Effectiveness of the Australian breeding value for heat tolerance at discriminating responses of lactating Holstein cows to heat stress

Heat stress has negative consequences for milk production and reproduction of dairy cattle. These adverse effects are likely to increase because of climate change and anticipated increases in milk yield. Some of the variation among cows in ability to resist effects of heat stress is genetic. The current objective of this observational study was to assess the effectiveness of the Australian breeding value for heat tolerance (ABVHT) based on the decline in milk yield with heat stress for predicting cow differences in effects of heat stress on regulation of body temperature, milk production, and reproductive function. Genomic breeding values for heat tolerance were calculated for 12,487 cows from a single California dairy farm. Rectal temperature in the afternoon (1100-2045 h) was measured on a subset of 626 lactating cows with ABVHT ≥102 (heat tolerant) or <102 (heat sensitive). Rectal temperature was 0.12°C lower for heat-tolerant cows than heat-sensitive cows. Vaginal temperatures were measured every 15 min for 5 d in 118 cows with ABVHT ≥108 (extreme heat tolerant) or <97 (extreme heat sensitive). Vaginal temperature was 0.07°C lower for extreme heat-tolerant cows than extreme heat-sensitive cows. Lactation records for 4,703 cows with ABVHT were used to evaluate seasonal variation in first 90-d milk yield, fat percent, and protein percent for each ABVHT quartile. Overall, cows with higher ABVHT had lower milk yield, fat percentage, and protein percentage and higher first service pregnancy rate. There was no summer depression in production or reproduction or interactions between season and ABVHT quartile. We observed that ABVHT can successfully identify heat-tolerant cows that maintain lower body temperatures during heat stress. The lack of a pronounced seasonality in milk production or reproduction precluded evaluation of whether ABVHT is related to the magnitude of effect of heat stress on those traits.

P-506 Reflecting on the Importance of Family Building and Fertility Preservation: Transgender People’s Experiences with Starting Gender-affirming Treatment as Adolescent

Study question

To investigate how adults of reproductive age (± 30 years), who started gender-affirming treatment during adolescence, reflect on their reproductive wishes.

Summary answer

Views regarding fertility and family building change over time, which may be related with reduced levels of gender dysphoria, matured intellectual and emotional cognitions.

What is known already

Within the last two decades, gender-affirming care for transgender youth has become widely available. One of the topical debates in adolescent transgender care concerns the difficulty of making decisions regarding fertility at an early age, since medical treatment for gender dysphoria negatively affects reproductive function. In transgender adolescents, data on the potential change in wishes and desires regarding fertility, family building and the importance of biological parenthood, when coming of reproductive age, are lacking. Hereby, the long-term consequences of acquired infertility in transgender adolescents who have now reached adulthood remain still unknown.

Study design, size, duration

This was a questionnaire study. Gender diverse adolescents who presented between 1989 and 2000 and started medical transition, were recruited for participation. As well as gender diverse adolescents who commenced medical treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) prior to gender affirming hormone treatment (GAHT), at least 9 years ago. 89 participants were eligible for inclusion in the study cohort.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Data were collected through an online survey, and a subsequent telephonic interview to validate the provided answers in the survey. The fertility questionnaire focused on different themes, such as fertility counseling at initiation of medical treatment, decision-making about fertility preservation, current feelings about infertility, and a potential desire to have children.

Main results and the role of chance

The cohort consisted of 89 participants, among whom 66 trans masculine and 23 trans feminine people. Participants had a mean age of 32.4 years (SD 6.6, range 25.5-51.2) at time of the study, and 15.6 years (SD 2.2, range 11.5-20.6) at time of start of medical treatment. Since all participants initiated medical treatment before 2014, at that time laws requiring sterilization for legal gender recognition were still in place. Only 30% of participants received information about the options for fertility preservation, and none of them pursued fertility preservation. In addition, 96% of participants underwent gonadectomy and thus became permanently infertile. 27% of participants found becoming infertile troublesome, and 21% stated that they were not able to make decisions regarding fertility and future family building during adolescence. With today’s knowledge, 14% of trans masculine and 17% of trans feminine people would not have chosen to undergo gonadectomy. In addition, 44% of trans masculine and 35% of trans feminine people would pursue fertility preservation. The percentage of participants with a (future) desire for children changed from 34% at start of medical treatment to 56% at time of this study, of whom 23% had already started a family.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Since the participants reflect on a period in time in which fertility counseling was not offered on a structural basis and preservation options were not widely available, results of this study may not be fully translatable to current practice.

Wider implications of the findings

Transgender adolescents should be counselled on fertility and the options for fertility preservation, even in the absence of a desire for children upon initiation of treatment. Views on future family building might change over time, fertility counseling should be repeated at each step of the transition.

