1
|
Thermographic Screening of Beef Cattle Metatarsal Growth Plate Lesions. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12020191. [PMID: 35049813 PMCID: PMC8773219 DOI: 10.3390/ani12020191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Young beef bulls are predisposed to develop diseases of the growing skeleton, especially growth plate lesions. These lesions jeopardize both welfare and production, often leading to anticipated culling and diminished weight gain. However, beef cattle are prey animals and do not exhibit signs of pain and lameness until the disease becomes extensive and severe. Fast methods to screen for growth plate lesions presence could therefore lead to prompt treatment of the affected animals, enhancing recovery and diminishing losses. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential of infrared thermography as a non-invasive tool for rapidly screening beef bulls for the presence of growth plate lesions. Here, 20 Charolais and Limousine beef bulls affected by growth plate lesions were screened using infrared thermography. A difference in maximum, mean, and minimum temperatures was detected between healthy and affected growth plate areas, and a difference in mean and maximum temperatures was detected globally in the affected limbs against healthy ones. Infrared thermography could therefore serve as a reliable tool for screening growth plate lesions in beef bulls, permitting rapid detection at pen level and aiding fast and targeted treatment, thus improving animal welfare and production. Abstract Lameness represents one of the main causes of decreased productive performance and impaired animal welfare in the bovine industry. Young beef bulls are predisposed to develop diseases of the growing skeleton, especially growth plate lesions. Early diagnosis is indispensable for ensuring correct treatment, fast recovery and reduction losses. However, when dealing with beef cattle, this is not always possible. Fast and reliable diagnostic imaging techniques are necessary to improve dealing with lameness in beef animals. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential of thermographic imaging as a non-invasive tool for rapidly screening beef bulls for the presence of growth plate lesions. Here, 20 Charolais and Limousine beef bulls affected by growth plate lesions in one of the rear limbs were selected. IRT was performed on both hind limbs using a digital infrared camera (ThermaCam T420 Model, Flir Systems, Boston, MA, USA), prior to radiographic imaging and clinical examination. The temperature of healthy and affected limbs was measured in two regions: the area correspondent to the growth plate (AR01) and the whole area of the metatarsus (AR02). Growth plate lesions were found to increase the maximum, mean, and minimum temperatures in AR01; and the mean and maximum temperatures in AR02, therefore, indicating the potential of IRT as a reliable, practical tool for screening growth plate lesions in beef bulls.
Collapse
|
3
|
Sartori C, Gianesella M, Pilastro A, Mantovani R, Armato L, Fiore E. Digit ratio and length asymmetry in calves' limbs. ZOOLOGY 2020; 140:125777. [PMID: 32248058 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2020.125777] [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: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This study considered possible sexual dimorphism in the relative lengths of the second, third and fourth digits (digit ratio), in calves. Furthermore, a different length of the bone structures of the third (3D) and of the fourth (4D) digits has been examined as an evolutionary adaptation to locomotion on soft ground. The length of the digital bones of the right fore-limb of 33 females and 15 male calves was measured in vivo using a portable X-ray machine. The vestigial structure of the second digit (2D), and 3D and 4D, from metacarpus to the third phalanx were considered in a mixed model, as well as some ratios between 2D and different parts of 3D or 4D (2D:3D and 2D:4D). A covariate for the mean finger length was considered for digit ratios to control for possible biases due to shape allometry. Shorter first phalanx and trotter were found in 3D than in 4D, and the reverse for the third phalanx. The 2D was significantly shorter in females, as well as the second phalanges of 3D and 4D. Significant sex differences in 2D:3D and 2D:4D were found for some digit parts of 3D and 4D and for the first phalanges of 3D:4D. These ratios were always shorter in females, in contrast to that found in most mammals. The asymmetry between 3D and 4D could mean a functional adaptation for locomotion. Sex differences in 2D:4D and 3D:4D were found, but with a reverse pattern than in most mammal species (males > females rather than males < females). In this regard digit ratio in calves was similar to that of Old World monkeys. This study is the first investigation of digit ratio in Ungulates, whose limbs differ from the limbs of most mammals, maintaining five digits. The reverse pattern of sex differences (digit ratios: males> females) could be due to the peculiar nature of the vestigial dewclaw of 2D and to the hormone patterns acting on this digit during development, but further research is required around this topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Sartori
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, Padova, Italy.
