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Paskaš S, Miočinović J, Savić M, Djukić-Stojčić M, Pihler I, Becskei Z. Welfare Assessment on Different-Sized Dairy Goat Farms in the Northern Serbian Province of Vojvodina. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2024; 27:210-222. [PMID: 34994251 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2022.2025537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This research aimed for the first time to identify the essential welfare problems on 46 goat dairy farms in Vojvodina,based on the goat AWIN welfare protocol. The study showed that space allowance per goat was 1.55, 1.86 and 2.50 m2/goat (large, medium, small-sized farms, respectively). Most farms possessed the soil floor and straw as a flooring material. The small and medium farms more allowed access to the outdoor area. Contrary, large-sized farms mostly kept goats in fully housed systems with reduced opportunities for the goats to express their natural behavior. Management procedures were significantly different (p < 0.05) between the investigated farms. Differences were mainly in bedding, feeding and culling strategies. Low productivity was the main cause of culling in all farm types. Small-sized farms carried out more often disbudding (42.9%) in comparison with medium (21.4%) and large-sized ones (14.3%). Group level observation showed that the main areas of concern were associated with hair coat condition and kneeling at the feeding rack (p < 0.05). Inadequate BCS, udder asymmetry and claw overgrowth were frequently recorded. The prevalence of thin and fat goats was highest in large-sized farms All farm size categories and management systems showed certain welfare weaknesses. Thus, the findings highlighted the need for higher implementation of animal welfare principles and improvement of management techniques to meet the welfare requirements of dairy goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snežana Paskaš
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Jelena Miočinović
- Department of Animal Science of Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade-Zemun, Serbia
| | - Mila Savić
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mirjana Djukić-Stojčić
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Ivan Pihler
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Zsolt Becskei
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Deeming LE, Beausoleil NJ, Stafford KJ, Webster JR, Cox N, Zobel G. Evaluating the immediate effects of hoof trimming on dairy goat hoof conformation and joint positions. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1073-1082. [PMID: 38103118 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10273-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Hoof overgrowth in commercial housed dairy goats is a major health and welfare concern; thus, it is important to better understand hoof trimming, a priority practice which addresses hoof growth. We evaluated the immediate effects of trimming on external conformation, internal joint positions, and hoof wall overgrowth of front and hind hooves. Eighty female goats were enrolled. Pre and post hoof trimming data were collected at 13, 17, 21 and 25 months of age. Overall, before trimming, a high percentage of hooves were scored as overgrown (77.8%). Trimming decreased the percentage of overgrown hooves (17.6%: P < 0.001) and other moderate/severe conformational issues: dipped heels (49.3% vs. 26.7; P < 0.001), misshaped claws (37.0% vs. 17.6%; P < 0.001), splayed claws (73.7% vs. 56.7%; P < 0.001). More hind than front hooves had dipped heels pre-trimming and (91.3% vs. 7.3%; P < 0.001) and post-trimming (52.8% vs. 0.6%; P < 0.001); over half of the hind heels were not restored to an upright position. A greater proportion of toe length was removed from the hind hooves compared to the front (0.50 vs. 0.43, P < 0.001), with the greatest proportion of hoof wall overgrowth removed from the hind hoof medial claw at the 13-month assessment (P < 0.001). Following trimming, distal interphalangeal joint angle decreased more in hind compared to front hooves (11.0° vs. 6.9°; P < 0.001); distal interphalangeal joint height decreased (0.21 cm, P < 0.001), and proximal interphalangeal joint, and heel, angles increased (7.76° and 8.93°, respectively; P < 0.001). Trimming did not restore conformation of all hooves when trimmed every 4 months, suggesting a need to investigate reasons for underlying poor conformation, including trimming frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Deeming
- AgResearch Ltd. Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, 3214, New Zealand
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
- EpiVets, 565 Mahoe Street, Te Awamutu, 3800, New Zealand
| | - N J Beausoleil
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - K J Stafford
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - J R Webster
- AgResearch Ltd. Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, 3214, New Zealand
| | - N Cox
- AgResearch Ltd. Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, 3214, New Zealand
| | - G Zobel
- AgResearch Ltd. Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, 3214, New Zealand.
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Gaffuri A, Barsi F, Magni E, Bergagna S, Dellamaria D, Ricchi M, De Paolis L, Galletti G, Arrigoni N, Lorenzi V, Fusi F, Prosperi A, Garbarino C. Paratuberculosis, Animal Welfare and Biosecurity: A Survey in 33 Northern Italy Dairy Goat Farms. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2346. [PMID: 37508122 PMCID: PMC10376716 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Paratuberculosis is a notable infectious disease of ruminants. Goats appear to be particularly susceptible. The survey aimed to investigate the spread of paratuberculosis in Italian goat farming and evaluate whether the presence of the disease could be influenced by welfare and biosecurity deficiencies. A serological survey for paratuberculosis in 33 dairy farms in northern Italy was conducted. Contextually, animal welfare and biosecurity were assessed, using a standardized protocol of 36 welfare indicators and 15 biosecurity indicators which assigns to each farm a welfare and biosecurity score from 0 (any application) to 100% (full application). An overall result of less than 60% was considered insufficient. Nineteen farms (58%) tested positive for paratuberculosis, with a mean intra-herd seroprevalence of 7.4%. Total welfare ranged from 39.56 to 90.7% (mean 68.64%). Biosecurity scores ranged from 10.04 to 90.01% (mean 57.57%). Eight farms (24%) showed poor welfare conditions (welfare score < 60%) and 19 (58%) an unsatisfactory biosecurity condition (biosecurity score < 60%). With respect to the explorative character of the study, an indicative association between seven welfare and biosecurity indicators and paratuberculosis seropositivity was identified. The presence of paratuberculosis in northern Italy dairy goat farms was confirmed. The welfare and biosecurity assessment protocol proved to be an accurate tool, capable of identifying critical points for managing health, welfare and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gaffuri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Filippo Barsi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
- Italian National Reference Centre for Paratuberculosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 29027 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Edoardo Magni
- Official Veterinary Service, ATS Montagna, 23100 Sondrio, Italy
| | - Stefania Bergagna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Debora Dellamaria
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Ricchi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
- Italian National Reference Centre for Paratuberculosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 29027 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Livia De Paolis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Galletti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Norma Arrigoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
- Italian National Reference Centre for Paratuberculosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 29027 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Valentina Lorenzi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
- Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Welfare, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Fusi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
- Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Welfare, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alice Prosperi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Garbarino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
- Italian National Reference Centre for Paratuberculosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 29027 Piacenza, Italy
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Jaques N, Turner SA, Vallée E, Heuer C, Lopez-Villalobos N. The Effect of Lameness on Milk Production of Dairy Goats. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1728. [PMID: 37889634 PMCID: PMC10251923 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lameness on dairy goat farms is a welfare concern and could negatively affect milk production. This study's objective was to evaluate the effects of clinical lameness on the daily milk production of dairy goats. Between July 2019 and June 2020, 11,847 test-day records were collected from 3145 goats on three farms in New Zealand. Locomotion scoring of goats used a five-point scoring system (0 to 4). The dataset was split into two groups by lactation type, where goats were classified as being in seasonal lactation (≤305 days in milk) or extended lactation (>305 days in milk). A linear mixed model was used to analyze datasets using milk characteristics as the dependent variables. Severely lame goats (score 4) in seasonal and extended lactation produced 7.05% and 8.67% less milk than goats not lame, respectively. When the prevalence of severe lameness is between 5 and 20% of the herd, the estimated average daily milk income lost was between NZD 19.5 and 104 per day. This study established the negative impact of lameness on milk production and annual income in dairy goats on three farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Jaques
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand;
| | - Sally-Anne Turner
- Dairy Goat Co-Operative (NZ) Ltd., 18 Gallagher Drive, Melville, Hamilton 3206, New Zealand;
| | - Emilie Vallée
- EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (E.V.); (C.H.)
| | - Cord Heuer
- EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (E.V.); (C.H.)
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Deeming LE, Beausoleil NJ, Stafford KJ, Webster JR, Cox N, Zobel G. Evaluating the long-term conformation and hoof growth effects of starting hoof trimming at 5 months of age in New Zealand dairy goats. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:1065-1077. [PMID: 36543638 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hoof overgrowth is associated with poor conformation, an altered weight-bearing surface, and a reduction in the hoof's anatomic and functional integrity. As a result of housing systems that promote hoof overgrowth, hoof trimming is considered a priority in dairy goats. However, there are few data on the effects of the timing of first trimming on hoof conformation and growth rate. The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the long-term effects of 2 different hoof trimming start times and (2) to investigate the pattern of hoof growth across the first 2 yr of life. Eighty 5-mo-old female Saanen-cross commercially housed dairy goats were allocated randomly to 1 of 2 treatments: (1) early trimmed (trimming beginning at 5 mo old; hooves were trimmed every 4 mo thereafter) and (2) late trimmed (trimming beginning at 13 mo old; hooves were trimmed every 4 mo thereafter). Using a combination of photographs and radiographs, hoof conformation, joint positions, and hoof wall length were assessed before the 13- and 25-mo trimming events. Hoof growth was assessed every 12 wk using caliper measurements. Overall, starting hoof trimming earlier had minor and inconsistent effects. However, detrimental changes in conformation and joint positions occurred between trimming events, particularly in the hind hooves, regardless of trimming treatment. At both assessments, there was a high percentage of overgrown toes and dipped heels, with the hind hooves being more affected compared with the front (overgrown toes at 13 mo, 97.1 vs. 79.1 ± 5.2%; overgrown toes at 25 mo, 91.7 vs. 56.3 ± 6.7%; dipped heels at 13 mo, 98.5 vs. 19.3 ± 5.0%; dipped heels at 25 mo, 88.3 vs. 4.9 ± 4.8%). In addition, at both assessments, the distal interphalangeal joint angle was greater in the hind hooves compared with the front (13 mo, 79.5 vs. 65.2 ± 1.7°; 25 mo, 79.0 vs. 66.7 ± 0.9°), whereas heel angles were less in the hind hooves compared with the front (13 mo, 41.8 vs. 57.1 ± 1.5°; 25 mo, 44.9 vs. 55.9 ± 1.1°). On average, the front hooves grew 4.39 mm/mo and the hind hooves grew 4.20 mm/mo. Early trimming did not have consistent effects on hoof growth rate. Importantly, our results suggest that trimming every 4 mo is not sufficient to prevent hoof overgrowth, the development of poor conformation, and detrimental changes in joint positions, particularly in the hind hooves. Furthermore, the detrimental changes may have masked any long-term treatment effects. Therefore, trimming frequency and age of first trimming should be considered when devising hoof care protocols for dairy goats housed in environments that do not offer opportunities for natural hoof wear.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Deeming
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand; School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - N J Beausoleil
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - K J Stafford
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - J R Webster
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand
| | - N Cox
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand
| | - G Zobel
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand.