Trial registration number

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POS0659 LONG-TERM DYNAMICS OF ANTIBODY RESPONSE TO ADALIMUMAB DETECTED WITH A DRUG TOLERANT ASSAY

Background

Immunogenicity of adalimumab (ADL) has been the subject of extensive research, with the primary focus on its incidence, antibody titers and effects on clinical outcome. However, the temporal evolution of antibodies, i.e. dynamic and variation in titers, time point of emergent and persistence or transience of the response, remains under elucidated. To investigate this further, it is essential to collect samples at regular intervals and over a longer period of time. Also, a drug tolerant assay should be used to conquer with the phenomenon of drug interference (1).

Objectives

To evaluate the temporal evolution and to distinguish dynamic patterns of antibody response. Secondly, to assess the clinical impact and factors influencing these dynamic patterns.

Methods

ADA and adalimumab concentration were measured in sera of 511 consecutive ADL treated rheumatoid arthritis patients. Serum samples were drawn at week 0, 4, 16, 28, 52, 78 and 104. ADA were measured with a drug tolerant assay (Acid dissociation RadioImmunoAssay). Logistic regression analysis was carried out. Benjamini-Hochberg was used to correct for multiple testing.

Results

Baseline characteristics are depicted in Table 1. Fifty-nine percent of patients (n=300) developed ADA. Based on visual observations patients were clustered in 9 groups, taking the next features in to account (Figure 1); the presence or absence of ADA, the height of ADA titers (higher or lower than 100AU/mL), emergent (early vs. late; cutoff week 28) and its persistence. Based on these features 397 (77%) patients were assigned to one of the groups. Due to missing data at crucial time points the remainder of patients were excluded. In the ‘High early’ and High early LTF’ group was the rate of MTX use (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.033 [95%CI 0.01-0.09] P<0.0001 respectively 0.79 [95%CI 0.03-0.22] P <0.0001), adalimumab concentration above 5mg/L (AOR 0.022[95%CI 0.01-0.08] P<0.001 respectively 0.026 [95%CI 0.01-0.09] P<0.001) and low disease activity (DAS28 <3.2) at week 52 (AOR 0.191[95%CI 0.07-0.56] P<0.002 respectively 0.102 [95%CI 0.03-0.31] P<0.001) significantly lower, compared to the negative group. Furthermore, the failure rate was in both groups significantly higher (AOR 9.19 [95%CI 3.7-22.87] P<0.0001 respectively 23.94 [95%CI 8.13-70.53] P<0.0001). In contrast to forgoing studies, our data does not show any differences in clinical outcomes between groups with persistent and transient ADA response.

Table 1.

Baseline characteristics

Totaal N=511Follow-upMedian weeks (IQR)78 (28-104)DemographicsAge mean SD53,7; ± 12,5Female No (%)409 (79.8)Disease statusDisease duration years median (IQR)6,7 (3-13)IgM rheumatoid factor + (%)327 (68.2)Anti-citrullinated protein antibody + (%)315 (73.2)Erosive (%)296 (61.6)DAS28-score mean SD4.5 ± 1.5MedicationMethotrexate use no (%)378 (73)

Conclusion

The majority of patients have an immune response to ADL. Based on ADA concentration, time point of emergence and its persistence, certain patterns of ADA response can be distinguished. Only high ADA concentration at early time points, causing low ADL concentration, are associated with unfavorable clinical effects. All the remaining distinctive patterns does not have any association with clinical outcomes. This suggests a regulated immune response in the majority of patients.

References

[1]Atiqi S, Hooijberg F, Loeff FC, Rispens T, Wolbink GJ. Immunogenicity of TNF-Inhibitors. Front Immunol. 2020 Feb 26;11:312. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.00312. PMID: 32174918; PMCID: PMC7055461

Disclosure of Interests

Sadaf Atiqi: None declared, Maureen Leeuw: None declared, Femke Hooijberg: None declared, Laura Boekel: None declared, Floris Loeff: None declared, Karien Bloem: None declared, Charlotte Krieckaert: None declared, Annick de Vries: None declared, Michael Nurmohamed Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Roche, and Sanofi, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, MSD, Mundipharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and Sanof, Theo Rispens Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, and Regeneron, Grant/research support from: Genmab, Gert-Jan Wolbink Speakers bureau: UCB, Pfizer, AbbVie, Biogen and BMS, Grant/research support from: Pfeizer (paid to institution)

Dynamics of automatically generated body condition scores during early lactation and pregnancy at first artificial insemination of Holstein cows