| | - Matteo Gianesella
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health (MAPS), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Mantovani
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Leonardo Armato
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health (MAPS), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Enrico Fiore
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health (MAPS), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nalon E, Stevenson P. Addressing Lameness in Farmed Animals: An Urgent Need to Achieve Compliance with EU Animal Welfare Law. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9080576. [PMID: 31430914 PMCID: PMC6720678 DOI: 10.3390/ani9080576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this short paper we explain the reasons why preventing and treating lameness in farmed animals can and should be considered a legal requirement under European Union (EU) animal welfare law. We also briefly present the situation in different farming sectors. We make the case that, in order to comply with current EU farmed animal welfare law, lameness prevalence and severity should be regularly monitored on farm, and species-specific alarm thresholds should be used to trigger corrective actions. Abstract Lameness is the clinical manifestation of a range of painful locomotory conditions affecting many species of farmed animals. Although these conditions have serious consequences for animal welfare, productivity, and longevity, the prevention and treatment of lameness continue to receive insufficient attention in most farming sectors across the European Union (EU). In this paper, we outline the legislative framework that regulates the handling of lameness and other painful conditions in farmed animals in the EU. We briefly outline the current situation in different livestock farming sectors. Finally, we make the case for the introduction of regular on-farm monitoring of lameness and for the setting of alarm thresholds that should trigger corrective actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Nalon
- Eurogroup for Animals, rue Ducale 29, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Peter Stevenson
- Compassion in World Farming, River Court, Mill Lane, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1EZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Caswell JL, Bassel LL, Rothenburger JL, Gröne A, Sargeant JM, Beck AP, Ekman S, Gibson-Corley KN, Kuiken T, LaDouceur EEB, Meyerholz DK, Origgi FC, Posthaus H, Priestnall SL, Ressel L, Sharkey L, Teixeira LBC, Uchida K, Ward JM, Webster JD, Yamate J. Observational Study Design in Veterinary Pathology, Part 1: Study Design. Vet Pathol 2018; 55:607-621. [PMID: 30071806 DOI: 10.1177/0300985818785705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Observational studies are the basis for much of our knowledge of veterinary pathology and are highly relevant to the daily practice of pathology. However, recommendations for conducting pathology-based observational studies are not readily available. In part 1 of this series, we offer advice on planning and conducting an observational study with examples from the veterinary pathology literature. Investigators should recognize the importance of creativity, insight, and innovation in devising studies that solve problems and fill important gaps in knowledge. Studies should focus on specific and testable hypotheses, questions, or objectives. The methodology is developed to support these goals. We consider the merits and limitations of different types of analytic and descriptive studies, as well as of prospective vs retrospective enrollment. Investigators should define clear inclusion and exclusion criteria and select adequate numbers of study subjects, including careful selection of the most appropriate controls. Studies of causality must consider the temporal relationships between variables and the advantages of measuring incident cases rather than prevalent cases. Investigators must consider unique aspects of studies based on archived laboratory case material and take particular care to consider and mitigate the potential for selection bias and information bias. We close by discussing approaches to adding value and impact to observational studies. Part 2 of the series focuses on methodology and validation of methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeff L Caswell
- 1 Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura L Bassel
- 1 Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jamie L Rothenburger
- 2 Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrea Gröne
- 3 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan M Sargeant
- 4 Department of Population Medicine and Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda P Beck
- 5 Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Stina Ekman
- 6 Department of Biomedicine and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Katherine N Gibson-Corley
- 7 Department of Pathology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Thijs Kuiken
- 8 Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - David K Meyerholz
- 10 University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Francesco C Origgi
- 11 Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Horst Posthaus
- 12 Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Simon L Priestnall
- 13 Deparment Pathobiology & Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Ressel
- 14 Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Leslie Sharkey
- 15 Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, N. Grafton, MA, USA
| | - Leandro B C Teixeira
- 16 Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kazuyuki Uchida
- 17 Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Jyoji Yamate
- 20 Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano City, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|