1
|
Zhu Q, Qi S, Guo D, Li C, Su M, Wang J, Li Z, Yang D, Sun H, Wang X, Wang M, Wu H, Yu S, Bai W, Zhang Y, Yang X, Jiang L, Liu J, Zhao Y, Xing X, Shi D, Feng L, Sun D. A survey of fecal virome and bacterial community of the diarrhea-affected cattle in northeast China reveals novel disease-associated ecological risk factors. mSystems 2024; 9:e0084223. [PMID: 38108282 PMCID: PMC10804951 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00842-23] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Limited information on the virome and bacterial community hampers our ability to discern systemic ecological risk factors that cause cattle diarrhea, which has become a pressing issue in the control of disease. A total of 110 viruses, 1,011 bacterial genera, and 322 complete viral genomes were identified from 70 sequencing samples mixed with 1,120 fecal samples from 58 farms in northeast China. For the diarrheic samples, the identified virome and bacterial community varied in terms of composition, abundance, diversity, and geographic distribution in relation to different disease-associated ecological factors; the abundance of identified viruses and bacteria was significantly correlated with the host factors of clinical status, cattle type, and age, and with environmental factors such as aquaculture model and geographical location (P < 0.05); a significant interaction occurred between viruses and viruses, bacteria and bacteria, as well as between bacteria and viruses (P < 0.05). The abundance of SMB53, Butyrivibrio, Facklamia, Trichococcus, and Turicibacter was significantly correlated with the health status of cattle (P < 0.05). The proportion of BRV, BCoV, BKV, BToV, BoNoV, BoNeV, BoAstV, BEV, BoPV, and BVDV in 1,120 fecal samples varied from 1.61% to 12.05%. A series of significant correlations were observed between the prevalence of individual viruses and the disease-associated ecological factors. A genome-based phylogenetic analysis revealed high variability of 10 bovine enteric viruses. The bovine hungarovirus was initially identified in both dairy and beef cattle in China. This study elucidates the fecal virome and bacterial community signatures of cattle affected by diarrhea, and reveals novel disease-associated ecological risk factors, including cattle type, cattle age, aquaculture model, and geographical location.IMPORTANCEThe lack of data on the virome and bacterial community restricts our capability to recognize ecological risk factors for bovine diarrhea disease, thereby hindering our overall comprehension of the disease's cause. In this study, we found that, for the diarrheal samples, the identified virome and bacterial community varied in terms of composition, abundance, diversity, configuration, and geographic distribution in relation to different disease-associated ecological factors. A series of significant correlations were observed between the prevalence of individual viruses and the disease-associated ecological factors. Our study aims to uncover novel ecological risk factors of bovine diarrheal disease by examining the pathogenic microorganism-host-environment disease ecology, thereby providing a new perspective on the control of bovine diarrheal diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinghe Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Shanshan Qi
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Donghua Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Chunqiu Li
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Mingjun Su
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Jianfa Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Zijian Li
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Dan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Haibo Sun
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Xiaoran Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Meijiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Haoyang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Shiping Yu
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Wenfei Bai
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Yongchen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Limin Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Jiaying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Yingying Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Xiaoxu Xing
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Da Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Li Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Dongbo Sun
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kayasaki S, Chisato K, Fukumori R, Oikawa S. Death-and-culling rates of calves and associated economic losses in the first month of life on dairy farms in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. Prev Vet Med 2023; 221:106072. [PMID: 38006629 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106072] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to analyze death and culling (DC) of calves during the first month of life and associated economic losses on dairy farms in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. The DC in the first month of life of 4411 Holstein and Wagyu crossbred calves born in the year 2019-2020 on 39 dairy farms milking Holsteins was investigated. Based on a target DC rate of 6.75%, farms were classified into two groups, those with high DC rates (HDC, 11.68%, n = 18) and those with low DC rates (LDC, 2.67%, n = 21), and analyzed for DC factors (breed, sex, parity of dams, and housing type of dams) and diseases causing DC, their loss estimates, and replenishment of DC calves (birth rate, purchase of heifers, and housing type of dams). Comparisons between groups were made using the Kaplan-Meier method, the Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square test. The DC rate of Holsteins was significantly higher (P < 0.001) for HDC farms than for LDC ones. But, the DC rate of Wagyu crossbreds was not different between the groups, which suggested hybrid vigor. The DC rates for digestive diseases were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the HDC farms, except for congenital diseases and deaths of unknown cause. The overall loss estimates of DC per calf-month for all farms was 8892, JPY/calf-months, 14,726 for HDC farms, and 4065 for LDC farms. The loss estimates of items with significant differences in DC rates were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the HDC farms, with higher loss estimates for Holsteins and digestive diseases being the most common characteristics of HDC farms. In binomial logistic regression analysis with "HDC farms or not" as the response variable and replenishment of DC calves as the explanatory variable, HDC was significantly more likely (OR: 1.10, P < 0.05) on farms with a higher birth proportion of Holsteins, and HDC farms supplemented the DC calves by increasing the birth proportion of Holsteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuji Kayasaki