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Chesterton RN, Chesterton SJ, Laven RA. Lesions found at foot trimming of dairy goats: Baseline data for comparing lesions and locomotion scoring. Vet J 2022; 290:105927. [PMID: 36334800 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2022.105927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Data on the foot lesions of housed dairy goats, especially those that are not lame, is sparse. In this study, visits were made to four farms for whole herd locomotion scoring after milking and to observe routine foot trimming. During trimming, the amount of trimming required for each hoof was recorded, alongside the presence of lesions. The process was repeated at the next routine foot trim on three of the four farms (on Farm 1 whole herd locomotion scoring after milking was not feasible). Across both visits, 3445 locomotion scores were recorded, alongside 3850 trimming and lesion records. There were large differences between farms and visits in the proportion of lame goats (6.7 to 25.5%) and in the proportion of goats which needed a substantial trim of all four feet (15.1-33.1%). Hoof lesions were observed in 65.5% of trimmed goats. We defined lesions by their site and presence of separation and/or granuloma, with white line separation being the most commonly recorded lesion (41.5% of goats). On all visits on the three farms which were locomotion scored, the number of goats recorded as lame was lower than the number observed with white line lesions, but the relative proportion ranged from 17% to 95.4%. Separations were much more common than granulomas, as granulomas were usually accompanied by separation. Toe lesions were much more likely to be associated with granulomas than white line lesions, with 91.5% of toe separations having granulomas but only 10.6% of white line separations. This study provides useful baseline data for comparing lesions and locomotion scoring between goat herds but also identifies areas where we need more data and more consensus.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Chesterton
- Vet Education Transfer Services, Inglewood, Taranaki, New Zealand
| | - S J Chesterton
- Vet Education Transfer Services, Inglewood, Taranaki, New Zealand
| | - R A Laven
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu 4442, New Zealand.
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Tian W, Zhang J, Zhou K, Wang Z, Dang R, Jiang L, Wang J, Cong Q. The Limb Kinetics of Goat Walking on the Slope with Different Angles. Biomimetics (Basel) 2022; 7:biomimetics7040220. [PMID: 36546920 PMCID: PMC9776361 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics7040220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to assess the gait adjustment techniques of limbs on different slopes and investigate the relationship between forelimb and hindlimb kinetics and the center of mass (COM) during the uphill movement of a specific Boer goat using a pressure-sensitive walkway (PSW). During the uphill and downhill movements at a comfortable walking speed, we measured the ground reaction force (GRF) of the forelimbs and hindlimbs on the slope, the change in the included angle of the propulsive force direction of the forelimbs and hindlimbs, and the impulse relationship between GRF and propulsive force. According to the study, since the forelimbs of the goat were nearer the COM, they were primarily adjusted during the movement on the slope. By lowering the initial included angle of the propulsive force and the angle variation range, the forelimbs and hindlimbs could walk steadily. The forelimbs and hindlimbs exhibited completely different adjustment strategies during uphill and downhill movements. In particular, the forelimbs performed braking and the hindlimbs performed driving. In addition, we discovered that the goat altered its adjustment strategy when climbing the steep slope. All findings of this study indicate the need to understand the gait adjustment mode of the Boer goat during movement on the slope to thoroughly comprehend the driving strategy of quadrupeds with the ability to walk on specialized terrains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Tian
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Jinhua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Kuiyue Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Zhirui Wang
- North-Vehicle Research, Fengtai District, Beijing 100072, China
| | - Ruina Dang
- North-Vehicle Research, Fengtai District, Beijing 100072, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- North-Vehicle Research, Fengtai District, Beijing 100072, China
| | - Ju Wang
- Pujiang Agricultural and Rural Bureau, Chengdu 322200, China
| | - Qian Cong
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
- Correspondence:
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Vouraki S, Gelasakis AI, Fotiadou V, Banos G, Arsenos G. Repeatability of Health and Welfare Traits and Correlation with Performance Traits in Dairy Goats Reared under Low-Input Farming Systems. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9060289. [PMID: 35737341 PMCID: PMC9231351 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9060289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of the study were to estimate the repeatability of health and welfare traits and investigate their association with performance in three breeds of dairy goats reared under low-input farming systems in Greece. A total of 1210 goats of Eghoria (n = 418), Skopelos (n = 429), and Damascus (n = 363) breeds were assessed. Udder health, parasitic resistance, welfare, milk yield and quality, and body condition score were recorded monthly for two milking periods. Udder health records included somatic cell count (SCC) and total viable count (TVC). Based on combinations of SCC and TVC and thresholds set at >106 cells/mL and >2 × 104 cfu/mL, respectively, additional udder health phenotypes were defined. Parasitism included myiasis, tick infestation, gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) and cestode faecal egg count (FEC), and lungworm faecal larval count (FLC). Infection with each of the endoparasites was defined based on FEC/FLC. Welfare assessment parameters included the presence of ear and horn injuries, ocular and nasal discharge, body and udder abscesses, injury and lesions on the skin of different regions, diarrhoea, hernias, overgrown hooves, arthritis, lameness, and udder asymmetry. Trait repeatability and animal correlations were estimated. Significant (p < 0.05) repeatability was reported for all udder health and most welfare traits in all breeds, GIN and cestode FEC, and GIN and lungworm infection in Eghoria, and myiasis in Skopelos. Correlations of health and most of welfare traits with performance were non-significant or favourable. Overall, results demonstrate potential to improve health and welfare of the studied breeds without compromising performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sotiria Vouraki
- Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (V.F.); or (G.B.); (G.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2310999977
| | - Athanasios I. Gelasakis
- Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece;
| | - Vasileia Fotiadou
- Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (V.F.); or (G.B.); (G.A.)
| | - Georgios Banos
- Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (V.F.); or (G.B.); (G.A.)
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Georgios Arsenos
- Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (V.F.); or (G.B.); (G.A.)
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Amin S, Wagner R, Fieseler H, Rizk A, Schmicke M, Spilke J, Mielenz N, Baumgartner W, Schären-Bannert M, Starke A. Sedation With Xylazine Hydrochloride Decreases the Stress Response in Merino Meat Sheep During Routine Hoof Trimming in a Tilt Table. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2021.795543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We hypothesized that the hoof trimming in sheep in dorsal recumbency implicates a short but intensive stress situation and that the sedation with xylazine causes a decrease in the stress response in this situation. Ten healthy female merino meat sheep were randomly divided into two groups receiving either xylazine hydrochloride (0.1 mg/kg body mass (BM) applied intramuscularly) or a placebo treatment with 0.9% NaCl. Routine hoof trimming was performed in a tilt table and vital signs (rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR), and respiratory rate (RR)), 33 different behavioral traits and blood cortisol concentrations were recorded throughout the experiment at six different time points (total of 55 min). The procedure itself elicited a clear stress response (increase in the RR, RT, defensive movements, lip twitching, swallowing, and flight behavior). Parallelly, the blood cortisol concentrations were increased, reaching their maximum with 81.5 ng/ml in the control group when the sheep were tilted back into a standing position. In the sedated sheep, no increase in the RR and RT and a decrease in the HR were observed. In addition, the behavioral signs showed a decrease in flight, defensive, and general stress behavior (decrease in licking, movement of head and legs, and sitting on knees), complemented by the serum cortisol concentrations showing 2.28 times reduced concentration at the end of the procedure, compared to the control sheep. The results confirm our hypothesis and support the conduction of future trials investigating the feasibility and benefit of a sedation of sheep prior to routine hoof trimming under practical circumstances.
