots with solid floors, reported a problem with tail tip necrosis from 1982-1986. Treatments reported included antibiotics, amputation of the tail (therapeutic or preventive), and slaughter. Lameness was associated with tail tip necrosis. A scoring system for severity of necrosis was developed. Repeated inspections revealed that mild lesions were unlikely to progress to more severe stages. Histological alterations such as perivascular edema and hemorrhage, dermal scarring, follicular atrophy, and paucity of leukocytes were compatible with cutaneous ischemia. Of 441 tails inspected at slaughter plants, 34.5% were affected, with 3.4% involving skin lacerations and infection, and 4.3% amputated before slaughter Freestall Maintenance: Effects on Lying Behavior of Dairy Cattle Drissler, M., Gaworski, M., Tucker et al Freestall Maintenance: Effects on Lying Behavior of Dairy Cattle Drissler, M., Gaworski, M., Tucker, C. B., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2005 In a series of 3 experiments, we documented how sand-bedding depth and distribution changed within freestalls after new bedding was added and the effect of these changes on lying behavior. In experiment 1, we measured changes in bedding depth over a 10-d period at 43 points in 24 freestalls. Change in depth of sand was the greatest the day after new sand was added and decreased over time. Over time, the stall surface became concave, and the deepest part of the stall was at the center. Based on the results of experiment 1, we measured changes in lying behavior when groups of cows had access to freestalls with sand bedding that was 0, 3.5, 5.2, or 6.2 cm at the deepest point, below the curb, while other dimensions remained fixed. We found that daily lying time was 1.15 h shorter in stalls with the lowest levels of bedding compared with stalls filled with bedding. Indeed, for every 1-cm decrease in bedding, cows spent 11 min less time lying down during each 24-h period. In a third experiment, we imposed 4 treatments that reflected the variation in sand depth within stalls: 0, 6.2, 9.9, and 13.7 cm below the curb. Again, lying times reduced with decreasing bedding, such that cows using the stalls with the least amount of bedding (13.7 cm below curb) spent 2.33 h less time per day lying down than when housed with access to freestalls filled with sand (0 cm below curb). Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae-induced septic arthritis in a calf Dreyfuss, D. J., Stephens, P. R. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae-induced septic arthritis in a calf Dreyfuss, D. J., Stephens, P. R. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1990 A 14-week-old Holstein heifer with a 48-hour history of left tarsocrural joint effusion was referred for evaluation when lameness developed 24 hours after needle aspiration was attempted at the farm. Results of synovial fluid analysis were compatible with diagnosis of septic arthritis, and bacteriologic culture of the fluid yielded Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. The calf responded to tarsocrural joint lavage and penicillin G administration Dairy farming – research to solve current problems and exploit future potential Drew, B. Dairy farming – research to solve current problems and exploit future potential Drew, B. Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England 1993 A number of different areas of dairy research in which projects are being carried out in the UK is reported on. Research topics discussed are: herd fertility; mastitis prevention; reduction of lameness; improving dairy cow nutrition; improving the efficiency of milk production by increasing the frequency of milking; genetic improvement; reducing environmental pollution; improving cow welfare; and future research funding and technology transfer The effect of feeding complexed trace minerals to pregravid Holstein heifers on the incidence of prepartum and postpartum claw... Drendel, T. R., Hoffman, P. C., Socha et al The effect of feeding complexed trace minerals to pregravid Holstein heifers on the incidence of prepartum and postpartum claw diseases Drendel, T. R., Hoffman, P. C., Socha, M. T. Journal of Dairy Science 2002 Clinical effect of local antibiotic treatment of digital dermatitis lesions and detection of spirochetes by means of PCR Ames, K., Dopfer, D., Dreher, M., Mumba et al Clinical effect of local antibiotic treatment of digital dermatitis lesions and detection of spirochetes by means of PCR Ames, K., Dopfer, D., Dreher, M., Mumba, T., Plas, M., Sears, P., Smith, R. A., Wadell, M., Zwaagstra, C. The protein content. A good indicator Doumalin, L. The protein content. A good indicator Doumalin, L. Production Laitiere Moderne 1996 Results of a survey carried out by the dairy herd testing authority in the Vendee region of France, covering 60 farms and 2585 cows, indicated that the conception rate at 1st artificial insemination (AI) fell by 3% between 1990 and 1995, to reach 57%, while the average calving interval increased by 10 days to 388 days. Methods of improving the reproductive performance of dairy herds through improvements to feeding, herd management techniques and animal health are discussed. An energy deficit in winter rations can result in a decrease of ›10% in conception rate at AI. The protein content of milk can be used as an indicator of how well the energy requirements of cows are met; if a marked decrease is observed between 1st and 2nd test results, then there is a significant energy deficit. Fertility of cows is known to be significantly reduced whenever there is an imbalance in levels of energy and degradable nitrogen in feeds. It is considered that the majority of farmers should spend more time observing their cows for signs of oestrus or health problems. The more efficient the detection of oestrus in cows, the better the conception rate is likely to be. Insemination should, however, be delayed if cows show any signs of ill-health (including mastitis or lameness). Poor herd management and feeding practices account for about 90% of reproductive disorders, but sanitary problems, when they occur, can have serious and costly effects. Recommendations regarding the optimum timing of AI, depending on the condition of cows, are presented in a table Metabolic osteopathies in intensively fattened young bulls Doubek, J., Dvorak, R., Illek, J. et al Metabolic osteopathies in intensively fattened young bulls Doubek, J., Dvorak, R., Illek, J., Ondracek, J., Scheer, P., Skrivanek, M., Slosarkova, S. Veterinarstvi 1997 Risk assessment of coccidostatics during feed cross-contamination: Animal and human health aspects Anadon, A., Bertelsen, U., Dorne et al Risk assessment of coccidostatics during feed cross-contamination: Animal and human health aspects Anadon, A., Bertelsen, U., Dorne, J. L. C. M., Feil, A., Fernández-Cruz, M. L., Fink-Gremmels, J., Peltonen, K., Renshaw, D. W., Sanders, P., Wester, P. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 2013 Mortellaro’s disease (digital dermatitis) in cattle requires more than just footbaths Dopfler, D. V. Mortellaro’s disease (digital dermatitis) in cattle requires more than just footbaths Dopfler, D. V. Veehouder en Dierenarts 1998 Histological and bacteriological evaluation of digital dermatitis in cattle, with special reference to spirochaetes and... Bosma, R. B., Cornelisse, J. L., Dopfer et al Histological and bacteriological evaluation of digital dermatitis in cattle, with special reference to spirochaetes and Campylobacter faecalis Bosma, R. B., Cornelisse, J. L., Dopfer, D., Klee, W., Koopmans, A., Meijer, F. A., Schukken, Y. H., Szakall, I., terHuurne, Aahm, vanAsten, Ajam Veterinary Record 1997 Tissue samples from the feet of slaughtered cattle exhibiting different stages of digital dermatitis were sectioned and stained with haematoxylin and eosin and silver staining techniques, Three morphological variations of spirochaetes were observed, whereas control samples from feet which were macroscopically negative for digital dermatitis were also negative for spirochaetes, In an immunofluorescence test, Campylobacter faecalis was found to be abundant on superficial wound smears from the classical ulceration of digital dermatitis. The dynamics of digital dermatitis in populations of dairy cattle: Model-based estimates of transition rates and implications for... Boven, Michiel van, Döpfer, Dörte et al The dynamics of digital dermatitis in populations of dairy cattle: Model-based estimates of transition rates and implications for control Boven, Michiel van, Döpfer, Dörte, Holzhauer, Menno The Veterinary Journal 2012 Growth curves and morphology of three Treponema subtypes isolated from digital dermatitis in cattle Anklam, K., Dopfer, D., Ladell, P. et al Growth curves and morphology of three Treponema subtypes isolated from digital dermatitis in cattle Anklam, K., Dopfer, D., Ladell, P., Mikheil, D. The Veterinary Journal 2012 Digital dermatitis (DD) is an infectious claw disease of cattle that causes painful lesions, principally along the coronary band of the claws. In the US alone, the estimated economic impact of DD is estimated to be $190 million. The etiology of DD remains unclear and there is no reliable laboratory test, so DD is most often diagnosed clinically. Spirochetal bacteria of the genera Treponema have been implicated in DD infections following their isolation using culture techniques, serological detection of bovine antibodies against treponemes, and amplification of treponemal 16s DNA sequences by PCR. During in vitro growth of spirochetes and treponemes isolated from DD, morphological changes have been observed indicating the presence of a spiral form and an encysted form. It is not known why encysted forms appear or what role they have in the progression of DD. The current study established growth curves for three subtypes of treponemes, Treponema denticola-like, Treponema phagedenis-like, and Treponema medium-like, while photographically monitoring changes in morphology. In addition to observing spiral and encysted forms, two intermediate forms were also observed. These appeared as either spiral forms with spherical bodies or as enveloped clusters of granules. The observation of encysted forms adds further support to the theory that treponemes causing recurrent infections deep in bovine skin have mechanisms to facilitate persistence and the chronic character of DD. Epidemiological investigations of digital dermatitis on two dairy farms Dopfer, D. Epidemiological investigations of digital dermatitis on two dairy farms Dopfer, D. 1994 Influence of transition diets on occurrence of subclinical laminitis in Holstein dairy cows Donovan, G. A., Risco, C. A., Temple et al Influence of transition diets on occurrence of subclinical laminitis in Holstein dairy cows Donovan, G. A., Risco, C. A., Temple, G. M. D., Tran, T. Q., Van Horn, H. H. Journal of Dairy Science 2004 Pre- and postpartum diets varying in energy and fiber were studied for effects on subclinical laminitis in Holstein cows. Also, ruminal acidosis was examined relative to sole hemorrhages and ulcers. Cows (n = 98) were assigned to a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments in a randomized complete block. Diets high in net energy of lactation (NEL) and low fiber were classified as high NEL, whereas low NEL and higher fiber were defined as low NEL. Two diets were fed for 3 wk before calving and 2 others fed for 3 wk postpartum resulting in 4 treatment combinations: high NEL, low NEL; high NEL, high NEL; low NEL, low NEL; and low NEL, high NEL. Levels of NEL (Mcal/kg DM), percentage of acid detergent fiber, and percentage of neutral detergent fiber for low NEL vs. high NEL prepartum diets, were 1.51, 30.2, 47.2 vs. 1.65, 23.4, 39.8, respectively, and 1.70, 22.4, 36.8 vs. 1.77, 17.5, 31.4 for low NEL vs. high NEL lactating diets, respectively. A single diet was fed after 21 d in milk (DIM). Measures of hoof discoloration, hemorrhage, and/or ulcer formation were done at about 45 d before calving, and near 28 and 70 DIM. Rumenocentesis was performed 14 d before calving and at 8, 22, and 70 DIM. Hoof scores among treatments were similar at 28 DIM. The low NEL, high NEL group had less desirable hoof scores than high NEL, high NEL, or low NEL, low NEL groups from 55 to 75 DIM. Rumen pH did not differ by treatment before calving. The lowest postpartum rumen pH was significantly lower and rates of ruminal acidosis (pH = 5.8) at 8 and 22 DIM were higher for groups fed high NEL after calving. No direct relationship between low postpartum rumen pH and hoof scores on individual cows was found. Low NEL before calving and high NEL right after calving may increase risk of subclinical laminitis if not carefully managed. Molecular typing of a BHV-4 (bovine herpesvirus 4) field isolate Cavirani, S., Donofrio, G., Flammini et al Molecular typing of a BHV-4 (bovine herpesvirus 4) field isolate Cavirani, S., Donofrio, G., Flammini, C., Scatozza, F. Veterinary Research Communications 2000 A new BHV-4 (bovine herpesvirus 4) isolated from a case of bovine interdigital dermatitis was characterized by PCR and restriction enzyme analysis. To determine whether the new isolate (PR/1) belonged to BHV-4, DNA from infected cells was specifically amplified by PCR. We used a set of primers spanning a large 2.571 kb conserved region of the BHV-4 genome, including the 3' end of ORF1 (homologous to the EBV BVRF1 gene), ORF2 (homologous to the EBV BXRF1 gene), ORF3 (TK gene) and ORF4 (gH gene) 5' end, respectively. The identity of the amplified product was confirmed by HindIII restriction enzyme digestion and Southern hybridization. No product was observed from the DNA of other bovine herpesviruses tested. The restriction patterns of the PR/1 genome compared to DN 599, MOVAR 33/63 and LVR BHV-4 reference strains showed two kinds of differences, either related or not related to the prDNA (polyrepetitive DNA). Taken together, these data show that PR/1 is a new BHV-4. We would consider that the present report provides a scheme of work for diagnosis and typing of BHV-4 isolates Comparative efficiency of artificial neural networks and multiple linear regression analysis for prediction of first lactation... Dongre, V. B., Gandhi, R. S., Ruhil et al Comparative efficiency of artificial neural networks and multiple linear regression analysis for prediction of first lactation 305-day milk yield in Sahiwal cattle Dongre, V. B., Gandhi, R. S., Ruhil, A. P., Singh, Avtar Livestock Science 2012 Relationship Between Body Condition Scores and Milk Yield in a Large Dairy Herd of High Yielding Holstein Cows Domecq, J. J., Kaneene, J. B., Lloyd et al Relationship Between Body Condition Scores and Milk Yield in a Large Dairy Herd of High Yielding Holstein Cows Domecq, J. J., Kaneene, J. B., Lloyd, J. W., Skidmore, A. L. Journal of Dairy Science 1997 This study investigated the relationship between body condition and milk yield of dairy cows. Holstein cows (n = 779) on a commercial dairy farm were scored for body condition weekly beginning at dry-off and continuing until 120 d of lactation. Multiple linear regression and principal component analysis were used to characterize relationships. Mean body condition scores were 2.77 and 2.66 at dry-off and parturition, respectively. Principal component analysis was used to reduce the collinearity among independent variables, to calculate new parameter estimates, and to rank the relationship of each variable with milk yield. Results indicated that change in body condition during the dry period was ranked first, followed by lactation number, and then body condition score at dry-off for multiparous cows. A one-point increase in body condition score between dry-off and parturition was associated with 545.5 kg more milk in the first 120 d of lactation. Each additional point of body condition at dry-off was associated with 300 kg less milk at 120 d of lactation. Results suggested that cows that gained condition during the dry period yielded more milk in the first 120 d of lactation and had an accelerated rate of increase in milk yield. The results of this study indicate that body condition score is an important tool for monitoring dairy herds. New aspects in the pathogenesis of abomasal displacement Doll, Klaus, Seeger, Torsten, Sickinger et al New aspects in the pathogenesis of abomasal displacement Doll, Klaus, Seeger, Torsten, Sickinger, Marlene The Veterinary Journal 2009 [Clinical picture and differential diagnosis of foot and mouth disease in cattle] Doll, K. [Clinical picture and differential diagnosis of foot and mouth disease in cattle] Doll, K. Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr 2001 Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cattle is characterized by the formation of vesicles and erosions in the mouth, teats and feet. Despite extremely high morbidity, mortality in adults is usually very low, however up to 50% of calves dies due to cardiac involvement or secondary infections. This paper describes the signs of FMD in cattle as well as those of other diseases which causes similar lesions in this species A meta-analysis review of the effects of recombinant bovine somatotropin 2. Effects on animal health, reproductive performance,... DesCoteaux, L., Dohoo, I. R., Dowling et al A meta-analysis review of the effects of recombinant bovine somatotropin 2. Effects on animal health, reproductive performance, and culling DesCoteaux, L., Dohoo, I. R., Dowling, P., Fredeen, A., Leslie, K., Preston, A., Shewfelt, W. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research-Revue Canadienne De Recherche Veterinaire 2003 This manuscript presents the results of a review of the effects of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) on dairy cattle health, reproductive performance, and culling, that was carried out by an expert panel established by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). The panel was established by the CVMA in response to a request from Health Canada in 1998 and their report was made public in 1999. A series of meta-analyses was used to combine data on health-related parameters that were extracted from all randomized clinical trials that had been published in peer-reviewed journals or which were provided by Health Canada from the submission by Monsanto for registration of rBST in Canada. A companion paper (1) presents the estimates of the effect of the drug on production parameters. Recombinant bovine somatotropin was found to increase the risk of clinical mastitis by approximately 25% during the treatment period but there was insufficient data to draw firm conclusions about the effects of the drug on the prevalence of subclinical intra-mammary infections. Use of rBST increased the risk of a cow failing to conceive by approximately 40%. For cows which did conceive, there was no effect on services per conception and only a small increase in average days open (5 days). Use of the drug had no effect on gestation length, but the information about a possible effect on the risk of twinning was equivocal. Cows treated with rBST had an estimated 55% increase in the risk of developing clinical signs of lameness. Few studies reported data on culling, but based on those that did, there appeared to be an increase risk of culling evident in multiparous cows. Use of the drug in 1 lactation period appeared to reduce the risk of metabolic diseases (particularly ketosis) in the early period of the subsequent lactation. Comparison of energy expenditure, eating pattern and physical activity of grazing and zero-grazing dairy cows at different time... Bruckmaier, R. M., Dohme-Meier, F. et al Comparison of energy expenditure, eating pattern and physical activity of grazing and zero-grazing dairy cows at different time points during lactation Bruckmaier, R. M., Dohme-Meier, F., Görs, S., Junghans, P., Kaufmann, L. D., Metges, C. C., Münger, A., van Dorland, H. A. Livestock Science 2014 Severe foot lameness in cattle associated with invasive spirochaetes Bassett, H. F., Doherty, M. L., Healy et al Severe foot lameness in cattle associated with invasive spirochaetes Bassett, H. F., Doherty, M. L., Healy, A. M., Markey, B., Sammin, D. Irish Veterinary Journal 1998 One hundred (25%) of 400 cattle on a feedlot unit were affected with a sudden-onset lameness over a period of six weeks. The condition was seen in bulls, heifers and bullocks. Typically, one or two cattle in a pen of 20 presented with severe lameness; within 72 hours up to half of the cattle in the pen were similarly affected. The first eases to occur were treated with topical and systemic oxytetracyclines, tylosin and penicillin and streptomycin. However, the response to treatment was poor and, because of rapid weight loss, a decision was made to cull all affected cattle as they presented. The condition in any particular animal usually involved a single limb, either fore or hind, and affected animals exhibited a marked reluctance to bear weight on the limb involved. There was swelling of the coronary band, fissuring of the interdigital skin and development of granulation tissue within the fissures. Spirochaetes were demonstrated on examination of direct smears made from the lesions and Bacteroides melaninogenicus (prevotella melaninogenica) was isolated on cultural examination. The histopathological characteristics associated with the condition included a widespread keratinocyte degeneration within which were present variably-sized bright eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies. Ultrastructural examination of these inclusions suggested that they consisted of amorphous intracytoplasmic debris; viral particles could not be identified. Attempts to demonstrate virus on electron microscopic examination of negatively-stained preparations made from lesions and attempts to culture virus from all lesions were unsuccessful. However, numerous spirochaetes were present within the cytoplasm of affected keratinocytes; a role for these organisms in the aetiology of this condition seems likely. Workshop report about the documentation of claw diseases Bersten, C., Burgi, C., Doepfer, D. et al Workshop report about the documentation of claw diseases Bersten, C., Burgi, C., Doepfer, D., Willeman, M. A. Summary about research activites concerning (Papillomatous) digital dermatitis in cattle published or developed since 1998 Doepfer, D. Summary about research activites concerning (Papillomatous) digital dermatitis in cattle published or developed since 1998 Doepfer, D. Farmers’ and advisers’ representations of animals and animal welfare Dockès, A. C., Kling-Eveillard, F. Farmers’ and advisers’ representations of animals and animal welfare Dockès, A. C., Kling-Eveillard, F. Livestock Science 2006 Is stress really all that important? Dobson, H., Smith, R. F., Tebble, J. E. et al Is stress really all that important? Dobson, H., Smith, R. F., Tebble, J. E., Ward, W.R. Theriogenology 2001 There is growing concern in many parts of the world that fertility of dairy cattle is reducing as milk yields increase. Stress could be one important cause. As an example, fertility is lower after caesarian operations. Delayed uterine involution after dystocia is associated with abnormal ovarian cyclicity and prolonged intervals to the next pregnancy. There is a greater reduction in fertility as the clinical conditions of lameness, milk fever or mastitis worsen. Changes in social groupings greatly increase the number of inseminations required per pregnancy. Transport reduces the number of CL after superovulation, and can interfere with pregnancy rates after estrous synchronization. Embryos collected from heat-stressed donors are less viable and have delayed trophoblast function. Human-animal interactions influence stress-responses in cattle--the behavior of stockman and embryo transfer personnel could affect success. Putting aside financial aspects, exposure of an animal to avoidable stress compromises welfare, whether application of biotechnology is involved or not. The fact that stressors can be deleterious to such an important function as reproduction, emphasizes that stress is very important and should be minimized whenever possible What is stress, and how does it affect reproduction? Dobson, H., Smith, R. F. What is stress, and how does it affect reproduction? Dobson, H., Smith, R. F. Animal Reproduction Science 2000 What is stress, and how does it affect reproduction?. [Review] [19 refs] Dobson, H. What is stress, and how does it affect reproduction?. [Review] [19 refs] Dobson, H. Animal Reproduction Science 2000 Stress is revealed by the inability of an animal to cope with its environment, a phenomenon that is often reflected in a failure to achieve genetic potential. Field data from dairy cows show that stressors such as milk fever or lameness increase the calving to conception interval by 13-14 days, and an extra 0.5 inseminations are required per conception. We suggest that a variety of endocrine regulatory points exist whereby stress limits the efficiency of reproduction. Transport produces an immediate constant increase in arginine vasopressin (AVP) and corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) secretion in ewes, but adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) reaches a maximum in the first hour while cortisol is highest during the second hour. In contrast, after an insulin injection, the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) response is delayed occurring only after glucose decreases below a threshold. Changes in AVP, CRH and ACTH each follow a similar time course, but eventually the secretion of AVP and CRH decreases while glucose is still at a nadir. Negative feedback effects appear to operate mainly at the pituitary level during transport but at the hypothalamus during hypoglycaemia. We also have endocrine evidence to show that stressors interfere with precise timings of reproductive hormone release within the follicular phase. Transport, or insulin, reduce the frequency and amplitude of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and LH pulses, suggesting that these stressors exert effects at the hypothalamus or higher centres in the brain. Both stressors also delay the onset of the luteinising hormone (LH) surge. Preliminary results suggest that opioids mediate these effects but progesterone/glucocorticoid receptors are not involved because the antagonist, RU486, is unable to reverse insulin-induced delays in the LH surge. There is also evidence to support effects at pituitary level because exogenous ACTH, or transport, reduce the amount of LH released by challenges with GnRH. The reduction in endogenous GnRH/LH secretion ultimately deprives the ovarian follicle of adequate gonadotrophin support leading to reduced oestradiol production by slower growing follicles. Thus, there is a level of interference by stressors at the ovary. Reproduction is such an important physiological system that animals have to ensure that they can respond to their surroundings; thus, it is advantageous to have several protein mechanisms, i.e. at higher brain, hypothalamus, pituitary and target gland levels. However, when pushed too far, subfertility occurs. [References: 19] Preliminary investigations into the endocrine systems of subfertile cattle: location of a common lesion (rate-limiting step) Dobson, H. Preliminary investigations into the endocrine systems of subfertile cattle: location of a common lesion (rate-limiting step) Dobson, H. Journal of Endocrinology 1987 Dairy cows with a variety of clinical conditions were investigated in an attempt to identify the cause(s) of subfertility. Sequential or simultaneous injections of 20 micrograms gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), 1 mg oestradiol benzoate and 0.06 mg ACTH(1-24) into five clinical cases of ovarian follicular cysts, two cases of poor body condition and one case of lameness and into control cows revealed a failure in the LH positive-feedback response to oestradiol in all eight clinical cases, but in only two out of twelve control cows. Two of the clinical cases and the two non-responding control cows had high or rising initial progesterone concentrations which would explain the absence of response. All cows studied responded similarly to GnRH and ACTH(1-24). It is suggested that hypothalamus-pituitary control of LH release may involve a rate-limiting step (in the oestradiol positive-feedback system) and that lesions at this point result in subfertility in a variety of clinical situations The Influence of Biotin Supplementation on the Confirmation, Hardness and Health of Claws of Dairy-Cows Distl, O., Schmid, D. The Influence of Biotin Supplementation on the Confirmation, Hardness and Health of Claws of Dairy-Cows Distl, O., Schmid, D. Tierarztliche Umschau 1994 The effect of biotin supplementation on the hoof conformation, hardness and health in dairy cows Distl, O., Schmid, D. The effect of biotin supplementation on the hoof conformation, hardness and health in dairy cows Distl, O., Schmid, D. Tierarztliche Umschau 1994 The influence of a daily dietary supplementation of 20 mg biotin/cow on the claw conformation, its hardness and diseases was examined in 28 German black pied dairy cows and 28 control animals of similar age distribution and claw status over 11-month trial period. The conformation of one fore limb claw and one rear limb claw was recorded at 2 months intervals. All claws were examined for disease and the sum of the severity scores was used in the analyses. Plasma biotin concentrations were determined in both groups every 3 months. The effect of cow within the treatment group was significant for all claw conformations, claw horn hardness and a proportion of the claw diseases. Changes in claw conformation associated with elevated plasma biotin concentrations were angle of the dorsal border, length of the dorsal border, length and height of heel and length of the diagonal and ground surface. The angle of the dorsal border became steeper and the height of the heel, the length of the diagonal and size of the ground surface increased. The biotin supplemented cows exhibited in the majority of replicated measurements a greater claw horn hardness, of the lateral wall. A positive effect of biotin supplementation was also observed on incidence and severity of interdigital dermatitis, sole contusions at the Rusterholz and other locations, except around the white line. The results indicated that biotin supplementation resulted in a reduced incidence of sole ulceration and heel erosion. Experimental data are shown in 9 detailed tables Systematic supervision of claw health in permanently housed cows Distl, O., Schmid, D. Systematic supervision of claw health in permanently housed cows Distl, O., Schmid, D. Tierarztliche Praxis 1993 Computerized Analysis of Pedobarometric Forces in Cattle At the Ground Surface-Floor Interface Distl, O., Mair, A. Computerized Analysis of Pedobarometric Forces in Cattle At the Ground Surface-Floor Interface Distl, O., Mair, A. Comput Electron Agric 1993 A computerized measuring device based on capacity sensors was developed to record forces as the ground surface/floor interface of cattle. Image analysis programmes were implemented on a microcomputer to specify characteristic values for pressure distributions underneath claws. The pressure distributions can be averaged, transformed into an uniform coordinate system, and split up into four sectors and four central zones by the programmes developed. For these partial areas of the pressure distribution footprint area, average and maximum pressure with its coordinates can be computed. Seven different claw quality factors allow the detailed characterization of pressure distributions. The newly developed measuring device was applied in five 1st-and five 2nd-lactation cows of the breed German Black and White. The average force per cm2 was about 19 N, the maximum force recorded was 59 N/cm2 in 1st- lactating cows and 56 N/cm2 in 2nd-lactating cows. Out of the factors developed the gradient factor seems to be useful to recognize inhomogeneous pressure distributions Breeding for soundness of feet and legs in dairy cattle Distl, O. Breeding for soundness of feet and legs in dairy cattle Distl, O. Zuchtungskunde 1999 Culling due to claw and leg problems has reached in the meantime nearly the same importance as culling due to mastitis and udder health. Investigations in different European countries concluded that more than 50% of all cows are suffering from foot and leg problems. Breeding for foot and leg soundness has to focus on claws because most lameness problems arise from there. To be effective, judgements of legs and locomotion in young cows and bulls as well as claw measures in young bulls should be used as selection criteria for young bulls, sires of sons and bull dams. Claw measures can be recorded very accurately cheaply, and the heritabilities are high enough to achieve a substantial genetic response. The indirect selection pathway via the German Fleckvieh young bull could be shown as useful to introduce claw measures into a breeding programme. The genetic correlations between claw measures of German Fleckvieh young bulls and their daughters proved to be high enough for an effective indirect selection on soundness of feet and legs in future cows. Selection in young bulls has to be based on claw measures, hardness of claw horn and careful judgements of legs weighted according to their relative value for disease resistance and longevity of future progeny. The same strategy of selection for soundness of feet and legs can also be employed in young bulls of the breed German Holsteins as shown by the results obtained. The analysis of the relationships among claw measures of young bulls and functional productive life shows that female relatives survive longer as the size of claws increases. Further investigations should analyse the correlations between claw traits of young bulls and diseases of legs and claws of cows. Selection on the basis of body conformation traits Distl, O. Selection on the basis of body conformation traits Distl, O. KB Mitteilungen 1996 The relationship between hoof measurements and limb disorders and the lifetime production of dairy cows is discussed on the basis of international research. The heritabilities of hoof measurements are between 0.20 and 0.50, and it is suggested that selection of bulls for hoof measurements and gait would result in a decrease in the culling rate of their daughters Improvements in the health of cattle through the genetic selection of traits related to the feet and legs Distl, O. Improvements in the health of cattle through the genetic selection of traits related to the feet and legs Distl, O. Tierarztliche Umschau 1996 The percentage of cows culled because of claw and foot problems is now similar to that due to mastitis and other under related problems. Analysis of the data from the officially recorded dairy herds in Bavaria revealed that no other conditions were responsible for an increase in the culling rate compared with foot and leg problems; these were mainly localised in claws. Investigations in a number of European countries indicate that 50 per cent of all cows are suffering from foot and leg problems. Genetic selection for foot and leg soundness needs to focus on claws. This requires that the clinical assessment of locomotion in young cows and bulls, in addition to measurements of claws of young bulls, should be used as selection criteria for young bulls. Measurements of claws can be made with great accuracy, and cheaply, and the heritabilities are sufficiently great to produce a substantial effect. The genetic correlations between the measurements of claws of young bulls and their daughters were sufficiently great to produce an effective, indirect selection for an improvement in the soundness of feet and legs in future generations. The measurements of claws includes the hardness of the horn as well as careful clinical assessment of the legs with respect to disease resistance and the longevity of progeny. This strategy for selection should be used for the selection of bull dams and cows, from the analysis of paternal half sib information. Future developments in the prediction of genetic predisposition to disease of the claw are aimed at measuring ground surface floor interactions Improving the health of cattle by selection for sound limbs Distl, O. Improving the health of cattle by selection for sound limbs Distl, O. Tierarztliche Umschau 1996 Increased occurrence of disorders of the feet and limbs indicated that attention should be paid to soundness in selecting breeding animals. Measurements of claws and of the hardness of claw horn, with assessment of limb posture, provided a basis for selection. Data are provided for economic losses attributable to lameness, the heritability of abnormal claws and limbs, and the heritability and reliability of claw measurements Genetic improvement of traits of feet and legs as well as claw soundness in cattle Distl, O. Genetic improvement of traits of feet and legs as well as claw soundness in cattle Distl, O. Zuchtungskunde 1995 Culling due to claw and leg problems has reached in the meantime nearly the same importance as culling due to mastitis and udder health. Foot and leg problems are now after infertility one of the major reasons for involuntary culling of cows. According to the reports of the official milk recording organization in Bavaria no other culling frequency increased so steadily and constantly as the culling due to feet and legs. Since 1980 the culling rate due to feet and legs was doubled. Feet and leg problems are mainly localized in claws. Investigations in different European countries concluded that more than 50 % of all cows are suffering from foot and leg problems. Breeding for foot and leg soundness has to focus on claws because most lameness problems arise from there. To be effective,judgements of legs and locomotion in young cows and bulls as well as claw measures in young bulls should be used as selection criteria for young bulls, bull sires and bull dams. Claw measures can be recorded very accurately, cheaply, and the heritabilities are high enough to achieve a substantial genetic response. The indirect selection pathway via the young bull should be used to introduce claw measures into a breeding programme. The genetic correlations between claw measures of young bulls and their daughters proved to be high enough for an effective indirect selection on soundness of feet and legs in future cows. Selection in young bulls has to be based on claw measures, hardness of claw horn and careful judgements of legs weighted according to their relative value for disease resistance and longevity of future progeny. The same strategy of selection for soundness of feet and legs should be employed for the selection of bull dams and cows by using the information of young bulls as paternal half sibs. Further developments to predict the genetic predisposition to claw diseases for young animals aim at measuring the forces at the ground surface floor interaction. However, more work is needed to be used in selection of young animals. [Systematic control of claw health in cows raised in loose housing systems for the total year]. [German] Distl, O. [Systematic control of claw health in cows raised in loose housing systems for the total year]. [German] Distl, O. Tierarztliche Praxis - Supplement 1993 Claw health was systematically checked and recorded in the dairy herd of the experimental and teaching unit at Oberschleissheim. The project started in March 1988 and ended in July 1989. In total 158 dairy cows and 50 heifers of the breeds German Black and White as well as German Simmental were examined for claw health at intervals of six weeks. Heel erosion was diagnosed most frequently, followed by interdigital dermatitis and contusion of the sole. Contusions and ulcerations of the sole were located especially in the claws of the hindleg. More than 90 percent of lameness occurred in the hindleg. Frequency and severity of claw disorders were reduced significantly over the 1.5 year period of systematic veterinary supervision of claw health. Thirty percent of dairy cows were diagnosed as having not any claw disorder at the end of the investigation period. The percentage of dairy cows without any claw disorder was increased by 5-10 percent. Cows of the breed German Simmental in their first lactation were a high risk group for contusions of the sole. The repeatability of the claw measurements of angle of the dorsal wall, length of the dorsal wall and of the heel, height of the heel, diagonal length of the claw and ground surface was usually 0.5 and higher. For the claw disorders heel erosion, interdigital hyperplasia and in part contusions of the sole, fairly high correlations were estimated between heifers and cows as well as between consecutive lactations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Locomotor apparatus ber,, Dirksen, G., Gru et al Locomotor apparatus ber,, Dirksen, G., Gru, G. Dirksen H. D., nder,, Sto, M., um, Die klinische Untersuchung des Rindes 1990 Faults of housing and management as cause of claw and leg diseases in cattle: Excessive abrasion of the claws after rebuilding of... Dirksen, G. Faults of housing and management as cause of claw and leg diseases in cattle: Excessive abrasion of the claws after rebuilding of a tie stall into loose housing with cubicles and a partially concrete floor Dirksen, G. Praktische Tierarzt 1997 A tie stall with metal slatted grates (above the manure channel) was converted to loose housing with cubicles, the central walk area with solid concrete floor and the peripheral walk ways with concrete slatted floor. The herd of 38 diary cows was moved to the free stall and thereafter - that is during the following six weeks - eight cows had to be slaughtered for severe hoof diseases. The farmer was convinced, that the hoof lesions were caused by the scraper cleaning the solid concrete area. - The hooves of a cow just going to be slaughtered show intensive abrasion of the sole, the white line and the bearing border of the wall in the apical part, Alterations of the same type show the hooves of further two slaughtered cows. Several hooves show deep defects of the apical sole including the dermis and deeper structures. The solid concrete floor has a comparatively rough surface, however, also the surface of the concrete slats is rough and their edges are uneven. A metal plate of the installations is fixed on the floor with projecting screws and has sharp edges. - The abrasion of the hooves mainly can be attributed to the rough surface of the solid concrete floor. Furthermore, a high locomotor activity as well as an unsufficient prophylaxis may have played a role Faults of housing and management as cause of claw and leg diseases in cattle .4. An extreme metal grate and further faults of... Dirksen, G. Faults of housing and management as cause of claw and leg diseases in cattle .4. An extreme metal grate and further faults of housing systems and management on a dairy farm Dirksen, G. Praktische Tierarzt 1997 In a Holstein-Friesian herd one cow and four heifers showed ''inflammations of the limbs'' within three months. In the heifers, the disease began after they were moved prepartum from a free stall with slatted floor to the stanchion barn with a short standing. Three heifers had to be slaughtered; the cow, suffering from complicated deep sole ulcers in the hind limbs, ascending phlegmona and acute bilateral tarsitis had to be euthanasized. The examination of the herd revealed: the hooves of several cows showed deep grooves in the sole, some had defects of the horn along the distal border of the wall, individual cows had a hygroma of the digital tendon sheath of the flexor tendons, some animals stood with the hind limbs under the body and showed increased abdominal respiration; some showed alopecia and induration of the skin on the withers. Faults of the housing system: tethering by a stiff iron neck frame positioned too low, too short standings for the large cows, a high step from the standing to the grate above the dung channel, the grate was constructed by iron rails with sharp edges and a width of about 10 mm. The observed diseases are due to the faulty husbandry Housing faults as a cause of diseases of the bovine foot and leg. II. Faulty construction of the metal grate in a dairy herd Dirksen, G. Housing faults as a cause of diseases of the bovine foot and leg. II. Faulty construction of the metal grate in a dairy herd Dirksen, G. Praktische Tierarzt 1996 Plasma concentrations of PGFM and uterine and ovarian responses in early lactation dairy cows fed omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids Adib Hashemi, F., Ansari Pirsaraei, Z. et al Plasma concentrations of PGFM and uterine and ovarian responses in early lactation dairy cows fed omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids Adib Hashemi, F., Ansari Pirsaraei, Z., Dirandeh, E., Ganjkhanlou, M., Petit, H. V., Rezaei Roodbari, A., Saberifar, T., Towhidi, A., Zeinoaldini, S. Theriogenology 2013 Effects of behaviour on the development of claw lesions in early lactation dairy cows Dippel, Sabine, Tucker, Cassandra B. et al Effects of behaviour on the development of claw lesions in early lactation dairy cows Dippel, Sabine, Tucker, Cassandra B., Weary, Daniel M., Winckler, Christoph Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2011 Risk factors for lameness in cubicle housed Austrian Simmental dairy cows Brenninkmeyer, Christine, Brinkmann et al Risk factors for lameness in cubicle housed Austrian Simmental dairy cows Brenninkmeyer, Christine, Brinkmann, Jan, Dippel, Sabine, Dolezal, Marlies, Knierim, Ute, March, Solveig, Winckler, Christoph Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2009 Risk factors for lameness in freestall-housed dairy cows across two breeds, farming systems, and countries Brenninkmeyer, C., Brinkmann, J. et al Risk factors for lameness in freestall-housed dairy cows across two breeds, farming systems, and countries Brenninkmeyer, C., Brinkmann, J., Dippel, S., Dolezal, M., Knierim, U., March, S., Winckler, C. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Hip dislocation in calves: A new approach for correction by closed method Amma, T. Sarada, Dinesh, P. T., Nayar et al Hip dislocation in calves: A new approach for correction by closed method Amma, T. Sarada, Dinesh, P. T., Nayar, K. N. M., Nayar, S. Ravindran Indian Journal of Veterinary Surgery 2000 The study was undertaken to evolve a suitable technique which can be adopted under field conditions for the management of coxofemoral luxations in calves. In six male crossbred calves, coxofemoral luxation was induced under anaesthesia. After closed reduction, immobilisation was effected by the fixation of two Steinmann pins at the greater trochanter, one through the wing of ilium and the other through tuber ischii and connecting the exposed ends by an external connecting assembly. All the animals were able to support weight at rest by 5th day. Lameness during progression disappeared once the fixation assembly was removed. Radiographic studies showed normal alignment of femoral head in acetabulum in all the animals. The technique of closed reduction along with external fixation was found satisfactory for reduction and immobilization of coxofemoral luxation in calves Origin of contusion of the sole in cattle Dietz, O., Heyden, H. Origin of contusion of the sole in cattle Dietz, O., Heyden, H. Monatshefte fur Veterinarmedizin 1990 There is a U-shaped pad of fat in contact with the dermis of the sole, which plays a part in claw movements during walking, demonstrated by measurements of force exerted on components of isolated feet. Faults in flooring and incorrect sole paring could expose the pad of fat to contusion Mortarello – a very unpleasant claw disease found in many dairy herds Dieckhoff, H. J. Mortarello – a very unpleasant claw disease found in many dairy herds Dieckhoff, H. J. Milch Praxis 1993 An automated walk-over weighing system as a tool for measuring liveweight change in lactating dairy cows Anderson, G. A., Beggs, D. S. et al An automated walk-over weighing system as a tool for measuring liveweight change in lactating dairy cows Anderson, G. A., Beggs, D. S., Blackwood, C. B., Dickinson, R. A., Mansell, P. D., Morton, J. M., Pyman, M. F. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Factors associated with the presence and prevalence of contagious ovine digital dermatitis: A 2013 study of 1136 random English... Clark, Corinna C. A., Dickins, Alan et al Factors associated with the presence and prevalence of contagious ovine digital dermatitis: A 2013 study of 1136 random English sheep flocks Clark, Corinna C. A., Dickins, Alan, Ferguson, Eamonn, Green, Laura E., Kaler, Jasmeet, O’Kane, Holly Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2016 In 2013, a questionnaire was used to gather data on risks for introduction, and factors associated with prevalence, of contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD). There were 1136 (28.4%) usable responses from 4000 randomly selected sheep farmers in England. CODD was present in 58% (662) of flocks, with a reported prevalence of CODD lesions of 2.3%. The geometric mean period prevalence of all lameness was 4.2% and 2.8% in CODD positive and negative flocks respectively. Factors associated with a greater risk of presence of CODD were purchasing replacement ewes, not always checking the feet of sheep before purchase, not isolating purchased sheep, foot bathing returning ewes, foot trimming the flock more than twice in the year all compared with not doing these activities and increasing log10 flock size. Farmers who vaccinated sheep with Footvax™ were less likely to report presence of CODD. Factors associated with increasing prevalence of CODD lesions were not always checking the feet of purchased sheep, flocks that mixed with other flocks and sheep that left the farm for summer grazing and later returned. In addition, flocks where farmers followed the current recommended managements for control of footrot, had a lower prevalence of CODD whilst those who used foot bathing and where feet bled during routine foot trimming had a higher prevalence of CODD. The prevalence of CODD decreased with each log10 increase in flock size. We conclude that CODD is an infectious cause of lameness in sheep of increasing importance in GB. Introduction is linked to poor biosecurity with one likely source of the pathogen being introduction of or mixing with infected sheep. As with footrot, prevalence of CODD was lower in flocks where farmers focused on individual treatment to manage lameness and avoided foot bathing and trimming feet. We conclude that most of the currently recommended biosecurity and treatment approaches to control footrot in GB are also effective for control of CODD. Antiviral activity of bovine type III interferon against foot-and-mouth disease virus de los Santos, Teresa et al Antiviral activity of bovine type III interferon against foot-and-mouth disease virus de los Santos, Teresa, Díaz-San Segundo, Fayna, Grubman, Marvin J., Koster, Marla J., Perez-Martín, Eva, Weiss, Marcelo, Zhu, James Virology 2011 Comparative study of the commonly used virulence tests for laboratory diagnosis of ovine footrot caused by Dichelobacter nodosus... Dhand, Navneet K., Dhungyel, Om P. et al Comparative study of the commonly used virulence tests for laboratory diagnosis of ovine footrot caused by Dichelobacter nodosus in Australia Dhand, Navneet K., Dhungyel, Om P., Hill, Ashley E., Whittington, Richard J. Veterinary Microbiology 2013 Outbreak-specific monovalent/bivalent vaccination to control and eradicate virulent ovine footrot Dhungyel, Om, Eppleston, Jeff, Ewers et al Outbreak-specific monovalent/bivalent vaccination to control and eradicate virulent ovine footrot Dhungyel, Om, Eppleston, Jeff, Ewers, Andrew, Lehmann, Deb, Nilon, Paul, Schiller, Natalie, Whittington, Richard Vaccine 2013 Bovine digital dermatitis and severe virulent ovine foot rot: A common spirochaetal pathogenesis Carter, S. D., Davies, I. H., Demirkan et al Bovine digital dermatitis and severe virulent ovine foot rot: A common spirochaetal pathogenesis Carter, S. D., Davies, I. H., Demirkan, I., Dhawi, A., Hart, C.A. Veterinary Journal 2005 A potential pathological role for spirochaetes in bovine digital dermatitis (bovine DD) and severe virulent ovine foot rot (SVOFR) has been considered and a treponeme isolate obtained from each disease in the UK. In this work, we have investigated the hypothesis that the two diseases may have a shared (common) spirochaetal aetiology. Experiments were designed to identify serological similarities and differences between the two spirochaetes; an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to detect anti-treponeme antibodies in the sera of cows and sheep against the two-treponeme isolates. Sera were further tested for antigen reactivity by Western blotting. Cattle and sheep with bovine DD and SVOFR, respectively, had increased seropositivity rates to both treponeme isolates, with different patterns of reactivity between farms. In some cattle herds, significant correlations were shown between antibodies to bovine DD treponemes and SVOFR treponernes (P < 0.001). In other herds, there was no apparent cross reaction, suggesting the presence of more than one treponeme in bovine DD on some farms. There was no significant correlation between the two treponeme isolates when ELISA-tested against 58 sheep sera from SVOFR cases (P > 0.05); sheep showed strong evidence of reactivity to one or the other treponeme antigens, but never to both. Western blotting against both treponeme antigens showed that they frequently displayed different antigen epitopes, although some minor bands were common to both organisms. The data suggest that there are a number of spirochaetes in UK farms, which could be involved in the pathogenesis of either bovine DD or SVOFR. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Transit-related lameness in a group of Jersey heifers Dewes, H. F. Transit-related lameness in a group of Jersey heifers Dewes, H. F. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 1979 Some aspects of lameness in dairy herds Dewes, H. F. Some aspects of lameness in dairy herds Dewes, H. F. New Zealand Veterinary Journal Measuring the Feeding Behavior of Lactating Dairy Cows in Early to Peak Lactation Beauchemin, K. A., DeVries, T. J. et al Measuring the Feeding Behavior of Lactating Dairy Cows in Early to Peak Lactation Beauchemin, K. A., DeVries, T. J., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2003 The objectives of this study were to: 1) objectively define meal criteria (minimum interval between meals) of free-stall housed cows fed via a feed alley, 2) determine which measures of feeding behavior were most repeatable, and 3) describe changes in the feeding behavior from early to peak lactation. An electronic monitoring system was used to record individual cow presence (hits; 6-s resolution) at the feed alley for 21 lactating cows for three 8-d periods: period 1, 35 {+/-} 16 (mean {+/-} SD), period 2, 57 {+/-} 16, and period 3, 94 {+/-} 16 DIM. A mixture distribution model was used to calculate the meal criterion (27.74 min) by fitting the log10 frequency distribution of the intervals between hits. The within-cow repeatability was highest for feeding activity (hits d-1) and intensity (hits per meal min), moderate for total daily mealtime (min d-1) and meal duration (min meal-1), and lowest for meal frequency (meals d-1). From periods 1 to 2, all cows showed increases in total daily mealtime, meal frequency, and meal duration; however, cows with lower meal frequencies and feeding intensity in period 1 showed the greatest increases. Cows with high feeding activity and intensity during period 2 showed proportionally greater increases during period 3. These results illustrate that some measures of feeding behavior are highly repeatable within cows, but variable between cows and across stages of lactation. Thus, tests of treatment effects on feeding behavior should be within cow and control for days in milk. Technical Note: Validation of a System for Monitoring Feeding Behavior of Dairy Cows Beauchemin, K. A., DeVries, T. J. et al Technical Note: Validation of a System for Monitoring Feeding Behavior of Dairy Cows Beauchemin, K. A., DeVries, T. J., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2003 An electronic system has been designed that allows for passive monitoring of feeding behavior of individual cows housed in a free-stall barn. The objective of this study was to validate the data generated by this GrowSafe feed alley monitoring system. Twelve lactating cows were each monitored for 24 h using both the GrowSafe system and time-lapse video. The GrowSafe estimation of number of meals consumed by each cow showed perfect agreement with meal frequency identified using the video recordings. The duration of these meals, as estimated by GrowSafe, was highly correlated with the meal duration derived from the video (R2 = 0.98). Despite the excellent agreement for these meal-based measures, for each cow we found some instances in which the video showed that a cow was present at the feed alley but GrowSafe failed to detect cow presence (12.6% of observations) and a few instances in which the reverse was true (3.5% of observations). However, all the missed or extraneous data from the GrowSafe system were closely associated in time with known periods of feeding. These results indicate that this feed alley monitoring system can provide very good measures of meal frequency and meal duration and reasonable estimates of instantaneous feed alley attendance for loose-housed dairy cattle. Effect of Feeding Space on the Inter-Cow Distance, Aggression, and Feeding Behavior of Free-Stall Housed Lactating Dairy Cows DeVries, T. J., von Keyserlingk et al Effect of Feeding Space on the Inter-Cow Distance, Aggression, and Feeding Behavior of Free-Stall Housed Lactating Dairy Cows DeVries, T. J., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2004 The objectives of this study were to determine whether doubling the amount of feeding space from 0.5 to 1.0 m per cow leads to increased spacing between cows at the feeder, fewer aggressive social interactions among cows, and ultimately increased feeding activity. Twenty-four lactating Holstein cows were provided with 0.5 and 1.0 m of feeding space per cow in a 2 x 2 crossover design replicated over time. Time-lapse video was used to quantify the inter-cow distance and incidence of aggressive displacements at the feed alley. An electronic feed alley monitoring system was used to monitor the feeding behavior of the cows. When animals had access to 1.0 m per cow, there was at least 60% more space between animals and 57% fewer aggressive interactions while feeding than with access to 0.5 m of feeding space. These changes in spacing and aggressive behavior in turn allowed cows to increase feeding activity throughout the day, especially during the 90 min after providing fresh feed (an increase of 24%). This increase in feeding activity was particularly evident for subordinate cows. These results indicate that increasing space allowance at the feeder increases feeding activity and reduces competition among lactating dairy cows. Time of Feed Delivery Affects the Feeding and Lying Patterns of Dairy Cows DeVries, T. J., von Keyserlingk et al Time of Feed Delivery Affects the Feeding and Lying Patterns of Dairy Cows DeVries, T. J., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G. Journal of Dairy Science 2005 The objective of this experiment was to determine whether it is the return from milking or delivery of fresh feed that has the greater effect on the daily patterns of feeding and lying behavior of dairy cattle. Forty-eight lactating Holstein cows were subjected to each of 2 treatments in a 2 × 2 cross-over design replicated over time. The treatments were 1) milking and feed delivery times coinciding and 2) feed delivery 6 h after milking. Cows were milked twice daily at 0500 and 1700 h. An electronic monitoring system was used to measure the time spent at the feed alley. Time-lapse video was used to quantify the lying time and incidence of aggressive displacements of the cows at the feed alley. Cows increased their total daily feeding time by 12.5% when fed 6 h after milking. This change was driven by an 82% increase in feeding time during the first hour immediately following the delivery of fresh feed and a 26% decrease in feeding time during the first hour after milking. The delivery of feed 6 h after milking did not change the daily lying time of the cows, but did decrease the latency to lie down after milking by 20 min. The reduction in feeding time after milking and decreased latency to lie down resulted in a tendency for less aggressive interactions at the feed alley after the cows returned from milking. These results indicate that the delivery of fresh feed has a greater impact on stimulating feeding behavior than does the return from milking and that changes in feeding management can affect both the feeding and lying behavior of dairy cows. Association of standing and lying behavior patterns and incidence of intramammary infection in dairy cows milked with an... Barkema, H. W., Deming, J. A., DeVries et al Association of standing and lying behavior patterns and incidence of intramammary infection in dairy cows milked with an automatic milking system Barkema, H. W., Deming, J. A., DeVries, T. J., Leslie, K. E., Rodenburg, J., Seguin, G. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 The standing and lying behavior patterns of dairy cows, particularly the length of time cows spend standing after milking, have the potential to influence the incidence of intramammary infection (IMI). The objectives were to describe the standing and lying behavior patterns of cows milked with an automatic milking system (AMS) and to determine how these patterns relate to the incidence of IMI. One hundred and eleven lactating Holstein dairy cows were monitored over a 4-mo period. These cows were kept in a sand-bedded freestall barn with 2 pens, each with a free cow traffic AMS. Feed was delivered once daily, and pushed up 2 to 3 times daily. Quarter milk samples were collected for bacteriological culture from each cow once every 4 wk. A new IMI was defined as a positive culture sample following a negative culture. For 7 d before each of the last 3 milk samplings, standing and lying behavior, and times of milking and feed manipulation (feed delivery and push up) were recorded. Daily lying time and lying bout length were negatively related with milk yield (r = −0.23 and −0.20, respectively) and milking frequency (r = −0.32 and −0.20, respectively); milk yield was positively related to milking frequency (r = 0.58). Feed manipulation near the time cows were milked (1 h before 2 h after) resulted in the longest post-milking standing times (mean = 86 min; 95% confidence interval = 78, 94 min), whereas feed manipulation occurring outside that time frame resulted in shorter post-milking standing times. Over the study period, 171 new IMI were detected. Of these new IMI detected, those caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci were the only ones associated with post-milking standing time; as post-milking standing time increased past 2.5 h after milking, the odds of acquiring a new IMI tended to also increase. In summary, standing and lying behavior patterns of cows milked with an AMS were affected by both feed manipulation and their milking activity. Further, the post-milking standing time of cows milked with an AMS can be managed by providing fresh feed, as well as by pushing up feed, frequently throughout the day. Finally, cows that spend long periods of time (>2.5 h) standing following milking may be at higher risk of acquiring a new CNS IMI. Associations of dairy cow behavior, barn hygiene, cow hygiene, and risk of elevated somatic cell count Aarnoudse, M. G., Barkema, H. W. et al Associations of dairy cow behavior, barn hygiene, cow hygiene, and risk of elevated somatic cell count Aarnoudse, M. G., Barkema, H. W., DeVries, T. J., Leslie, K. E., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Limb Amputation and Prosthesis Anderson, David E., Desrochers, André et al Limb Amputation and Prosthesis Anderson, David E., Desrochers, André, St-Jean, Guy Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2014 Surgical management of digit disorders in cattle Desrochers, A., StJean, G. Surgical management of digit disorders in cattle Desrochers, A., StJean, G. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1996 The majority of lameness in cattle originate from the digits. Genetics, environment, nutrition, and age of cattle contribute greatly in the origin of lameness. The common problems affecting the digits are sole ulcer or abscess, white Line disease, foot rot, and interdigital hyperplasia. If not treated adequately, they can degenerate in deep sepsis of the digits and infect the distal interphalangeal joint, the distal sesamoid bone and its synovial bursal, the digital flexor tendons, their sheaths. Surgical procedures of the common digital disorders are discussed with an emphasis on the different approach of the distal interphalangeal joint. Clinical Management of Septic Arthritis in Cattle Desrochers, André, Francoz, David Clinical Management of Septic Arthritis in Cattle Desrochers, André, Francoz, David Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2014 Surgical treatment of lameness Anderson, D. E., Desrochers, A. et al Surgical treatment of lameness Anderson, D. E., Desrochers, A., St Jean, G. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2001 Digital diseases are commonly seen in cattle. Cattle affected by digital disorders do not always respond to conservative therapy and require surgery. Surgical procedures for the common digital disorders are described, with emphasis on the different approaches to the distal interphalangeal joint Lameness examination in cattle Anderson, D. E., Desrochers, A. et al Lameness examination in cattle Anderson, D. E., Desrochers, A., St Jean, G. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2001 Veterinarians are often asked to examine cattle for lameness. A good history, observation of stance and stride, and physical examination are critical to the diagnosis of lameness in cattle. Methods of examination, including observation of the animal at a distance and during movement, are described. Lameness grading systems and ancillary diagnostic tests are also discussed Surgical treatment of lameness. [Review] [35 refs] Desrochers, A. Surgical treatment of lameness. [Review] [35 refs] Desrochers, A. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2001 Digital diseases are commonly seen in cattle. Cattle affected by digital disorders do not always respond to conservative therapy and require surgery. Surgical procedures for the common digital disorders are described, with emphasis on the different approaches to the distal interphalangeal joint. [References: 35] Lameness examination in cattle. [Review] [18 refs] Desrochers, A. Lameness examination in cattle. [Review] [18 refs] Desrochers, A. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2001 Veterinarians are often asked to examine cattle for lameness. A good history, observation of stance and stride, and physical examination are critical to the diagnosis of lameness in cattle. Methods of examination, including observation of the animal at a distance and during movement, are described. Lameness grading systems and ancillary diagnostic tests are also discussed. [References: 18] Use of facilitated ankylosis in the treatment of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle: 12 cases... Desrochers et al Use of facilitated ankylosis in the treatment of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle: 12 cases (1987-1992) Desrochers, Andre St-Jean Guy Anderson David Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1995 Summary: Medical records were reviewed for 12 cattle with septic arthritis of the distal interphangeal joint that were treated by use of facilitated ankylosis. Information on signalment, clinical signs, digit affected, radiographic findings, and type and duration of treatment were compiled. Owners were contacted for information about the convalescent period, reasons for culling, productivity, and outcome. Outcome was classified as successful or unsuccessful on the basis of lameness, growth pattern, and whether the cattle were subsequently productive. Cause of the septic arthritis was unknown in 9 of 12 (75%) cattle. Eleven of 12 (92%) cattle represented beef breeds. Cattle were lame for a mean of 5.3 weeks before admission. In 8 of 12 (67%) cattle, a trephine was used in the creation of an arthrostomy, the middle and distal phalanges were curetted, and the joint was lavaged with isotonic solution. A drill bit was used in 4 of 12 (33%) cattle to remove articular cartilage and facilitate ankylosis. Convalescent period after discharge from the hospital was 1 to 7 months (mean, 4 months; median, 4 months). After that period, all cattle had an apparently normal gait. Eight of 12 (67%) cattle were maintained in their herd of origin. None of the cattle were culled because of lameness. Two of 12 (17%) cattle had a deformation of the affected digit. According to the criteria for successful outcome that were used in the study reported here, the success rate was 100%. Treatment of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint by use of facilitated ankylosis is an alternative to digit amputation and is recommended to promote longevity and productivity Molecular and clinicopathological diagnosis of non-wildebeest associated malignant catarrhal fever in Belgium Cassart, D., Coignoul, F., Desmecht, D. et al Molecular and clinicopathological diagnosis of non-wildebeest associated malignant catarrhal fever in Belgium Cassart, D., Coignoul, F., Desmecht, D., Rollin, F., Tham, K. M. Veterinary Record 1999 5α-Estrane-3β,17β-diol and 5β-estrane-3α,17β-diol: Definitive screening biomarkers to sign nandrolone abuse in cattle? Dervilly-Pinel, Gaud, Hewitt et al 5α-Estrane-3β,17β-diol and 5β-estrane-3α,17β-diol: Definitive screening biomarkers to sign nandrolone abuse in cattle? Dervilly-Pinel, Gaud, Hewitt, S. Armstrong, Kennedy, D. Glenn, Le Bizec, Bruno, Monteau, Fabrice, Rambaud, Lauriane, Sitthisack, Parina The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2011 Analytical strategies to detect use of recombinant bovine somatotropin in food-producing animals Dervilly-Pinel, G., Le Bizec, B. et al Analytical strategies to detect use of recombinant bovine somatotropin in food-producing animals Dervilly-Pinel, G., Le Bizec, B., Monteau, F., Prévost, S. TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry 2014 Effects of trace element supplementation on apparent nutrient digestibility and utilisation in grass-fed zebu (Bos indicus) cattle Buyse, J., Dermauw, V., Dierenfeld et al Effects of trace element supplementation on apparent nutrient digestibility and utilisation in grass-fed zebu (Bos indicus) cattle Buyse, J., Dermauw, V., Dierenfeld, E. S., Du Laing, G., Janssens, G. P. J., Wuyts, B., Yisehak, K. Livestock Science 2013 Characterization of Virulent and Benign Strains of Bacteroides-Nodosus Depiazzi, L. J., Henderson, J., Palmer et al Characterization of Virulent and Benign Strains of Bacteroides-Nodosus Depiazzi, L. J., Henderson, J., Palmer, M., Penhale, W. J., Richards, R. B., Rood, J. I. Veterinary Microbiology 1991 The extracellular proteases of 395 isolates of B. nodosus from ovine, bovine and caprine foot lesions were classified as either thermostable or thermolabile. Stable protease was associated with one and unstable protease with four distinctive isoenzyme patterns, each pattern differentiated by the relative mobility of paired isoenzymes. Pathogenicity tests on 64 isolates showed a correlation between the production of stable protease and the production of virulent ovine footrot lesions. The mean values for total protease activity, twitching motility and colony diameter were significantly higher for virulent compared to benign isolates, but the range of values overlapped. SDS-PAGE whole-cell electrophoretic profiles of virulent isolates were similar to the profiles of some benign isolates. Low progesterone concentration during the development of the first follicular wave reduces pregnancy per insemination of... Bruno, R. G. S., Chebel, R. C., Denicol et al Low progesterone concentration during the development of the first follicular wave reduces pregnancy per insemination of lactating dairy cows Bruno, R. G. S., Chebel, R. C., Denicol, A. C., Guagnini, F., Lima, J. R., Lopes Jr, G., Mendonça, L. G. D., Perez, R. V., Rivera, F. A., Santos, J. E. P. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Characterization of a spirochaete isolated from a case of bovine digital dermatitis Bruce, K. D., Carter, S. D., Demirkan et al Characterization of a spirochaete isolated from a case of bovine digital dermatitis Bruce, K. D., Carter, S. D., Demirkan, I., Dhawi, A., Hart, C.A., Williams, H. F., Winstanley, C. Journal of Applied Microbiology 2006 Aims: The aim of the study was to characterize a spirochaete isolated from the lesions of a cow with digital dermatitis (DD). Methods and Results: The characterization was on the basis of its light and electron microscopic appearance, enzymic profile and DNA sequence analysis of its flagellin and 16S rRNA genes. The spirochaete was 6-8-mu m long and 0.2-0.3 mu m in diameter, and possessed seven to eight periplasmic flagella, with three to five helical turns. The enzymic profile of the bacterium resembles, but is not identical to that of Treponema brennaborense. Its flagellin gene sequence was identical to that of Treponema phagedenis but distinct from that of an ovine spirochaete. Analysis of a 1477-bp region of the 16S rRNA genes indicated that this is a Treponema species and that it is indistinguishable from some isolates made from cases of bovine DD in the United States. Finally, electron microscopy revealed the presence of myovirus-like bacteriophage particles in all cultures of the treponeme examined. Conclusions: The spirochaete isolate was identified as a Treponema species closely related to some isolates from the United States (by 16S rDNA) and to T. phagedenis (by flagellin gene sequence) and is associated with bacteriophage particles. Significance and Impact of the Study: The fact that the isolates with the same or very similar 16S rDNA sequences have been obtained from cases of bovine DD in cattle in different countries at different times, lends further support to the hypothesis that treponemes play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. Serological evidence of spirochaetal infections associated with digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Blowey, R. W., Carter, S. D., Demirkan et al Serological evidence of spirochaetal infections associated with digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Blowey, R. W., Carter, S. D., Demirkan, I., Murray, R. D., Walker, R. L. Veterinary Journal 1999 A potentially infectious aetiology for digital dermatitis in dairy cattle was investigated and centred on the possible involvement of spirochaetes. Al enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to detect bovine anti-Borrelia burgdorferi (B31) and anti-Treponeme (USA bovine isolates) antibodies in the sera of cows; sera were further tested for antigen specificity by Western blotting. Compared to normal cows, those with digital dermatitis had a much higher seropositivity rate to B. burgdorferi and the treponemes. Significant correlations were shown between antibodies to B. burgdorferi and to Treponemes (P<0.001), suggesting strong cross-reacting epitopes shared by these spirochaetes. In Western blotting of B. burgordferi antigens, the main band detected by ELISA positive sera was the 41kDa flagellar protein; lesser frequency of staining was seen with 34 (OspB), 39 and 55kDa bands. For the USA treponeme antigens, ELISA positive sera gave reactions to the 34-kDa band and also bands at 41 and 55kDa. Polyclonal antibodies to Treponema denticola and T. vincentii showed reactions with the bovine treponemes which were predominantly to the 34-kDa antigen. Monoclonal antibodies to B. burgdorferi flagella (41kDa) antigen and OspA (31kDa) did not detect any treponeme bands in Western blotting. The study has provided serological evidence that spirochaetes (which are related to human treponemes) may be involved in the pathogenesis of digital dermatitis. Skin diseases of the bovine digit associated with lameness Carter, S. D., Demirkan, I., Murray et al Skin diseases of the bovine digit associated with lameness Carter, S. D., Demirkan, I., Murray, R. D. Veterinary Bulletin 2000 An outbreak of digital dermatitis in Turkish dairy cattle Demirkan, I., Guzel, N. An outbreak of digital dermatitis in Turkish dairy cattle Demirkan, I., Guzel, N. Indian Veterinary Journal 2004 Bovine digital dermatitis causing lameness in a dairy herd in Turkey is described. The lesions were similar to those described for Mortellaro disease. Inflammation of the skin was mostly located at the plantar aspect of the foot, just above the interdigital cleft, and resembled strawberry-coloured epidermal erosion, which was prone to bleed when vigorously manipulated. All cases responded well to topical antibacterial application. The frequent detection of a treponeme in bovine digital dermatitis by immunocytochemistry and polymerase chain reaction Blowey, R. W., Carter, S. D., Demirkan et al The frequent detection of a treponeme in bovine digital dermatitis by immunocytochemistry and polymerase chain reaction Blowey, R. W., Carter, S. D., Demirkan, I., Murray, R. D., Woodward, M. J. Veterinary Microbiology 1998 A study was carried out to determine whether spirochaetes are frequently associated with digital dermatitis in United Kingdom (UK) dairy cattle. Histopathological examination of lesions using a silver stain showed a large number of unidentified spirochaete-like organisms present in digital dermatitis hoof skin tissue in all examined biopsies. Immunocytochemical staining demonstrated that spirochaetes in skin lesions were identified by polyclonal antisera to Borrelia burgdorferi, Treponema denticola and Treponema vincentii (again all biopsies were positively stained), whereas monoclonal antibodies to B. burgdorferi and any Treponema pallidum did not stain any organisms in all biopsies. A PCR of 16S rRNA, previously shown to be specific for a new treponeme, was employed and produced positive results from 82.4% of digital dermatitis tissues. It is concluded that this spirochaete (or related spirochaetes), which is similar to human oral treponemes, is frequently associated with, and may be responsible for, pathological changes in digital dermatitis. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. Isolation and cultivation of a spirochaete from bovine digital dermatitis Carter, S. D., Demirkan, I., Hart, C.A. et al Isolation and cultivation of a spirochaete from bovine digital dermatitis Carter, S. D., Demirkan, I., Hart, C.A., Woodward, M. J. Veterinary Record 1999 Mortellaro disease (digital dermatitis): a general account Demirkan, I. Mortellaro disease (digital dermatitis): a general account Demirkan, I. Kafkas Universitesi Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi 1997 Associations of housing, management, milking activity, and standing and lying behavior of dairy cows milked in automatic systems Bergeron, R., Deming, J. A., DeVries et al Associations of housing, management, milking activity, and standing and lying behavior of dairy cows milked in automatic systems Bergeron, R., Deming, J. A., DeVries, T. J., Leslie, K. E. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 The objective of this cross-sectional study was to describe the housing, feeding management, and characteristics (parity and stage of lactation) of cows on commercial automatic milking system (AMS) dairies and their associations with the standing and lying behavior patterns and milking activity (frequency and yield) of lactating dairy cows. Thirteen AMS herds were enrolled in the study, with an average herd size of 71 ± 30 (mean ± SD; range: 34 to 131) lactating cows. All of the herds used freestall barns, each set up for free cow traffic to the AMS. On-farm measurements were taken to determine stocking density at the freestalls (0.9 ± 0.1 cows/stall; mean ± SD), feed bunk (0.66 ± 0.17 m of feed bunk space/cow; mean ± SD), and AMS units (55 ± 11 cows/AMS; mean ± SD). A random sample of 30 cows/herd was selected to monitor standing and lying behavior for 4 d using electronic data loggers. Times of feed delivery and feed push-up were recorded daily by the herd managers. Milking times, frequency, and yield were automatically recorded by the AMS units. Data were analyzed in a multivariable mixed regression model to determine which herd-level (housing and feeding management) and cow-level (parity, DIM, and milk yield) factors were associated with behavior and milking activity measures. Lying bout lengths were found to be negatively associated with milk yield and tended to be positively associated with more space at the feed bunk. Increased lying duration was associated with cows of lower milk production, increased space at the feed bunk, and increased frequency of feed push-up. Longer postmilking standing durations were associated with cows of higher parity. An association existed between cows milking less frequently when they were further in lactation, were of higher parity, and as stocking density at the AMS (cows/AMS) increased. Milk yield was positively associated with increased space at the feed bunk and higher parity and negatively associated with DIM. From this study, it can be concluded that increased milking frequency may be achieved in AMS herds by reducing stocking density at the AMS unit. Further, in AMS systems, greater milk yield and lying duration may be achieved by ensuring that cows have ample feed bunk space and have their feed readily available to them in the bunk. A multi-level hierarchic Markov process with Bayesian updating for herd optimization and simulation in dairy cattle Demeter, R. M., Dijkstra, J. et al A multi-level hierarchic Markov process with Bayesian updating for herd optimization and simulation in dairy cattle Demeter, R. M., Dijkstra, J., Kristensen, A. R., Meuwissen, M. P. M., Oude Lansink, A. G. J. M., van Arendonk, J. A. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Factors contributing to the incidence and prevalence of lameness on Czech dairy farms Dembele, I., Firla, P., Panama, J. et al Factors contributing to the incidence and prevalence of lameness on Czech dairy farms Dembele, I., Firla, P., Panama, J., Spinka, M., Stehulova, I. Czech Journal of Animal Science 2006 Twenty-four Czech dairy farms were visited to record lameness prevalence and to identify factors associated with high lameness prevalence at the farm level and/or increased lameness risk at the level of individual cows. All cows were checked for lameness and forty cows per farm were examined for overgrown claws, body dirtiness and skin lesions. The farm environment was scored between I (excellent) to 5 (very poor) in three different aspects: floor slipperiness, cow care quality, and housing quality. Data on hoof trimming schedules were obtained from farm managers. Lameness prevalence on farms was in a wide range from 6% to 42% (median 22%). At the farm level, floor slipperiness and poor animal care were associated with high lameness prevalence (Spearman correlations, P < 0.05), and the proportion of cows with overgrown claws tended to be associated with it (P < 0.10). The reported time schedules of hoof trimming (continuous trimming applied or not; and time elapsed since the whole herd was trimmed) were unrelated to either the prevalence of overgrown claws or the prevalence of lameness. Within farms, cows with overgrown claws and dirty cows were at an increased risk of being lame (multiple logistic regression, P < 0.05) and cows with skin lesions tended to be more lame (P < 0.10). The risk of lameness had an inverted U-shape dependence on age (P < 0.05), with cows at 7-8 years of age being the most endangered by lameness. We conclude that there is a large potential for lameness reduction on some Czech dairy farms through improving the cow care and reducing floor slipperiness, and that within farms, cows with overgrown claws and also dirty cows and cows with skin lesions should be given special attention since they are more likely to get lame. Change of Milk-Yield With Clinical-Diseases For a High Producing Dairy-Herd Azari, A. S., Deluyker, H. A., Gay et al Change of Milk-Yield With Clinical-Diseases For a High Producing Dairy-Herd Azari, A. S., Deluyker, H. A., Gay, J. M., Weaver, L. D. Journal of Dairy Science 1991 Changes in milk production associated with occurrence of clinical diseases (dystocia, stillbirth, twin births, milk fever, retained placenta, displaced abomasum, limping due to foot lesions, metritis, ketosis, and mastitis) were investigated. Data were collected daily on 388 lactation. Stepwise lease squares regression was used to evaluate existence of associations between diseases and six yield measures that characterized milk production in the first 119 d postpartum. Logistic regression was used to investigate whether milk yield 1 to 5 d in milk might be of use to detect cows with early postpartum metritis (< 21 d after calving). Lower milk production to 5 d postpartum was associated with an increased risk of early postpartum metritis in the logistic regression model. Yield to 5 and to 21 d postpartum was lower in cases of still-birth, retained placenta, and early postpartum metritis. Yield from 22 to 49 d postpartum remained lower in cows diagnosed with early postpartum metritis. Milk yield losses occurred during diagnosis and treatment of displaced abomasum and mastitis. Ketosis was associated with yield losses prior to and at treatment. Ketosis to 21 d in milk was also associated with lower production after treatment. Limping diagnosed in the first 49 d postpartum coincided with higher yield to 5 d, to 21 d, and after 49 d postpartum Utilizing qualitative methods in survey design: Examining Texas cattle producers’ intent to participate in foot-and-mouth... Dean, Wesley R., Delgado, Amy H. et al Utilizing qualitative methods in survey design: Examining Texas cattle producers’ intent to participate in foot-and-mouth disease detection and control Dean, Wesley R., Delgado, Amy H., McIntosh, W. Alex, Norby, Bo, Scott, H. Morgan Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2012 Effect of feeding metal amino acid complexed trace minerals to dairy cattle for the prevention of facial eczema DeFrain, J. M., Hittmann, A. R., McKay et al Effect of feeding metal amino acid complexed trace minerals to dairy cattle for the prevention of facial eczema DeFrain, J. M., Hittmann, A. R., McKay, B. J., Socha, M. T., Tomlinson, D. J. Livestock Science 2010 Analysis of foot health records from 17 confinement dairies DeFrain, J. M., Socha, M. T., Tomlinson et al Analysis of foot health records from 17 confinement dairies DeFrain, J. M., Socha, M. T., Tomlinson, D. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Effect of transition ration energy and fiber levels on subclinical laminitis and ruminal acidosis in Holstein cows in Florida Bray, D. R., DeChant, G. M., Donovan et al Effect of transition ration energy and fiber levels on subclinical laminitis and ruminal acidosis in Holstein cows in Florida Bray, D. R., DeChant, G. M., Donovan, G. A., Risco, C. A., Tran, T. Q., Van Horn, H., Williams, E. I. Effect of transition rations on hoof sole hemorrhages, rumen pH and clinical lameness in Holstein cows Bray, D., DeChant, G., Donovan, G. et al Effect of transition rations on hoof sole hemorrhages, rumen pH and clinical lameness in Holstein cows Bray, D., DeChant, G., Donovan, G., Risco, C., Tran, T., Van Horn, H. Journal of Dairy Science 1998 Exploring the value of routinely collected herd data for estimating dairy cattle welfare Bokkers, E. A. M., de Boer, I. J. M. et al Exploring the value of routinely collected herd data for estimating dairy cattle welfare Bokkers, E. A. M., de Boer, I. J. M., de Vries, M., Dijkstra, T., Engel, B., van Schaik, G. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Routine on-farm assessment of dairy cattle welfare is time consuming and, therefore, expensive. A promising strategy to assess dairy cattle welfare more efficiently is to estimate the level of animal welfare based on herd data available in national databases. Our aim was to explore the value of routine herd data (RHD) for estimating dairy cattle welfare at the herd level. From November 2009 through March 2010, 7 trained observers collected data for 41 welfare indicators in a selected sample of 183 loose-housed and 13 tethered Dutch dairy herds (herd size: 10 to 211 cows) using the Welfare Quality protocol for cattle. For the same herds, RHD relating to identification and registration, management, milk production and composition, and fertility were extracted from several national databases. The RHD were used as potential predictors for each welfare indicator in logistic regression at the herd level. Nineteen welfare indicators were excluded from the predictions, because they showed a prevalence below 5% (15 indicators), or were already listed as RHD (4 indicators). Predictions were less accurate for 7 welfare indicators, moderately accurate for 14 indicators, and highly accurate for 1 indicator. By forcing to detect almost all herds with a welfare problem (sensitivity of at least 97.5%), specificity ranged from 0 to 81%. By forcing almost no herds to be incorrectly classified as having a welfare problem (specificity of at least 97.5%), sensitivity ranged from 0 to 67%. Overall, the best-performing prediction models were those for the indicators access to at least 2 drinkers (resource based), percentage of very lean cows, cows lying outside the supposed lying area, and cows with vulvar discharge (animal based). The most frequently included predictors in final models were percentages of on-farm mortality in different lactation stages. It was concluded that, for most welfare indicators, RHD have value for estimating dairy cattle welfare. The RHD can serve as a prescreening tool for detecting herds with a welfare problem, but this should be followed by a verification of the level of welfare in an on-farm assessment to identify false-positive herds. Consequently, the number of farm visits needed for routine welfare assessments can be reduced. The RHD also hold value for continuous monitoring of dairy cattle welfare. Prediction models developed in this study, however, should first be validated in additional field studies. Evaluating results of the Welfare Quality multi-criteria evaluation model for classification of dairy cattle welfare at the herd... Bokkers, E. A. M., Botreau, R., de Boer et al Evaluating results of the Welfare Quality multi-criteria evaluation model for classification of dairy cattle welfare at the herd level Bokkers, E. A. M., Botreau, R., de Boer, I. J. M., de Vries, M., Dijkstra, T., Engel, B., van Schaik, G. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 The Welfare Quality multi-criteria evaluation (WQ-ME) model aggregates scores of single welfare measures into an overall assessment for the level of animal welfare in dairy herds. It assigns herds to 4 welfare classes: unacceptable, acceptable, enhanced, or excellent. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the relative importance of single welfare measures for WQ-ME classification of a selected sample of Dutch dairy herds. Seven trained observers quantified 63 welfare measures of the Welfare Quality protocol in 183 loose housed- and 13 tethered Dutch dairy herds (herd size: 10 to 211 cows). First, values of welfare measures were compared among the 4 welfare classes, using Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-squared tests. Second, observed values of single welfare measures were replaced with a fictitious value, which was the median value of herds classified in the next highest class, to see if improvement of a single measure would enable a herd to reach a higher class. Sixteen herds were classified as unacceptable, 85 as acceptable, 78 as enhanced, and none as excellent. Classification could not be calculated for 17 herds because data were missing (15 herds) or data were deemed invalid because the stockperson disturbed behavioral observations (2 herds). Herds classified as unacceptable showed significantly more very lean cows, more severely lame cows, and more often an insufficient number of drinkers than herds classified as acceptable. Herds classified as acceptable showed significantly more cows with high somatic cell count, with lesions, that could not be approached closer than 1 m, colliding with components of the stall while lying down, and lying outside the lying area, and showed fewer cows with diarrhea, more often had an insufficient number of drinkers, and scored lower for the descriptors “relaxed” and “happy” than herds classified as enhanced. Increasing the number of drinkers and reducing the percentage of cows colliding with components of the stall while lying down were the changes most effective in allowing herds classified as unacceptable and acceptable, respectively, to reach a higher class. The WQ-ME model was not very sensitive to improving single measures of good health. We concluded that a limited number of welfare measures had a strong influence on classification of dairy herds. Classification of herds based on the WQ-ME model in its current form might lead to a focus on improving these specific measures and divert attention from improving other welfare measures. The role of expert opinion and the type of algorithmic operator used in this model should be reconsidered. Invited review: Associations between variables of routine herd data and dairy cattle welfare indicators Bokkers, E. A. M., de Boer, I. J. M. et al Invited review: Associations between variables of routine herd data and dairy cattle welfare indicators Bokkers, E. A. M., de Boer, I. J. M., de Vries, M., Dijkstra, T., van Schaik, G. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Housing and management factors associated with indicators of dairy cattle welfare Bokkers, E. A. M., de Boer, I. J. M. et al Housing and management factors associated with indicators of dairy cattle welfare Bokkers, E. A. M., de Boer, I. J. M., de Vries, M., Dijkstra, T., Engel, B., van Reenen, C. G., van Schaik, G. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2015 Knowledge of potential synergies and trade-offs between housing and management factors for different aspects of animal welfare is essential for farmers who aim to improve the level of welfare in their herds. The aim of this research was to identify and compare housing and management factors associated with prevalence of lameness, prevalence of lesions or swellings, prevalence of dirty hindquarters, and frequency of displacements (social behavior) in dairy herds in free-stall housing. Seven observers collected data regarding housing and management characteristics of 179 Dutch dairy herds (herd size: 22–211 cows) in free-stall housing during winter. Lame cows, cows with lesions or swellings, and cows with dirty hindquarters were counted and occurrence of displacements was recorded during 120 min of observation. For each of the four welfare indicators, housing and management factors associated with the welfare indicator were selected in a succession of logistic or log-linear regression analyses. Prevalence of lameness was associated with surface of the lying area, summer pasturing, herd biosecurity status, and far-off and close-up dry cow groups (P < 0.05). Prevalence of lesions or swellings was associated with surface of the lying area, summer pasturing, light intensity in the barn, and days in milk when the maximum amount of concentrates was fed (P < 0.05). Prevalence of dirty hindquarters was associated with surface of the lying area, proportion of stalls with fecal contamination, head lunge impediments in stalls, and number of roughage types (P < 0.05). Average frequency of displacements was associated with the time of introducing heifers in the lactating group, the use of cow brushes, continuous availability of roughage, floor scraping frequency, herd size, and the proportion cows to stalls (P < 0.05). Prevalences of lameness and of lesions or swellings were lower in herds with soft mats or mattresses (odd ratio (OR) = 0.66 and 0.58, confidence interval (CI) = 0.48–0.91 and 0.39–0.85) or deep bedding (OR = 0.48 and 0.48, CI = 0.32–0.71 and 0.30–0.77) in stalls, compared with concrete, and in herds with summer pasturing (OR = 0.68 and 0.41, CI = 0.51–0.90 and 0.27–0.61), compared with zero-grazing. Deep bedding in stalls was negatively associated with prevalence of dirty hindquarters (OR = 0.50, CI = 0.29–0.86), compared with hard mats. It was concluded that some aspects of housing and management are common protective factors for prevalence of lameness, lesions or swellings, and dirty hindquarters, but not for frequency of displacements. Economic evaluation of stall stocking density of lactating dairy cows De Vries, Albert, Dechassa et al Economic evaluation of stall stocking density of lactating dairy cows De Vries, Albert, Dechassa, Hailegziabher, Hogeveen, Henk Journal of Dairy Science 2016 An increase in stall stocking density (SSD), as measured by the number of lactating cows per stall in a freestall barn, reduces cow performance, such as milk yield and fertility, but may increase farm profitability. Our objectives were to calculate effects of varying SSD on profit per stall for a range of effects on cow performances and external farm factors and store results in regression metamodels. The literature on quantified effects of SSD on cow performance that directly affects cash flow was found to be weak. We assumed effects of SSD on milk yield, probability of conception, and probability of culling. External farm factors were probability of insemination, feed price, and milk price. A herd budget-simulation model was used which mimics the performance of cows in a herd and calculates profit per stall per year and other results. The SSD varied from 100 (no overstocking) to 150% (severe overstocking) in steps of 10%. Sensitivity analyses for effects of SSD on cow performance and effects of external farm factors were performed. Three regression metamodels were developed. The first metamodel accurately predicted profitability at 100% SSD for all variations in the external farm factors. Optimal SSD varied from 100 to 150% SSD, depending on the combination of inputs, and was very sensitive to changes in the size of the milk loss and milk and feed prices. Average optimal SSD of all 2,187 combinations of inputs was 120% SSD and average maximum increase in profit was $99/stall per year. Of the 2,187 combinations of inputs, 18% were ascending (maximum increase in profit >150% SSD), 33% were descending (maximum profit at 100% SSD), and 50% had a maximum increase in profit between 100 and 150% SSD. The second metamodel accurately captured changes in profit for all combinations of biological and external inputs and SSD. A third metamodel captured breakeven daily milk losses which would result in the same profit as at 100% SSD given the same external farm factors. In conclusion, overstocking was profitable under plausible economic conditions in the United States. The 3 metamodels accurately captured the results for a wide range of values of the input variables. A tradeoff will occur between economically optimal SSD and animal welfare in some situations. On the development of a monitoring scheme of buffalo welfare at farm level Bordi, A., De Rosa, G., Grasso, F. et al On the development of a monitoring scheme of buffalo welfare at farm level Bordi, A., De Rosa, G., Grasso, F., Napolitano, F., Pacelli, C. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2005 In the present review some animal-related indicators, possibly relevant for a monitoring scheme of buffalo cow welfare at the farm level, are suggested. The indicators are discussed on the basis of their validity (meaningful with respect to animal welfare), reliability (reflecting the tendency to give the same results on repeated measurements) and feasibility (concerning time and money consume). The attention was focused on the following indicators: excessive thinning or fattening assessed with Body Condition Score (BCS) systems; cleanliness; lameness; resting, social, oral abnormal behaviours; injuries; stockmanship; animal-human relationship; positive indicators (diversity of lying postures, allogrooming, etc.). We have concluded that some of the indicators validated for cattle could be conveniently applied to buffaloes without changes (e.g. injuries and avoidance distance), while others should be appropriately adjusted to this species (e.g. BCS, cleanliness, housing factors). In addition, further studies are needed either to find reliable and feasible registration methods for some indicators (e.g. aggressive and resting behaviours) or to identify additional parameters specific for buffaloes (e.g. prevalence of buffalo cows injected with oxytocin during milking as an indicator of the quality of human-animal relationship). Entrapped in Group Solidarity? Animal Welfare, the Ethical Positions of Farmers and the Difficult Search for Alternatives de Lauwere, C. C., de Rooij, S. J. G. et al Entrapped in Group Solidarity? Animal Welfare, the Ethical Positions of Farmers and the Difficult Search for Alternatives de Lauwere, C. C., de Rooij, S. J. G., van der Ploeg, J. D. Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning 2010 Seasonal heat stress: Clinical implications and hormone treatments for the fertility of dairy cows De Rensis, F., Garcia-Ispierto, I. et al Seasonal heat stress: Clinical implications and hormone treatments for the fertility of dairy cows De Rensis, F., Garcia-Ispierto, I., López-Gatius, F. Theriogenology 2015 Heat stress has consequences on both the physiology and reproductive performance of cows, but the most dramatic effect for dairy producers is the decrease produced in fertility. The effects of heat stress on fertility include an increased number of days open, reduced conception rate, and larger number of cows suffering different types of anestrus. Once becomes pregnant, heat stress affects also the reproductive success of the cow through its direct effects on the ovary, uterus, gametes, embryo, and early fetus. This article reviews current knowledge of the effects of heat stress on fertility in dairy cows and the hormonal strategies used to mitigate these effects at the farm level. Administration of GnRH at the moment of artificial insemination can improve the conception rate. Breeding synchronization protocols for fixed-time insemination may reduce the calving conception interval and the number of services per conception. Progesterone-based protocols seem resolve better the reproductive disorders related to a hot environment (anestrus) than GnRH-based protocols. The use of combinations of GnRH, eCG, and hCG in progesterone-based protocols can improve results. Progesterone supplementation during the late embryonic and/or early fetal period would be useful in curtailing pregnancy losses, mainly in single pregnancies, whereas a more positive effect of treatment with GnRH than progesterone has been found in twin pregnancies. Melatonin therapy is emerging as a promising strategy to improve the natural reproductive performance of cows suffering conditions of heat stress. Applicability of day-to-day variation in behavior for the automated detection of lameness in dairy cows André, G., Bleumer, E. J. B., de Haas et al Applicability of day-to-day variation in behavior for the automated detection of lameness in dairy cows André, G., Bleumer, E. J. B., de Haas, Y., de Mol, R. M., van der Werf, J. T. N., van Reenen, C. G. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 [Did vaccination with an infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) marker vaccine on thirteen cattle farms give rise to chronic... de Kruif, A. [Did vaccination with an infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) marker vaccine on thirteen cattle farms give rise to chronic wasting among dairy cattle?] de Kruif, A. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd 2001 At the end of May 1999 the author was asked by the Dutch Animal Health Service (GD) to evaluate problems with 'chronic wasting' cows on 13 farms. The cows were thought to have become ill after vaccination with an IBR marker vaccine. On nine farms a number of cows aborted shortly after vaccination. On eight farms lameness was a problem, as was mastitis. Diarrhoea occurred on four farms. A number of farms had problems with stillbirth, subfertility, abomasal displacement, and decreasing body condition. It was concluded that the abortions, stillbirth, and weak calves at birth in the first weeks after vaccination might be associated with the vaccination. However, the author found no indication that the other problems were associated with the vaccination. This was because the symptoms on the 13 farms were not uniform, and many of the herds already had problems before the herd was vaccinated. The 'chronic wasting' problem cannot be attributed to vaccination with the IBR marker vaccine. 'Chronic wasting' concerns a multifactorial complex of diseases, and has always been present, but has increased in incidence in the last years as a result of 'Holsteinization', a very high milk production, longer periods of housing indoors (and in many cases insufficient quality of the stable and cubicles), a too high work load, and insufficient management [Did vaccination with an infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) marker vaccine on thirteen cattle farms give rise to chronic... de Kruif, A. [Did vaccination with an infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) marker vaccine on thirteen cattle farms give rise to chronic wasting among dairy cattle?]. [Dutch] de Kruif, A. Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde 2001 At the end of May 1999 the author was asked by the Dutch Animal Health Service (GD) to evaluate problems with 'chronic wasting' cows on 13 farms. The cows were thought to have become ill after vaccination with an IBR marker vaccine. On nine farms a number of cows aborted shortly after vaccination. On eight farms lameness was a problem, as was mastitis. Diarrhoea occurred on four farms. A number of farms had problems with stillbirth, subfertility, abomasal displacement, and decreasing body condition. It was concluded that the abortions, stillbirth, and weak calves at birth in the first weeks after vaccination might be associated with the vaccination. However, the author found no indication that the other problems were associated with the vaccination. This was because the symptoms on the 13 farms were not uniform, and many of the herds already had problems before the herd was vaccinated. The 'chronic wasting' problem cannot be attributed to vaccination with the IBR marker vaccine. 'Chronic wasting' concerns a multifactorial complex of diseases, and has always been present, but has increased in incidence in the last years as a result of 'Holsteinization', a very high milk production, longer periods of housing indoors (and in many cases insufficient quality of the stable and cubicles), a too high work load, and insufficient management Genetic parameters of milk yield and composition and their relationships with alternative breeding goals de Jager, D, Kennedy, B.W. Genetic parameters of milk yield and composition and their relationships with alternative breeding goals de Jager, D, Kennedy, B.W. Journal of Dairy Science 1987 Greenhouse gas mitigation in animal production: towards an integrated life cycle sustainability assessment Cederberg, C., de Boer, I. J. M., Eady et al Greenhouse gas mitigation in animal production: towards an integrated life cycle sustainability assessment Cederberg, C., de Boer, I. J. M., Eady, S., Gollnow, S., Kristensen, T., Macleod, M., Meul, M., Nemecek, T., Phong, L. T., Thoma, G., van der Werf, H. M. G., Williams, A. G., Zonderland-Thomassen, M. A. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 2011 Treatment of digital dermatitis Dawson, J. C. Treatment of digital dermatitis Dawson, J. C. Cattle Practice 1999 Foot trimming in cattle [letter] Burnell, M., Dawson, J. Foot trimming in cattle [letter] Burnell, M., Dawson, J. Veterinary Record 1998 The Science of Animal Suffering Dawkins, Marian Stamp The Science of Animal Suffering Dawkins, Marian Stamp Ethology 2008 Effect of intensified feeding of heifer calves on growth, pubertal age, calving age, milk yield, and economics Chapin, L. T., Davis Rincker, L. E. et al Effect of intensified feeding of heifer calves on growth, pubertal age, calving age, milk yield, and economics Chapin, L. T., Davis Rincker, L. E., Liesman, J. S., VandeHaar, M. J., Weber Nielsen, M. S., Wolf, C. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Osteochondrosis in Young Fighting Bulls: Pathology, Frequency and Severity in Spanish Farms Dávila, U. M., Méndez, A. et al Osteochondrosis in Young Fighting Bulls: Pathology, Frequency and Severity in Spanish Farms Dávila, U. M., Méndez, A., Méndez-Angulo, J. L., Sierra, M. A. Journal of Comparative Pathology 2013 Effects of regular formalin footbaths on the incidence of foot lameness in dairy cattle Davies, R. C. Effects of regular formalin footbaths on the incidence of foot lameness in dairy cattle Davies, R. C. Veterinary Record 1982 Osteochondrosis in bull beef cattle following lack of dietary mineral and vitamin supplementation Davies, I. H., Munro, R. Osteochondrosis in bull beef cattle following lack of dietary mineral and vitamin supplementation Davies, I. H., Munro, R. Veterinary Record 1999 A problem of lameness and stiffness became apparent on a bull beef unit in February 1997. The unit had no previous record of serious lameness problems. The bulls had been fed a fattening ration consisting of approximately 365 kg barley, 40 kg sugarbeet pulp, 25 kg molasses and 155 kg protein mix, and when the bulls were 6 months old, each received approximately 6.9 kg of the ration. The protein mix was supposed to consist of 35% protein and balanced minerals including 3.3% Ca, 1.5% Na, 1% P, 0.8% Mg and 45 mg/kg Cu, vitamins and avoparcin. However for approximately 2 months before the start of the lameness problem and unknown to the owner, the mineral, vitamin and avoparcin additive had not been included in the protein mix. Tender feet, poor weight gain, dry coats, stiffness and joint swelling were noted. A balanced mineral and vitamin supplement was re-added to the diet and a gradual clinical improvement was seen in the majority of animals and after 2 to 3 weeks the owner noted that growth rate and coat quality had significantly improved. 16 of 76 4- to 7-month old bulls and 2 of 74 of the older bulls were culled due to severe lameness problems. 15 of 18 culled were continental crosses which appeared to be more severely affected that Friesian or Friesian/Holstein crosses. PM findings of 2 bulls are presented. It is concluded that an adequate mineral and vitamin supplement in the diet of bull beef is required to prevent serious welfare problems associated with lameness and illthrift. The outbreak provides evidence that mineral and vitamin imbalance is a likely contributing factor to the development of osteochondrosis in growing cattle Osteochondritis dissecans in a group of rapidly growing bull beef calves Bain, M. S., Davies, I. H., Livesey et al Osteochondritis dissecans in a group of rapidly growing bull beef calves Bain, M. S., Davies, I. H., Livesey, C. T., Munro, R. Cattle Practice 1996 A high incidence of lameness was seen in a group of young beef bulls and PM examination of one of these identified the cause of lameness as osteochondritis dissecans. Laboratory examinations showed sub-normal serum and bone calcium concentrations and dietary analysis also confirmed inadequate calcium intake. The condition of the animals improved considerably when mineral/vitamin inclusion in the diet was increased, suggesting that calcium deficiency and possibly vitamin D deficiency were in part responsible for the problem in this case Lameness: the role of nutrition Chamberlain, A. T., David, G. P. Lameness: the role of nutrition Chamberlain, A. T., David, G. P. Dairy cow nutrition; the veterinary angles 1989 The epidemiology of many lameness causing lesions such as sole ulcer and white line disease is multifactorial involving husbandry, management, genetics, infectious agents and nutrition. A great deal of attention has been paid in recent years to the possible central role played by aseptic laminitis caused by nutritional factors. Such factors as forage to concentrate DM ratio, rate and frequency of concentrate feeding, dietary protein levels, silage pH and silage ammonia content have been implicated. This paper reviews the literature relating these factors to lameness. It is concluded that nutritional causes are not the major factors in most herds which suffer a lameness problem Severe foul-in-the-foot in dairy cattle [letter] [see comments] David, G. P. Severe foul-in-the-foot in dairy cattle [letter] [see comments] David, G. P. Veterinary Record 1993 Concrete based cubicles and lameness David, G. P. Concrete based cubicles and lameness David, G. P. Veterinary Record 1983 Digital dermatitis in cattle – a new and emerging condition David, G. Digital dermatitis in cattle – a new and emerging condition David, G. State Veterinary Journal 1995 Investigation on incidences of bovine foot disorders in West Bengal – an abattoir study Chakraborty, M. K., Das, U., Moitra et al Investigation on incidences of bovine foot disorders in West Bengal – an abattoir study Chakraborty, M. K., Das, U., Moitra, S. L. Indian Veterinary Journal 1992 Of 2524 animals (1938 cattle and 586 buffaloes) examined at an abattoir in Calcutta, 617 (24.4%) had foot disorders. The front feet were involved in 65.8% and the hind feet in 28%; all 4 feet were involved in 5.2%. Overgrown hoof was the most common disorder (9.8%); scissor claw was found in 5.5%, cracked hoof in 4.1%, traumatic injury in 1.1%, bruising of the sole in 1.1%, interdigital lesions in 0.7% and erosion of the sole in 0.5%. Sole lesions were found almost exclusively in buffaloes. Some of the predisposing environmental and management conditions are discussed Embedded sensor technology for real time determination of animal lying time Darr, Matthew, Epperson, William Embedded sensor technology for real time determination of animal lying time Darr, Matthew, Epperson, William Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 2009 Lameness in dairy animals poses an immediate and significant animal welfare and economic concern. A new sensor has been developed to monitor and record the lying patterns of dairy cows in order to benefit the study of lameness. The sensor utilizes an embedded accelerometer to measure the orientation of the hind leg of an animal based on the relative direction of the gravitational field. A microcontroller with nano-watt power technology facilitates sensor sampling, data recording and time stamping, and interfacing with external hardware systems. The interrupt triggered firmware protocol enabled low power consumption and made efficient use of microcontroller's resources. A single measurement axis, oriented with the vertical position of the animal's hind leg, was found to be sufficient in determining lying activity. In repetitive testing on three unique Holstein dairy cows, the layometer sensor recorded 100% of the lying events and had a total difference in lying time of 2.2% when compared to a human observer. It was also shown that unique sensors provided a statistically similar response when applied to the same test animal. The technology presented within this publication is protected under international patent application PCT/US2008/059234. DNA prime-protein boost strategy with replicase-based DNA vaccine against foot-and-mouth disease in bovine calves Dar, Pervaiz A., Dechamma, Hosur J. et al DNA prime-protein boost strategy with replicase-based DNA vaccine against foot-and-mouth disease in bovine calves Dar, Pervaiz A., Dechamma, Hosur J., Kondabattula, Ganesh, Nagarajan, G., Reddy, Golla R., Suryanaryana, Veluvarthy S. Veterinary Microbiology 2013 Montanide ISA™ 201 adjuvanted FMD vaccine induces improved immune responses and protection in cattle Dar, Pervaiz, Kalaivanan, Ramya et al Montanide ISA™ 201 adjuvanted FMD vaccine induces improved immune responses and protection in cattle Dar, Pervaiz, Kalaivanan, Ramya, Kishore, Subodh, Kondabattula, Ganesh, Mamo, Bedaso, Sied, Nuru, Suryanarayana, V. V. S. Vaccine 2013 Biomechanics and histology of bovine claw suspensory tissue in early acute laminitis Danscher, A. M., Toelboell, T. H. et al Biomechanics and histology of bovine claw suspensory tissue in early acute laminitis Danscher, A. M., Toelboell, T. H., Wattle, O. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Weakening of the suspensory tissue supporting the pedal bone is the central issue in the theory of acute bovine laminitis, but this aspect has never been tested. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of laminitis on the suspensory tissue. The hypothesis was that clinical and histological signs of acute laminitis are associated with decreased strength of the suspensory tissue of the bovine claw. Nonpregnant dairy heifers (n = 10) received oral oligofructose overload (17 g/kg of body weight) and were killed 24 (n = 4) and 72 h (n = 6) after overload. Control heifers (n = 6) received tap water and were killed at 72 or 96 h. Clinical, orthopedic, and histological examinations were carried out to confirm the occurrence of laminitis. After euthanasia, 2 adjacent tissue samples including the horn wall, lamellar layer, dermis, and pedal bone were cut from the dorso-abaxial aspect of each claw. Tissue samples were kept on ice until mounted on a mechanical testing frame, fixed by horn and bone, and loaded to failure. A stress displacement curve was generated and measurements of physiological support (force needed to displace 1 mm beyond first resistance) and maximal support (force needed to break the tissue) were recorded. Heifers treated with oligofructose developed clinical signs consistent with ruminal and systemic acidosis after treatment as well as acute laminitis, characterized by weight shifting (35% of observations vs. 6% in controls), moderate lameness (100 vs. 17%, score of 3 out of 5 at 72 h), and reaction to hoof testing (30 and 50% at 48 and 72 h, respectively, vs. 0% in controls). Histological examination of claws from heifers killed 72 h after overload showed changes consistent with acute laminitis, including stretched lamellae, wider basal cells with low chromatin density, and a thick, wavy, and blurry appearance of the basement membrane. Biomechanical results showed no effect of oligofructose overload on physiological support of the suspensory tissue at 24 and 72 h after overload; in contrast, overload increased maximal support of the tissue 72 h after overload. Herd of origin and location of the sample had large effects on both physiological support and maximal support (herd = 547 N/cm2; location = 531 N/cm2) of claw suspensory tissue (herd = 260 N/cm2; location = 327 N/cm2). Despite clinical and histological signs of laminitis, no weakening of the suspensory tissue of the bovine claw was detected at 24 and 72 h after oligofructose overload. Herd factors appeared to be important for claw suspensory tissue strength. Acute phase protein response during acute ruminal acidosis in cattle Danscher, A. M., Ekstrøm, C. T. et al Acute phase protein response during acute ruminal acidosis in cattle Danscher, A. M., Ekstrøm, C. T., Heegaard, P. M. H., Jacobsen, S., Thoefner, M. B. Livestock Science 2011 Oligofructose overload induces lameness in cattle Capion, N., Danscher, A. M., Ekstrøm et al Oligofructose overload induces lameness in cattle Capion, N., Danscher, A. M., Ekstrøm, C. T., Enemark, J. M. D., Telezhenko, E., Thoefner, M. B. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Polysynovitis after Oligofructose Overload in Dairy Cattle Aalbæk, B., Andersen, P. H., Danscher et al Polysynovitis after Oligofructose Overload in Dairy Cattle Aalbæk, B., Andersen, P. H., Danscher, A. M., Enemark, H. L., Nielsen, O. L. Journal of Comparative Pathology 2010 Severe foul-in-the-foot and BDV [bovine diarrhoea virus] infection Daniel, R., Davies, A., Davies, H. et al Severe foul-in-the-foot and BDV [bovine diarrhoea virus] infection Daniel, R., Davies, A., Davies, H., Irons, R., Mulligan, G. Veterinary Record 1995 Cases of severe foul-in-the-foot, affecting all 4 feet, in yearling beef cross cattle on 2 farms are reported. Affected animals were lame with swollen feet below the fetlock and foul smelling necrosis of interdigital skin. One animal had ulcers on the gingivae and hard palate. Blood samples from 3 animals tested were positive for bovine diarrhoea virus (BDV) and negative for BDV antibody. Fusobacterium necrophorum subspecies necrophorum, Bacteroides fragilis and B. melaninogenicus were cultured from the foot lesions. The affected cattle were culled. It is suggested that intercurrent BDV infection should be considered in severe foul-in-the-foot cases where all 4 feet are affected. If the immune system is compromised by BDV infection, treatment may be less effective and the prognosis should be guarded Experimental reproduction of bluetongue virus serotype 8 clinical disease in calves Dal Pozzo, F., De Clercq, K., Guyot, H. et al Experimental reproduction of bluetongue virus serotype 8 clinical disease in calves Dal Pozzo, F., De Clercq, K., Guyot, H., Saegerman, C., Sarradin, P., Thiry, E., Vandemeulebroucke, E., Vandenbussche, F. Veterinary Microbiology 2009 Two years’ experience of foot lesions in dairy cows in Piedmont Dabbene, S., Fattore, F., Pancani, I. et al Two years’ experience of foot lesions in dairy cows in Piedmont Dabbene, S., Fattore, F., Pancani, I., Pupilli, F. Atti della Societa Italiana di Buiatria 1996 Short communication: The effects of experimentally induced Escherichia coli clinical mastitis on lying behavior of dairy cows Chapinal, N., Cyples, J. A., DeVries et al Short communication: The effects of experimentally induced Escherichia coli clinical mastitis on lying behavior of dairy cows Chapinal, N., Cyples, J. A., DeVries, T. J., Fitzpatrick, C. E., Haley, D. B., Leslie, K. E. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Clinical mastitis is a commonly occurring and economically important problem in the dairy industry. Researchers have suggested that changes in lying behavior could be useful as early indicators of cow discomfort and poor welfare. The objective of this study was to determine the associations between the onset of illness resulting from experimentally induced clinical mastitis and measures of lying behavior. Clinical mastitis was induced in 21 lactating dairy cows (parity = 2.0 ± 1.0, range = 1 to 4; days in milk = 61 ± 18) by intramammary infusion of 25 or 100 μg of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into 1 uninfected mammary quarter. Lying behavior was monitored from 2 d before through 3 d after the LPS challenge by fitting each cow with a data logger. Calculated outcome measures were total lying time, lying time on the side of the intramammary infusion, number of lying bouts, and average lying bout duration. Cows spent less time lying down on the day of the challenge compared with the 2 d before (633.3 vs. 707.0 min/d; SE = 29.6), particularly during the 4 to 7 h following LPS infusion. However, no significant relationship was found between the mammary quarter challenged and cow preference for lying side throughout the episode of induced clinical mastitis. Given that lying is a high-priority behavior in dairy cows and that increased lying time is an adaptive sickness behavior to facilitate recovery, we infer that this reduction in lying time may present a concern for cows with clinical mastitis. Although additional studies with larger numbers of animals are needed, automated monitoring of lying behavior could be an important component of the on-farm early detection of health problems, such as mastitis, in the future. Interdigital dermatitis in cattle Cygan, Z. Interdigital dermatitis in cattle Cygan, Z. Medycyna Weterynaryjna 1991 Treatment of Cattle Feed with Caustic Soda Cook, N. B., Cutler, K. L. Treatment of Cattle Feed with Caustic Soda Cook, N. B., Cutler, K. L. Veterinary Record 1994 Randomized clinical trial of tetracycline hydrochloride bandage and paste treatments for resolution of lesions and pain... Cramer, G., Cutler, J. H. Higginson et al Randomized clinical trial of tetracycline hydrochloride bandage and paste treatments for resolution of lesions and pain associated with digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Cramer, G., Cutler, J. H. Higginson, Kelton, D. F., Millman, S. T., Walter, J. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Digital dermatitis is an infectious disease that causes lameness in dairy cattle, a primary welfare concern of the dairy industry. One of the common treatments for this painful hoof disease is through the application of an antibiotic bandage that must be removed following treatment. The objectives of this randomized clinical trial were to determine if topical application of tetracycline hydrochloride in a paste would be as therapeutically effective for the treatment of digital dermatitis as a powdered form of tetracycline hydrochloride held in place by a bandage, and to quantify pain associated with digital dermatitis lesions. Two hundred and fourteen Holstein cow hooves with digital dermatitis lesions were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: a tetracycline hydrochloride paste, tetracycline hydrochloride powder held in place with a bandage for 2 d, or a negative (untreated) control. Lesions were examined at 2 time periods: 3 to 7 d posttreatment and 8 to 12 d posttreatment to determine healing rates. Nociceptive thresholds were measured using a pressure algometer to quantify the pain at the lesion site. The tetracycline hydrochloride paste was as effective as the powdered bandage treatment in terms of healing rates, with 47.4 and 57.1% hooves healed at 8 to 12 d posttreatment, respectively. Both treatments were more effective than the control, in which no lesions healed 8 to 12 d following initial examination. Mean (±SE) nociceptive thresholds for active, healing, and healed lesions differed, with limb-withdrawal response occurring at 7.45 (±0.67) kg, 12.84 (±1.85) kg, and censored to 25 kg (maximum value of algometer) of force applied, respectively. However, active lesions were not consistently associated with pain, as maximum force was tolerated when applied to 19% of active lesions, perhaps due to variability in stoicism between individual cattle or due to changes in pain during the progression of infection. In conclusion, tetracycline hydrochloride paste was as effective as tetracycline hydrochloride bandage, eliminating the need for bandage removal following treatment application. Digital lesions can be painful during both active and healing stages, suggesting the need for treatment and husbandry interventions for pain mitigation. An Observational Study of the Effects of Therapeutic Hoof Blocks on the Locomotion, Behavior, and Production of Healthy Dairy... Cramer, G., Cutler, J. H., Gorden et al An Observational Study of the Effects of Therapeutic Hoof Blocks on the Locomotion, Behavior, and Production of Healthy Dairy Cattle Cramer, G., Cutler, J. H., Gorden, P. J., Kelton, D. F., Millman, S. T., Shearer, J. K. J Appl Anim Welf Sci 2015 Therapeutic hoof blocks have been recommended for treatment of sole ulcers in dairy cattle; however, they are underutilized in the industry. Twenty Holstein cows were randomly assigned to receive a wooden hoof block applied to the left hind leg (n = 5), to the right hind leg (n = 5), or no hoof blocks (n = 10). Accelerometers were affixed to both hind legs of 10 blocked cows and 5 control cows. Cows were observed for locomotion scores, and milk production was recorded. Mixed models were constructed to determine effects of block application on behavior, milk production, and locomotion. Activity was altered by day, with cows being most active on Day - 1. The mean number of daily lying bouts and lying bout duration did not differ by treatment. Locomotion scores were higher for blocked cows on Days 1, 2, and 3 compared with baseline; however, milk production did not differ between treatments. In conclusion, although block application affected the appearance of locomotion, it did not appear to adversely affect the behavior or milk production of sound dairy cows. Sward characteristics, grass dry matter intake and milk production performance are affected by pre-grazing herbage mass and... Boland, T. M., Curran, J., Delaby, L. et al Sward characteristics, grass dry matter intake and milk production performance are affected by pre-grazing herbage mass and pasture allowance Boland, T. M., Curran, J., Delaby, L., Kennedy, E., Murphy, J. P., O'Donovan, M. Livestock Science 2010 Farm animal health: a practical guide Cullen, P. T. Farm animal health: a practical guide Cullen, P. T. 1991 The aim of this book is to give [agricultural ?] students, farmers and anyone interested in agriculture an insight into all aspects of animal health. It deals with cattle, pigs and sheep; poultry are not included because of the specialist nature of the subject. Part 1 deals with the animal's body, with the intention of examining the internal make-up of the animal to give a better understanding of the ways in which diseases affect the various organs. Part 2 covers specific diseases and disease prevention. There are separate chapters on animal welfare, lameness in cattle, mastitis, ectoparasites and internal parasites, but most chapters cover a variety of diseases. There is a list of books for further reading, and a subject index The administration of Sheng Hua Tang immediately after delivery to reduce the incidence of retained placenta in Holstein dairy... Cui, Dongan, Li, Jianxi, Qin, Zhe, Wang et al The administration of Sheng Hua Tang immediately after delivery to reduce the incidence of retained placenta in Holstein dairy cows Cui, Dongan, Li, Jianxi, Qin, Zhe, Wang, Lei, Wang, Xuezhi, Wang, Xurong, Yang, Zhiqiang, Zhang, Jingyan Theriogenology 2014 Clinical and epidemiological aspects of bovine digital lesions in southern Brazil Cerva, C., Corbellini, L. G., Cruz, C. et al Clinical and epidemiological aspects of bovine digital lesions in southern Brazil Cerva, C., Corbellini, L. G., Cruz, C., Driemeier, D. Arquivo Brasileiro De Medicina Veterinaria E Zootecnia 2001 Digit lesions in dairy cattle: review Cerva, C., Corbellini, L. G., Cruz, C. et al Digit lesions in dairy cattle: review Cerva, C., Corbellini, L. G., Cruz, C., Driemeier, D. Arquivos da Faculdade de Veterinaria, UFRGS 2000 Bovine digital dermatitis in southern Brazil Cerva, C., Corbellini, L. C., Cruz, C. et al Bovine digital dermatitis in southern Brazil Cerva, C., Corbellini, L. C., Cruz, C., Driemeier, D. Veterinary Record 2001 A retrospective study of frostbite injuries in calves (1982-1991) Cruz, A. M., Naylor, J. M. A retrospective study of frostbite injuries in calves (1982-1991) Cruz, A. M., Naylor, J. M. Canadian Veterinary Journal 1993 Of 18 019 bovine cases examined over a period from January 1, 1982 to December 31, 1991, frostbite was diagnosed in 35 calves. All affected calves were under 3 months of age and all but 2 belonged to European-type beef breeds. The sex distribution was 40% males and 60% females. 63% of cases had occurred during winter, 34% in spring and 3% during autumn season. In 80% of admissions, the main presenting signs were respiratory disease, omphalitis, diarrhoea, septicaemia and ocular problems. Six calves were febrile and 16 hypothermic with temperature below 35.5oC being recorded in calves less than 4-day-old. Frostbite lesions were most common on the distal parts of the limbs, particularly the hindlimbs. Early lesions were swollen, oedematous on palpation and had very well demarcated limits. As the condition progressed, pink, red, or bluish-purple discoloration of the skin or the tissue beneath the hooves was seen. Further deterioration led to necrosis and sloughing of the skin, and in very severe cases, the hoof or the whole distal extremity became detached. Areas that were cold or undergoing avascular necrosis were not painful. Treatment was addressed at the primary problem and involved the use of antimicrobials and fluid therapy along with nursing care. 15 calves (42.8%) were discharged alive, 7 (20%) died in the clinic and 13 (37.1%) were killed for humane reasons Does separate housing of newly calved heifers influence social behaviour and lessen claw horn lesion development? Birnie, L. M., Cross, D. E., Logue et al Does separate housing of newly calved heifers influence social behaviour and lessen claw horn lesion development? Birnie, L. M., Cross, D. E., Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E. 1999 Severe Foot Lesions in Dairy Goats Associated with Digital Dermatitis Treponemes Angell, J. W., Blundell, R. J., Carter et al Severe Foot Lesions in Dairy Goats Associated with Digital Dermatitis Treponemes Angell, J. W., Blundell, R. J., Carter, S. D., Clegg, S.R., Crosby-Durrani, H. E., Duncan, J. S., Evans, N.J, Singer, E. Journal of Comparative Pathology 2016 Summary Treponeme-associated foot disease has been described in cattle with digital dermatitis and sheep with contagious ovine digital dermatitis. In this study, severe foot lesions in dairy goats associated with digital dermatitis treponemes (i.e. Treponema medium, Treponema phagedenis and Treponema pedis) were characterized macroscopically, radiographically and histologically. The main macroscopic foot lesion was of extensive solar ulceration with or without exophytic papilliform hyperkeratosis. Radiographically, the distal phalanx and distal sesamoid bones were severely damaged and remodelled. Histologically, the lesion was categorized as a chronic lymphoplasmacytic, suppurative and ulcerative pododermatitis. Immunohistochemistry identified the spirochaetal microorganisms located extracellularly in the superficial horn. Study limitations mean that the treponeme bacteria could not be considered the sole or causal agents in the cases described. Invited review: Ruminating conscientiously: Scientific and socio-ethical challenges for US dairy production Anthony, R., Croney, C. C. Invited review: Ruminating conscientiously: Scientific and socio-ethical challenges for US dairy production Anthony, R., Croney, C. C. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Intra-articular replacement of bovine cranial cruciate ligaments with an autogenous fascial graft Crawford, W. H. Intra-articular replacement of bovine cranial cruciate ligaments with an autogenous fascial graft Crawford, W. H. Veterinary Surgery 1990 Transected cranial cruciate ligaments in nine Holstein heifers were replaced with an autograft harvested from fascia on the medial surface of the gluteobiceps muscle and a connected segment of the lateral patellar ligament. There was minimal lameness at month 1, and all animals were sound by month 2. There was no evidence of degenerative joint disease in any stifles examined at necropsy on days 90, 120, or 365. Augmented healing of the severed cranial cruciate ligaments occurred in several animals. The mean failure strength of the cranial cruciate ligament replacements was 29.7% of the failure strength of the contralateral normal cranial cruciate ligament in four heifers. The technique was successful in eight of 13 bulls and cows with ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments. Animals treated successfully had significantly lower body weights than those with unsuccessful outcomes Lyme disease serology in cattle Cranwell, M. P., Cutler, S. J. Lyme disease serology in cattle Cranwell, M. P., Cutler, S. J. Veterinary Record 1996 The possible link between Borrelia burgdorferi and clinical disease, especially digital dermatitis in cattle, is questioned. The possibility of transmission by the urinary/oral conjunctival route or directly by urine contamination of the feet is challenged and the need to confirm that the ELISA system is not detecting antibodies to organisms other than B. burgdorferi is emphasized The association between foot lesions and culling risk in Ontario Holstein cows Cramer, G., Guard, C. L., Kelton, D. F. et al The association between foot lesions and culling risk in Ontario Holstein cows Cramer, G., Guard, C. L., Kelton, D. F., Leslie, K. E., Lissemore, K. D. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 The objective was to determine the association between specific foot lesions and culling in dairy cows. Using 5 trained professional hoof trimmers, data from 6,513 cows in 157 herds were recorded for analysis. During the study period, 1,293 cows (19.9%) were culled. Infectious lesions were most frequent in nonculled cows, whereas hoof horn lesions were most common in the culled cows. Median time to culling was 188 d [95% confidence interval (CI): 175–198 d] for cows without a lesion and 157 d (CI: 149–168 d) for cows with a lesion. Time from hoof trimming to culling was used to model the association between foot lesions and culling hazard. The final multivariate Cox proportional hazards model included heifers, infectious lesions, white line lesions, hemorrhages, sole ulcers, other lesions, and free-stall housing as covariates. Results of the final model showed that infectious hoof lesions had no significant association with culling. Yet, the hazard ratios for white line lesions, ulcers, and hemorrhage were 1.72 (CI: 1.39−2.11), 1.26 (CI: 1.05−1.52), and 1.36 (CI: 1.16−1.59), respectively. The association with culling for the grouped variable “other lesions” was time dependent and decreased with time. These results illustrate that there were significant associations with cow productivity for hoof horn lesions found at routine hoof trimming and that emphasis should be placed on proper treatment and earlier detection of these foot lesions. Herd-level risk factors for seven different foot lesions in Ontario Holstein cattle housed in tie stalls or free stalls Cramer, G., Guard, C. L., Kelton, D. F. et al Herd-level risk factors for seven different foot lesions in Ontario Holstein cattle housed in tie stalls or free stalls Cramer, G., Guard, C. L., Kelton, D. F., Leslie, K. E., Lissemore, K. D. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Herd- and Cow-Level Prevalence of Foot Lesions in Ontario Dairy Cattle Cramer, G., Guard, C. L., Kelton, D. F. et al Herd- and Cow-Level Prevalence of Foot Lesions in Ontario Dairy Cattle Cramer, G., Guard, C. L., Kelton, D. F., Leslie, K. E., Lissemore, K. D. Journal of Dairy Science 2008 The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to determine herd-level and cow-level prevalence estimates for 11 foot lesions in Ontario dairy cattle. Foot lesions were recorded by 5 hoof trimmers on 13,530 cows in 204 Ontario dairy herds from March 2004 to May 2005. Significant differences existed between free-stall and tie-stall housing. In free-stall housing systems, 46.4% of cows had a foot lesion, compared with 25.7% of cows in tie-stall barns. Digital dermatitis was the most common lesion in tie stalls, occurring in 9.3% of cows and 69.7% of the herds, whereas in free-stall herds, 22.7% of cows and 96.7% of the herds were affected. The most common hoof horn lesions were hemorrhages and ulcers, at 7.7 and 4.7% in tie-stall housing and 11.0 and 9.2% in free-stall housing, respectively. Foot blocks were used to treat 2.2% of cows in free stalls and 0.3% in tie stalls. Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 9.5 to 17.3 for hoof horn lesions and 28.0 to 38.7 for infectious lesions. In summary, foot lesions diagnosed at the time of hoof trimming are common in Ontario, and appropriate treatment for hoof horn lesions is low. Alternative solutions to the concrete fully-slatted floor for the housing of finishing beef cattle: Effects on growth... Brscic, M., Contiero, B., Cozzi, G. et al Alternative solutions to the concrete fully-slatted floor for the housing of finishing beef cattle: Effects on growth performance, health of the locomotor system and behaviour Brscic, M., Contiero, B., Cozzi, G., Gottardo, F., Ricci, R., Tessitore, E. The Veterinary Journal 2013 The profile of the hoof Coustumier, J. le, Le Coustumier, J. The profile of the hoof Coustumier, J. le, Le Coustumier, J. Production Laitiere Moderne 1995 The effects of hoof conformation on dairy performance are considered. Selection of dairy cows on the basis of hoof conformation is associated with longer productive lives in herds and a lower incidence of ulcers and other disorders of hooves. Other factors which should be taken into account include the type of flooring used in cowsheds, treatment of lameness, trimming of hooves and feed formulation Effect of extreme walking conditions for dairy cows on milk yield, chemical composition, and somatic cell count Cochard, T., Coulon, J. B., Poutrel, B. et al Effect of extreme walking conditions for dairy cows on milk yield, chemical composition, and somatic cell count Cochard, T., Coulon, J. B., Poutrel, B., Pradel, P. Journal of Dairy Science 1998 Thirty-two cows (16 Montbeliardes and 16 Tarentaises) in midlactation were used in an experiment utilizing a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Throughout the trial, cows received first-cutting cocksfoot hay for ad libitum intake supplemented with a fixed amount of concentrate that was individually adapted to the milk yield of each cow. During a 23-d experimental period, one group of cows walked 9.6 km/d; the other group of cows remained in the barn. Cows that walked daily ate less hay (-1.3 and -2.1 kg/d of dry matter for Tarentaise and Montbeliarde cows, respectively) and yielded less milk (-1.7 and -2.5 kg/d for Tarentaise and Montbeliarde cows, respectively) than did cows that did not walk daily. A residual effect of walking on milk yield was observed during the 10 d following the experimental period. For both breeds, fat content and, to a lesser extent, protein content were higher (+6.4 and +1.0 g/kg, respectively) for cows that walked. Somatic cell count was also higher for cows that walked (+115,000 cells/ml). This difference was more marked in cows that were initially infected by a minor or major pathogen (+185,000 cells/ml) than in uninfected cows (+47,000 cells/ml) and on the 1st d of walking when walking was linked to increases in pH, bovine serum albumin, and immunoglobulin G1 contents of milk (+0.08 unit, +0.16 g/L, and +0.19 g/L, respectively). Throughout the experimental period, walking induced a rise in body temperature (+1 degree C) and in plasma nonesterified fatty acids (+0.63 mM/L). On the 1st d of walking, plasma glucose, lactic acid, and cortisol contents were significantly higher for cows that walked (+0.25 g/L, +0.64 g/L, and +28.8 ng/ml, respectively) Long-term effect of level and pattern of winter concentrate allocation in dairy cows Coulon, J. B., Garel, J. P., P, D. Hour et al Long-term effect of level and pattern of winter concentrate allocation in dairy cows Coulon, J. B., Garel, J. P., P, D. Hour, Petit, M. Annales de Zootechnie 1996 In their first 4 lactations 148 dairy cows were given diets containing grass silage ad libitum, hay 4 kg/day and high, medium or low concentrate levels during the winter period (H, M and L) and, for levels M and L, allocation patterns, standard (S) or flat rate (F). First-lactation cows were allocated to a treatment in which they remained until lactation 4 or when culled. Winter concentrate allocation was individually predetermined for the first 4 lactations according to expected milk yield. During summer, all cows grazed together as a single group. The occurrence of mastitis, reproductive performance (days open and interval between calving and first oestrus) and longevity were not significantly different between treatments. Foot lesions were more frequent in group H than in other groups. Effect of treatment on production performance was studied in cows having lactated for at least 12 weeks in the winter period in at least 3 successive lactations. Between lactations 1 and 3, liveweight at calving increased by 72, 44 and 36 kg in groups H, M and L, respectively, and milk yield over the first 12 weeks of lactation by 8.3, 5.9 and 6.1 kg/day, respectively (P<0.01). These differences were more pronounced in the highest-producing cows. When considered over the first 40 weeks of lactation, differences in production increase between lactations 1 and 3 were not significant (1175, 997 and 1159 kg in groups H, M and L, respectively), due to greater compensation over the summer period for groups M and L during lactation 3. There was no significant difference in production and reproductive performances between groups S and F Long term effect of level and pattern of winter concentrate allocation in dairy cows Coulon, J. B., Garel, J. P., P, D. Hour et al Long term effect of level and pattern of winter concentrate allocation in dairy cows Coulon, J. B., Garel, J. P., P, D. Hour, Petit, M. 2emes rencontres autour des recherches sur les ruminants Paris 1995 In 148 cows, the effects of 3 concentrate levels (high (H), medium (M) and low (L)) given during the winter period in addition to grass silage (ad libitum) and hay (4 kg/day) on milk yield, reproduction, health and longevity were compared. Cows in their first lactation were allocated to an experimental treatment in which they remained until their fourth lactation or until culling (if this occurred before). During summer, all cows grazed together as a single group. The occurrence of mastitis, reproductive performances and longevity were not significantly different between treatments. Foot lesions were more frequent in group H than in other groups. Effect of treatments on production performances was studied in cows having achieved at least 3 successive lactations of a winter duration more than or equal to 12 weeks. Between the first and third lactation, liveweight at calving increased by 72, 44 and 36 kg, and milk yield over the first 12 weeks of lactation by 8.3, 5.9 and 6.1 kg/day (P<0,01) in groups H, M and L, respectively. These differences were more pronounced in the highest producing cows. Over the first 40 weeks of lactation, the differences in milk yield between the first and third lactation were not significant (1175, 997 and 1159 kg in groups H, M and L, respectively), due to a greater compensation during the summer period for groups M and L during the third lactation Feeding Pathology and Milk Productivity of the Dairy Cow Inter- Relations During the Milk Production Period Coulon, J. B., Garel, J. P., Landais, E. Feeding Pathology and Milk Productivity of the Dairy Cow Inter- Relations During the Milk Production Period Coulon, J. B., Garel, J. P., Landais, E. Ann Rech Vet 1990 The influence of winter feeding (hay versus grass silage-based diets, supplemented with a high or low level of concentrate) and disease on the longevity of 136 Friesian or Montbeliarde dairy cows was studied in a long-term experiment spanning 6 consecutive years. Breed had no great effect on longevity. The longevity of cows given a silage diet with a low level of supplementation was lower than that of cows given any one of the other diets (2.5 lactation/cycle versus 3.2-3.5). Cows that developed frequent lameness during the 1st lactation had a shorter period of productivity (-1.1 lactation/cycle) than comparable healthy animals. Among the different pathological lactation profiles, only the profile "healthy lactation" recurs from one lactation to the next (41% of the cases). In particular, lameness (which is very recurrent during a single lactation) is not recurrent from one lactation to the next. The characteristics of the 1st lactation cycle (disease, milk production, reproduction) appeared to be determinant for the productive future of the animals. On average, milk production and live-weight increased by 352 and 24 kg respectively between the 1st and 2nd lactation and by 270 and 27 kg between the 2nd and 3rd lactation. Cows given a hay diet (with a low or high level of supplementation) or a silage diet with a high level of supplementation showed a greater increase in production between the 1st and 3rd lactation (+752 kg) than those given a silage diet with a low level of supplementation (+359 kg). Over 3 lactation, the cumulative effects of the type of winter feeding can become marked: differences in milk production can attain up to 2770 kg between a hay/high concentrate and a silage/low concentrate diet. These results question the validity of conclusions drawn from experiments conducted over 1 winter or 1 lactation cycle only Feeding, pathology, reproduction and productivity in the dairy cow Coulon, J. B., Garel, J. P., Landais, E. Feeding, pathology, reproduction and productivity in the dairy cow Coulon, J. B., Garel, J. P., Landais, E. Productions Animales, INRA 1989 In a 6-yr feed trial with hay and grass silage diets, each supplemented with concentrates at 2 different levels, 487 lactations of 190 Black Pied and Montbeliard cows were examined. Of 595 health disorders found, lameness and mastitis represented 52 and 24% resp. 47% of mastitis occurred in the first 2 months of lactation. Lameness increased during winter. Recurrent lameness caused highest milk production losses (640 kg for cows with 3 periods of lameness vs. 20 kg for those with 1 period of lameness and 160 kg for cows with 1 period of mastitis) and was more frequent in Black Pied cows and cows fed silage. Cows on silage with low supplementation had a shorter productive life (2.5 vs. 3.2-3.5 lactations) and showed less increase in milk production between 1st and 3rd lactation than cows on silage with high supplementation or cows on hay Relationship Between Pathological Events and Productivity of a Milk Cow On a Full Lactation Period Coulon, J. B., Garel, J. P., Landais, E. Relationship Between Pathological Events and Productivity of a Milk Cow On a Full Lactation Period Coulon, J. B., Garel, J. P., Landais, E. Ann Rech Vet 1989 The effects of sanitary problems in dairy herds on milk production have been determined using 595 cases of health problems noted in Friesian and Montbeliarde cows in a long-term feeding trial, covering over 487 lactations. Relationships between each sanitary condition and lactation characteristics were established. On a short-term basis (5 weeks), the greater milk losses were first due to lameness at turnout (56 kg) and second to winter mastitis (24 kg); the effects of lameness lasted beyond the 5th week depending on when the problem was first detected. Over the whole lactation cycle, the highest milk losses resulted from recurrent lameness: 640 kg loss for cows presenting a lameness at least three times, versus 20 kg for those presenting only one lameness. The frequency of recurrent lameness was three times higher in Friesian than in Montbeliarde cows and four times higher with grass silage- based diets as compared with hay diets. Four main types of lactation cycles were characterized on the basis of the cows' level of production, their health status, their reproduction performances and their culling rate. Cumulative differences in any of those characteristics accounted for up to a 1800 kg difference in milk production [Feeding, pathology and productivity of the dairy cow: interrelations during the course of lactation]. [French] Coulon, J. B. [Feeding, pathology and productivity of the dairy cow: interrelations during the course of lactation]. [French] Coulon, J. B. Annales de Recherches Veterinaires 1990 The influence of winter feeding (hay versus grass silage-based diets, supplemented with a high or low level of concentrate) and disease on the longevity of 136 Friesian or Montbeliarde dairy cows was studied in a long-term experiment spanning 6 consecutive years. Breed had no great effect on longevity. The longevity of cows given a silage diet with a low level of supplementation was lower than that of cows given any one of the other diets (2.5 lactation/cycle versus 3.2-3.5). Cows that developed frequent lameness during the 1st lactation had a shorter period of productivity (-1.1 lactation/cycle) than comparable healthy animals. Among the different pathological lactation profiles, only the profile "healthy lactation" recurs from one lactation to the next (41% of the cases). In particular, lameness (which is very recurrent during a single lactation) is not recurrent from one lactation to the next. The characteristics of the 1st lactation cycle (disease, milk production, reproduction) appeared to be determinant for the productive future of the animals. On average, milk production and live-weight increased by 352 and 24 kg respectively between the 1st and 2nd lactation and by 270 and 27 kg between the 2nd and 3rd lactation. Cows given a hay diet (with a low or high level of supplementation) or a silage diet with a high level of supplementation showed a greater increase in production between the 1st and 3rd lactation (+ 752 kg) than those given a silage diet with a low level of supplementation (+ 359 kg). Over 3 lactations, the cumulative effects of the type of winter feeding can become marked: differences in milk production can attain up to 2770 kg between a hay/high concentrate and a silage/low concentrate diet. These results question the validity of conclusions drawn from experiments conducted over 1 winter or 1 lactation cycle only [Pathology and productivity of the lactating cow: interrelations based on the level of lactation]. [French] Coulon, J. B. [Pathology and productivity of the lactating cow: interrelations based on the level of lactation]. [French] Coulon, J. B. Annales de Recherches Veterinaires 1989 The effects of sanitary problems in dairy herds on milk production have been determined using 595 cases of health problems noted in Friesian and Montbeliarde cows in a long-term feeding trial, covering over 487 lactations. Relationships between each sanitary condition and lactation characteristics were established. On a short-term basis (5 weeks), the greater milk losses were first due to lameness at turnout (56 kg) and second to winter mastitis (24 kg); the effects of lameness lasted beyond the 5th week depending on when the problem was first detected. Over the whole lactation cycle, the highest milk losses resulted from recurrent lameness: 640 kg loss for cows presenting a lameness at least three times, versus 20 kg for those presenting only one lameness. The frequency of recurrent lameness was three times higher in Friesian than in Montbeliarde cows and four times higher with grass silage-based diets as compared with hay diets. Four main types of lactation cycles were characterized on the basis of the cows' level of production, their health status, their reproduction performances and their culling rate. Cumulative differences in any of those characteristics accounted for up to a 1 800 kg difference in milk production A survey of management practices that influence production and welfare of dairy cattle on family farms in southern Brazil Balcão, L. F., Costa, J. H. C. et al A survey of management practices that influence production and welfare of dairy cattle on family farms in southern Brazil Balcão, L. F., Costa, J. H. C., Hötzel, M. J., Longo, C. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 In vivo and in vitro efficacy of florfenicol for the treatment of infectious bovine pododermatitis Cosgrove, S. B., Johnson, J. C., Katz et al In vivo and in vitro efficacy of florfenicol for the treatment of infectious bovine pododermatitis Cosgrove, S. B., Johnson, J. C., Katz, T. L., Simmons, R. D. Medicina Veterinaria 1999 A Digital Disorder in Dairy-Cattle – Dermatitis Digitalis Cornelisse, J. L., Peterse, D. J. et al A Digital Disorder in Dairy-Cattle – Dermatitis Digitalis Cornelisse, J. L., Peterse, D. J., Raven, E. T. Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde 1981 Formalin footbaths in the prevention of interdigital dermatitis in cattle Cornelisse, J. J., Peterse, D. J. et al Formalin footbaths in the prevention of interdigital dermatitis in cattle Cornelisse, J. J., Peterse, D. J., Toussaint Raven, E. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd 1982 Effect of foot lesions on milk production by dairy cows Coulon, J. B., Fonty, A., Lescourret, F. Effect of foot lesions on milk production by dairy cows Coulon, J. B., Fonty, A., Lescourret, F. Journal of Dairy Science 1996 Individual curves for milk production of 428 cows affected by foot lesions were compared with control curves drawn from data of healthy lactating cows. First, differences were classified into patterns of milk loss, and their distribution was analyzed among the patterns with regard to breed, season, parity, stage of lactation, and milk production. Then, individual milk losses were estimated and analyzed according to the same factors. During early lactation, as during mid to late lactation, no marked modifications of the lactation curves occurred for about one-half of the cases. In 25% of the cases, milk production was affected for an expanded period (medians were 17 wk for early lactation and 12 wk for mid to late lactation). Corresponding median milk losses were 440 and 270 kg, respectively. Summer foot lesions were more severe than winter lesions, regardless of stage of lactation. Milk production at foot lesion onset was a determining factor of the amount and pattern of milk loss only for cases occurring during mid to late lactation Effect of two different trimming schedules on the incidence of horn defects and on culling rate Brizzi, A., Cornacchia, G. Effect of two different trimming schedules on the incidence of horn defects and on culling rate Brizzi, A., Cornacchia, G. Effects of supplementation of slightly deficient dairy cows with zinc oxide or methionine-zinc Auzmendi, J., Corbellini, C. N. et al Effects of supplementation of slightly deficient dairy cows with zinc oxide or methionine-zinc Auzmendi, J., Corbellini, C. N., De Mattos, A. C., Mangoni, A. R., Mattos, A. C. Revista de Medicina Veterinaria Buenos Aires 1997 A total of 155 first-calving heifers from a herd with 23-30 ppm Zn in the diet (dry matter basis) were used. 51 were controls; 52 were given 3 g/day ZnO2 (71% Zn) from 30 days before parturition to the end of lactation; the remaining 52 cows were given 2 g/day of methionine-Zn (21.2% Zn). The calculated daily Zn intakes in the 3 groups were 440.24, 2570.24 and 864.24 mg/cow respectively. Milk production was 5.4% higher in cows given methionine-Zn compared to controls; ZnO2 supplementation had no significant effect. Zn supplementation, especially as methionine-Zn significantly reduced the prevalence of dystocia and endometritis, decreased the parturition-conception interval and reduced the somatic cell count. Methionine-Zn supplementation significantly reduced the prevalence of post-partum lameness. Zn concentration in milk was significantly higher in methionine-Zn supplemented cows at 180 days after parturition (6.32 mg/litre compared to 4.67 mg/litre in controls). The advantages of the use of Zn supplements and the physiological basis for the differences between response to the 2 types of supplement are discussed Arthropathy associated with Brucella abortus strain 19 vaccination in cattle. I. Examination of field cases Corbel, M. J. Arthropathy associated with Brucella abortus strain 19 vaccination in cattle. I. Examination of field cases Corbel, M. J. British Veterinary Journal 1989 Thirty cows presenting with lameness and persistent serological reactions to Brucella abortus had chronic granulomatous arthropathy of the femorotibial and occasionally other joints. Attempts to culture Brucella or other pathogens gave negative results but organisms of Brucella morphology were seen in fluorescent antibody-stained cryostat sections of synovial tissue. The synovial fluids contained high titres of antibodies to B. abortus and Yersinia enterocolitica O:9 and had elevated total protein and immunoglobulin concentrations showing an oligoclonal electrophoretic profile. Immune complexes and rheumatoid factor were detected in some of the fluids Bovine laminitis Corato, A. Bovine laminitis Corato, A. Obiettivi e Documenti Veterinari 1993 Cutaneous ergotism in a herd of dairy calves Coppock, R. W. Cutaneous ergotism in a herd of dairy calves Coppock, R. W. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1989 Weather conditions in northern Illinois favored infection of pasture grasses with Claviceps purpurea. A herd of 52 Holstein heifers selectively grazed the seedheads of an orchard grassbromegrass pasture infected with C purpurea and were poisoned. Peptide alkaloids were found in the sclerotia. Clinical signs of intoxication included lameness, edema of the hind limbs, epilation, areas of skin necrosis, and diarrhea. Pathologic findings included myopachynsis of arterioles in the deep dermal areas, lungs, kidney, spleen, submucosa of small intestines and cerebral cortex, focal cracks on the hoofs, and multifocal areas of detachment of the hoof wall. Of the 52 heifers, 3 died on the farm, 1 was euthanatized, and 3 were sold. The remaining heifers conceived without difficulty, and subsequent calvings were uncomplicated Effects of level and form of dietary zinc on dairy cow performance and health Cope, C. M., Mackenzie, A. M., Sinclair et al Effects of level and form of dietary zinc on dairy cow performance and health Cope, C. M., Mackenzie, A. M., Sinclair, L. A., Wilde, D. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Interactions between housed dairy cows during feeding, lying, and standing Arney, David R., Cooper, Marc D. et al Interactions between housed dairy cows during feeding, lying, and standing Arney, David R., Cooper, Marc D., Phillips, Clive J., Webb, Ceriann R. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research 2008 Three experiments examined the extent of behavioral interactions between housed dairy cows. In Experiment 1, 6 different cows were selected every other day from a dairy herd and allocated to 3 pairs for recording of feeding, standing, lying, and leg-raising behaviors. There was no difference in the between-pair and within-pair coefficients of variation for the behaviors, suggesting that the performance of these behaviors was independent of influences of other cows. Experiment 2 used 9 pairs of cows in a 3-period changeover design. The same behaviors were recorded as in Experiment 1, and data were used only from the last 2 periods, which ensured that cows had been together previously for at least one 48-hour period. There were again no differences in the between- and within-pair coefficients of variation when using behaviors as replicates, either for the first 2 hours, during which time no treatments had been applied, or the entire 4 hours, when some cows had been prevented from lying down and feeding. Experiment 3 investigated the consistency of between-cow associations for repeated observations of feeding, lying, and entering the milking parlor. Although there was evidence of a similar order of entry into the milking parlor between days, the number of feeding associations was similar to that predicted by a model of random behavior, and the pattern of lying associations also suggested a random pattern of associations. Across behaviors, cows were observed with specific partners more often than expected by chance. Thus although there was no evidence of interdependence of feeding, lying, or standing behavior, consistent associations were observed, particularly in parlor entry. Two- or Four-Hour Lying Deprivation on the Behavior of Lactating Dairy Cows Arney, D. R., Cooper, M. D., Phillips et al Two- or Four-Hour Lying Deprivation on the Behavior of Lactating Dairy Cows Arney, D. R., Cooper, M. D., Phillips, C. J. C. Journal of Dairy Science 2007 Cows are often temporarily deprived of the opportunity to lie down while waiting for veterinary or reproductive procedures. Sixty cows were deprived of the opportunity to lie down for 0, 2, or 4 h by confining them in pairs in a small indoor pen. Behavior was recorded during deprivation and for 40 h afterwards. In the first 2 and 4 h of the experiment, cows that were not deprived chose to lie down for 70 and 142 min, respectively. When cows were discouraged from lying, they regularly stomped their legs, repositioned themselves, but never lay down. In the 4-h treatment, both stomping and repositioning increased after the first hour. Butting and weight shifting (displacing weight from one side of the body to the other) increased during deprivation, indicating restlessness. Cows deprived for 4 h sniffed and rubbed their heads against the housing more than cows deprived for 0 or 2 h. Time spent feeding and standing without ruminating increased with the duration of deprivation, especially during the early stages; standing ruminating also increased in the final stages. After deprivation, feeding time decreased, which compensated for the increase during deprivation. By 40 h after deprivation, the lying-deprived cows had recovered approximately 40% of their lost lying time. Milk yield was not affected by lying deprivation. It is concluded that cows experience discomfort during short periods of lying deprivation, after which they recover some, but not all, of the lost lying time by rescheduling feeding and standing time. Potential impacts of climate change on veterinary medicinal residues in livestock produce: An island of Ireland perspective Cooper, Kevin M., Elliott et al Potential impacts of climate change on veterinary medicinal residues in livestock produce: An island of Ireland perspective Cooper, Kevin M., Elliott, Christopher T., Fairweather, Ian, McMahon, Connor Trends in Food Science & Technology Short communication: Effect of a stable pen management strategy for precalving cows on dry matter intake, plasma nonesterified... Coonen, J. M., Crump, P. M., Grummer et al Short communication: Effect of a stable pen management strategy for precalving cows on dry matter intake, plasma nonesterified fatty acid levels, and milk production Coonen, J. M., Crump, P. M., Grummer, R. R., Maroney, M. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 The relationships between non-structural carbohydrates and milk production in lactating dairy cows Amos, H. E., Coomer, J. C. The relationships between non-structural carbohydrates and milk production in lactating dairy cows Amos, H. E., Coomer, J. C. The relations between non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) metabolism and milk production are discussed. Feeding large amounts of NSC generally produces increased milk yield and milk protein content, but it also reduces milk fat and increases the incidence of some physiological disorders (bloat, acidosis, laminitis). An attempt to decrease NSC intake while maintaining the increased milk production has been made through the use of high-fibre, highly digestible byproduct feeds. Research indicates that feeds such as maize gluten feed, soyabean hulls, wheat middlings, beet pulp, citrus pulp and wheat bran, which have high fibre content but are similar to grains in energy content, may be utilized to meet this objective. Research indicates that increasing the NSC content or NSC degradability of fat supplemented diets will not alleviate the reduction in milk protein percentage commonly observed with high levels of fat feeding The effects on claw health of supplement feeding grazing dairy cows on feed pads Anderson, Garry A., Auldist, Martin J. et al The effects on claw health of supplement feeding grazing dairy cows on feed pads Anderson, Garry A., Auldist, Martin J., Conley, Melanie J., Coombe, Joanne E., Fisher, Andrew D., Malmo, Jakob, Mansell, Peter D., Pyman, Michael F., Wales, William J. The Veterinary Journal 2013 The costs and benefits of digital dermatitis control on UK dairy farms Bennett, R. M., Cooke, R. J. The costs and benefits of digital dermatitis control on UK dairy farms Bennett, R. M., Cooke, R. J. Cattle Practice 2005 Digital dermatitis is a significant problem in UK dairy herds and the cost to farmers has not yet been fully quantified. Under the current farm health planning initiative there is a need to demonstrate to farmers the costs and benefits of disease control. This paper presents the first attempt to quantify the costs and benefits of digital dermatitis control on UK dairy farms through the use of an interactive model. Observations on the design and use of footbaths for the control of infectious hoof disease in dairy cattle Burgi, K., Cook, Nigel B., Gomez, A. et al Observations on the design and use of footbaths for the control of infectious hoof disease in dairy cattle Burgi, K., Cook, Nigel B., Gomez, A., Rieman, J. The Veterinary Journal 2012 A survey of 65 freestall-housed dairy herds in five different countries, with an average of 1023 milking cows, found that footbaths were used 1–4 times per day for 1–7 days per week, with between 80 and 3000 cows passing through the bath between chemical changes. The most common agents used were copper sulfate (41/65) and formalin (22/65). Twenty-seven herds (42%) used more than one chemical. The median footbath measured 2.03 m long by 0.81 m wide, and was filled to a depth of 0.11 m with a volume of 189 L (range 80–1417 L). An observational behavioral study was conducted using a custom-designed footbath to test four different bath dimensions, with two different step-in heights. The number of immersions per rear foot was counted for each footbath design for each cow passing through the bath on two consecutive days. While a higher step-in height significantly increased the number of foot immersions, the effect was small compared to the effect of length. The probability of each rear foot receiving at least two immersions reached 95% at a bath length of 3.0 m, and a significant increase in the frequency of three and four immersions per foot was observed between 3.0 and 3.7 m. In order to optimize the number of foot immersions per cow pass, while limiting the footbath volume, this study recommends a bath 3.0–3.7 m long, 0.5–0.6 m wide, with a 28 cm step-in height. Environmental Influences on Claw Horn Lesions Associated with Laminitis and Subacute Ruminal Acidosis in Dairy Cows Cook, N. B., Nordlund, K. V., Oetzel et al Environmental Influences on Claw Horn Lesions Associated with Laminitis and Subacute Ruminal Acidosis in Dairy Cows Cook, N. B., Nordlund, K. V., Oetzel, G. R. J Dairy Sci 2004 The environment may influence the onset of laminitis and associated claw horn lesions of dairy cows by exacerbating changes in the hoof triggered by events at parturition, onset of subacute ruminal acidosis, or claw horn growth and wear and ground reaction forces on different walking surfaces. Environmental risk factors for laminitis and associated claw horn lesions include feed bunk space and design, pen layout, overstocking, heat stress, stall use behavior, and exposure to concrete and other types of walking surfaces. New evidence suggests that cow environment may be the final determinant of the degree of laminitis and lameness observed on dairy farms. The influence of the environment on dairy cow behavior, claw health and herd lameness dynamics Cook, Nigel B., Nordlund, Kenneth V. The influence of the environment on dairy cow behavior, claw health and herd lameness dynamics Cook, Nigel B., Nordlund, Kenneth V. The Veterinary Journal 2009 Free stall housing increases the exposure of dairy cows’ claws to concrete walk-ways and to manure between periods of rest, and generally shows the highest rate of lameness compared with other dairy management systems. However, there is great variation within a system, and the rate of new cases of lameness can be reduced to very low levels provided time spent resting per day is maximized through good stall design, access to stalls through stocking density control and comfortable transition cow facilities, limiting the time spent milking, provision of adequate heat abatement, and good leg hygiene. Sand bedded stalls are useful as they also permit lame cows to maintain adequate daily rest. Rubberized alley flooring surfaces benefit the cow by reducing claw wear and trauma compared to concrete, making them ideal for parlor holding areas and long transfer lanes and walk ways. However, caution is required when using rubber floors in pens with uncomfortable stalls due to apparent adverse effects on cow time budgets, which may in turn have a detrimental effect on lameness. Behavioral needs of the transition cow and considerations for special needs facility design Cook, N. B., Nordlund, K. V. Behavioral needs of the transition cow and considerations for special needs facility design Cook, N. B., Nordlund, K. V. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2004 Improved building designs come from a better understanding of the behavioral needs of the dairy cow. The costs to provide for these needs in the facility must be offset by improved milk production, health, and longevity. Research is still required to more fully understand the health implications of many building design considerations and their impact on disease. Perhaps the most important end result of an improved environment for the transition cow, however, is an improvement in animal well-being. Better buildings that accommodate the behavioral needs of cows present "win-win" situations where dairy cattle thrive and work is more enjoyable. This results in an improved image for the industry, greater consumer confidence in the quality and safety of the final food product, and a prosperous dairy industry. The Effect of Heat Stress and Lameness on Time Budgets of Lactating Dairy Cows Bennett, T.B., Burgi, K., Cook, N. B. et al The Effect of Heat Stress and Lameness on Time Budgets of Lactating Dairy Cows Bennett, T.B., Burgi, K., Cook, N. B., Mentink, R. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2007 Time budgets for 14 cows housed in a 3-row free-stall pen were obtained for 4 filming sessions timed to capture different climatic conditions, with a range in mean pen temperature-humidity index from 56.2 to 73.8. Mean lying time decreased from 10.9 to 7.9 h/d from the coolest to the hottest session filmed. This change in behavior occurred predominantly between 0600 h and 1800 h. Time spent standing in the alley increased from 2.6 to 4.5 h/d from the coolest to the hottest session filmed, with changes occurring between 1200 h and 1800 h. There was a negative effect of increasing locomotion score over the summer with higher locomotion scores associated with less time spent standing up in the alley. Time spent drinking increased from 0.3 to 0.5 h/d across the range in temperature-humidity index. Filming session alone did not affect time spent standing in the stall, but the effect of locomotion score was significant, with score 2 and score 3 cows standing in the stall longer than score 1 cows (4.0 and 4.4 compared with 2.9 h/d respectively). Behavioral changes observed and traditionally associated with heat stress were confounded by changes in locomotion score. Increases in claw horn lesion development reported in the late summer may be associated with an increase in total standing time per day. The changes in behavior described were because of mild to moderate heat stress. The finding that activity shifts occur around a temperature-humidity index of 68 supports the use of more aggressive heat-abatement strategies implemented at an activation temperature of around 21°C. Management characteristics, lameness, and body injuries of dairy cattle housed in high-performance dairy herds in Wisconsin Bennett, T.B., Brotzman, R. L., Cook et al Management characteristics, lameness, and body injuries of dairy cattle housed in high-performance dairy herds in Wisconsin Bennett, T.B., Brotzman, R. L., Cook, N. B., Foy, M. R., Hess, J. P. J Dairy Sci 2016 The objective of this study was to benchmark the prevalence of lameness, hock and knee injuries, and neck and back injuries among high-performance, freestall-housed dairy herds in Wisconsin. A random selection of 66 herds with 200 or more cows was derived from herds that clustered with high performance in year 2011 Dairy Herd Improvement records for milk production, udder health, reproduction, and other health parameters. Herds were surveyed to collect information about management, facilities, and well-being. Well-being measures were obtained through direct observation of the high-producing mature cow group, surveying 9,690 cows in total. Total herd size averaged (mean +/- standard deviation) 851+/-717 cows, ranging 203 to 2,966 cows, with an energy-corrected milk production of 40.1+/-4.4kg/cow per day. Prevalence of clinical lameness (5-point scale, locomotion score >/=3) and severe lameness (locomotion score >/=4) averaged 13.2+/-7.3 and 2.5+/-2.7%, respectively. The prevalence of all hock and knee injuries, including hair loss, swelling, and ulceration, was similar at 50.3+/-28.3 and 53.0+/-24.0%, respectively. Severe (swelling and ulceration) hock and knee injury prevalence were 12.2+/-15.3 and 6.2+/-5.5%, respectively. The prevalence of all neck injuries (including hair loss, swelling and ulceration) was 8.6+/-16.3%; whereas the prevalence of swollen or abraded necks was low, averaging 2.0+/-4.1%. Back injuries (proportion of cows with missing or abraded spinous processes, hooks, or pins) followed a similar trend with a low mean prevalence of 3.6+/-3.4%. Overall, physical well-being characteristics of this selection of high-producing, freestall-housed dairy herds provide evidence that lameness and injury are not inevitable consequences of the confinement housing of large numbers of dairy cattle. In particular, lameness prevalence rivals that of lower-production grazing systems. However, hock and other injury risk remains a concern that can be addressed through a choice in stall surface type. Use of deep, loose bedding yielded significant advantages over a mat or mattress type surface in terms of lameness, hock and knee injury, and proportion of cows with dirty udders (distinct demarcated to confluent plaques of manure). The performance benchmarks achieved by these herds may be used to set standards by which similarly managed herds may be judged using welfare audit tools. Treatment and outcome of a severe form of foul-in-the-foot Cook, N. B., Cutler, K. L. Treatment and outcome of a severe form of foul-in-the-foot Cook, N. B., Cutler, K. L. Veterinary Record 1995 A study of the disease in 24 cows on 5 dairy farms in Wiltshire, UK is reported; 22 cases affected the hindfeet of adult lactation Holstein-Friesian cows. The disorder, which is peracute in onset and refractory to conventional therapy results in an acutely lame cow with severe interdigital swelling. If left untreated this progresses rapidly to necrosis, extensive swelling, sepsis and then septic arthritis. Bacteriological examination of 6 cases confirmed the presence of Fusobacterium necrophorum (4 isolates) and Bacteroides melaninogenicus (4 isolates). Early cases responded well to a single long acting, parenteral treatment of oxytetracycline (Engemycin DD), more advanced cases responded to parenteral tylosin (Tylan 200) and topical treatment with chlortetracycline (Aureomycin) and clindamycin (Antirobe) following debridement of necrotic tissue. 11 cases resulted in a full recovery, 5 in a functional recovery. Many of the early cases had failed to respond to conventional therapies and were extremely severe when first seen, these were slaughtered on welfare grounds. The authors suggest that the acute onset and severity of the condition warrants its early recognition and the use of aggressive antibiotic therapy rather than the use of antibiotic foot-baths Monitoring indices of cow comfort in free-stall-housed dairy herds Bennett, T.B., Cook, N. B., Nordlund et al Monitoring indices of cow comfort in free-stall-housed dairy herds Bennett, T.B., Cook, N. B., Nordlund, K. V. Journal of Dairy Science 2005 Indices of cow comfort are used widely by consultants in the dairy industry, with a general understanding that they are representative of lying behavior. This study examines the influence of stall base type ( sand or a geotextile mattress filled with rubber crumbs) and time of measurement on 4 indices of comfort collected at hourly intervals in 12 herds, aligned by morning and afternoon milking. Stall base type significantly influenced all indices of comfort. For example, the least squares mean ( SE) cow comfort index ( proportion of cows touching a stall that are lying down) was 0.76 (0.015) in herds with mattresses compared with 0.86 ( 0.015) in herds with sand stalls. Significant hourly variation was also identified suggesting that timing of measurement is important. None of the indices of cow comfort derived from the high-yielding group pen was associated with the mean 24-h lying time of 10 sentinel cows whose time budgets were known in each herd. However, the cow comfort index was associated with the herd mean 24-h stall standing time, with the strongest relationships occurring 2 h before the morning and afternoon milking, when stall base type did not significantly influence the association. When measured at these times, we recommend use of the stall standing index ( proportion of cows touching a stall that are standing), with values greater than 0.20 being associated with abnormally long herd mean stall standing times greater than 2 h/d. Effect of free stall surface on daily activity patterns in dairy cows with relevance to lameness prevalence. Bennett, T.B., Cook, N. B., Nordlund et al Effect of free stall surface on daily activity patterns in dairy cows with relevance to lameness prevalence. Bennett, T.B., Cook, N. B., Nordlund, K. V. J Dairy Sci 2004 School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706-1102, USA. nbcook@wisc.edu
Differences in behavior of nonlame cows, slightly lame cows, and moderately lame cows in 6 free stall barns with sand bedding (SAND) vs. 6 free stall barns with rubber-crumb geotextile mattress surfaces (MAT) were documented in Wisconsin dairy herds. All lactating cows in the 12 herds were observed and given a locomotion score based on a 4-point scale: 1 = nonlame, 2 = slightly lame, 3 = moderately lame, and 4 = severely lame. Herd least square means +/-SE for prevalence of clinical lameness (locomotion scores = 3 and 4) were 11.1 vs. 24.0 +/- 1.7% for herds using SAND vs. MAT surfaces, respectively. Subsets of 10 cows per herd with locomotion scores of 1 to 3 were observed via video cameras for 24-h periods. Cows in MAT herds spent more time standing in free stalls per day than cows in SAND herds. Differences in standing times were 0.73 h/d for cows that were not lame, 2.32 h/d for cows that were slightly lame, and 4.31 h/d for cows that were moderately lame in MAT herds compared with equivalent cows in SAND herds. In MAT herds, the increase in time spent standing in the stall in moderately lame cows was associated with a significant reduction in stall use sessions per day, which impacted daily lying time. Although cause and effect are not clear, these findings have implications for housing, comfort, and care of cows in dairy herds with different types of free stall surfaces. Footbaths of the future. Cook, N. B. Footbaths of the future. Cook, N. B. 2011 Implementing a best practices template for improving healthcare in dairy herds Cook, N. B. Implementing a best practices template for improving healthcare in dairy herds Cook, N. B. UK Vet 2004 Sand stalls, sore feet, and sour rumens – North American perspectives on lameness in dairy cows Cook, N. B. Sand stalls, sore feet, and sour rumens – North American perspectives on lameness in dairy cows Cook, N. B. Cattle Practice 2004 Prevalence of lameness among dairy cattle in Wisconsin as a function of housing type and stall surface Cook, N. B. Prevalence of lameness among dairy cattle in Wisconsin as a function of housing type and stall surface Cook, N. B. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2003 Objective-To determine the prevalence of lameness as a function of season (summer vs winter), housing type (free stalls vs tie stalls), and stall surface (sand vs any other surface) among lactating dairy cows in Wisconsin. Design-Epidemiologic survey. Animals-3,621 lactating dairy cows in 30 herds. Procedure-Herds were visited once during the summer and once during the winter, and a locomotion score ranging from 1 (no gait abnormality) to 4 (severe lameness) was assigned to all lactating cows. Cows with a score of 3 or 4 were considered to be clinically lame. Results-Mean +/- SD herd lameness prevalence was 21.1 +/- 10.5% during the summer and 23.9 +/- 10.7% during the winter; these values were significantly different. During the winter, mean prevalence of lameness in free-stall herds with non-sand stall surfaces (33.7%) was significantly higher than prevalences in free-stall herds with sand stall surfaces (21.2%), tie-stall herds with non-sand stall surfaces (21.7%), and tie-stall herds with sand stall surfaces (12.1%). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results suggest that the prevalence of lameness among dairy cattle in Wisconsin is higher than previously thought and that lameness prevalence is associated with season, housing type, and stall surface. Lipid mobilization and inflammatory responses during the transition period of dairy cows Contreras, G. Andres, Sordillo et al Lipid mobilization and inflammatory responses during the transition period of dairy cows Contreras, G. Andres, Sordillo, Lorraine M. Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 2011 Lipomobilization in periparturient dairy cows influences the composition of plasma nonesterified fatty acids and leukocyte... Contreras, G. A., Herdt, T. H. et al Lipomobilization in periparturient dairy cows influences the composition of plasma nonesterified fatty acids and leukocyte phospholipid fatty acids Contreras, G. A., Herdt, T. H., O’Boyle, N. J., Sordillo, L. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Efficacy of oral potassium chloride administration in treating lactating dairy cows with experimentally induced hypokalemia,... Constable, P. D., Hiew, M. W. H. et al Efficacy of oral potassium chloride administration in treating lactating dairy cows with experimentally induced hypokalemia, hypochloremia, and alkalemia Constable, P. D., Hiew, M. W. H., Tinkler, S., Townsend, J. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Milk-flow, ultrasonographic, theloscopic, and histopathological characteristics of the teat in cows with toxic mastitis Ajito, T., Condino, M. P., Hyakutake et al Milk-flow, ultrasonographic, theloscopic, and histopathological characteristics of the teat in cows with toxic mastitis Ajito, T., Condino, M. P., Hyakutake, K., Sato, K., Suzuki, K., Taguchi, K. Research in Veterinary Science 2012 Invited review: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of mortality and culling in dairy cattle Carpenter, T. E., Compton, C. W. R. et al Invited review: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of mortality and culling in dairy cattle Carpenter, T. E., Compton, C. W. R., Heuer, C., McDougall, S., Phyn, C. V. C., Thomsen, P. T. Journal of Dairy Science 2017 Dairy industries and individual farmers are concerned about mortality and culling of dairy animals. This is because the timing and fates of animals that exit dairy farms have important animal welfare and economic consequences that reflect the conditions under which they are farmed and the efficiency of their production systems. Reports from a few countries have indicated increased incidence of mortality, and occasionally culling, of dairy animals in recent decades, and these changes have been associated with intensification of production systems. Dairy industries and farmers need benchmarks for culling and mortality against which they can compare themselves, as well as improved understanding of the extent of any change and of any associated factors. We reasoned that a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of scientific articles published between 1989 and 2014 would allow us to determine whether these reports were universal, to quantify any change over time, and to investigate whether production systems or study factors were associated with culling and mortality. From 3,275 articles retrieved from databases and manual searching of cited articles, 118 articles were appraised independently by 2 assessors, and 51 articles representing 54 studies were determined to be eligible for review and meta-analysis. We estimated that both the annual incidence risk (IR) and incidence density of mortality of cows had increased significantly from 0.02 per cow and 2.32 per 100 cow-years, to 0.04 per cow and 3.75 per 100 cow-years, an increase per decade of 0.02 per cow and 1.42 per 100 cow-years, respectively. We also estimated that the annual IR of culling attributed to low production had declined significantly from 0.07 to 0.05 and that the IR of perinatal, but not neonatal, mortality had increased significantly from 0.04 to 0.06 per decade. We found no evidence of change in overall annual IR of culling of cows over time or any association between study design factors and the IR or incidence density of culling or mortality. These findings provide benchmarks for describing culling and mortality, and should encourage farmers and researchers in countries with modern dairy industries to discover and implement management strategies to reduce the animal welfare and economic costs associated with these changes. Hair cortisol levels in dairy cows from winter housing to summer highland grazing Bovolenta, S., Comin, A., Corazzin, M. et al Hair cortisol levels in dairy cows from winter housing to summer highland grazing Bovolenta, S., Comin, A., Corazzin, M., Dovier, S., Peric, T., Prandi, A. Livestock Science 2011 Hair cortisol as a marker of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation in Friesian dairy cows clinically or physiologically... Comin, A., Corazzin, M., Cornacchia, G. et al Hair cortisol as a marker of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation in Friesian dairy cows clinically or physiologically compromised Comin, A., Corazzin, M., Cornacchia, G., Meloni, T., Peric, T., Prandi, A., Veronesi, M. C., Zufferli, V. Livestock Science 2013 Testing white line strength in the dairy cow Blowey, R. W., Bonser, R. H. C., Collis et al Testing white line strength in the dairy cow Blowey, R. W., Bonser, R. H. C., Collis, V.J., Green, L. E., Packington, A.J. Journal of Dairy Science 2004 The tensile strength of 576 pieces of white line horn collected over 6 mo from 14 dairy cows restricted to parity 1 or 2 was tested. None of the cows had ever been lame. Seven cows were randomly assigned to receive 20 mg/d biotin supplementation, and 7 were not supplemented. Hoof horn samples were taken from zones 2 and 3 ( the more proximal and distal sites of the abaxial white line) of the medial and lateral claws of both hind feet on d 1 and on 5 further occasions over 6 mo. The samples were analyzed at 100% water saturation. Hoof slivers were notched to ensure that tensile strength was measured specifically across the white line region. The tensile stress at failure was measured in MPa and was adjusted for the cross-sectional area of the notch site. Data were analyzed in a multilevel model, which accounted for the repeated measures within cows. All other variables were entered as fixed effects. In the final model, there was considerable variation in strength over time. Tensile strength was significantly higher in medial compared with lateral claws, and zone 2 was significantly stronger than zone 3. Where the white line was visibly damaged the tensile strength was low. Biotin supplementation did not affect the tensile strength of the white line. Results of this study indicate that damage to the white line impairs its tensile strength and that in horn with no visible abnormality the white line is weaker in the lateral hind claw than the medial and in zone 3 compared with zone 2. The biomechanical strength was lowest at zone 3 of the lateral hind claw, which is the most common site of white line disease lameness in cattle. Improving the feasibility of welfare outcome assessments for dairy herds – exploring the potential of ‘iceberg indicators’ Bell, N.J., Burn, C.C., Cardwell, J.M. et al Improving the feasibility of welfare outcome assessments for dairy herds – exploring the potential of ‘iceberg indicators’ Bell, N.J., Burn, C.C., Cardwell, J.M., Collins, S. UFAW Animal Welfare Conference 2016 Evaluating the concept of iceberg indicators for on-farm welfare assessment of dairy cattle by farmers Bell, N.J., Burn, C.C., Cardwell, J.M. et al Evaluating the concept of iceberg indicators for on-farm welfare assessment of dairy cattle by farmers Bell, N.J., Burn, C.C., Cardwell, J.M., Collins, S. Cattle Practice 2015 Encouraging and facilitating UK dairy farmer use of welfare outcome measures in dairy cow welfare assessment Collins, S. Encouraging and facilitating UK dairy farmer use of welfare outcome measures in dairy cow welfare assessment Collins, S. Production and Population 2016 Spirochaetes and other bacterial species associated with bovine digital dermatitis Collighan, R. J., Woodward, M. J. Spirochaetes and other bacterial species associated with bovine digital dermatitis Collighan, R. J., Woodward, M. J. Fems Microbiology Letters 1997 The 16S rRNA genes from spirochaetes associated with digital dermatitis of British cattle were amplified by polymerase chain reaction from digital dermatitis lesion biopsies using one universal and one treponeme-specific primer. Two treponemal sequences were identified both of which shared a high degree of homology with the oral pathogen Treponema denticola (98%). Two further 16S rRNA gene sequences were obtained and shared similarity to Bacteroides levii (99%) and Mycoplasma hyopharyngis (98%). Polymerase chain reaction with T. denticola-specific primers amplified a potential virulence gene from digital dermatitis lesions which shared a high degree of homology to the 46-kDa haemolysin gene of T. denticola. The significance of the presence of organisms in digital dermatitis lesions of the bovine foot which are closely related to oral pathogens is discussed. A spirochete isolated from a case of severe virulent ovine foot disease is closely related to a Treponeme isolated from human... Buller, N., Collighan, R. J., Cooley et al A spirochete isolated from a case of severe virulent ovine foot disease is closely related to a Treponeme isolated from human periodontitis and bovine digital dermatitis Buller, N., Collighan, R. J., Cooley, B. A., Martin, P. K., Naylor, R. D., Woodward, M. J. Veterinary Microbiology 2000 The isolation of spirochetes from severe ovine foot disease has been reported recently by our research group. In this study we describe the preliminary classification of this spirochete based on nucleotide sequence analysis of the PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis of this sequence in comparison with other previously reported 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the spirochete belonged to the treponemal phylotype Treponema vincentii which has been associated with bovine digital dermatitis and human periodontal disease. Further work is required to define the common virulence determinants of these closely related treponemes in the aetiology of these tissue destructive diseases. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. Bovine somatotropin and the American dairy industry Collier, R., McGrath, M. F., Vincini et al Bovine somatotropin and the American dairy industry Collier, R., McGrath, M. F., Vincini, J. L. Medecin Veterinaire du Quebec 1999 Since approval of the use of bovine somatotropin to enhance the milk yield of cows by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1993, about one-third of the 9 million cows in the USA have been treated. During the past 3 years it has been adopted by about 300 new herds a month. Adverse effects seem to have been limited to increases in the incidence of lameness and digestive disorders (without an increase in metabolic disorders). Its use in heifers is under investigation Associations between types of lameness and fertility Collick, D. W., Dobson, H., Ward, W.R. Associations between types of lameness and fertility Collick, D. W., Dobson, H., Ward, W.R. Veterinary Record 1989 Four hundred and twenty-seven cases of first-reported foot lameness were recorded in 17 dairy herds in Somerset during the winter housing period. Lameness was classified into three categories: sole ulceration, digital disease (white line abscess, foreign bodies in the sole and pricked or punctured sole), and interdigital disease (lesions of the skin between claws and heel including foul in the foot, interdigital fibroma and dermatitis). In addition, a 'clinical effect score' was calculated to take account of the severity of lameness, the structures involved and the time for which the cows were clinically affected. The fertility records of lame cows were compared with those of the healthy cows nearest in parity and stage of lactation. In the lame cows the interval from calving to first service was four days longer, and the interval from calving to conception was 14 days longer than in the control cows, the pregnancy rate to first service was 45% (controls 56%), 2.14 services were required per conception (controls 1.72) and 16% of lame cows were culled (controls 5%). Lameness, first reported in the period 36 to 70 days after calving, was associated with a significant increase in the interval from calving to first service of eight days; and sole ulceration, in the period 71 to 120 days after calving, was associated with an increase of 11 days. Lameness in all periods up to 120 days after calving was associated with significantly increased intervals from calving to conception. The largest increases in intervals from calving to conception were associated with sole ulceration (40 days) and with a high 'clinical effect score' in the period 71 to 120 days after calving (31 days). A reduced pregnancy rate to first service was associated with both high 'clinical effect score' and with sole ulceration. More services were required per conception in all categories of lameness, except in interdigital disease and in animals in their first lactation. Culling was significantly greater in the lame group, in particular in the period 36 to 70 days after calving, and in animals with a high 'clinical effect score' or with sole ulceration or digital disease Response of dairy cows to high doses of a sustained-release bovine somatotropin administered during two lactations. 2. Health and... Boysen, B. G., Cole, W. J., Eppard et al Response of dairy cows to high doses of a sustained-release bovine somatotropin administered during two lactations. 2. Health and reproduction Boysen, B. G., Cole, W. J., Eppard, P. J., Hammond, B. G., Hintz, R. L., Madsen, K. S., Miller, M. A., Ribelin, W. E., Sorbet, R. H., White, T. C. Journal of Dairy Science 1992 Eighty-two lactating Holstein cows in their first, second, or third lactation received either one, three, or five concurrent i.m. injections of a unit dose (.6 g) of zinc methionyl bST (sometribove) or five doses of the vehicle. Injections were given at 14-d intervals from 60 +/- 3 d postpartum until the end of lactation or necropsy. Thirty-eight animals were continued on treatment for a 2nd yr. Sometribove did not affect the incidence of ketosis, milk fever, tetany, or pneumonia. Digestive disorders, primarily cows going off feed, were increased by bST during yr 1 only. The incidence of lameness was increased by bST in some time frames because of an increase in the 3.0-g bST group. Lameness was not associated with treatment-specific histopathologic changes or with abnormalities in cartilage or bone. Reproductive health generally was unaffected by treatment, but delayed conception and increased incidence of abortion were noted. Incidence of cystic ovaries was unaffected by bST. Pregnancy rates were decreased during the 100-d breeding interval of yr 1 but not during the 215-d interval of yr 2. The incidence of clinical mastitis was increased by bST, primarily at the 3.0-g dose. During the 2-yr study, 0, 3, 3, and 2 cows died or became moribund on 0, .6, 1.8, and 3.0 g of bST, respectively. Health issues identified for further evaluation included lameness and clinical mastitis for the 3.0-g group and early removal from the herd and decreased reproductive performance for all bST groups. Bovine somatotropin caused no treatment-specific toxic effects in dairy cows even at 3.0 g every 14 d Reproductive performance of dairy cows is influenced by prepartum feed restriction and dietary fatty acid source Ambrose, D. J., Colazo, M. G., Doepel et al Reproductive performance of dairy cows is influenced by prepartum feed restriction and dietary fatty acid source Ambrose, D. J., Colazo, M. G., Doepel, L., Hayirli, A. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Behavior of Cows in Cubicles and Its Possible Relationship With Laminitis in Replacement Dairy Heifers Colam-Ainsworth, P., Eddy, R. G., Lunn et al Behavior of Cows in Cubicles and Its Possible Relationship With Laminitis in Replacement Dairy Heifers Colam-Ainsworth, P., Eddy, R. G., Lunn, G. A., Thomas, R. C. Veterinary Record 1989 Behaviour of cows in cubicles and its possible relationship with laminitis in replacement dairy heifers Colam-Ainsworth, P. Behaviour of cows in cubicles and its possible relationship with laminitis in replacement dairy heifers Colam-Ainsworth, P. Veterinary Record 1989 The behaviour of cows in cubicles was studied in two dairy herds which were under the same ownership and had similar buildings and management systems. One of the herds had an annual problem of lameness due to laminitis leading to solar ulceration in the replacement first lactation heifers. There were considerable behavioural differences between the cows in the two herds. In the problem herd the heifers and cows stood for significantly longer, more heifers were seen not to use the cubicles, and there were more examples of aberrant behaviour than in the other herd. Less straw was used for cubicle bedding in the problem herd and when the amount used was increased to one bale per 10 cows per day no new cases of laminitis and solar ulceration occurred in the heifers Short Communication: Early Detection of Mastitis Using Infrared Thermography in Dairy Cows1 Colak, A., Hayirli, A., Kaya, M. et al Short Communication: Early Detection of Mastitis Using Infrared Thermography in Dairy Cows1 Colak, A., Hayirli, A., Kaya, M., Okumus, Z., Polat, B., Yanmaz, L. E. Journal of Dairy Science 2008 Infrared thermography (IRT) absorbs infrared radiation and generates images based on the amount of heat generated. It has been used in human medicine for diagnosis of various cancers. This experiment was conducted to determine if IRT had merit for early detection of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows. Milk sample and skin surface temperature (SST) were simultaneously evaluated using the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and IRT for each quarter in 94 dairy cows (49 Brown Swiss and 45 Holstein). Average days in milk (DIM) and milk production were 93 ± 37 d and 16 ± 2.2 kg (mean ± SD) and their ages ranged from 4 to 8 yr. There was a strong correlation between SST and CMT score (r = 0.92). Average SST was 33.19, 34.08, 34.99, and 36.15°C for quarters with the CMT score of 0 (n = 156), +1 (n = 116), +2 (n = 80), and +3 (n = 24), respectively. This association was best described by a linear model as follows: y = 0.94x + 33.17, R2 = 0.85, where y = SST and x = CMT score. Changes in rectal temperature (RT) due to the CMT score were minor (y = 0.09x + 38.39, R2 = 0.07, where y = RT and x = average CMT score). In conclusion, RT may not confirm mastitis. However, IRT is sensitive enough to perceive changes in SST in response to varying degrees of severity of the mammary gland infection as reflected by the CMT score, suggesting that as a noninvasive tool, IRT can be employed for screening dairy cows for mastitis. Does milk yield reflect the level of welfare in dairy herds? Bareille, Nathalie, Coignard, Maud et al Does milk yield reflect the level of welfare in dairy herds? Bareille, Nathalie, Coignard, Maud, Guatteo, Raphaël, Hoogveld, Charlotte, Lehébel, Anne, Mounier, Luc, Veissier, Isabelle The Veterinary Journal 2014 Description and factors of variation of the overall health score in French dairy cattle herds using the Welfare Quality®... Bareille, N., Coignard, M. et al Description and factors of variation of the overall health score in French dairy cattle herds using the Welfare Quality® assessment protocol Bareille, N., Coignard, M., de Boyer des Roches, A., Guatteo, R., Lehébel, A., Mounier, L., Veissier, I. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2013 Genotype and diet effects on energy balance in the first three lactations of dairy cows Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P., Hill et al Genotype and diet effects on energy balance in the first three lactations of dairy cows Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P., Hill, W. G., Oldham, J. D., Simm, G. Journal of Dairy Science 2004 Genetic evaluations of dairy bulls for daughter energy balance profiles using linear type scores and body condition score... Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P., Hill et al Genetic evaluations of dairy bulls for daughter energy balance profiles using linear type scores and body condition score analyzed using random regression Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P., Hill, W. G., Simm, G. Journal of Dairy Science 2003 Energy balance profiles for the first three lactations of dairy cows estimated using random regression Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P., Simm et al Energy balance profiles for the first three lactations of dairy cows estimated using random regression Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P., Simm, G. Journal of Dairy Science 2002 Genetic evaluation of dairy bulls for energy balance traits using random regression Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P., Emmans et al Genetic evaluation of dairy bulls for energy balance traits using random regression Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P., Emmans, G. C. Animal Science 2001 Pharmacokinetics of oral gabapentin alone or co-administered with meloxicam in ruminant beef calves Coetzee, Johann F., Cull, Charley A. et al Pharmacokinetics of oral gabapentin alone or co-administered with meloxicam in ruminant beef calves Coetzee, Johann F., Cull, Charley A., Kelly, Lindsey L., Kohake, Laura E., KuKanich, Butch, Mosher, Ruby A., Mueting, Stacy L. The Veterinary Journal 2011 Assessment and Management of Pain Associated with Castration in Cattle Coetzee, Johann F. Assessment and Management of Pain Associated with Castration in Cattle Coetzee, Johann F. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2013 A Review of Analgesic Compounds Used in Food Animals in the United States Coetzee, Johann F. A Review of Analgesic Compounds Used in Food Animals in the United States Coetzee, Johann F. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2013 A review of pain assessment techniques and pharmacological approaches to pain relief after bovine castration: Practical... Coetzee, Johann F. A review of pain assessment techniques and pharmacological approaches to pain relief after bovine castration: Practical implications for cattle production within the United States Coetzee, Johann F. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2011 Pain Management Coetzee, Johann Pain Management Coetzee, Johann Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2013 Thermography of a septic metatarsophalangeal joint in a heifer Cockcroft, P. D., Henson, F. M. D. et al Thermography of a septic metatarsophalangeal joint in a heifer Cockcroft, P. D., Henson, F. M. D., Parker, C. Veterinary Record 2000 What you should know about overgrown claws Clemente, C. What you should know about overgrown claws Clemente, C. DLG Mitteilungen 1990 Bovine ischaemic teat necrosis: a further potential role for digital dermatitis treponemes Amin, D. M., Blowey, R. W., Carter et al Bovine ischaemic teat necrosis: a further potential role for digital dermatitis treponemes Amin, D. M., Blowey, R. W., Carter, S. D., Clegg, S.R., Evans, N.J, Stewart, J. P. Vet Rec 2016 A recent outbreak of ischaemic teat necrosis (ITN) on mainland UK has resulted in large economic losses for dairy farmers. Typical cases start as an area of dry, thickened and encrusted skin on the medial aspect of the base of the teat, where the teat joins the udder, often with a fetid odour. The erosion spreads down the teat, often causing intense irritation, which in turn leads to more severely affected animals removing the entire teat. Due to the severity of ITN and the substantial economic costs to the industry, analyses were undertaken to ascertain if an infectious agent might be involved in the pathology. The study has considered a role for digital dermatitis (DD) treponemes in the aetiopathogenesis of ITN because, as well as being the prime bacteria associated with infectious lameness, they have been associated with a number of emerging skin diseases of cattle, including udder lesions. A high association between presence of DD-associated treponemes and incidence of ITN (19/22), compared with absence in the control population is reported. Furthermore, sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene of treponeme isolates supports the hypothesis that the identified treponemes are similar or identical to those isolated from classical foot DD lesions in cattle (and sheep). Further studies are required to allow effective targeted prevention measures and/or treatments to be developed. Isolation of digital dermatitis treponemes from cattle hock skin lesions. Ainsworth, S., Bell, J., Bell, N.J. et al Isolation of digital dermatitis treponemes from cattle hock skin lesions. Ainsworth, S., Bell, J., Bell, N.J., Blowey, R. W., Carter, S. D., Clegg, S.R., Evans, N.J Veterinary Dermatology 2016 Instrumentation and techniques in locomotion and lameness. Clayton, HM Instrumentation and techniques in locomotion and lameness. Clayton, HM Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 1996 An epidemiological study of dairy cattle lameness Clarkson, M. J., Downham, D. Y., Faull et al An epidemiological study of dairy cattle lameness Clarkson, M. J., Downham, D. Y., Faull, W. B., Hughes, J. W., Manson, F. J., Merritt, J. B., Murray, R. D., Russell, W. B., Sutherst, J. E., Thrusfield, M. V., Ward, W.R. This study was designed to collect quantitative data on as many of these risk factors as possible on commercial farms in the UK in order to examine possible correlations between them and the quantity of lameness on the farms. The paper describes some of the methods used and provides examples of the range of results obtained. It is concluded that the enormous databank of epidemiological information built up over the study requires much more analysis and consideration, especially at the individual cow level. Data were obtained on 37 farms between winter 1988 and summer 1991, on intake of feeds, laboratory analysis of feed samples, environment (housing, litter, behaviour, welfare), walking surfaces indoors and outdoors Incidence and prevalence of lameness in dairy cattle Clarkson, M. J., Downham, D. Y., Faull et al Incidence and prevalence of lameness in dairy cattle Clarkson, M. J., Downham, D. Y., Faull, W. B., Hughes, J. W., Manson, F. J., Merritt, J. B., Murray, R. D., Russell, W. B., Sutherst, J. E., Ward, W.R. Veterinary Record 1996 A survey was made of 37 dairy farms in Wirral, mid-Cheshire, mid-Somerset and Dyfed, Wales, to assess the incidence and prevalence of lameness in the cows between May 1989 and September 1991. The incidence was obtained from records made whenever a cow was examined for lameness or received preventive foot-trimming, The mean annual incidence was 54.6 new cases per 100 cows with a range from 10.7 to 170.1 and the mean values during summer and winter were 22.9 and 31.7, respectively. The prevalence of Lameness was measured by regular visits at which locomotion was scored on a scale of 1 to 5, and the prevalence of lameness was calculated for each visit as the proportion of cows with scores of 3 or more, The mean annual prevalence over the whole period was 20.6 per cent with a range from 2.0 to 53.9 per cent for the 37 farms, The mean prevalences during summer and winter were 18.6 and 25.0 per cent, respectively. The prevalence measured at a single visit in midsummer or midwinter was significantly correlated with the mean prevalence over the whole corresponding period and may be useful as an assessment of the extent of lameness in a herd and the efficacy of control measures, There was evidence that training farmers to recognise early cases of lameness and request veterinary treatment resulted in a marked reduction in the duration of cases of lameness. Human resources for New Zealand dairying Clark, D. Human resources for New Zealand dairying Clark, D. The topic is discussed under the following headings: dairy technology; milking time and labour efficiency; high-technology dairies; fully automated robotic milking; effects of lameness, reproduction and metabolic diseases on the milking process; the 'whole farm' system approach and farm management; conditions of work (image); remuneration packages; communication; and training. The average herd size in New Zealand is predicted to be about 250-300 cows by the year 2010, which will have major implications for human resource use on dairy farms Characteristics of the bovine claw associated with the presence of vertical fissures (sandcracks) Clark, C. R., Petrie, L. Characteristics of the bovine claw associated with the presence of vertical fissures (sandcracks) Clark, C. R., Petrie, L. Fracture toughness of bovine hoof horn from cattle with and without vertical fissures Clark, C. R., Petrie, L. Fracture toughness of bovine hoof horn from cattle with and without vertical fissures Clark, C. R., Petrie, L. Capturing urine while maintaining pasture intake, milk production, and animal welfare of dairy cows in early and late lactation Betteridge, K., Clark, C. E. F. et al Capturing urine while maintaining pasture intake, milk production, and animal welfare of dairy cows in early and late lactation Betteridge, K., Clark, C. E. F., Costall, D. A., Glassey, C. B., Gregorini, P., Jago, J. G., McLeod, K. L. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 The Role of Fusobacterium-Necrophorum and Bacteroides-Melaninogenicus in the Etiology of Interdigital Necrobacillosis in Cattle Clark, B. L., Emery, D. L., Stewart et al The Role of Fusobacterium-Necrophorum and Bacteroides-Melaninogenicus in the Etiology of Interdigital Necrobacillosis in Cattle Clark, B. L., Emery, D. L., Stewart, D. J. Australian Veterinary Journal 1985 Farm tracks, stockman’s herding and lameness in dairy cattle Clackson, D. A., Ward, W.R. Farm tracks, stockman’s herding and lameness in dairy cattle Clackson, D. A., Ward, W.R. Veterinary Record 1991 Some observations on endemic fluorosis in domestic animals in Southern Rajasthan (India) Choubisa, S. L. Some observations on endemic fluorosis in domestic animals in Southern Rajasthan (India) Choubisa, S. L. Veterinary Research Communications 1999 Chronic fluoride toxicity in the form of osteo-dental fluorosis was observed in cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats from 21 villages of Banswara, Dungarpur and Udaipur districts of Southern Rajasthan where the mean fluoride concentration in drinking water varied from 1.5 to 4.0 ppm. The prevalence of dental fluorosis in calves (< 1 year age) was greater than that in adult cattle and buffaloes. At a fluoride concentration in the water of 4.0 ppm, 100% of calves, 65.6% of buffaloes and 61.0% of cattle were found to be affected with dental fluorosis to varying degrees. In the older group of buffaloes, their teeth were brownish black instead of creamy yellow as found in calves and cattle. Out of 780 goats and 564 sheep, none revealed evidence of osteo-dental fluorosis. The overall prevalence of skeletal fluorosis was 8.5%, with the highest prevalence of 29.0% in cattle and 37.5% in buffaloes at a fluoride concentration of 3.2 ppm. None of the calves were affected with skeletal fluorosis. Intermittent lameness was observed in the older group of animals (> 7 years age) at 2.8 ppm fluoride or more in the water. None of the fluorotic animals exhibited any apparent evidence of hypothyroidism, stunted growth or low milk production. There was no correlation between gender and the prevalence of fluorosis, but the prevalence and severity of skeletal fluorosis increased with increasing fluoride concentration and age. Possible factors causing variation in fluorosis in the cattle and buffaloes in villages with identical fluoride concentrations are discussed Heritabilities of Measures of Hooves and Their Relation to Other Traits of Holsteins Choi, Y. S., McDaniel, B. T. Heritabilities of Measures of Hooves and Their Relation to Other Traits of Holsteins Choi, Y. S., McDaniel, B. T. Journal of Dairy Science 1993 Genetic and phenotypic variations of hoof measurements were related to milk and fat yields, days open from calving to conception, and survival to various ages. Data were from 5551 measures in the first four lactations of 2972 Holstein cows in six herds over 15 yr. Estimates of heritabilities for hoof angles by multivariate REML averaged .18 but ranged from .03 to .39 by lactation. Similar averages for hoof lengths were .25 (range .08 to .53) and .07 (range .02 to .16) for heel depth. Hoof lengths had the highest phenotypic relationships with milk or fat yields and days open. Hoof angles of the first lactation were positively related to survival rates to various ages. For the second lactation, hoof lengths were the only useful predictors of survival. Days open, survival rate, and increase in age-adjusted milk yield from first to second lactation were favorably related to higher hoof angles and shorter hoof lengths. Within a lactation, higher angles and shorter lengths were undesirable for increased milk or fat yields. Genetic correlations of milk and fat yields with hoof angles were generally negative, but those for length were mostly positive. Genetically, days open decreased as hoof angle increased; some differences occurred among lactations. Longer hooves and deeper heels were positively related genetically to days open. Genetic correlations of hoof angles and heel depth with survival were positive, but those with hoof length tended to be negative Development of Animal Health Monitoring System model. V. Analysis of risk factors in clinical part Choi, M. C., Choi, MinCheol, Kim, G. S. et al Development of Animal Health Monitoring System model. V. Analysis of risk factors in clinical part Choi, M. C., Choi, MinCheol, Kim, G. S., Kim, GonSup, Kim, J. S., Kim, JongShu, Kim, Y. H., Kim, YongHwan, Lee, H. J., Lee, HyoJong, Son, W. J., Son, WooJin, Won, H. H., Won, HyunHee Korean Journal of Veterinary Clinical Medicine 1999 An Animal Health Monitoring System in Gyeongnam area (Chinju, Korea Republic) was used to evaluate environmental risk factors, physical examination data and 4 diseases; abomasal displacement, traumatic reticulopericarditis/peritonitis, milk fever and lameness, in 40 (year 1) and 34 (year 2) dairy herds (total 1253 dairy cattle). In feeding areas, housing systems, forage percentage in ration, stall types, exercise areas, and cleanliness of stalls, were monitored. 60% of herds were kept in tie-stalls, and 36 herds in open-type housing. The forage ratio of ration was less than 50% in 67% of herds. 39 herds had their own exercise areas. Cleanliness of these areas was variable. Physical examinations included temperature (T), pulse (P), respiration (R), abnormalities of superficial lymph nodes, claw examination and total combined BC. T, P, R were within normal limits (T: 38.1¤0.6oC, P: 84.6¤12.9/min., R: 24.0¤7.6/min), 13 cattle had swollen lymph glands and overall claw trimming was required in 3 herds. 23 cattle showed leukocytosis and 7 cattle had low RBC and haemoglobin levels, the other cattle were within normal limits (WBC: 8.90¤2.06 103/‘l., RBC: 6.36¤1.02 106/‘l, Hb: 9.83¤1.20 g/dl, PCV: 27.43¤5.67%, respectively). Metallic foreign bodies were found in the rumen of 13 cattle, predisposing for traumatic reticulopericarditis and reticuloperitonitis, Abomasal displacement was found in 13 animals, milk fever in 51 and lameness in 39 cattle Spirochetes from digital dermatitis lesions in cattle are closely related to treponemes associated with human periodontitis Choi, B. K., Gobel, U. B., Grund, S. et al Spirochetes from digital dermatitis lesions in cattle are closely related to treponemes associated with human periodontitis Choi, B. K., Gobel, U. B., Grund, S., Haider, W., Nattermann, H. International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology 1997 Digital dermatitis (DD), first described in 1974 by Cheli and Mortellaro (R. Cheli and C. Mortellaro, p. 208-213, in Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Diseases of Cattle, 1974), is a major problem in dairy cows and beef cattle causing significant economic losses worldwide. Lesions are typically found at the volar skin proximal to the heel bulbs, Microscopic examination of biopsies or touch preparations of these lesions revealed a variety of different bacterial morphotypes including significant numbers of spirochetes which often represent the predominant morphotype. We used comparative 16S rRNA sequence analysis to determine the diversity and phylogeny of these hitherto unclassified DD spirochetes, Results indicate that those lesions looked at so far contained at least five spirochetal phylotypes, all clustering within the genus Treponema, Phylotype DDKL-4 was nearly identical (99.4% similarity) to that of a nonpathogenic human treponeme, T. phagedenis. Two phylotypes DDKL-3 and DDKL-13 were closely related to those from treponemes commonly found in human periodontitis lesions, i.e., T. denticola and T. vincentii, exhibiting 95 and 98% similarity, respectively. The other two phylotypes, DDKL-12 and DDKL-20, had no close relatives to any cultivable treponemal species but clustered to previously described group IV oral treponemes. Preliminary analysis using in situ hybridization with fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide probes against smears from DD biopsies revealed that from all lesions analyzed so far, T. denticola like spirochetes were detected in the highest proportion of all spirochetal morphotypes. One-port video assisted laparoscopic kidney biopsy in standing steers Chiesa, Oscar Alberto, Smith, Michelle et al One-port video assisted laparoscopic kidney biopsy in standing steers Chiesa, Oscar Alberto, Smith, Michelle, Thomas, Michael, von Bredow, Jurgen Research in Veterinary Science 2009 Environmental and behavioural factors affecting the prevalence of foot lameness in New Zealand dairy herds – a case-control... Chesterton, R. N., Morris, R. S. et al Environmental and behavioural factors affecting the prevalence of foot lameness in New Zealand dairy herds – a case-control study Chesterton, R. N., Morris, R. S., Pfeiffer, D.U., Tanner, C. M. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 1989 A case-control study of environmental and behavioural factors influencing foot lameness was undertaken on 62 dairy herds comprising an average of 185 milking cows in Taranaki, New Zealand. 32 case herds were identified as having had at least 10% of the cows lame during the milking season in which the herd was studied, and 30 control herds were selected on the basis that no more than 3% of cows in these herds had been lame per year for at least two years immediately prior to investigation. Each herd was visited at both a morning and an afternoon milking, and 58 risk factors were measured between the time the farmer began to assemble the cows for milking and the completion of milking. Comparison of single variables between case and control herds identified 24 which showed differences. These variables were then subjected to stepwise multivariate logistic regression, and statistically significant variables in this analysis were used to create a tentative "path diagram" of possible "causal web" relationships between the various risk factors and the outcome variable, the lameness prevalence level. Information from a review of the published literature was used to include further variables to the 24 into the initial (or null hypothesis) path model. Logistic path analysis was then used to eliminate non-significant paths from the diagram, leaving 19 arrows joining 13 variables in the final path diagram, compared with 33 joining 20 variables in the initial version. The most influential variables in explaining variation between case and control herds were the average level of maintenance of the track and the degree of patience shown by the farmer in bringing the cows in for milking. Overall, factors associated with the movement of animals to the milking shed explained 40% of the variation (deviance) with regard to the lameness prevalence level. Risk factors associated with characteristics of the milking process explain 24%, and risk factors associated with characteristics of the cows in the herd explain 9.5%. Recommendations are made on management changes which deserve further investigation as ways of reducing lameness problems in dairy herds A foot bath design for large grazing herds Chesterton, R. N. A foot bath design for large grazing herds Chesterton, R. N. 17th International Symposium and 9th International Conference on Lameness in Ruminants 2013 Introduction
Footbathing is an essential part of Bovine Digital Dermatitis (BDD) control (Blowey 2010). In large herds footbaths are often underutilized if they affect cow-flow through the milking parlor. In many herds contamination of the footbath quickly reduces the effectiveness of the solution. The discovery of a BDD problem on dairy farms in Chile provided an opportunity to design foot baths for large outdoor grazing herds.
The aim of this study is to first identify the problems of the existing footbaths on the farms. Then to design a permanent foot bath that could be easily built into an existing facility.
Materials and Methods
The first step was to observe and video cow flow through the existing baths to identify possible causes of poor cow flow and excessive contamination.
A footbath was then designed and trialed on 15 farms. Farm managers were asked to rate the cow flow. Cow flow through the new baths was videoed on 9 farms and defecations counted to estimate contamination.
Results
Eight design features causing poor cow flow through the existing footbaths were noted:
· A step down into footbaths built below the level of the walking surface.
· A step down out of footbaths built up above the level of the walking surface.
· Sloping gradients into or out of footbaths
· Slippery walking surfaces before, in or after footbaths
· Metal or plastic floors of portable footbaths
· Rounded top on the nib wall surrounding footbaths
· Footbaths built on a diversion from the usual exit pathway
· Narrow single-cow-width baths
All the features above that affected cow flow also caused increased contamination. Four other design features causing increased contamination were noted:
· Baths longer than 3 metres, or baths with a water pre-bath, became more contaminated.
· Small volumes relative to the size of the herd.
· Footbaths positioned at the entrance to the cowshed
· Small drain outlet resulting in poor cleaning
Figure 1 Design of new footbaths
213
The resulting new design criteria are as below.
1) Construct in the exit race
2) The footbath is part of the exit race itself
3) Wide footbaths – at least 1.5 metres wide.
4) The length must be at least 2.5 metres and a maximum of 3 metres.
5) The floor of the bath must be the same level as the approach and exit concrete.
6) 20 cm concrete block walls.
7) The solution depth : 8 - 10 cm minimum (ref)
8) Tops of the blocks flat with only the sharp edges ground off.
9) The volume of the bath allows for one litre per cow in the herd.
10) 10 - 12 cm drain hole in the lowest corner
On the 15 farms, thirteen managers rated cow flow as “good”, two managers as “average” and none as “poor”. On 9 farms the average percentage of cows defecating into the footbath was 3.2% (ranging from 1.4% to 5.8%).
Discussion
Farmers, even if they understand the need, are often reluctant to use footbaths because of the effect on cow flow out of the dairy. There were a surprising number of reasons identified that were causing a reluctance of cows to walk through existing footbaths in this study. When these were addressed the result was reasonable cow flow and minimal contamination. Contamination was a low enough level that the bath solution was able to be used twice in consecutive milkings.
This design is cheap to build on an existing concrete track, or can be easily included in the design of a new shed.