- Teshikaga Livestock Clinic, Kushiro Central Branch, East Regional Center, Hokkaido Agricultural Mutual Aid Association, 3-10-13 Sakuraoka, Teshikaga-cho, Kawakami-gun, Hokkaido 088-3213, Japan; Veterinary Herd Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, 582 Bunkyodai-Midorimachi, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
| | - Kyoko Chisato
- Veterinary Herd Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, 582 Bunkyodai-Midorimachi, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
| | - Rika Fukumori
- Veterinary Herd Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, 582 Bunkyodai-Midorimachi, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
| | - Shin Oikawa
- Veterinary Herd Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, 582 Bunkyodai-Midorimachi, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Napolitano F, Bragaglio A, Braghieri A, El-Aziz AHA, Titto CG, Villanueva-García D, Mora-Medina P, Pereira AMF, Hernández-Avalos I, José-Pérez N, Casas-Alvarado A, Lezama-García K, Domínguez-Oliva A, Rodríguez-González D, Bertoni A, Mota-Rojas D. The effect of birth weight and time of day on the thermal response of newborn water buffalo calves. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1084092. [PMID: 36925607 PMCID: PMC10011160 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1084092] [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: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During the 1st days of life, water buffalo calves, especially those with low birth weight, are susceptible to hypothermic mortality due to scarce energy reserves provided by fats. This means that monitoring the thermal state of newborns is essential. The objectives of the present study were to apply infrared thermography (IRT) in 109 buffalo calves to detect differences in the surface temperatures of six thermal windows -lacrimal gland, lacrimal caruncle, periocular region, nostrils, ear canal, pelvic limbs-, and determine their association to birth weight during the first 6 days of life. The calves were divided into four categories according to their weight (Q1, 37.8-41.25 kg; Q2, 41.3-46.3 kg; Q3, 46.4-56.3 kg; Q4, 56.4-60.3 kg). The thermographic images were recorded in the morning and afternoon. Results showed that the animals in Q4 registered the highest temperatures in all the thermal windows, and that these were higher in the afternoon (p < 0.0001). When considering the thermal windows, those located in the facial region recorded the highest temperatures; in contrast, the temperatures at the pelvic limbs remained below the average values of the other windows (33.41 and 33.76°C in the morning and afternoon, respectively). According to these results, the birth weight of water buffaloes is a factor that alters their thermoregulation during the 1st days of life, a condition that can be partially compensated by colostrum intake to promote development of an efficient thermoregulatory mechanism in water buffalo calves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Napolitano
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Andrea Bragaglio
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l'Analisi Dell'Economia Agraria (CREA), Research Centre for Engineering and Food Processing, Treviglio, Italy
| | - Ada Braghieri
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Ayman H Abd El-Aziz
- Animal Husbandry and Animal Wealth Development Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Cristiane Gonçalves Titto
- Laboratório de Biometeorologia e Etologia, FZEA-USP, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Dina Villanueva-García
- Division of Neonatology, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuautitlán, Mexico
| | - Alfredo M F Pereira
- Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development (MED), Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - Ismael Hernández-Avalos
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuautitlán, Mexico
| | - Nancy José-Pérez
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Casas-Alvarado
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Karina Lezama-García
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniela Rodríguez-González
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Aldo Bertoni