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Prado VCM, Bassoto Filho J, Yasuoka MM, Ollhoff RD, Gallo SB, Birgel Junior EH. Effect of trimming of overgrown and deformed claws in goats on morphometric measurements. Vet Res Commun 2022; 46:947-954. [DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-09890-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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White SD, Affolter VK, Molinaro AM, Depenbrock SM, Chigerwe M, Heller MC, Rowe JD. Skin disease in goats (
Capra aegagrus hircus
): a retrospective study of 358 cases at a university veterinary teaching hospital (1988–2020). Vet Dermatol 2021; 33:227-e64. [DOI: 10.1111/vde.13052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D. White
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology School of Veterinary Medicine University of California Davis CA 95616 USA
| | - Verena K. Affolter
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology School of Veterinary Medicine University of California Davis CA 95616 USA
| | - Annette M. Molinaro
- Department of Neurological Surgery University of California San Francisco CA 94143 USA
| | - Sarah M. Depenbrock
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology School of Veterinary Medicine University of California Davis CA 95616 USA
| | - Munashe Chigerwe
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology School of Veterinary Medicine University of California Davis CA 95616 USA
| | - Meera C. Heller
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology School of Veterinary Medicine University of California Davis CA 95616 USA
| | - Joan Dean Rowe
- Department of Population Health & Reproduction School of Veterinary Medicine University of California Davis CA 95616 USA
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Larrondo C, Leiva J, de la Cruz-Cruz L. Dairy goat welfare in semi-intensive production systems and drought conditions. Anim Welf 2021. [DOI: 10.7120/09627286.30.4.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The region of Coquimbo has the highest percentage of goats (Capra hircus) in Chile and is severely affected by droughts. This can lead to environmental challenges such as limited water and forage availability when goats are kept in natural grasslands. The objective of this study
was to assess the welfare of dairy goats in semi-intensive production systems under drought conditions. The study was carried out in La Serena city, region of Coquimbo, Chile and 22 semi-intensive dairy goat farms were assessed using the Animal Welfare Indicators protocol. In each evaluation,
the following indicators and information were gathered: physical and behavioural indicators of animal welfare, farmers' sociodemographic information, farm facilities, husbandry practices and management of the farm, and farmers' perception of animal welfare. Of the goats evaluated (n = 446),
the vast majority had a body condition score (BCS) considered normal (n = 349; 78.25%). The main welfare problems were poor hair condition, faecal soiling, overgrown claws and improper disbudding or dehorning. The majority of farmers (96%) considered it 'rather important' or 'very important'
to handle their goats in a gentle manner, expressing concern about the welfare of their animals and considering pain as a negative experience for goats. A lower than expected percentage of very thin animals (low BCS) were seen, considering the drought conditions and the forage shortage that
affects the region, and no animals were observed with signs of thermal stress. The semi-intensive production systems could be an alternative to pasture-based systems to overcome environmental challenges.
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Battini M, Renna M, Giammarino M, Battaglini L, Mattiello S. Feasibility and Reliability of the AWIN Welfare Assessment Protocol for Dairy Goats in Semi-extensive Farming Conditions. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:731927. [PMID: 34746279 PMCID: PMC8566805 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.731927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and reliability of the Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) protocol for welfare assessment of dairy goats when applied to semi-extensive farming conditions. We recruited 13 farms located in the NW Italian Alps where three assessors individually and independently applied a modified version of the AWIN welfare assessment protocol for goats integrated with some indicators derived from the AWIN welfare assessment protocol for sheep. The applied protocol consisted of nine individual-level (body condition score, hair coat condition, abscesses, overgrown claws, udder asymmetry, fecal soiling, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, and improper disbudding) and seven group-level (severe lameness, Qualitative Behavior Assessment-QBA, thermal stress, oblivion, Familiar Human Approach Test-FHAT, synchrony at grazing, synchrony at resting) animal-based indicators. On most farms, the level of welfare was good. Many of the considered welfare problems (overgrown claws, fecal soiling, discharges, and thermal stress) were never recorded. However, oblivion, severe lameness, hair coat condition and abscesses were detected on some farms, with percentages ranging from 5 to 35%. The mean percentage of animals with normal body condition was 67.9 ± 5.7. The level of synchronization during resting was on average low (14.3 ± 7.2%). The application of the whole protocol required more than 4 h/farm and 3 min/goat. The inter-observer reliability varied from excellent (udder asymmetry, overgrown claws, discharges, synchrony at resting, use of shelter) to acceptable (abscesses, fecal soiling, and oblivion), but insufficient for hair coat condition, improper disbudding, synchrony at grazing, QBA. Differences in background of the assessors and feasibility constraints (i.e., use of binoculars in unfenced pastures, individual-level assessment conducted during the morning milking in narrow and dark pens, difficulties when using the scan and instantaneous sampling method due to the high number of animals that moved at the same time) can affect the reliability of data collection. Extensive training seems necessary for properly scoring animals when applying the QBA, whereas the FHAT to evaluate the Human-Animal Relationship of goats at pasture seems promising but needs to be validated. Indicators that evaluate the synchrony of activities require to be validated to identify the best moment to perform the observations during the day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Battini
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Renna
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Mauro Giammarino
- Department of Prevention, ASL TO3, Veterinary Service, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Battaglini
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvana Mattiello
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Animal-Based Indicators for On-Farm Welfare Assessment in Goats. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113138. [PMID: 34827870 PMCID: PMC8614408 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Welfare assessments for animals require the use of specific indicators. These indicators should be practical and easy to use in an on-farm environment while correctly reflecting on the animals’ welfare. Our aim was to review literature on such indicators for goats, as small ruminants have not received as much attention as other farm animals in the field of welfare assessment. Some indicators such as lameness are already well investigated and suitable for use in goat welfare assessments. Others, for example, lying behaviour, need more research, as the limited amount of knowledge restrains the information on validity or usefulness. As in other animals, the welfare of goats has become an increasingly important issue in public discourse. Our overview on indicators aids in developing tools to measure and improve the welfare of goats. Abstract This review describes the current state of knowledge relating to scientific literature on welfare indicators for goats. Our aim was to provide an overview of animal-based indicators for on-farm welfare assessments. We performed a literature search and extracted 96 relevant articles by title, abstract, and full-text screening. Out of these articles, similar indicators were aggregated to result in a total of 32 welfare indicators, some of which were covered in multiple articles, others in only a single one. We discuss a set of three established assessment protocols containing these indicators, as well as all individual indicators which were covered in more than one article. As single indicators, we identified lameness, body condition score (BCS), qualitative behaviour assessment (QBA), and human–animal relationship (HAR) tests with substantial evidence for sufficient validity to assess welfare in goats. A multitude of indicators (e.g., hair coat condition) was studied less intensively but was successfully used for welfare assessments. For some indicators (e.g., oblivion, lying behaviour), we highlight the need for future research to further validate them or to optimise their use in on-farm welfare assessments. Moreover, further investigations need to include kids, bucks, and meat and fibre goats, as well as extensively kept goats as the literature predominantly focuses on dairy goats in intensive production systems.
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Nenadović K, Ilić T, Jovanović N, Bugarski D, Vučinić M. Welfare of Native Goat Breeds in Serbia-Emphasis on Parasitological Infections. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:678880. [PMID: 34532351 PMCID: PMC8438408 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.678880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Native goat breeds in Serbia has been recognized as an important element of regional agrobiodiversity and play an important role in the safeguarding of cultural and traditional heritage. The aim of this study was to identify the main welfare issues likely to be encountered in extensive goat farming systems with an emphasis on parasitological infections. The study was conducted during the winter season on four small farms of native Balkan and Serbian white goats. For welfare assessment, animal-based indicators from AWIN protocol for goats were used. All fecal samples for parasites were qualitatively and quantitatively examined. The main welfare issues identified were poor hair coat condition (62.79%), dirty and light soiling hindquarters (31.40%), thin body condition score (26.74%), abscesses (19.78%), and udder asymmetry (18.60%). In addition, an important and prevalent welfare problem identified across all farms was parasite infection and weak significant (p < 0.001) correlation between certain parasites (Strongylidae, Moniezia spp., Buxtonella sulcate, and Protostrongylidae) and welfare indicators such as poor hair coat condition and nasal discharge. The results of this study provided the first overview and valuable insight into the impact of extensive systems on the welfare of native goats in the Balcan region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Nenadović
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tamara Ilić
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nemanja Jovanović
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dejan Bugarski
- Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marijana Vučinić
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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16
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Health and Welfare Survey of 30 Dairy Goat Farms in the Midwestern United States. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11072007. [PMID: 34359135 PMCID: PMC8300403 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary There appears to be a rapid expansion of dairy goat farming in the United States and the information available to producers on health, welfare, and production applicable to those in the Midwestern US is limited. This study intended to survey 30 dairy goat farms in the Midwestern US to provide insight into husbandry practices pertaining to health, welfare, and production, and to identify areas of future research. Pain relief for disbudding and castration, education and training programs, early kid management, and hoof trimming were identified as potential areas of future research. This study provided insight into the husbandry practices carried out on 30 dairy goat farms in the Midwestern US and areas of research to improve health and welfare. Abstract Dairy goat production in the Midwestern United States is increasing at a rapid rate and information on dairy goat husbandry practices applicable for producers in this region is limited. The objective of this study was to survey 30 dairy goat farms in the Midwestern US to provide insight into husbandry practices pertaining to health, welfare, and production, and to identify areas of future research. A questionnaire was developed and comprised 163 questions that were organized into categories including information on the producer (e.g., farming experience), staff, and goats (e.g., herd size, breed), housing, feeding and nutrition, milking practices and production, kid management, husbandry practices (e.g., disbudding, castration, hoof trimming), and health. Areas of future research that can improve goat health, production and welfare include pain relief for husbandry practices such as disbudding and castration, early kid management during birth to prevent illness/disease or mortality (e.g., warm and dry areas for kid rearing), eradication programs for common contagious diseases, training programs and education for claw trimming, disbudding, and udder health. In conclusion, this study provided insight into the husbandry practices carried out on 30 dairy goat farms in the Midwestern US and areas of research to improve health and welfare.