References
Blowey RW 2010 Non-healing hoof lesions in dairy cows, Veterinary Record doi: 10.1136/vr. Lameness under grazing conditions Chesterton, R. N. Lameness under grazing conditions Chesterton, R. N. 14th International Symposium and 6th Conference on Lameness in Ruminants 2006 Linking farm physical conditions, herd management and cow behaviour to the distribution of foot lesions causing lameness in... Chesterton, R. N. Linking farm physical conditions, herd management and cow behaviour to the distribution of foot lesions causing lameness in pasture-fed dairy cattle in New Zealand Chesterton, R. N. 13th International Symposium and 5th Conference on Lameness in Ruminants 2004 Examination and Control of Lameness in Dairy Herds Chesterton, R. N. Examination and Control of Lameness in Dairy Herds Chesterton, R. N. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 1989 The influence of animal behaviour on herd health – lameness Chesterton, N., Wilson, G. F. The influence of animal behaviour on herd health – lameness Chesterton, N., Wilson, G. F. Environmental and behavioural factors affecting the prevalence of lameness in New Zealand dairy herds-a case-control study Chesterton, N. Environmental and behavioural factors affecting the prevalence of lameness in New Zealand dairy herds-a case-control study Chesterton, N. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica - Supplement 1988 Evaluation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone hydrogen chloride at 3 doses with prostaglandin F2α for fixed-time artificial... Chenault, J. R., Hallberg, J. W. et al Evaluation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone hydrogen chloride at 3 doses with prostaglandin F2α for fixed-time artificial insemination in dairy cows Chenault, J. R., Hallberg, J. W., LaGrow, C., Meeuwse, D. M., Tena, J. K. S., Wood-Follis, S. L. Journal of Dairy Science The effect of lameness on the environmental performance of milk production by rotational grazing Chen, W., Holden, N. M., White, E. The effect of lameness on the environmental performance of milk production by rotational grazing Chen, W., Holden, N. M., White, E. J Environ Manage 2016 Dairy production leads to significant environmental impacts and increased production will only be feasible if the environmental performance at farm level permits a sustainable milk supply. Lameness is believed to become more prevalent and severe as herd sizes increase, and can significantly reduce milk output per cow while not influencing other attributes of the production system. The objective of this work was to quantify the effect of lameness on the environmental performance of a typical grazed grass dairy farm and evaluate the theoretical value of sensor-based real-time lameness management. Life cycle assessment was used to compare a typical baseline farm with scenarios assuming increased lameness severity and prevalence. It was found that lameness could increase the farm level global warming potential, acidification potential, eutrophication potential and fossil fuel depletion by 7-9%. As increased herd sizes will increase cow: handler ratio, this result was interpreted to suggest that the use of sensors and information and communication technology for lameness detection could improve management on dairy farms to reduce the adverse impact on environmental performance that is associated with lameness. Effect of biotin on milk performance of dairy cattle: A meta-analysis Chen, B., Liu, J. X., Wang, C., Wang et al Effect of biotin on milk performance of dairy cattle: A meta-analysis Chen, B., Liu, J. X., Wang, C., Wang, Y. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Effects of dietary biotin supplementation on performance and hoof quality of Chinese Holstein dairy cows Chen, Bo, Liu, Jian-Xin, Wang, Cong Effects of dietary biotin supplementation on performance and hoof quality of Chinese Holstein dairy cows Chen, Bo, Liu, Jian-Xin, Wang, Cong Livestock Science 2012 Improved diagnosis of virulent ovine footrot using the intA gene Bailey, G. D., Cheetham, B. F., Druitt et al Improved diagnosis of virulent ovine footrot using the intA gene Bailey, G. D., Cheetham, B. F., Druitt, J., Green, G., Katz, M. E., McFarlane, J., Seaman, J. T., Sutherland, M., Tanjung, L. R. Veterinary Microbiology 2006 Footrot is a mixed bacterial infection of the hooves of sheep. The Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus is the principal causative agent, with different strains causing diseases of different severity, ranging from benign to virulent. In Australia, in the state of New South Wales (NSW), only virulent footrot is subject to regulatory action, including quarantine. However, it is often difficult to distinguish benign footrot from virulent footrot in the initial stages of infection, or under adverse climatic conditions. The gelatin gel test, which measures the thermostability of secreted bacterial proteases, is the laboratory test most widely used in Australia to aid in the differential diagnosis of footrot. The proteases of virulent strains are, in general, more thermostable than the proteases of benign strains. However, there are some false positives in the gelatin gel test, which may lead to unnecessary quarantine procedures. We used Southern blot analysis on 595 isolates of D. nodosus from 124 farms on which sheep had benign or virulent footrot to test for the presence of the intA gene. We found that for D. nodosus strains which are stable in the gelatin gel test, there is a high correlation between the presence of the intA gene and the ability of the strain to cause virulent footrot. We also developed a PCR-based assay for the rapid detection of intA, which can be used to test DNA extracted from colonies grown on plates, or DNA extracted from cotton swabs of culture plates. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Association between leptin single nucleotide polymorphism and reproductive performance of lactating Holstein cows Chebel, R. C., Santos, J. E. P. Association between leptin single nucleotide polymorphism and reproductive performance of lactating Holstein cows Chebel, R. C., Santos, J. E. P. Animal Reproduction Science 2011 Foot Disorders in Cattle and Buffaloes a Radiographic and Arteriographic Study Chandna, I. S., Chawla, S. K. et al Foot Disorders in Cattle and Buffaloes a Radiographic and Arteriographic Study Chandna, I. S., Chawla, S. K., Krishnamurthy, D., Nigam, J. M., Peshin, P. K., Singh, J. Indian Journal of Veterinary Surgery 1990 Radiographic study was done in 35 cases of foot lameness in cattle and buffaloes. Arthritis, phalangeal exostosis and rotation of third phalanx, displacement of sesamoids, abscessation, phalangeal fracture, under-running of sole, soft tissue swelling, absence of third phalanx and osseous tumourous growth were recorded. Dilated tortuous course of blood vessels was observed in rotation of third phalanx and osseous tumourous growth. Narrowing of arterial channels was observed in exostoses and overgrown hooves Responses of Lactating Dairy Cows to Copper Source, Supplementation Rate, and Dietary Antagonist (Iron) Beede, D. K., Chase, C. R., Donovan et al Responses of Lactating Dairy Cows to Copper Source, Supplementation Rate, and Dietary Antagonist (Iron) Beede, D. K., Chase, C. R., Donovan, G. A., Shearer, J. K., Van Horn, H. H., Wilcox, C. J. J Dairy Sci 2000 Forty-eight lactating Holstein cows were fed low-Cu diets with 500 mg of supplemental Fe/kg of dry matter (DM), a Cu antagonist, for a 30-d Cu-depletion period. After depletion, two Fe treatments (0 and 500 mg of Fe/kg of dietary DM) and five Cu treatments (2 x 5 factorial arrangement) were compared over 83 d. The Cu treatments were control (basal diet containing 8 mg of Cu/kg of DM) and either 15 or 30 mg of supplemental Cu/kg of dietary DM from either CuSO4 or Cu-lysine. Feeding 500 mg of supplemental Fe/kg of DM (in addition to basal dietary concentration of 140 mg Fe/kg) depressed liver Cu in the absence of Cu supplementation. Apparent Cu retention, estimated from Cu intake minus fecal Cu, was increased greatly by Cu supplementation immediately after the depletion period but declined to very low net retention by d 45 of the 83-d experiment. There were no differences detected between CuSO4 and Cu-lysine except a tendency over time for Cu-lysine to maintain higher plasma Cu, especially in the absence of the Fe antagonist. Genetics of motility and chemotaxis of a fascinating group of bacteria: The spirochetes Charon, N. W., Goldstein, S. F. Genetics of motility and chemotaxis of a fascinating group of bacteria: The spirochetes Charon, N. W., Goldstein, S. F. Annual Review of Genetics 2002 The motivation of dairy cows for access to pasture Charlton, Gemma L., East, Martyn et al The motivation of dairy cows for access to pasture Charlton, Gemma L., East, Martyn, Rutter, S. Mark, Sinclair, Liam A. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Several factors influence whether dairy cattle prefer to be indoors or at pasture, including weather conditions and milk yield, but it is unclear how motivated cows are for access to pasture. One way to measure motivation is to require the animal to work (e.g., walk different distances) for access to a resource. This study investigated whether pasture access located 60, 140, or 260 m from the indoor housing would affect the proportion of time dairy cows spent at pasture. Thirty-two Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were used during the study, which took place in the United Kingdom from May to July 2010. The experiment consisted of four 18-d experimental periods, with 8 cows in each period, which were further divided into 2 groups of 4 cows. Following a training period, the cows were randomly allocated to distances of 60, 140, or 260 m to pasture over three 4-d measurement periods. A video camera was used to record time spent indoors and outdoors 24 h/d, and manual behavior observations (0700 to 2200 h) took place 6 times during each period to record how the cows spent their time in each location. The video data showed that cows spent, on average, 57.8% (±3.44) of their time outside (either at pasture or on the track). One-sample t-tests revealed that this value was different from 0% (t = 16.80), 50% (t = 2.26), and 100% (t = −12.28). Analysis of the percentage time spent outside revealed that distance did not influence nighttime pasture use (2100 to 0430 h; F2,8 = 0.16; 81.0% vs. 81.0% vs. 76.7%, for 60 m vs. 140 m vs. 260 m, respectively). In contrast, during the day (0700 to 2100 h; from behavior observations), time spent at pasture declined as distance increased; that is, cows spent more time at pasture when they had to walk 60 m (F2,80 = 10.09) than when they had to walk 140 or 260 m (45.3% vs. 27.4% vs. 21.2%, respectively). Time spent at pasture decreased on rainy days (y = −1.0672x + 59.646, R2 = 0.09, n = 48 d), but the indoor temperature-humidity index (THI), the outdoor THI, and body condition score did not influence time spent outside. Under the climatic conditions of the current study in the United Kingdom, cows had a partial preference for pasture, which was influenced by distance to pasture during daytime but not at night. This shows that dairy cows were more motivated to access pasture at night compared with during the day. Preference of dairy cows: Indoor cubicle housing with access to a total mixed ration vs. access to pasture Charlton, Gemma L., East, Martyn et al Preference of dairy cows: Indoor cubicle housing with access to a total mixed ration vs. access to pasture Charlton, Gemma L., East, Martyn, Rutter, Steven Mark, Sinclair, Liam A. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2011 Cattle are grazing animals so it is generally assumed that pasture is a welfare friendly system as it is natural and allows the expression of normal behaviour, which may be restricted indoors. However, high yielding dairy cows may not be able to fulfil their nutritional demands from grass alone resulting in them becoming hungry, compromising their welfare. As indoor housing and pasture may both have positive and negative effects on the welfare of dairy cattle a study was conducted to determine the preference of high genetic merit Holstein dairy cows (n = 32) in mid to late lactation to be indoors or on pasture and to establish the factors that influenced their decision. Twice a day, after milking, cows were taken to a choice point equidistant (48 m) from indoor housing and pasture, where cows chose whether to go indoors or to pasture. After their initial choice, cows could then move between indoors and pasture until the next milking. Indoors, a total mixed ration (TMR) was available ad libitum. At pasture, sward dry matter (DM) was maintained between 1800 and 3000 kg DM/ha. Decision at the choice point and time spent in each location were recorded. To determine what influenced the cow's decision, behaviour, weather conditions, milk yield, lameness, body condition score (BCS) and liveweight were recorded. From the choice point cows chose to go indoors almost twice as often as to pasture (66.2 ± 5.02% vs. 33.8 ± 5.02%, respectively) which was significantly different from 100% (P < 0.001), 50% (P = 0.004) and 0% (P < 0.001), and spent more time indoors compared to pasture (91.9 ± 2.33% vs. 8.1 ± 2.33%, respectively) which was significantly different from 100% (P = 0.001), 50% (P < 0.001) and 0% (P < 0.001). Milk yield affected preference (P = 0.005) with high yielding cows (>26.9 kg/day; n = 12) spending more time indoors than low yielding dairy cows (≤26.9 kg/day; n = 12), and there was a tendency for cows with a higher BCS (>2.7; n = 12) to spend more time at pasture (P = 0.058). Of the weather conditions rainfall influenced preference (P = 0.015) with cows spending more time indoors on days when it rained. Indoor and outdoor temperature–humidity index (THI), lameness and liveweight had no effect on preference. The results indicate that the cows in this study had a partial preference to be indoors which is likely to be influenced by the TMR, allowing high yielding cows to meet their nutritional demands. However, this partial preference does not mean that pasture is not important for the welfare of dairy cows. Effects of providing total mixed rations indoors and on pasture on the behavior of lactating dairy cattle and their preference to... Charlton, G. L., East, M., Rutter et al Effects of providing total mixed rations indoors and on pasture on the behavior of lactating dairy cattle and their preference to be indoors or on pasture Charlton, G. L., East, M., Rutter, S. M., Sinclair, L. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Stocking density, milking duration, and lying times of lactating cows on Canadian freestall dairy farms Charlton, G. L., de Passille, A. M. et al Stocking density, milking duration, and lying times of lactating cows on Canadian freestall dairy farms Charlton, G. L., de Passille, A. M., Haley, D. B., Rushen, J. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Lying time is an important measure of cow comfort, and the lying behavior of dairy cattle can now be recorded automatically with the use of accelerometers. To assess the effect that stall stocking density and the time that cows spend away from the home pen being milked has on the lying behavior of Holstein cattle, a total of 111 commercial freestall dairy farms were visited in Canada. Accelerometers were used to automatically record the lying behavior of 40 focal cows per farm. Total duration of lying, lying bout frequency, and the mean duration of lying bouts were calculated. Pen population was the total number of cows in the pen. To calculate stall stocking density (%) the number of cows in the pen and the number of useable stalls were counted and multiplied by 100, and the length × width of the pen was divided by the number of cows in the pen to calculate area/cow (m2). Time away from the pen per day was recorded from when the first cow in each pen was taken out of the home pen for milking until the last cow returned to the home pen after milking, and this time was multiplied by daily milking frequency. The median value for lying duration at the farm level was 10.6 h/d, with 10.5 lying bouts/d, and a median lying bout duration of 1.2 h. Stall stocking density ranged from 52.2 to 160.0%, with very few farms (7%) stocking at greater than 120%. Although stall stocking density was not significantly correlated with lying behavior, the results showed that no farm with stocking density greater that 100% achieved an average herd lying duration of 12 h/d or higher, whereas 21.6% of farms with a stocking density of 100% or less did achieve the target lying time of ≥12 h/d, as recommended by the Canadian Code of Practice (χ2 = 4.86, degrees of freedom = 1). Area/cow (m2) was not correlated with any aspect of lying behavior, but regardless of space per cow, pen population was correlated with daily frequency and duration of lying bouts. As the number of cows in the pen increased, lying daily bout frequency increased (correlation coefficient = 0.24) and lying bout duration decreased (correlation coefficient = −0.30). Lying behavior was affected by the time the cows were away from the pen being milked. When cows were away from the pen for longer than 3.7 h/d, no farm achieved the recommended herd median lying time of 12 h/d or longer. These results suggest that providing 1 stall for each cow in the pen and minimizing time away from the pen are important factors if cattle are to achieve the recommended daily lying duration of 12 h/d. Can automated measures of lying time help assess lameness and leg lesions on tie-stall dairy farms? Bouffard, Veronique, Charlton, Gemma L. et al Can automated measures of lying time help assess lameness and leg lesions on tie-stall dairy farms? Bouffard, Veronique, Charlton, Gemma L., de Passillé, Anne Marie, Gibbons, Jenny, Haley, Derek B., Pellerin, Doris, Rushen, Jeffrey, Vasseur, Elsa Applied Animal Behaviour Science The time that dairy cows spend lying down is an important measure of their comfort and lameness and injuries to hocks and knees are associated with alterations in lying time. We examined whether automated measures of lying time could identify cows and farms with problems of lameness or leg lesions. Data were collected from 40 lactating Holstein dairy cows from each of 100 tie-stall farms. The occurrence of lameness, hock and knee injuries was recorded and lying times were recorded automatically using accelerometers. There was large variation between individual cows, and between farms in all measures of lying time. At the cow level, there was no relationship (P > 0.10) between being lame and daily duration of lying time. A lower daily duration of lying time was found among cows with hock injuries (mean ± SE: non-injured = 12.79 ± 0.06 h, injured = 12.21 ± 0.06 h; P < 0.001) and cows with knee injuries (mean ± SE: non-injured = 12.54 ± 0.05 h, injured = 12.25 ± 0.06 h; P = 0.04) than those without lesions. The median daily duration of lying time on a farm was negatively correlated with the prevalence of lameness (rp = −0.27, P = 0.006), of hock injuries (rp = −0.35, P = 0.003) and of knee injuries (rp = −0.28, P = 0.004). A canonical discriminant function with canonical coefficients of 0.63 for mean daily duration of lying down, and of 0.54 for mean bout frequency could correctly identify 72% of the farms that were above the median for percent of cows with hock or knee injuries or being lame (linear discriminant function: constant = −95.10, daily duration = 11.39, bout frequency = 4.83) and 68% of the farms below the median (linear discriminant function: constant = −106.95, daily duration = 11.92, bout frequency = 5.30) (Wilks Lambda test P = 0.002). A criterion of a median lying time between 12 h and 13 h alone could identify over 60% of farms above or below the median for lameness, hock and knee lesion prevalence. Automated measures of lying time may be a useful animal-based measure to indicate farms with a high percentage of lame cows or cows with leg lesions. Gastrointestinal nematode infections in adult dairy cattle: Impact on production, diagnosis and control Charlier, Johannes, Dorny, Pierre et al Gastrointestinal nematode infections in adult dairy cattle: Impact on production, diagnosis and control Charlier, Johannes, Dorny, Pierre, Höglund, Johan, Vercruysse, Jozef, von Samson-Himmelstjerna, Georg Veterinary Parasitology 2009 An evaluation of mattresses and mats in two dairy units Chaplin, S. J., Kelly, M., Logue, D. N. et al An evaluation of mattresses and mats in two dairy units Chaplin, S. J., Kelly, M., Logue, D. N., Stockwell, C., Tierney, G. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2000 In order to investigate the relative merits of mats and mattresses in terms of cow comfort, production and performance, 29 cows were housed on ethylethene vinyl acetate (EVA) mats and 29 on mattresses of loose rubber crumb with a polypropylene cover, at each of two similar dairy units (SAC Auchincruive and Myerscough). Both mats and mattresses were newly installed at the start of the trial. The cows were housed in the autumn after calving. Milk yield was recorded daily. Cows were weighed and scored for body condition, locomotion, dirtiness and hock and knee injury at fortnightly intervals. Feed offered was recorded daily and refusals were weighed weekly. Monthly milk records of milk yield, milk composition and somatic cell count data were available for both herds. In addition, 24 h behavioural observations of 15 core cows in each group were made at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, and 32 post-housing. There was no difference between cows on mats and mattresses in milk yield, composition or quality; in feed intake; in weight loss or body condition score; in severe hock or knee injury, or in the incidence of lameness. Cows on mattresses tended to have slightly higher total dirtiness scores than those on mats (7.06 vs. 6.95, P = 0.074) and had dirtier udders (mattress, 7.50 vs, mat, 6.52, P < 0.05). However, over the whole housing period, cows on mattresses spent longer feeding, ruminating and lying and a greater proportion of their lying time was spent ruminating. They spent less time standing doing nothing (idling) than cows on mats and less time idling in cubicles. Cows on mattresses appeared to adapt to housing more quickly than those on mats. Overall, neither mat nor mattress gave advantages in terms of production or performance, cows were slightly cleaner on mats but behavioural indices suggest that cow comfort was greater on mattresses. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. A comparison of hoof lesions and behaviour in pregnant and early lactation heifers at housing Chaplin, S. J., Knight, C. H., Logue et al A comparison of hoof lesions and behaviour in pregnant and early lactation heifers at housing Chaplin, S. J., Knight, C. H., Logue, D. N., Offer, J. E., Ternent, H. E. Veterinary Journal 2000 A comparison of hoof lesions and behaviour in pregnant and early lactation heifers at housing. [see comments.] Chaplin, S. J. A comparison of hoof lesions and behaviour in pregnant and early lactation heifers at housing. [see comments.] Chaplin, S. J. Veterinary Journal 2000 Lameness, hoof lesion development and behaviour were compared for two groups of 10 heifers: one in early pregnancy (PH), the other in early lactation (LH). Both groups were housed in the summer in cubicles under identical conditions. Behavioural observations commenced immediately after housing, and then at 2, 4 and 6 weeks post-housing. Locomotion scores were assessed weekly, and feet were examined for lesions at approximately -1, 0, 1 and 2 months after housing. All four feet were photographed, lesions were scored subjectively for severity, and lesion size and position were estimated using image analysis techniques. LH already had greater total lesion scores before housing. More severe linear lesions in the LH group were associated with reduced lying, and less idling, increased standing in cubicles and more disturbed lying behaviour. Copyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd Changes in lying behavior after abrupt cessation of milking and regrouping at dry-off in freestall-housed cows: A case study Chapinal, Núria, Leslie, Ken E. et al Changes in lying behavior after abrupt cessation of milking and regrouping at dry-off in freestall-housed cows: A case study Chapinal, Núria, Leslie, Ken E., Painter, Kimberly, Zobel, Gosia Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research 2014 The objectives of this case study were to evaluate differences between primiparous and multiparous cows in milk production over the last 10 days before abrupt cessation of routine milking to end lactation and to assess the effect of parity and milk production on changes in lying behavior around the routine on-farm practice of abrupt cessation of milking and regrouping in 1 freestall herd in Ontario (Canada). Lying behavior and milk production were monitored in 33 primiparous and 75 multiparous cows. Cows were dried-off abruptly (i.e., no longer milked) after the afternoon milking, regrouped with dry cows, and switched to high-forage diet. At the time of dry-off, cows were producing more than 20 kg/day on average. However, there was great variability across cows, with some cows producing over 35 kg/day on the day before dry-off. After removing 3 outliers, there was no difference between parities in the slope of the milk decrease over the last 10 days before dry-off. There was a negative association between the milk produced on the day before dry-off and lying time on the day of dry-off (coefficient estimate = −11.6 ± 4.7 minute/day) in primiparous cows only. Multiparous cows increased their daily lying time after dry-off; this increase leveled off 2 days after dry-off (lying time [minute/day] = 750.6 + 47.8 day − 9.9 day2). In contrast, primiparous cows decreased their daily lying time on the day of dry-off; however, daily lying time then increased until day 3 after dry-off (lying time [minute/day] = 641.6 − 11.9 day + 19.9 day2). Overall, the frequency of lying bouts increased on the day of dry-off, decreasing over the next days (lying bouts/day = 9.7 + 0.5 day − 0.3 day2). Although average lying bout duration decreased on the day of dry-off and increased over the subsequent days for all cows, the initial decrease was greater in primiparous cows (lying bout duration [minute] = 82.5 − 0.7 day + 1.8 day2 and 68.0 − 3.2 day + 3.6 day2 for multiparous and primiparous cows, respectively). The lying behavior diurnal patterns illustrated a decrease in lying time associated with each milking session on the 2 days before dry-off. Interestingly, similar patterns persisted after dry-off, although the magnitude of the decrease in lying time associated with each omitted milking was lower. Given that lying is a high-priority behavior in dairy cattle, these results suggest that the welfare of cows around the routine on-farm practice of abrupt cessation of milking and regrouping at dry-off, particularly after their first lactation, may be compromised. Lameness and hock injuries improve on farms participating in an assessment program Chapinal, N., Collings, L. et al Lameness and hock injuries improve on farms participating in an assessment program Chapinal, N., Collings, L., von Keyserlingk, M. A., Weary, D. M. Vet J 2014 Lameness and hock injuries are recognized welfare and production problems in the dairy industry. The objective of this study was to describe changes in the prevalence of these ailments in 15 freestall herds in the Northeastern United States that participated in an on-farm assessment program. Prevalence was assessed in a high-producing pen in each herd. A confidential report was delivered to each of the farms showing prevalence in relation to other herds assessed within the same region. The average (+/-SD) period between visits was 11.5 +/- 4.4 months (range, 8-25 months). The prevalence of lameness decreased in most herds after the first assessment (mean difference +/- SE [range] = -17 +/- 4 % [-43 to 6]). An even larger improvement was seen in the prevalence of hock injuries with all farms showing a decrease (-38 +/- 6% [-1 to -87]). The degree of improvement observed at the second assessment was greatest for those farms that had higher lameness prevalence when first assessed, but this was not the case for hock injuries. The changes in prevalence of clinical lameness and overall hock lesions were, however, correlated (rho = 0.62). These results suggest that monitoring and reporting the prevalence of lameness and hock injuries to farmers can motivate changes in facilities and management targeted to address these ailments. Short communication: Herd-level reproductive performance and its relationship with lameness and leg injuries in freestall dairy... Cerri, R. L. A., Chapinal, N., Ito, K. et al Short communication: Herd-level reproductive performance and its relationship with lameness and leg injuries in freestall dairy herds in the northeastern United States Cerri, R. L. A., Chapinal, N., Ito, K., LeBlanc, S. J., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Technical Note: Validation of a System for Monitoring Individual Feeding and Drinking Behavior and Intake in Group-Housed Cattle Chapinal, N., Veira, D. M. et al Technical Note: Validation of a System for Monitoring Individual Feeding and Drinking Behavior and Intake in Group-Housed Cattle Chapinal, N., Veira, D. M., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. J Dairy Sci 2007 The objective of this study was to validate a system for monitoring individual feeding and drinking behavior and intake in group-housed cattle. A total of 42 Holstein cows were tested with access to 24 feed bins and 4 water bins. For the purposes of this validation experiment, we focused our observations on 4 water bins and 13 feed bins. When the cow approached the feed or water bin, an antenna detected the cow's unique passive transponder and lowered the barrier, allowing the cow access to the feed or water. For each visit to the bin, the system recorded the cow number, bin number, initial and final times and weight and calculated the visit duration and intake. Bins were also monitored by direct observation and time-lapse video recording for 2 d per bin, with observations for 4 and 6 h/d for the feed and water bins, respectively. Data from direct observations were compared with the electronic data recorded by the system. Feed disappearance over 24 h was assessed by using an external scale over 3 consecutive 24-h periods, and these values were compared with the sum of intakes across all visits to that bin for the same time periods. The system showed a high specificity (100%) and sensitivity (100 and 99.76% for the feed and water bins, respectively) for cow identification. The duration of the feeding and drinking visits and the feed and water intake per visit, as estimated by the monitoring system, were highly correlated with those obtained by direct observation (R2 [≥] 0.99 in all the cases). The comparison of the total feed that disappeared from each bin in 24 h with the sum of the feed cows consumed from that bin during the same period differed by less than 1 kg (29.92 {+/-} 0.90 kg and 29.24 {+/-} 0.90 kg as estimated by manual weighing and by the electronic system, respectively). This difference could be attributed to changes in feed moisture during the 24-h period. In conclusion, this electronic system is a useful tool for monitoring intakes and feeding and drinking behavior of loose-housed cows. Validation of an automated method to count steps while cows stand on a weighing platform and its application as a measure to... Chapinal, N., Tucker, C. B. Validation of an automated method to count steps while cows stand on a weighing platform and its application as a measure to detect lameness Chapinal, N., Tucker, C. B. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Weight shifting between legs and steps taken when cows stand may be a useful tool to assess cow comfort and lameness. Weight shifting is assessed by measuring the distribution of weight applied to each leg when standing on a weighing platform, whereas frequency of steps is traditionally measured with live observation or video recording. The objectives of this study were to validate an automated method to count steps from weight distribution measurements (experiment 1) and to assess the accuracy of the frequency of steps in detecting lameness (experiment 2). In experiment 1, 6 nonlame multiparous cows stood on a weighing platform covered with either concrete or rubber (1 h/cow per surface) while stepping behavior was video recorded. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed, using the steps observed in the video recordings as the gold standard, to calculate the optimal threshold (based on the sum of sensitivity and specificity) of the weight applied to a leg to define a step. Optimal thresholds were similar between surfaces. The optimal thresholds, when pooling the 2 surfaces, were 127 and 98 kg for the front and rear pair for legs, respectively, with a specificity and sensitivity ≥0.96. Thresholds were used to construct an algorithm to count steps. In experiment 2, 57 cows (26 of them considered lame according to their gait score) stood for 15 min on the weighing platform. Frequency of steps taken with the front and rear pair of legs was calculated from the weight distribution measurements using the algorithm calculated in experiment 1. Lame cows took more steps per minute with the rear legs than did nonlame cows (1.6 vs. 1.0 steps/min; SE of the difference = 0.2). As previously shown for weight shifting, the frequency of steps taken with the rear legs was a good predictor of lameness (area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.67; 95% confidence interval = 0.52, 0.81). A positive relationship was observed between the frequency of steps and weight shifting (measured as SD of the weight applied over time to the legs) in both the front (R2 = 0.35) and rear (R2 = 0.49) legs, yet the slopes differed from 1 and the intercepts differed from 0, indicating that the 2 measures were related but not the same. In conclusion, weighing platforms can accurately calculate the frequency of steps automatically, and this measure shows promise as a tool to assess lameness. Short communication: Estimation of genetic parameters for gait in Canadian Holstein cows Chapinal, N., Miglior, F., Sewalem, A. Short communication: Estimation of genetic parameters for gait in Canadian Holstein cows Chapinal, N., Miglior, F., Sewalem, A. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Genetic parameters for hoof lesions and their relationship with feet and leg traits in Canadian Holstein cows Chapinal, N., Cramer, G., Kelton, D. F. et al Genetic parameters for hoof lesions and their relationship with feet and leg traits in Canadian Holstein cows Chapinal, N., Cramer, G., Kelton, D. F., Koeck, A., Mason, S., Miglior, F., Sewalem, A. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Overnight access to pasture does not reduce milk production or feed intake in dairy cattle Chapinal, N., de Passille, A. M. et al Overnight access to pasture does not reduce milk production or feed intake in dairy cattle Chapinal, N., de Passille, A. M., Goldhawk, C., Rushen, J., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Livestock Science 2010 Short communication: Experimentally induced mastitis reduces weight shifting between the rear legs while standing in dairy cows Chapinal, N., Fitzpatrick, C. E. et al Short communication: Experimentally induced mastitis reduces weight shifting between the rear legs while standing in dairy cows Chapinal, N., Fitzpatrick, C. E., Leslie, K. E., Wagner, S. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Using gait score, walking speed, and lying behavior to detect hoof lesions in dairy cows Chapinal, N., de Passille, A. M. et al Using gait score, walking speed, and lying behavior to detect hoof lesions in dairy cows Chapinal, N., de Passille, A. M., Rushen, J., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 The objective was to determine whether changes in the different components of gait, walking speed, and lying behavior were associated with hoof pathologies in lactating Holstein cows. In experiment 1, 53 cows had their gait scored, their walking speed estimated, and their lying behavior monitored before clinical assessment of the hooves. Multiparous cows with ulcers scored higher than cows without ulcers for overall gait score [numerical rating score (NRS); 3.3 ± 0.2 vs. 2.8 ± 0.2], back arch, joint flexion, asymmetric steps, and reluctance to bear weight. Although cows with ulcers did not walk more slowly than cows without ulcers (1.4 m/s), they spent more time lying down (827.8 ± 29.1 vs. 738.2 ± 15.5 min/d) because of longer lying bouts (93.3 ± 5.9 vs. 79.7 ± 3.4 min). In experiment 2, 47 cows were monitored for hoof health and changes in gait score from 4 wk before to 24 wk after calving. Differences were found after calving between cows that developed an ulcer and cows that did not for NRS (3.1 ± 0.1 vs. 2.35 ± 0.1), back arch, joint flexion, asymmetric steps, and reluctance to bear weight. Numerical rating score, back arch, and asymmetric steps were able to discriminate cows with ulcers at least 4 wk before the diagnosis. Cows that developed a sole ulcer had a faster decline in lying time during the periparturient period and a faster increase beginning in wk 2 after calving. The NRS was a more consistent predictor of sole ulcers than lying behavior or speed. The NRS was able to discriminate cows with ulcers across studies at a high intraobserver accuracy and reasonable specificity and was able to predict the presence of ulcers at least 4 wk before diagnosis. Abduction/adduction of the rear legs, head bob, and tracking-up did not consistently discriminate cows with ulcers, and we suggest that these measures are less useful for on farm gait assessment. Compared with the other gait attributes, back arch, joint flexion, asymmetric steps, and reluctance to bear weight best predicted the presence of sole ulcers. Effect of analgesia during hoof trimming on gait, weight distribution, and activity of dairy cattle Chapinal, N., de Passille, A. M. et al Effect of analgesia during hoof trimming on gait, weight distribution, and activity of dairy cattle Chapinal, N., de Passille, A. M., Rushen, J., Wagner, S. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Sixty-six lactating cows were either injected with flunixin meglumine (2.2 mg/kg of BW) immediately before hoof trimming (n = 28), injected with a saline solution immediately before hoof trimming (n = 28), or injected with a saline solution immediately before sham hoof trimming (control; n = 10). Gait scores, time spent lying down, frequency of steps, and how cows distributed their weight among their legs when standing before, during, and after injections were measured to assess whether automated measures of activity and weight distribution can detect lameness and the effects of pain mitigation during hoof trimming. The overall gait score was positively correlated with the variability of the weight applied the rear legs (r = 0.32) and negatively correlated with the rear leg weight ratio (LWR; r = −0.52) and the frequency of steps (r = −0.43). The rear LWR was the best predictor of cows being lame (NRS >3), accounting for 27% of the variation in the likelihood of a cow being lame and 11% of the variation in the likelihood of a cow having an infectious hoof lesion. For each 5% increase in the rear LWR, the likelihood of being lame decreased by 30% (odds ratio = 0.71; 95% confidence interval = 0.56, 0.90) and the likelihood of being afflicted with an infectious hoof disease decreased by 20% (odds ratio = 0.81; 95% confidence interval = 0.67, 0.98). Neither hoof trimming nor a combination of hoof trimming and analgesia significantly affected gait score or any measure of weight distribution. Daily lying time increased during the 2 d following hoof trimming independently of the flunixin meglumine injection. However, this increase was not sustained for longer than 2 d when cows were injected with flunixin meglumine. Measures of weight shifting between legs while cows are standing and measures of activity show great potential as automated methods of detecting lameness and may also provide a tool for future evaluation of lameness therapies, such as hoof trimming and pain mitigation. Automated methods for detecting lameness and measuring analgesia in dairy cattle Chapinal, N., de Passille, A. M. et al Automated methods for detecting lameness and measuring analgesia in dairy cattle Chapinal, N., de Passille, A. M., Rushen, J., Wagner, S. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Short communication: Measures of weight distribution and frequency of steps as indicators of restless behavior Chapinal, N., de Passille, A. M. et al Short communication: Measures of weight distribution and frequency of steps as indicators of restless behavior Chapinal, N., de Passille, A. M., Rushen, J., Tucker, C. B. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Correlated changes in behavioral indicators of lameness in dairy cows following hoof trimming Chapinal, N., de Passille, A. M. et al Correlated changes in behavioral indicators of lameness in dairy cows following hoof trimming Chapinal, N., de Passille, A. M., Rushen, J. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Weight distribution and gait in dairy cattle are affected by milking and late pregnancy Chapinal, N., de Passille, A. M. et al Weight distribution and gait in dairy cattle are affected by milking and late pregnancy Chapinal, N., de Passille, A. M., Rushen, J. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Measurement of acceleration while walking as an automated method for gait assessment in dairy cattle Chapinal, N., de Passille, A. M. et al Measurement of acceleration while walking as an automated method for gait assessment in dairy cattle Chapinal, N., de Passille, A. M., Hänninen, L., Munksgaard, L., Pastell, M., Rushen, J. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Herd-level risk factors for lameness in freestall farms in the northeastern United States and California Barrientos, A. K., Chapinal, N., Galo et al Herd-level risk factors for lameness in freestall farms in the northeastern United States and California Barrientos, A. K., Chapinal, N., Galo, E., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Short communication: Risk of severe heel erosion increased with parity and stage of lactation in freestall-housed dairy cows Baird, L. G., Chapinal, N. et al Short communication: Risk of severe heel erosion increased with parity and stage of lactation in freestall-housed dairy cows Baird, L. G., Chapinal, N., Pinheiro Machado, L. C., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Variability of Manson and Leaver locomotion scores assigned to dairy cows by different observers Channon, A. J., Pfau, T., Sheldon et al Variability of Manson and Leaver locomotion scores assigned to dairy cows by different observers Channon, A. J., Pfau, T., Sheldon, I. M., Walker, A.M., Wilson, A. M. Veterinary Record 2009 Efforts should be made to reduce lameness incidence in dairy cows Chandler, P. Efforts should be made to reduce lameness incidence in dairy cows Chandler, P. Feedstuffs 1992 An automatic system to monitor lying, standing and walking behaviour of grazing animals Champion, R. A., Penning, P. D., Rutter et al An automatic system to monitor lying, standing and walking behaviour of grazing animals Champion, R. A., Penning, P. D., Rutter, S. M. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 1997 Sensors incorporating mercury tilt switches were used to measure lying, standing and walking behaviour of grazing cattle and sheep. The lying/standing sensor was suspended below the animal, whilst the walking sensor was fitted to the shin of the animal's foreleg. Both switches gave a digital-low output when vertical or near vertical and a digital-high output when more than 45° from vertical. The lying/standing sensor was operated when the animal lay down and the walking sensor was operated by leg movement, and also by the animal lying down. The sensor outputs were connected to digital recorders mounted on the animals. Sheep fitted with lying/standing recording equipment were observed every 5 min during daylight over 24 h. The index of concordance between the automatic and manual observations of lying/standing was 0.953. Cattle and sheep, fitted with equipment to record walking, were filmed by video camera for at least 10 min each. The number of steps counted by observers of the video recordings were compared with results from the automatic system. Mean square prediction error (MSPE) analysis of the automatic-system results showed they had an error of 7.7% for both cattle and sheep. This error was a percentage of the mean of the actual observed results. Cattle fitted with equipment to record lying/standing and walking were observed every 10 min during daylight over 24 h. The concordance between automatic and manual observations of lying/standing was 0.990 using the lying/standing sensor and 0.996 using the walking sensor. The presence or absence of walking behaviour was also noted and the concordance for the automatic system results with this was 0.96. The automatic system described provides a reliable means of recording lying, standing and walking behaviour of cattle and sheep over 24 h periods. Feeding the dairy cow Chamberlain, A. T., Wilkinson, J. M. Feeding the dairy cow Chamberlain, A. T., Wilkinson, J. M. 1996 This book is a comprehensive guide for farmers, advisers and students. Its emphasis is on practical diet formulation and on nutritional diagnosis on farms. Chapters cover the following: introduction; feeds (grass and supplementary feeds); voluntary feed intake; energy; protein; minerals and vitamins; predicting feed intake; calculating metabolizable energy supply and requirements; calculating metabolizable protein supply and requirements; calculating mineral requirements; designing diets and feeding systems; manipulating the composition of milk; feeding the high-yielding cow; feeding the cow before and after calving; nutrition, fertility and lameness; assessing nutritional status; practical diet formulation; and exercises. A floppy disc containing a condensed version of a commercial ration formulation program is provided with the book Dairy cow nutrition: the veterinary angles Chamberlain, A. T. Dairy cow nutrition: the veterinary angles Chamberlain, A. T. 1989 This publication covers a seminar designed to consider those aspects of dairy cow nutrition that are most pertinent to the veterinary surgeons traditional sphere of advisory work. There are 5 chapters dealing with the role of the veterinary surgeon and the effects of nutrition on lameness, fertility and milk quality, and the control of metabolic disorders through correct nutrition. Each chapter has been abstracted separately Incidence of bovine foot diseases in Tripura Chakrabarti, A. Incidence of bovine foot diseases in Tripura Chakrabarti, A. Indian Journal of Animal Research 1996 Foot diseases were diagnosed in 478 of 2567 cattle (18.62%) examined in Tripura State, India [date not given]. Overgrown hooves were diagnosed in 168 animals (35.15%), cracked hoof in 102 (21.34%), sole bruising in 69 (14.43%), traumatic injury in 27 (5.65%), interdigital lesions in 24 (5.02%), heel swelling/wound in 23 (4.81%), chronic laminitis in 14 (2.93%), interdigital growth in 11 (2.30%), acute arthritis in 8 (1.67%) and congenital defects in 3 animals (0.63%). Forefeet were affected in 61.09% of animals, hind feet in 31.17% and fore feet and hind feet in 7.74% of animals. The incidence of foot diseases was higher in males (24.83%) than females (14.42%). Adult animals were affected more (22.94%) than young animals (10.46%). Most cases were diagnosed during the monsoon season (June to August, 30.12%) Optimal insemination and replacement decisions to minimize the cost of pathogen-specific clinical mastitis in dairy cows Cha, E., Grohn, Y. T., Hertl, J. A. et al Optimal insemination and replacement decisions to minimize the cost of pathogen-specific clinical mastitis in dairy cows Cha, E., Grohn, Y. T., Hertl, J. A., Kristensen, A. R., Schukken, Y. H., Tauer, L. W., Welcome, F. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 The effect of repeated episodes of bacteria-specific clinical mastitis on mortality and culling in Holstein dairy cows Cha, E., Grohn, Y. T., Hertl, J. A. et al The effect of repeated episodes of bacteria-specific clinical mastitis on mortality and culling in Holstein dairy cows Cha, E., Grohn, Y. T., Hertl, J. A., Schukken, Y. H., Tauer, L. W., Welcome, F. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 The cost of different types of lameness in dairy cows calculated by dynamic programming Bar, D., Cha, E., Grohn, Y. T., Hertl et al The cost of different types of lameness in dairy cows calculated by dynamic programming Bar, D., Cha, E., Grohn, Y. T., Hertl, J. A. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2010 The cost and management of different types of clinical mastitis in dairy cows estimated by dynamic programming Bar, D., Bennett, G., Cha, E. et al The cost and management of different types of clinical mastitis in dairy cows estimated by dynamic programming Bar, D., Bennett, G., Cha, E., González, R. N., Grohn, Y. T., Hertl, J. A., Schukken, Y. H., Tauer, L. W., Welcome, F. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Effects of lactation and pregnancy on gene expression of endometrium of Holstein cows at day 17 of the estrous cycle or pregnancy Cerri, R. L. A., Ealy, A. D., Hansen et al Effects of lactation and pregnancy on gene expression of endometrium of Holstein cows at day 17 of the estrous cycle or pregnancy Cerri, R. L. A., Ealy, A. D., Hansen, P. J., Kim, I. H., Li, J. L., Santos, J. E. P., Staples, C. R., Thatcher, W. W., Thompson, I. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Relationship between oxidative stress and the success of artificial insemination in dairy cows in a pasture-based system Barbato, Olimpia, Celi, Pietro, Gabai et al Relationship between oxidative stress and the success of artificial insemination in dairy cows in a pasture-based system Barbato, Olimpia, Celi, Pietro, Gabai, Gianfranco, Merlo, Mariacristina The Veterinary Journal 2012 Acute phase proteins in ruminants Ceciliani, F., Ceron, J. J., Eckersall et al Acute phase proteins in ruminants Ceciliani, F., Ceron, J. J., Eckersall, P. D., Sauerwein, H. Journal of Proteomics 2012 Improving stall design: Use of 3-D kinematics to measure space use by dairy cows when lying down Ceballos, A., Rushen, J., Sanderson, D. et al Improving stall design: Use of 3-D kinematics to measure space use by dairy cows when lying down Ceballos, A., Rushen, J., Sanderson, D., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2004 Uncomfortable stalls reduce the time cows spend resting and are a risk factor for lameness. Although recommendations for stall dimensions are available, little research supports these recommendations. In this study, kinematic techniques were used to provide the first accurate measures of space used by Holstein dairy cows during lying-down movements in an open space and in a free stall. Cows (n = 5, mean parity 3.2 +/- 1.0, body weight = 607 +/- 21 kg) used up to 300 cm of longitudinal space when lying down, more than is typically provided by current industry recommendations for stall length. Cows used up to 109 cm of lateral space (180% of hip width), an estimate that is within current recommendations for stall width. During the lying-down movement, maximal lateral displacements at the hip occurred in two vertical zones: one between 95 and 135 cm, and the second less than 50 cm above the lying surface. Maximal longitudinal displacements of the nose were clustered 10 to 30 cm above the surface. These heights should be taken into account when designing and positioning stall partitions. Maximum instantaneous velocity of body markers approached 220 cm/s, indicating that cows can contact inappropriately placed stall partitions and the lying surface with considerable force. Kinematic techniques are promising ways of assessing spatial requirements of cattle to improve stall design. Further work is required to assess a wider range of cow sizes and stall configurations. Some nutritional and genetic considerations in the performance testing of beef bulls Cates, W. F. Some nutritional and genetic considerations in the performance testing of beef bulls Cates, W. F. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1991 Performance testing started after it was recognized that growth traits were heritable. In the early years of performance testing there was a tendency to feed higher levels of energy for longer periods of time. More recently, the trend has been to feed lower levels of energy for shorter periods. There are still differences in opinion as to the appropriate level of energy to use. Although it is important that the level of energy fed is adequate to correctly establish a bull's ability to gain, it is essential to know that it will pose no risk of impaired spermatogenesis or cause any degree of laminitis. Clinical observations and research on overfeeding clearly show that both libido and spermatogenesis can be impaired by excess energy intake. The damage in 2-year-old bulls can be very extensive and in some animals it may not be reversible. The scant amount of research in yearling bulls indicates that there is considerable potential danger from overfeeding energy as well. Test stations are under used in regard to performing research that would help identify heritable defects that would interfere with the productive and reproductive efficiency of beef cattle. The first performance testing programs emphasized average daily gain from weaning to 1 year of age, so "performance" has traditionally meant rate of gain to most cattle raisers. The term "performance" is now starting to acquire a broader and more inclusive definition. For many breeders, it now includes weight per day of age, which is in part a maternal trait, and some kind of male evaluation for reproductive potential that can also be extrapolated to the female side. One of the first breakthroughs in this regard was to recognize the heritability of testicular size, and that testicular size could be fairly accurately determined by scrotal circumference measurement. It was also found that there was a favorable relationship between larger testicle size and the ability to produce high quality semen. As a result, it became a common practice to include scrotal circumference measurements in the published bull test results. However, many test station patrons were, and still are, content to consider the scrotal circumference measurement alone as an evaluation of a bull's breeding potential. Unfortunately, less than half of the bulls finishing a performance test at ages ranging from 11 to 14 months will be able to produce semen of completely acceptable quality.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Laboratory and Postmortem Diagnosis of Bovine Respiratory Disease Bateman, Ken, Caswell, Jeff L., DeLay et al Laboratory and Postmortem Diagnosis of Bovine Respiratory Disease Bateman, Ken, Caswell, Jeff L., DeLay, Josepha, Hewson, Joanne, Slavić, Ðurđa Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2012 Mycoplasma bovis in Respiratory Disease of Feedlot Cattle Bateman, Ken G., Cai, Hugh Y. et al Mycoplasma bovis in Respiratory Disease of Feedlot Cattle Bateman, Ken G., Cai, Hugh Y., Castillo-Alcala, Fernanda, Caswell, Jeff L. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2010 Increasing the interval between winter outdoor exercise aggravates agonistic interactions in Hérens cows kept in tie-stalls Castro, Isabelle M. L., Gygax, Lorenz et al Increasing the interval between winter outdoor exercise aggravates agonistic interactions in Hérens cows kept in tie-stalls Castro, Isabelle M. L., Gygax, Lorenz, Hauser, Rudolf, Wechsler, Beat Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2011 Effect of moderate Cu supplementation on serum metabolites, enzymes and redox state in feedlot calves Benedito, J. L., Blanco, I., Castillo et al Effect of moderate Cu supplementation on serum metabolites, enzymes and redox state in feedlot calves Benedito, J. L., Blanco, I., Castillo, C., García Vaquero, M., Hernández, J., López Alonso, M., Miranda, M., Pereira, V. Research in Veterinary Science 2012 Effect of Foot Paring of Sheep Affected with Footrot on Response to Zinc-Sulfate Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Foot Bathing Treatment Casey, R. H., Martin, P. A. J. Effect of Foot Paring of Sheep Affected with Footrot on Response to Zinc-Sulfate Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Foot Bathing Treatment Casey, R. H., Martin, P. A. J. Australian Veterinary Journal 1988 Effects of deep-horn AI on fertilization and embryo production in superovulated cows and heifers Baruselli, P. S., Carvalho, P. D. et al Effects of deep-horn AI on fertilization and embryo production in superovulated cows and heifers Baruselli, P. S., Carvalho, P. D., Dresch, A. R., Fricke, P. M., Guenther, J. N., Hackbart, K. S., Sartori, R., Shaver, R. D., Souza, A. H., Vieira, L. M., Wiltbank, M. C. Theriogenology 2013 Different circulating progesterone concentrations during synchronization of ovulation protocol did not affect ovarian follicular... Amaral, R., Baruselli, P. S., Carvalho et al Different circulating progesterone concentrations during synchronization of ovulation protocol did not affect ovarian follicular and pregnancy responses in seasonal anestrous buffalo cows Amaral, R., Baruselli, P. S., Carvalho, N. A. T., Maio, J. R. G., Sá Filho, M. F., Sales, J. N. S., Soares, J. G., Souza, D. C., Vannucci, F. S. Theriogenology 2014 Equine chorionic gonadotropin improves the efficacy of a timed artificial insemination protocol in buffalo during the nonbreeding... Baruselli, P. S., Carvalho, N. A. T. et al Equine chorionic gonadotropin improves the efficacy of a timed artificial insemination protocol in buffalo during the nonbreeding season Baruselli, P. S., Carvalho, N. A. T., Gimenes, L. U., Nichi, M., Porto Filho, R. M., Sales, J. S., Soares, J. G., Souza, D. C. Theriogenology 2013 DERMATITIS – MICROBIAL AETIOPATHOGENESIS APPROACHES PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR TREATMENT Birtles, R., Blowey, R. W., Brown, J.M. et al DERMATITIS – MICROBIAL AETIOPATHOGENESIS APPROACHES PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR TREATMENT Birtles, R., Blowey, R. W., Brown, J.M., Carter, S. D., Evans, N.J, Hart, C.A., Murray, R. D., Timofte, D. Cattle Lameness Conference 2009 The effect of rearing regime on the development of the mammary gland and claw abnormalities in high genetic merit... Carson, A.F., Dawson, L.E.R., Gordon et al The effect of rearing regime on the development of the mammary gland and claw abnormalities in high genetic merit Holstein-Friesian dairy herd replacements Carson, A.F., Dawson, L.E.R., Gordon, F.J., Wylie, A.R.G. Animal Science 2004 Cost effectiveness of nitrate leaching mitigation measures for grassland livestock systems at locations in England and Wales Cardenas, L. M., Crabtree, B., Cuttle et al Cost effectiveness of nitrate leaching mitigation measures for grassland livestock systems at locations in England and Wales Cardenas, L. M., Crabtree, B., Cuttle, S. P., del Prado, A., Hopkins, A., Scholefield, D., Shepherd, A. Science of The Total Environment 2011 Survey of management practices on reproductive performance of dairy cattle on large US commercial farms Caraviello, D. Z., Cook, N. B., Florent et al Survey of management practices on reproductive performance of dairy cattle on large US commercial farms Caraviello, D. Z., Cook, N. B., Florent, M. J., Fricke, P. M., Nordlund, K. V., Rawson, C. L., Weigel, K. A., Wiltbank, M. C., Zwald, N. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2006 A survey regarding general management, sire selection, reproductive management, inseminator training and technique, heat abatement, body condition scoring, facility design and grouping, nutrition, employee training and management, and animal health and biosecurity was carried out from March to September of 2004 in 153 herds in the Alta Genetics (Watertown, WI) Advantage Progeny Testing Program. A total of 103 herds (67.3%) completed the survey. Herd size was 613 +/- 46 cows, with herds located in Wisconsin (26), California (12), New York (11), Minnesota (10), Michigan (7), Washington (6), Pennsylvania (6), Iowa (5), Idaho (5), Texas (4), Ohio (4), and other states (7). These farms sold 34.5 +/- 0.3 kg of milk/d per cow, with an annual culling rate of 34 +/- 1% and a calving interval of 13.8 +/- 0.1 mo. Cows were observed for estrus 2.8 +/- 0.3 times/d, for a duration of 27 +/- 4 min, but 78% of the respondents admitted that detection of estrus was not the employee's sole responsibility at that time. Managers tried to achieve pregnancy until 8.8 +/- 0.9 failed inseminations, 300 +/- 26 d postpartum, or milk yield < 17.7 +/- 0.5 kg/d. Nonpregnant cows were culled at 326 +/- 36 d postpartum or milk yield < 16.4 +/- 0.3 kg/d. Mean durations of the voluntary waiting period were 52 +/- 1.3 and 53 +/- 1.4 d for primiparous and multiparous cows, respectively. Hormonal synchronization or timed artificial insemination programs were used in 87% of the herds, with 86% synchronizing first services, 77% resynchronizing repeat services, and 59% treating cystic, anestrous, or anovular cows. Finding good employees was identified as the greatest labor challenge, followed by training and supervising employees. Mastitis and hairy heel warts were noted as the greatest animal health concerns, followed by lameness, abortions, and death losses, whereas the greatest reproductive challenges were artificial insemination service rate, conception rate, twinning, and retained placenta or metritis. Results of this study can provide a useful benchmark or reference with regard to commonly used management practices on large commercial US dairy farms at the present time. Modeling heat stress effect on Holstein cows under hot and dry conditions: Selection tools Bachagha, K., Carabaño, M. J., Díaz et al Modeling heat stress effect on Holstein cows under hot and dry conditions: Selection tools Bachagha, K., Carabaño, M. J., Díaz, C., Ramón, M. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Data from milk recording of Holstein-Friesian cows together with weather information from 2 regions in Southern Spain were used to define the models that can better describe heat stress response for production traits and somatic cell score (SCS). Two sets of analyses were performed, one aimed at defining the population phenotypic response and the other at studying the genetic components. The first involved 2,514,762 test-day records from up to 5 lactations of 128,112 cows. Two models, one fitting a comfort threshold for temperature and a slope of decay after the threshold, and the other a cubic Legendre polynomial (LP) model were tested. Average (TAVE) and maximum daily temperatures were alternatively considered as covariates. The LP model using TAVE as covariate showed the best goodness of fit for all traits. Estimated rates of decay from this model for production at 25 and 34°C were 36 and 170, 3.8 and 3.0, and 3.9 and 8.2 g/d per degree Celsius for milk, fat, and protein yield, respectively. In the second set of analyses, a sample of 280,958 test-day records from first lactations of 29,114 cows was used. Random regression models including quadratic or cubic LP regressions (TEM_) on TAVE or a fixed threshold and an unknown slope (DUMMY), including or not cubic regressions on days in milk (DIM3_), were tested. For milk and SCS, the best models were the DIM3_ models. In contrast, for fat and protein yield, the best model was TEM3. The DIM3DUMMY models showed similar performance to DIM3TEM3. The estimated genetic correlations between the same trait under cold and hot temperatures (ρ) indicated the existence of a large genotype by environment interaction for fat (ρ = 0.53 for model TEM3) and protein yield (ρ around 0.6 for DIM3TEM3) and for SCS (ρ = 0.64 for model DIM3TEM3), and a small genotype by environment interaction for milk (ρ over 0.8). The eigendecomposition of the additive genetic covariance matrix from model TEM3 showed the existence of a dominant component, a constant term that is not affected by temperature, representing from 64% of the variation for SCS to 91% of the variation for milk. The second component, showing a flat pattern at intermediate temperatures and increasing or decreasing slopes for the extremes, gathered 15, 11, and 24% of the variation for fat and protein yield and SCS, respectively. This component could be further evaluated as a selection criterion for heat tolerance independently of the production level. Differences in blood parameters and milk production in the first month of lactation in cows of herds with or without post-partum... Bertoni, G., Cappa, V., Trevisi, E. Differences in blood parameters and milk production in the first month of lactation in cows of herds with or without post-partum problems Bertoni, G., Cappa, V., Trevisi, E. Zootecnica e Nutrizione Animale 1989 The 2 farms chosen for the trial differed in the occurrence of post-partum health problems in the one, and their absence in the other. In addition to the control of milk yield and of variations in a wide number of blood-chemical parameters throughout the 1st month of lactation of 10 cows on each farm, information was collated on the nature of the health problems, and the characteristics of the rations given before and during lactation. The results confirmed the occurrence of numerous 'illnesses' even in the 10 cows controlled on the 'problem' farm: 2 subjects were operated for displaced abomasum, 3 had retained placenta and there were a number of cases of mastitis and lameness. Consequently, milk production and thus DM intake was clearly lower for these animals, while the energy and protein requirements were met in similar way with the animals of each farm. An assessment of the cause of the problems based on the variations in the blood parameters would seem to indicate ante-partum stress and post-partum fatty liver as being mainly responsible. A possible explanation of the origin of the fatty liver and the insufficient synthesis of hepatic lipoproteins could be as a result not of acute liver damage, but rather of other conditions that interfere with hepatocyte activity Prevalence and severity of foot lesions in Danish Holstein heifers through first lactation Capion, Nynne, Enevoldsen, Carsten et al Prevalence and severity of foot lesions in Danish Holstein heifers through first lactation Capion, Nynne, Enevoldsen, Carsten, Thamsborg, Stig M. The Veterinary Journal 2009 Infection dynamics of digital dermatitis in first-lactation Holstein cows in an infected herd Boye, M., Capion, N., Ekstrøm, C. T. et al Infection dynamics of digital dermatitis in first-lactation Holstein cows in an infected herd Boye, M., Capion, N., Ekstrøm, C. T., Jensen, T. K. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Short communication: Flooring preferences of dairy cows at calving Campler, M., Jensen, M. B., Munksgaard et al Short communication: Flooring preferences of dairy cows at calving Campler, M., Jensen, M. B., Munksgaard, L., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 The effects of dietary biotin supplementation on vertical fissures of the claw wall in beef cattle Campbell, J. R., Greenough, P. R. et al The effects of dietary biotin supplementation on vertical fissures of the claw wall in beef cattle Campbell, J. R., Greenough, P. R., Petrie, L. Canadian Veterinary Journal-Revue Veterinaire Canadienne 2000 Short communication: Effects of bedding quality on the lying behavior of dairy calves Camiloti, T. V., Fregonesi, J. A. et al Short communication: Effects of bedding quality on the lying behavior of dairy calves Camiloti, T. V., Fregonesi, J. A., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 The lying behavior of adult cattle is strongly affected by characteristics of the lying surface, but no previous work has assessed the effects of lying surface for dairy calves. We evaluated how the lying behavior of dairy calves changed when calves were provided sawdust-bedded versus concrete lying surfaces, and in response to variation in dryness of the sawdust bedding. Five Holstein calves, approximately 2-wk old, were individually housed in pens with half of the lying surface bedded with kiln-dried sawdust [90% dry matter (DM)] and the other half with wet bedding varying in DM at 4 levels (74, 59, 41, and 29%) or bare concrete. All calves were tested on all 5 treatments, with treatment order assigned using a 5 × 5 Latin square. Total lying time averaged 17.2 ± 0.1 h/d and did not vary with treatment, but time lying on the wet bedding decreased from 5.3 ± 1.1 h/d at 74% DM to almost zero at 29%. Lying times on the side of the pen with dry bedding varied from 12.2 ± 1.2 h/d (when the wet bedding was 74% DM) to 16.8 ± 1.2 h/d (at 29% DM). Standing times were higher on the dry than the wet bedding (2.6 vs. 1.7 ± 0.1 h/d) but did not change across the range of bedding DM tested on the wet side. No calves ever lay down on the bare concrete. In conclusion, dairy calves showed clear preference for drier sawdust bedding and aversion to concrete lying surfaces, indicating that access to soft and dry bedding is important for growing calves. The effect of lameness on the resting behavior and metabolic status of dairy cattle during the transition period in a... Calderon, D. F., Cook, N. B. The effect of lameness on the resting behavior and metabolic status of dairy cattle during the transition period in a freestall-housed dairy herd Calderon, D. F., Cook, N. B. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 The objective of this observational study was to examine the effect of lameness on the resting behavior of dairy cattle through the transition period in a mattress-bedded commercial freestall facility, and explore the relationships between lameness, behavior, and metabolic indicators of disease. A convenience sample was used, comprised of 40 multiparous and 17 primiparous Holstein cows that were recruited as they entered the close-up pen and tracked through the maternity, hospital, and fresh pens. At recruitment, 87.5% of multiparous cows and 23.5% of primiparous cows showed evidence of abnormal gait. Lying time decreased from 16 d before calving from a least squares means ± standard error of 13.5 ± 0.6 h/d to a nadir of 10.6 ± 0.38 h/d on the day of calving. After a period of increased rest after calving, lying time stabilized by d 6 to between 9.8 and 10.8 h/d. This change was accompanied by an increase in the number of lying bouts per day from least squares means (95% confidence limits) of 11.2 (10.0 to 12.4) bouts per day to a peak of 17.7 (16.5 to 18.8) bouts per day on the day before calving, and a decrease in the duration of each lying bout. Resting behavior was influenced by calving month, temperature humidity index, body condition, parity, and lameness. Moderate and severely lame cows had significantly longer lying times throughout the transition period before and after calving, but most notable was a dramatic increase in the number of lying bouts observed 3 d before and after calving. In the straw-bedded, loose-housed maternity pen, moderate and severely lame cows had 20.3 (19.1 to 21.5) bouts per day, compared with 15.6 (14.3 to 16.8) bouts per day for nonlame cows. We hypothesized that this alteration in behavior may be associated with hypersensitivity to pain due to lameness. A total of 26.3% of cows tested above a threshold of 1,400 μM β-hydroxybutyrate. Moderate and severely lame cows had a least squares means (95% confidence limits) β-hydroxybutyrate concentration of 1,165 (1,037 to 1,291) μM that was significantly greater than 697 (560 to 834) μM for slightly lame cows and 687 (551 to 824) μM for nonlame cows. In summary, lameness significantly altered the resting behavior of cows during the transition period and was associated with elevated risk for ketosis in the study herd. Effects of replacing chopped alfalfa hay with alfalfa silage in a total mixed ration on production and rumen conditions of... Calberry, J. M., Einarson, M. S. et al Effects of replacing chopped alfalfa hay with alfalfa silage in a total mixed ration on production and rumen conditions of lactating dairy cows Calberry, J. M., Einarson, M. S., McBride, B. W., Plaizier, J. C. Journal of Dairy Science 2003 The effects of replacing chopped alfalfa hay with alfalfa silage in a total mixed ration containing barley grain and corn silage on production and rumen conditions were investigated. Cows received three diets that all contained (dry matter basis) 38.5% barley grain-based energy supplement, 30.5% corn silage, 17.0% protein supplement, and 4.2% sunflower seeds. One diet contained ( dry matter basis) 9.8% of chopped alfalfa hay and no alfalfa silage. One diet contained ( dry matter basis) 4.9% chopped alfalfa hay and 4.9% alfalfa silage. One diet contained ( dry matter basis) 9.8% of alfalfa silage and no chopped alfalfa hay. Contents of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and starch, averaged across diets, were 16.7, 41.3, 21.1, and 24.4% DM, respectively, and did not differ significantly among diets. Replacing chopped alfalfa hay with alfalfa silage decreased the proportion of dietary DM passing through the 8-mm screen of the Penn State Particle Separator from 61.9 to 55.2% dry matter and significantly increased dietary physical effective NDF (peNDF) content, calculated as the NDF retained by the two screens of the Penn State Particle Separator, from 20.1 to 23.3% DM. Replacing chopped alfalfa hay with alfalfa silage also reduced dietary DM content, increased rumen pH from 6.27 to 6.47, reduced volatile fatty acid concentrations, numerically increased milk fat concentration and milk fat yield. Milk yield, milk protein concentration, dry matter intake, and rumen ammonia concentration were not affected. Analysis of associations among diseases in French dairy cows in two consecutive lactations Bugnard, F., Calavas, D., Ducrot, C. et al Analysis of associations among diseases in French dairy cows in two consecutive lactations Bugnard, F., Calavas, D., Ducrot, C., Faye, B., Raymond, F. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1996 Associations among diseases in dairy cows were studied on a two-consecutive-lactation basis by means of a longitudinal and prospective study carried out on 24 French herds, Associations between diseases of a given lactation and diseases of the previous lactation were adjusted for breed, parity, milk yield, season of calving, calving interval and type of housing, using multiple logistic regression models with random effects. Five of the 12 associations highlighted are recurrences (clinical mastitis within 5 days after calving, placental retention, lameness other than interdigital pododermatitis, reproductive disorders, milk fever). Otherwise, the study confirms the main role of placental retention in associations among diseases. Effect of forage type on the metabolic condition and health of dairy cows Calamari, L., Cavani, C., Migliorati et al Effect of forage type on the metabolic condition and health of dairy cows Calamari, L., Cavani, C., Migliorati, L., Monetti, P. G., Pirlo, G., Trevisi, E. Proceedings of the 10th national congress 1993 For 420 days, 103 Italian Friesian cows were fed on diets containing maize silage (7.5 kg DM) and hay (3.5 kg DM) or only hay (9.7 kg DM) (group S). Maize silage significantly increased blood glucose and ceruloplasmin and decreased calcium, albumin and packed cell volume. Many of these variations, which coincided with a slightly higher incidence of digestive illness and lameness, were in periods when diets high in starch and sugars (>25% DM) were given. Silage with DM <28% lowered DM intake and increased blood sodium and chloride. In conclusion, when good maize silage was used and the diet was balanced, no negative effects on health, metabolic condition or fertility were observed Effect of different free stall surfaces on behavioural, productive and metabolic parameters in dairy cows Calamari, Luigi, Calegari, Ferdinando et al Effect of different free stall surfaces on behavioural, productive and metabolic parameters in dairy cows Calamari, Luigi, Calegari, Ferdinando, Stefanini, Luigi Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2009 Protein and urea coefficients’ effect on dairy cows’ reproduction indexes in weekly bulk tank milk samples Cadonic Spelic, V., Trenti, F. et al Protein and urea coefficients’ effect on dairy cows’ reproduction indexes in weekly bulk tank milk samples Cadonic Spelic, V., Trenti, F., Veternik, D., Zadnik, T. Protein and urea concentrations were measured weekly in bulk milk samples on a large Slovenian farm of 385 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows throughout 1993. The relationship between protein and urea concentration in bulk milk samples was presented as a coefficient which was related to changes in the diet from season to season. The protein/urea coefficient was afterwards connected with the number of inseminations and incidence of urovagina and aseptic pododermatitis (sole haemorrhages). It is concluded that a coefficient below 0.6, indicating a surplus of protein and nitrogenous substances in the diet, is unfavourable for the health status of dairy cows. Coefficient values above 0.8 indicate that the feed intake is well balanced Mycoplasma bovis arthritis as a sequel to respiratory disease in bought-in weanling cattle in the Republic of Ireland Byrne, W., Fagan, J., McCormack, M. Mycoplasma bovis arthritis as a sequel to respiratory disease in bought-in weanling cattle in the Republic of Ireland Byrne, W., Fagan, J., McCormack, M. Irish Veterinary Journal 2001 Farm animal welfare (vol 157, pg 34, 2005) Butterworth, A., Evans, A., Main, D. et al Farm animal welfare (vol 157, pg 34, 2005) Butterworth, A., Evans, A., Main, D., Miele, M., Whay, B. Veterinary Record 2005 Evaluation of five lactation curve models fitted for fat:protein ratio of milk and daily energy balance Buttchereit, N., Junge, W., Stamer, E. et al Evaluation of five lactation curve models fitted for fat:protein ratio of milk and daily energy balance Buttchereit, N., Junge, W., Stamer, E., Thaller, G. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Stress and pain response after oligofructose induced-lameness in dairy heifers Bustamante, H. A., Herzberg, D. E. et al Stress and pain response after oligofructose induced-lameness in dairy heifers Bustamante, H. A., Herzberg, D. E., Rodriguez, A. R., Werner, M. P. J Vet Sci 2015 Lameness is one of the most painful conditions that affects dairy cattle. This study was conducted to evaluate clinical signs and plasma concentration of several pain and stress biomarkers after oligofructose-induced lameness in dairy heifers. Lameness was induced using an oligofructose overload model in 12 non-pregnant heifers. Clinical parameters and blood samples were obtained at 48 and 24 h and at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after induction of lameness. Clinical parameters included heart rate, respiratory rate, ruminal frequency and lameness score. Plasma biomarkers included cortisol, haptoglobin, norepinephrine, beta-endorphin and substance P. Differences were observed in all parameters between control and treated heifers. The plasma concentration of biomarkers increased significantly in treated animals starting 6 h after induction of lameness, reaching maximum levels at 24 h for cortisol, 48 h for haptoglobin, 6 h for norepinephrine, 12 h for substance P and at 24 h for beta-endorphin. Overall, our results confirm that lameness associated pain induced using the oligofructose model induced changes in clinical parameters and plasma biomarkers of pain and stress in dairy heifers. Production impact of a targeted selective treatment system based on liveweight gain in a commercial flock Busin, V., Ellis, K., Kenyon, F., Laing et al Production impact of a targeted selective treatment system based on liveweight gain in a commercial flock Busin, V., Ellis, K., Kenyon, F., Laing, N., McBean, D., Parkin, T., Sargison, N. D. The Veterinary Journal Frequency of traumatic cow injuries in relation to housing systems in Swiss organic dairy herds Blum, J. W., Busato, A., Trachsel, P. Frequency of traumatic cow injuries in relation to housing systems in Swiss organic dairy herds Blum, J. W., Busato, A., Trachsel, P. J Vet Med A Physiol Pathol Clin Med 2000 A study was performed to estimate the extent of cow injuries as an indicator of animal welfare in organic dairy farms in Switzerland. The study was conducted during the winter feeding period of 1997/98 and was part of a larger project on animal health, nutrition and production in certified organic dairy herds in Switzerland. Potential predictors of injuries related to animal housing were quantified and relations between occurrence of injuries and nutritional status and production were evaluated. The investigation was designed as a cross-sectional study and included a representative sample of 152 farms and 1856 cows. Every farm was visited once and each cow was scored for claw-, skin- and joint-lesions and body condition. Statistical analyses were performed appropriate for a stratified and one-stage cluster sample weighted for the entire population of organic dairy farms in Switzerland. Possible individual and environmental predictors of cow injuries were analysed using multinomial logit models for ordinal outcomes. The overall frequencies of injuries were 10.4% for joint lesions, 12.8% for soft-tissue injuries and 3.6% for claw lesions. Most joint injuries (84.9%) were observed at the hock joint, 9.4% at the carpus and 3.1% at the knee joint. The analysis of the association between frequency of injuries and potential predictors revealed heterogeneous results and the risk profiles were different between the categories of injuries measured in the study. These observations support the assumption that variations in type and severity of injuries are due to specific differences of animal management, housing design and due to different characteristics of individual cows Building ‘cowshed cultures’: A cultural perspective on the promotion of stockmanship and animal welfare on dairy farms Burton, Rob J. F., Cooper, Mark H. et al Building ‘cowshed cultures’: A cultural perspective on the promotion of stockmanship and animal welfare on dairy farms Burton, Rob J. F., Cooper, Mark H., Peoples, Sue Journal of Rural Studies 2012 The effect of grazing on cow mortality in Danish dairy herds Burow, E., Rousing, T., Sorensen, J. T. et al The effect of grazing on cow mortality in Danish dairy herds Burow, E., Rousing, T., Sorensen, J. T., Thomsen, P. T. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2011 Track way distance and cover as risk factors for lameness in Danish dairy cows Burow, E., Rousing, T., Sorensen, J. T. et al Track way distance and cover as risk factors for lameness in Danish dairy cows Burow, E., Rousing, T., Sorensen, J. T., Thomsen, P. T. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2014 Relationship of concentrations of cortisol in hair with health, biomarkers in blood, and reproductive status in dairy cows Burnett, Tracy A., Cerri, Ronaldo L. A. et al Relationship of concentrations of cortisol in hair with health, biomarkers in blood, and reproductive status in dairy cows Burnett, Tracy A., Cerri, Ronaldo L. A., Madureira, Augusto M. L., Nadalin, Audrey, Silper, Bruna F., Tahmasbi, Abdolmansour, Veira, Douglas M. Journal of Dairy Science 2015 Hair cortisol has been used to measure chronic stress in dairy cows as it offers the advantage of being noninvasive, fast, and able to indicate levels of cortisol over long periods. The aim of this study was to determine the associations between hair cortisol with clinical disorders, reproductive status, and the development of subclinical endometritis in dairy cows. Furthermore, we aimed to determine the association between hair cortisol concentrations and blood markers associated with metabolic status and acute inflammation. In experiment 1, cows (n = 64) were hair sampled every 3 wk from the tail switch beginning at calving (d 0) until d 126 for cortisol analysis; blood samples were collected every 3 wk from d 0 until 42 for β-hydroxybutyrate and glucose analysis. In experiment 2, cows (n = 54) were chosen retrospectively by diagnosis of subclinical endometritis (END), subclinical endometritis and at least 1 clinical disease (END+CLIN), or as healthy (control) using a cytobrush and ultrasonography at 30 ± 3 d in milk. At the same time, animals were hair sampled for cortisol analysis and blood sampled for haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin analysis. Health records were recorded throughout both experimental periods. Animals with clinical disease presented higher cortisol concentrations than clinically healthy animals in experiment 1 [geometric mean (95% confidence interval); 8.8 (7.8, 9.9) vs. 10.7 (9.6, 12.0) pg/mg]; however, animals diagnosed with subclinical endometritis in experiment 2 did not differ in hair cortisol concentrations [11.7 (9.8, 14.0), 12.2 (9.3, 15.9), 10.5 (8.1, 13.6) pg/mg for control, END, and END+CLIN, respectively]. In experiment 1, an effect of sample day was noted, where d 21 had higher cortisol concentrations than d 42, 84, and 126, but not from d 0 for both parities. Within both experiments, a parity effect was present where multiparous animals consistently had higher cortisol concentrations than primiparous animals. Multiparous cows that became pregnant by 100 d postpartum had lower concentrations of hair cortisol at d 42 and 84 in milk. Lastly, other biomarkers associated with metabolic status and acute inflammation, such as glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, haptoglobin, and ceruloplasmin, were not strongly correlated with measurements of cortisol in hair. Overall, hair cortisol measurements appear to be associated with clinical disorders and have a direct association with pregnancy status; however, concentrations of hair cortisol may not be suited to differentiate situations of stress with lower magnitudes, such as the development of subclinical disease. Claw trimming of dairy cattle Alcock, P., Burnell, M., Reader, J. Claw trimming of dairy cattle Alcock, P., Burnell, M., Reader, J. Vet Rec 2015 Claw health and prevalence of lameness in cows from compost bedded and cubicle freestall dairy barns in Austria Burgstaller, J., Hund, A., Kofler, J. et al Claw health and prevalence of lameness in cows from compost bedded and cubicle freestall dairy barns in Austria Burgstaller, J., Hund, A., Kofler, J., Kuchling, S., Mandl, V., Raith, J. Vet J 2016 Claw health and lameness data from five dairies with compost bedded barns (n = 201 data sets) were evaluated and compared with data from five dairy herds housed in freestall cubicle barns (n = 297 data sets). They were matched for having the same cow numbers, flooring type and similar milk yield. The prevalence of lameness, claw lesions and their severity grades were analysed. Two claw health indicators, the cow claw score (CCS) and the farm claw score (FCS), were calculated using a computerised claw trimming database programme; there was no significant difference in overall lameness prevalence in cows from five compost bedded barns (18.7%) compared to cows from five freestall cubicle herds (14.9%). A cumulative link mixed model (CLMM) did not show significant differences in locomotion between different types of bedding material, flooring system, breed, visit number, observer and time since last trimming, but locomotion was significantly influenced by CCS. Another CLMM tested the impact of parameters mentioned on CCS and showed significant influence of flooring type, visit number and cattle breed. Statistically significant differences in the prevalence of claw disorders between compost bedded and freestall cubicle barns were found for white line disease (WLD; 20.4% and 46.6%, respectively), heel horn erosion (HHE; 26.9% and 59.9%, respectively), concave dorsal wall as a result of chronic laminitis (6.5% and 15.9%, respectively) and for interdigital hyperplasia (0.2% and 3.1%, respectively). The results of this study indicate that compost dairy barns are a good alternative to common cubicle housing systems in terms of lameness, claw health and animal welfare. Complete ostectomy of middle phalanx and partial ostectomy of proximal phalanx in a Brown Swiss calf for treatment of purulent... Burgstaller, J., Kofler, J. Complete ostectomy of middle phalanx and partial ostectomy of proximal phalanx in a Brown Swiss calf for treatment of purulent arthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint and adjacent severe osteomyelitis Burgstaller, J., Kofler, J. Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr 2016 A five month old Brown Swiss heifer calf (212 kg body mass) with severe left hind limb lameness, caused by a wound of the lateral digit was referred to the veterinary teaching hospital. The calf showed a score 4 of 5 lameness on the left hind limb. A scarified skin lesion with a fistula formation and purulent exudate was observed at the level of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIJ) of the lateral digit of the left hind. The PIJ region and the lateral digit were severely swollen and painful. Ultrasonography showed a moderate anechoic effusion of the lateral digital flexor tendon sheet (DFTS) and a severe heterogeneous hypoechoic effusion with some small hyperechoic areas of the plantar and dorsal pouch of the PIJ. In addition, a highly irregular contour of the dorsal and abaxial surface of the phalanx media (P2) and the distal aspect of the proximal phalanx (P1) were imaged. Based on physical examination and ultrasonographic findings, the diagnosis was chronic purulent arthritis of the PIJ, osteitis of P2 and the distal end of P1 with suspected adjacent osteomyelitis. Complete ostectomy of P2 and ostectomy of the distal part of the P1 of the lateral digit was performed with an oscillating saw through the extended debrided wound. The lameness improved subsequently and 21 days post-surgery the calf was discharged from the clinic without lameness, and with a wooden block attached to the healthy claw. A year later the heifer was pregnant and still in the herd, during this period it did not exhibit lameness. The described surgical technique resulted in an excellent long-term outcome and may be considered in cases of severe purulent joint infection of the PIJ with osteolytic processes in adjacent bones, as a digit salvage procedure especially for young cattle. Adequacy of Foot trimming Procedures of Rear Feet Collected from a Slaughterhouse Burgi, K., Cook, N. B. Adequacy of Foot trimming Procedures of Rear Feet Collected from a Slaughterhouse Burgi, K., Cook, N. B. The 15th International Symposium & the 7th Conference on lameness in ruminants 2009 Three Adaptions to the Functional Trimming Method Burgi, K., Cook, N. B. Three Adaptions to the Functional Trimming Method Burgi, K., Cook, N. B. The 15th International Symposium & the 7th Conference on lameness in ruminants 2008 Studies on the pathogenesis of bovine ephemeral fever Burgess, G. W. Studies on the pathogenesis of bovine ephemeral fever Burgess, G. W. Australian Veterinary Journal 1977 A study of the pathogenesis of bovine ephemeral fever confirmed that the major clinical signs were fever lasting no more than 2 days, with increased respiratory rate, dyspnoea and some degree of lameness. Haematological observations revealed a neutrophilia with a left shift and a lymphopaenia at the time of peak clinical reaction. The net result was a slight leucopaenia on the day after this reaction. The most prominent pathological changes involved the lungs and synovial joints. Pulmonary emphysema and alveolar collapse with bronchiolitis, degenerative changes in synovial membranes and increased synovial fluid were observed. Specific fluorescence indicating the presence of BEF viral antigen could be detected at the time of peak clinical response in individual cells in the lungs, spleen and lymph nodes as well as neutrophils. Before and after the peak fever some fluorescence was seen in cells which appeared to be reticular cells in the lymph nodes. Viral isolation in mice could be made from blood, lungs, spleen and lymph nodes over a period of no more than 3 days. It is postulated that viral growth takes place mainly in the reticuloendothelial cells in the lungs, spleen and lymph nodes and not in vascular endothelium or lymphoid cells Borrelia burgdorferi infection in Wisconsin horses and cows Burgess, E. C. Borrelia burgdorferi infection in Wisconsin horses and cows Burgess, E. C. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1988 Blood samples from Wisconsin horses and cows suspected of having clinical disease due to Borrelia burgdorferi infection were submitted by veterinary practitioners. All serum, milk, colostrum, and synovial samples were tested for B. burgdorferi antibodies by immunofluorescence. Whole blood, milk, colostrum, and synovial fluid samples were cultured for B. burgdorferi. Records were kept on the clinical signs of antibody-positive animals, date of sample, and location of the animal by county. Of the samples tested for antibodies 282/430 cow sera, 118/190 horse sera, 5/10 cow synovial fluids, 3/6 horse synovial fluids, 2/3 cow colostrums, 0/44 cow milk samples and 1 aborted fetus serum were antibody positive at a titer of 1:128 or greater. Of samples cultured 7/156 cow bloods, 2/35 horse bloods, 1/14 cow synovial fluids, 0/4 synovial fluids, 1/3 cow colostrums, 0/44 cow milk, and 2/10 cow urine samples were B. burgdorferi culture positive. For both cows and horses October and May were the two peak months for the number of antibody-positive samples. The most frequent clinical signs in antibody-positive horses and cows were lameness and swollen joints, but many also had stiffness, laminitis, abortions, and fevers. Not all antibody-positive animals showed clinical signs. These findings show that B. burgdorferi infection occurs in horses and cows and can cause clinical illness in some but not all animals. Infection in cows and horses occurs most frequently 1 month after the emergence of adult I. dammini. Because spirochetes could be isolated from blood, synovial fluid, colostrum, and urine, these animals could be important in providing an infected blood meal for ticks and bringing B. burgdorferi in direct contact with humans Short communication: Repeatability of measures of rectal temperature in dairy cows Burfeind, O., Heuwieser, W., Veira et al Short communication: Repeatability of measures of rectal temperature in dairy cows Burfeind, O., Heuwieser, W., Veira, D. M., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Although taking body temperature by rectal thermometer is the method most commonly used to identify sick cows in the postpartum period, no data on the repeatability of this measure are available. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate variability of rectal temperatures in dairy cows considering different factors (intra- and interinvestigator repeatability, different thermometers, penetration depth into the rectum, and defecation). High coefficients of correlation (r = 0.98) and small differences between values of rectal temperatures (observer A = 39.3 ± 1.0°C and observer B = 39.4 ± 1.0°C) provide evidence that rectal temperature was a repeatable measure in dairy cows. Testing was carried out using 4 different digital thermometers: GLA M750 (GLA Agricultural Electronics, San Luis Obispo, CA), MTI8101 (SES Scala Electronics, Stahnsdorf, Germany), MT1831 (Microlife AG, Widnau, Switzerland) and Domotherm TH1 (Uebe Medical GmbH, Wertheim, Germany). Thermometers were inserted into the rectum to a certain depth (GLA M750 and MTI8101 = 11.5 cm; MT1831 = 8.4 cm; Domotherm TH1 = 7.7 cm) and a measure was finished when a visual or acoustic signal was emitted by the thermometer. The measures could be influenced by the procedure itself (up to 0.5°C), type of thermometer (up to 0.3°C), and the penetration depth (11.5 cm or 6.0 cm in one of the experiments) into the rectum (up to 0.4°C difference between a penetration depth of 11.5 cm and 6.0 cm in one of the experiments). Differences in rectal temperature before and after defecation were minor (<0.1°C). These results indicate that some care is required in generalizing rectal measures of body temperature. Body temperature in early postpartum dairy cows Bonk, S., Burfeind, O., Heuwieser, W. et al Body temperature in early postpartum dairy cows Bonk, S., Burfeind, O., Heuwieser, W., Suthar, V. S., Voigtsberger, R. Theriogenology 2014 A strategy widely adopted in the modern dairy industry is the introduction of postpartum health monitoring programs by trained farm personnel. Within these fresh cow protocols, various parameters (e.g., rectal temperature, attitude, milk production, uterine discharge, ketones) are evaluated during the first 5 to 14 days in milk (DIMs) to diagnose relevant diseases. It is well documented that 14% to 66% of healthy cows exhibit at least one temperature of 39.5 °C or greater within the first 10 DIM. Although widely adopted, data on diagnostic performance of body temperature (BT) measurement to diagnose infectious diseases (e.g., metritis, mastitis) are lacking. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify possible factors associated with BT in postpartum dairy cows. A study was conducted on a commercial dairy farm including 251 cows. In a total of 217 cows, a vaginal temperature logger was inserted from DIM 2 to 10, whereas 34 cows did not receive a temperature logger as control. Temperature loggers measured vaginal temperature every 10 minutes. Rectal temperature was measured twice daily in all cows. On DIM 2, 5, and 10, cows underwent a clinical examination. Body temperature was influenced by various parameters. Primiparous cows had 0.2 °C higher BT than multiparous cows. Multiparous cows that calved during June and July had higher BT than those that calved in May. In primiparous cows, this effect was only evident from DIM 7 to 10. Furthermore, abnormal calving conditions (i.e., assisted calving, dead calf, retained placenta, twins) affected BT in cows. This effect was more pronounced in multiparous cows. Abnormal vaginal discharge did increase BT in primiparous and multiparous cows. Primiparous cows suffering from hyperketonemia (beta-hydroxybutyrat ≥ 1.4 mmol/L) had higher BT than those not affected. In multiparous cows, there was no association between hyperketonemia and BT. The results of this study clearly demonstrate that BT is influenced by various parameters in dairy cows. Therefore, these parameters have to be considered when interpreting measurements of BT in dairy cows. This information helps to explain the high incidence of type I and II errors when measuring BT and clearly illustrates that measures of BT should not be used as a single criterion to decide whether or not to provide antibiotic treatment to dairy cows. However, research-based test characteristics of other parameters (e.g., vaginal discharge) alone or in combination with BT are still lacking. Effect of heat stress on body temperature in healthy early postpartum dairy cows Burfeind, O., Heuwieser, W., Suthar et al Effect of heat stress on body temperature in healthy early postpartum dairy cows Burfeind, O., Heuwieser, W., Suthar, V. S. Theriogenology 2012 Measurement of body temperature is the most common method for an early diagnosis of sick cows in fresh cow protocols currently used on dairy farms. Thresholds for fever range from 39.4 °C to 39.7 °C. Several studies attempted to describe normal temperature ranges for healthy dairy cows in the early puerperium. However, the definition of a healthy cow is variable within these studies. It is challenging to determine normal temperature ranges for healthy cows because body temperature is usually included in the definition. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to identify factors that influence body temperature in healthy dairy cows early postpartum and to determine normal temperature ranges for healthy cows that calved in a moderate (temperature humidity index: 59.8 ± 3.8) and a hot period (temperature humidity index: 74.1 ± 4.4), respectively, excluding body temperature from the definition of the health status. Furthermore, the prevalence of fever was calculated for both periods separately. A subset of 17 (moderate period) and 15 cows (hot period) were used for analysis. To ensure their uterine health only cows with a serum haptoglobin concentration ≤ 1.1 g/L were included in the analysis. Therefore, body temperature could be excluded from the definition. A vaginal temperature logger that measured vaginal temperature every 10 min was inserted from Day 2 to 10 after parturition. Additionally rectal temperature was measured twice daily. Day in milk (2 to 10), period (moderate and hot), and time of day had an effect on rectal and vaginal temperature. The prevalence of fever (≥ 39.5 °C) was 7.4% and 28.1% for rectal temperature in the moderate and hot period, respectively. For vaginal temperature (07.00 to 11.00 h) it was 10% and 33%, respectively, considering the same threshold and period. This study demonstrates that body temperature in the early puerperium is influenced by several factors (day in milk, climate, time of day). Therefore, these factors have to be considered when interpreting body temperature measures to identify sick cows. Furthermore, the prevalence of fever considering different thresholds is higher during hot than moderate periods. However, even in a moderate period healthy cows can exhibit a body temperature that is considered as fever. This fact clearly illustrates that fever alone should not be considered the decision criterion whether a cow is allocated to an antibiotic treatment, although it is the most important one that is objectively measurable. Technical note: Evaluation of a scoring system for rumen fill in dairy cows Burfeind, O., Heuwieser, W., Sepúlveda et al Technical note: Evaluation of a scoring system for rumen fill in dairy cows Burfeind, O., Heuwieser, W., Sepúlveda, P., Veira, D. M., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Changes in feed intake are useful in early detection of disease in dairy cows. Cost and complexity limit our ability to monitor dry matter intake (DMI) of individual cows kept in loose-housing systems. A 5-point subjective scoring system has been developed to visually describe rumen fill, but no work to date has evaluated these scores as an indicator of feed intake. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of within-cow changes in visual rumen fill scores as estimates of changes of DMI and feed intake in dairy cows. Our results illustrate that rumen fill scored on a scale from 1 to 5 has substantial intra- (Cohen's kappa coefficient = 0.69) and interobserver (Cohen's kappa coefficient = 0.68) repeatability. Within-cow changes in visual rumen fill score are correlated with changes in DMI (Spearman's rank correlation = 0.68). The depth of the paralumbar fossa (mean ± SD; 5.6 ± 0.9 cm) changes considerably (up to 4.8 cm) within 70 ± 5 min. This more objective measure was also correlated with visual rumen fill scores (Spearman's rank correlation = −0.62). Our results indicate that subjective rumen fill scores are statistically associated with both an objective measure of paralumbar fossa indentation and feed intake. However, much of the variation in visual rumen fill scores is not associated with either measure, suggesting that caution is required in clinical usage of these scores. Diagnosis of acute postpartum metritis by electronic nose device analysis of vaginal discharge Bos, A., Bruins, M., Burfeind, O. et al Diagnosis of acute postpartum metritis by electronic nose device analysis of vaginal discharge Bos, A., Bruins, M., Burfeind, O., Heuwieser, W., Sannmann, I., Voigtsberger, R. Theriogenology Modifying and commodifying farm animal welfare: The economisation of layer chickens Buller, Henry, Roe, Emma Modifying and commodifying farm animal welfare: The economisation of layer chickens Buller, Henry, Roe, Emma Journal of Rural Studies 2014 Ergotism in cattle Buhl, R., Eriksen, L., Falmer Hansen, J. Ergotism in cattle Buhl, R., Eriksen, L., Falmer Hansen, J. Dansk Veterinaertidsskrift 1998 Following a brief review of ergotism, an outbreak of the gangrenous form of the disease that occurred in a herd of 300 cattle on the island of Saltholm, Denmark, in October 1997, is described. The condition was detected about 3 weeks after the animals had been moved to a partly grazed, and previously sea water-flooded pasture in which common couch grass (Elytrigia repens [Elymus repens]) infected with ergot (Claviceps purpurea) was found. The clinical signs in affected cattle were lameness and swelling of the pastern and the lower metatarsal region in one or both hind legs. The skin became necrotic and there was a prominent demarcation line separating living and necrotic tissue. In one heifer the capsule of the hoofs had been completely shed, and in another, the tip of the tail became necrotic. The general condition and the appetite of the animals were unaffected and haematological values were within their normal ranges. The diagnosis was based on clinical signs, pathological findings and evidence of ergot consumption. Therapy was ineffective, and the affected animals were destroyed Nutritional myodegeneration associated with dorsal scapular displacement in beef heifers Buergelt, C. D., Chenoweth, P. J. et al Nutritional myodegeneration associated with dorsal scapular displacement in beef heifers Buergelt, C. D., Chenoweth, P. J., Gamboa, J., Nagus, R., Sisk, D. Journal of Comparative Pathology 1996 Scapular displacement due to bilateral rupture of the serratus ventralis muscles ("flying scapula") occurred in four heifers from a large beef herd. Two of the four affected animals were necropsied. Additional animals on the farm developed intermittent lameness when enclosed on certain pastures. The lameness and scapular displacement were attributed to selenium deficiency in the feed and pasture environment. This is the first account of "flying scapula" in the United States Effect of milk sample collection strategy on the sensitivity and specificity of bacteriologic culture and somatic cell count for... Buelow, K. L., Collins, M. T., Goodger et al Effect of milk sample collection strategy on the sensitivity and specificity of bacteriologic culture and somatic cell count for detection of Staphylococcus aureus intramammary infection in dairy cattle Buelow, K. L., Collins, M. T., Goodger, W. J., Nordlund, K. V., Thomas, C. B. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1996 A model to determine sampling strategies and milk inoculum volume for detection of intramammary Staphylococcus aureus infections... Buelow, K. L., Clayton, M. K., Collins et al A model to determine sampling strategies and milk inoculum volume for detection of intramammary Staphylococcus aureus infections in dairy cattle by bacteriological culture Buelow, K. L., Clayton, M. K., Collins, M. T., Goodger, W. J., Nordlund, K. V., Thomas, C. B. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1996 Rate of keratinization of the wall segment of the hoof and its relation to width and structure of the zona alba (white line) with... Budras, K. D., Horowitz, A., Mulling, C. Rate of keratinization of the wall segment of the hoof and its relation to width and structure of the zona alba (white line) with respect to claw disease in cattle Budras, K. D., Horowitz, A., Mulling, C. American Journal of Veterinary Research 1996 Objectives-To determine contribution of the wall segment of bovine cattle hoof to horn production, and relevance of structural differences of the wall segment and its horn production rate to claw disease. Design-Epidermis and papillary body of the wall segment were examined by mesoscopy, light microscopy, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Morphometry of the entire length of the zona alba was examined, and the horn production rate of the wall segment was calculated. Animals-Mixed-breed. dual purpose (beef and dairy) cattle of either sex, and young (20 months) Holstein-Friesian beef bulls. Procedure-Blocks of a strip of the hoof from the coronary segment to the sole margin, including epidermis and dermis, were prepared for light and transmission electon microscopy. Prepared specimens of the wall-sole border were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Morphometry was performed on the outer, middle, and inner parts of the zona alba structures on unfixed horn specimens of beef bull claws. After removal of the zona alba specimens, the claw was removed and the proximodistal extent of the epidermal leaflets was measured and analyzed statistically. Results-Horn production increased in the distal half of the wall segment, was greatest at the wall-sole border, and highest above the abaxial end of the zona alba. High horn production resulted in an incompletely keratinized, softer horn. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-High horn production at the zona alba increases susceptibility to vascular disturbance. Claw dyskeratoses appear first in areas of high horn production, areas which are also subject to a greater frequency of claw lesions Innervation of the bovine hoof Buda, S., Muelling, Ch Innervation of the bovine hoof Buda, S., Muelling, Ch The diagnostic criteria used in bovine bacterial endocarditis: A meta-analysis of 460 published cases from 1973 to 2011 Buczinski, S., Tharwat, M., Tsuka, T. The diagnostic criteria used in bovine bacterial endocarditis: A meta-analysis of 460 published cases from 1973 to 2011 Buczinski, S., Tharwat, M., Tsuka, T. The Veterinary Journal 2012 Echocardiographic measurement of cardiac valvular thickness in healthy cows, cows with bacterial endocarditis, and cows with... Buczinski, Sébastien, Rezakhani, Ali et al Echocardiographic measurement of cardiac valvular thickness in healthy cows, cows with bacterial endocarditis, and cows with cardiorespiratory diseases Buczinski, Sébastien, Rezakhani, Ali, Tharwat, Mohamed, Tolouei, Mohammad Journal of Veterinary Cardiology 2013 Influence of manure scrapers on dairy cows in cubicle housing systems Buck, Melanie, Friedli, Katharina et al Influence of manure scrapers on dairy cows in cubicle housing systems Buck, Melanie, Friedli, Katharina, Gygax, Lorenz, Steiner, Adrian, Steiner, Beat, Wechsler, Beat Livestock Science 2013 Expression of Mycoplasma bovis variable surface membrane proteins in the respiratory tract of calves after experimental infection... Buchenau, I., Grand, D. Le et al Expression of Mycoplasma bovis variable surface membrane proteins in the respiratory tract of calves after experimental infection with a clonal variant of Mycoplasma bovis type strain PG45 Buchenau, I., Grand, D. Le, Hewicker-Trautwein, M., Linkner, H., Poumarat, F., Rosengarten, R. Research in Veterinary Science 2010 Hygiene-related and feed-related hoof diseases show different patterns of genetic correlations to clinical mastitis and female... Berg, P., Buch, L. H., Eriksson, J. Å et al Hygiene-related and feed-related hoof diseases show different patterns of genetic correlations to clinical mastitis and female fertility Berg, P., Buch, L. H., Eriksson, J. Å, Jakobsen, J. H., Lassen, J., Sørensen, A. C., Sørensen, M. K. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Mechanical hoof trimming in cattle Brzeski, W., Chamski, J., Nowicki, M. Mechanical hoof trimming in cattle Brzeski, W., Chamski, J., Nowicki, M. Magazyn Weterynaryjny 1996 Occurrence of subclinical metabolic disorders on dairy farms in Hungary between 1991-1997 Brydl, E. Occurrence of subclinical metabolic disorders on dairy farms in Hungary between 1991-1997 Brydl, E. Magyar Allatorvosok Lapja 1999 A remarkable increase of annual milk production has been seen in Hungary during the last three decades. Due to high milk production, the nutritional demand of the dairy cows became higher and in many cases the feed intake failed to meet the requirement of high producing animals inducing metabolic disorders acid losses. The majority of the losses (decreased milk production, Increased occurrence of lameness, mastitis etc.) were caused by subclinical cases. During the last 7 years, metabolic profile tests have been performed at 130 large scale dairy farms with a total population of 80,000 head of Holstein-friesian cows in order to reveal malnutrition-caused subclinical metabolic diseases. During the 7 years, 5192 dairy cows were sampled selected randomly from the herd examined, The following groups were tested: I. = 1-2 weeks prior to expected parturition, II. = 1-7 days after calving, III. = 2-3 weeks after calving, IV. = 6-8 weeks after calving (at peak lactation), V. = mid-lactation, VI. = heifers, The results of the study are summarised in Table 1 Quantifying the effect of thermal environment on production traits in three breeds of dairy cattle in New Zealand Bryant, J. R., Holmes, C. W., Johnson et al Quantifying the effect of thermal environment on production traits in three breeds of dairy cattle in New Zealand Bryant, J. R., Holmes, C. W., Johnson, D. L., López‐Villalobos, N., Pryce , J. E. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research 2007 Effect of feeding yeast culture on reproduction and lameness in dairy cows under heat stress Bruno, R. G. S., Cerri, R. L., Robinson et al Effect of feeding yeast culture on reproduction and lameness in dairy cows under heat stress Bruno, R. G. S., Cerri, R. L., Robinson, P. H., Rutigliano, H., Santos, J. E. P. Animal Reproduction Science 2009 Effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone or prostaglandin F2α-based estrus synchronization programs for first or subsequent... Bilby, T. R., Bruno, R. G. S., Farias et al Effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone or prostaglandin F2α-based estrus synchronization programs for first or subsequent artificial insemination in lactating dairy cows Bilby, T. R., Bruno, R. G. S., Farias, A. M., Hawkins, D. E., Hernández-Rivera, J. A., Navarrette, A. E. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Isolation and identification of anaerobes from digital lesions of dairy cattle Brunner, F., Marca, G., Mortellaro et al Isolation and identification of anaerobes from digital lesions of dairy cattle Brunner, F., Marca, G., Mortellaro, C. M., Ruffo, G., Zecconi, A. Archivio Veterinario Italiano 1989 Assessing economic consequences of foot disorders in dairy cattle using a dynamic stochastic simulation model Bruijnis, M. R. N., Hogeveen, H. et al Assessing economic consequences of foot disorders in dairy cattle using a dynamic stochastic simulation model Bruijnis, M. R. N., Hogeveen, H., Stassen, E. N. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Dairy farmers’ attitudes and intentions towards improving dairy cow foot health Bruijnis, Mariëlle, Garforth, Chris et al Dairy farmers’ attitudes and intentions towards improving dairy cow foot health Bruijnis, Mariëlle, Garforth, Chris, Hogeveen, Henk, Stassen, Elsbeth Livestock Science 2013 Dairy cow foot health is a subject of concern because it is considered to be the most important welfare problem in dairy farming and causes economic losses for the farmer. In order to improve dairy cow foot health it is important to take into account the attitude and intention of dairy farmers. In our study the objective was to gain insight into the attitude and intention of dairy farmers to take action to improve dairy cow foot health and determine drivers and barriers to take action, using the Theory of Planned Behavior. Five hundred Dutch dairy farmers were selected randomly and were invited by email to fill in an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions about respondents' intentions, attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control and was extended with questions about personal normative beliefs. With information from such a framework, solution strategies for the improvement of dairy cow foot health can be proposed. The results showed that almost 70% of the dairy farmers had an intention to take action to improve dairy cow foot health. Most important drivers seem to be the achievement of better foot health with cost-effective measures. Possible barriers to taking action were labor efficiency and a long interval between taking action and seeing an improvement in dairy cow foot health. The feed advisor and foot trimmer seemed to have most influence on intentions to take action to improve dairy cow foot health. Most farmers seemed to be satisfied with the foot health status at their farm, which probably weakens the intention for foot health improvement, especially compared to other issues which farmers experience as more urgent. Subclinical foot disorders (where cows are not visibly lame) were not valued as important with respect to animal welfare. Furthermore, 25% of the respondents did not believe cows could suffer pain. Animal welfare, especially the provision of good care for the cows, was valued as important but was not related to intention to improve dairy cow foot health. The cost-effectiveness of measures seemed to be more important. Providing more information on the effects of taking intervention measures might stimulate farmers to take action to achieve improvement in dairy cow foot health. Chronic wasting disease associated with a subclinical acidosis of the rumen in a herd of dairy cows Adjou, K., Brugere, H., Brugere-Picoux et al Chronic wasting disease associated with a subclinical acidosis of the rumen in a herd of dairy cows Adjou, K., Brugere, H., Brugere-Picoux, J., Buczinski, S., Vagneur, M. Revue De Medecine Veterinaire 2004 The Chronic wasting disease of the cow is a complex disease, described in Holland, the etiology of which is not established. It is associated with miscellaneous symptoms such as lameness, abortions, endometritis, mastitis, respiratory disorders, hypersalivation as well as severe laminitis with presence of tarsitis and abscesses. This paper describes a case of chronic wasting disease associated with a subclinical acidosis of the rumen in a herd of dairy cows. Hormones, metabolites, and reproduction in Holsteins, Jerseys, and their crosses Brown, K. L., Cassell, B. G. et al Hormones, metabolites, and reproduction in Holsteins, Jerseys, and their crosses Brown, K. L., Cassell, B. G., Gwazdauskas, F. C., Hanigan, M. D., McGilliard, M. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Prevalence of papillomatous digital dermatitis among culled adult cattle in the southeastern United States Brown, C. C., Jacobsen, K. L., Kilgo et al Prevalence of papillomatous digital dermatitis among culled adult cattle in the southeastern United States Brown, C. C., Jacobsen, K. L., Kilgo, P. D. American Journal of Veterinary Research 2000 Objective - To determine prevalence of papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) among culled adult dairy and beef cattle in the southeastern United Stales. Animals - 815 cattle examined during 4 visits to a slaughterhouse. Procedure - The left hind foot of each animal was examined for gross lesions of PDD, Breed and sex of the animals were recorded. Lesions were examined histologically for pathologic changes and bacteria, especially spirochetes. Results - 22 of 76 (29%) dairy cattle and 29 of 739 (4%) beef cattle had gross lesions of PDD. Detection of lesions was not associated with sex of dairy cattle, but male beef cattle were more likely to have lesions of PDD than were female beef cattle. Histologically, acute and chronic lesions were seen; the most severe changes were localized to the stratum corneum. Spirochetes were seen in lesions from 31 of 51 (61%) cattle. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance - Results suggest that PDD is common among culled adult cattle. Prevalence was higher in culled adult dairy cattle than in culled adult beef cattle. Disease as a welfare problem Broom, D.M. Disease as a welfare problem Broom, D.M. Research in Veterinary Science 2001 Indicators of poor welfare Broom, D.M. Indicators of poor welfare Broom, D.M. British Veterinary Journal 1986 Lameness in modern dairy cattle production Babic, K., Balenovic, T., Brkic, A. et al Lameness in modern dairy cattle production Babic, K., Balenovic, T., Brkic, A., Brkic, N., Capak, D., Mihelic, D. Veterinarski dani 1997 1997 Treatment of bovine digital dermatitis with an oxytetracycline spray without gentian violet Brizzi, A., Salomoni, G. Treatment of bovine digital dermatitis with an oxytetracycline spray without gentian violet Brizzi, A., Salomoni, G. Atti della Societa Italiana di Buiatria 1993 Evolution of claw pathology in dairy cattle Brizzi, A. Evolution of claw pathology in dairy cattle Brizzi, A. Praxis Veterinaria Milano 2000 General principles of the treatment of lameness in dairy cattle Brizzi, A. General principles of the treatment of lameness in dairy cattle Brizzi, A. Summa 1996 The lame cow Brizzi, A. The lame cow Brizzi, A. Summa 1996 Antibiotic residues in milk samples obtained from cows after treatment for papillomatous digital dermatitis Britt, J. S., Carson, M. C., Condon et al Antibiotic residues in milk samples obtained from cows after treatment for papillomatous digital dermatitis Britt, J. S., Carson, M. C., Condon, R. J., vonBredow, J. D. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1999 Objective-To determine whether there would be detectable antibiotic residues in milk obtained from dairy cattle with papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) after topical treatment with oxytetracycline. Design-Randomized controlled clinical trial. Animals-28 lactating Holstein cows with PDD. Procedure-Cows were assigned to 2 treatment groups. Treatment 1 (n = 16) consisted of spraying of PDD lesions with 15 ml of a solution containing 100 mg of oxytetracycline/ml; lesions were sprayed twice daily for 7 days, using a garden sprayer. Treatment 2 (n = 12) consisted of a one-time application of a bandage that consisted of cotton soaked with 20 ml of a solution containing 100 mg of oxytetracycline/ml. Milk samples were obtained before and after treatment and assayed for tetracycline content by use of high- performance liquid chromatography and a commercially available tetracycline screening test. Results-None of the cows in either treatment group had violative residues of oxytetracycline in milk samples. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Producers treating lactating cows that have PDD, via topical application of oxytetracycline solution at the concentrations reported in this study, have a low risk of causing violative antibiotic residues in milk A uniform protocol for evaluating response to treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis lesions Berry, S. L., Britt, J. S., Dreher, M. et al A uniform protocol for evaluating response to treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis lesions Berry, S. L., Britt, J. S., Dreher, M., Hemling, T., Shearer, J., Steevens, B. Bovine Practitioner 1999 Field trials with antibiotic and non antibiotic treatments for papillomatous digital dermatitis Britt, J., McClure, J. Field trials with antibiotic and non antibiotic treatments for papillomatous digital dermatitis Britt, J., McClure, J. Bovine Practitioner 1998 A descriptive study of the survival of Holstein-Friesian heifers through to third calving on English dairy farms Brickell, J. S., Wathes, D. C. A descriptive study of the survival of Holstein-Friesian heifers through to third calving on English dairy farms Brickell, J. S., Wathes, D. C. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Clinical aspects of digital dermatitis in cattle Adams, W., Brentrup, H. Clinical aspects of digital dermatitis in cattle Adams, W., Brentrup, H. Tierarztliche Umschau 1990 Digital dermatitis was characterized by a round or oval lesion between the ball of the claw and the dew-claw, accompanied by lameness. Aetiology was unknown. The condition (which differed from interdigital necrosis) was investigated in 2 herds. It did not seem to have been reported in Germany before. The best treatment was cleaning of the lesion and application of an antibiotic or antiseptic Hock lesion epidemiology in cubicle housed dairy cows across two breeds, farming systems and countries Brenninkmeyer, Christine, Brinkmann et al Hock lesion epidemiology in cubicle housed dairy cows across two breeds, farming systems and countries Brenninkmeyer, Christine, Brinkmann, Jan, Dippel, Sabine, Knierim, Ute, March, Solveig, Winckler, Christoph Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2013 Bartonella infection in animals: carriership, reservoir potential, pathogenicity, and zoonotic potential for human infection.... Breitschwerdt, E. B. Bartonella infection in animals: carriership, reservoir potential, pathogenicity, and zoonotic potential for human infection. [Review] [108 refs] Breitschwerdt, E. B. Clinical Microbiology Reviews 2000 Recent observations have begun to support a role for Bartonella spp. as animal as well as human pathogens. Bartonella spp. are vector-transmitted, blood-borne, intracellular, gram-negative bacteria that can induce prolonged infection in the host. Persistent infections in domestic and wild animals result in a substantial reservoir of Bartonella organisms in nature that can serve as a source for inadvertent human infection. The prevalence of bacteremia can range from 50 to 95% in selected rodent, cat, deer, and cattle populations. Dogs infected with Bartonella spp. can develop lameness, endocarditis, granulomatous lymphadenitis, and peliosis hepatis, lesions that have also been reported in association with human infection. Understanding the role of Bartonella spp. as pathogens in cats and other wild or domestic animals awaits the results of additional studies. Considering the extensive animal reservoirs and the large number of insects that have been implicated in the transmission of Bartonella spp., both animal and human exposure to these organisms may be more substantial than is currently believed. [References: 108] Some aspects on the vascularization of the feet of cattle and horses Breit, S., Konig, H. E. Some aspects on the vascularization of the feet of cattle and horses Breit, S., Konig, H. E. Agro Ciencia 1996 The relationship between venous and arterial blood flow in the feet of horses and cattle is discussed Effect of rectal or intravenous tramadol on the incidence of pain-related behaviour after disbudding calves with caustic paste Braz, Maria, Carolino, Nuno, Carreira et al Effect of rectal or intravenous tramadol on the incidence of pain-related behaviour after disbudding calves with caustic paste Braz, Maria, Carolino, Nuno, Carreira, Maria, Rodrigues, Tania, Stilwell, George Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2012 Bovine diarrhoea virus/mucosal disease: clinical findings in 103 calves and heifers Braun, U., Giger, T., Thur, B., Weiss et al Bovine diarrhoea virus/mucosal disease: clinical findings in 103 calves and heifers Braun, U., Giger, T., Thur, B., Weiss, M. Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde 1996 Clinical findings, in order of frequency, in animals persistently infected with bovine diarrhoea virus, included weight loss, erosions of the oral mucosa, diarrhoea, anorexia and fever. In addition, nasal discharge, lymph node enlargement, erosions of the nose, muzzle and interdigital cleft and bronchopneumonia occurred in less than half of the patients. Crustaceous dermatitis was observed in 3 cases and petechial haemorrhage of the oral mucosa in 2 cases with severe thrombocytopenia. Haemoconcentration, leukocytosis, hyperfibrinogenaemia and azotaemia were the most important haematological findings. The serum antibody titre was negative in 65 of 69 patients, whereas 67 of 69 healthy control animals from the same herd had positive titres. Virus was demonstrated in 32 of 34 blood samples and in all 20 skin biopsy specimens obtained from infected animals [Enzootic calcinosis in 16 cows from 6 dairy farms in Unterengadin] Bischoff, M., Braun, U., Brosi, G. et al [Enzootic calcinosis in 16 cows from 6 dairy farms in Unterengadin] Bischoff, M., Braun, U., Brosi, G., Busch, M., Diener, M., Hilbe, M. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd 2000 Enzootic calcinosis was diagnosed in 16 cows, which originated from 6 dairy farms located in the Unterengadin valley in Switzerland between 1,402 and 1,650 metres above sea level. During the winter, the cows were fed haylage, which contained up to 50 per cent golden oat-grass (Trisetum flavescens), and hay and grain. The first symptoms of enzootic calcinosis were noted in March 1998, when some of the cows developed locomotor abnormalities. Additional cases were diagnosed during the following three months. The most important clinical findings were decreased milk production, weight loss, frequent recumbency, difficulty in rising, kneeling while rising and feeding, stilted gait, arched back, shifting weight from one foot to another and reluctance to remain standing after being roused. Of the 16 cows, 5 had elevated concentrations of serum calcium and 10 had decreased concentrations of serum magnesium. All cows had normal or decreased concentrations of serum phosphorus, because the feeding of haylage containing golden oat-grass had been discontinued two months previously. In all of the cows, the most important postmortem findings were severe calcification of the aorta, iliac artery, brachiocephalic trunk and pulmonary artery Efficacy of amoxicillin trihydrate for the treatment of experimentally induced foot rot in cattle Braun, R. K. Efficacy of amoxicillin trihydrate for the treatment of experimentally induced foot rot in cattle Braun, R. K. American Journal of Veterinary Research 1987 Twenty holstein heifers were intradermally inoculated in the interdigital skin with a suspension containing Fusobacterium necrophorum and Bacteroides melaninogenicus to induce acute foot rot. Lesions, lameness, and swelling were evaluated during the study, using a subjective scoring system. Rectal temperature, species and number of bacteria isolated, and change in body weight were monitored throughout the study. Ten heifers (treated) were given amoxicillin trihydrate (10 mg/kg of body weight, IM) for 5 days, beginning at the onset of lameness. The remaining 10 heifers (controls) were given physiologic saline solution IM. Treated heifers had less severe lesions and greater weight gain than did control heifers. Rectal temperatures of treated heifers did not differ significantly from those of control heifers. It was concluded that administration of amoxicillin trihydrate early in the course of acute foot rot may reduce the severity of lesions associated with foot rot in cattle Risk factors for Mycoplasma bovis-associated disease in farmed bison (Bison bison) herds in western Canada: A case-control study Barkema, Herman W., Bras, Ana L. et al Risk factors for Mycoplasma bovis-associated disease in farmed bison (Bison bison) herds in western Canada: A case-control study Barkema, Herman W., Bras, Ana L., Perez-Casal, Jose, Ribble, Carl, Windeyer, M. Claire, Woodbury, Murray Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2016 North American bison producers have been attempting to control and prevent Mycoplasma bovis-associated disease without the benefit of bison-specific knowledge. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical presentation of disease associated with M. bovis infection in western Canadian farmed bison, and to identify herd-level risk factors for M. bovis-associated disease. Bison producers (n = 49) from western Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia) were selected for a 1:2 case-control study. Data were collected by an in-person interview using a questionnaire regarding clinical presentations of outbreaks and herd-level management factors. Risk factors associated with M. bovis outbreaks were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. All 17 case herds had a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of M. bovis infection within the last 5 years. In 11 (65%) of the 17 case herds, disease associated with M. bovis infection recurred in subsequent years. Overall, 88% of case herds had recently introduced bison that later developed clinical signs associated with M. bovis infection. Within a bison operation, a median of 8% (Inter Quartile Range [IQR]: 3–11%) developed clinical signs: lameness, reluctance to move, swollen joints, difficulty breathing, coughing, sluggishness, and loss of body condition. Also, calving percentage the year after the first M. bovis outbreak was lower than calving percentage the year before the outbreak. Herd-level mortality risk during the first M. bovis outbreak in case herds ranged from 0.5 to 50% (median 5%, IQR: 3–10%) and the median case fatality risk was 100%. Case herds were more likely than control herds to have a feedlot unit (OR = 7), to receive regular visits from rental trailers or trailers from other farms (OR = 15), to annually vaccinate bison (OR = 7), and to lose at least one bison due to fatal respiratory disease in the previous year (OR = 9). These findings will aid development of evidence-based recommendations for management to prevent and control Mycoplasma bovis in farmed bison in Western Canada. Prevalence of bovine papillomavirus and Treponema DNA in bovine digital dermatitis lesions Apprich, Veronika, Brandt, Sabine et al Prevalence of bovine papillomavirus and Treponema DNA in bovine digital dermatitis lesions Apprich, Veronika, Brandt, Sabine, Danzer, Martin, Gabriel, Christian, Hackl, Verena, Kainzbauer, Christina, Kofler, Johann, Stanek, Christian, Tober, Reinhard Veterinary Microbiology 2011 Diseases of cattle in confinement Brandini, J. C. Diseases of cattle in confinement Brandini, J. C. Documentos Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Gado de Corte 1996 This booklet comprises a review of the principal metabolic and infectious diseases which can affect cattle in confinement, a relatively new system of keeping cattle in Brazil. There are chapters on botulism, enterotoxaemia, dermatomycosis, dermatophilosis (caused by Dermatophilus congolensis), bloat, lactic acidosis, laminitis, urea poisoning. Each chapter contains information on aetiology, pathology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment, and is followed by a bibliography On Pathogenesis of Subclinical Laminitis in Dairy-Cattle – Examination of Claw Status, Ruminal Function and... Brandejsky, F., Schuh, M., Stanek, C. On Pathogenesis of Subclinical Laminitis in Dairy-Cattle – Examination of Claw Status, Ruminal Function and Blood-Coagulation Factors Brandejsky, F., Schuh, M., Stanek, C. Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift 1994 In 50 dairy cows of the breed Braunvieh'' (36 heifers, 14 cows) of one herd the claw score was recorded over a period of 2 months before parturition until 6 months after parturition. The claw scores were correlated with the clinical findings, the ruminal function and the blood coagulation factors calcium-thromboplastin (TPZ), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), thrombin time (TZ) and antithrombin III (AT III) evaluated one day and one week after calving. The claw score increased from the first to the second examination, remaining on the same level in the postpartal period. No correlation between the claw scores and the ruminal function was evident. In comparison with a control group, TPZ and PTT were found higher one day and one week after parturition in the experimental group. Blood coagulation factors and claw scores were found uncorrelated Clinical acidosis in a Gippsland dairy herd Bramley, E., Costa, N. D., Fulkerson et al Clinical acidosis in a Gippsland dairy herd Bramley, E., Costa, N. D., Fulkerson, W. J., Lean, I. Australian Veterinary Journal 2005 Objective To report on spontaneous clinical and subclinical acidosis in a large dairy herd, to evaluate the diets and feeding strategies involved, and to report on measures of rumen function in the cows affected. Design A Gippsland dairy herd was sampled as part of a wider randomised cross-sectional study that examined the prevalence, risk factors for, and effects of, acidosis on rumen function of dairy cattle. Three herds on the farm were involved in the study: the transition herd (cows 3 weeks prior to calving), the very fresh lactating herd (1 < days in milk < 10, herd 1) and the fresh lactating herd (10 < days in milk < 120, herd 2) including a small lame herd fed separately. The transition cows were fed 2 kg dry matter triticale per cow per day and hay with an estimated total dry matter intake of 4.8 kg per cow per day. The lactating cow diet included 6.75 kg dry matter triticale per cow per day with total concentrate fed being 8.1 kg dry matter per cow per day in the milking parlour. Silage, lucerne cubes, hay and pasture (herd 2 only) was also fed to the lactating cows with the estimated total dry matter intake for cows in herds 1 and 2 being 13.7 kg and 20.8 kg per cow per day respectively. Three primiparous and five multiparous cows in early lactation (< 100 days in milk) were randomly selected from each of two lactating herds: herds 1 and 2. Rumen fluid was sampled from each cow by both rumenocentesis and stomach tube. The rumenocentesis samples were tested for pH at the time of sampling. Stomach tube samples were frozen and subsequently tested for volatile fatty acid, ammonia, and D- and L-lactate concentration. Results In the very fresh herd, there was a high prevalence of severe lameness and scouring, coupled with a mean rumen pH 5.67, low mean total volatile fatty acid concentration 71.0 mM and high mean concentrations of L- and D-lactate, (7.71 mM and 7.31 mM), respectively. Cows in the fresh herd had moderate signs of scouring and lameness. A lame herd comprising approximately 50 cows separated from the fresh herd was also present on the farm. The mean rumen pH of the fresh herd was 5.74 and mean rumen concentrations of volatile fatty acids, ammonia, L- and D-lactate were within ranges considered normal. Conclusions The transition diet failed to supply sufficient energy and protein for maintenance of cows of this live weight in late gestation. The diet fed to the very fresh herd was low in effective fibre and contained an excessive content of non-structural carbohydrate in the form of processed, rapidly fermentable grain. The sudden change from the transition diet to the diet fed to the very fresh herd probably also precipitated the outbreak of acidosis. This case report provides unique detail, including information on diets and rumen parameters, of an outbreak of acidosis in a pasture-fed herd. Subclinical Laminitis in Dairy Heifers Bradley, H. K., Neilson, D. R., Shannon et al Subclinical Laminitis in Dairy Heifers Bradley, H. K., Neilson, D. R., Shannon, D. Veterinary Record 1989 Does housing nulliparous dairy cows with multiparous animals prior to calving influence welfare- and production-related... Boyle, Alastair R., Ferris, Conrad P. et al Does housing nulliparous dairy cows with multiparous animals prior to calving influence welfare- and production-related parameters after calving? Boyle, Alastair R., Ferris, Conrad P., O’Connell, Niamh E. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2013 Are there benefits in introducing dairy heifers to the main dairy herd in the evening rather than the morning? Boyle, A. R., Ferris, C. P., O'Connell et al Are there benefits in introducing dairy heifers to the main dairy herd in the evening rather than the morning? Boyle, A. R., Ferris, C. P., O'Connell, N. E. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Digital dermatitis, superfoul and severe necrotic enteritis of the udder in dairy cows Boyer, P., Singleton, G. Digital dermatitis, superfoul and severe necrotic enteritis of the udder in dairy cows Boyer, P., Singleton, G. Veterinary Record 1998 Digital dermatitis, superfoul and severe necrotic dermatitis of the udder in dairy cows (vol 142, pg 147, 1998) Boyer, P., Singleton, G. Digital dermatitis, superfoul and severe necrotic dermatitis of the udder in dairy cows (vol 142, pg 147, 1998) Boyer, P., Singleton, G. Veterinary Record 1998 Digital dermatitis, superfoul and severe necrotic dermatitis [correction of enteritis] of the udder in dairy cows [letter]... Boyer, P., Singleton, G. Digital dermatitis, superfoul and severe necrotic dermatitis [correction of enteritis] of the udder in dairy cows [letter] [published erratum appears in Veterinary Record 1998 Feb 14;142(7):176] Boyer, P., Singleton, G. Veterinary Record 1998 Relationships between building design, management system and dairy cow welfare Bowell, V. A., Haskell, M. J., Lawrence et al Relationships between building design, management system and dairy cow welfare Bowell, V. A., Haskell, M. J., Lawrence, A. B., Rennie, L. J., Tierney, G. Animal Welfare 2003 As part of a larger on-farm dairy cow welfare and behaviour project, data were collected from 22 commercial dairy farms over two winters (2000-2001 and 2001-2002). A further winter of farm sampling will complete the project (2002-2003), with five types of housing and production systems being assessed: high-, medium- and low-milk-production herds with cubicle housing, high-production herds with zero grazing and cubicle housing, and medium-production herds with straw courts. All cows in one early or mid-lactation group from each farm were observed. For the current analysis, locomotion, cleanliness and body condition were scored for the group, and an audit of building quality was carried out. Analysis of the available data shows that some aspects of building design affect the welfare of dairy cows. A positive correlation was found between mean body condition score of the cows and mean locomotion score (P = 0.047). Body condition score correlated negatively with the number of cows in the group (P = 0.049). Negative correlations were found between locomotion score and the ratio of cubicles to cows (P = 0.033) and between the size of cubicles and leg cleanliness (P = 0.012). Trends were also seen in the relationships between farm type and locomotion score (P = 0.048), production level and locomotion score (P = 0.074) and cow cleanliness and cubicle size (P = 0.061). These results indicate that the quality of the housing and the management system can affect cow welfare. These measures may be useful to include in on-farm welfare assessment schemes. 2 Outbreaks of Fluorosis in Cattle and Sheep Botha, C. J., Minnaar, P. P., Naude et al 2 Outbreaks of Fluorosis in Cattle and Sheep Botha, C. J., Minnaar, P. P., Naude, T. W., Vanamstel, S. R., Vanrensburg, S. D. J. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association-Tydskrif Van Die Suid-Afrikaanse Veterinere Vereniging 1993 Two outbreaks of fluorosis in cattle and sheep were investigated in the Norther Transvaal. The animals exhibited severe dental lesions, lameness and exostoses. Plasma fluoride concentrations were high and there was an inversion of the albumin/globulin ratio. Alkaline phosphatase activity was elevated.Drinking water from boreholes contained excessive amounts of fluoride and upon irrigation, pastures were also contaminated with fluoride Two outbreaks of fluorosis in cattle and sheep Botha, C. J. Two outbreaks of fluorosis in cattle and sheep Botha, C. J. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 1993 Two outbreaks of fluorosis in cattle and sheep were investigated in the Northern Transvaal. The animals exhibited severe dental lesions, lameness and exostoses. Plasma fluoride concentrations were high and there was an inversion of the albumin/globulin ratio. Alkaline phosphatase activity was elevated. Drinking water from boreholes contained excessive amounts of fluoride and upon irrigation, pastures were also contaminated with fluoride Report of lameness workshop (Harper adams) “lameness in the dairy cow” Borsberry, S., Laven, R., Livesey, C. et al Report of lameness workshop (Harper adams) “lameness in the dairy cow” Borsberry, S., Laven, R., Livesey, C., Logue, D., Ossent, P., Watson, C. L. Cattle Practice 1999 The workshop concentrated on the importance of lameness in the UK dairy industry and the practical methods of control and prevention. It is concluded that the annual losses due to lameness for an average 100 cow herd were about o20 per cow and that with limited inputs these losses could be more than halved. The importance of educating farmers is emphasised The sexual behaviour of the modern dairy cow – Oestrus Borsberry, S. The sexual behaviour of the modern dairy cow – Oestrus Borsberry, S. Cattle Practice 2003 Oestrogens, produced by maturation of the dominant follicle, are integral in the initiation of sexual behaviour of the cow in oestrus. The production of oestradiol is dependent on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad interaction. Negative energy balance, sub-acute ruminal acidosis, lameness etc. can effect this interaction. Homosexual behaviour between cows will be dependent on the number of sexually active females, their health status and the environmental conditions in which they are kept. The timing of insemination is based on the primary sexual behavioural sign of standing to be mounted. The decreased length of oestrus and the pressure on farm staff who have less time for observation have, in part been responsible for lowered submission rates. With the changes of breeding policy, ever increasing yields and changes in management, we may have to look to ourselves rather than the cow if the trend is to be reversed. Miscellaneous “locomotor” disorders in young cattle Borsberry, S. Miscellaneous “locomotor” disorders in young cattle Borsberry, S. Cattle Practice 2000 Spirochete-associated bovine digital dermatitis Bailey, J., Borgmann, I. E., Clark et al Spirochete-associated bovine digital dermatitis Bailey, J., Borgmann, I. E., Clark, E. G. Canadian Veterinary Journal-Revue Veterinaire Canadienne 1996 Contribution to the study of epiphysiolysis in beef cattle Borghetti, P., Cabassi, E., Corradi, A. et al Contribution to the study of epiphysiolysis in beef cattle Borghetti, P., Cabassi, E., Corradi, A., Martelli, P., Trenti, F. Clinical signs of "leg weakness" cases in beef cattle are described. Lameness was primarily due to an involvement of the distal metacarpal and metatarsal growth plate. The radiographical and anatohistopathological appearance of the lesions showed typical osteochondrotic aspects and also a degenerative and necrotic derivation with a high incidence of epiphysiolysis. The type of lesion, the type and different distribution of the lesions in the fore and hind legs led to the conclusion that excessive and abnormal increases of biomechanical overloading could represent either an important pathological condition causing the osteochondrotic lesions or a precipitating factor in the development of epiphysiolysis. Other possible exacerbating factors were considered Incidence of foot diseases in dairy cattle under different management systems Borges, J. B. J., Pitombo, C. A. et al Incidence of foot diseases in dairy cattle under different management systems Borges, J. B. J., Pitombo, C. A., Ribeiro, P. N., Ronconi, M. A., Santiago, S. S. Arquivos da Escola de Medicina Veterinaria da Universidade Federal da Bahia 1992 A total of 348 Holstein cows and 2450 Holstein X Zebu cows were studied. Foot disease was observed in 21 of 1030 crossbred cows (2.04%) kept on steep pastures (interdigital hyperplasia in 15 animals, hoof deformation in 3, interdigital dermatitis in 2 and hoof erosion in 1); in 12 of 108 Holstein cows (11.11%) kept on humid plains (pododermatitis in 5 animals, interdigital hyperplasia in 2, interdigital dermatitis in 2, digital dermatitis in 2 animals and hoof tumour in 1 animal) and in 32 of 1220 crossbred cows (2.62%) kept on humid plains (pododermatitis in 24 cows, interdigital hyperplasia in 5 cows, and hoof tumour, fibroma and interdigital phlegmon each in 1 cow). Foot disease was diagnosed in 34 of 240 Holstein cows (14.17%) kept in housing (34 cases of pododermatitis, 3 of interdigital hyperplasia, 3 of hoof erosion, 1 of hoof deformation and 1 of interdigital dermatitis), and in 6 of 200 crossbred cows (3.00%) kept in housing (4 cases of pododermatitis, 1 of interdigital hyperplasia and 1 of interdigital phlegmon). It is concluded that the incidence of foot disease is relatively high in the southeast of Brazil, especially in Holstein cows Claw Hardness of Dairy Cows: Relationship to Water Content and Claw Lesions Borderas, T. F., de Passille, A. M. et al Claw Hardness of Dairy Cows: Relationship to Water Content and Claw Lesions Borderas, T. F., de Passille, A. M., Pawluczuk, B., Rushen, J. J Dairy Sci 2004 Lameness of dairy cows is a major welfare and economic problem. Degree of hardness of claws may influence chances for injury or for claw lesions, and exposure of claws to moisture may make them soft. To assess the relationship among hardness of the claw horn, quantity and rate of absorption of water, and incidence of claw lesions, 4 experiments were carried out. In the first 3 experiments, we soaked pieces of the claw horn in water for 12 to 24 h. Soaked claws gained weight and became significantly softer, indicating that water was absorbed. One-third of the total water absorbed in 24 h occurred during the first hour. Base of the abaxial and dorsal walls of the claw was harder than the sole, but became softer more rapidly when soaked in water. In the 4th experiment, significant negative correlations were detected between claw hardness of cows and severity of claw lesions, suggesting that cows with softer claws have the most severe claw lesions. Claw horn tissue absorbs water rapidly and claw hardness decreases with moisture content, suggesting that brief exposures to moist surfaces result in claws that absorb water and consequently become softer. The relationship between hardness and claw lesions indicates that cows with softer claws are at greater risk for lameness. An assessment of producer precision dairy farming technology use, prepurchase considerations, and usefulness Bewley, J. M., Borchers, M. R. An assessment of producer precision dairy farming technology use, prepurchase considerations, and usefulness Bewley, J. M., Borchers, M. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2015 An online survey to identify producer precision dairy farming technology perception was distributed in March 2013 through web links sent to dairy producers through written publications and e-mail. Responses were collected in May 2013 and 109 surveys were used in statistical analysis. Producers were asked to select parameters monitored by technologies on their farm from a predetermined list and 68.8% of respondents indicated technology use on their dairies (31.2% of producers not using technologies). Daily milk yield (52.3%), cow activity (41.3%), and mastitis (25.7%) were selected most frequently. Producers were also asked to score the same list of parameters on usefulness using a 5-point scale (1 = not useful and 5 = useful). Producers indicated (mean ± SE) mastitis (4.77 ± 0.47), standing estrus (4.75 ± 0.55), and daily milk yield (4.72 ± 0.62) to be most useful. Producers were asked to score considerations taken before deciding to purchase a precision dairy farming technology from a predetermined list (1 = not important and 5 = important). Producers indicated benefit-to-cost ratio (4.57 ± 0.66), total investment cost (4.28 ± 0.83), and simplicity and ease of use (4.26 ± 0.75) to be most important when deciding whether to implement a technology. Producers were categorized based on technology use (using technology vs. not using technology) and differed significantly across technology usefulness scores, daily milk yield (using technologies: 4.83 ± 0.07 vs. not using technologies: 4.50 ± 0.10), and standing estrus (using technologies: 4.68 ± 0.06 vs. not using technologies: 4.91 ± 0.09). The same categories were used to evaluate technology use effect on prepurchase technology selection criteria and availability of local support (using technologies: 4.25 ± 0.11 vs. not using technologies: 3.82 ± 0.16) differed significantly. Producer perception of technology remains relatively unknown to manufacturers. Using this data, technology manufacturers may better design and market technologies to producer need. Lameness and mastitis losses [letter] [see comments] Booth, J. M. Lameness and mastitis losses [letter] [see comments] Booth, J. M. Veterinary Record 1989 Lameness and mastitis losses. [see comments.] Booth, J. M. Lameness and mastitis losses. [see comments.] Booth, J. M. Veterinary Record 1989 Effect of lameness on culling in dairy cows Booth, C. J., Grohn, Y. T., Guard et al Effect of lameness on culling in dairy cows Booth, C. J., Grohn, Y. T., Guard, C. L., Janssen, D., Maizon, D. O., Warnick, L. D. Journal of Dairy Science 2004 The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of lameness on dairy cow survival. Cox's proportional hazards regression models were fitted to single-lactation data from 2520 cows in 2 New York State dairy herds. Models were controlled for the time-independent effects of parity, projected milk yield, and calving season, and for the time-dependent effects of lameness and culling. Other common diseases were found to be nonconfounding and so were not included in any of the final models. Survival was measured as the time from calving until death or sale. Cows were censored if they reached the start of the next lactation or end of the study, whichever occurred first. All models were stratified by herd. For all lameness diagnoses combined, survival in the herd decreased for those cows becoming lame during the first half of lactation, with a hazard ratio of up to 2 times that of a nonlame cow. Foot rot diagnosed during the second or third months of lactation decreased survival during the same time period (hazard ratio = 5.1; 95% confidence interval = 1.6 to 16.2). Sole ulcers diagnosed in the first 4 mo of lactation decreased survival in several subsequent periods in which the strongest association was between diagnosis in the third and fourth months of lactation and exit from the herd during that same period ( hazard ratio = 2.7; 95% confidence interval = 1.3 to 6.0). Foot warts were not associated with decreased survival in this analysis. Lameness was never associated with increased survival in any of the models. Arteriographical and Pathological-Changes in Chronic Laminitis in Dairy-Cattle Boosman, R., Gruys, E., Klarenbeek, A. et al Arteriographical and Pathological-Changes in Chronic Laminitis in Dairy-Cattle Boosman, R., Gruys, E., Klarenbeek, A., Nemeth, F. Veterinary Quarterly 1989 Bovine laminitis: clinical aspects, pathology and pathogenesis with reference to acute equine laminitis Boosman, R., Gruys, E., Nemeth, F. Bovine laminitis: clinical aspects, pathology and pathogenesis with reference to acute equine laminitis Boosman, R., Gruys, E., Nemeth, F. Veterinary Quarterly 1991 The Detrimental Effects of a Sodium-Hydroxide Standing Footbath in Cattle for the Treatment of Digital Dermatitis (Mortellaros... Boosman, R., Nemeth, F. The Detrimental Effects of a Sodium-Hydroxide Standing Footbath in Cattle for the Treatment of Digital Dermatitis (Mortellaros Disease) Boosman, R., Nemeth, F. Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde 1987 The Role of Endotoxin in the Pathogenesis of Acute Bovine Laminitis Boosman, R., Klarenbeek, A., Mutsaers et al The Role of Endotoxin in the Pathogenesis of Acute Bovine Laminitis Boosman, R., Klarenbeek, A., Mutsaers, C. W. A. A. Veterinary Quarterly 1991 To study the possible role of endotoxin in the pathogenesis of bovine laminitis, local and systemic injections of endotoxin (E. coli 0111 B4) with different doses were given to three groups of four cows each. Clinical and haematologic parameters indicated an acute-phase response, including positive plasma ethanol gelation (soluble fibrin), the occurence of fibrin degradation products and decreased thrombocyte counts. Local Shwartzman reactions were not evoked. Clinical examination of the claws and the gait of the animals revealed no signs of laminitis. However, on histopathological examination of the claw corium signs of laminitis such as vacuolisation of the Stratum basale, lymphocyte and leucocyte infiltration and thrombosis were found. These results indicate that endotoxin indeed may be involved in the pathogenesis of laminitis. For the development of a clinical acute laminitis model in cattle either another dosage, other toxins or factors in addition to the endotoxin used in this experiment are needed Sympathico-adrenal effects of endotoxaemia in cattle Boosman, R., Dieleman, S. J., Mutsaers et al Sympathico-adrenal effects of endotoxaemia in cattle Boosman, R., Dieleman, S. J., Mutsaers, C. W. Veterinary Record 1990 Intradermal injection of 46 micrograms E coli endotoxin had no effect on the plasma cortisol and noradrenaline concentrations of four dairy cows. Mean values were similar to normal values reported in the literature. Intravenous injection of 75 micrograms of endotoxin on the following day caused a massive increase in plasma cortisol concentrations which lasted for seven hours. Plasma noradrenaline concentrations increased rapidly after the intravenous administration of endotoxin and remained high for at least one hour. A possible relationship between endotoxaemia and the pathogenesis of acute laminitis is discussed Histopathology of the Bovine Pododerma in Relation to Age and Chronic Laminitis Boosman, R., Koeman, J., Nap, R. Histopathology of the Bovine Pododerma in Relation to Age and Chronic Laminitis Boosman, R., Koeman, J., Nap, R. Journal of Veterinary Medicine, A 1989 Bovine laminitis. Histopathologic and arteriographic aspects, and its relation to endotoxinaemia Boosman, R. Bovine laminitis. Histopathologic and arteriographic aspects, and its relation to endotoxinaemia Boosman, R. 1990 Vascular changes in the corium of the claw associated with laminitis were investigated. Numerous arteriovenous shunts were present at typical ulceration sites. Experimental endotoxinaemia due to carbohydrate overload produced a coagulation disorder, with thrombosis and moderate infiltration by inflammatory cells in the claw corium, but without acute laminitis. [This thesis contains reprints of 7 papers published in various periodicals] The influence of calving and puerperium on clinical and histopathologic changes associated with laminitis and sole ulceration in... Boosman, R. The influence of calving and puerperium on clinical and histopathologic changes associated with laminitis and sole ulceration in a group of first-calving cows Boosman, R. Journal of Veterinary Medicine, A 1990 The left hind and front claws of 43 heifers having recently calved were studied for signs of laminitis and sole ulceration. The left hind and front claws of 8 non-pregnant heifers served as controls. Thirty claws were selected for histologic examination. No influence of parturition and puerperium was found on signs of laminitis in both clinical and histologic investigations. A remarkable histologic finding was the occurrence of numerous vascular buds in the solar corium. It is suggested that the vascular buds may give rise to the glomus-like vascular clusters, which are commonly found in older cattle Relationships between the iron content of the ration and the rise of the effects of zinc deficiency in dairy cows Bonomi, A., Mazzotti, A., Quarantelli et al Relationships between the iron content of the ration and the rise of the effects of zinc deficiency in dairy cows Bonomi, A., Mazzotti, A., Quarantelli, A., Sabbioni, A., Superchi, P. Rivista di Scienza dell'Alimentazione 1994 The Authors refer the results obtained after researches carried out in three farms with the aim to verify the relationships between high iron levels in the ration and the rise of the signs of zinc deficiency in daily cows. Ninety Italian Fresian dairy cows were fed with rations containing a normal rate of zinc (50 p.p.m.) and iron levels of 100 (control groups), 200, 300 and 400 p.p.m. In correspondence of the iron level of 400 p.p.m., the cows showed a secondary zinc deficiency with a drop of plasma zinc content (from 102 to 70 mu-g/100 ml), with the rise of lesions in the soft tissues of foot (digital and interdigital dermatitis, interdigital hyperplasia) in a high percentage (40%), with a reduced reproductive efficiency (2.23 services per conception is 1.82 of the control groups), with a drop in milk, production (- 6%) and with a rise (50%) of the incidence of the most frequent diseases (mastitis, ovarian cysts, metritis, silent estrus). The supply of the cows affected by the foot syndrome with zinc carbonate (2 grams/head/day) has favorably conditioned the recovery and the restitutio ad integrum of tissues in a shorter (P lt .05) time than control groups (25 vs 56 days) Relationships between the potassium content of the feed ration and zinc deficiency in dairy cows Bonomi, A., Bonomi, B. M., Quarantelli et al Relationships between the potassium content of the feed ration and zinc deficiency in dairy cows Bonomi, A., Bonomi, B. M., Quarantelli, A. Obiettivi e Documenti Veterinari 2000 120 Italian Friesian cows were fed on rations containing normal levels of zinc (50 mg/kg) and potassium levels of 10 (control groups), 15, 20, 25 and 30 g/kg dry matter. Cows fed on 25 and 30 g K, showed a secondary zinc deficiency with a decrease in plasma zinc content (from 95 to 60 and from 98 to 70 ‘g/100 ml, respectively). Other effects of a high K intake included the occurrence of more lesions in the soft foot tissues (digital and interdigital dermatitis, interdigital hyperplasia and phlegmonous interdigital dermatitis), a decrease in reproductive efficiency (2.10 and 2.30 services/conception, respectively, compared with 1.48 and 1.57 in the control groups), reduction of milk yield (by 8.0 and 13.0, respectively), and reduced levels of milk fat (by 3.0 and 4.0%, respectively) and milk proteins (by 4.0 and 4.5%, respectively). Cattle diseases (bovine mastitis, ovarian cysts, endometritis, placenta retention, and silent oestrus) also occurred more in cows fed on high K levels. The additional feeding of zinc carbonate (2 g/day) to cows with feet problems resulted in a quicker recovery (25 days) than cows without additional feeding (60 days) Effect of manganese content of feeds on the effects of zinc deficiency in dairy cows Bonomi, A. Effect of manganese content of feeds on the effects of zinc deficiency in dairy cows Bonomi, A. Rivista di Scienza dell'Alimentazione 1999 Relationships between the manganese content of the ration and its effects on zinc deficiency in dairy cows was examined through studies carried out on 3 farms. 90 Italian Friesian cows were fed with rations containing a normal level of zinc (50 p.p.m.) and manganese levels of 30 (controls), 40, 60 and 80 p.p.m. At manganese levels of 80 p.p.m., cows showed a secondary zinc deficiency with a decrease in plasma zinc content (from 90-70 ‘g/100 ml), an increase in lesions in the soft tissues of the feet (digital and interdigital dermatitis, interdigital hyperplasia, interdigital phleamon) in 47% of cows, reduced reproductive efficiency (2.30 services per conception vs. 1.65 in controls), a decrease in milk yield of 11%, and an increase of 30% in the incidence of common diseases (mastitis, ovarian cysts, metritis and silent oestrus). Feeding zinc carbonate (2 g/head per day) to the cows with foot disease contributed to a more rapid healing of tissues than in controls (20 vs. 50 days; P<0.05) Relation between nutrition and productive and reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle Bonomi, A. Relation between nutrition and productive and reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle Bonomi, A. Rivista della Societa Italiana di Scienza dell'Alimentazione 1990 Following a review of the energy, protein, vitamin and mineral requirements of dairy cattle, research during the last 20 years on the chemical and bromatological composition and nutritive value of forages used in farms in northern Italy and its relation to the state of health and productivity of dairy cattle is discussed. Results indicate a close correlation between forage composition and disease syndromes such as sterility, foot lesions, mastitis and neonatal diseases among others Prevention of bovine laminitis by the mastery of the feeding balance Bonnefoy, J. M. Prevention of bovine laminitis by the mastery of the feeding balance Bonnefoy, J. M. Bovine Coronavirus Associated Syndromes Boileau, Mélanie J., Kapil, Sanjay Bovine Coronavirus Associated Syndromes Boileau, Mélanie J., Kapil, Sanjay Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2010 Temperature-Humidity Indices as Indicators of Milk Production Losses due to Heat Stress Bohmanova, J., Cole, J. B., Misztal, I. Temperature-Humidity Indices as Indicators of Milk Production Losses due to Heat Stress Bohmanova, J., Cole, J. B., Misztal, I. Journal of Dairy Science 2007 Meteorological data (1993 to 2004) from 2 public weather stations in Phoenix, Arizona, and Athens, Georgia, were analyzed with test day milk yield data from herds near weather stations to identify the most appropriate temperature-humidity index (THI) to measure losses in milk production due to heat stress in the semiarid climate of Arizona and the humid climate of Georgia. Seven THI with different weightings of dry bulb temperature and humidity were compared. Test-day data were analyzed using 2 models to determine threshold of heat stress and rate of decline of milk production associated with a specific THI. Differences in thresholds of heat stress were found among indices and between regions. Indices with higher weights on humidity were best in the humid climate, whereas indices with larger weights on temperature were the best indicators of heat stress in the semiarid climate. Humidity was the limiting factor of heat stress in humid climates, whereas dry bulb temperature was the limiting factor of heat stress in dry climates. Genetic analysis of clinical lameness in dairy cattle Boettcher, P. J., Dekkers, J. C. M. et al Genetic analysis of clinical lameness in dairy cattle Boettcher, P. J., Dekkers, J. C. M., Warnick, L. D., Wells, S. J. Journal of Dairy Science 1998 Scores for clinical lameness from two separate studies were combined, and genetic parameters were estimated based on linear and threshold models. Cows were from 24 herds in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Virginia. To evaluate clinical lameness, cows were observed walking and were assigned a score between 0 and 4 (where 0 = no observable problems to 4 = inability to walk). Data included 1624 records on 1342 cows. The models included fixed effects of herd visit, parity, and stage of lactation. Random effects were additive genetics, permanent environment to account for repeated records, and residual. Estimates of heritability were 0.10 and 0.22 from the linear and threshold models, respectively. The correlation between ETA from linear and threshold models based on all animals was 0.974. Deregressed ETA of sires and REML were used to estimate genetic correlations between clinical lameness and conformation traits. Among the type traits, foot angle, rear legs (rear view), and rump width had strongest associations with clinical lameness; absolute values for genetic correlations between these traits and clinical lameness were approximately 0.65. Low foot angle, hocking in, and wide rumps were associated with increased clinical lameness. Correlations with strength and body depth ranged from 0.20 to 0.43, indicating that heavier cows were more prone to clinical lameness. Technical note: Effects of frozen storage on the mechanical properties of the suspensory tissue in the bovine claw Andersen, P. H., Boettcher, H. S. et al Technical note: Effects of frozen storage on the mechanical properties of the suspensory tissue in the bovine claw Andersen, P. H., Boettcher, H. S., Danscher, A. M., Knudsen, J. C. Journal of Dairy Science Hazard perception of Dutch farmers and veterinarians related to dairy young stock rearing Boersema, J. S. C., Lievaart, J. J. et al Hazard perception of Dutch farmers and veterinarians related to dairy young stock rearing Boersema, J. S. C., Lievaart, J. J., Noordhuizen, J. P. T. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 A simple mathematical model of the bovine estrous cycle: Follicle development and endocrine interactions Boer, H. M. T., Deuflhard, P., Röblitz et al A simple mathematical model of the bovine estrous cycle: Follicle development and endocrine interactions Boer, H. M. T., Deuflhard, P., Röblitz, S., Stötzel, C., Veerkamp, R. F., Woelders, H. Journal of Theoretical Biology 2011 Locomotion, lameness, hoof and leg traits in cattle – II. Genetic relationships and breeding values Boelling, D., Pollott, G. E. Locomotion, lameness, hoof and leg traits in cattle – II. Genetic relationships and breeding values Boelling, D., Pollott, G. E. Livestock Production Science 1998 Genetic parameters were estimated for locomotion and the Linear type traits rump angle (RA), udder depth (UD), rear leg side view (RLSV), foot angle (FA) and the index value, total score (TS) in dairy cows. The analyses were based on four data sets containing records of 30,845, 10,845, 4379, and 1601 cows in their first to fourth lactation, respectively, collected from all Holstein-Friesian cows classified in Great Britain and Ireland during 1994. A sire model was used to analyse the data. In the analysis of data of first lactation cows, sires were treated as either random or regarded as fixed or random, depending on their age. Locomotion showed a heritability of about 0.10 for all age groups. The genetic correlations between locomotion and RA or UD showed no clear trend for the different lactation groups. For RLSV, it increased from 0.33 to 0.78 and for FA, from -0.58 to -0.96. Locomotion analysed as the binary trait, lame or non-lame, was virtually non-heritable (h(2) 0.01), but exhibited similar correlations to FA and RLSV as locomotion. Breeding values were simultaneously estimated for locomotion, RLSV and FA. EBVs for locomotion clustered around the mean with minimal spread and were moderately correlated with those for FA and RLSV. The development of breeding values over time, assessed by comparing the mean values for different sire age classes, showed a clear trend in the desired direction for FA and RLSV. No such trend was found for locomotion. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved Locomotion, lameness, hoof and leg traits in cattle – I. Phenotypic influences and relationships Boelling, D., Pollott, G. E. Locomotion, lameness, hoof and leg traits in cattle – I. Phenotypic influences and relationships Boelling, D., Pollott, G. E. Livestock Production Science 1998 Four hoof traits (foot angle, heel depth, length of dorsal border and diagonal) and locomotion were recorded on a herd of 157 cows at monthly intervals in order to investigate the phenotypic influences on these traits and their development over time. In addition, information on udder size, rear leg side view (RLSV), milk production and management was also collected. Hoof traits recorded on only one claw of one rear foot were found to give a representative picture of both claws on both rear feet. Based on correlation coefficients, heel depth was the least, and diagonal the most adequate trait to describe hoof shape. All claw traits and locomotion showed variation between years and were influenced by seasonal factors as well as the age of the animal, with the exception of foot angle. The phenotypic correlation between locomotion and the other traits varied, depending on the data preparation and chosen data subsets, but it was generally small. The most noticeable relationship was found between locomotion and RLSV. Locomotion deteriorated considerably after the start of the housing season but reached a constant level after 10 weeks. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved The genetics of feet, legs and locomotion in cattle Boelling, D., Pollott, G. E. The genetics of feet, legs and locomotion in cattle Boelling, D., Pollott, G. E. Animal Breeding Abstracts 1997 A review. Feet and leg traits have always been an important issue in cattle breeding and husbandry as they are associated with lameness, and thus exert a major influence on the welfare and profitability of dairy cattle. Firstly, studies on measurements of foot angle and rear leg side view, which are included among the linear type traits and are assessed visually, are reviewed. Their h2 is generally low, but the genetic correlation between the 2 traits is negative and of medium magnitude. Research has concentrated on the genetics of additional feet and leg traits, such as traits of the pasterns, front legs and other foot traits. Some of these traits have been recorded on a binary as well as a continuous scale, and exhibit considerable genetic variation. Investigations on the interactions between locomotor traits and herd life reveal that foot angle has the greatest influence, cows with a steep foot angle surviving to a greater age than cows with a shallow foot angle. As lameness is mainly caused by hoof disorders, studies have concentrated on the genetics of hoof measurements and disorders. The most important hoof measurements are foot angle, claw length, heel depth and diagonal, of which foot angle and diagonal have the highest h2. The relationships between claw disorders and hoof traits measured on different feet and by different research groups are inconsistent and hence do not encourage their direct use in breeding programmes. Therefore, lameness and locomotion have been investigated directly in some studies. Generally, these 2 traits have low to very low h2. Finally, the relationships between locomotor traits and milk yield are reviewed. High milk yield is correlated with unfavourable conformation, which might indicate that breeding only for production traits increases the risk of feet and leg problems Genetic parameters of foot and leg traits in future AI bulls: I. Influence of age at recording and classifier Boelling, Dorothee, Jensen, Just et al Genetic parameters of foot and leg traits in future AI bulls: I. Influence of age at recording and classifier Boelling, Dorothee, Jensen, Just, Madsen, Per Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section A-Animal Science 2001 Information on foot and leg traits was collected on 8494 young potential future AI bulls of the three populations Danish Red, Danish Friesian and Danish Jersey by two classifiers between 1985 and 1996. Each animal was assessed at 5 and 10 months of age. The data set was used to examine the influence of age and classifier on genetic parameters of foot and leg traits by treating traits recorded at two different times or by two different people as a different characteristic in a bivariate analysis. The general incidence of foot and leg diseases was very low in young animals: only interdigital dermatitis, heel necrosis and solar bruising showed a frequency higher than 2% in 10-month-old bulls. The same traits measured on different claws yielded very high genetic correlations (rg 0.77-0.98), suggesting that the number of measurements could be reduced. Hooves increased in size with age, and the genetic correlation between the two age classes was high (rg 0.60-0.77). The agreement between classifiers was very high for objectively measured traits, especially for the younger age class, and interdigital dermatitis and heel necrosis, but inconclusive for the subjectively scored characteristics Genetic parameters of foot and leg traits in future AI bulls – II. Correlation to body conformation traits in daughters Boelling, D., Jensen, J., Madsen, P. Genetic parameters of foot and leg traits in future AI bulls – II. Correlation to body conformation traits in daughters Boelling, D., Jensen, J., Madsen, P. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section A-Animal Science 2001 Technical indicators for evaluation of housing systems for cattle, pigs and laying hens relating to animal welfare Bockisch, F., J,, Jungbluth, T. et al Technical indicators for evaluation of housing systems for cattle, pigs and laying hens relating to animal welfare Bockisch, F., J,, Jungbluth, T., Rudovsky, A. Zuechtungskunde 1999 The animal production and welfare committee of the German Society for Animal Breeding compile technical environmental indicators. The purpose of these indicators provide the animal with good conditions in keeping with demands to protect the environment. To achieve this, compromises are often made. It is sometimes thought that these technical indicators can be based strongly on discrete data of easily measurable parameters. This focus on certain characteristics of a production system leads to false assessments of animal welfare aspects in individual cases. For an assessment, the committee have produced a basic set of criteria comprising four assessment areas: supply of feed and water, waste handling, housing design and housing climate. In addition, these are differentiated according to animal species: cattle, pigs and laying hens. For cattle, for example, indicators include the design of the feeding area, the number of drinking units, the feeding technique and frequency of feeding. In pig production, similar criteria are considered. For example, in animal groups, the protection of a feeding animal from other animals in the group is an important detail. For the waste management, the floor design, security of footing, and waste management technique are important subcriteria. This means that the floor should be dry, clean and provide secure footing. The floor should ensure that natural hoof wearing occurs, and that hoofs are protected from injury (in particular in the case of perforated floors). In the assessment of the house design, aspects group and individual keeping systems are considered. For example the organisation of the functional areas in relation to one another and the degree to which the functions are separated. For the three mentioned animal species, climatic criteria focus on conditions that affect the animals directly. This means that climate factors such as temperature, relative humidity, dust and pollution gases, light intensity and lighting period, UV-radiation and climate stimuli are important indicators. Preliminary outcomes include for example the conclusion that indicators based only on technical details can lead to criteria that are not directly related to the welfare of the animal. System independent objective criteria that relate directly to the welfare and health of the animal are needed. Where system details are included there is the danger that the development of new systems is hindered. Animal welfare can be improved using technical developments such as automatic animal recognition using implanted transponders. In the end, for technical indicators a multi-factorial approach is required. This means good compromises should be sought Poultry Farmers and Animal Welfare: A Study of Beliefs, Attitudes and Behaviour of Poultry Farmers across Europe Bock, B.B., Van Huik, M.M. Poultry Farmers and Animal Welfare: A Study of Beliefs, Attitudes and Behaviour of Poultry Farmers across Europe Bock, B.B., Van Huik, M.M. Farm Animal Welfare within the Supply Chain: Regulation, Agriculture, and Geography 2009 Cattle Farmers and Animal Welfare: A Study of Beliefs, Attitudes and Behaviour of Cattle Producers across Europe Bock, B.B., Van Huik, M.M. Cattle Farmers and Animal Welfare: A Study of Beliefs, Attitudes and Behaviour of Cattle Producers across Europe Bock, B.B., Van Huik, M.M. Consumption, Distribution and Production of Farm Animal Welfare: Welfare Quality Reports No 7. 2008 The incidence of heel ulcers in a study of lameness in five U.K. dairy herds Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Hedges et al The incidence of heel ulcers in a study of lameness in five U.K. dairy herds Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Hedges, V. J., Packington, A.J., Watson, C. L. Care of confined cattle Blowey, R. W., Smith, R. A. Care of confined cattle Blowey, R. W., Smith, R. A. Digital dermatitis [letter; comment] Blowey, R. W., Done, S. H., Sharp, M. W. Digital dermatitis [letter; comment] Blowey, R. W., Done, S. H., Sharp, M. W. Veterinary Record 1992 A comparison of the effects of high fibre and high starch diets on hoof lesions in multiparous dairy cows Barringer, A. J., Blowey, R. W., Jones et al A comparison of the effects of high fibre and high starch diets on hoof lesions in multiparous dairy cows Barringer, A. J., Blowey, R. W., Jones, A. K., Phipps, R. Possible distinction between sole ulcers and heel ulcers as a cause of bovine lameness Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Hedges, V. et al Possible distinction between sole ulcers and heel ulcers as a cause of bovine lameness Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Hedges, V., Ossent, P., Packington, A.J., Watson, C. L. Veterinary Record 2000 The effect of biotin supplementation on the treatment of white line lesions in dairy cows Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Hedges et al The effect of biotin supplementation on the treatment of white line lesions in dairy cows Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Hedges, V. J., Packington, A.J. The effects of season and stage of lactation on lameness in 900 dairy cows Blowey, R. W., Collis, V.J., Green et al The effects of season and stage of lactation on lameness in 900 dairy cows Blowey, R. W., Collis, V.J., Green, L. E., Packington, A.J. 13th International symposium and conference on lameness in ruminants 2004 Observations on the Pathogenesis of Digital Dermatitis in Cattle Blowey, R. W., Cooley, W., Done, S. H. Observations on the Pathogenesis of Digital Dermatitis in Cattle Blowey, R. W., Cooley, W., Done, S. H. Veterinary Record 1994 Failure to demonstrate histological changes of digital or interdigital dermatitis in biopsies of slurry heel Blowey, R. W., Done, S. H. Failure to demonstrate histological changes of digital or interdigital dermatitis in biopsies of slurry heel Blowey, R. W., Done, S. H. Veterinary Record 1995 Deep core biopsies of heel horn were taken from 26 cows with characteristic changes of slurry, heel and concurrent interdigital dermatitis to assess whether the same spirochaete present in lesions of interdigital and digital dermatitis could be associated with slurry heel. Microscopic examination of the 28 biopsies produced no evidence of the liquefactive necrosis of keratin which characterizes digital and interdigital dermatitis and no evidence of spirochaetes. It is proposed that slurry heel (heel-horn erosion or heel necrosis) is not associated with digital and interdigital dermatitis. Further studies are needed to determine the aetiology of the condition Borrelia-Burgdorferi Infections in Uk Cattle – a Possible Association with Digital Dermatitis Barnes, A., Blowey, R. W., Carter et al Borrelia-Burgdorferi Infections in Uk Cattle – a Possible Association with Digital Dermatitis Barnes, A., Blowey, R. W., Carter, S. D., White, A. G. Veterinary Record 1994 A veterinary book for dairy farmers Blowey, R. W. A veterinary book for dairy farmers Blowey, R. W. 1999 Much more detail is provided than one would suspect from a guide for farmers, for it is more a textbook on cattle keeping, having developed considerably since the second edition of 1988. For example, there are details of how to construct a field road that can reduce the incidence of lameness in cows. There are chapters on: the young calf; the weaned calf; rearing dairy heifers; the cow at calving; metabolic disorders; mastitis; fertility; lameness; diseases of the skin; notifiable diseases; nutrition; miscellaneous disorders; routine tasks and dealing with poisons. It is also available on CD-ROM Welfare aspects of foot lameness in cattle Blowey, R. W. Welfare aspects of foot lameness in cattle Blowey, R. W. Irish Veterinary Journal 1998 Digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Blowey, R. W., Sharp, M. W. Digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Blowey, R. W., Sharp, M. W. Veterinary Record 1988 A condition of digital dermatitis causing lameness in a dairy herd is described. The lesion was a small circumscribed area of epidermal inflammation in the skin immediately above the coronet between the bulbs of the heel. Topical treatment, consisting of excoriation and application of a gentian violet and tetracycline aerosol spray, was effective. Although the high incidence and rapid onset of the condition suggested an infectious cause, no organism was isolated consistently Current health challenges to dairy farming a practitioner’s perspective Blowey, R. W. Current health challenges to dairy farming a practitioner’s perspective Blowey, R. W. Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England 1997 Current health problems in the dairy industry, including mastitis, lameness, fertility, cow comfort and respiratory disease are reviewed Haematoma of the heel as a cause of lameness in dairy cattle. [see comments.] Blowey, R. W. Haematoma of the heel as a cause of lameness in dairy cattle. [see comments.] Blowey, R. W. Veterinary Record 1997 Diseases of the bovine digit Blowey, Roger W. Diseases of the bovine digit Blowey, Roger W. Magyar Allatorvosok Lapja 1995 Digital dermatitis control [letter; comment] [see comments] Blowey, R. W. Digital dermatitis control [letter; comment] [see comments] Blowey, R. W. Veterinary Record 1990 A simple treatment for heel abscesses and deeper foot infections in cattle Blowey, R. W. A simple treatment for heel abscesses and deeper foot infections in cattle Blowey, R. W. Veterinary Record 1990 A simple technique for the treatment of deep navicular and pedal joint infections in cattle is described. Under regional or local anaesthesia, a hoof-knife is inserted into the full depth of the discharging sinus and a large drainage area is created. A wooden block is glued to the sound claw and parenteral antibiotics are administered for four to six days. Of 64 cows treated between March 1986 and June 1989, 55 (86 per cent) recovered. The causes of failure and comparisons with other treatments are discussed Dairy cow housing Blowey, R., Charles, D. R., Wathes et al Dairy cow housing Blowey, R., Charles, D. R., Wathes, C. M. Livestock housing 1994 Guidelines for the provision of dairy cow housing in the UK which is economic, safe and promotes positive welfare for both the cow and the stockperson are presented. Cowsheds, straw yards and cubicle housing are each discussed. The association between housing, disease and hence animal welfare is explored, with specific reference to mastitis, lameness, teat injuries and traumatic body damage The relevance of changes in pedal bone and hoof dimensions in relation to foot trimming protocols. Blowey, R., Inman, B. The relevance of changes in pedal bone and hoof dimensions in relation to foot trimming protocols. Blowey, R., Inman, B. 28th World Buiatrics Congress. Cairns, Australia. 2014 Persistence of foot blocks used in the treatment of lame cows Blowey, R., Girdler, C., Thomas, C. Persistence of foot blocks used in the treatment of lame cows Blowey, R., Girdler, C., Thomas, C. Veterinary Record 1999 Changing indications for digit amputation in cattle Blowey, Roger Changing indications for digit amputation in cattle Blowey, Roger Veterinary Record 2011 Cattle lameness and footcare Blowey, R. Cattle lameness and footcare Blowey, R. 2008 Rib Swellings Associated with Chronically Lame Cattle – A Clinical Note Blowey, R. Rib Swellings Associated with Chronically Lame Cattle – A Clinical Note Blowey, R. 15th International Symposium & 7th Conference on Lameness in Ruminants 2008 During a farm lameness investigation it became apparent that many chronically lame cows had developed a swelling
on the lower rib cage. Similar swellings have since been seen on many chronically lame cows on other farms elsewhere.