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Johnsen JF, Holm Y IH, Mejdell CM, Ellingsen-Dalskau K, Østerås O, D Sen A, Skjerve E, N Dtvedt A. A cross-sectional study of associations between herd-level calf mortality rates, compliance with legislation on calf welfare, and milk feeding management in Norwegian dairy herds. J Dairy Sci 2020; 104:839-848. [PMID: 33189268 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to investigate the associations between management factors, compliance with current legislation, and herd-level calf mortality. In a national calf welfare audit, veterinary inspectors from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority assessed compliance with current legislation on calf welfare (n = 912 herds). Nine criteria were assessed and rated as satisfactory (1) or not satisfactory (0): housing, natural behavior, single pens, colostrum feeding, feeding, water, surveillance, illness/injuries, and <5% mortality rate. In addition, a short questionnaire on milk feeding management for 3-wk-old calves was distributed to all national calf welfare audit herds, and data on mortality and disease recordings were obtained from the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System (NDHRS). A herd welfare compliance score (WCS) for each farm was constructed, summarizing the results for the individual criteria. Most herds had a high WCS (median 9.0, range 2-9). Fifty-six percent of the national calf welfare audit herds (508/912) responded to the questionnaire. We performed a cross-sectional study using a data set from 431 herds with available data on recorded disease and mortality events from the NDHRS, recordings from the national calf welfare audit, and the questionnaire. A mixed-effects negative binomial model with Norwegian Food Safety Authority district as the random effect was fitted to the data. Of the 416 herds with available data on calf mortality, 108 (25.9%) reported no mortality in 2016, and the median 6-mo mortality rate was 0.064 (interquartile range 0-0.11) dead calves per 6 calf-months at risk, based on NDHRS recordings. Calf mortality rates were higher in herds whose calves did not have free access to water (incidence rate ratio 1.29; 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.64) and higher in herds that had reported calf disease events (incidence rate ratio 1.31; 95% confidence interval 1.09-1.54). Neither the WCS nor any of the calf milk feeding management factors were associated with mortality, but more than half of producers (59.6%) fed less milk than currently recommended for 3-wk-old calves (8 L/d first 3 to 4 wk). These results indicate that a lack of access to water was associated with higher calf mortality rates. Herds with registered calf disease events had a higher incidence rate ratio of mortality. This finding may be linked to suboptimal calf management, leading to more calf diseases and mortality; or it may be that veterinary consultancy occurs too late or only for the worst cases. There is room for improvement in Norwegian dairy calf management, and water should be provided to young calves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J F Johnsen
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Department of Animal Health and Food Safety, PO Box 750 Sentrum, 0106 Oslo, Norway.
| | - I H Holm Y
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, PO Box 8146 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - C M Mejdell
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Department of Animal Health and Food Safety, PO Box 750 Sentrum, 0106 Oslo, Norway
| | - K Ellingsen-Dalskau
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Department of Animal Health and Food Safety, PO Box 750 Sentrum, 0106 Oslo, Norway
| | - O Østerås
- TINE Dairies, Department of Research and Development, Farm Advisory Services, TINE SA, Postbox 58, 1431 Ås, Norway
| | - A D Sen
- Norwegian Food Safety Authority, Postbox 383, 2381 Brumunddal, Norway
| | - E Skjerve
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, PO Box 8146 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - A N Dtvedt
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, PO Box 8146 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Brscic M, Dam Otten N, Contiero B, Kirchner MK. Investigation of a Standardized Qualitative Behaviour Assessment and Exploration of Potential Influencing Factors on the Emotional State of Dairy Calves. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9100757. [PMID: 31581609 PMCID: PMC6826544 DOI: 10.3390/ani9100757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although welfare states of dairy calves are of public and scientific concern, no standardized protocol exists to assess the emotionality of these animals. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating and establishing a calf-specific term list for Qualitative Behavior Assessment (QBA), a technique that is already validated for assessing emotional states in many animal species. The statistically supported results showed that agreement can be reached among observers, terms showed varied results across farms, and evaluated emotional states could be linked to some explaining farm factors. Overall, results showed that calves have a neutral emotional state and profit from certain farm factors. However, we conclude that the assessment should be more widely used to gain more insight into calves’ welfare states and how their emotional state can be improved to a positive one. Abstract Assessing emotional states of dairy calves is an essential part of welfare assessment, but standardized protocols are absent. The present study aims at assessing the emotional states of dairy calves and establishing a reliable standard procedure with Qualitative Behavioral Assessment (QBA) and 20 defined terms. Video material was used to compare multiple observer results. Further, live observations were performed on 49 dairy herds in Denmark and Italy. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified observer agreement and QBA dimensions (PC). For achieving overall welfare judgment, PC1-scores were turned into the Welfare Quality (WQ) criterion ‘Positive Emotional State’. Finally, farm factors’ influence on the WQ criterion was evaluated by mixed linear models. PCA summarized QBA descriptors as PC1 ‘Valence’ and PC2 ‘Arousal’ (explained variation 40.3% and 13.3%). The highest positive descriptor loadings on PC1 was Happy (0.92) and Nervous (0.72) on PC2. The WQ-criterion score (WQ-C12) was on average 51.1 ± 9.0 points (0: worst to 100: excellent state) and ‘Number of calves’, ‘Farming style’, and ‘Breed’ explained 18% of the variability of it. We conclude that the 20 terms achieved a high portion of explained variation providing a differentiated view on the emotional state of calves. The defined term list proved to need good training for observer agreement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Brscic
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy.