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Influence of Housing and Management on Claw Health in Swiss Dairy Goats. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071873. [PMID: 34201692 PMCID: PMC8300172 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Swiss dairy goats are commonly housed on deep littler, at least during the winter season. Due to the lack of horn wear, their claws often show overgrown wall horn. However, little is known about the impact of wall horn overgrowth on claw health and whether wall horn overgrowth impairs the goats’ locomotion behavior. Data was collected on 28 Swiss commercial dairy goat farms during autumn and spring. It was shown that severe wall horn overgrowth dominated during the indoor housing period and was associated with an increase in the proportion of claws with sole hemorrhages. Furthermore, wall horn overgrowth did not seem to have an effect on the goats’ locomotion behavior. The results of this study underline the importance of regular and careful claw trimming. Abstract Due to a rising demand for goat milk and goat milk products worldwide, it is likely that dairy goat production will be intensified in the future, with larger herds per farm. In Switzerland, as in many other countries with intensive farming systems, dairy goats are typically housed on deep litter, with little access to hard abrasive surfaces. Such housing conditions will result in wall horn overgrowth. The aim of this study was to gain profound knowledge on the occurrence of overgrown wall horn, its impact on claw health and locomotor behavior, and possible adverse effects on animal welfare. Additionally, housing and management factors that may contribute to non-physiological claw conditions were evaluated. To compare claw conditions after the summer grazing period and the winter indoor housing period, data were collected on 28 Swiss dairy goat farms in autumn and spring (621 goats in total). Claw lesions were recorded with the help of a “claw card” documenting each claw. Furthermore, pictures were taken of each claw to determine the severity of wall horn overgrowth. Locomotion behavior (activity, lying time and lying bouts) was recorded with three-dimensional accelerometers fixed to the goats’ hind legs. In autumn, 66.7% of the examined claws showed moderate overgrowth, 32.4% severe overgrowth and 0.9% no overgrowth. In spring, 47.4% of the examined claws were affected with moderate overgrowth, 52.6% with severe overgrowth and 0.0% with no overgrowth. Horn separation (48.1% of examined claws) and sole hemorrhages (16.0% of examined claws) were the most frequent lesions. In goats with severely overgrown claws, the risk of developing sole hemorrhages was doubled compared with moderate overgrowth. The occurrence rate of horn separation was lower if the trimmer had attended a special skills training course (p < 0.001). Furthermore, locomotor activity (p < 0.01) and the number of lying bouts per day (p < 0.01) were higher in spring than autumn. Neither the goats’ activity nor the number of lying bouts per day differed before and after claw trimming. Finally, season and trimming were not associated with the goats’ total lying time. A certain extent of wall horn overgrowth in dairy goat claws cannot be avoided under the housing conditions typical for Swiss farms. Severe wall horn overgrowth is associated with an increase in the proportion of claws with sole hemorrhages. Therefore, regular and careful functional claw trimming, taking the housing situation (deep bedding, access to pasture, grazing on alpine pasture) into account, should be promoted.
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Hempstead MN, Lindquist TM, Shearer JK, Shearer LC, Cave VM, Plummer PJ. Welfare Assessment of 30 Dairy Goat Farms in the Midwestern United States. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:646715. [PMID: 33996976 PMCID: PMC8119760 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.646715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Dairy goat animal welfare assessment protocols have been developed and conducted in Europe and the United Kingdom for dairy goats; however, there are no published reports of large-scale welfare assessment for dairy goats on farms in the Midwestern United States (US). Therefore, the objective of this study was to perform welfare assessment of lactating dairy goats and identify the most prevalent welfare issues on 30 farms across the Midwestern US. Thirty dairy goat farms (self-selected) were enrolled in the study if they shipped milk for human consumption (regardless of herd size). The number of lactating does on each farm ranged from 34 to 6,500 goats, with a median number of 158 lactating does (mean ± SD: 602 ± 1,708 lactating does). The protocol used was developed from available literature on goat welfare assessment but modified for use in the Midwestern US. Observations were made without handling the animals and included 22 animal-based indicators evaluated at the group- and individual-level. The observations were conducted during ~3-5 h during a milking session (either morning or afternoon) and time in the home pen. Principal components analysis (PCA) was carried out on the welfare assessment data from each farm. The first two dimensions of the PCA explained 34.8% of the variation. The PCA biplot indicated correlations between indicators. The most prevalent conditions observed across the 30 farms included any knee calluses (80.9%), any claw overgrowth (51.4%), poor hygiene (14.9%), skin lesions (8.9%), poor hair coat condition (8.3%) and any ear pathology (8.0%). These results are the first to provide the Midwestern US dairy goat industry with information to improve commercial dairy goat welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa N Hempstead
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Taylor M Lindquist
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jan K Shearer
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Leslie C Shearer
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Vanessa M Cave
- Knowledge and Analytics, AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Paul J Plummer
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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Sejian V, Silpa MV, Reshma Nair MR, Devaraj C, Krishnan G, Bagath M, Chauhan SS, Suganthi RU, Fonseca VFC, König S, Gaughan JB, Dunshea FR, Bhatta R. Heat Stress and Goat Welfare: Adaptation and Production Considerations. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041021. [PMID: 33916619 PMCID: PMC8065958 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This review attempted to collate and synthesize information on goat welfare and production constraints during heat stress exposure. Among the farm animals, goats arguably are considered the best-suited animals to survive in tropical climates. Heat stress was found to negatively influence growth, milk and meat production and compromised the immune response, thereby significantly reducing goats' welfare under extensive conditions and transportation. Although considered extremely adapted to tropical climates, their production can be compromised to cope with heat stress. Therefore, information on goat adaptation and production performance during heat exposure could help assess their welfare. Such information would be valuable as the farming communities are often struggling in their efforts to assess animal welfare, especially in tropical regions. Broadly three aspects must be considered to ensure appropriate welfare in goats, and these include (i) housing and environment; (ii) breeding and genetics and (iii) handling and transport. Apart from these, there are a few other negative welfare factors in goat rearing, which differ across the production system being followed. Such negative practices are predominant in extensive systems and include nutritional stress, limited supply of good quality water, climatic extremes, parasitic infestation and lameness, culminating in low production, reproduction and high mortality rates. Broadly two types of methodologies are available to assess welfare in goats in these systems: (i) animal-based measures include behavioral measurements, health and production records and disease symptoms; (ii) resources based and management-based measures include stocking density, manpower, housing conditions and health plans. Goat welfare could be assessed based on several indicators covering behavioral, physical, physiological and productive responses. The important indicators of goat welfare include agonistic behavior, vocalization, skin temperature, body condition score (BCS), hair coat conditions, rectal temperature, respiration rate, heart rate, sweating, reduced growth, reduced milk production and reduced reproductive efficiency. There are also different approaches available by which the welfare of goats could be assessed, such as naturalistic, functional and subjective approaches. Thus, assessing welfare in goats at every production stage is a prerequisite for ensuring appropriate production in this all-important species to guarantee optimum returns to the marginal and subsistence farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerasamy Sejian
- Centre for Climate Resilient Animal Adaptation Studies, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Hosur Road, Bangalore 560030, India; (M.V.S.); (M.R.R.N.); (C.D.); (G.K.); (M.B.); (R.U.S.); (R.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mullakkalparambil V. Silpa
- Centre for Climate Resilient Animal Adaptation Studies, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Hosur Road, Bangalore 560030, India; (M.V.S.); (M.R.R.N.); (C.D.); (G.K.); (M.B.); (R.U.S.); (R.B.)
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany;
| | - Mini R. Reshma Nair
- Centre for Climate Resilient Animal Adaptation Studies, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Hosur Road, Bangalore 560030, India; (M.V.S.); (M.R.R.N.); (C.D.); (G.K.); (M.B.); (R.U.S.); (R.B.)
- Academy of Climate Change Education and Research, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara 680656, India
| | - Chinnasamy Devaraj
- Centre for Climate Resilient Animal Adaptation Studies, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Hosur Road, Bangalore 560030, India; (M.V.S.); (M.R.R.N.); (C.D.); (G.K.); (M.B.); (R.U.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Govindan Krishnan
- Centre for Climate Resilient Animal Adaptation Studies, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Hosur Road, Bangalore 560030, India; (M.V.S.); (M.R.R.N.); (C.D.); (G.K.); (M.B.); (R.U.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Madiajagan Bagath
- Centre for Climate Resilient Animal Adaptation Studies, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Hosur Road, Bangalore 560030, India; (M.V.S.); (M.R.R.N.); (C.D.); (G.K.); (M.B.); (R.U.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Surinder S. Chauhan
- School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (S.S.C.); (F.R.D.)
| | - Rajendran U. Suganthi
- Centre for Climate Resilient Animal Adaptation Studies, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Hosur Road, Bangalore 560030, India; (M.V.S.); (M.R.R.N.); (C.D.); (G.K.); (M.B.); (R.U.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Vinicius F. C. Fonseca
- Innovation Group of Biometeorology and Animal Welfare, Animal Science Department, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Areia 58397-000, Brazil;
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Sven König
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany;
| | - John B. Gaughan
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia;
| | - Frank R. Dunshea
- School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (S.S.C.); (F.R.D.)
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, The University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Raghavendra Bhatta
- Centre for Climate Resilient Animal Adaptation Studies, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Hosur Road, Bangalore 560030, India; (M.V.S.); (M.R.R.N.); (C.D.); (G.K.); (M.B.); (R.U.S.); (R.B.)