The swelling can be palpated one hand breadth directly caudal to the elbow (the olecranon), is usually on the
7th or 8th rib, boney to palpate, non painful and non fluctuating.
At post mortem the swelling is at the costo chondral junction or on the cartilaginous portion of the rib, and
appears as a fracture. In some cows the affected rib is also displaced laterally, such that the whole rib protrudes from
the rib case. On many cows the swelling is bilateral, even though the lameness is unilateral.
Lesions are seen in chronically lame cattle, rather than acute lameness, and this suggests that a prolonged period
of trauma is required to produce the dislocation. The precise cause has not been determined, although it is well known
that when lying down, lame cattle drop onto the floor surface more rapidly than non lame animals, the latter slowly
lowering themselves into a lying position. It is postulated that this sudden drop puts pressure onto the rib cage, and
as ribs 7 and 8 are amoung the more pronounced, then it is these ribs that take the full force of the drop. There may
also be additional trauma from the front foot, because this foot is adjacent to the rib cage as the cow drops. Factors associated with lameness in dairy cattle Blowey, R. Factors associated with lameness in dairy cattle Blowey, R. In Practice 2005 MANY studies have shown that, despite years of research, the incidence of lameness in dairy herds in the UK remains unacceptably high. This is partly due to the impact of digital dermatitis, which was first reported in the UK in 1986 and now accounts for some 15 to 20 per cent of lameness cases in cows. More generally, increases in herd size and yield - factors which are themselves associated with an increased prevalence of lameness - have outstripped efforts in control. Lameness is most likely to result from pain in the limb, usually within the foot, and hindfeet are more commonly affected than front feet. It is not the purpose of this article to describe the range of lesions involved and their pathogenesis. Rather, the focus is on management factors involved in the aetiology of lameness, particularly as they relate to cow comfort, nutrition and routine husbandry. Digital dermatitis Blowey, R. Digital dermatitis Blowey, R. Cattle Practice 2005 Laminitis (Coriosis): Major risk factors Blowey, Roger Laminitis (Coriosis): Major risk factors Blowey, Roger Bovine Practitioner 1996 Cowslips: The alternative to the foot block Blowey, Roger Cowslips: The alternative to the foot block Blowey, Roger Bovine Practitioner 1996 Practical approach to the treatment of foot problems Blowey, Roger Practical approach to the treatment of foot problems Blowey, Roger Bovine Practitioner 1996 Cattle lameness and hoof care, an illustrated guide Blowey, R. Cattle lameness and hoof care, an illustrated guide Blowey, R. 1993 An account for farmers of the care of bovine claws, common diseases of the foot, and the causes and prevention of lameness. The author took the 90 colour photographs himself. A VHS videocassette on the same subject is also available Disease of the bovine digit. Part 2. Hoof care and factors influencing the incidence of lameness Blowey, R. Disease of the bovine digit. Part 2. Hoof care and factors influencing the incidence of lameness Blowey, R. In Practice 1992 Diseases of the bovine digit. Part 1. Description of common lesions Blowey, R. Diseases of the bovine digit. Part 1. Description of common lesions Blowey, R. In Practice 1992 Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbreds compared with pure Holsteins for calving traits, body weight, backfat thickness, fertility,... Blöttner, S., Hansen, L. B., Heins et al Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbreds compared with pure Holsteins for calving traits, body weight, backfat thickness, fertility, and body measurements Blöttner, S., Hansen, L. B., Heins, B. J., Swalve, H. H., Wensch-Dorendorf, M. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Manipulation of Dietary Cation-Anion Difference On Nutritionally Related Production Diseases, Productivity, and Metabolic... Block, E. Manipulation of Dietary Cation-Anion Difference On Nutritionally Related Production Diseases, Productivity, and Metabolic Responses of Dairy-Cows Block, E. Journal of Dairy Science 1994 Dietary cation-anion difference has been defined as milliequivalents of (Na + K) - (Cl + S) per kilogram of DM and has a direct impact on blood acid-base metabolism. As this difference decreases, one or more of the following blood parameters change: increased H+, decreased HCO3-, and decreased pH. These changes are accompanied by reduced urinary HCO3- excretion and pH as compensatory mechanisms. Although other minerals have an impact on acid-base metabolism, the four minerals used in dietary cation-anion difference have the greatest effect. Manipulation of acid-base balance can be used to manipulate other biological functions to benefit health and productivity of cows. Low cation-anion difference prepartum can mitigate hypocalcemia peripartum via increased urinary Ca, blood-ionized Ca, and responsiveness to Ca homeostatic hormones. These changes reduced the incidence of paresis and increased productivity by reducing the severity and length of hypocalcemia in all cows (periparturient), regardless of the occurrence of paresis. Reduced cation-anion differences prepartum have been related to a reduced severity of udder edema, likely related to increased renal loss of water and unchanged water intake. However, the effects on acid-base balance cannot be ruled out because of effects on biochemical and transport processes Elevated cation-anion difference in lactation has been shown to increase DMI and production and to mitigate the effects of heat stress. Because production and heat stress are acidogenic, elevated cation-anion difference improves blood-buffering capacity to cope with H+. In heat stress, elevated water intake with elevated cation-anion difference cannot be ignored. Other diseases related to metabolic acid, such as laminitis and ketoacidosis, may be influenced by elevated cation-anion difference in lactation; however, research in these areas has not been forthcoming Excision of the distal sesamoid bone for treatment of infection of the digit in a heifer Baines, S. J., Blikslager, A. T. et al Excision of the distal sesamoid bone for treatment of infection of the digit in a heifer Baines, S. J., Blikslager, A. T., Bowman, K. F. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1992 Arthroscopic approaches to the fetlock joint of adult cattle: A cadaver study Bertagnoli, Alberto, Blaser, Martin et al Arthroscopic approaches to the fetlock joint of adult cattle: A cadaver study Bertagnoli, Alberto, Blaser, Martin, Nuss, Karl, Räber, Marta, Rasekh, Mehdi, Steiner, Adrian The Veterinary Journal 2012 Associations between locomotion score and kinematic measures in dairy cows with varying hoof lesion types Amory, J. R., Blackie, N., Bleach et al Associations between locomotion score and kinematic measures in dairy cows with varying hoof lesion types Amory, J. R., Blackie, N., Bleach, E. C. L., Scaife, J. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 During this study we explored the gait attributes commonly used in subjective locomotion scoring systems and use new technology to evaluate these gait attributes objectively on 60 Holstein lactating dairy cattle. Kinematic gait analysis more commonly used in sports and equine science was adapted for use on dairy cattle to assess stride characteristics, joint flexion, and spine posture in dairy cows with different lameness status. Cows that were lame had shorter stride length and had negative tracking distance compared with nonlame cattle. Lame cattle did not show any difference in spine posture when walking. Gait alterations were more evident in cows with sole ulcers, which showed considerable shortening of stride and had more negative tracking compared with cows with no hoof lesions. Cows with sole ulcers also showed significant shortening of the spine when walking than cows with no hoof lesions. Impact of lameness on gait characteristics and lying behaviour of zero grazed dairy cattle in early lactation Amory, Jonathan, Blackie, Nicola et al Impact of lameness on gait characteristics and lying behaviour of zero grazed dairy cattle in early lactation Amory, Jonathan, Blackie, Nicola, Bleach, Emma, Scaife, Jes Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2011 The present study examines the impact of lameness on the time budgets and gait of dairy cattle during early lactation. Automated assessment of activity together with an objective method (using video motion analysis) of assessing the gait of the cattle was utilised. Twenty-five Holstein dairy cows were recruited to the study and were assessed during weeks 1, 6 and 12 of lactation. Lying behaviour was measured using IceTag™ activity monitors which were attached to the right hind leg of the cow for 4 consecutive days during each study week. Cows were locomotion scored to evaluate the influence of lameness on gait and behaviour of cows. Cows that were lame in a hind limb had significantly shorter fore and hind stride lengths. They also tended (p = 0.06) to have a negative tracking distance and walk at a slower (p = 0.002) speed compared with cows that were considered to be non-lame. Lame cows spent 2 h more time lying down per day in comparison to non-lame cows. Cows spent significantly less time lying down during week 6 of lactation and more time standing in comparison to the cows in week 12. The lying behaviour of cows was not different during weeks 1 and 6 or weeks 1 and 12. Cows were significantly more active during week 1 than week 12 of lactation. However the activity of the cows during week 6 was not different from weeks 1 and 12 of lactation. The present study demonstrates that lameness influences stride characteristics and lying behaviour of zero grazed dairy cows. The effect of lameness on lying behaviour of zero grazed Holstein dairy cattle Amory, Jonathan, Blackie, Nicola et al The effect of lameness on lying behaviour of zero grazed Holstein dairy cattle Amory, Jonathan, Blackie, Nicola, Bleach, Emma, Scaife, Jes Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2011 The present study examines the impact of chronic lameness, where animals remained the same locomotion score for 3 consecutive months on lying behaviour of dairy cattle. The 59 lactating Holstein dairy cows recruited to the study, were grouped according to locomotion score (LS) where low scores indicate normal gait. LS-1 (n = 16), LS-2 (n = 21) and LS-3 (n = 22) were used. Locomotion score groups were balanced for parity and stage of lactation. Lying behaviour was measured using IceTag™ monitors which were attached cow for 4 consecutive days. Cows were maintained in their home pen with grooved concrete flooring. All data were normally distributed and were assessed using a one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey test. The lame cows (LS-3) spent significantly longer lying down compared to non-lame (LS-1 or LS-2) cows (13 h/day vs. 10.9 h/day, respectively), this was accompanied by significantly reduced standing times. When the behaviour was broken down over the day and evaluated alongside management factors it was noted that the lame cows were less reactive to feed being pushed up and more of the lame cows were found to be standing up in the early hours of the morning, possibly to avoid conflict over resources. Similarly, the differences in lying times between lame and non-lame cows only differed significantly in the evening period (16:01–23:00). New slant on cubicles Blackburn, A. New slant on cubicles Blackburn, A. Dairy Farmer 1991 A comparison between the effect of Newton Rigg cubicles of traditional size and larger Dorsdunn cubicles in herringbone style on cow lying and standing behaviour was carried out. The results revealed a higher percentage of cows lying down (45 vs. 26) and a lower percentage of cows standing half in the cubicle (8 vs. 16) in the Dorsdunn cubicle type. Benefits of the larger cubicles included reduced foot problems, with fewer sole ulcers. Digital dermatitis was also reduced as a result of a decline in heel erosion caused by cows standing in slurry The relationship between compost bedded pack performance, management, and bacterial counts Akers, K. A., Bewley, J. M., Black et al The relationship between compost bedded pack performance, management, and bacterial counts Akers, K. A., Bewley, J. M., Black, R. A., Damasceno, F. A., Day, G. B., McQuerry, K. J., Newman, M. C., Taraba, J. L., Wood, C. L. Journal of Dairy Science Compost bedded pack dairy barn management, performance, and producer satisfaction Bewley, J. M., Black, R. A., Damasceno et al Compost bedded pack dairy barn management, performance, and producer satisfaction Bewley, J. M., Black, R. A., Damasceno, F. A., Day, G. B., Taraba, J. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 [Diseases in the distal extremities of cows–a pathoanatomical study]. [Norwegian] Birkeland, R. [Diseases in the distal extremities of cows–a pathoanatomical study]. [Norwegian] Birkeland, R. Nordisk Veterinaermedicin 1984 A pathoanatomical and radiographic investigation of limbs from slaughtered cows is presented. The reason for slaughtering was in all cases lameness or other limb-abnormalities. Only lesions distal to carpus/tarsus were investigated because the limbs are cut in these joints in the slaughterhouse. The total number of limbs was 180. The most important lesions were aseptic periostitis/ostitis in distal phalanx, arthrosis in the distal interphalangeal joint, laminitis, pododermatitis circumscripta and erosio ungulae. A pathoanatomical description was done of periostitis/ostitis in distal phalanx and arthrosis in the d.i.p. joint which were the most frequent lesions. A biochemical investigation of synovial fluid from d.i.p. joints is also presented. Periostitis/ostitis in distal phalanx and the serious cases of arthrosis in the d.i.p. joint were both distributed in the same manner as laminitis in the different digits (Figure 1, 2, 10 and 14). The lateral hind digit and the medial fore digit were most frequently affected. It is questioned if the clinical diagnosis of laminitis often is used when the cows actually are suffering from these two lesions. On the other hand it is the authors opinion that chronic laminitis not always conveys rotation of the distal phalanx, but that the disease often results only in periostitis/ostitis in distal phalanx. Periostitis/ostitis in distal phalanx and arthrosis in d.i.p. joint were correlated to the shape of the fore hooves to estimate certain etiological aspects (Figure 16 and 17). Arthrosis in d.i.p. joint was more often seen in assymetrical hooves, hooves with short toe/overgrown bulb and in long/overgrown hooves than in normal hooves. The same result was found for periostitis/ostitis in lateral distal phalanx, while the medial distal phalanx was equally affected of this lesion at different hoofshapes Development and validation of an ELISA to detect antibodies to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in ovine sera Bailey, M., Binns, S. H., Green, L. E. Development and validation of an ELISA to detect antibodies to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in ovine sera Bailey, M., Binns, S. H., Green, L. E. Veterinary Microbiology 2007 Strategies to Analyze Milk Losses Caused by Diseases with Potential Incidence Throughout the Lactation: A Lameness Example Bicalho, R. C., Guard, C. L., Warnick et al Strategies to Analyze Milk Losses Caused by Diseases with Potential Incidence Throughout the Lactation: A Lameness Example Bicalho, R. C., Guard, C. L., Warnick, L. D. J Dairy Sci 2008 The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that lameness incidence in lactating dairy cows decreases milk production compared with controls and to determine the best method of the 5 combinations of 2 study designs (retrospective cohort and retrospective matched cohort) and 3 repeated measures statistical methods: ANOVA (with binary classification of lameness); ANOVA with a lameness index (LAMIX) as the variable of interest; and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA, controlling for mean milk production for the first 3 wk of lactation and with a binary classification of lameness). Data were from 1 dairy farm located near Ithaca, NY, and from cows that calved between January 1, 2004 and January 1, 2007. The LAMIX was defined as -1, -2, -3, -4, and -5 = 1, 2, 3, 4, and [≥]5 mo before lameness was detected, respectively; 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 = 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mo after diagnosis, respectively; and 0 = cows that were never lame. With the binary lameness classification analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA, there was no effect of lameness on milk yield. The model was biased because lame cows had higher milk yields before lameness compared with nonlame cows. When the LAMIX was used, milk production before lameness was greater than after lameness (3.1 {+/-} 0.28 kg/d). Yet, point estimates generated for LAMIX were inaccurate because of the multicollinearity detected between LAMIX and week of lactation and because of the inability of adjusting the least squares means for the interaction of LAMIX and week of lactation. Therefore, the most appropriate models were the ANCOVA models (both for the matched and nonmatched retrospective-cohort designs). The estimated losses associated with lameness were 314 and 424 kg/cow per 305-d lactation, respectively, for the matched and nonmatched designs. Furthermore, high milk yield in the beginning of the lactation was a risk factor for lameness. Visual locomotion scoring in the first seventy days in milk: Impact on pregnancy and survival Bicalho, R. C., Erb, H. N., Guard et al Visual locomotion scoring in the first seventy days in milk: Impact on pregnancy and survival Bicalho, R. C., Erb, H. N., Guard, C. L., Vokey, F. Journal of Dairy Science 2007 Control and prevention of lameness associated with claw lesions in dairy cows Bicalho, Rodrigo Carvalho, Oikonomou et al Control and prevention of lameness associated with claw lesions in dairy cows Bicalho, Rodrigo Carvalho, Oikonomou, Georgios Livestock Science 2013 Dairy cow lameness is a serious animal welfare issue. It is also a significant cause of economic losses reducing reproductive efficiency and milk production and increasing culling rates. Despite its undeniable importance, lameness has not received the attention it deserves from the agricultural scientific community and its incidence appears to be on the rise in most countries throughout the world. Claw horn disruption lesions (CHDL), sole ulcers and white line disease, are the most prevalent diseases associated with lameness and pain, representing over 65% of all lesions diagnosed in visually lame cows and causing the largest economic losses amongst several lameness related diseases and therefore a large part of this review is focused on their pathogenesis. Additionally, opportunities for preventing CHDL are described with emphasis being placed on floor surfaces, cow comfort, and genetic selection. Lameness in dairy cattle: A debilitating disease or a disease of debilitated cattle? A cross-sectional study of lameness... Bicalho, R. C., Caixeta, L. S., Machado et al Lameness in dairy cattle: A debilitating disease or a disease of debilitated cattle? A cross-sectional study of lameness prevalence and thickness of the digital cushion Bicalho, R. C., Caixeta, L. S., Machado, V. S. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Lameness is the most significant challenge for the dairy industry to overcome, given its obvious disruption of animal welfare and severe economic losses. Sole ulcers and white line abscesses are ubiquitous chronic diseases with the highest associated economic losses among all foot lesions. Their underlying causes are still not fully understood. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the association between claw horn lesions and the thickness of the digital cushion. The thickness of the digital cushion was evaluated by ultrasonographic examination of the sole at the typical ulcer site. A total of 501 lactating Holstein dairy cows were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of sole ulcers was 4.2 and 27.8% for parity 1 and parity >1, respectively. The prevalence of white line disease was 1.0 and 6.5% for parity 1 and >1, respectively. The prevalence of lameness (visual locomotion score ≥3) was 19.8 and 48.2% for parity 1 and >1, respectively. The prevalence of sole ulcers and white line diseases was significantly associated with thickness of the digital cushion; cows in the upper quartile of digital cushion thickness had an adjusted prevalence of lameness 15 percentage points lower than the lower quartile. Body condition scores were positively associated with digital cushion thickness. The mean gray value of the sonographic image of the digital cushion had a negative linear association with digital cushion thickness (R2 = 0.14), indicating that the composition of the digital cushion may have changed with its thickness. Furthermore, digital cushion thickness decreased steadily from the first month of lactation and reached a nadir 120 d after parturition. These results support the concept that sole ulcers and white line abscesses are related to contusions within the claw horn capsule and such contusions are a consequence of the lesser capacity of the digital cushion to dampen the pressure exerted by the third phalanx on the soft tissue beneath. The effect of sire predicted transmitting ability for production traits on fertility, survivability, and health of Holstein dairy... Bicalho, Rodrigo Carvalho, Foditsch et al The effect of sire predicted transmitting ability for production traits on fertility, survivability, and health of Holstein dairy cows Bicalho, Rodrigo Carvalho, Foditsch, Carla, Gilbert, Rob, Oikonomou, Georgios Theriogenology 2014 The effect of digit amputation or arthrodesis surgery on culling and milk production in holstein dairy cows Bicalho, R. C., Cheong, S. H., Guard et al The effect of digit amputation or arthrodesis surgery on culling and milk production in holstein dairy cows Bicalho, R. C., Cheong, S. H., Guard, C. L., Nydam, D. V., Warnick, L. D. Journal of Dairy Science 2006 The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effects of digit amputation and arthrodesis surgery performed in the field on culling and milk production during the early postsurgical period. Cows from 3 commercial dairy farms in New York State were recruited for the study. A total of 49 cows on which digit amputation (AMP) was performed were matched with 68 controls (MC-AMP), and 17 cows on which arthrodesis surgery (ARTHRO) was performed were matched with 20 controls (MC-ARTHRO) according to lactation, DIM, and lactation at the time of surgery. Performance was not directly comparable between the AMP and ARTHRO groups because cows were not randomly assigned to the 2 treatment groups. Therefore, each surgical group was evaluated relative to its respective matched control group. Cows with AMP had a significantly lower estimated median survival of 68 d (95% confidence interval; lower = 35 d, upper = 156 d) compared with 585 d ( 95% confidence interval; lower = 469 d, upper = 699 d) for the MC-AMP group. Total milk production for the first 60 d postsurgery was significantly lower for the AMP (1,533 +/- SE = 101 kg) group compared with the MC-AMP (2,121 +/- 101 kg) group and for the ARTHRO (1,883 +/- 86 kg) group compared with the MC-ARTHRO (2,250 +/- 88 kg) group. Septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint was the most common condition treated by surgery, accounting for 70.5% of ARTHRO cases and 73.5% for AMP. Toe necrosis accounted for 14.3% of AMP cases, and retroarticular abscess made up the rest of the AMP (12.2%) cases and 29.5% of the ARTHRO cases. Results suggest that cows that had undergone ARTHRO had a lower culling rate and a faster return to production compared with those that had undergone AMP. Arthrodesis should be considered as a treatment option for deep sepsis of the bovine foot. Association Between a Visual and an Automated Locomotion Score in Lactating Holstein Cows Bicalho, R. C., Cheong, S. H., Cramer et al Association Between a Visual and an Automated Locomotion Score in Lactating Holstein Cows Bicalho, R. C., Cheong, S. H., Cramer, G., Guard, C. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2007 Two studies were conducted to evaluate visual locomotion scoring (VLS) and Stepmetrix locomotion scoring (SLS) in detecting painful digit lesions. In study 1, one veterinarian performed VLS. Cows with VLS ≥3 were hoof trimmed and the presence or absence of a painful lesion (PL), defined as a reaction to digital pressure, was recorded. A strongly increasing pattern in the proportion of cows with PL was detected as VLS increased. The proportions of cows with painful lesions were 5.6% (n = 53), 20.1% (n = 78), 55.5% (n = 164), 79.9% (n = 159), and 100% (n = 5) for VLS 1 to 5, respectively. Study 2 was conducted on a different farm. The entire farm was visually locomotion scored by 3 veterinarians on the same day, and the cows were Stepmetrix locomotion scored by walking through the Stepmetrix system. Every cow was trimmed during the following 2 d by 1 of 8 professional hoof trimmers. The 3 veterinarians identified, scored, and recorded any PL. Interobserver agreement for the 3 veterinarians had a kappa coefficient of between 0.45 and 0.48 ± 0.05. In total, 518 cows were used in the analysis, from which 11.2% were identified with a PL. Of the cows diagnosed with a PL, 32.8% were detected with a sole ulcer, 25.9% with white line disease, 13.8% with white line abscess, and 27.5% with other diseases. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed; the area under the curve was larger for VLS (0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.76 to 0.83) than SLS (0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.57 to 0.66). When performed by trained veterinarians, VLS performed better than SLS in detecting PL. Perceptions of veterinarians in bovine practice and producers with beef cow-calf operations enrolled in the US Voluntary Bovine... Bhattarai, Bikash, Fosgate, Geoffrey T. et al Perceptions of veterinarians in bovine practice and producers with beef cow-calf operations enrolled in the US Voluntary Bovine Johne’s Disease Control Program concerning economic losses associated with Johne’s disease Bhattarai, Bikash, Fosgate, Geoffrey T., Fossler, Charles P., Osterstock, Jason B., Park, Seong C., Roussel, Allen J. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2013 Clinical, haematological and synovial fluid observations on the effects of ultrasound therapy (1.0 W/cm2) in experimental... Bhatla, R., Dhaliwal, A. S., Sobti et al Clinical, haematological and synovial fluid observations on the effects of ultrasound therapy (1.0 W/cm2) in experimental traumatic arthritis in calves Bhatla, R., Dhaliwal, A. S., Sobti, V. K. Indian Veterinary Journal 1993 Arthritis was induced in 8 male calves by intra-articular injection of 1 ml turpentine oil into the right radiocarpal joint. Lameness, and increased levels of synovial total leukocyte count, total proteins and sodium were apparent on day 5. Compared with the 4 untreated controls, the 4 calves given ultrasound treatment (1 W/cm2) for 7 minutes daily for 7 days made a much more rapid recovery Impact of Intake Water Temperatures on Reticular Temperatures of Lactating Dairy Cows Bewley, J. M., Einstein, M. E., Grott et al Impact of Intake Water Temperatures on Reticular Temperatures of Lactating Dairy Cows Bewley, J. M., Einstein, M. E., Grott, M. W., Schutz, M. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2008 Automatic temperature recording may allow early detection of disease, estrus, heat stress, and the onset of calving. The phase IV Cattle Temperature Monitoring System (MaGiiX Inc., Post Falls, ID) utilizes a passive bolus equipped with a temperature sensor, a stationary panel reader to query the bolus, and software to collect, analyze, and display data. One potential limitation to collection of reticular temperatures is the effect of water temperature and consumption on recorded temperatures. Two replicated 3 × 3 Latin square experiments were conducted at the Purdue Dairy Research and Education Center to assess the impact of water intake on reticular temperatures using the Cattle Temperature Monitoring System. Nine high-producing, mid-lactation, second-parity cows with low somatic cell counts were selected. Before administering a water treatment, access to feed and water was restricted for at least 2 h. Baseline reticular temperatures were established from measurements before water intake. In experiment 1, treatments were 25.2 kg of hot water (34.3°C ± 1.0), warm water (18.2°C ± 0.4), or cold water (7.6°C ± 0.4). In experiment 2, treatments were 18.9 kg of body-temperature water (38.9°C ± 0.2), cold water (5.1°C ± 0.4), or control (no water). Following water intake, reticular temperatures were collected for 3 h. In experiment 1, an initial dramatic decrease in reticular temperature was observed followed by a gradual increase toward baseline. Least squares means for maximum drop in temperature were 8.5 ± 0.5, 6.9 ± 0.5, and 2.2 ± 0.5°C for cold, warm, and hot water treatments, respectively. Yet at 3 h, reticular temperatures did not return to the baseline. In experiment 2, control cows remained within the baseline confidence interval through the observation period, and cows receiving body temperature water experienced an initial decrease in temperature (0.4 ± 0.2°C) with a return to within the baseline confidence interval within 15 min. Cows receiving cold water did not return to within the baseline confidence interval after a large decrease of 9.2 ± 0.2°C during the 3-h observational period. Moreover, a regression analysis of continued ascent in temperatures predicted that temperatures would return to baseline within 3.5 h. These results demonstrate that, when cows consume large quantities of cold water, the effect of water intake is sizable and sustained. The value of reticular temperatures for daily monitoring in a production setting hinges largely on the implications of this impact. Comparison of Reticular and Rectal Core Body Temperatures in Lactating Dairy Cows Bewley, J. M., Einstein, M. E., Grott et al Comparison of Reticular and Rectal Core Body Temperatures in Lactating Dairy Cows Bewley, J. M., Einstein, M. E., Grott, M. W., Schutz, M. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2008 The Phase IV Cattle Temperature Monitoring System (CTMS; Phase IV Engineering Inc., Boulder, CO) marketed by MaGiiX (MaGiiX Inc., Post Falls, ID) uses a passive bolus equipped with a temperature sensor, a panel reader placed at a parlor entrance or exit to query the bolus, and a software package to collect, analyze, and view data. The biologically inert bolus resides in the cow's reticulum and is queried each time the cow passes the reader. Reticular temperature (RETT) and rectal temperature (RECT) were recorded simultaneously in the milking parlor exit lane in 4 consecutive milkings in each of 4 seasons, totaling 16 measurements per cow. The RETT were obtained by using the phase IV CTMS, whereas the RECT were obtained manually with a GLA M750 thermometer (GLA Agricultural Electronics, San Luis Obispo, CA). Data were edited to remove RETT likely to have been affected by a recent drinking bout. For the 2,042 observations used in analyses, means (±SD) were 39.28 (±0.41), 38.83 (±0.36), and 0.45 (±0.33) for RETT, RECT, and the difference between RETT and RECT, respectively. The RETT and RECT were strongly correlated (r = 0.645). The relationship between RETT and RECT varied by season, milking, housing system, and parity. Because dairy producers and veterinarians are accustomed to viewing rectal temperatures, equations to adjust reticular temperatures to a rectal-based scale may increase the utility of the phase IV CTMS. The resulting conversion equations were RECT = 19.23 + 0.496(RETT) for the a.m. milking and RECT = 15.88 + 0.587(RETT) for the p.m. milking. The profitability and risk of dairy cow wintering strategies in the Southland region of New Zealand Beukes, P. C., Dalley, D. E., Gregorini et al The profitability and risk of dairy cow wintering strategies in the Southland region of New Zealand Beukes, P. C., Dalley, D. E., Gregorini, P., Romera, A. J. Agricultural Systems 2011 Measurement of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites and evaluation of udder characteristics to estimate stress after sudden dry-off... Bertulat, S., Fischer-Tenhagen, C. et al Measurement of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites and evaluation of udder characteristics to estimate stress after sudden dry-off in dairy cows with different milk yields Bertulat, S., Fischer-Tenhagen, C., Heuwieser, W., Isaka, N., Möstl, E., Suthar, V. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Use of the Liver Activity Index and Other Metabolic Variables in the Assessment of Metabolic Health in Dairy Herds Bertoni, Giuseppe, Trevisi, Erminio Use of the Liver Activity Index and Other Metabolic Variables in the Assessment of Metabolic Health in Dairy Herds Bertoni, Giuseppe, Trevisi, Erminio Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2013 Tenovaginoscopic approach to the common digital flexor tendon sheath of adult cattle: Technique, normal findings and preliminary... Bertagnoli, Alberto, Morandi, Nicola et al Tenovaginoscopic approach to the common digital flexor tendon sheath of adult cattle: Technique, normal findings and preliminary results in four clinical cases Bertagnoli, Alberto, Morandi, Nicola, Mortellaro, Carlo M., Räber, Marta, Steiner, Adrian The Veterinary Journal 2012 Periparturient disease surveillance on large California dairies using Dairy Comp 305 and Foxpro Ahmadi, A., Berry, S. L., Collar, C. et al Periparturient disease surveillance on large California dairies using Dairy Comp 305 and Foxpro Ahmadi, A., Berry, S. L., Collar, C., Eenennaam, A. L., Higginbotham, G., Reed, B., Strasser, S. J., Van Eenennaam, A. L. The periparturient disease surveillance project is designed to collect calving, health and production data from large commercial dairies. Data is currently being collected and monitored from 10 California, USA, dairies milking 550-1650 cows each. All dairies use the commercial record keeping program Dairy Comp 305TM on-farm. The cooperating dairies enter reproductive and health information as a matter of day-to-day data entry. Data on calving difficulty, number of calves born, calf survival rates, calf sex, retained placenta, milk fever, metritis, mastitis, cystic ovarian disease, lameness and left displaced abomasum are being monitored. Reproductive events and test-day milk yield data are also monitored. Cow files are picked up from the dairies monthly and processed at University of California, Davis. Data from the cow files is converted to 3 ASCII files per dairy: cow information, events and test-day information. The ASCII files are then converted to monthly database files using FoxProTM. The monthly files are used to update the dairy master database files, which allows the maintenance of data on cows that leave the herd as well as accumulate multiple lactations on cows. Data are extensively error checked before being added to the master database, and errors are printed out and corrected either at the University or on the dairy. The objectives of the project are to quantify: (1) the relationship of previous lactation milk yield on disease occurrence; (2) the relationships of diseases to each other; and (3) the effect of single or multiple diseases on fertility and milk yield Long-term observations on the dynamics of bovine digital dermatitis lesions on a California dairy after topical treatment with... Berry, Steven L., Döpfer, Dörte et al Long-term observations on the dynamics of bovine digital dermatitis lesions on a California dairy after topical treatment with lincomycin HCl Berry, Steven L., Döpfer, Dörte, Famula, Thomas R., Mongini, Andrea, Read, Deryck H. The Veterinary Journal 2012 The objective of this study was to observe the dynamics of clinical cure and recurrence of the lesions of bovine digital dermatitis for 11 months after treatment with topical lincomycin HCl. The study was a clinical follow-up of 39 active bovine digital dermatitis lesions (from 29 cows). Cows with active, painful bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) lesions on the interdigital commissure of the rear feet were identified on day 0. On day 1, lesions in all cows were photographed and full-skin thickness 6 mm punch biopsies were obtained for histological evaluation. All lesions on all cows were treated with topical lincomycin paste under a light bandage. On days 12 and 23, a subsample of 10 lesions was randomly selected, photographed, and biopsied. On day 37, all lesions on all cows were photographed and biopsied. After day 37, lesions were evaluated on a monthly basis. All lesions were photographed at each observation until day 341 (end of study) but only cows that had macroscopically active lesions were biopsied. Of the 39 lesions treated on day 1, 21 (54%) required re-treatment on at least one occasion before day 341. Macroscopic classification agreed well with histological classification when lesions were small, focal and active (M1 lesions) or large, ulcerative and active (M2), but agreement was variable for lesions that had healed macroscopically (M5) or that were chronic (M4). A transition model showed that M1 and M2 lesions were 27 times more likely to be an M2 lesion on the next observation than to be a healed (M5) lesion. A prospective randomized field study to determine the efficacy of a serpens spp vaccine combined with topical treatment with... Berry, S. L., Graham, T. W., Williams et al A prospective randomized field study to determine the efficacy of a serpens spp vaccine combined with topical treatment with lincomycin HCl for treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis (footwarts) on a California dairy Berry, S. L., Graham, T. W., Williams, E. I. The efficacy of Serpens spp bacterin combined with topical administration of lincomycin hydrochloride for treatment of... Berry, Steven L., Graham, Thomas W. et al The efficacy of Serpens spp bacterin combined with topical administration of lincomycin hydrochloride for treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis (footwarts) in cows on a dairy in California Berry, Steven L., Graham, Thomas W., Mongini, Andrea Arana Marit Bovine Practitioner 1999 The objective of this prospective, randomized field trial was to determine if a Serpens spp bacterin had a therapeutic effect on cows with active lesions of papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) before or in combination with treatment with topical lincomycin HCl on a California dairy. Fifty-nine lactating cows with active, painful PDD were randomly assigned to control (not vaccinated) and vaccinated groups. Lesions of the rear feet were evaluated for pain response, color, size, and lesion scores at each of the examinations. Cows in the vaccinated group were vaccinated 3 times with a Serpens spp bacterin (days 1, 14, 43). All cows were restrained on a hydraulic tilt table at approximately day 30 and, after examination, all lesions were treated with a slurry containing 3.2 g of lincomycin mixed with 3 ml of deionized water. The slurry was applied to cotton gauze and held in place with an elastic bandage. Bandages were allowed to wear off. Lesions were re-examined while cows were locke d in stanchions at approximately days 50 and 70 and while restrained on the hydraulic tilt table on approximately day 110. Lesions improved on all cows during the course of the trial. Lesion and size scores were improved for control and vaccinated cows on days 50, 70, and 110. Pain response and color scores improved on days 50 and 70 but showed evidence of recurrence or recrudescence by day 110. There were no significant differences in evaluated scores between control and vaccinated cows at any of the examination times. When affected cows were re-examined at day 110, recurrence or recrudescence of lesions was evident in 41% of the control cows and 45% of the vaccinated cows. Vaccination of PDD affected cows with Serpens spp bacterin had no apparent effect on clinical outcome Milking the golden cow – her comfort Berry, S. L. Milking the golden cow – her comfort Berry, S. L. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2001 Milking the golden cow: Her comfort Berry, Steven L. Milking the golden cow: Her comfort Berry, Steven L. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2001 Diseases of the digital soft tissues Berry, S. L. Diseases of the digital soft tissues Berry, S. L. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2001 This article reviews diseases of the digital soft tissues, including digital dermatitis, interdigital dermatitis, interdigital phlegmon, and interdigital hyperplasia. The clinical signs and diagnosis, epidemiology and pathogenesis, etiology, and treatment and prevention of each disease are discussed Locomotion scoring of cattle using a lameness-speed index on different types of track Berry, E., Broughan, J., Stoddart, M. Locomotion scoring of cattle using a lameness-speed index on different types of track Berry, E., Broughan, J., Stoddart, M. Vet Rec 2008 Genetic and non-genetic factors associated with milking order in lactating dairy cows Berry, Donagh P., McCarthy, John Genetic and non-genetic factors associated with milking order in lactating dairy cows Berry, Donagh P., McCarthy, John Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2012 Farming systems and sanitary problems in mountain cattle farms Bernues, A., Manrique, E., Maza, M. T. Farming systems and sanitary problems in mountain cattle farms Bernues, A., Manrique, E., Maza, M. T. Veterinary Research 1994 On the basis of concepts established by ecopathology and the systems theory, certain aspects of the 'Ecosanitary System', which forms part of the 'Farming System', were studied. Multivariant statistical methods were used to analyze and classify 69 mountain cattle farms into different types and to establish relationships between variables relating to pathological problems and others relating to aspects of production and farm structure. Stable mastitis characterized farms with a higher milk production, more intensive farming and greater hygiene measures. The pattern of diarrhoea in the calves was similar. Problems relating to reproduction and calving were more characteristic of traditional, small farms Is lameness in cows inevitable? Bernet, R., Hoffmann, F. Is lameness in cows inevitable? Bernet, R., Hoffmann, F. Schweizer Fleckvieh 1999 No statistics are available for the incidence of lameness in cows in Switzerland, but the number of cows in Bavaria with leg and foot disorders increased by more than 100% between 1980 and 1997. Possibilities of eradicating these disorders by means of breeding, management, stress avoidance, hoof care and nutrition are considered. The effects of milk yield on hoof disorders and the role of biotin in preventing these disorders are discussed The stall-design paradox: Neck rails increase lameness but improve udder and stall hygiene Bernardi, F., Fregonesi, J., Veira et al The stall-design paradox: Neck rails increase lameness but improve udder and stall hygiene Bernardi, F., Fregonesi, J., Veira, D. M., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M., Winckler, C. J Dairy Sci 2009 Housing conditions for dairy cows are thought to affect lameness, but almost no experimental work has addressed this link. The aim was to assess the effect of one feature of free-stall design, the position of the neck rail, testing the prediction that cows will be more likely to become lame if using pens with the neck rail positioned such that it prevents standing fully inside the stall. Cows (n = 32) were housed in 8 pens. Treatments were tested using a crossover design; treatments were allocated alternately to pens at the beginning of the experiment and switched halfway through the 10-wk experiment. Cows spent 27 {+/-} 3 min/d standing with all 4 feet in stalls with less restrictive neck rails. In contrast, cows averaged just 1 {+/-} 3 min/d when the neck rail was positioned restrictively. Cows spent less time standing with only the front 2 feet in the stall with less restrictive neck rails (33 vs. 49 {+/-} 6 min/d). Gait scores improved when cows were kept in the less restrictive stalls and worsened when cows were kept in pens with the restrictive neck rail (median score 2.5 vs. 3.5 after 5 wk on treatment). Of 13 new cases of lameness, 11 occurred in pens with the restrictive neck-rail position. Similarly, of the 16 new cases of sole lesions, 15 occurred during the period when cows were housed in pens with a restrictive neck rail. Stalls with the neck rail positioned less restrictively had higher contamination scores than stalls with the restrictive neck rails (3.7 vs. 0.4 {+/-} 0.2), and cows using those stalls had dirtier udders and longer teat-cleaning times (8.3 vs. 7.0 {+/-} 0.2 min for 12 cows). This study provides the first experimental evidence that aspects of stall design can reduce the risk of lameness and hoof disease. The results illustrated that changes in design that resulted in improvements in cow comfort and hoof health came at the expense of cow and stall cleanliness. The effects of heat stress in Italian Holstein dairy cattle Bernabucci, U., Biffani, S., Buggiotti et al The effects of heat stress in Italian Holstein dairy cattle Bernabucci, U., Biffani, S., Buggiotti, L., Lacetera, N., Nardone, A., Vitali, A. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 The data set for this study comprised 1,488,474 test-day records for milk, fat, and protein yields and fat and protein percentages from 191,012 first-, second-, and third-parity Holstein cows from 484 farms. Data were collected from 2001 through 2007 and merged with meteorological data from 35 weather stations. A linear model (M1) was used to estimate the effects of the temperature-humidity index (THI) on production traits. Least squares means from M1 were used to detect the THI thresholds for milk production in all parities by using a 2-phase linear regression procedure (M2). A multiple-trait repeatability test-model (M3) was used to estimate variance components for all traits and a dummy regression variable (t) was defined to estimate the production decline caused by heat stress. Additionally, the estimated variance components and M3 were used to estimate traditional and heat-tolerance breeding values (estimated breeding values, EBV) for milk yield and protein percentages at parity 1. An analysis of data (M2) indicated that the daily THI at which milk production started to decline for the 3 parities and traits ranged from 65 to 76. These THI values can be achieved with different temperature/humidity combinations with a range of temperatures from 21 to 36°C and relative humidity values from 5 to 95%. The highest negative effect of THI was observed 4 d before test day over the 3 parities for all traits. The negative effect of THI on production traits indicates that first-parity cows are less sensitive to heat stress than multiparous cows. Over the parities, the general additive genetic variance decreased for protein content and increased for milk yield and fat and protein yield. Additive genetic variance for heat tolerance showed an increase from the first to third parity for milk, protein, and fat yield, and for protein percentage. Genetic correlations between general and heat stress effects were all unfavorable (from −0.24 to −0.56). Three EBV per trait were calculated for each cow and bull (traditional EBV, traditional EBV estimated with the inclusion of THI covariate effect, and heat tolerance EBV) and the rankings of EBV for 283 bulls born after 1985 with at least 50 daughters were compared. When THI was included in the model, the ranking for 17 and 32 bulls changed for milk yield and protein percentage, respectively. The heat tolerance genetic component is not negligible, suggesting that heat tolerance selection should be included in the selection objectives. Radiant heat loss, an unexploited path for heat stress reduction in shaded cattle Berman, A., Horovitz, T. Radiant heat loss, an unexploited path for heat stress reduction in shaded cattle Berman, A., Horovitz, T. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Reducing thermal radiation on shaded animals reduces heat stress independently of other means of stress relief. Radiant heat exchange was estimated as a function of climate, shade structure, and animal density. Body surface portion exposed to radiant sources in shaded environments was determined by geometrical relations to determine angles of view of radiation sources (roof underside, sky, sun-exposed ground, shaded ground) on the animal's surface. The relative representation of environment radiation sources on the body surface was determined. Animal thermal radiation balance was derived from radiant heat gained from radiation sources (including surrounding animals) and that lost from the animal surface. The animal environment was assumed to have different shade dimensions and temperatures. These were summed to the radiant heat balance of the cow. The data formed served to estimate the effect of changes in intensity of radiation sources, roof and shaded surface dimensions, and animal density on radiant heat balance (Rbal) of cattle. Roof height effect was expressed by effect of roof temperature on Rbal. Roof underside temperature (35 to 75°C) effect on Rbal was reduced by roof height. If roof height were 4 m, an increase in its underside temperature from 35 to 75°C would increase mean Rbal from −63 to −2 W·m−2, whereas if roof height were 10 m, Rbal would only increase from −99 to −88 W·m−2. A hot ground temperature increase from 35 to 65°C reduced mean Rbal heat loss from −45 to 3 W·m−2. Increasing the surface of the shaded area had only a minor effect on Rbal and on the effect of hot ground on Rbal. Increasing shade roof height reduced the effect of roof temperature on Rbal to minor levels when height was >8 m. Increasing the roof height from 4 to 10 m decreased Rbal from −32 to −94 W·m−2. Increasing indirect radiation from 100 to 500 W·m−2 was associated with an increase in Rbal from −135 to +23 W·m−2. Their combined effects were lower Rbal with increasing roof height and a reduction in rate of decrease with increasing level of indirect radiation. Roof height as an Rbal attenuator declined with increasing indirect radiation level. The latter factor might be reduced by lowering roof surface radiation absorption and through roof heat transfer, as well as by use of shade structure elements to reduce indirect radiation in the shaded area. Radiant heat from the cow body surface may be reduced by lower cow density. Radiant heat attenuation may thus further elevate animal productivity in warm climates, with no associated operation costs. The cleanliness of cows tied in stalls and the health of their hooves as influenced by the use of electric trainers Bergsten, Christer Pettersson Bertil The cleanliness of cows tied in stalls and the health of their hooves as influenced by the use of electric trainers Bergsten, Christer Pettersson Bertil Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1992 The influence of the cleanliness of cows' stalls on teh cows' own cleanliness and on the health of their hooves was investigated in 52 dairy cows tied in stalls with long stanchions from 2 October 1989 to 7 May 1990 in one Swedish dairy herd. Twenty-six of the cows were provided with electric cow trainers throughout this period, 14 did not have trainers and 12 had trainers only for the period between 7 February and 7 May. The hooves of the hind feet were evaluated for Dermatitis interdigitalis (interdigital dermatitis) and Erosio ungulae (heel-horn erosion) on 2 October, 7 February and 7 May, and on this last occasion the dry matter content of the sole horn was measured. The average number of cow-pats deposited on the floors of the stalls with electric trainers was less than one-third of the number of the stalls without them, and the cows in stalls with trainers were approximately 30% cleaner. Between October and February, heel-horn erosion increased significantly only in the cows without electric trainers, and between February and May, heel-horn erosion decreased only in the cows which were provided with trainers on 7 February. The prevalence of interdigital dermatitis decreased in all the cows throughout the period of housing and there was no significant difference in prevalence between the different groups. The dry matter content of the sole horn was significantly greater in the cows which had electric trainers than in the cows without trainers, and the difference was significant even in the cows which had the trainers only from February to May. There was a significant negative correlation between the dry matter content of the sole horn and the level of heel-horn erosion Genetic achievements in claw health based on claw trimmers reports from maintenance trimming Bergsten, C., Eriksson, J., Naeslund, S. Genetic achievements in claw health based on claw trimmers reports from maintenance trimming Bergsten, C., Eriksson, J., Naeslund, S. 15th International Symposium on Lameness in Ruminants 2008 Claw diseases: the most common cause of dairy lameness diagnoses, frequencies and risk groups in a University herd Bergsten, C., Fox, L. K., Gay, C. C. et al Claw diseases: the most common cause of dairy lameness diagnoses, frequencies and risk groups in a University herd Bergsten, C., Fox, L. K., Gay, C. C., Gay, J. M., Hancock, D. D., Williams, E. I. Effects of biotin supplementation on performance and claw lesions on a commercial dairy farm Bergsten, C., Gay, C. C., Gay, J. M. et al Effects of biotin supplementation on performance and claw lesions on a commercial dairy farm Bergsten, C., Gay, C. C., Gay, J. M., Greenough, P. R., Seymour, W. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2003 Sole haemorrhages in tied primiparous cows as an indicator of periparturient laminitis: Effects of diet, flooring and season Bergsten, C., Frank, B. Sole haemorrhages in tied primiparous cows as an indicator of periparturient laminitis: Effects of diet, flooring and season Bergsten, C., Frank, B. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 1996 Fifty-six tied heifers calving in autumn (trial I) and 21 tied heifers calving in late spring (trial II) were fed either a high or a low concentrate diet from 3 weeks before expected calving until 13 weeks after calving. Half the heifers in trial I were kept on concrete floors and the others were kept on rubber mats; all the heifers in trial II were on concrete floors. The hooves were trimmed and the soles were photographed 3 weeks before expected calving and again 13 weeks after calving. The photographs were evaluated, each claw was scored for sole haemorrhages, and the total score for all 8 claws was calculated. Before calving there were no differences between the groups of heifers within trial I or trial II, but the heifers in trial II had higher scores than those in trial I. Thirteen weeks after calving the scores had increased in both trials. In trial I the animals fed the high concentrate diet and kept on concrete floors had the highest score, and the type of floor had a greater influence than the level of concentrates fed. The heifers calving in the autumn had higher scores than those calving in the spring. The sudden change from being at pasture to being housed, and the events related to the periparturient period were the most significant factors for the development of sole haemorrhages. Sole haemorrhages in tied heifers in early gestation as an indicator of laminitis: Effects of diet and flooring Bergsten, C., Frank, B. Sole haemorrhages in tied heifers in early gestation as an indicator of laminitis: Effects of diet and flooring Bergsten, C., Frank, B. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 1996 The influence of feeding a high concentrate diet and of different types of floor surface on the prevalence and severity of haemorrhages of the sole horn was studied in 60 Swedish Friesian heifers during early pregnancy. For 4 weeks, out of a total observation period of 17 weeks, half the animals were offered 6.5 kg/day of concentrates while the others were fed a standard diet consisting mainly of roughage. Half the animals were kept on rubber mats and half on a concrete floor. The hooves were trimmed and the soles were photographed at the start and at the end of the experiment. The photographs were evaluated, each claw was scored for sole haemorrhages, and the total score for all 8 claws was calculated. No differences were observed between the groups in the scores of sole haemorrhages at any trimming. The scores were significantly higher at the first than at the second trimming, probably as a consequence of an abrupt change of floor surface 2-3 months before the first trimming. The study provides indirect evidence that events relating specifically to calving are likely to be crucial risk factors for sole haemorrhages and laminitis Cow trainers and hoof condition Andersson, L., Bergsten, C., Pettersson et al Cow trainers and hoof condition Andersson, L., Bergsten, C., Pettersson, B. Svensk Veterinartidning 1992 In experiments on 3 dairy farms with 48, 40 and 56 animals respectively, half of the cows were fitted with electric trainers during one housing season. The need for stall cleaning was reduced significantly where the cows were fitted with trainers as only one quarter as many dung pats were deposited in their stalls. The animals with trainers remained cleaner, had a slightly lower incidence of interdigital dermatitis and heel horn erosion, and a higher dry matter content in the sole horn Effects of conformation and management system on hoof and leg diseases and lameness in dairy cows Bergsten, C. Effects of conformation and management system on hoof and leg diseases and lameness in dairy cows Bergsten, C. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2001 Sole haemorrhages and heel horn erosion in dairy cows: the influence of housing system on their prevalence and severity Bergsten, C., Herlin, A. H. Sole haemorrhages and heel horn erosion in dairy cows: the influence of housing system on their prevalence and severity Bergsten, C., Herlin, A. H. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 1996 Between 1988 and 1991 at the University Research Station, Alnarp, Sweden a study was made of cattle housed in a barn containing a section of tie-stalls and a section of cubicles. Cattle used in the study were Swedish Friesian heifers and cows expected to calve during autumn and early winter. In each year groups of between 12 and 39 cattle were kept in either tie-stalls or cubicles so that in any one year 2 groups were housed in tie-stalls and 2 in cubicles. Altogether 94% of primiparous and 66% of multiparous cows had haemorrhages of the sole at trimming 2 to 4 months after calving. Of the cows, independent of age and stall system, lateral hind claws had higher scores of haemorrhages than the other claws. Primiparous cows had higher scores than multiparous cows in both tie-stalls and cubicles. The palmar/plantar region of the claw capsule was divided into zones. In multiparous cows the haemorrhage scores of the lamellar horn and wall were higher in those housed in cubicles than in those housed in tie-stalls. There was no difference between stall systems for haemorrhage scores for the sole bulb junction and apex of the sole. Heel horn erosion was absent or rare in the fore hooves of both primiparous and multiparous cows in the tie-stalls. Cows in the cubicles had higher heel horn erosion scores in their fore hooves than those in the tie-stalls. The scores of the hind hooves were generally higher than those of the fore hooves in both systems. Heel horn erosions were reduced in association with the introduction of a foot-bath. A higher incidence of lameness was observed in the cubicle system than in the tie-stalls Effects of conformation and management system on hoof and leg diseases and lameness in dairy cows. [Review] [62 refs] Bergsten, C. Effects of conformation and management system on hoof and leg diseases and lameness in dairy cows. [Review] [62 refs] Bergsten, C. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2001 Foot and leg disorders that result in lameness tend to increase with more confined management systems and increased production. Many factors affect hoof health, including genetics, conformation, diet, contagious agents, hygiene, housing systems, animal behavior, and management. This article describes relationships between hoof health and some of these factors as well as methods for prevention of lameness on a herd basis. [References: 62] Hemorrhages of the Sole Horn of Dairy-Cows as a Retrospective Indicator of Laminitis – an Epidemiologic-Study Bergsten, C. Hemorrhages of the Sole Horn of Dairy-Cows as a Retrospective Indicator of Laminitis – an Epidemiologic-Study Bergsten, C. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 1994 Eleven herds with clinical laminitis problems and 11 control herds were studied for 2 consecutive years. All the claws were trimmed and photographically recorded once each year, 2 to 6 months after the cows had calved. The haemorrhages of the sole horn were evaluated and scored for each digit, and data relevant to the factors associated with an increased risk of laminitis for each herd were collected and related to these scores for sole haemorrhages. It was found that the laminitic herds were more prone to the sole lesions than the control herds, the hind claws were more prone than the front claws, the primiparous cows were more prone than the multiparous cows and the Swedish Friesian cows were more prone than the Swedish Red and White cows. High scores were also correlated with hard floors (ie concrete) in the cow stalls, with fewer than 4 daily feedings of concentrates, with a short time allocated for the cows to eat concentrates, with feeding concentrates only at the first meal in the morning and in the afternoon and with the interaction between these last 2 variables. A Photometric-Method For Recording Hoof Diseases in Cattle, With Special Reference to Hemorrhages of the Sole Bergsten, C. A Photometric-Method For Recording Hoof Diseases in Cattle, With Special Reference to Hemorrhages of the Sole Bergsten, C. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 1993 After cleaning and trimming, the sole surface and interdigital space of the hooves of cows are photographed in a standardized way. The colour slides are projected on to a screen and the haemorrhages of the sole (reflecting Pododermatitis aseptica diffusa) and the lesions of Dermatitis interdigitalis and Erosio ungulae are scored according to their severity and extent by 2 people who do not know the identity of the cows. In a repeatability test the correlation coefficients between 2 assessments of the haemorrhages in the sole ranged between 0.78 and 0.88 for assessments of the front hooves, the hind hooves and all the hooves together Relevance of feeding, environment and management to laminitis problems Bergsten, C. Relevance of feeding, environment and management to laminitis problems Bergsten, C. Meddelande Svensk Husdjursskotsel 1990 Foot sole haemorrhaging scores reflecting extent and severity of the condition were calculated from photographs taken after hoof paring on 2 occasions in 5 trials with from 20 to 350 dairy cows or heifers housed in stalls and divided into 2 or more groups. The score was significantly higher in herds with laminitis than in unaffected controls. Haemorrhaging was commoner on back than on front hooves and in first-calvers, affected by loss of grazing, than in older cows. The laminitis problem could be reduced by distributing concentrate 4 times daily, allowing long feeding times, supplying roughage before concentrate and housing on a soft, rather than concrete, flour. Incidence was less in spring-calving than in autumn-calving heifers. The combination of calving, high-concentrate feed in early lactation and hard flooring encouraged hoof problems Management and nutritional effects on foot health in dairy cows Bergsten, C. Management and nutritional effects on foot health in dairy cows Bergsten, C. A field study to determine the prevalence, dairy herd management systems, and fresh cow clinical conditions associated with... Berge, Anna C., Vertenten, Geert A field study to determine the prevalence, dairy herd management systems, and fresh cow clinical conditions associated with ketosis in western European dairy herds Berge, Anna C., Vertenten, Geert Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Fusobacterium-Necrophorum and Bacteroides-Melaninogenicus as Etiologic Agents of Foot Rot in Cattle Berg, J. N., Loan, R. W. Fusobacterium-Necrophorum and Bacteroides-Melaninogenicus as Etiologic Agents of Foot Rot in Cattle Berg, J. N., Loan, R. W. American Journal of Veterinary Research 1975 Bacterial aeitiology of diseases in the foot rot complex. Berg, J. N., Grandin, J. L., Weaver et al Bacterial aeitiology of diseases in the foot rot complex. Berg, J. N., Grandin, J. L., Weaver, A.D. 8th International Symposium on the disorders of the ruminant digit and conference on Bovine lameness 1994 Efficacy of ethylenediamine dihydriodide as an agent to prevent experimentally induced bovine foot rot Berg, J. N. Efficacy of ethylenediamine dihydriodide as an agent to prevent experimentally induced bovine foot rot Berg, J. N. American Journal of Veterinary Research 1984 Ethylenediamine dihydriodide (EDDI) was administered by capsule and as a feed premix to cattle in 2 studies. In study I (32 steers), EDDI was given at 0, 12.5, 50, and 200 mg/animal each day and in study II (36 steers) at 0, 30, and 200 mg/animal each day. Serum iodine levels were monitored during the studies. The cattle were inoculated intradermally in the interdigital space with a mixture of Fusobacterium necrophorum and Bacteroides melaninogenicus to induce acute foot rot at day 15 (study I) or day 28 (study II) after EDDI administration was started. Lesions and lameness were evaluated 5 days after challenge exposure, using a subjective scoring system. The cattle receiving EDDI had significantly less severe lesions and lameness than control cattle in both studies (study I, P less than 0.003; study II, P less than 0.001). The results indicated that EDDI was efficacious in prevention of foot rot. The studies demonstrated a direct relationship between dosage levels of EDDI and serum iodine levels. However, at the large dosage level (200 mg) there were some individuals that showed an inability to metabolize and excrete the iodine as demonstrated by high serum iodine levels (600 to 700 micrograms of iodine/dl of serum) Interdigital phlegmon a.k.a. interdigital necrobacillosis a.k.a acute foot rot of cattle: considerations in etiology, diagnosis... Berg, J., Franklin, C. L. Interdigital phlegmon a.k.a. interdigital necrobacillosis a.k.a acute foot rot of cattle: considerations in etiology, diagnosis and treatment Berg, J., Franklin, C. L. 2000 Rectal Temperature, Calving-Related Factors, and the Incidence of Puerperal Metritis in Postpartum Dairy Cows Archbald, L. F., Benzaquen, M. E. et al Rectal Temperature, Calving-Related Factors, and the Incidence of Puerperal Metritis in Postpartum Dairy Cows Archbald, L. F., Benzaquen, M. E., Melendez, P., Risco, C. A., Thatcher, M. J., Thatcher, W. W. Journal of Dairy Science 2007 The objectives of this study were as follows: 1) to evaluate the association among abnormal calving, parity, and season on the incidence of puerperal metritis (PM) and clinical endometritis (CE) during d 3 to 13 and 20 to 30 postpartum, respectively; 2) to describe the rectal temperature (RT) of cows with PM before diagnosis; and 3) to document associations among PM, CE, and reproductive performance in lactating dairy cows. This study followed a prospective observational study design. Cows were classified as having an abnormal calving status (AC), i.e., cows calving with dystocia, twins, retained fetal membranes, or some combination of these conditions, and having a normal calving status (NC). Daily RT was recorded from d 3 to 13 postpartum for all cows, and health examinations were performed on cows that appeared not well. A total of 450 calvings were evaluated. Cows with an AC had greater odds of PM than cows with NC [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.9 to 8.0). A season by parity interaction showed that primiparous cows that calved during the warm season had lower AOR of PM than during the cool season (0.24; 95% CI = 0.09 to 0.62), whereas multiparous cows did not have seasonal effects on PM (1.43; 95% CI = 0.65 to 3.18). Cows with AC have greater AOR for CE than cows with NC (2.8; 95% CI = 1.7 to 4.9), and greater AOR of CE were detected in cows diagnosed with PM than in cows without PM (2.2; 95% CI = 1.1 to 3.9). Rectal temperature in cows with PM increased significantly 24 h before diagnosis of PM, reaching 39.2 ± 0.05°C on the day of diagnosis. In cows with PM and fever at diagnosis, the RT began to increase from 72 to 48 h before the diagnosis of PM and continued to increase to 39.7 ± 0.09°C on d 0 (day of diagnosis). Nonetheless, cows with PM without fever at diagnosis had no daily increases in RT before diagnosis of PM. Still, the RT on d 0 was different from cows without PM. Cows without PM had a stable RT (38.6 ± 0.01°C). There were no detected differences in first-service conception risk or cumulative pregnancy risk by 150 d postpartum between cows with or without PM. Still, a season effect on first-service conception AOR (warm vs. cool = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.18 to 0.72) and accumulated pregnancy AOR by 150 d postpartum was detected (warm vs. cool = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.33). Modelling the impact of livestock disease on production: case studies of non-notifiable diseases of farm animals in Great Britain Bennett, R. M., Christiansen, K. et al Modelling the impact of livestock disease on production: case studies of non-notifiable diseases of farm animals in Great Britain Bennett, R. M., Christiansen, K., CliftonHadley, R. S. Animal Science 1999 Spreadsheet models were constructed to assess the economic impact of some 30 non-notifiable diseases of farm animals in Great Britain. A standardized methodology and common valuation base were used to derive estimates of the direct costs to livestock production of each disease, separately identifying the costs associated with disease output losses and those relating to disease treatment and prevention. Disease data limitations and uncertainties are incorporated into the estimation procedure. The spreadsheet models are highly transparent with calculations and the origin of parameter values clearly documented The assessments of six bovine diseases, are presented: BVD, fasciolosis, lameness, leptospirosis, mastitis, and summer mastitis, and full details of the analyses of all the diseases can be accessed on the internet. The models do not consider the wider economic impacts of disease, such as effects on markets, human health and animal welfare. However, the approach is a simple and transparent one which enables exploration of the direct costs associated with a range of livestock diseases and which is easily communicated to policy makers and others Direct costs of endemic diseases of farm animals in Great Britain Bennett, R. M., Christiansen, K. et al Direct costs of endemic diseases of farm animals in Great Britain Bennett, R. M., Christiansen, K., Clifton Hadley, R. S. Veterinary Record 1999 The direct costs of 30 endemic diseases of farm animals in Great Britain were estimated in a project funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Variables included treatment costs, costs associated with specific disease prevention, magnitude of physical disease effects, such as litres of milk lost, etc. Simple spreadsheet models of each disease were constructed for the livestock population of Great Britain. Results are tabulated for the main diseases of cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry. The spreadsheet models and supporting documentation can be accessed from the website http://www.rdg.ac.uk/AcaDepts/ae/AEM/livestockdisea/ Estimating the costs associated with endemic diseases of dairy cattle Bennett, R. M., Christiansen, K. et al Estimating the costs associated with endemic diseases of dairy cattle Bennett, R. M., Christiansen, K., Clifton Hadley, R. S. Journal of Dairy Research 1999 Analyses of the impacts on production of 5 endemic diseases and conditions of dairy cattle in mainland UK are presented: bovine diarrhoea virus, fasciolosis, lameness, leptospirosis and mastitis (including summer mastitis). These analyses follow from a preliminary economic study of the impacts on livestock production of some 30 non-notifiable diseases and conditions of farm animals (Bennett et al. 1997). The study was funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in the UK, with the eventual aim of providing information to policy makers to help them reach decisions on allocating funds to research into livestock diseases. Full details of the analyses are available on the website http://www.rdg.ac.uk/AcaDepts/ae/AEM/livestockdisea/. It is concluded that mastitis and lameness result in substantial losses to dairy production Investigating the value dairy farmers place on a reduction of lameness in their herds using a willingness to pay approach Barker, Z. E., Bennett, R. M., Leach et al Investigating the value dairy farmers place on a reduction of lameness in their herds using a willingness to pay approach Barker, Z. E., Bennett, R. M., Leach, K. A., Main, D. C. J., Whay, H. R. The Veterinary Journal 2014 Tail docking: can attitude change be achieved? Bennett, P.C., Perini, E. Tail docking: can attitude change be achieved? Bennett, P.C., Perini, E. Austrailian Veterinary Journal 2003 Ovine footrot: New approaches to an old disease Bennett, G. N., Hickford, J. G. H. Ovine footrot: New approaches to an old disease Bennett, G. N., Hickford, J. G. H. Veterinary Microbiology 2011 Detection of Fusobacterium necrophorum and Dichelobacter nodosus in lame cattle on dairy farms in New Zealand Bennett, G., Gibbs, J., Hickford, J. et al Detection of Fusobacterium necrophorum and Dichelobacter nodosus in lame cattle on dairy farms in New Zealand Bennett, G., Gibbs, J., Hickford, J., Laporte, J., Zhou, H. Research in Veterinary Science 2009 Dichelobacter nodosus, Fusobacterium necrophorum and the epidemiology of footrot Bennett, Grant, Hickford, Jon, Sedcole et al Dichelobacter nodosus, Fusobacterium necrophorum and the epidemiology of footrot Bennett, Grant, Hickford, Jon, Sedcole, Richard, Zhou, Huitong Anaerobe 2009 Effect of Mastitis Treatment and Somatic Cell Counts on Milk Yield in Danish Organic Dairy Cows Bennedsgaard, T. W., Enevoldsen, C. et al Effect of Mastitis Treatment and Somatic Cell Counts on Milk Yield in Danish Organic Dairy Cows Bennedsgaard, T. W., Enevoldsen, C., Thamsborg, S. M., Vaarst, M. J Dairy Sci 2003 Production and disease data from 17,488 lactations in 48 Danish organic dairy herds from 1997 to 2001 were analyzed to obtain estimates on the effect of somatic cell counts (SCC) and mastitis treatment on milk production. A multilevel three-parameter piecewise random coefficients linear model with energy-corrected milk (ECM) as dependent variable and herd, lactation, and test days as levels, was used to model the lactation curve. Covariates related to production, SCC, veterinary treatments, and reproductive performance in the previous lactation as well as information on other diseases in the current lactation were included to describe the production capacity of the individual cow. The average daily milk production at herd level was 20.8, 24.2, and 25.8 kg of ECM/d in first, second, and third or later lactation. The estimates for production losses were on average 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 kg of ECM/d in first, second, and third or later lactation with each twofold increase in SCC between 100,000 and 1,500,000 cells/ml. The effect varied with the stage of lactation and was nonsignificant around 60 d postpartum and highest at the end of the lactation. The production losses in cows treated for mastitis varied with parity and stage of lactation and were modified by the SCC after treatment. For a cow in third lactation with a SCC below 100,000 cells/ml before treatment at days in milk = 15, the predicted loss was 435 kg of ECM, including a loss of 135 kg of ECM because of higher SCC compared with the level before treatment. Most of the variation in production related to SCC and mastitis was at the lactation level, and no significant differences were found between herds grouped according to milk production level, SCC, or prevalence of mastitis treatment. Using manure from cattle fed dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) as fertilizer: Effects on nutrient accumulation in... Benke, Mônica B., Caffyn, Pam, Hao et al Using manure from cattle fed dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) as fertilizer: Effects on nutrient accumulation in soil and uptake by barley Benke, Mônica B., Caffyn, Pam, Hao, Xiying, McAllister, Tim A., Schoenau, Jeff J. Agriculture/ Ecosystems & Environment 2010 Effect of progesterone supplementation in the first week post conception on embryo survival in beef heifers Beltman, M. E., Crowe, M. A., Diskin et al Effect of progesterone supplementation in the first week post conception on embryo survival in beef heifers Beltman, M. E., Crowe, M. A., Diskin, M. G., Lonergan, P., Roche, J. F. Theriogenology 2009 Inter-observer reliability of two pain scales for newborns Bagnoli, F., Bellieni, C. V., Buonocore et al Inter-observer reliability of two pain scales for newborns Bagnoli, F., Bellieni, C. V., Buonocore, G., Caliani, C., Cordelli, D. M., Franci, N., Palazzi, C., Perrone, S. Early Human Development 2007 Evaluating the efficiency of participatory epidemiology to estimate the incidence and impacts of foot-and-mouth disease among... Bellet, C., Goutard, F., Grosbois, V. et al Evaluating the efficiency of participatory epidemiology to estimate the incidence and impacts of foot-and-mouth disease among livestock owners in Cambodia Bellet, C., Goutard, F., Grosbois, V., Holl, D., Roger, F., Vergne, T. Acta Tropica 2012 Technology: are we any closer to automated lameness detection or automated mobility scoring? Bell, N.J., Walker, A.M. Technology: are we any closer to automated lameness detection or automated mobility scoring? Bell, N.J., Walker, A.M. Livestock 2016 The use of disinfectant foot-bathing agents for the control of bovine digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Bell, N.J., Blowey, R., Huxley, J.N. et al The use of disinfectant foot-bathing agents for the control of bovine digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Bell, N.J., Blowey, R., Huxley, J.N., Main, D. C. J., Potterton, S., Whay, H. R. Livestock 2014 Disinfectant footbathing agents for the control of bovine digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Bell, Nick J, Blowey, Roger, Huxley et al Disinfectant footbathing agents for the control of bovine digital dermatitis in dairy cattle Bell, Nick J, Blowey, Roger, Huxley, Jonathan N, Potterton, Sarah, Whay, Helen Rebecca Livestock 2014 The impact of farmer and veterinary surgeon concordance on the effectiveness of a lameness control programme for primiparous... Bell, M. J., Bell, N.J., KNOWLES, T.G. et al The impact of farmer and veterinary surgeon concordance on the effectiveness of a lameness control programme for primiparous dairy heifers. Bell, M. J., Bell, N.J., KNOWLES, T.G., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER, A.J.F., Whay, H. R. British Society of Animal Science 2007 Herd health planning: farmer perceptions and practices in relation to lameness and mastitis Bell, M. J., Bell, N.J., KNOWLES, T.G. et al Herd health planning: farmer perceptions and practices in relation to lameness and mastitis Bell, M. J., Bell, N.J., KNOWLES, T.G., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER, A.J.F., Whay, H. R. Veterinary Record 2006 Applying principles of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system to reduce lameness in UK dairy heifers –... Bell, M. J., Bell, N.J., Buncic, S. et al Applying principles of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system to reduce lameness in UK dairy heifers – Abstract Bell, M. J., Bell, N.J., Buncic, S., KNOWLES, T.G., Main, D. C. J., WEBSTER, A.J.F., Whay, H. R. Cattle Practice 2003 Case report: Reducing lameness through active screening, attention to details and skilled staff Bell, Nick J, Main, D. C. J. Case report: Reducing lameness through active screening, attention to details and skilled staff Bell, Nick J, Main, D. C. J. Livestock 2012 Case report: Engaging farm staff in a lameness control programme Bell, Nick J, Main, David CJ Case report: Engaging farm staff in a lameness control programme Bell, Nick J, Main, David CJ Livestock 2011 The use of rubber floor matting on dairy units: a critical review Bell, N.J., Huxley, J.N. The use of rubber floor matting on dairy units: a critical review Bell, N.J., Huxley, J.N. Cattle Practice 2009 Locomotion, lameness and mobility in dairy cows (letter). Bell, N.J., Huxley, J.N. Locomotion, lameness and mobility in dairy cows (letter). Bell, N.J., Huxley, J.N. Veterinary Record 2009 Digital dermatitis: treatment and control Bell, Nick J, Blowey, Roger, Laven et al Digital dermatitis: treatment and control Bell, Nick J, Blowey, Roger, Laven, Richard, Reader, Jon, Smith, Rob Livestock 2013 The development, implementation and testing of a lameness control programme based on HACCP principles and designed for heifers on... Bell, M. J., Bell, N.J., KNOWLES, T.G. et al The development, implementation and testing of a lameness control programme based on HACCP principles and designed for heifers on dairy farms Bell, M. J., Bell, N.J., KNOWLES, T.G., Main, D. J., WEBSTER, A.J.F., Whay, H. R. The Veterinary Journal 2009 Categorisation & analysis of risks affecting the prevalence of lameness in dairy heifers. Bell, M. J., Bell, N.J., KNOWLES, T.G. et al Categorisation & analysis of risks affecting the prevalence of lameness in dairy heifers. Bell, M. J., Bell, N.J., KNOWLES, T.G., WEBSTER, A.J.F. British Society of Animal Science 2007 Challenges facing automatic lameness detection: Combining biotelemetry sensors to improve algorithm performance for determining... Amory, J. R., Barker, Z. E., Bell, N.J. et al Challenges facing automatic lameness detection: Combining biotelemetry sensors to improve algorithm performance for determining cow behaviour used for early detection of lameness Amory, J. R., Barker, Z. E., Bell, N.J., Codling, E.A.,, Croft, D.P.,, Hodges, H.R., Vázquez Diosdado, J.A., 18th International Symposium and 10th Conference on Lameness in Ruminants 2015 Early lameness detection, cow comfort and infectious lesion control: lessons from the UK (invited presentation) Bell, N.J. Early lameness detection, cow comfort and infectious lesion control: lessons from the UK (invited presentation) Bell, N.J. 16th International Conference on Production Diseases in Farm Animals 2016 The farm audit: foot health, lameness and footcare Bell, N.J. The farm audit: foot health, lameness and footcare Bell, N.J. Bovine Medicine 2014 Using foot lesion prevalence data in an investigation of lameness associated with Palm Kernel in a Dairy Blend Bell, Nick J Using foot lesion prevalence data in an investigation of lameness associated with Palm Kernel in a Dairy Blend Bell, Nick J Livestock 2012 No lame cows – is it possible? Experiences from the Healthy Feet Project Bell, N.J. No lame cows – is it possible? Experiences from the Healthy Feet Project Bell, N.J. The Cattle Lameness Conference 2010 How to perform a post mortem. Bell, N.J. How to perform a post mortem. Bell, N.J. Professional Handbook of the Donkey 2008 The alleviation and prevention of lameness in dairy heifers Bell, N.J. The alleviation and prevention of lameness in dairy heifers Bell, N.J. Clinical Veterinary Medicine 2006 Lameness: Evaluation, hazards and interventions Bell, N.J. Lameness: Evaluation, hazards and interventions Bell, N.J. Cattle Practice 2005 Systems for monitoring and controlling dairy cow lameness on farm have remained relatively under-developed in the UK compared with mastitis and infertility. With herd sizes and average annual milk yields increasing, the pressure to control an increasing lameness risk will inevitably drive the development of new and more sophisticated control strategies, and with it a need to properly evaluate the value and effectiveness of interventions. This paper outlines some of the principles implemented in a Defra funded intervention study into the alleviation and prevention of lameness in dairy heifers focussing on the key steps of lameness evaluation, hazard identification and intervention planning. Assessment of prevalence, treatment and control of lameness-related disease in dairy heifers on 30 farms in Southwest Britain Bell, N.J. Assessment of prevalence, treatment and control of lameness-related disease in dairy heifers on 30 farms in Southwest Britain Bell, N.J. 13th Symp. Lameness in Ruminants 2004 Cattle-Using foot lesion data in an investigation of lameness associated with Palm Kernel in a Dairy Blend Bell, Nick J Cattle-Using foot lesion data in an investigation of lameness associated with Palm Kernel in a Dairy Blend Bell, Nick J A QUASI-RANDOMISED, NON-INFERIORITY CLINICAL TRIAL COMPARING HOOFSURE ENDURANCE WITH 4% FORMALIN Bell, NJ, Dyson, SJ A QUASI-RANDOMISED, NON-INFERIORITY CLINICAL TRIAL COMPARING HOOFSURE ENDURANCE WITH 4% FORMALIN Bell, NJ, Dyson, SJ Cow tracks Bell, N.J. Cow tracks Bell, N.J. Cattle Practice 2007 Proceedings of the 13th Intl Symposium and 5th Conference on Lameness in Ruminants Bell, NJ Proceedings of the 13th Intl Symposium and 5th Conference on Lameness in Ruminants Bell, NJ The effect of improving cow productivity, fertility, and longevity on the global warming potential of dairy systems Bell, M. J., Russell, G., Simm, G. et al The effect of improving cow productivity, fertility, and longevity on the global warming potential of dairy systems Bell, M. J., Russell, G., Simm, G., Stott, A. W., Wall, E. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Sole lesions in dairy cattle Bell, E., Weary, D. Sole lesions in dairy cattle Bell, E., Weary, D. Journal of Dairy Science 2002 Expression of proinflammatory mediators and vasoactive substances in laminitic cattle Belknap, E.B., Belknap, J., Christmann et al Expression of proinflammatory mediators and vasoactive substances in laminitic cattle Belknap, E.B., Belknap, J., Christmann, U., Cochran, A. Proceedings of the 12th International Symposium on Lameness in Ruminants 2002 Possible association between chronic laminitis and some biochemical parameters in dairy cattle. Atasoy, N., Belge, A., Belge, F. et al Possible association between chronic laminitis and some biochemical parameters in dairy cattle. Atasoy, N., Belge, A., Belge, F., Bildik, A., Kilicalp, D. Aust Vet J. 2004 Subclinical laminitis in dairy cattle: scorring of the solea lesions Belge, A., Gonenci, R. Subclinical laminitis in dairy cattle: scorring of the solea lesions Belge, A., Gonenci, R. Veteriner Cerrahi Dergisi 2001 Zinc and bovine foot diseases. Experiences in Albania Bega, F., Gjino, P. Zinc and bovine foot diseases. Experiences in Albania Bega, F., Gjino, P. Obiettivi e Documenti Veterinari 1997 Foot diseases, mainly sole ulcers and interdigital hyperplasia, affected 21% of 157 dairy cows and heifers in a housed herd in Albania. Low zinc values were found in their feed and also in the blood serum of affected animals. The addition of zinc sulfate to their diet (5.3 g/animal daily) increased blood zinc values and prevented foot diseases Epidemiological study of foot lesions in dairy cattle in the Poas region, Costa Rica Beemster, C. M. T., Burger, R., Dwinger et al Epidemiological study of foot lesions in dairy cattle in the Poas region, Costa Rica Beemster, C. M. T., Burger, R., Dwinger, R. H., Frankena, K., Quiros, J. Ciencias Veterinarias Heredia 1992 A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Poas region (Heredia province) of Costa Rica to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of foot disorders in dairy cattle. Foot disorders were diagnosed in 97.8% of the 759 lactating cows studied. The 5 most prevalent diseases were laminitis (77.1%), interdigital dermatitis (52.0%), white line separation (66.1%), contusion of the sole (12.9%) and double sole (12.1%). Risk factors were studied for the 3 diseases with the highest prevalences. For laminitis, breed (Holstein X Jersey) and lactational stage (first 39 days) were protective factors and age (2-3 years), was found to be a risk factor. Breed (Jersey) and lactational stage (first 39 days) were risk factors for interdigital dermatitis. White line separation had two preventive factors: breed (Jersey) and age (2-3 years) Occurrence and treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cows Becvar, O., Illek, J., Matejicek, M. et al Occurrence and treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cows Becvar, O., Illek, J., Matejicek, M., Sterc, J. Veterinarstvi 2000 Effects on monensin on the reproduction, health, and milk production of dairy cows Beckett, S., Dyson, R., Lean, I. et al Effects on monensin on the reproduction, health, and milk production of dairy cows Beckett, S., Dyson, R., Lean, I., Tranter, W., Wade, L. Journal of Dairy Science 1998 A randomized clinical trial including 1109 cows from 12 Australian dairy herds was used to evaluate the effects of monensin on the health (n = >686 cows), production (n = 915 cows), and reproduction (n = >908 cows) of dairy cows. Cows were allocated to a treatment group receiving-a slow-release intraluminal bolus containing 32 g of sodium monensin that was administered 40 d before and 50 d following the anticipated calving date or to a control group. Treatment did not significantly alter any reproductive outcome; 54.5% of cows treated with monensin and 58.2% of control cows were pregnant at first service, and days to conception were lower for cows treated with monensin. The hazard rate (0.95) was not significant for these cows. The percentage of cows pregnant was 83.8 for cows treated with monensin and 83.3 for control cows, and days to first estrus (hazard rate = 1.04) and first service (hazard rate = 1.04) were not significantly higher for treated cows. Treatment with monensin did not significantly alter the risk of any disease. The incidence of retained fetal membranes, pyometra, lameness, abortion, and infectious diseases was not significantly lower for cows in the treatment group, and the incidence of mastitis was not significantly higher for cows in the treatment group. Monensin significantly increased milk production by 0.75 L/d per cow and tended to increase milk fat and protein yields but had no significant effect on milk fat or milk protein percentages. Changes in the production of milk and milk constituents were consistent throughout lactation Effects of monensin on the reproduction, health, and milk production of dairy cows Beckett, S., Dyson, R., Lean, I. et al Effects of monensin on the reproduction, health, and milk production of dairy cows Beckett, S., Dyson, R., Lean, I., Tranter, W., Wade, L. Journal of Dairy Science 1998 A randomized clinical trial including 1109 cows from 12 Australian dairy herds was used to evaluate the effects of monensin on the health (n = >686 cows), production (n = 915 cows), and reproduction (n = >908 cows) of dairy cows. Cows were allocated to a treatment group receiving a slow-release intraruminal bolus containing 32 g of sodium monensin that was administered 40 d before and 50 d following the anticipated calving date or to a control: group. Treatment did not significantly alter any reproductive outcome; 54.5% of cows treated with monensin and 58.2% of control cows were pregnant at first service, and days to conception were lower for cows treated with monensin. The hazard rate (0.95) was not significant for these cows. The percentage of cows pregnant was 83.8 for cows treated with monensin and 83.3 for control cows, and days to first estrus (hazard rate = 1.04) and first service (hazard rate = 1.04) were not significantly higher for treated cows. Treatment with monensin did not significantly alter the risk of any disease. The incidence of retained fetal membranes, pyometra, lameness, abortion, and infectious diseases was not significantly lower for cows in the treatment group, and the incidence of mastitis was not significantly higher for cows in the treatment group. Monensin significantly increased milk production by 0.75 L/d per cow and tended to increase milk fat and protein yields but had no significant effect on milk fat or milk protein percentages. Changes in the production of milk and milk constituents were consistent throughout lactation. Costs for health care of Holstein cows selected for large versus small body size Becker, J. C., Hansen, L. B., Heins et al Costs for health care of Holstein cows selected for large versus small body size Becker, J. C., Hansen, L. B., Heins, B. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Factors influencing the attitudes of cattle veterinarians, farmers, and claw trimmers towards the pain associated with the... Becker, Johanna, Reist, Martin, Steiner et al Factors influencing the attitudes of cattle veterinarians, farmers, and claw trimmers towards the pain associated with the treatment of sole ulcers and the sensitivity to pain of dairy cows Becker, Johanna, Reist, Martin, Steiner, Adrian The Veterinary Journal Current attitudes of bovine practitioners, claw-trimmers and farmers in Switzerland to pain and painful interventions in the feet... Becker, Johanna, Friedli, Katharina et al Current attitudes of bovine practitioners, claw-trimmers and farmers in Switzerland to pain and painful interventions in the feet in dairy cattle Becker, Johanna, Friedli, Katharina, Reist, Martin, Steiner, Adrian, Strabel, Dirk, Wüthrich, Marianne The Veterinary Journal 2013 Effects of particle size of alfalfa-based dairy cow diets on chewing activity, ruminal fermentation, and milk production Beauchemin, K. A., Rode, L. M., Yang et al Effects of particle size of alfalfa-based dairy cow diets on chewing activity, ruminal fermentation, and milk production Beauchemin, K. A., Rode, L. M., Yang, W. Z. Journal of Dairy Science 2003 Effects of forage particle size measured as physically effective NDF and ratio of alfalfa silage to alfalfa hay of diets on feed intake, chewing activity, particle size reduction, salivary secretion, ruminal fermentation, and milk production of dairy cows were evaluated using a 4 x 4 Latin square design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The diets consisted of 60% barley-based concentrate and 40% forage, comprised either of 50:50 or 25:75 of alfalfa silage:alfalfa hay, and alfalfa hay was either chopped or ground. Various methods were used to determine physically effective NDF content of the diets. Cows surgically fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were offered ad libitum access to these total mixed diets. The physically effective NDF content of the diets was significantly lower when measured using the Penn State Particle Separator than when measured based on particles retained on 1.18-mm screen. Intake of DM was increased by increasing the ratio of silage to hay but was not affected by physically effective NDF content of diets. Eating time (hours per day) was not affected by the physically effective NDF content of diets, although cows spent more time eating per unit of DM or NDF when consuming high versus low alfalfa hay diets. Ruminating time (hours per day) was increased with increased physically effective NDF content of the diets. Rumen pH was affected more by changing dietary particle size than altering the ratio of silage to hay. Feeding chopped hay instead of ground hay improved ruminal pH status: time during which ruminal pH was above 6.2 increased and time during which ruminal pH was below 5.8 decreased. Milk production was increased by feeding higher concentrations of alfalfa silage due to increased DM intake, but was not affected by dietary particle size. Feed particle size, expressed as mean particle length or physically effective NDF was moderately correlated with ruminating time but not with eating time. Although physically effective NDF and chewing time were not correlated to mean rumen pH, they were negatively correlated to the area between the curve and pH 5.8, indicating a positive effect on reducing the risk of acidosis. Milk fat content was correlated to rumen pH but not to physically effective NDF or chewing activity. These results indicate that increasing physically effective NDF content of the diets increased chewing activity and improved rumen pH status but had limited effect on milk production and milk fat content. Effects of physically effective fiber on intake, chewing activity, and ruminal acidosis for dairy cows fed diets based on corn... Beauchemin, K. A., Yang, W. Z. Effects of physically effective fiber on intake, chewing activity, and ruminal acidosis for dairy cows fed diets based on corn silage Beauchemin, K. A., Yang, W. Z. Journal of Dairy Science 2005 A study was conducted to investigate the effects of physically effective (pe) neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of dairy cow diets containing corn silage as the sole forage type on feed intake, meal patterns, chewing activity, and rumen pH. The experiment was designed as a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square using 6 lactating dairy cows with ruminal cannulas. Diets were chemically similar but varied in peNDF content (high, medium, and low) by altering corn silage particle length. The physical effectiveness factors for the long (original), medium (rechopped once), and fine (rechopped twice) silages were determined using the Penn State Particle Separator and were 0.84, 0.73, and 0.67, respectively. The peNDF contents of the diets were 11.5, 10.3, and 8.9%, for the high, medium, and low diets, respectively. Increased forage particle length increased intake of peNDF but did not affect intake of DM or NDF. Number of chews (chews/d) and chewing time, including eating and ruminating time, were linearly increased with increasing dietary peNDF. Meal patterns were generally similar for all treatments, except that number of meals was quadratically increased with increasing dietary peNDF. Mean ruminal pH, area between the curve and a horizontal line at pH 5.8 or 5.5, and time that pH was below 5.8 or 5.5 were not affected by peNDF content. Dietary peNDF content was moderately correlated to number of chews during eating (r=0.41) and to total chewing time (r=0.37). The present study demonstrates that increasing the peNDF content of diets increased chewing time, but increased chewing time did not necessarily reduce ruminal acidosis. Models that predict rumen pH should include both peNDF and fermentable OM intake. Dietary particle size, expressed as peNDF, was a reliable indicator of chewing activity. Factors associated with age at slaughter and carcass weight, price, and value of dairy cull cows Bazzoli, I., Berry, D. P., Bittante, G. et al Factors associated with age at slaughter and carcass weight, price, and value of dairy cull cows Bazzoli, I., Berry, D. P., Bittante, G., Cecchinato, A., De Marchi, M. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Preliminary-Observations on a Series of Outbreaks of Acute Laminitis in Dairy-Cattle Bazeley, K., Pinsent, P. J. N. Preliminary-Observations on a Series of Outbreaks of Acute Laminitis in Dairy-Cattle Bazeley, K., Pinsent, P. J. N. Veterinary Record 1984 Alternatives to Digit Amputation in Cattle Baxter, G. M., Broome, T. A., Lakritz et al Alternatives to Digit Amputation in Cattle Baxter, G. M., Broome, T. A., Lakritz, J., Parks, A. H., Wallace, C. E. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian 1991 Deep foot infections in cattle can rapidly invade vital structures, thus causing severe lameness. Digit amputation in cattle quickly removes the source of infection within the foot but decreases the productivity, longevity, and value of the animal. For selected cases, digit salvage techniques provide an option for dedicated owners who wish to maintain the longevity and productivity of their animals. Digit salvage techniques may be indicated if an animal with acute or chronic localized infection is young, is valuable, must remain productive for longer than 12 to 18 months, must remain a pasture- breeding bull, or must compete with herdmates. Digit salvage techniques are more expensive than amputation and require more aftercare; they are also associated with higher postoperative morbidity and slower return to production. If the digit salvage technique fails, however, digit amputation can be performed. This article discusses the various indications and techniques for digit salvage Osteochondritis dissecans of the medial trochlear ridge of the talus in a calf Baxter, G. M., Hay, W. P., Selcer, B. A. Osteochondritis dissecans of the medial trochlear ridge of the talus in a calf Baxter, G. M., Hay, W. P., Selcer, B. A. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1991 Osteochondritis dissecans of the proximal aspect of the medial trochlear ridge of the talus was found to be causing lameness and tarsocrural joint effusion in a male Limousin calf. Arthroscopy via a dorsolateral approach was unsuccessful in revealing the lesion in this calf. A caudomedial arthrotomy or medial malleolar osteotomy, which can be used to gain access to lesions of the medial trochlear ridge in dogs, was not attempted. The lameness gradually worsened, and the calf was slaughtered Suitability of indicator traits in breeding for claw health in German Simmentals. 2. Relationships between claw parameters and... Baumgartner, C., Distl, O., Krausslich et al Suitability of indicator traits in breeding for claw health in German Simmentals. 2. Relationships between claw parameters and model calculations for genetic gain Baumgartner, C., Distl, O., Krausslich, H. Zuchtungskunde 1990 For the cattle studied in Pt. 1 (see pp. 195-207 of the same number of the journal), genetic correlations were estimated between claw disorder frequencies and claw shape measurements. These were mainly 0.20-0.50 or -0.20 to -0.50. A selection index procedure, based on a progeny test with 40 daughters per sire, was implemented to find the best combination of traits to use in selecting for better claw health. Compared with direct selection against claw disorders, selection based on angle and length of the dorsal border of the claw, heel length and height, diagonal length of the claw, and sole area was 67% as efficient. This value fell to 63% if only length of the dorsal border, heel length and diagonal length were included in the index. The addition of leg posture to the index increased the relative selection response by 20%. It is recommended that measurements on herdmates should be made in order to adjust for herd effects Suitability of indicator traits in breeding for claw health in German Simmentals. 1. Estimated heritabilities for claw... Baumgartner, C., Distl, O., Krausslich et al Suitability of indicator traits in breeding for claw health in German Simmentals. 1. Estimated heritabilities for claw measurements, leg posture score and claw shape, and diagnosis of claw diseases of cows at the start of the 1st lactation Baumgartner, C., Distl, O., Krausslich, H. Zuchtungskunde 1990 Data were analysed on 6 claw measurements, claw shape, leg posture scores and 8 claw disorders of 725 German Simmental (GS) daughters of 18 GS bulls. The statistical model included the fixed effects of herd, chest girth, calving period, nutrition, claw care rating, and month of measurement, and the random sire effect. The claw measurements, which are illustrated in a diagram, were linear, angular and area measurements. Herd was the most important fixed effect. The h2s of (1) claw measurements, (2) leg posture and claw shape, and (3) claw disorders were 0.17 0.08 to 0.66 0.21, 0.08 0.06 to 0.50 0.18 and 0.10 0.07 to 0.35 0.14 resp. For Pt. 2 see pp. 208-221 of the same number of the journal The origin and concept of HACCP Bauman, H.E. The origin and concept of HACCP Bauman, H.E. HACCP in Meat, Poultry and Fish Processing. Advances in Meat Research 1995 Identifying management and disease priorities of Canadian dairy industry stakeholders Barkema, H. W., Bauman, C. A., Dubuc et al Identifying management and disease priorities of Canadian dairy industry stakeholders Barkema, H. W., Bauman, C. A., Dubuc, J., Keefe, G. P., Kelton, D. F. Journal of Dairy Science 2016 The objective of this study was to identify the key management and disease issues affecting the Canadian dairy industry. An online questionnaire (FluidSurveys, http://fluidsurveys.com/) was conducted between March 1 and May 31, 2014. A total of 1,025 responses were received from across Canada of which 68% (n = 698) of respondents were dairy producers, and the remaining respondents represented veterinarians, university researchers, government personnel, and other allied industries. Participants were asked to identify their top 3 management and disease priorities from 2 lists offered. Topics were subsequently ranked from highest to lowest using 3 different ranking methods based on points: 5-3-1 (5 points for first priority, 3 for second, and 1 for first), 3-2-1, and 1-1-1 (equal ranking). The 5-3-1 point system was selected because it minimized the number of duplicate point scores. Stakeholder groups showed general agreement with the top management issue identified as animal welfare and the number one health concern as lameness. Other areas identified as priorities were reproductive health, antibiotic use, bovine viral diarrhea, and Staphylococcus aureus mastitis with these rankings influenced by region, herd size, and stakeholder group. This is the first national comprehensive assessment of priorities undertaken in the Canadian dairy industry and will assist researchers, policymakers, program developers, and funding agencies make future decisions based on direct industry feedback. Effects of stocking rate on pasture production, milk production and reproduction of supplemented crossbred Holstein–Jersey... Barry, T. N., Baudracco, J., Comeron et al Effects of stocking rate on pasture production, milk production and reproduction of supplemented crossbred Holstein–Jersey dairy cows grazing lucerne pasture Barry, T. N., Baudracco, J., Comeron, E. A., Holmes, C. W., Lopez-Villalobos, N., Maciel, M., Romero, L. A., Scandolo, D. Animal Feed Science and Technology 2011 Infection kinetics of Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease virus serotype 6 in Holstein-Friesian cattle Batten, C. A., Bin-Tarif, A., Edwards et al Infection kinetics of Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease virus serotype 6 in Holstein-Friesian cattle Batten, C. A., Bin-Tarif, A., Edwards, L., Henstock, M. R., Oura, C. A. L. Veterinary Microbiology 2011 Genetic parameters for body condition score, locomotion, angularity, and production traits in Italian Holstein cattle Battagin, M., Biffani, S., Cassandro et al Genetic parameters for body condition score, locomotion, angularity, and production traits in Italian Holstein cattle Battagin, M., Biffani, S., Cassandro, M., Penasa, M., Sartori, C. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 International genetic evaluation of Holstein bulls for overall type traits and body condition score Battagin, M., Cassandro, M., Forabosco et al International genetic evaluation of Holstein bulls for overall type traits and body condition score Battagin, M., Cassandro, M., Forabosco, F., Jakobsen, J. H., Lawlor, T. J., Penasa, M. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 A laminitis outbreak in a dairy herd striving for increased milk production Bass, R. T., Whittier, W. D. A laminitis outbreak in a dairy herd striving for increased milk production Bass, R. T., Whittier, W. D. Veterinary Medicine 1996 Efficacy of Artisone-S (phenylbutazone and sodium salicylate) in various lameness in cattle and buffaloes Basak, D. N., Chakraborty, A. Efficacy of Artisone-S (phenylbutazone and sodium salicylate) in various lameness in cattle and buffaloes Basak, D. N., Chakraborty, A. Indian Journal of Animal Health 1992 Synchronization and resynchronization of inseminations in lactating dairy cows with the CIDR insert and the Ovsynch protocol Archbald, L. F., Bartolome, J. A. et al Synchronization and resynchronization of inseminations in lactating dairy cows with the CIDR insert and the Ovsynch protocol Archbald, L. F., Bartolome, J. A., Melendez, P., Sa’filho, O. G., Thatcher, W. W., Thieme, M., van Leeuwen, J. J. J. Theriogenology 2009 Factors affecting breeding soundness classification of beef bulls examined at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine Barth, A. D., Waldner, C. L. Factors affecting breeding soundness classification of beef bulls examined at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine Barth, A. D., Waldner, C. L. Canadian Veterinary Journal 2002 Parturition progress and behaviours in dairy cows with calving difficulty Barrier, Alice C., Dwyer, Cathy M. et al Parturition progress and behaviours in dairy cows with calving difficulty Barrier, Alice C., Dwyer, Cathy M., Haskell, Marie J., Macrae, Alastair I. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2012 The welfare of dairy cows and their calves is compromised following a difficult calving. A better understanding of what happens during a difficult calving is needed to help prevent and alleviate adverse consequences through early diagnosis and/or pain mitigation. The objectives of this study were to investigate the calving progress and parturition behaviours (with emphasis on potential pain indicators) in cows during normal or difficult calvings, and to describe human intervention in dystocial cows. The following video footage of calvings leading to singleton liveborn calves was used: 12 FN (farmer assisted no calf malpresentation) and 7 FM (farmer assisted with calf malpresentation), each paired to a non-assisted calving (N). Three observation periods relative to full expulsion of the calf (A: −6 h to −5:30 h; B: −4 h to −3 h; C: −2 h to birth) were observed continuously for 38 calvings. Duration from appearance of calves’ feet until birth did not differ between scores of difficulty (median time in min; N: 54.7; FN: 101.3; FM: 194.0; P > 0.05) but there was large individual variability. As early as period B, FN and FM cows displayed more contractions than N cows and this was also the case for FN cows in period C but not for FM cows (P < 0.05). FN cows were also more restless (counts of postural transitions) than N cows during periods B and C (P < 0.05). Overall, FM cows raised their tail for longer (in % of observation time; N: 33.7 ± 4.2; FN: 42.7 ± 5.1; FM: 54.0 ± 7.0; P < 0.05) compared to N cows, and FN cows tended to lie down for longer (P < 0.10). There was no effect of calving difficulty on self-grooming, ingestive, lying to standing transitions, exploratory (lick ground and sniffing) or “irritation” behaviours (stamping, tail switching, rubbing, turning head back). The median duration of intervention in dystocial cows varied greatly among animals (median time: 4.7 min; range: 30 s to 35 min) and thresholds were in line with current recommendations. Dystocial cows were in later stages of labour for longer and expressed some of the behaviours differently over the course of parturition. These may relate to different pain levels when dystocia occurs and could also be used in the early detection of calving difficulty. Calving difficulty in dairy cows has a longer effect on saleable milk yield than on estimated milk production Barrier, A. C., Haskell, M. J. Calving difficulty in dairy cows has a longer effect on saleable milk yield than on estimated milk production Barrier, A. C., Haskell, M. J. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Administration of a NSAID (meloxicam) affects lying behaviour after caesarean section in beef cows Barrier, A. C., Coombs, T. M., Dwyer et al Administration of a NSAID (meloxicam) affects lying behaviour after caesarean section in beef cows Barrier, A. C., Coombs, T. M., Dwyer, C. M., Goby, L., Haskell, M. J. Applied Animal Behaviour Science Herd-level risk factors for hock injuries in freestall-housed dairy cows in the northeastern United States and California Barrientos, A. K., Chapinal, N., Galo et al Herd-level risk factors for hock injuries in freestall-housed dairy cows in the northeastern United States and California Barrientos, A. K., Chapinal, N., Galo, E., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Weary, D. M. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Cattle Review 2006 Parts 44-46 Barrett, D. C. Cattle Review 2006 Parts 44-46 Barrett, D. C. Cattle Practice 2006 Cattle Review 2005 Parts 41-43 Barrett, D. C. Cattle Review 2005 Parts 41-43 Barrett, D. C. Cattle Practice 2005 [Continuing eco-pathological survey: 9. Influence of the level of production on the pathology of the dairy cow]. [French] Barnouin, J. [Continuing eco-pathological survey: 9. Influence of the level of production on the pathology of the dairy cow]. [French] Barnouin, J. Annales de Recherches Veterinaires 1986 Observations are made, during the Eco-Pathological Survey (EEPC), about six main clinical diseases of the dairy cow in the aim of studying the relationships between the milk yield level, the milk fat content, and the susceptibility to the major pathological problems (mastitis, metritis, retained placenta, lameness, digital infections, milk fever). Lactations from Black-Pied cows (1,036) and from Red-Pied ones (Montbeliardes, Tachetees de l'Est) (203) are analysed, and breed and lactation number effects are assessed. As a general trend, disease incidence increases with milk yield. For cows in the 2nd lactation or more, maximum daily milk yield increases with increasing number of diseases occurrences during the lactation: cows free of the six studied diseases produce 28 kg vs 29.2 kg for females with one disease, 30.2 kg when two diseases occurred, 31.9 kg for three diseases or more (P less than or equal to 0.001). Mastitis, lameness and digital infections appear as diseases linked with "high yield" (risk threshold between 30 and 35 kg of maximum daily milk yield). The average milk fat content of the cows free of pathology is 1 to 3% higher compared with affected animals. Relationships between milk yield level and susceptibility to disease seem to be included in the definition of the dairy herd of the future Measuring progress towards sustainable intensification: How far can secondary data go? Barnes, A. P., Thomson, S. G. Measuring progress towards sustainable intensification: How far can secondary data go? Barnes, A. P., Thomson, S. G. Ecological Indicators 2014 The effect of lameness prevalence on technical efficiency at the dairy farm level: An adjusted data envelopment analysis approach Barnes, A. P., Haskell, M. J., Langford et al The effect of lameness prevalence on technical efficiency at the dairy farm level: An adjusted data envelopment analysis approach Barnes, A. P., Haskell, M. J., Langford, F. M., Rutherford, K. M. D. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DAIRY FARMING Amory, J. R., Barker, Z. E., Bell, N.J. et al TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DAIRY FARMING Amory, J. R., Barker, Z. E., Bell, N.J., Codling, E.A.,, Croft, D.P.,, Vázquez Diosdado, J.A., 2014 Assessment of lameness prevalence and associated risk factors in dairy herds in England and Wales Barker, Z. E., Bell, N.J., Leach, K. A. et al Assessment of lameness prevalence and associated risk factors in dairy herds in England and Wales Barker, Z. E., Bell, N.J., Leach, K. A., Main, D. C. J., Whay, H. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 Risk factors for increased rates of sole ulcers, white line disease, and digital dermatitis in dairy cattle from twenty-seven... Amory, J. R., Barker, Z. E., Blowey et al Risk factors for increased rates of sole ulcers, white line disease, and digital dermatitis in dairy cattle from twenty-seven farms in England and Wales Amory, J. R., Barker, Z. E., Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Mason, S. A., Wright, J. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Epidemiology of Lameness in Dairy Cows Barker, Z. E. Epidemiology of Lameness in Dairy Cows Barker, Z. E. 2007 The Effects of Lameness On Reproductive-Performance, Milk-Production and Culling in Dutch Dairy Farms Barkema, H. W., Brand, A., Schukken et al The Effects of Lameness On Reproductive-Performance, Milk-Production and Culling in Dutch Dairy Farms Barkema, H. W., Brand, A., Schukken, Y. H., Vankeulen, K. A. S., Westrik, J. D. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1994 A retrospective cohort study design was used to investigate the effect of lameness on reproductive performance on 13 commercial Dutch dairy farms. The data were collected during a routine herd health and production control program. The cumulative 100-DIM (days in milk) production in the previous lactation of lame cows was higher and the culling rate lower than that of the controls. The 100- and 270-DIM production of the cows with a sole ulcer was higher than that of the control cows. There was no difference in 100- and 270-DIM production between cows with a lameness diagnosis other than sole ulcer and the controls. Lameness prolonged the interval from calving to first service and the interval from first service to conception. The pregnancy rate at first service was not affected by lameness Aetiological and clinical findings of cutaneous myiasis in domestic animals in Iraq Barhoom, S. S., Kadhim, F. S., Khalaf et al Aetiological and clinical findings of cutaneous myiasis in domestic animals in Iraq Barhoom, S. S., Kadhim, F. S., Khalaf, A. M. Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences 1998 An outbreak of cutaneous myiasis caused by Chrysomya bezziana in domestic animals was studied. 100 affected cows and calves, 3 buffaloes, 66 sheep and lambs, 15 goats and 3 dogs were used in this study. Pyrexia, anorexia, irritation, lameness and loss of body weight of affected animals were found. A main observation was the cavernous lesions on animals harbouring the larvae with the presence of brownish purulent exudate Winter outbreaks of laminitis in dairy calves: aetiology and laboratory, radiological and pathological findings [see comments] Bargai, U., Bogin, E., Lublin, A. et al Winter outbreaks of laminitis in dairy calves: aetiology and laboratory, radiological and pathological findings [see comments] Bargai, U., Bogin, E., Lublin, A., Shamir, I. Veterinary Record 1992 During the winter months of 1984 to 1989, outbreaks of laminitis occurred in up to 6 per cent of all the dairy calves aged four to six months on a dairy farm in a village in Israel. The clinical signs were reluctance to move, an arched back, overgrown hooves, supracoronary swelling and occasional walking on the carpus; most of the calves were unthrifty. Owing to the regular recurrence of the disease, the feeding and haematological, radiological and pathological changes in both the affected and normal calves at the farm, and in normal calves at another farm in the same village were studied. In the affected calves there were significant increases in serum protein concentration and in the activities of creatine phosphotinase and gamma-glutamyltransferase. Radiography showed dilated PIII vascular channels and some PIII rotation. Post mortem studies revealed haemorrhages in the laminar section of the hoof. The management of the farms differed in the protein level of the milk replacer and the 'starter' diet used during the first few months. The affected farm used feeds containing 18 per cent digestible protein whereas the unaffected farm used feeds containing 15.3 per cent digestible protein Epidemiological aspects of sequelae of subclinical laminitis Bargai, U., Mazrier, H. Epidemiological aspects of sequelae of subclinical laminitis Bargai, U., Mazrier, H. Sub clinical laminitis in dairy cattle in Israel Bargai, U., Levin, D. Sub clinical laminitis in dairy cattle in Israel Bargai, U., Levin, D. Israel-Journal-of-Veterinary-Medicine 1993 Since veterinary service to almost all the dairy cows in Israel is provided by a single system ('Hachaklait'), it is possible to find out the exact prevalence of any health problem on a national level, since all the veterinarians employed supply diagnostic results monthly to the system's central computer. During 1990, there were 6100 diagnosed cases of lameness in dairy cattle, 1527 (25%) of which were lameness of hoof origin. Hoof lameness was reported in the literature to be closely associated with sub-clinical laminitis. In a study to find out the prevalence of sub-clinical laminitis in the Israeli dairy cattle herd, the hoof lesions of 9 herds were recorded at the bi-annual hoof trimming. The herds were selected at random as these were the herds in which trimming was done at the time of the study. The most prevalent lesions were solar haemorrhages averaging 28.6%, and white line separation, averaging 26.7%. These 2 lesions are known to be sequelae of sub-clinical laminitis. It is concluded that the prevalence rates of solar haemorrhages and white line separation found in the study indicate that sub-clinical laminitis is widespread in Israel. The energetic value of the diet of the high yielding cows was positively correlated to the increase in the prevalence of lameness of hoof origin in the herd. The same trend was found with regard to a rise in the protein level in the ration, as well as to an increase of time interval between trimmings Lameness in the Israeli dairy herd: A national survey of incidence, types, distribution and estimated cost: (First report) Bargai, U., Levin, D. Lameness in the Israeli dairy herd: A national survey of incidence, types, distribution and estimated cost: (First report) Bargai, U., Levin, D. Israel-Journal-of-Veterinary-Medicine 1993 The medical records of the "Hahaklait", the veterinary medical organization operated by a mutual insurance association, serving about 95% of the dairy cattle population in Israel, were analyzed for the incidence, types and the distribution of lameness in dairy cattle in Israel. It was found that in 1990 the incidence was 2.75% on a national basis. The cases of lameness were composed of 37.2% paronychia, 25% hoof lameness, 13.8% arthritis and 24% of undiagnosed lameness. On a herd basis, in the cooperative herds - 66.4% of the herds had less than 1% lameness, whereas in the family-owned herds only 47% of the herds were below 1%. In every part of the country there were all levels of incidence, but nearly all herds in the arid areas (central Negev and Arava) had less than 1% lameness. The cost of the lameness to the Israeli dairy industry in 1990 by loss of milk only, was estimated to be NIS 5,612,000, which is the equivalent of 2,300,000 in 1990 prices Risk factors for subclinical laminitis (SL): a study of 32 kibbutz herds in Israel Bargai, U. Risk factors for subclinical laminitis (SL): a study of 32 kibbutz herds in Israel Bargai, U. Israel-Journal-of-Veterinary-Medicine 1998 Between November 1996 and December 1997, a field study on 32 kibbutz dairy herds identified subclinical laminitis (SL) as the primary aetiological factor for lameness in 37% of the herds. The risk factors for SL in these herds were grouped into 3 categories: nutritional, housing and human behaviour factors. Sudden changes in nutrition, lack of transition in raised protein and/or carbohydrate levels in the ration, any increase in energy above 17.5 MCal per kg or in protein above 18%, sudden introduction of orange peels, and others were identified as nutritional factors. For housing and flooring factors, deep-anti sliding grooves in the concrete floors were high risk for inducing SL. Management factors were also identified An unusual outbreak of solar ulcers in an Israeli dairy herd Bargai, U. An unusual outbreak of solar ulcers in an Israeli dairy herd Bargai, U. Israel-Journal-of-Veterinary-Medicine 1997 Severe lameness as a herd problem developed in a kibbutz dairy herd located in the Judean hills. The epidemiological investigation included specific hoof examination with trimming of all the lame cows, a survey of the housing conditions, an analysis of the nutrition and a metabolic profile study of the lame cows. The investigation identified solar ulcers in a large number of cows which were in their second or higher lactation. The cause of the ulcers was slats in the floor of the building where the cows were housed which had dry, uneven, hard manure stuck on them from 25 years of constant use. The herd was enclosed in the building throughout the winter months and many cows with heavy udders were particularly affected Slates as an aetiological agent in laminitis Bargai, U. Slates as an aetiological agent in laminitis Bargai, U. Israel-Journal-of-Veterinary-Medicine 1996 A severe problem of lameness in a dairy herd in Israel is described. The lameness originated in the hooves of cows from second lactation onward. The lameness was typical for sequelae of laminitis, such as double sole, sole abscesses, white line abscesses and wall separation. The herd consisted of 300 milking cows, among which there were 78 1st lactation cows. None of the 1st lactating cows showed lameness. All heifers were moved to the lactating cows' shades and diet immediately after parturition. The diet of all the lactating cows was the same and included 17% digestible protein and 1.72 Mcal/kg of food. During the last 2 years there were 3 to 4 new lame cows every week and 30% of the herd was culled annually. Cows were housed all winter and most of the summer in a closed space with a slate floor. The slates were very irregular, rough and had dry manure adhering to them. It was concluded that the laminitis developed in cows walking on the very rough slates and that 1st lactation cows without large, heavy udders were less affected by the slates Radiology of the bovine foot: an approach for the practitioner Bargai, U. Radiology of the bovine foot: an approach for the practitioner Bargai, U. Veterinary Annual 1993 Tarsal lameness of dairy bulls housed at two artificial insemination centers: 24 cases (1975-1987) Bargai, U., Cohen, R. Tarsal lameness of dairy bulls housed at two artificial insemination centers: 24 cases (1975-1987) Bargai, U., Cohen, R. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1992 Degenerative joint disease of the tarsi was diagnosed in 20 of 24 Holstein bulls with tarsal lameness at 2 artificial insemination centres from 1975 to 1987. Each of the 2 centres housed about 100 bulls/yr. Of the 24 bulls with tarsal lameness, 22 were from the artificial insemination centre designated as A, and 2 were from the centre designated as B. Examination of the housing and management procedures revealed that centre A had concrete floors with cuboidal-shaped yards, whereas centre B had deep sand flooring, with long, narrow yards. The only other difference between the 2 centres was that centre A used 1- and 2-year-old bulls as teasers for older, heavier bulls to mount, whereas centre B used bulls that were at least 6 years old to withstand the stress placed on their hind limbs by weight of bulls undergoing semen collection. Radiographical lesions of tarsi of bulls from both centre ranged from distension of the tibiotarsal joint pouch to hypertrophic degenerative osteoarthritis of the distal, intertarsal, and tarsometatarsal joints. It was concluded that the concrete flooring and the semen collecting practices were responsible for the high prevalence of tarsal lameness and degenerative joint disease of the tarsi in bulls housed at centre A Effects of health disorders on feed intake and milk production in dairy cows Bareille, N., Beaudeau, F., Billon, S. et al Effects of health disorders on feed intake and milk production in dairy cows Bareille, N., Beaudeau, F., Billon, S., Faverdin, P., Robert, A. Livestock Production Science 2003 Diagnostic check lists in examining cattle for lameness Baran, V., Kamiloglu, A. Diagnostic check lists in examining cattle for lameness Baran, V., Kamiloglu, A. Kafkas Universitesi Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi 1997 Antibiotics and enzyme applications in the treatment of pododermatitis circumscripta (sole ulcers) resulting from claw... Baran, V. Antibiotics and enzyme applications in the treatment of pododermatitis circumscripta (sole ulcers) resulting from claw deformities in cattle Baran, V. Kafkas Universitesi Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi 1997 Farm cattle lameness caused by phosphorus deficiency Bao, B., Bao, Bin Farm cattle lameness caused by phosphorus deficiency Bao, B., Bao, Bin Gansu Nongye Daxue Xuebao 1993 Farm cattle lameness caused by phosphorus deficiency was diagnosed in the Dingxi area, Gansu province. Successful treatment was given Genetic relationship between first-lactation body energy and later-life udder health in dairy cattle Banos, G., Brotherstone, S., Coffey et al Genetic relationship between first-lactation body energy and later-life udder health in dairy cattle Banos, G., Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P., Wall, E. Journal of Dairy Science 2006 Modeling daily energy balance of dairy cows in the first three lactations Banos, G., Brotherstone, S., Coffey et al Modeling daily energy balance of dairy cows in the first three lactations Banos, G., Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P. Journal of Dairy Science 2005 Calculation of multiple-trait sire reliability for traits included in a dairy cattle fertility index Banos, G., Brotherstone, S., Coffey et al Calculation of multiple-trait sire reliability for traits included in a dairy cattle fertility index Banos, G., Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P., Thompson, R., Wall, E., Woolliams, J. A. Animal Science 2004 Genetic profile of total body energy content of Holstein cows in the first three lactations Banos, G., Brotherstone, S., Coffey et al Genetic profile of total body energy content of Holstein cows in the first three lactations Banos, G., Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P. Journal of Dairy Science 2005 Evaluation of body condition score measured throughout lactation as an indicator of fertility in dairy cattle Banos, G., Brotherstone, S., Coffey et al Evaluation of body condition score measured throughout lactation as an indicator of fertility in dairy cattle Banos, G., Brotherstone, S., Coffey, M. P. Journal of Dairy Science 2004 Genetic parameters for anovulation and pregnancy loss in dairy cattle Bamber, R. L., Fricke, P. M., Santos et al Genetic parameters for anovulation and pregnancy loss in dairy cattle Bamber, R. L., Fricke, P. M., Santos, J. E. P., Shook, G. E., Wiltbank, M. C. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Effect of trace mineral source on performance of dairy cattle: Claw integrity Ballantine, H. T., Fielding, A. S. et al Effect of trace mineral source on performance of dairy cattle: Claw integrity Ballantine, H. T., Fielding, A. S., Johnson, A. B., Rapp, C. J., Shearer, J. K., Socha, M. T., Tomlinson, D. J., van Amstel, S. Journal of Dairy Science 2002 Clinical symptoms of cattle grazing on Melilotus alba with high molybdenum concentrations in the central-Chaco area Balbuena, O., Mastandrea, O. Clinical symptoms of cattle grazing on Melilotus alba with high molybdenum concentrations in the central-Chaco area Balbuena, O., Mastandrea, O. Veterinaria Argentina 1992 Clinical signs of diarrhoea, anorexia and lameness were seen in 11 of 25 steers and 4 of 4 cows grazing on Melilotus alba pasture with high Mo concn, growing in slightly alkaline soil. Parenteral administration of Cu produced a remission of symptoms Effect of sand and rubber surface on the lying behavior of lame dairy cows in hospital pens Bak, A. S., Herskin, M. S., Jensen et al Effect of sand and rubber surface on the lying behavior of lame dairy cows in hospital pens Bak, A. S., Herskin, M. S., Jensen, M. B. J Dairy Sci 2016 Housing lame cows in designated hospital pens with a soft surface may lessen the pain the animals feel when lying and changing position. This study investigated the effect of the lying surface on the behavior of lame cows in hospital pens. Thirty-two lame dairy cows were kept in individual hospital pens, provided with either 30-cm deep-bedded sand or 24-mm rubber mats during 24 h in a crossover design. On each surface, the lying behavior of each cow was recorded during 18 h. On deep-bedded sand, cows lay down more and changed position more often than when housed on the rubber surface. Furthermore, a shorter duration of lying down and getting up movements and a shorter duration of lying intention movements were observed. These results suggest that lame dairy cows are more reluctant to change position on rubber compared with sand, and that sand is more comfortable to lie on. Thus, deep bedding such as sand may provide better lying comfort for lame cows than an unbedded rubber surface. Effects of breed and production system on lameness parameters in dairy cattle Baird, L. G., Keady, T. W. J. et al Effects of breed and production system on lameness parameters in dairy cattle Baird, L. G., Keady, T. W. J., Kilpatrick, D. J., McCoy, M. A., O'Connell, N. E. J Dairy Sci 2009 The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of Holstein-Friesian (HF) and Norwegian (N) dairy cattle genotypes on lameness parameters in dairy cattle within different production systems over the first 2 lactations. Following calving, HF (n = 39) and N (n = 45) heifers were allocated to 1 of 3 systems of production (high level of concentrate, low level of concentrate, and grass-based). High- and low-concentrate animals were continuously housed indoors on a rotational system so that they spent similar amounts of time on slatted and solid concrete floors. Animals on the grass treatment grazed from spring to autumn in both years of the study, so that most animals on this treatment grazed from around peak to late lactation. Claw health was recorded in both hind claws of each animal at 4 observation periods during each lactation as follows: 1) -8 to 70 d postcalving, 2) 71 to 150 d postcalving, 3) 151 to 225 d postcalving, and 4) 226 to 364 d postcalving. Sole lesions, heel erosion, axial wall deviation, sole length of the right lateral hind claw (claw length), right heel width, and right lateral hind heel height were recorded as well as the presence of digital dermatitis. The N cows had lower (better) white line and total lesion scores than HF cows. Cows on the high- and low-concentrate treatments had better sole and total lesion scores than cows on the grass treatment. The HF cows had better locomotion scores than N cows. Breed and production system differences were observed with respect to claw conformation, including claw length, heel width, and heel height. Digital dermatitis was associated with worse sole lesion scores and interacted with production system to influence white line lesion scores and maximum heel erosion scores. This study shows that genetic, environmental, and infectious factors are associated with hoof pathologies in dairy cows. DEVELOPMENT OF HOOF PATHOLOGIES IN DAIRY CATTLE WITH AND
WITHOUT ACCESS TO PASTURE Baird, L. G. DEVELOPMENT OF HOOF PATHOLOGIES IN DAIRY CATTLE WITH AND
WITHOUT ACCESS TO PASTURE Baird, L. G. Animal Science 2004 Upward Fixation of the Patella in Cattle – 38 Cases (1984-1990) Angel, K. L., Baird, A. N., Hooper et al Upward Fixation of the Patella in Cattle – 38 Cases (1984-1990) Angel, K. L., Baird, A. N., Hooper, R. N., Moll, H. D., Morris, D. L., Welch, R. D., Wenzel, J. G. W., Wolfe, D. F. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1993 Case records of cattle admitted to 2 university veterinary hospitals during 6 years were evaluated to determine the age, breed, sex, and treatment of cattle with upward fixation of the patella. Affected cattle were compared with those from the respective hospital populations of cattle admitted during the same time. Of 38 cattle wi th upward fixation of the patella, 34 were treated surgically. Follow-up evaluation was obtained from owners of 28 of the treated cattle. Surgery was successful in eliminating all clinical signs in 25 of the 28 cattle. There was an increased risk of upward fixation of the patella associated with Brahman and Brahman- type cattle, compared with non-Brahman cattle Use of the Thomas Splint and Cast Combination, Walker Splint, and Spica Bandage with an Over the Shoulder Splint for the... Adams, Stephen B., Baird et al Use of the Thomas Splint and Cast Combination, Walker Splint, and Spica Bandage with an Over the Shoulder Splint for the Treatment of Fractures of the Upper Limbs in Cattle Adams, Stephen B., Baird, Aubrey Nicholas Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2014 The treatment of foot problems [including interdigital dermatitis] in the dairy cow Baillargeon, P. The treatment of foot problems [including interdigital dermatitis] in the dairy cow Baillargeon, P. Producteur de Lait Quebecois 1999 Digital dermatitis or strawberry foot in dairy cows Baillargeon, P. Digital dermatitis or strawberry foot in dairy cows Baillargeon, P. Producteur de Lait Quebecois 1998 Hoof lameness in dairy cattle Baggott, D. Hoof lameness in dairy cattle Baggott, D. In Practice 1982 The effect of technopathologically limited stress factors on the fertility of cattle Badura, R., Buczek, A., Samborski, Z. et al The effect of technopathologically limited stress factors on the fertility of cattle Badura, R., Buczek, A., Samborski, Z., Szymonis-Szymanowski, W., Twardon, J. DTW Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr 1992 The influence of purulent claw-diseases on the development of uterus infections, its involution and ovary dysfunctions (acyclia, cysts) was examined. It was shown that A. pyogenes, Ps. aeruginosa, Fus. necrophorum and other microorganisms involved in these lesions are potential sources for the infections of the uterus. In comparison with the controls the frequency of endometritis was twice in the group with claw-problems. Similar differences existed in the involution-time of the uterus or its atonia, acyclia and the development of ovarian cysts (p less than 0.01). The Index of insemination was elevated by about 65% Influence of Purulent Chronical Claw-Diseases On the Development of Disturbances in the Reproductive Tract in Cattle Badura, R., Buczek, A., Samborski, Z. et al Influence of Purulent Chronical Claw-Diseases On the Development of Disturbances in the Reproductive Tract in Cattle Badura, R., Buczek, A., Samborski, Z., Szymonis-Szymanowski, W., Twardon, J. Dtw 1992 The influence of purulent claw-diseases on the development of uterus infections, its involution and ovary dysfunctions (acyclia, cysts) was examined. It was shown that Actinomyces pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Fusarium necrophorum, and other microorganisms involved in these lesions are potential sources for the infections of the uterus. In comparison with the controls the frequency of endometritis was twice in the group with claw- problems. Similar differences existed in the involution-time of the uterus or its atonia, acyclia and the development of ovarian cysts (p < 0.01). The index of insemination was elevated by about 65% Transplacental and oral transmission of wild-type bluetongue virus serotype 8 in cattle after experimental infection Backx, Anoek, Heutink, René, van Rijn et al Transplacental and oral transmission of wild-type bluetongue virus serotype 8 in cattle after experimental infection Backx, Anoek, Heutink, René, van Rijn, Piet, van Rooij, Eugene Veterinary Microbiology 2009 Vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease I: Epidemiological consequences Backer, J. A., Hagenaars, T. J. et al Vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease I: Epidemiological consequences Backer, J. A., Hagenaars, T. J., Nodelijk, G., van Roermund, H. J. W. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2012 Clinical appearance and pathology of cattle persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhoea virus of different genetic subgroups Bachofen, Claudia, Braun, Ueli et al Clinical appearance and pathology of cattle persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhoea virus of different genetic subgroups Bachofen, Claudia, Braun, Ueli, Ehrensperger, Felix, Hilbe, Monika, Peterhans, Ernst, Stalder, Hanspeter Veterinary Microbiology 2010 Circulation of bovine ephemeral fever in the Middle East—Strong evidence for transmission by winds and animal transport Aziz-Boaron, Orly, David, Dan, Gafni et al Circulation of bovine ephemeral fever in the Middle East—Strong evidence for transmission by winds and animal transport Aziz-Boaron, Orly, David, Dan, Gafni, Ohad, Gelman, Boris, Hasoksuz, Mustafa, Klausner, Ziv, Klement, Eyal, Shenkar, Jenny Veterinary Microbiology 2012 Double-Ovsynch in high-producing dairy cows: Effects on progesterone concentrations and ovulation to GnRH treatments Araújo, R. R., Ayres, H., Cunha, A. P. et al Double-Ovsynch in high-producing dairy cows: Effects on progesterone concentrations and ovulation to GnRH treatments Araújo, R. R., Ayres, H., Cunha, A. P., Ferreira, R. M., Wiltbank, M. C. Theriogenology 2013 Application of a fully automatic analysis tool to assess the activity of broiler chickens with different gait scores Aydin, A., Bahr, C., Berckmans, D. et al Application of a fully automatic analysis tool to assess the activity of broiler chickens with different gait scores Aydin, A., Bahr, C., Berckmans, D., Cangar, O., Ozcan, S. Eren Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 2010 Breeding for disease resistance in farm animals Axford, R. F. E., Bishop, S. C. et al Breeding for disease resistance in farm animals Axford, R. F. E., Bishop, S. C., Nicholas, F. W., Owen, J. B. 2000 Three skin diseases of the hoof digital dermatitis, verrucose dermatitis and interdigital hyperplasia in cattle and their... Axberg, C. Three skin diseases of the hoof digital dermatitis, verrucose dermatitis and interdigital hyperplasia in cattle and their treatment Axberg, C. Svensk Veterinartidning 1991 Neurological causes of lameness in cattle Austin, A. R. Neurological causes of lameness in cattle Austin, A. R. Veterinary Annual 1992 Effects of management and health on the use of activity monitoring for estrus detection in dairy cows Aungier, S. P. M., Crowe, M. A., Roche et al Effects of management and health on the use of activity monitoring for estrus detection in dairy cows Aungier, S. P. M., Crowe, M. A., Roche, J. F., Sheehy, M. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 The relationship between activity clusters detected by an automatic activity monitor and endocrine changes during the periestrous... Aungier, S. P. M., Crowe, M. A., Duffy et al The relationship between activity clusters detected by an automatic activity monitor and endocrine changes during the periestrous period in lactating dairy cows Aungier, S. P. M., Crowe, M. A., Duffy, P., Roche, J. F., Scully, S. Journal of Dairy Science 2015 The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between observed estrous-related behavior, activity clusters (AC; detected by automatic activity monitor), endocrine profiles, and ovulation time. Twenty-one cows in estrus (after 2 cloprostenol treatments, 11 d apart) and 12 nonsynchronized cows, to establish Heatime (SCR Engineers Ltd., Netanya, Israel) herd baseline activity, were enrolled. Cows had Heatime monitors applied 3 wk before the trial to establish their own baseline activity level. Cows in standing estrus had ultrasonography and phlebotomy carried out every 4 h to determine dominant follicle size, endocrine profiles, and ovulation time. After ovulation, these procedures were repeated once on d 3 to 6. Heatime alerted estrus in 90% of cows, and incorrectly alerted 17% of AC. The mean ± SEM duration for standing estrus was 9 ± 1 and 13 ± 1 h for estrous-related behavior. Estrous-related behavior began after the start of the proestrous estradiol-17β (E2) increase (59 ± 6.5 h). Cows with longer durations of raised proestrous E2 had longer intervals from its onset to the start of standing estrus and AC. The AC duration increased with longer durations of estrous-related behavior. Higher peak E2 occurred with longer standing estrus and estrous-related behavior. As E2 concentration decreased after the peak, 90% of cows still had estrous-related behavior. Duration of estrous-related behavior increased with higher average E2 concentration during the last 8 h before the start of the LH surge. During this surge 90% of cows had all of their standing estrus. As yields increased, so did the magnitude of the preovulatory FSH surges. Higher surges occurred with shorter standing estrus and estrous-related behavior. Cows with shorter LH surges had longer standing estrus. Peak LH preceded the AC peak (6.6 ± 0.8 h). Duration of overlap between the AC start and the LH surge end ranged between 0 and 14 h; 1 cow had none. No association was found between the AC characteristics with the E2, LH, or FSH profiles. In conclusion, the relationship between the timing of the E2 increase and estrous activity may be mediated by other factors (GnRH surge). Estrous-related behavior, but not endocrine profiles, was related to AC duration. Timing of standing estrus during the LH surge ensures that mating allows sperm maturation before ovulation. Based on the interval from the start of an AC to ovulation (27 ± 1 h), the optimum time to artificial insemination is, on average, between 9 and 15 h after the AC start. Risk factors that affect reproductive target achievement in fertile dairy cows Aungier, S. P. M., Crowe, M. A., Diskin et al Risk factors that affect reproductive target achievement in fertile dairy cows Aungier, S. P. M., Crowe, M. A., Diskin, M. G., Roche, J. F. Journal of Dairy Science Using a balanced scorecard approach to lameness reduction in dairy herds Atkinson, O.C.D., Bell, N.J., Cross, K. et al Using a balanced scorecard approach to lameness reduction in dairy herds Atkinson, O.C.D., Bell, N.J., Cross, K., Hulsen, J., Speed, J. 17th International Symposium and 9th International Conference on Lameness in Ruminants 2013 Enhanced udder health and milk yield of dairy cattle on compost bedding systems during the dry period: A comparative study Astiz, S., Calvet, E., Fargas, O. et al Enhanced udder health and milk yield of dairy cattle on compost bedding systems during the dry period: A comparative study Astiz, S., Calvet, E., Fargas, O., Fernández, M., Sebastian, F. Livestock Science 2014 Prevalence and risk factors for papillomatous digital dermatitis among dairy cattle herds in Region X, Chile Arzt, J., Guarda, G., Hird, D. W., Read et al Prevalence and risk factors for papillomatous digital dermatitis among dairy cattle herds in Region X, Chile Arzt, J., Guarda, G., Hird, D. W., Read, D. H., Rodriguez Lainz, A. Avances en Ciencias Veterinarias 1999 Foot-and-mouth disease virus virulence in cattle is co-determined by viral replication dynamics and route of infection Arzt, Jonathan, Bishop, Elizabeth et al Foot-and-mouth disease virus virulence in cattle is co-determined by viral replication dynamics and route of infection Arzt, Jonathan, Bishop, Elizabeth, Hartwig, Ethan J., Pacheco, Juan M., Pauszek, Steven J., Rodriguez, Luis L., Santos, Teresa de los, Smoliga, George R., Tucker, Meghan T. Virology 2014 Randomized noninferiority clinical trial evaluating 3 commercial dry cow mastitis preparations: I. Quarter-level outcomes Aly, S. S., Arruda, A. G., Champagne et al Randomized noninferiority clinical trial evaluating 3 commercial dry cow mastitis preparations: I. Quarter-level outcomes Aly, S. S., Arruda, A. G., Champagne, J., Godden, S., Gorden, P., Lehenbauer, T. W., Rapnicki, P., Timms, L. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Randomized noninferiority clinical trial evaluating 3 commercial dry cow mastitis preparations: II. Cow health and performance in... Aly, S. S., Arruda, A. G., Champagne et al Randomized noninferiority clinical trial evaluating 3 commercial dry cow mastitis preparations: II. Cow health and performance in early lactation Aly, S. S., Arruda, A. G., Champagne, J., Godden, S., Gorden, P., Lehenbauer, T. W., Rapnicki, P., Timms, L. Journal of Dairy Science 2013 Review: welfare of dairy cows in continuously housed and pasture-based production systems Arnott, G., Ferris, C. P., O'Connell et al Review: welfare of dairy cows in continuously housed and pasture-based production systems Arnott, G., Ferris, C. P., O'Connell, N. E. Animal 2016 There is increasing interest in the use of continuous housing systems for dairy cows, with various reasons put forward to advocate such systems. However, the welfare of dairy cows is typically perceived to be better within pasture-based systems, although such judgements are often not scientifically based. The aim of this review was to interrogate the existing scientific literature to compare the welfare, including health, of dairy cows in continuously housed and pasture-based systems. Although summarising existing work, knowledge gaps and directions for future research are also identified. The scope of the review is broad, examining relevant topics under three main headings; health, behaviour and physiology. Regarding health, cows on pasture-based systems had lower levels of lameness, hoof pathologies, hock lesions, mastitis, uterine disease and mortality compared with cows on continuously housed systems. Pasture access also had benefits for dairy cow behaviour, in terms of grazing, improved lying/resting times and lower levels of aggression. Moreover, when given the choice between pasture and indoor housing, cows showed an overall preference for pasture, particularly at night. However, the review highlighted the need for a deeper understanding of cow preference and behaviour. Potential areas for concern within pasture-based systems included physiological indicators of more severe negative energy balance, and in some situations, the potential for compromised welfare with exposure to unpredictable weather conditions. In summary, the results from this review highlight that there remain considerable animal welfare benefits from incorporating pasture access into dairy production systems. Effects of Formalin Footbathing on Foot Disease and Claw Quality in Dairy-Cows Arkins, S., Hannan, J., Sherington, J. Effects of Formalin Footbathing on Foot Disease and Claw Quality in Dairy-Cows Arkins, S., Hannan, J., Sherington, J. Veterinary Record 1986 Effects of dietary carbohydrates on rumen epithelial metabolism of nonlactating heifers Argov-Argaman, N., Arieli, A., Eshel et al Effects of dietary carbohydrates on rumen epithelial metabolism of nonlactating heifers Argov-Argaman, N., Arieli, A., Eshel, O., Lehrer, H., Moallem, U., Uni, Z. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Papillomatous digital dermatitis on a commercial dairy farm in Mexicali, Mexico: Incidence and effect on reproduction and milk... ArgaezRodriguez, F. D. J., deAnda et al Papillomatous digital dermatitis on a commercial dairy farm in Mexicali, Mexico: Incidence and effect on reproduction and milk production ArgaezRodriguez, F. D. J., deAnda, J. H., Hird, D. W., Read, D. H., RodriguezLainz, A. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1997 This retrospective study of papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) was performed using data for cows that calved between July 1993 and June 1994 on a Mexicali, Mexico, dairy farm in order to calculate incidence rates, and to compare milk yield and reproduction data between affected and nonaffected dairy cows. A total of 190 out of 577 (33%) cows were affected during lactation and six (1%) during the dry period. Fifty-two of 77 (68%) cows that had lesions in the previous lactation and were also present on the farm in the current lactation had lesions in the current lactation. The highest risk for PDD occurred during the first month of lactation (9%). The yearly estimated cumulative incidence risk was 35% and the incidence density rate was 44.6 cases per 1000 cow-months. More animals were affected in summer and fall than in winter and spring. Purchased animals were 3.4 times more likely to be affected than animals born on the farm. Survival analyses indicated healthy cows conceived 93 days after calving (median), but affected cows conceived 113 days after calving (median) (P < 0.01). PDD-affected animals produced less milk than healthy cows, but the difference was not statistically significant in the multiple regression. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. Claw length recommendations for dairy cow foot trimming Archer, S. C., Chagunda, M. G. G. et al Claw length recommendations for dairy cow foot trimming Archer, S. C., Chagunda, M. G. G., Dibble, H., Huxley, J.N., Mason, C. S., Newsome, R., Sturrock, C. J. Veterinary Record 2015 Association between somatic cell count and serial locomotion score assessments in UK dairy cows Archer, S. C., Green, M. J., Huxley et al Association between somatic cell count and serial locomotion score assessments in UK dairy cows Archer, S. C., Green, M. J., Huxley, J.N., Madouasse, A. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Association between milk yield and serial locomotion score assessments in UK dairy cows Archer, S. C., Green, M. J., Huxley et al Association between milk yield and serial locomotion score assessments in UK dairy cows Archer, S. C., Green, M. J., Huxley, J.N. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 This study investigated the effect of lameness, measured by serial locomotion scoring over a 12-mo period, on the milk yield of UK dairy cows. The data set consisted of 11,735 records of test-day yield and locomotion scores collected monthly from 1,400 cows kept on 7 farms. The data were analyzed in a multilevel linear regression model to account for the correlation of repeated measures of milk yield within cow. Factors affecting milk yield included farm of origin, stage of lactation, parity, season, and whether cows were ever lame or ever severely lame during the study period. Cows that had been severely lame 4, 6, and 8 mo previously gave 0.51 kg/d, 0.66 kg/d, and 1.55 kg/d less milk, respectively. A severe case of lameness in the first month of lactation reduced 305-d milk yield by 350 kg; this loss may be avoidable by prompt, effective treatment. Larger reductions can be expected when cases persist or recur. Evidence-based control plans are needed to reduce the incidence and prevalence of lameness in high yielding cows to improve welfare and productivity. Lameness in UK dairy Cattle: A review of the current status Archer, S., Bell, N.J., Huxley, J.N. Lameness in UK dairy Cattle: A review of the current status Archer, S., Bell, N.J., Huxley, J.N. In Practice 2010 Bovine fluorosis following volcanic activity in the southern Andes Araya, O., Ducom, C., Villa, A. et al Bovine fluorosis following volcanic activity in the southern Andes Araya, O., Ducom, C., Villa, A., Wittwer, F. Veterinary Record 1990 An outbreak of bovine fluorosis which affected 6 of 12 cows on a farm in the Lonquimay valley early in 1989 is reported. The outbreak occurred 10 weeks after the Lonquimay volcanic complex in the southern Andes began erupting and is the first reported case of cattle fluorosis due to volcanic eruption in South America. The main clinical signs were weight loss, kyphosis and lameness; diarrhoea was also seen in many sick animals. Exostoses and intense pain were observed when long bones were palpated. These signs were also seen in 70 of 500 cattle on neighbouring farms in subsequent weeks. A high degree of attrition was found in the incisors with almost total crown loss in many of them. Examination of blood profiles and fluoride concentrations in urine and bone biopsies from 11 sick animals and water, ash and forage samples from the area showed higher activities than normal of aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and abnormally high values of fluoride concentration in animal tissues and forage. It is suggested that the fluoride contaminated forage (240-315 ppm [mg/kg] dry weight compared with the maximum allowable concentration of about 40 ppm dry weight to avoid chronic fluorosis) was the main route of cattle contamination Phenotypic and genetic relationships of common health disorders with milk and fat yield persistencies from producer-recorded... Appuhamy, J. A. D. R. N., Cassell et al Phenotypic and genetic relationships of common health disorders with milk and fat yield persistencies from producer-recorded health data and test-day yields Appuhamy, J. A. D. R. N., Cassell, B. G., Cole, J. B. Journal of Dairy Science 2009 Source of Stray Voltage and Effect on Cow Health and Performance1 Appleman, R. D., Gustafson, R. J. Source of Stray Voltage and Effect on Cow Health and Performance1 Appleman, R. D., Gustafson, R. J. Journal of Dairy Science 1985 In dairy cows, two distinct and important aspects of the interrelationship between stray voltage problems on the farm and dairy cow productivity can be identified. One is behavioral modification that increases in intensity when currents associated with neutral-to-earth voltages above .7 V find a pathway through the cow. The other is immediate endocrine response. Results of research are less clear on the current necessary for the latter to occur; it may require 8 mA or more. This implies, depending on the pathway and the cow's pathway resistance, that voltage difference between two cow contact points must exceed 3 V. Resistance of different cow pathways range from 350 to 1700 Ω. Milk production is more likely to be affected adversely when cows are subjected to shock patterns both intermittent and irregular. Less than 10% of the dairy cow population are thought to perceive any electrical currents upon contact with conductive grounding equipment provided voltages on the farm electrical neutral system remain below .35 V. This paper also identifies various sources of stray voltage problems and discusses appropriate procedures for correction. Feedlot therapeutics Apley, M. D., Fajt, V. R. Feedlot therapeutics Apley, M. D., Fajt, V. R. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1998 This article discusses therapeutic approaches to conditions commonly encountered in feedlots. Challenges discussed include bovine respiratory complex, tracheal edema, atypical interstitial pneumonia, footrot, toe abscesses, mycoplasma arthritis, cardiovascular disease, lactic acidosis, bloat, coccidiosis, central nervous system diseases, abscesses and cellulitis, pregnancy management and abortion, and ocular disease Clinical Evidence for Individual Animal Therapy for Papillomatous Digital Dermatitis (Hairy Heel Wart) and Infectious Bovine... Apley, Michael D. Clinical Evidence for Individual Animal Therapy for Papillomatous Digital Dermatitis (Hairy Heel Wart) and Infectious Bovine Pododermatitis (Foot Rot) Apley, Michael D. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2015 Changes in walking parameters of milking cows after hoof trimming Aoki, Y., Kamo, M., Kawamoto, H. et al Changes in walking parameters of milking cows after hoof trimming Aoki, Y., Kamo, M., Kawamoto, H., Yamada, A., Zhang, J. G. Animal Science Journal 2006 We examined the walking parameters of milking cows in relation to hoof trimming. The hooves of eight Holstein cows were trimmed. Two days before and after the hoof trimming, walking behavior, limb angles, back posture and vertical movement of the back while walking were measured. Walking rate (1.27 vs 0.87 m/s; P = 0.003), step length (1.46 vs 1.33 m; P = 0.009) and stepping rate (0.78 vs 0.65 steps/s; P = 0.046) were found to increase significantly after hoof trimming. Limb angles at the start and end of the support phase changed significantly after hoof trimming, thus indicating an improvement in the 'on tiptoe' appearance, The parameters relating to backline indicated that the marked arched shape of the back diminished after hoof trimming. Before hoof trimming, the positions of the withers varied widely and irregularly while walking; however, it changed after hoof trimming as the sinusoid curve and the range of vertical movement of withers decreased significantly. Overall, it has been quantitatively indicated that walking characteristics are improved after hoof trimming. The parameters used in the present study are expected to be useful for monitoring the walking characteristics of cows. Mobility scoring Anon Mobility scoring Anon 2016 Locomotion scoring of dairy cattle Anon Locomotion scoring of dairy cattle Anon 2016 Tracks and races Anon Tracks and races Anon 2016 Tracks and raceways Anon Tracks and raceways Anon 2016 Minimising slurry pooling in dairy housing Anon Minimising slurry pooling in dairy housing Anon 2016 ICAR Claw Health Atlas Anon ICAR Claw Health Atlas Anon 2015 Farming data Anon Farming data Anon 2015 Existing active substances for which a decision of non-inclusion into Annex I or Ia of Directive 98/8/EC has been adopted... Anon Existing active substances for which a decision of non-inclusion into Annex I or Ia of Directive 98/8/EC has been adopted (26/2/13). Anon 2013 Welfare Quality® Assessment Protocol for Cattle Anon Welfare Quality® Assessment Protocol for Cattle Anon 2009 Opinion on the welfare of the dairy cow Anon Opinion on the welfare of the dairy cow Anon 2009 Farm Animal Welfare in Great Britain: Past, Present and Future Anon Farm Animal Welfare in Great Britain: Past, Present and Future Anon 2009 Consumer attitudes to food standards: wave 4 Anon Consumer attitudes to food standards: wave 4 Anon 2004 The Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations Anon The Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations Anon 2000 FAWC calls for ‘urgent action’ to reduce lameness in dairy cows Anon FAWC calls for ‘urgent action’ to reduce lameness in dairy cows Anon Veterinary Record 1998 Farm Animal Welfare Council Report on the welfare of dairy cattle Anon Farm Animal Welfare Council Report on the welfare of dairy cattle Anon 1997 Report on the welfare of dairy cattle Anon Report on the welfare of dairy cattle Anon 1997 New foul-in-the-foot treatment. Irish Veterinary Journal 49, 274-274 Anon New foul-in-the-foot treatment. Irish Veterinary Journal 49, 274-274 Anon Irish Veterinary Journal 1996 The Control of Digital Dermatitis in Large Dairy Cattle Farms Anon The Control of Digital Dermatitis in Large Dairy Cattle Farms Anon Av Aliment Mejora Anim 1990 Dairy Facts and figures 2003 Anon Dairy Facts and figures 2003 Anon 2005 A Guide to Environmental Research on Animals Anon A Guide to Environmental Research on Animals Anon 1971 Farmer reported prevalence and factors associated with contagious ovine digital dermatitis in Wales: A questionnaire of 511 sheep... Angell, J. W., Carter, S. D., Duncan et al Farmer reported prevalence and factors associated with contagious ovine digital dermatitis in Wales: A questionnaire of 511 sheep farmers Angell, J. W., Carter, S. D., Duncan, J. S., Grove-White, D. H. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2014 Determination of oxytetracycline in the serum and milk of cattle after topical treatment with a spray formulation for digital... Anfossi, P., Brizzi, A., Roncada, P. et al Determination of oxytetracycline in the serum and milk of cattle after topical treatment with a spray formulation for digital dermatitis Anfossi, P., Brizzi, A., Roncada, P., Stracciari, G. L., Tomasi, L. Atti della Societa Italiana di Buiatria 1993 Bovine medicine. Diseases and husbandry of cattle Andrews, A. H., Blowey, R. W., Boyd, H. et al Bovine medicine. Diseases and husbandry of cattle Andrews, A. H., Blowey, R. W., Boyd, H., Eddy, R. G. 1992 The editors have aimed to produce a working guide which will be of particular help to veterinary practitioners. 57 contributors, including the editors, have been involved in its production. Part 1 (pp. 1-103) covers calf rearing, beef finishing systems, suckler herds, dairy farming, heifer rearing, tropical cattle management, nutrition and alternative forages. The main part of the book is simply entitled Disease, with the first chapter covering diagnosis and differential diagnosis in the cow. This is followed by 7 chapters on calf diseases, 3 on growing cattle (endo- and ectoparasites, respiratory disease and trace element disorders) and 8 on adult cattle, all of which deal with mastitis. The remaining chapters cover lameness (2), fertility (7), major infectious diseases (bluetongue, enzootic bovine leukosis, foot and mouth disease, rinderpest, vesicular stomatitis, bacterial conditions), metabolic problems (2), miscellaneous conditions (9), and therapy and prophylaxis (11 chapters), including a chapter on alternative medicine. With the emphasis on practical information, this book does not include every detail concerning each disease, organism or clinical condition. The number of references has been kept to a minimum, and several chapters have no bibliography at all. There is a detailed subject index. It does not contain Latin binomials for parasites and plants, simply using common names, although the Latin names are referred to in the text The correlation of Qualitative Behavior Assessments with Welfare Quality® protocol outcomes in on-farm welfare assessment of... Andreasen, S. N., Forkman, B., Sandøe et al The correlation of Qualitative Behavior Assessments with Welfare Quality® protocol outcomes in on-farm welfare assessment of dairy cattle Andreasen, S. N., Forkman, B., Sandøe, P., Wemelsfelder, F. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2013 The welfare of dairy cows is improved in relation to cleanliness and integument alterations on the hocks and lameness when sand... Andreasen, S. N., Forkman, B. The welfare of dairy cows is improved in relation to cleanliness and integument alterations on the hocks and lameness when sand is used as stall surface Andreasen, S. N., Forkman, B. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Interdigital dermatitis and heel horn erosion in cattle Andersson, L. Interdigital dermatitis and heel horn erosion in cattle Andersson, L. Svensk Veterinartidning 1992 An Attempt to Induce Laminitis in Cows by Intra-Ruminal Infusion of Lactic-Acid Andersson, L. An Attempt to Induce Laminitis in Cows by Intra-Ruminal Infusion of Lactic-Acid Andersson, L. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 1981 Force plate analysis – a noninvasive tool for gait evaluation Anderson, M. A., Mann, F. A. Force plate analysis – a noninvasive tool for gait evaluation Anderson, M. A., Mann, F. A. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian 1994 The study of motion in animals is known as kinesiology. Kinematic and kinetic forms of gait analysis have been used to measure normal and abnormal gait. No single system of gait analysis provides all the information required to evaluate the complex nature of locomotion; however, force plate analysis provides an easy, noninvasive, and objective method of evaluating gait via measurement of ground reaction forces. The major limitation of force plate analysis is the inability to measure successive events during locomotion. Other methods of gait analysis provide additional information and can be used in conjunction with force plate analysis to provide a more complete evaluation of locomotion. Force plates have been used to evaluate a variety of orthopedic diseases in humans, horses, dogs, cats, and cattle. Force plate analysis provides veterinary orthopedic surgeons with the capability to objectively evaluate many forms of medical and surgical treatments of musculoskeletal disease. The cost of force plates, however, may prohibit the use of force plate analysis outside academic research institutions Pathology of bovine laminitis especially as regards vascular lesions. Anderson, L., Bergman, A. Pathology of bovine laminitis especially as regards vascular lesions. Anderson, L., Bergman, A. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavia 1980 Fresh cow mastitis monitoring on day 3 postpartum and its relationship to subsequent milk production Allen, A., Anderson, K. L., Correa et al Fresh cow mastitis monitoring on day 3 postpartum and its relationship to subsequent milk production Allen, A., Anderson, K. L., Correa, M. T., Rodriguez, R. R. Journal of Dairy Science 2010 The purpose was to determine the association of milk California Mastitis Test (CMT), somatic cell concentration (SCC), and milk differential cell count results on day 3 postcalving with subsequent lactation production and health events. On d 3 postcalving, the CMT was performed and quarter milk samples were collected from 130 dairy cows. Quarter SCC and milk differential cell counts were determined. Microbiology on duplicate quarter milk samples was used to determine the presence of intramammary infection by major or minor pathogens. Production measures obtained using Dairy Herd Improvement Association testing were 150-d standardized and summit milks. Milk culture results on a cow basis included 82 (63.1%) samples with no growth, 31 (23.9%) with major pathogens, and 17 (13.1%) with minor pathogens. Milk culture results comparing cows with no growth to those with any growth (major or minor pathogens) were not associated with statistically significant differences in milk production. Milk culture results comparing cows with major pathogens to those with no growth and minor pathogens combined were associated with statistically significant differences in 150 d milk. Milk production did not differ for cows with CMT results above and below a cut-off of trace, and for SCC results above and below cut-offs of 200,000, 300,000, and 400,000/mL, respectively. Statistically significant differences in milk production were found for cows above and below cut-offs for percentage neutrophils in milk and for absolute neutrophil counts. Associations were found for milk production and number of quarters (0, 1, 2, or 3 and 4 combined) above respective cut-offs for SCC, percentage neutrophils in milk, and absolute numbers of neutrophils in milk, but not for CMT. Milk production differed for cows experiencing any health event versus those with no health event. The most commonly recorded health event was clinical mastitis. Statistically significant associations were detected between health events and milk culture results, SCC, neutrophil percentage, and neutrophil absolute counts. Results of the present investigation indicate that milk monitoring on d 3 of lactation using milk neutrophil percentage or neutrophil absolute counts may be useful as an indication of subsequent milk production. Hoof trimming made easy Anderson, J. F. Hoof trimming made easy Anderson, J. F. Bovine Practitioner 1990 Influence of housing and feeding on behaviour, feed intake, growth, carcass and meat quality Anderson, H. F., Foldager, J., Klastrup et al Influence of housing and feeding on behaviour, feed intake, growth, carcass and meat quality Anderson, H. F., Foldager, J., Klastrup, S., Krohn, C. C., Munksgaard, L. Beretning fra Statens Husdyrbrugsforsog 1991 72 Danish Black Pied calves at an av. age of 42 days were divided into 3 equal groups and kept in tied stalls 125 cm wide (group 1), in loose boxes with fully slatted floors (group 2) or deep bedding (group 3). The loose boxes had 6 animals per box, with a floor space of 1.8 m2 per animal. Half the animals in each group were fed mainly on concentrates (treatment 1) and the other half on concentrates + whole crop barley silage (treatment 2). The animals were slaughtered at an av. live weight of 450 kg. For the 3 housing groups, initial weight averaged 77, 80 and 80 kg resp., weight at slaughter 450, 454 and 448 kg, daily gain 1378, 1214 and 1199 g, daily carcass gain 719, 650 and 634 g, dry matter intake 5.76, 5.76 and 5.60 kg per day, and food conversion efficiency (Scandinavian FU per kg gain) 4.23, 4.75 and 4.74. The body weight and av. daily gain of tied bulls were significantly higher than those of bulls in boxes; the differences between bulls in the 2 types of boxes were not significant. For carcass characters, significant differences between tied bulls and those in boxes were observed for dressing percentage (51.7 for tied bulls vs. 52.4-52.8 for those in boxes), area of longissimus dorsi muscle (53.9 vs. 58.7-60.3 cm2) and fat trim (6.8 vs. 5.8-5.9%). The number of bulls affected with foot rot was 0, 12 and 5 in the 3 groups, and the number affected with liver abscesses 0, 7 and 6. For the nutritional treatments, significant differences were observed for av. daily gain (1330 and 1197 g for treatments 1 and 2 resp.), daily carcass gain (710 and 625 g), dressing percentage (52.8 and 51.9), fatness classification score (3.2 and 2.8) and fat thickness (4.9 and 3.8 mm). Tied bulls had more difficulty in getting up or lying down than those on deep bedding, and they also spent more time with the head resting on the bedding or ground than on the body. The frequency of licking/chewing of equipment was also higher for bulls in tied stalls than in boxes. For bulls in boxes, movements were less for animals on slatted floors than on deep bedding, and the frequency of chasing and attempts to mount was also lower for slatted floors. Bulls on slatted floors had more hoof afflictions, but those on deep bedding had less hoof wear and tear, and therefore required more frequent hoof trimming Traumatic flexor tendon injuries in 27 cattle Anderson, D. E., Desrochers, A. et al Traumatic flexor tendon injuries in 27 cattle Anderson, D. E., Desrochers, A., Ducharme, N. G., Morin, D. E., Nelson, D. R., StJean, G. Veterinary Surgery 1996 Information for all cattle with a diagnosis of tendon injury entered into the Veterinary Medical Data Base (VMDB) was retrieved and selected medical records reviewed. The proportional morbidity rate for tendon disruption was 0.89 cattle/1,000 cattle admissions and 95 of 99 cattle survived. Female and dairy cattle had a greater risk of tendon disruption than male or beef cattle, respectively. Also, cattle 6 months to 7 years old had a greater risk than cattle younger than 6 months old. Complete medical records were examined for 27 cattle. Affected cattle were 2.5 +/- 1.8 years old and weighed 593.6 +/- 315.6 kg. Injuries were most commonly caused by accidents involving farm machinery (72%). Unilateral superficial digital flexsr tendon injury occurred in 8 cattle (30%); multiple tendon injury occurred in the other 19 cattle (70%). A single limb was involved in 25 cattle, a rear limb was involved in 24 cattle, and an open wound was associated with the injury in 26 cattle. Wounds were identified most commonly at the mid (13 cattle) and proximal metatarsus (4 cattle). Treatment of tendon disruption included tenorrhaphy and casting (9 cattle), external coaptation, alone, (14 cattle), stall confinement, alone, (1 cow), and euthanasia or salvage (3 cattle). External coaptation was maintained for 74.4 +/- 34.3 days, and total confinement period was 88.3 +/- 59.5 days. Short-term complications included severe tendon laxity (one cow) and fatal septic peritonitis (one bull). Twenty-two of 24 cattle treated for tendon disruption survived. Follow-up information was available for 16 cattle; 14 cattle (87%) returned to productivity and 11 of 15 cattle with long-term follow-up (73%) were considered productive. Long-term complications included persistent lameness (56%) and persistent hyperextension of the digits (19%). (C) Copyright 1995 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Use of transfixation pinning and external fixation for management of complicated fractures in cattle: 30 cases Anderson, B. H., Anderson, D. E. et al Use of transfixation pinning and external fixation for management of complicated fractures in cattle: 30 cases Anderson, B. H., Anderson, D. E., Desrochers, A., Hull, B. L., St Jean, G. Prevention of lameness in cow-calf operations Anderson, D. E., Rogers, G. M. Prevention of lameness in cow-calf operations Anderson, D. E., Rogers, G. M. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2001 Lameness is a significant cause of economic loss, premature culling, and loss of genetics in cow-calf operations. In recent years, attention to treatment and prevention of lameness has increased. Veterinarians must be aware of factors associated with lameness such as genetics, environment, and nutrition so that preventive measures can be instituted in consultation with ranchers. Surgical Management of Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Diseases of Feedlot Calves Anderson, D. E., Miesner, M. D. Surgical Management of Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Diseases of Feedlot Calves Anderson, D. E., Miesner, M. D. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2015 Injuries, infections, and disorders of the musculoskeletal system are common in feedlot calves. These conditions often are amenable to surgical treatment with return of the calf to productivity. Weight gain and carcass quality are expected to be significantly adversely affected by pain and debilitation. The goal of surgical management of disorders of the joints, muscles, and feet should be resolution of the inciting cause, mitigation of pain, and restoration of form and function. If these are achieved, calves should return to acceptable, if not normal, feed intake, rate of gain, and carcass quality. Diagnosis and management of tendon disorders in cattle Anderson, D. E., Jean, G. Diagnosis and management of tendon disorders in cattle Anderson, D. E., Jean, G. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1996 Diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired tendon disorders in cattle are discussed. A brief discussion of tendon structure, anatomy, biomechanics, and healing is included. Congenital abnormalities presented include hyperextension deformities, flexural deformities, arthrogryposis, and spastic paresis. Acquired abnormalities discussed include tendon displacement, tendinitis, tendon disruption, and tenosynovitis. Antibiotic selection for musculoskeletal infections is briefly discussed Prevention and Management of Surgical Pain in Cattle Anderson, David E., Edmondson, Misty A. Prevention and Management of Surgical Pain in Cattle Anderson, David E., Edmondson, Misty A. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2013 Use of hock bandages for prevention of tarsal cellulitis (tarsal bursitis) in dairy cattle housed in a tie-stall barn Anderson, D. E., Desrochers, A. et al Use of hock bandages for prevention of tarsal cellulitis (tarsal bursitis) in dairy cattle housed in a tie-stall barn Anderson, D. E., Desrochers, A., Scheffel, M., Shirley, J. E., StJean, G. Agri-Practice 1996 A total of 25 Holstein cows, 2 to 5 years old, were used in a study designed to determine whether a soft, pliable covering placed over the hock during the accommodation period, when cows are first placed into the tie-stall barn, would prevent initial hock injury, and therefore prevent the development of tarsal cellulitis. It was found that they effectively decreased the incidence of tarsal cellulitis during this 12-week study. Tarsal cellulitis was observed in 30% of control cows (bandage treated cows, 8%). Although statistical difference was not observed for cows in each group, significantly fewer hocks were affected in the bandage treated group Use of multifenestrated indwelling lavage system for treatment of septic digital tenosynovitis in cattle Allen, D., Anderson, D. E., Parks et al Use of multifenestrated indwelling lavage system for treatment of septic digital tenosynovitis in cattle Allen, D., Anderson, D. E., Parks, A. H., St Jean, G. Australian Veterinary Journal 1997 Seven cattle, admitted to a veterinary hospital in the USA, between January 1989 and August 1995, with infection of the digital flexor tendon sheath of a hind limb, and with varying degrees of lameness, were diagnosed with septic tenosynovitis. Open wounds were present in 6, the seventh had a nail penetrating the heel bulb. A multifenestrated lavage system was placed in each affected tendon sheath and a wooden block on a healthy digit (blocks were not used in 2 bulls with biaxial infection). Sterile saline was infused under pressure, daily (n=5), twice daily (n=1) or every other day (n=1) for 5-9 days. Antibiotics were administered to all cattle for 5-41 days, including penicillin, ceftiofur, gentamicin, oxytetracycline, ampicillin and sulfadimethoxine. Lameness was substantially reduced in all cattle, except a bull with deep digital flexor muscle disruption, 48 h after the start of treatment. 1 bull was culled a year after surgery, 1 had an enlarged limb 14 months after surgery and 5 were walking soundly and were productive up to 26 months after treatment Prevention of lameness in cow-calf operations. [Review] [54 refs] Anderson, D. E. Prevention of lameness in cow-calf operations. [Review] [54 refs] Anderson, D. E. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2001 Lameness is a significant cause of economic loss, premature culling, and loss of genetics in cow-calf operations. In recent years, attention to treatment and prevention of lameness has increased. Veterinarians must be aware of factors associated with lameness such as genetics, environment, and nutrition so that preventive measures can be instituted in consultation with ranchers. [References: 54] Bacterial toxins in the veterinary clinic: 4. Endotoxins: Pathophysiology and clinical features in cattle and swine Andersen, Pia Haubro Bacterial toxins in the veterinary clinic: 4. Endotoxins: Pathophysiology and clinical features in cattle and swine Andersen, Pia Haubro Dansk Veterinaertidsskrift 1992 Prevalence of antibodies to lipid A in Danish Cattle Andersen, P., Fomsgaard, A., Hoier, R. et al Prevalence of antibodies to lipid A in Danish Cattle Andersen, P., Fomsgaard, A., Hoier, R., Houe, H. Journal of Veterinary Medicine, A 1996 A cross-sectional study was performed on the occurrence of IgG antibodies to lipid A of the Gram-negative bacteria) lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) on serum of 2272 cattle distributed on 19 Danish dairy herds. The relationship between the concentration of antibodies to lipid A (ALI) and age, herd, pregnancy rate and occurrence of mastitis, bovine virus diarrhoea (BVD), reproductive and digestive disorders, diarrhoea, pneumonia, foot disorders, various infections and traumatic udder lesions was investigated. ALI generally was low in calves and increased during their first 1.5 years of life to a steady state, which could be altered by the occurrence of disease. There were significant differences in the mean ALI among the herds (P lt 0.001). High ALI was associated with a low herd pregnancy rate, to preceding occurrence of mastitis (P lt 0.048), BVD (P lt 0.010), reproduction diseases (P lt 0.041) and digestion disorders (P lt 0.064) in animals older than 2 years. The calf mortality rate was not associated to ALI and there was no correlation between the ALI in calves and their dams. The occurrence of high ALI levels on a herd basis may be an indication of increased challenge or enhanced immunological defense to Gram-negative bacteria or endotoxin Genetic analysis of claw and leg traits in young bulls Andersen, B. B., Madsen, P., Smedegard et al Genetic analysis of claw and leg traits in young bulls Andersen, B. B., Madsen, P., Smedegard, H. H. Beretning fra Statens Husdyrbrugsforsog 1991 3047 Danish Red, Friesian and Jersey bulls at 2 performance test stations in Denmark were tested for leg and claw quality at 4 and 10 months of age. The data were analysed by Restricted Max. Likelihood. The type of housing differed in the 2 stations. One station (station 1) used the tie-up system and had concrete floors, and in the other (station 2), the floor comprised slippery concrete in the eating area and straw-bedding in the lying area, and animals were housed in groups. Animals in station 2 had a significantly higher frequency of claw disorders, but scored higher for leg quality, than those in station 1. Among bull breeds, Jerseys had dark, hard claws with few disorders, Friesians had light claws, a high frequency of claw disorders, and a third of the animals had high scores for horn hardness, and the Danish Reds had good claw quality and few disorders. Estimates of h2 were high to moderate for cannon bone circumference (0.65), pastern angle (0.51), claw size (0.43), claw colour (0.58) and horn hardness (0.34). The h2 of an index constructed by weighting individual claw disorders according to the risk of lameness was 0.18. The phenotypic correlation of horn colour with horn hardness was 0.2. Indirect traits of legs (cannon bone circumference and pastern angle) and claws (claw symmetry, claw colour and horn hardness) had low to moderate genetic correlations with claw disorders. The correlation of a selection index of claw quality with breeding value was 0.50. It is concluded that selection for claw quality, using the index, would be useful for Friesians, but not for Jerseys. For the Danish Red, slaughter of bulls with extremely low claw indices is recommended Assessment of the musculoskeletal system Amstutz, H. E. Assessment of the musculoskeletal system Amstutz, H. E. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1992 Assessment of food animal lameness provides a great challenge but also can be extremely rewarding for the practitioner. An accurate diagnosis is essential if treatment, control, and prevention are to be successful. All facets of veterinary medicine and animal science must be applied in order to make an accurate diagnosis. The complaint, history, and signs are the basic considerations in arriving at an accurate assessment and determining the cause so that lameness problems can be solved Prevention and control of lameness in dairy cattle Amstutz, H. E. Prevention and control of lameness in dairy cattle Amstutz, H. E. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1985 The prevention and control of lameness are essential if a dairy herd is to return a profit. Breeding, feeding, housing, and management practices are all involved, and errors or omissions in any of these areas can result in catastrophic lameness. An accurate diagnosis and proper treatment are necessary to minimize losses when lameness occurs [Cattle lameness in the USA]. [German] Amstutz, H. E. [Cattle lameness in the USA]. [German] Amstutz, H. E. DTW - Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift 1974 Risk Factors for Reduced Locomotion in Dairy Cattle on Nineteen Farms in The Netherlands Amory, J. R., Barker, Z. E., Blowey et al Risk Factors for Reduced Locomotion in Dairy Cattle on Nineteen Farms in The Netherlands Amory, J. R., Barker, Z. E., Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Kloosterman, P., Wright, J. L. Journal of Dairy Science 2006 A 3-point locomotion scoring system was used that incorporated the position of the back of cows while standing and when walking to investigate risk factors for elevated locomotion scores of 1,450 dairy cows on 19 farms in The Netherlands. Each of the farms was visited twice in an 18-mo period from February 2003 to July 2004. At each visit, all milking and dry cows were scored for locomotion by a single observer. Two multivariable regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with elevated mean locomotion score (increased abnormality) and the percentage of cows with the highest score (score 3). Risk factors for increased locomotion score were having a hoof-trimming stall with foot-lifting apparatus compared with not having such apparatus (increase in locomotion score = 0.15), presence of a footbath at the parlor exit or other site compared with not having a footbath on the farm (increase in locomotion score = 0.17 and 0.19, respectively), not providing supplemental vitamins and minerals to lactating cows compared with supplementing animals (increase in locomotion score = 0.17) and feeding corn silage to heifers compared with not doing so (increase in locomotion score = 0.10). The results provide a framework for hypotheses for future investigations of risk factors for high locomotion scores. Associations between sole ulcer, white line disease and digital dermatitis and the milk yield of 1824 dairy cows on 30 dairy cow... Amory, J. R., Barker, Z. E., Blowey et al Associations between sole ulcer, white line disease and digital dermatitis and the milk yield of 1824 dairy cows on 30 dairy cow farms in England and Wales from February 2003-November 2004 Amory, J. R., Barker, Z. E., Blowey, R. W., Green, L. E., Mason, S. A., Wright, J. L. Prev Vet Med 2008 The milk yields of 1824 cows were used to investigate the effect of lesion-specific causes of lameness, based on farmer treatment and diagnosis of lame cows, on milk yield. A three-level hierarchical model of repeated test day yields within cows within herds was used to investigate the impact of lesion-specific causes of lameness (sole ulcer, white line disease, digital dermatitis and other causes) on milk yield before and after treatment compared with unaffected cows. Cattle which developed sole ulcer (SU) and white line disease (WLD) were higher yielding cattle before they were diagnosed. Their milk production fell to below that of the mean of unaffected cows before diagnosis and remained low after diagnosis. In cattle which developed digital dermatitis (DD) there was no significant difference in milk yield before treatment and a slightly raised milk yield immediately after treatment. The estimated milk loss attributable to SU and WLD was approximately 570 and 370 kg, respectively. These results highlight that specific types of lameness vary by herds and within herds they are associated with higher yielding cattle. Consequently lesion-specific lameness reduction programmes targeting the cow and farm specific causes of lameness might be more effective than generic recommendations. They also highlight the importance of milk loss when estimating the economic impact of SU and WLD on the farms profitability. Impact of genomic selection of AI dairy sires on their likely utilization and methods to estimate fertility: A paradigm shift Amann, R. P., DeJarnette, J. M. Impact of genomic selection of AI dairy sires on their likely utilization and methods to estimate fertility: A paradigm shift Amann, R. P., DeJarnette, J. M. Theriogenology 2012 Survey of Beef Quality Assurance on California dairies Acetoze, G., Aly, S. S., Hoar, B. et al Survey of Beef Quality Assurance on California dairies Acetoze, G., Aly, S. S., Hoar, B., Lehenbauer, T. W., Maas, J., Meyer, D., Payne, M., Rossow, H. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2014 Effect of paratuberculosis on the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis in a cattle herd with a mixed infection using interferon-gamma... Álvarez, Julio, Aranaz, Alicia, Bezos et al Effect of paratuberculosis on the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis in a cattle herd with a mixed infection using interferon-gamma detection assay Álvarez, Julio, Aranaz, Alicia, Bezos, Javier, de Juan, Lucía, Domínguez, Concepción, Domínguez, Lucas, Fernández-Mardomingo, Baudilio, Marqués, Sergio, Mateos, Ana, Mínguez, Olga, Romero, Beatriz, Sáez, Jose Luis Veterinary Microbiology 2009 Squamous cell carcinoma of the claw matrix in a cow Alton, K., Kofler, J. Squamous cell carcinoma of the claw matrix in a cow Alton, K., Kofler, J. Tierarztliche Praxis Ausgabe Grobtiere Nutztiere 1998 Clinical, radiographic, gross-pathological and histological findings in a squamous cell carcinoma of the claw matrix in a th ree-year-old Simmental cow are described. The cow showed severe lameness of the right foreleg. Radiological examination revealed a large osteolytic focus in the medial distal phalanx. The tentative clinical diagnosis of apical pedal bone necrosis was followed by amputation and pathological examination of the claw. The horn capsule showed no lesions. Pathological examination revealed soft consistency of pedal bone and the cut surface showed a yellowish crumbling material, which had replaced most of the pedal bone. Histologically, infiltration and osteolysis of distal pedal bone by a squamous cell carcinoma was ascertained. This claw tumor has not been reported until now. Clinically, it resembles apical pedal bone necrosis and therefore should be included in the differential diagnosis [Squamous cell carcinoma of the claw matrix in a cow]. [German] Alton, K. [Squamous cell carcinoma of the claw matrix in a cow]. [German] Alton, K. Tierarztliche Praxis 1998 Clinical, radiographic, gross-pathological and histological findings in a squamous cell carcinoma of the claw matrix in a three-year-old Simmental cow are described. The cow showed severe lameness of the right foreleg. Radiological examination revealed a large osteolytic focus in the medial distal phalanx. The tentative clinical diagnosis of apical pedal bone necrosis was followed by amputation and pathological examination of the claw. The horn capsule showed no lesions. Pathological examination revealed soft consistency of pedal bone and the cut surface showed a yellowish crumbling material, which had replaced most of the pedal bone. Histologically, infiltration and osteolysis of distal pedal bone by a squamous cell carcinoma was ascertained. This claw tumor has not been reported until now. Clinically, it resembles apical pedal bone necrosis and therefore should be included in the differential diagnosis A field trial of infrared thermography as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for early detection of digital dermatitis in dairy cows Alsaaod, M., Dietrich, J., Doherr et al A field trial of infrared thermography as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for early detection of digital dermatitis in dairy cows Alsaaod, M., Dietrich, J., Doherr, M. G., Gujan, T., Steiner, A., Syring, C. The Veterinary Journal 2014 Infrared thermography (IRT) was used to detect digital dermatitis (DD) prior to routine claw trimming. A total of 1192 IRT observations were collected from 149 cows on eight farms. All cows were housed in tie-stalls. The maximal surface temperatures of the coronary band (CB) region and skin (S) of the fore and rear feet (mean value of the maximal surface temperatures of both digits for each foot separately, CBmax and Smax) were assessed. Grouping was performed at the foot level (presence of DD, n = 99; absence, n = 304), or at the cow level (all four feet healthy, n = 24) or where there was at least one DD lesion on the rear feet, n = 37). For individual cows (n = 61), IRT temperature difference was determined by subtracting the mean sum of CBmax and Smax of the rear feet from that of the fore feet. Feet with DD had higher CBmax and Smax (P < 0.001) than healthy feet. Smax was significantly higher in feet with infectious DD lesions (M-stage: M2 + M4; n = 15) than in those with non-infectious M-lesions (M1 + M3; n = 84) (P = 0.03), but this was not the case for CBmax (P = 0.12). At the cow level, an optimal cut-off value for detecting DD of 0.99 °C (IRT temperature difference between rear and front feet) yielded a sensitivity of 89.1% and a specificity of 66.6%. The results indicate that IRT may be a useful non-invasive diagnostic tool to screen for the presence of DD in dairy cows by measuring CBmax and Smax. The Role of Infrared Thermography as a Non-Invasive Tool for the Detection of Lameness in Cattle Alsaaod, M., Büscher, W., Schaefer et al The Role of Infrared Thermography as a Non-Invasive Tool for the Detection of Lameness in Cattle Alsaaod, M., Büscher, W., Schaefer, A. L., Steiner, A. Sensors (Basel) 2015 The use of infrared thermography for the identification of lameness in cattle has increased in recent years largely because of its non-invasive properties, ease of automation and continued cost reductions. Thermography can be used to identify and determine thermal abnormalities in animals by characterizing an increase or decrease in the surface temperature of their skin. The variation in superficial thermal patterns resulting from changes in blood flow in particular can be used to detect inflammation or injury associated with conditions such as foot lesions. Thermography has been used not only as a diagnostic tool, but also to evaluate routine farm management. Since 2000, 14 peer reviewed papers which discuss the assessment of thermography to identify and manage lameness in cattle have been published. There was a large difference in thermography performance in these reported studies. However, thermography was demonstrated to have utility for the detection of contralateral temperature difference and maximum foot temperature on areas of interest. Also apparent in these publications was that a controlled environment is an important issue that should be considered before image scanning. Electronic detection of lameness in dairy cows through measuring pedometric activity and lying behavior Alsaaod, Maher, Büscher, Wolfgang et al Electronic detection of lameness in dairy cows through measuring pedometric activity and lying behavior Alsaaod, Maher, Büscher, Wolfgang, Hendriksen, Kathrin, Kleinmanns, Jens, Plümer, Lutz, Römer, Christoph, Rose-Meierhöfer, Sandra Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2012 The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of electronic measurement of activity and lying behavior by ALT-pedometer to recognize different behavior patterns between non-lame and lame cows. The sensors were used to measure the activity and lying behavior, including the total time spent lying down, the number of lying bouts, the duration of each bout for individual cows and maximal/minimal bout duration. A total of 30 lactating Holstein dairy cows were selected based on their locomotion score (NRS ≤ 2). These cows were gait scored according to a 5-point numerical rating system (NRS) and categorized during the experiment as NRS ≤ 2, NRS = 3, NRS = 3.5. This resulted in a dataset of 549 labeled days from eleven cows in total, with approximately the same amount of lame and non-lame days. Huge differences in daily behavior between individual cows were observed. Those differences were significantly larger than the change in daily behavior caused by lameness for each cow. Therefore, it was concluded that thresholds and usage of the absolute values were not feasible to predict lameness for all cows. Hence, instead of using absolute measurements for prediction, the deviation from normal behavior was used for classification. As this deviation was in some features equally likely to differ in positive and negative direction, non-linear prediction models had to be used. In addition, single features were not informative enough to reveal lameness and thus a model combining all features for prediction was necessary. For classification, Support Vector Machines with an RBF-kernel were used. In contrast to a prediction accuracy of 65% from the model derived for absolute values, we were able to predict lameness with an accuracy of 76% using the deviation from normal behavior as features. Our results demonstrate that ALT-pedometer measurements in combination with machine learning tools have the potential to detect lameness accurately on-farm. The cow pedogram-Analysis of the gait cycle variables allows the detection of lameness and foot pathologies Alsaaod, M., Hausegger, T., Kredel, R. et al The cow pedogram-Analysis of the gait cycle variables allows the detection of lameness and foot pathologies Alsaaod, M., Hausegger, T., Kredel, R., Luternauer, M., Steiner, A. J Dairy Sci 2016 Changes in gait characteristics are important indicators in assessing the health and welfare of cattle. The aim of this study was to detect unilateral hind limb lameness and foot pathologies in dairy cows using 2 high-frequency accelerometers (400 Hz). The extracted gait cycle variables included temporal events (kinematic outcome = gait cycle, stance phase, and swing phase duration) and several peaks (kinetic outcome = foot load, toe-off). The study consisted of 2 independent experiments. Experiment 1 was carried out to compare the pedogram variables between the lateral claw and respective metatarsus (MT; n = 12) in sound cows (numerical rating system <3, n = 12) and the differences of pedogram variables across limbs within cows between lame cows (numerical rating system >/=3, n = 5) and sound cows (n = 12) using pedogram data that were visually compared with the synchronized cinematographic data. Experiment 2 was carried out to determine the differences across limbs within cows between cows with foot lesions (n = 12) and without foot lesions (n = 12) using only pedogram data. A receiver operator characteristic analysis was used to determine the performance of selected pedogram variables at the cow level. The pedogram of the lateral claw of sound cows revealed similarities of temporal events (gait cycle duration, stance and swing phases) but higher peaks (toe-off and foot load) as compared with the pedogram of the respective MT. In both experiments, comparison of the values between groups showed significantly higher values in lame cows and cows with foot lesions for all gait cycle variables. The optimal cutoff value of the relative stance phase duration for identifying lame cows was 14.79% and for cows with foot lesions was 2.53% with (both 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity) in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. The use of accelerometers with a high sampling rate (400 Hz) at the level of the MT is a promising tool to indirectly measure the kinematic variables of the lateral claw and to detect unilateral hind limb lameness and hind limb pathologies in dairy cows and is highly accurate. Detection of hoof lesions using digital infrared thermography in dairy cows Alsaaod, M., Büscher, W. Detection of hoof lesions using digital infrared thermography in dairy cows Alsaaod, M., Büscher, W. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 The objective was to investigate infrared thermography (IRT) as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for early detection of foot pathologies in dairy cows. This was achieved by measuring changes in coronary band temperature before and after claw trimming in response to visual detection of abnormalities of the hooves. We hypothesized that by focusing on the coronary band region, IRT is able to detect lesions of the hind limbs of dairy cows associated with lameness. In this study, 626 individual observations were collected from 24 cows before and after claw trimming. Infrared thermography was used to assess the surface temperature of the coronary band (CB) region and skin (S), and the temperature difference (ΔT) between CB and S of the hind limbs. The average, minimum, and maximum surface temperatures were recorded in both regions. Temperatures of CB and S and ΔT were significantly higher in cows ≤200 d in milk than in cows >200 d in milk for all healthy hooves: 31.8 ± 2.7 versus 29.8 ± 3.6; 28.5 ± 2.5 versus 27.2 ± 3.3°C, and 3.31 ± 1.7 versus 2.51 ± 1.3°C, respectively. Temperatures of CB and S regions were positively correlated with ambient temperature. This association was best described by a linear model (R2 = 0.92 and 0.99, respectively). The temperatures of CB and S regions were 30.3 ± 3.2°C and 27.3 ± 2.9°C; 32.1 ± 1.7°C and 28.6 ± 2.1°C; and 33.8 ± 1.3°C and 29.9 ± 1.8°C for parlor temperatures of 12.2, 15.7, and 20.3°C, respectively. In the pre- and post-trimming data analysis, a significant difference was found in temperature of the coronary band between cows with lesions and cows without lesions. A threshold value was established to determine the temperature difference between lesion and nonlesion hind claws on CB at 0.64 and 1.09°C before and after claw trimming (sensitivity = 85.7%, specificity = 55.9%; and sensitivity = 80.0%, specificity = 82.9%, respectively) with the aim of detecting hoof lesions. In conclusion, the results demonstrate an increase in surface temperature of the lame limb when a hoof has a lesion. The relationship between serum biotin and oxidant/antioxidant activities in bovine lameness Al-Qudah, Khaled M., Ismail, Zuhair Bani The relationship between serum biotin and oxidant/antioxidant activities in bovine lameness Al-Qudah, Khaled M., Ismail, Zuhair Bani Research in Veterinary Science 2012 Early detection of lameness in heifers with hairy heel warts using a pressure plate Almeida, P. E., Mullineaux, D. R. et al Early detection of lameness in heifers with hairy heel warts using a pressure plate Almeida, P. E., Mullineaux, D. R., Raphael, W., Wickens, C., Zanella, A. J. Animal Welfare 2007 Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis: A Review of Cases in Clinical Practice Alexander, Dominic Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis: A Review of Cases in Clinical Practice Alexander, Dominic Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 2010 A veterinary practice’s approach to reducing cattle lameness Alcock, P. A veterinary practice’s approach to reducing cattle lameness Alcock, P. Cattle Lameness Conference 2015 Slip-resistance of solid concrete floors in cattle buildings Albutt, R. W., Cermak, J. P., Dumelow et al Slip-resistance of solid concrete floors in cattle buildings Albutt, R. W., Cermak, J. P., Dumelow, J., Owen, J. E. Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research 1990 Dairy Animal Welfare: Current and Needed Research1,2 Albright, J. L. Dairy Animal Welfare: Current and Needed Research1,2 Albright, J. L. Journal of Dairy Science 1987 Of 25 milestones in dairy animal welfare, 10 were linked to laws and regulations, 9 to research, education, and development, 4 to books and publication, and 2 to human error (accidents). Animal rightists have attacked the dairy industry because of farm conditions, bovine somatotropin, overproduction of milk, dairy lobbies, and advertising of milk products. Evidence from Europe suggests that animal welfare has been largely promoted as a sociopolitical issue by nonagriculturalists. Codes, guidelines, and recommendations are well-established for northern Europe. The American Veterinary Medical Association Animal Welfare Committee has prepared the pamphlet on food animal welfare and addressed specific bovine welfare issues in its guide for veal calf care and production. From 1978 to 1986, only four US experiment station projects were concerned with dairy animal welfare. Needed research includes studying learned helplessness; analysis and economics of alternative husbandry systems for veal calves (and cows) freestall design and surfaces; and shade, cooling, and misting of mangers and holding pens prior to entering the parlor. Alert caretakers are encouraged to read behavior signals of cattle. Increased standing of cattle is often taken now as a sign of discomfort or discontent in studies of cow and calf confinement. Criteria that should be considered in assessing welfare or well-being are behavior, health, musculoskeletal soundness, productivity, physiological and biochemical characteristics, and reproduction. Investigations of the Validity of Gldh Concentrations For the Diagnosis of Infertility, Metabolic and Lameness in Cattle Herds Albrecht, E., Unglaub, W. Investigations of the Validity of Gldh Concentrations For the Diagnosis of Infertility, Metabolic and Lameness in Cattle Herds Albrecht, E., Unglaub, W. Tierarztliche Umschau 1992 GlDH, GOT urea and acetone concentrations were estimated in 1254 bovine sera from 150 herds with problems of infertility, metabolic or foot claw diseases. Assossiations of these parameters with the stage of lactation, milk yield and condition of the animal and the whole herd were investigated. The normal range for GlDH was considered to be less than 10 units per litre. Significant correlations between GOT and GlDH and between GlDH and acetone concentrations were observed (r = 0.319 and 0.116). In cases where the blood urea levels exceed 30 mg%, GOT concentrations were significantly increased, but with no detectable changes in GlDH concentrations. The serum concentrations of GlDH were increased only in herds in poor conditions. Animals in good condition did not exhibit increased GlDH concentrations even for those animals which had a relatively high milk yield with a temporary increase in acetone concentration. As a consequence of these studies the Cattle Health Service considers that the serum concentration of GlDH is a late and non-specific metabolic indicator of nutritional insufficiency New treatment for foul in the foot in dairy cattle. Preliminary report Albarracin, D., Cosentino, P., Pugliese et al New treatment for foul in the foot in dairy cattle. Preliminary report Albarracin, D., Cosentino, P., Pugliese, M. Veterinaria Argentina 1995 20 dairy cows with interdigital necrobacillosis (Bacteroides melanocitogenesis and Fusobacterium necrophorum isolated from the lesions) were treated for 3 days with i.m. injections of ceftiofur (Excenel, 1 mg/kg). 19 animals showed complete recovery. Nine milk samples were taken from each cow up to 6 h after the last treatment. No antibiotic residues were detected apart from 1 cow that had received oxytetracycline during the trial Assessing and managing welfare in a Danish dairy herd: problems and a proposal Alban, L., Sorensen, J. T. Assessing and managing welfare in a Danish dairy herd: problems and a proposal Alban, L., Sorensen, J. T. Welfare assessment parameters are discussed with special reference to disease. For a Danish dairy herd, it is suggested that the following parameters are included with respect to the cow's welfare: (1) information on housing and management routines; (2) information on veterinary treatments routinely reported to the Danish Cattle Database; (3) results from clinical examinations of the cows; and (4) information on the claw health on the day of trimming Foul in the Foot (Interdigital Necrobacillosis) in Danish Dairy-Cows – Frequency and Possible Risk-Factors Agger, J. F., Alban, L., Lawson, L. G. Foul in the Foot (Interdigital Necrobacillosis) in Danish Dairy-Cows – Frequency and Possible Risk-Factors Agger, J. F., Alban, L., Lawson, L. G. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1995 Foul in the foot is a disease which has a substantial impact on the welfare of the affected cows and the economic return to the farmer. Factors associated with foul in the foot were evaluated in a retrospective longitudinal study. A total of 9520 Danish dairy cows from 171 herds from Ringkobing County were included in the multivariable analysis. information was collected between January 1990 and December 1991. The cow's incidence risk of foul in the foot was 0.6% during the first month post partum. This was six times higher than in the last month prepartum and in any other month post partum. Almost half (39.9%) of the first treatments for foul in the foot were provided within the first 30 days pose partum, Hence, there was a relationship between foul in the foot and calving. The seasonal distribution of all veterinary treatments for foul in the foot showed that in both years approximately half the treatments (46.4% in 1990; 48.8% in 1991) were provided during the summer months June-September. There was no apparent association between total monthly number of veterinary treatments for foul in the fool and precipitation. The association between foul in the foot and the possible risk factors was assessed using logistic-binomial regression with herd as a random effect. The results suggest that Danish Jersey cows have reduced risk of developing foul in the foot during a lactation compared to lied Danish, Danish Black and White, and Danish Red and White cows. First-parity cows had highest risk of foul in the foot, second-parity cows lowest. Loose-housed cows had higher risk of foul in the foot than tied cows. There was a positive association between incidence of foul in the foot and incidence of other lameness than foul in the foot. Lameness in tied Danish dairy cattle: The possible influence of housing systems, management, milk yield, and prior incidents of... Agger, J. F., Alban, L., Lawson, L. G. Lameness in tied Danish dairy cattle: The possible influence of housing systems, management, milk yield, and prior incidents of lameness Agger, J. F., Alban, L., Lawson, L. G. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1996 Lameness constitutes a group of diseases which have a major impact on the welfare of affected animals, because lameness is usually associated with substantial pain and discomfort and is of long duration, Knowledge of the risk factors for lameness might be used to reduce the incidence of lameness. Therefore, a retrospective longitudinal study was conducted to determine the influence of several risk factors on the incidence of lameness in tied Danish dairy cattle. The information used originated from the Central Danish Disease Recording Scheme and from a questionnaire survey. Disease incidents occurring from 1 month before to 7 months after parturition were considered. To estimate the associations between nine different kinds of lameness in two successive lactations, Fisher's exact test was used. To determine the effect of other possible risk factors on foul in the foot (interdigital necrobacillosis) and hock lesions (tarsal cellulitis and its sequelae), multivariable random-effects logistic regression was used. The results indicate that many of the different kinds of lameness interrelate from one lactation to the next. The factors associated with increased risk of foul in the foot were: first parity, summer calving combined with outdoor grazing, use of yoke tie, and high average herd milk production. Risk factors for hock lesions were: breed (Danish Jersey lower than Red Danish and Danish Black and White), first parity, winter calving, use of electric cow trainer, and high average herd milk production. Lameness in Danish Dairy-Cows – Frequency and Possible Risk-Factors Alban, L. Lameness in Danish Dairy-Cows – Frequency and Possible Risk-Factors Alban, L. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 1995 A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted aiming at determining specific risk factors associated with lameness in lactating dairy cattle. A total of 9762 cows from 165 Danish dairy herds was included in the analysis. The evaluated factors were: breed and parity of the cow, season in which calving took place, whether the cow had reproductive diseases, udder-related diseases, or metabolic/digestive diseases during the lactation, herd size, the farmer's expectation of whether he would still be a milk producer 5 years ahead, whether the cows were on pasture in the summer, housing system, and way of using veterinarian. The association between the possible risk factors and lameness was assessed using logistic-binomial regression with herd as a random effect. The results suggest that a cow has an increased risk of developing lameness during a lactation if she is either a Danish Black and White, a Red Danish or a Danish Red and White (compared with Danish Jersey), if she is in her first or fourth lactation, if she has calved during the housing period (October-April), if the farmer does not expect to be a dairy producer 5 years ahead, and if she is part of a large herd. The effects of liveweight loss and milk production on the risk of lameness in a seasonally calving, pasture fed dairy herd in New... Alawneh, J. I., Lopez-Villalobos, N. et al The effects of liveweight loss and milk production on the risk of lameness in a seasonally calving, pasture fed dairy herd in New Zealand Alawneh, J. I., Lopez-Villalobos, N., Otley, T., Stevenson, M. A., Williamson, N. B. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2014 The effect of clinical lameness on liveweight in a seasonally calving, pasture-fed dairy herd Alawneh, J. I., Lopez-Villalobos, N. et al The effect of clinical lameness on liveweight in a seasonally calving, pasture-fed dairy herd Alawneh, J. I., Lopez-Villalobos, N., Otley, T., Stevenson, M. A., Williamson, N. B. Journal of Dairy Science 2012 Automatic recording of daily walkover liveweight of dairy cattle at pasture in the first 100 days in milk Alawneh, J. I., Lopez-Villalobos, N. et al Automatic recording of daily walkover liveweight of dairy cattle at pasture in the first 100 days in milk Alawneh, J. I., Lopez-Villalobos, N., Otley, T., Stevenson, M. A., Williamson, N. B. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Daily walkover liveweight (WoLW) records (n = 79,697) from 463 pasture-fed dairy cows from a single dairy herd in the lower North Island of New Zealand were recorded over the first 100 d of lactation. The aims of this study were to (1) describe LW records retrieved by a standalone automatic Wo daily weighing system; (2) describe the frequency and nature of outlier LW records measured by the system and develop an approach for excluding identified outlier LW records; (3) quantify the agreement between cow LW measured using the Wo system and those measured statically; and (4) describe the autocorrelation between daily LW measurements to provide an indication of how frequently management decisions need to be reviewed to effectively monitor cow LW change in the early-lactation period. The standard deviation of daily LW measurements across parities was 17 kg, on average. A near perfect association between LW measured statically and WoLW (concordance correlation coefficient 0.99, 95% CI 0.99–1.0) was observed. After controlling for the effect of LW at calving and long-term LW change using a mixed-effects linear regression model, the autocorrelation between WoLW recorded on successive days was 0.21, decaying to zero by 8 d. This study shows that by using a standalone automatic Wo weighing system positioned in the exit race of a rotary milking parlor, it was possible to record LW of individual cows on a daily basis and, with controlled cow flow over the weighing platform (allowing for sufficient succession distance to prevent congestion), results were similar to those recorded using conventional, static weighing techniques using the same scales. Based on the autocorrelation analyses, we recommend that LW are recorded on a daily basis to allow changes in physiological status such as the onset of acute illness or estrus to be detected. For managerial purposes, such as using LW change as a guide for adjusting the herd feeding program, we recommend a 7-d decision interval to effectively monitor significant changes in cows’ recorded daily LW measurements. Interval between detection of lameness by locomotion scoring and treatment for lameness: A survival analysis Alawneh, J. I., Laven, R. A., Stevenson et al Interval between detection of lameness by locomotion scoring and treatment for lameness: A survival analysis Alawneh, J. I., Laven, R. A., Stevenson, M. A. The Veterinary Journal 2012 Estimates of point prevalence suggest that locomotion scoring identifies three times as many lame cows than when estimated by farmers. The aim of this study was to ascertain the impact of this under-recognition on the interval between identification of lameness (using locomotion score) and treatment. The study was undertaken on a 463-cow, spring-calving, pasture-fed herd in the lower North Island of New Zealand. All cows were locomotion scored (using a 1–5 scale) weekly during one milking season (July 2008 to May 2009). Survival analyses were then used to quantify the number of days between identification of a specific locomotion score and presentation, by farm staff, of a cow for lameness treatment. All cows which had a locomotion score of >3 were presented for lameness treatment subsequently, although >40% were treated more than 3 weeks after being identified. Only 75% of events where cows had a locomotion score of 3 were followed by treatment with >65% of those treatments occurring >3 weeks after the first score of 3. Improving the recognition of lameness by farm staff is thus likely to appreciably reduce the interval between reduced mobility and lameness treatment. The effect of lameness on the fertility of dairy cattle in a seasonally breeding pasture-based system Alawneh, J. I., Laven, R. A., Stevenson et al The effect of lameness on the fertility of dairy cattle in a seasonally breeding pasture-based system Alawneh, J. I., Laven, R. A., Stevenson, M. A. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Changes in hoof health and animal hygiene in a dairy herd after covering concrete slatted floor with slatted rubber mats: A case... Ahrens, F., Erhard, M. H., Link, C. et al Changes in hoof health and animal hygiene in a dairy herd after covering concrete slatted floor with slatted rubber mats: A case study Ahrens, F., Erhard, M. H., Link, C., Mahling, M., Meyer, H. H. D., Platz, S. Journal of Dairy Science 2011 Hip dysplasia in a nine-month-old male Jersey calf Agerholm, J. S., Basse, A. Hip dysplasia in a nine-month-old male Jersey calf Agerholm, J. S., Basse, A. Veterinary Record 1993 The calf which was presented because of chronic bilateral severe hindlimb lameness, was generally unthrifty and had atrophy of the hindlimb musculature. Radiographic examination showed bilateral acetabular dysplasia and bilateral subluxation of caput femoris. Because of the poor prognosis the calf was slaughtered. PM examination confirmed the subluxations and revealed thickened and fibrotic joint capsules and periarticular fibrosis. Capitis femoris were abnormally flattened with severe erosions of the articular surfaces, intra-articular eburnation of bone was present and both ligamenti capitis ossis femoris were absent. Both acetabula were abnormally wider and shallow with osteophytes at the rim. Changes were more severe in the left joint. Alae ossis ilii were asymmetrical. A minor bronchopneumonic focus was present in the lungs. Bacteriological examination of synovial fluid was negative. No pedigree information was available. This appears to be the first report of the condition in the Jersey breed Focal symmetrical poliomyelomalacia in a calf Agerholm, J. S. Focal symmetrical poliomyelomalacia in a calf Agerholm, J. S. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavia 1993 Milk yield and composition, nutrition, body conformation traits, body condition scores, fertility and diseases in high-yielding... Aeberhard, K., Blum, J. W., Bruckmaier et al Milk yield and composition, nutrition, body conformation traits, body condition scores, fertility and diseases in high-yielding dairy cows–Part 1 Aeberhard, K., Blum, J. W., Bruckmaier, R. M., Kuepfer, U. J Vet Med A Physiol Pathol Clin Med 2001 Twenty-nine pairs of high-yielding dairy cows (HC; > or = 45 kg/day reached at least once during lactation) and corresponding control cows (CC; with milk yields representing the average yield of the herds) were examined on 29 Swiss farms from March 1995 to September 1996. The hypotheses were tested that there are differences in feed intake, body-conformation traits, body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), fertility status and disease incidence between HC and CC cows. Cows were studied 2 weeks before and at 5, 9, 13, 17 and 40 weeks post-partum. HC cows produced more energy-corrected milk (ECM) than CC cows (10,670 +/- 321 kg in 293 +/- 5 days and 8385 +/- 283 kg in 294 +/- 4 days, respectively; P < or = 0.001) and yields in the first 100 days of lactation were greater in HC than in CC cows (46.2 +/- 1.1 and 36.2 +/- 1.0 kg ECM/day, respectively; P < or = 0.001). Concentrate intake was greater (P < or = 0.05) in HC than in CC cows (7.6 +/- 0.5 and 5.7 +/- 0.5 kg/day, respectively) and dry matter intakes (measured in week 5 of lactation over 3 days on six farms) were greater in HC than in CC cows (24.0 +/- 1.1 and 20.3 +/- 1.1 kg/day, respectively; P < or = 0.001). HC cows were taller than CC cows (wither heights 143.3 +/- 0.8 and 140.1 +/- 0.8 cm, respectively; P < or = 0.01). Although BW in HC cows was greater than in CC cows throughout the study, differences and decreases of BW during lactation were not significant. BCS at the end of pregnancy and decrements during lactation were similar in HC and CC cows. Fertility parameters were similar in HC and CC cows. Incidences of mastitis, claw and feet problems, hypocalcemia/downer cow syndrome, ovarian cysts and abortions were similar in HC and CC cows, but there were more indigestion problems in HC than in CC cows A survey on lameness and the risk factors in some dairy farms in north of Iran Adibhashemi, F., Bokaei, S. A survey on lameness and the risk factors in some dairy farms in north of Iran Adibhashemi, F., Bokaei, S. Mycoplasma bovis-associated pneumonia and arthritis complicated with pyogranulomatous tenosynovitis in calves Adegboye, D. S., Halbur, P. G., Kadlec et al Mycoplasma bovis-associated pneumonia and arthritis complicated with pyogranulomatous tenosynovitis in calves Adegboye, D. S., Halbur, P. G., Kadlec, R. G., Nutsch, R. G., Rosenbusch, R. F. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1996 Immunohistochemistry and bacteriological culturing were used to detect M. bovis in tissue specimens from feedlot calves affected with pneumonia and arthritis. Two herds with 110 Charolais calves and 25 Angus calves, respectively, were examined. Clinical signs included severe respiratory distress, anorexia, pyrexia, and lameness, which affected nearly a third of the calves. Lung lesions were characterized by numerous abscesses. Synovial lesions of the limbs included pyogranulomatous tenosynovitis, bursitis, and synovitis, particularly in the areas of the carpal and elbow joints. Abscesses in lung and synovial tissues contained accumulations of M. bovis antigens, as revealed by immunohistochemistry. It is concluded that infection with M. bovis may result in a pneumonia-arthritis syndrome with pyogranulomatous lesions in calves Short communication: Markers of oxidant status and inflammation relative to the development of claw lesions associated with... Abuelo, A., Brester, J., Gandy, J. C. et al Short communication: Markers of oxidant status and inflammation relative to the development of claw lesions associated with lameness in early lactation cows Abuelo, A., Brester, J., Gandy, J. C., Neuder, L., Sordillo, L. M. J Dairy Sci 2016 Lameness is a major health disorder of dairy cattle and evidence suggests that it may be associated with oxidative stress (OS) during the transition period. Some debate exists, however, as to whether OS precedes the development of lameness or if OS occurs as a consequence of lameness. The purpose of this study was to test whether cows showing claw lesions during early lactation had a greater pro-oxidant and inflammatory status throughout the dry period or at the start of the lactation. Blood samples were taken from 30 cows from the same herd at dry off, movement to the close-up pen, and between 3 and 7 d in milk. Sera were analyzed for concentrations of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and antioxidant potential. Blood samples also were subjected to total and differential white blood cell counts. Animals were monitored through 120 d in milk and grouped ex post into the following health categories: (1) exclusively hoof lesions; (2) other production diseases; or (3) nondiseased. Changes in oxidant status and inflammatory markers were significantly different with respect to metabolic and physiologic adaptations to calving and lactation. No differences in oxidant status, acute phase protein concentrations, or leukocyte populations were observed between the hoof lesions and the nondiseased categories. Thus, any associations between OS and lameness likely occurs closer to the onset of clinical signs or as a consequence of inflammatory responses due to localized tissue injury. Slaughter House Survey of Bovine Foot Disorders Abid, T. A., Al Badrany, M. S., Eshoue et al Slaughter House Survey of Bovine Foot Disorders Abid, T. A., Al Badrany, M. S., Eshoue, S. M., Singh, A. P. Indian Veterinary Journal 1989 A slaughter house survey of foot abnormalities in young beef Iraqi cattle indicated an incidence of 39.5% (396/1004). Of the total affected animals, 338 (85. 4%) suffered from a single deformity, while 58 (14.6%) had more than one lesion involving either one claw or more. Regular overgrown hoof (14.3%), white line disease (4.4%), scissors claw (4.2%), bruising of sole (4.2%) and double sole (2,8%) were the most common foot abnormalities. Other less frequently observed conditions included hoof fissure, ulceration of sole, heel erosion and ulcer, interdigital growth separation of sole and septic pedal arthritis. Fore feet were involved more frequently (211) than hind feet (94) or all feet (91) Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Animal Health and Welfare on a request from European Commission on the overall effects of... Algers, B., Blokhuis, H. J., Botner, A. et al Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Animal Health and Welfare on a request from European Commission on the overall effects of farming systems on dairy cow welfare and disease Algers, B., Blokhuis, H. J., Botner, A., Broom, D.M., Costa, P., Domingo, M., Greiner, M., Hartung, J., Koenen, F., Morton, D.B., Müller-Graf, C., Osterhaus, A., Pfeiffer, D.U., Raj,M., Roberts, R., Salman, M., Sanaa, M., Sharp, J.M., Vannier, P., Wierup, M. The EFSA Journal 2009 Chapter 2 – Microstructure and Function of the Bovine Claw A2 – Editors, Paul R GreenoughConsulting by et al Chapter 2 – Microstructure and Function of the Bovine Claw A2 – Editors, Paul R GreenoughConsulting by, Christer BergstenAlberto BrizziChristoph K. W. MüllingForeword, Nordlund, Ken Bovine Laminitis and Lameness 2007 Genetic diversity of isolates of Treponema spp. associated with bovine digital dermatitis, and implications for epidemiology of... Genetic diversity of isolates of Treponema spp. associated with bovine digital dermatitis, and implications for epidemiology of the condition Research in Veterinary Science 2005 [The clinical case. Forelimb lameness in a Charolais cow, 3 years old.]. [German] [The clinical case. Forelimb lameness in a Charolais cow, 3 years old.]. [German] Tierarztliche Praxis - Supplement 1992 Bovine lameness in Liverpool Bovine lameness in Liverpool Veterinary Record 1990 Symposium on bovine lameness and orthopedics Symposium on bovine lameness and orthopedics Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 1985 Editorial: Lameness in cattle Editorial: Lameness in cattle Veterinary Record 1974 The effects of liveweight loss and milk production on the risk of lameness in a seasonally calving/ pasture fed dairy herd in New... J. I. Alawneh, M. A. Stevenson et al The effects of liveweight loss and milk production on the risk of lameness in a seasonally calving/ pasture fed dairy herd in New Zealand J. I. Alawneh, M. A. Stevenson, N. B. Williamson, N. Lopez-Villalobos, T. Otley Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2014 Dairy herd managers have attempted to increase and maintain profits by selectively breeding dairy cattle for high production. Selection for milk production may have resulted in a tendency for greater liveweight (LW) loss postpartum. This study aimed to: (1) determine if excessive LW loss and milk yield in the first 50 days in milk (DIM) was associated with the development of lameness after 50 DIM, and (2) estimate the incidence risk of lameness in this herd attributable to excessive liveweight loss. The dataset comprised details from 564 mixed age cows from a single, seasonally calving, pasture fed dairy herd in New Zealand. After adjusting for the confounding effects of parity, LW at calving, breed, the presence of specified disease events in the first 50 DIM and milk yield, LW loss in the first 50 DIM increased the risk of lameness after 50 DIM by a factor of 1.80 (95% CI 1.00–3.17). The risk of lameness was greatest for high yielding cows that lost excessive LW (risk ratio 4.36, 95% CI 4.21–8.19), but the effect LW loss on lameness risk at the herd level was relatively small. Based on data accumulated during the study we estimate that for this herd, there would be a 3% (95% CI 1–6%) reduction in the incidence risk of lameness if excessive LW loss was prevented. Twenty three percent of the incidence of lameness in this herd was attributable to excessive LW loss. We conclude that policies and interventions to reduce the rate and amount of LW loss in the first 50 DIM will have a non-negligible impact on the incidence risk of lameness in this herd.
*Hirst (Liverpool University) and Potterton