| | - Nina Dam Otten
- Institute of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Dep. Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Barbara Contiero
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy.
| | - Marlene Katharina Kirchner
- Institute of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Dep. Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hildebrandt T, Scheuch E, Weitschies W, Grimm M, Schneider F, Bachmann L, Vervuert I. Measurement of abomasal conditions (pH, pressure and temperature) in healthy and diarrheic dairy calves using a wireless ambulatory capsule. Livest Sci 2017; 203:41-47. [PMID: 32288872 PMCID: PMC7102753 DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2017.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated abomasal luminal parameters in healthy and diarrheic calves by using a wireless ambulatory capsule (WAC). The acetaminophen absorption test (APAT) was used to determine abomasal emptying rate. Four healthy and five diarrheic female Holstein-Friesian calves (age < 14 days) were included in the study. For APAT, calves were fed 2 L of milk replacer containing 50 mg acetaminophen/kg body weight, and blood samples were taken during a 12-h period afterward. Concomitantly, a WAC in the abomasum continuously measured luminal pH, pressure, and temperature. Five hours post suckling, intraluminal temperature was significantly higher in diarrheic calves than in healthy calves. Abomasal pH and pressure were not significantly different, but intraluminal pressure was always numerically lower in diarrheic calves. During APAT no significant differences in maximum acetaminophen concentrations (Cmax) and time to reach maximum acetaminophen concentration (Tmax) were observed. Nonlinear regression findings revealed a longer acetaminophen half-time (AAP t1/2) in diarrheic calves compared to healthy calves [564 ± 96 min vs. 393 ± 84 min, respectively; P = 0.04] and lower area under the concentration curve values (e.g., 60 min postprandial AUC60 681 ± 244 (µg∙min)/mL vs. 1064 ± 23 (µg∙min)/mL, respectively; P = 0.04). In conclusion, abomasal luminal conditions were different between diarrheic and healthy calves. Significant differences in APAT reflected a delay in abomasal emptying in diarrheic calves. Impaired abomasal movement may induce enhanced bacterial fermentation processes as indicated by a higher abomasal temperature in diarrheic calves, which should be considered in management of their feeding. WAC is a tool to assess intraluminal pH, temperature, and pressure data in calves. Abomasal emptying is delayed in diarrheic calves compared to healthy calves. A slower abomasal emptying might be linked to increased bacterial fermentation processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hildebrandt
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutrition Diseases and Dietetics, An den Tierkliniken 9, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Eberhard Scheuch
- Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, Ernst Moritz Arndt University of Greifswald, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 3, D-17487 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Werner Weitschies
- Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, Ernst Moritz Arndt University of Greifswald, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 3, D-17487 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Michael Grimm
- Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, Ernst Moritz Arndt University of Greifswald, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 3, D-17487 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Felix Schneider
- Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, Ernst Moritz Arndt University of Greifswald, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 3, D-17487 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lisa Bachmann
- Alta Deutschland GmbH, Altes Dorf 1, D-29525 Uelzen, Germany
| | - Ingrid Vervuert
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutrition Diseases and Dietetics, An den Tierkliniken 9, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Seppä-Lassila L, Sarjokari K, Hovinen M, Soveri T, Norring M. Management factors associated with mortality of dairy calves in Finland: A cross sectional study. Vet J 2016; 216:164-7. [PMID: 27687945 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.07.008] [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: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mortality at herd level is an indicator of overall calf welfare on dairy farms. The aim of this cross sectional study was to identify management factors associated with calf mortality on dairy farms in Finland. Calf mortality data and information on management practices collected during farm visits and farmer interviews were analysed using linear models. The average size of 82 herds enrolled in the study was 125 ± 41 cows. The mortality risk of calves <7 days of age was 5 (or 5.2) ± 2.3% and was associated with larger herd size and the practice of not separating sick calves from other calves (6.0 ± 0.4 vs. 4.7 ± 0.3%; P < 0.05). The mortality risk of calves aged 7-180 days was 6 (or 5.7) ± 6.2% and increased with a shorter whole milk feeding period, longer period in the calving pen and lower average herd production level (P < 0.05). The mortality risk of calves was lower on farms where a veterinarian disbudded calves instead of farmer. Longer milk feeding and improved management of sick calves are recommended to reduce calf mortality. Specific management practices associated with lower mortality risk should be emphasised when advising farmers on how to enhance calf welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Seppä-Lassila