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Plummer PJ, Hempstead MN, Shearer JK, Lindquist TM. Evaluating the Welfare of Small Ruminants: Practical Management Advice. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2021; 37:33-54. [PMID: 33541701 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This article discusses key welfare issues for small ruminants and gives practical management advice. Welfare assessment is vital to ensure that optimal conditions are provided. Practitioners can play a key role in identifying areas of potential welfare compromise and implement interventions. With the knowledge and careful identification of indicators of welfare, practitioners and producers can develop a management plan that can ensure proper nutrition, environment, and health to allow for natural behaviors and a positive affective state; identification of animal health and management issues; and (3) allocation of adequate resources to improve the welfare of sheep and goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Plummer
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, 2426 Lloyd Vet Med Center, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
| | - Melissa N Hempstead
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, 2426 Lloyd Vet Med Center, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Jan K Shearer
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, 2426 Lloyd Vet Med Center, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Taylor M Lindquist
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, 2426 Lloyd Vet Med Center, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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21
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Silva Salas MÁ, Mondragón-Ancelmo J, Jiménez Badillo MDR, Rodríguez Licea G, Napolitano F. Assessing dairy goat welfare in intensive or semi-intensive farming conditions in Mexico. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:6175-6184. [PMID: 33612208 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to verify whether a low number of relevant animal-based indicators was able to discriminate 33 semi-intensive (grazing during the day and confinement during the night with access to an outdoor paddock; S-INT) and 8 intensive farms (permanent confinement with access to an outdoor paddock; INT) located in the Mexican semi-desert. In addition, we implemented the resource-based assessment scheme Animal Needs Index (ANI) with the identified animal-based indicators to compare the overall level of welfare in INT and S-INT. In particular, we used a protocol made up of 2 parts. The first comprised 4 evaluation sheets (locomotion, flooring, environment, management) and resource-based indicators derived from ANI, and the second one comprised a set of validated animal-based measures focusing on physical conditions and clinical signs of disease derived from the Animal Welfare Indicators scheme and reported in 2 additional sheets. The scoring system was also derived from ANI, with partial scores for each sheet to be summed to obtain the total score. A total of 1,116 dairy goats were assessed. All the observations and recordings were performed by an expert veterinarian evaluator assisted by an auxiliary, and longevity was retrieved from the farm records. The prevalence of animals displaying dirtiness, ocular discharge, abscesses, and claw overgrowth were higher in INT than in S-INT. Disbudding was routinely performed in INT only. Therefore, scurs, indicating improper disbudding, were recorded only in INT. In addition, the longevity of goats raised in S-INT was higher than in INT. Conversely, the prevalence of goats affected by anemia (i.e., FAMACHA scores >2) or lean (i.e., body condition score <2) tended to be higher in S-INT than in INT. No significant differences between the 2 groups of farms were detected for wounds, nasal discharge, integument alterations, fecal soiling, uterine prolapse, and subclinical mastitis. The results obtained using only animal-based measures were confirmed when resource-based variables were also included in the assessment, as 3 out of 6 sheets of the evaluation scheme (i.e., flooring, environment, and health-physical conditions) were scored higher in the S-INT than in the INT. As a consequence, the total score was also higher for S-INT than for INT. We conclude that the selected set of validated animal-based measures was able to discriminate between farms from different production systems. In particular, higher welfare levels were observed in S-INT farms, where the animals were allowed to spend most of the day on natural pasture, compared with INT farms, where the animals were constantly confined. Nevertheless, a certain degree of improvement should also be promoted in terms of anemia and body condition in S-INT farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ángel Silva Salas
- Centro Universitario UAEM Amecameca de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Amecameca, Estado de México, CP 56900, México
| | - Jaime Mondragón-Ancelmo
- Centro Universitario UAEM Temascaltepec de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Toluca, Estado de México, CP 51300, México.
| | | | - Gabriela Rodríguez Licea
- Centro Universitario UAEM Amecameca de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Amecameca, Estado de México, CP 56900, México
| | - Fabio Napolitano
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
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Leite L, Stamm F, Souza R, Camarinha Filho J, Garcia R. On-farm welfare assessment in dairy goats in the Brazilian Northeast. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-11691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to apply a modified AWIN Goat protocol to evaluate and compare the welfare of adult lactating and non-lactating dairy goats at pen and individual levels on small farms located in Ceará, Northeast, Brazil, and to take into consideration the application of this protocol on Brazilian Northeast goat farms. Five farms with Lactating goats (L) and five farms with non-lactating goats (NL) were evaluated. At the first level of welfare assessment, animals were evaluated in the pen and during the second level of welfare assessment, animals were evaluated in the pen and individually. Indicators assessed were animal and resource-based indicators. Significant difference between L and NL on farms was set at P<0.05. Only queuing at feeding indicator showed significant difference (P=0.027) between groups in pens at the first level welfare assessment. On individual assessments, there was significant difference between L and NL regarding body condition score (P=0.003), overgrown claws (P=0.001) and udder asymmetry (P=0.001). The application of a modified AWIN Goat protocol on farms in Ceará was considered positive. In general, these results demonstrated that both groups are submitted to welfare problems in Ceará, although lactating goats present more challenges to cope.
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Optimization and Validation of a Linear Appraisal Scoring System for Milk Production-Linked Zoometric Traits in Murciano-Granadina Dairy Goats and Bucks. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10165502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Implementing linear appraisal systems (LAS) may reduce time, personnel and resource costs when performing large-scale zoometric collection. However, optimizing complex zoometric variable panels and validating the resulting reduced outputs may still be necessary. The lack of cross-validation may result in the loss of accuracy and value of the practices implemented. Special attention should be paid when zoometric panels are connected to economically-relevant traits such as dairy performance. This methodological proposal aims to optimize and validate LAS in opposition to the traditional measuring protocols routinely implemented in Murciano-Granadina goats. The sample comprises 41,323 LAS and traditional measuring records from 22,727 herdbook-registered primipara does, 17,111 multipara does and 1485 bucks. Each record includes information on 17 linear traits for primipara/multipara does and 10 traits for bucks. All zoometric parameters are scored on a nine-point scale. Cronbach’s alpha values suggest a high internal consistency of the optimized variable panels. Model fit, variability explanation power and predictive power (mean square error (MSE), Akaike (AIC)/corrected Akaike (AICc) and Bayesian information criteria (BIC), respectively) suggest the model comprising zoometric LAS scores performs better than traditional zoometry. Optimized reduced models are able to capture variability for dairy-related zoometric traits without noticeable detrimental effects on model validity properties.
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Abstract
The present study aims to identify margins for the improvement of dairy animal welfare and production based on the quality of the human-animal relationship (HAR). The main tool proposed to improve the quality of HAR in dairy animals is training of stock-people by targeting their attitude and behaviour. Given that a good quality HAR may benefit the welfare of dairy animals and productivity, new technologies, by monitoring the handling routine on farm, may be more effective in promoting good practices. In particular, the implementation of new technologies may allow identification of specific inappropriate behaviours to be targeted at stockperson level, thus increasing the efficacy of training. However, an issue related to the introduction of new technologies in the farms, particularly in those that follow traditional farming practices, is the resistance to innovation which may be encountered.
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Konold T, Spiropoulos J, Thorne J, Phelan L, Fothergill L, Rajanayagam B, Floyd T, Vidana B, Charnley J, Coates N, Simmons M. The Scrapie Prevalence in a Goat Herd Is Underestimated by Using a Rapid Diagnostic Test. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:164. [PMID: 32226784 PMCID: PMC7081731 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Current European surveillance regulations for scrapie, a naturally occurring transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) or prion disease in sheep and goats, require testing of fallen stock or healthy slaughter animals, and outline measures in the case of confirmation of disease. An outbreak of classical scrapie in a herd with 2500 goats led to the culling of the whole herd, providing the opportunity to examine a subset of goats, take samples, and examine them for the presence of disease-associated prion protein (PrPSc) to provide further information on scrapie test sensitivity, pathology, and association with prion protein genotype. Goats were examined clinically prior to cull, and the brains examined post mortem by Bio-Rad ELISA, a rapid screening test used for active surveillance in sheep and goats, and two confirmatory tests, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, up to 10 lymphoid tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry. Of 151 goats examined, three (2.0%) tested positive for scrapie by ELISA on brain, confirmed by confirmatory tests, and a further five (3.3%) were negative by ELISA but positive by at least one of the confirmatory tests. Only two of these, both positive by ELISA, displayed evident signs of scrapie. In addition, 10 (6.6%) goats, which also included two clinical suspects, were negative on brain examination but had detectable PrPSc in lymphoid tissue. PrPSc was detected most frequently in the medial retropharyngeal lymph node (LN; 94.4% of all 18 cases) and palatine tonsil (88.9%). Abnormal behavior and circling or loss of balance when blindfolded were the best clinical discriminators for scrapie status. None of the goats that carried a single allele in the prion protein gene associated with increased resistance to scrapie (Q211, K222, S146) were scrapie-positive, and the percentage of goats with these alleles was greater than expected from previous surveys. Significantly more goats that were scrapie-positive were isoleucine homozygous at codon 142 (II142). The results indicate that the sensitivity of the applied screening test is poor in goats compared to the confirmatory tests as gold standard, particularly for asymptomatic animals. Sensitivity of surveillance could be improved by testing retropharyngeal LN or palatine tonsil in addition to brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timm Konold
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency Weybridge, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - John Spiropoulos
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency Weybridge, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Jemma Thorne
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency Weybridge, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Phelan
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency Weybridge, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Fothergill
- Central Sequencing Unit, Animal and Plant Health Agency Weybridge, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Brenda Rajanayagam
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency Weybridge, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Tobias Floyd
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency Weybridge, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Beatriz Vidana
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency Weybridge, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Judith Charnley
- Animal and Plant Health England Field Delivery, Skipton, United Kingdom
| | - Nadya Coates
- TSE/BVDV Testing Laboratory, Eurofins Forensic Services, Risley, United Kingdom
| | - Marion Simmons
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency Weybridge, Addlestone, United Kingdom
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Evaluation of Pain Mitigation Strategies in Goat Kids after Cautery Disbudding. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020277. [PMID: 32054076 PMCID: PMC7070287 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Disbudding is a routine procedure performed in goat kids at an early age, especially the ones in the dairy industry. The procedure is mainly done to increase safety for other animals and workers in intensive dairy farms. Disbudding is a painful procedure that affects the welfare of the kids. Effective and practical pain mitigation strategies to reduce the suffering of goat kids due to disbudding have not yet been found. We studied two different pain mitigation strategies for this procedure and concluded that they were not entirely effective. Consumers are increasingly aware of animal farming practices, especially the ones that can lead to suffering and pain, such as disbudding. It is crucial that pain mitigation strategies as well as possible alternative solutions to disbudding continue to be investigated. Abstract Nowadays, most of the goat milk production in developed countries is done in intensive indoors production systems. In these systems, procedures such as disbudding are performed routinely. Disbudding is done in young goat kids and is a recognised as a painful procedure. Pain mitigation strategies have been extensively researched, but a method that is effective in mitigating pain as well as being safe and practical has not yet been found. In this paper we used three treatment groups: one control and two groups with pain mitigation strategies for cautery disbudding, one using local anaesthesia (lidocaine) and a second one using local anaesthesia (lidocaine) plus an analgesic (flunixin meglumine). The behaviour of twenty-seven goat kids was recorded for three hours after disbudding. Overall, the goat kids that received both pain mitigation treatments dedicated more time performing active and positive behaviours. Nevertheless, the incidence of behaviours related to pain and discomfort was not consistently reduced. Research is still needed to find a practical and effective pain mitigation strategy for disbudding. A solution to this challenge would improve animal welfare as well as address societal concerns linked to the suffering of farm animals.
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Fekry U, Rizk A, Mosbah E, Zaghloul A. Assessment of a multimodal analgesia protocol in goats undergoing claw amputation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.35943/mvmj.2019.20.406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the anti-nociceptive, sedative and behavioral effect of multimodal analgesic drugs in goat's undergoing unilateral claw amputation.
Design: A randomized experimental design.
Animals: Sixteen goats were randomly assigned into 4 groups (4 bucks per group).
Procedure: Animals used in this study were randomly assigned into 4 groups, four animals for each group. All goats were anaesthetized by intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) of the right forelimb cephalic vein with 2% lidocaine in a dose of 3mg/kg body weight (BW) before surgery. Administration of carprofen (50 mg/ml) at a dose 0.1 mg/kg BW took place before surgery on day 0 and was then repeated once daily for another 3 consecutive days postoperatively in groups Lidocaine (L), carprofen_lidocaine (CL), carprofen – romifidine - lidocaine (CRL), and carprofen – romifidine - butorphenol - lidocaine (CRBL). Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), serum IL-6 level, sedation score, and lameness score were determined at preset time intervals and the animals’ behavior was recorded.
Results: The mean average of HR, RR and RT in IVRA treated animals was significantly increased until the end of surgery followed by gradual decrease up to 90 min post-surgery. In CRL and CRBL it showed a significant decrease compared to controls. There was a significant decrease in lameness score in CRL and CRBL treated animals from 30 min until 2 hours and for 3 days post-surgery. After injection of romifidine it showed a significant decrease of IL-6 levels compared to lidocaine and CL treated animals.
Conclusion and clinical relevance: It was concluded that, the use of romifidine and buterphanol in the analgesic protocol during claw amputation in goats, alleviate pain response and potentiate the analgesic effects of IVRA. Addition of carprofen to the analgesic protocol can be used for long- term treatment of orthopedic pain in goats without complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usama Fekry
- Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, 35516 Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Awad Rizk
- Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, 35516 Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Esam Mosbah
- Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, 35516 Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Adel Zaghloul
- Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, 35516 Mansoura, Egypt
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Deeming LE, Beausoleil NJ, Stafford KJ, Webster JR, Staincliffe M, Zobel G. The Development of a Hoof Conformation Assessment for Use in Dairy Goats. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E973. [PMID: 31739587 PMCID: PMC6912638 DOI: 10.3390/ani9110973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The assessment of hoof conformation is important due to its recognized relationship with the biomechanical functionality of the hoof. Hoof conformation can be assessed using objective measures or subjective scores. However, to date, there are limited data using either method in dairy goats. Therefore, the aims were to (1) develop a reliable method of assessing hoof conformation in dairy goats, and (2) compare two aspects of a subjective assessment against corresponding objective measures as a means of validation. A total of 1035 goats contributed photographs across 16 commercial dairy goat farms. Photographs were taken of the left front and left hind hoof in the lateral and dorsal aspect at five assessments across the goats' first two lactations. Hoof conformation was assessed using five subjective scores (toe length, heel shape, fetlock shape, claw splay, and claw shape) and two objective measures (toe length ratio and claw splay distance). Following the training of two observers, high levels of inter and intra-reliability were achieved for both the subjective scores (>0.8 weighted kappa) and objective measures (>0.8 Lin's concordance correlation coefficient). Two aspects of the subjectively assessed ordinal scores were compared with the objective measures with high levels of accuracy (>0.8). This suggests that the subjective scores may be a suitable alternative to more time-consuming objective measures when assessment is completed using photographs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Deeming
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, 10 Bisley Road, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand; (L.E.D.); (J.R.W.); (M.S.)
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (N.J.B.); (K.J.S.)
| | - Ngaio J. Beausoleil
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (N.J.B.); (K.J.S.)
| | - Kevin J. Stafford
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (N.J.B.); (K.J.S.)
| | - James R. Webster
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, 10 Bisley Road, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand; (L.E.D.); (J.R.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Maryann Staincliffe
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, 10 Bisley Road, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand; (L.E.D.); (J.R.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Gosia Zobel
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, 10 Bisley Road, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand; (L.E.D.); (J.R.W.); (M.S.)
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Rifkin RE, Grzeskowiak RM, Mulon PY, Adair HS, Biris AS, Dhar M, Anderson DE. Use of a pressure-sensing walkway system for biometric assessment of gait characteristics in goats. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223771. [PMID: 31618281 PMCID: PMC6795426 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess gait characteristics and weight-bearing forces during ambulation in goats free of lameness using a pressure-sensing walkway as a biometric tool for stride, gait, and force analysis. Forty-six non-lame adult goats ranging in age from 5 to 6 years, mixed-breeds, and with a mean body weight of 52 ± 7.1 kgs were used. Goats were trained to walk over a pressure-sensing walkway. Data for analysis was collected on 2 different days, 3 days apart. On each day, 2 to 5 walking passes, in the same direction, were captured for each goat. Data from 2 valid passes meeting the criteria for consistent walking gait on each day were averaged then used for analysis. Analysis was performed, including the day-effect, for stride, gait, and force characteristics. Of the 46 goats enrolled in the study, complete data sets were achieved in 33 (72%) goats. Gait biometrics were similar among the assessment days; therefore, all data was pooled for the purpose of characterizing data for individual limb and biometric parameter comparisons at the individual goat level. Statistical analysis revealed that no difference within the paired limbs, and that there were significant differences between the front limbs and hind limbs. Maximum force and maximum peak pressure were significantly greater for the front limbs as compared with the hind limbs (p < 0.001). Based on the results, gait and force characteristics can be consistently measured in goats using a pressure-sensing walkway during a consistent walking gait. Goats apply greater force to the forelimbs during the weight-bearing phase of stride as compared with the hind limbs. The use of objective assessment tools is expected to improve the ability of researchers and clinicians to monitor changes in weight bearing and gait and will contribute to improved animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E. Rifkin
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Remigiusz M. Grzeskowiak
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Pierre-Yves Mulon
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - H. Steve Adair
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Alexandru S. Biris
- Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Madhu Dhar
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - David E. Anderson
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
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The role of claw deformation and claw size on goat lameness. Vet Anim Sci 2019; 8:100080. [PMID: 32734097 PMCID: PMC7386719 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2019.100080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Information regarding average width and length of goats’ dairy claws is provided. Increased width of the front claws was associated with increased likelihood of having deformation. There was a significant correlation between lameness score and the number of deformed claws.
Lameness due to claw overgrowth remains one of the main welfare challenges in dairy goat farms. Although claw trimming is a crucial part of the solution, most times there is a delay in its implementation, with no perceived consequences. The goal of this cross-sectional study was to assess the correlation between the size and deformation of dairy goats claws with lameness score. The width and length of the claws of 38 adult dairy goats were taken and classified as deformed (DEF) or non-deformed (NO_DEF). Lameness was also scored in the majority of the animals assessed for claw deformation. Deformation of at least one claw was present in 34 animals (89% of the total sample). From the 34 goats with deformed claws, 33 presented at least one deformed rear claw and 18 presented at least one deformed front claw. From the 152 claws assessed 58% were deformed (n = 88), of which 19% (n = 29) were front claws and 39% were rear claws (n = 59). Increased width of the front claws was associated with increased likelihood of having deformation with odds of 1.24, and the increased length explained 16% of the variation in lameness scores. A positive relation between lameness score and the number of deformed claws was also shown. Overall, these results suggest that the size of dairy goats’ claws influences the prevalence of deformation and lameness severity and that the number of deformed claws affects goats’ gait. They also help to build the argument in favor of regular trimming in dairy goat farms.
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31
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Anzuino K, Knowles TG, Lee MRF, Grogono-Thomas R. Survey of husbandry and health on UK commercial dairy goat farms. Vet Rec 2019; 185:267. [PMID: 31413117 DOI: 10.1136/vr.105274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Published research relevant to the UK dairy goat industry is scarce. Current practices and concerns within the UK dairy goat industry must be better understood if research is to have optimal value. A postal survey was conducted of the farmer membership of the Milking Goat Association as a first step in addressing gaps in knowledge. Questions were asked about husbandry practices, farmer observations of their goats and their priorities for further research. Seventy-three per cent of Milking Goat Association members responded, representing 38 per cent of commercial dairy goat farms and 53 per cent of the commercial dairy goat population in England and Wales. Findings were comprehensive and showed extensive variation in farm practices. Farmers reported pneumonia and scours (diarrhoea) as the most prevalent illnesses of their kids. Pneumonia, diarrhoea, failure to conceive and poor growth were the most prevalent observations of youngstock. Overly fat body condition, assisted kidding, failure to conceive and difficulty drying off were the most prevalent observations of adult milking goats. Farmers' top priorities for further research were kid health (79.5 per cent of farmers), Johne's disease (69.5 per cent of farmers), tuberculosis (59 per cent of farmers) and nutrition (47.7 per cent of farmers).