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - K Sarjokari
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; Valio Ltd, Box 10, FI-00039 Valio, Finland
| | - M Hovinen
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - T Soveri
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Norring
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Risk factors for stillbirths and mortality during the first 24h of life on dairy farms in Hokkaido, Japan 2005–2009. Prev Vet Med 2016; 127:50-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
9
|
Effect of calf purchase and other herd-level risk factors on mortality, unwanted early slaughter, and use of antimicrobial group treatments in Swiss veal calf operations. Prev Vet Med 2016; 126:81-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
10
|
Vasseur E, Gibbons J, Rushen J, Pellerin D, Pajor E, Lefebvre D, de Passillé AM. An assessment tool to help producers improve cow comfort on their farms. J Dairy Sci 2014; 98:698-708. [PMID: 25465625 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Effective management and an appropriate environment are essential for dairy cattle health and welfare. Codes of practice provide dairy producers with best practice guidance for the care and handling of their cattle. New Canadian recommendations have been established for the dairy industry. The objectives of this study were to develop an on-farm assessment tool that helps producers assess how well they are meeting their code of practice and that identifies management and environment modifications that could improve dairy cow comfort on their farms. The assessment tool addressed critical areas of dairy cow comfort, including accommodation and housing (stall design, space allowance, stall management, pen management, milking parlor, and transfer alleys), feed and water (body condition scoring, nutrition), and health and welfare (lameness, claw health, and hoof-trimming). Targets of good practices were identified from the requirements and recommendations of the code of practice. Each farm received a score for each target, ranging from 0 (target not reached) to 100 (target reached). One hundred tiestall and 110 freestall farms were surveyed in 3 provinces of Canada (Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta). The duration of the assessment, in 2 visits lasting, on average, 8 and 9h (range between freestall and tiestall farms) and 4 and 4.1h, was beyond the targeted 3 to 4h due mainly to the animal-based measures; strategies to reduce the duration of the assessment were discussed. Standard operating procedures were developed to ensure consistency in measuring and recording data. Periodical checks were conducted by trainers to ensure all 15 assessors remained above target agreement of weighted kappa ≥0.6. Average scores for all critical areas ranged from 25 to 89% for freestall farms and from 48 to 95% for tiestall farms. These scores need to be considered with caution when comparing farms because scores could not always be calculated the same way between housing systems. An evaluation report was provided and discussed with each producer, identifying strengths and areas for improvement that could benefit dairy cow comfort on their farms. The producers were convinced of the effectiveness of our tool for assessing cow comfort (freestall: 86%; tiestall: 95%) and in assisting them to make decisions for improvements (freestall: 83%; tiestall: 93%). Our cow comfort assessment tool served as background material for the Dairy Farmers of Canada animal care assessment program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Vasseur
- Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada, V0M 1A0.
| | - J Gibbons
- Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada, V0M 1A0
| | - J Rushen
- Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada, V0M 1A0
| | - D Pellerin
- Animal Science Department, Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada, G1K 7P4
| | - E Pajor
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4
| | - D Lefebvre
- Valacta Inc., Dairy Production Centre of Expertise Quebec-Atlantics, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada, H9X 3R4
| | - A M de Passillé
- Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada, V0M 1A0
| |
Collapse
|