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Affiliation(s)
- K Anzuino
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - T G Knowles
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - M R F Lee
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Devon, UK
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Herd management and welfare assessment of dairy goat farms in Northern Cyprus by using breeding, health, reproduction, and biosecurity indicators. Trop Anim Health Prod 2019; 52:71-78. [PMID: 31325019 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-019-01990-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This study describes the results of a farm-based welfare assessment, herd management, and some yield indicators in Northern Cyprus dairy goat farms. Out of 324 intensive milk goat farms which produce goats, only the 42 goat farms which had 7950 heads were chosen by random sampling in Northern Cyprus (2016), and face-to-face questionnaires and observations were conducted to collect data. Regarding the breeding techniques in these farms, of all the goats in these farms, 45.2% were cross-breed, 38.1% were Damascus, 11.9% were Saanen, and 4.8% were hair goats. The average of the total number of animals was 211.38 ± 209 heads. The average number of pens and the number of animals per pen in the farms, which had 2 to 5 pens, were 67 ± 49.5 heads. The barn types of these farms were observed to be semi-open and nearly open (95%). 45.5% of the farms made a single milking in a day. The most significant reason for this was that the suckling of the kids lasted 3 months or more in 73.8% of the farms. Natural random mating was applied to 69% of the farms. The 45.2% of the farms applied additional feeding before the mating season. The rate of multiple births was 24.76%. The mortality rate in kids was greater than 10% in the 57% of farms examined. The 75% of kids had diarrhea, 33% had umbilicus infections, and 33% suffered from respiratory problems. Among the adult goats of the surveyed farms, the most important problem was external parasites (100%). The second and third problems were overgrown claws (80.9%) and common abscesses (80.95%). Regarding the biosecurity indicators, the general disinfection percentage of farms was 78.57%. However, veterinarian controls were conducted only in the 26.9% of the farms on a regular basis. In these farms, there was no significant difference between the breeds regarding their breeding and reproduction techniques or health indicators. The entrance of the farms carries a high risk for biosecurity. Heat stress is quite important factor for the milk quality.
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Zobel G, Neave HW, Webster J. Understanding natural behavior to improve dairy goat ( Capra hircus) management systems. Transl Anim Sci 2018; 3:212-224. [PMID: 32704793 PMCID: PMC7200440 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txy145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Public interest is stimulating farming industries to improve animal welfare in production systems. Indoor housing of ruminants has received scrutiny because of perceived intensiveness and lack of naturalness. Animal welfare has traditionally focused on health benefits (e.g., bedding management and reducing disease) and reducing negative experiences (e.g., painful husbandry practices). Recent attention to animals having “a life worth living” extends expectations to provide increased care and opportunities for positive experiences and natural behaviors. Although not all natural behaviors necessarily contribute to improved welfare, we present evidence for why many are important, and for how they can be promoted in commercial systems. Worldwide, commercial dairy goats (Capra hircus) are frequently housed in large open barns with space to move and soft bedding for lying; however, this is not sufficient to promote the range of natural behaviors of goats, which in turn suggests that commercial housing could be improved. The basis for this thinking is from the range of behaviors expressed by the Capra genus. Collectively, these species have evolved cognitive and behavioral strategies to cope with harsh and changing environments, as well as variable and limited vegetation. The rocky and often steep terrain that goats inhabit allows for predator avoidance and access to shelter, so it is not surprising that domesticated goats also seek out elevation and hiding spaces; indeed, their hoof structure is designed for the movement and grip in such rugged environments. The browsing techniques and flexibility in diet selection of wild, feral and extensively managed goats, appears to be equally important to housed goats, highlighting the need for more complexity in how and what goats are fed. Goats naturally live in small, dynamic groups, governed by complex social structures in which horns play a strong role. Commercial housing systems should consider the benefits of more natural-sized social groups and revisit the rationale behind horn removal. We suggest that cognitive stimulation is a potential welfare improvement for goats in commercial settings. Goat cognitive abilities, which enabled success in complex and variable social and physical environments, are unchallenged in uniform environments, potentially leading to negative affective states. We make suggestions for housing improvements that could be readily adopted into current systems without compromising production efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gosia Zobel
- Animal Welfare Team, AgResearch Limited, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Heather W Neave
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jim Webster
- Animal Welfare Team, AgResearch Limited, Hamilton, New Zealand
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Groenevelt M, Cahalan SD, Anzuino K, Hunt N, Lee M, Grogono‐Thomas R. Laminitis in dairy goats (
Capra aegagrus hircus
) on a low‐forage diet. VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1136/vetreccr-2018-000652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Margit Groenevelt
- Department of Clinical Veterinary ScienceUniversity of BristolLangfordUK
| | | | - Katharine Anzuino
- Department of Clinical Veterinary ScienceUniversity of BristolLangfordUK
| | - Nicholas Hunt
- Department of Clinical Veterinary ScienceUniversity of BristolLangfordUK
| | - Michael Lee
- Department of Clinical Veterinary ScienceUniversity of BristolLangfordUK
- Rothamsted ResearchOkehamptonUK
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Hempstead MN, Waas JR, Stewart M, Cave VM, Turner AR, Sutherland MA. The effectiveness of clove oil and two different cautery disbudding methods on preventing horn growth in dairy goat kids. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198229. [PMID: 30427945 PMCID: PMC6235237 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of clove oil and cautery disbudding on horn growth was evaluated in goat kids. The study used 243 Saanen doe kids (4±1 days old; mean±SD) on two goat farms that were disbudded with either (i) clove oil injection (CLOVE), (ii) a cautery iron and bud removed (BUDOFF), or (iii) a cautery iron with bud left intact (BUDON). Each kid received a different treatment per bud, which were balanced between buds (left/right) and randomly allocated. A trained observer monitored bud growth following treatment for 3 months recording either: N: no growth, H: normal horn, S: abnormal horn (scur), or SC: soft, fibrous lump (scorn). After the final observation, buds were assessed for the probability of detecting (i) success (no growth), (ii) scurs, (iii) horns or (iv) scorns [with 95% CI]. The probability of success for BUDOFF (0.77 [0.63, 0.87]) was higher than for BUDON (0.20 [0.11, 0.34]) and CLOVE (0.09 [0.04, 0.18]; P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the probability of success for BUDON was higher than for CLOVE (P ≤ 0.05). The probability of scurs was higher for CLOVE (0.72 [0.63, 0.80]) than BUDOFF (0.25 [0.17, 0.34]) and BUDON (0.30 [0.21, 0.39]; P ≤ 0.05). There was no difference in the probability of scurs for BUDOFF and BUDON (P > 0.05). The probability of horns was higher for CLOVE (0.21 [0.15, 0.29]) than BUDON (0.02 [0.01, 0.06]; P ≤ 0.05); horns were not observed for BUDOFF. The probability of scorns for BUDON, the only treatment that led to scorns, was 0.41 (0.25, 0.60). These results suggest that BUDOFF was more effective at preventing growth than CLOVE and BUDON and appears the most effective method, of the methods tested, for disbudding kids. Future research should explore other alternatives to cautery disbudding that may be both efficacious and cause less pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa N. Hempstead
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare, AgResearch Ltd., Hamilton, New Zealand
- School of Science, The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Joseph R. Waas
- School of Science, The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | | | - Vanessa M. Cave
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare, AgResearch Ltd., Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Amanda R. Turner
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare, AgResearch Ltd., Hamilton, New Zealand
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Deeming L, Beausoleil N, Stafford K, Webster J, Zobel G. Technical note: The development of a reliable 5-point gait scoring system for use in dairy goats. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:4491-4497. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Vieira A, Oliveira MD, Nunes T, Stilwell G. Design and test of a web-survey for collecting observer’s ratings on dairy goats’ behavioural data. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Can E, Vieira A, Battini M, Mattiello S, Stilwell G. On-farm welfare assessment of dairy goat farms using animal-based indicators: the example of 30 commercial farms in Portugal. ACTA AGR SCAND A-AN 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/09064702.2016.1208267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Can
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Animal Behaviour and Welfare Lab, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - A. Vieira
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Animal Behaviour and Welfare Lab, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
- Centre for Management Studies, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M. Battini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - S. Mattiello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - G. Stilwell
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Animal Behaviour and Welfare Lab, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
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Influences on the avoidance and approach behaviour of dairy goats towards an unfamiliar human—An on-farm study. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Severe Foot Lesions in Dairy Goats Associated with Digital Dermatitis Treponemes. J Comp Pathol 2016; 154:283-96. [PMID: 27162082 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Battini M, Barbieri S, Vieira A, Stilwell G, Mattiello S. Results of testing the prototype of the AWIN welfare assessment protocol for dairy goats in 30 intensive farms in Northern Italy. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2016.1150795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Groenevelt M, Anzuino K, Smith S, Lee MRF, Grogono-Thomas R. A case report of lameness in two dairy goat herds; a suspected combination of nutritional factors concurrent with treponeme infection. BMC Res Notes 2015; 8:791. [PMID: 26673897 PMCID: PMC4681140 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-015-1734-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two dairy goat farms with high level of lameness in lactating animals were presented for further investigation. Farm 1 and Farm 2 presented with 37 and 67% morbidity, respectively. Both farms had an all year round indoor system, feeding ad libitum concentrate with forage available at all times. CASE PRESENTATION The lameness was found to be based in the foot. Previous treatments consisting of biweekly footbathing with zinc sulphate, spraying lesions with oxytetracycline spray and packing lesions with copper crystals on a single occasion and single injections with long acting oxytetracycline had not been successful. Mild cases had signs of haemorrhaging in the white line or on the sole of the foot. Moderate cases showed under running of the wall horn or small areas of exposed sole corium. Severe cases would consist of horn or wall separation with the corium exposed and infected. In extreme cases only the wall horn of the claw remained, with a large area of necrotic tissue in the centre and no healthy corium visible. Only one animal was seen to have interdigital lesions. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture of swabs taken from exposed corium and the interdigital space were negative for Dichelobacter nodosus but PCR for treponemes were positive in both the adults and the youngstock tested. Due to the high level of concentrate in the diet of these goats, nutrition was thought to contribute to the problem. Transcutaneous rumen fluid samples were taken and pH was measured on both farms, with 35% of the samples below pH value 5.5. CONCLUSION No definite diagnosis could be made. However, the results suggest both treponemes and nutrition play a role in the aetiology of the lameness. The initial sole or wall horn lesions were thought to be secondarily infected by treponemes. Further investigation is needed to definitively diagnose the cause and contributing factors for this lameness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margit Groenevelt
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Somerset, BS40 5DU, UK.
| | | | | | - Michael R F Lee
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Somerset, BS40 5DU, UK. .,Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 2SB, UK.
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Battini M, Stilwell G, Vieira A, Barbieri S, Canali E, Mattiello S. On-FarmWelfare Assessment Protocol for Adult Dairy Goats in Intensive Production Systems. Animals (Basel) 2015; 5:934-50. [PMID: 26479477 PMCID: PMC4693197 DOI: 10.3390/ani5040393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the European AWIN project, a protocol for assessing dairy goats' welfareon the farm was developed. Starting from a literature review, a prototype includinganimal-based indicators covering four welfare principles and 12 welfare criteria was set up.The prototype was tested in 60 farms for validity, reliability, and feasibility. After testing theprototype, a two-level assessment protocol was proposed in order to increase acceptabilityamong stakeholders. The first level offers a more general overview of the welfare status,based on group assessment of a few indicators (e.g., hair coat condition, latency to thefirst contact test, severe lameness, Qualitative Behavior Assessment), with no or minimalhandling of goats and short assessment time required. The second level starts if welfareAnimals 2015, 5 935problems are encountered in the first level and adds a comprehensive and detailed individualevaluation (e.g., Body Condition Score, udder asymmetry, overgrown claws), supported byan effective sampling strategy. The assessment can be carried out using the AWIN Goatapp. The app results in a clear visual output, which provides positive feedback on welfareconditions in comparison with a benchmark of a reference population. The protocol maybe a valuable tool for both veterinarians and technicians and a self-assessment instrumentfor farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Battini
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health (DIVET), Università degli Studi di Milano,Via G. Celoria, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - George Stilwell
- Faculdade Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica-Pólo Universitário Alto da Ajuda, Lisbon 1300-477, Portugal.
| | - Ana Vieira
- Faculdade Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica-Pólo Universitário Alto da Ajuda, Lisbon 1300-477, Portugal.
| | - Sara Barbieri
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health (DIVET), Università degli Studi di Milano,Via G. Celoria, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Canali
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health (DIVET), Università degli Studi di Milano,Via G. Celoria, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - Silvana Mattiello
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health (DIVET), Università degli Studi di Milano,Via G. Celoria, Milan 20133, Italy.
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Vieira A, Brandão S, Monteiro A, Ajuda I, Stilwell G. Development and validation of a visual body condition scoring system for dairy goats with picture-based training. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:6597-608. [PMID: 26162790 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-9428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Body condition scoring (BCS) is the most widely used method to assess changes in body fat reserves, which reflects its high potential to be included in on-farm welfare assessment protocols. Currently used scoring systems in dairy goats require animal restraint for body palpation. In this study, the Animal Welfare Indicators project (AWIN) proposes to overcome this constraint by developing a scoring system based only on visual assessment. The AWIN visual body condition scoring system highlights representative animals from 3 categories: very thin, normal, and very fat, and was built from data sets with photographs of animals scored by a commonly used 6-point scoring system that requires palpation in 2 anatomical regions. Development of the AWIN scoring system required 3 steps: (1) identification and validation of a body region of interest; (2) sketching the region from photographs; and (3) creation of training material. The scoring system's reliability was statistically confirmed. An initial study identified features in the rump region from which we could compute a set of body measurements (i.e., measures based on anatomical references of the rump region) that showed a strong correlation with the assigned BCS. To validate the result, we collected a final data set from 171 goats. To account for variability in animal size and camera position, we mapped a subset of features to a standard template and aligned all the rump images before computing the body measurements. Scientific illustrations were created from the aligned images of animals identified as representative of each category to increase clarity and reproducibility. For training material, we created sketches representing the threshold between consecutive categories. Finally, we conducted 2 field reliability studies. In the first test, no training was given to 4 observers, whereas in the second, training using the threshold images was delivered to the same observers. In the first experiment, interobserver results was substantial, showing that the visual scoring system is clear and unambiguous. Moreover, results improved after training, reaching almost perfect agreement for the very fat category. The visual body condition scoring system is not only a practical tool for BCS in dairy goats but also shows potential to be fully automated, which would enhance its use in welfare assessment schemes and farm management.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vieira
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Research Laboratory, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - S Brandão
- Electrical and Computers Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; Electrical and Computers Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - A Monteiro
- Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Quinta da Alagoa, Estrada de Nelas, 3500-606 Viseu, Portugal
| | - I Ajuda
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Research Laboratory, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - G Stilwell
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Research Laboratory, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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Groenevelt M, Anzuino K, Langton DA, Grogono-Thomas R. Association of treponeme species with atypical foot lesions in goats. Vet Rec 2015; 176:626. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.102907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Groenevelt
- University of Bristol, School of Veterinary Sciences; Langford House Langford Bristol BS40 5DU UK
| | | | - D. A. Langton
- University of Bristol, School of Veterinary Sciences; Langford House Langford Bristol BS40 5DU UK
| | - R. Grogono-Thomas
- University of Bristol, School of Veterinary Sciences; Langford House Langford Bristol BS40 5DU UK
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Sullivan LE, Evans NJ, Clegg SR, Carter SD, Horsfield JE, Grove-White D, Duncan JS. Digital dermatitis treponemes associated with a severe foot disease in dairy goats. Vet Rec 2014; 176:283. [PMID: 25428906 DOI: 10.1136/vr.102858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Sullivan
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Science Park ic2, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 5RF, UK
| | - N J Evans
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Science Park ic2, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 5RF, UK
| | - S R Clegg
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Science Park ic2, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 5RF, UK
| | - S D Carter
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Science Park ic2, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 5RF, UK
| | - J E Horsfield
- Lanes Veterinary Group, Green Lane Veterinary Centre, Leachfield Industrial Estate, Green Lane West, Cabus, Garstang PR3 1PR, UK
| | - D Grove-White
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral CH64 7TE, UK
| | - J S Duncan
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral CH64 7TE, UK
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Battini M, Vieira A, Barbieri S, Ajuda I, Stilwell G, Mattiello S. Invited review: Animal-based indicators for on-farm welfare assessment for dairy goats. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:6625-48. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-7493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Inter-observer agreement, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of animal-based indicators of young lamb welfare. Animal 2013; 7:1182-90. [PMID: 23561038 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731113000487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A scientific literature review and consensus of expert opinion used the welfare definitions provided by the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) Five Freedoms as the framework for selecting a set of animal-based indicators that were sensitive to the current on-farm welfare issues of young lambs (aged ≤ 6 weeks). Ten animal-based indicators assessed by observation - demeanour, response to stimulation, shivering, standing ability, posture, abdominal fill, body condition, lameness, eye condition and salivation were tested as part of the objective of developing valid, reliable and feasible animal-based measures of lamb welfare The indicators were independently tested on 966 young lambs from 17 sheep flocks across Northwest England and Wales during December 2008 to April 2009 by four trained observers. Inter-observer reliability was assessed using Fleiss's kappa (κ), and the pair-wise agreement with an experienced, observer designated as the 'test standard observer' (TSO) was examined using Cohen's κ. Latent class analysis (LCA) estimated the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of each observer without assuming a gold standard and predicted the Se and Sp of randomly selected observers who may apply the indicators in the future. Overall, good levels of inter-observer reliability, and high levels of Sp were identified for demeanour (κ = 0.54, Se ≥ 0.70, Sp ≥ 0.98), stimulation (κ = 0.57, Se = 0.30 to 0.77, Sp ≥ 0.98), shivering (κ = 0.55, Se = 0.37 to 0.85, Sp ≥ 0.99), standing ability (0.54, Se ≥ 0.80, Sp ≥ 0.99), posture (κ = 0.45, Se ≥ 0.56, Sp = 0.99), abdominal fill (κ = 0.44, Se = 0.39 to 0.98, Sp = 0.99), body condition (κ = 0.72, Se ⩾ 0.38 to 0.90, Sp = 0.99), lameness (κ = 0.68, Se > 0.73, Sp = 1.00), and eye condition (κ = 0.72, Se ≥ 0.86, Sp = 0.99). LCA predicted that randomly selected observers had Se > 0.77 (acceptable), and Sp ≥ 0.98 (high) for assessments of demeanour, lameness, abdominal fill posture, body condition and eye condition. The diagnostic performance of some indicators was influenced by the composition of the study population, and it would be useful to test the indicators on lambs with a greater level of outcomes associated with poor welfare. The findings presented in this paper could be applied in the selection of valid, reliable and feasible indicators used for the purposes of on-farm assessments of lamb welfare.
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