The objective of this study was to characterize the association between body condition score (BCS) and BCS change (ΔBCS), determined by an automated camera system at multiple time points, and the subsequent pregnancy per first artificial insemination (P/AI1) of Holstein cows. A retrospective observational study was completed using data collected from 11,393 lactations in 7,928 Holstein cows calving between April 2019 and March 2021 in a commercial dairy operation located in Colorado. Cows were classified as primiparous or multiparous. Scores generated by BCS cameras at dry-off, calving, 21 days in milk (DIM), 56 DIM, and first artificial insemination were selected for the analyses and subsequently categorized as low (≤lower quartile), moderate (interquartile range), and high (≥upper quartile). Changes in BCS were calculated by periods of interest as change from dry-off to calving (multiparous cows); change from calving to 21 DIM; change from calving to 56 DIM; and change from calving to first artificial insemination and assigned into categories as large loss of BCS (top 25% of cows losing BCS); moderate loss (bottom 75% of cows losing BCS); no change (ΔBCS = 0); or gain of BCS (ΔBCS > 0). Data were examined in primiparous and multiparous cows separately using logistic regression and time-to-event analyses. Initial univariable models were followed by multivariable models that considered calving season, occurrence of disease, and milk yield up to 60 DIM as covariables. The logistic regression analyses indicated that in both parity groups the associations between BCS category and P/AI1 were more evident at 21 DIM, 56 DIM, and first artificial insemination, with lower odds of P/AI1 in cows in the low BCS category. Likewise, cows with large loss in BCS between calving and 21 DIM, calving and 56 DIM, and calving and first artificial insemination had lower odds of P/AI1 compared with other categories of ΔBCS within the same period of interest. Similarly, survival analyses evidenced that cows in the low BCS category required more time to get pregnant. In agreement, differences in the dynamics of the average daily BCS during the first 90 DIM were evident when cows were grouped by first AI outcome (pregnant vs. nonpregnant) and by their time to pregnancy category (<90 DIM; 91-150 DIM; or >150 DIM), with cows with reduced fertility showing lower BCS up to 90 DIM. Overall, low BCS and more pronounced reductions in BCS occurring closer to first artificial insemination resulted in lower odds of pregnancy per artificial insemination.

Practical challenges and potential approaches to predicting low-incidence diseases on farm using individual cow data: A clinical mastitis example

Clinical mastitis (CM) incidence is considerable in terms of cows affected per year, but cases are much less common in terms of detections per cow per milking. From a modeling perspective, where predictions are made every time any cow is milked, low CM incidence per cow day makes training, evaluating, and applying CM prediction models a challenge. The objective of this study was to build models for predicting CM incidence using time-series sensor data and choose models that maximize net return based on a cost matrix. Data collected from 2 university dairy farms, the University of Florida and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, were used to gather representative data, including 110,156 milkings and 333 CM cases. Variables used in the models were milk yield, protein, lactose, fat, electrical conductivity, days in milk, lactation number, and activity as the number of steps, lying time, lying bouts, and lying bout duration. Models that predicted either likelihood of CM caused by gram-negative (GN) or gram-positive (GP) bacteria on each day were derived using extreme gradient boosting with weighting favoring true-positive cases, logistic responses, and log-loss errors. Model accuracies were determined using data randomly held out from the training set on each run. All variables considered were in terms of change (slope) over previous days, including the day CM was visually detected. The GN models had a median sensitivity (Se) of 52.6% and specificity (Sp) of 99.8%, whereas the GP models had a median Se of 37.5% and Sp of 99.9% when tested on the held-out data. In our models optimized to reduce cost from predictions, the Se was much less than Sp, suggesting that CM models might benefit from greater model weighting placed on Sp. Results also highlight the importance of positive predictive value (true positive cases per predicted positive case) along with Sp and Se, as models built on sparse data tend to predict too many false-positive cases. The calculated partial net return of our GN and GP models were -$0.15 and -$0.10 per cow per lactation, respectively, whereas International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard models with Se of 80% and Sp of 99% would return -$1.32 per cow per lactation. Models chosen that minimized the cost to the farmer differed markedly from models that met ISO guidelines, showing asymmetry in targets between Sp and Se when the disease incidence rate is low. Because of the unique challenges that low-incidence diseases like CM present, we recommend that future CM predictive models consider the economic and practical implications in addition to the traditional model evaluation metrics.

Production costs, economic viability, and risks associated with compost bedded pack, freestall, and drylot systems in dairy farms

The adoption of intensive production systems, such as compost bedded pack (CB) and freestall (FS), has increased recently in tropical regions, mainly replacing the drylot system (DL). Thus, our objectives were to compare production costs, economic outcomes, and risk of dairy operations in CB, FS, and DL systems. We collected data from 2 181 Brazilian farms over 120 consecutive months; 960 farms (144 CB, 133 FS, and 683 DL) met our selection criteria. All costs were modeled for two animal production categories: milking cows and non-milking animals. We used a regression model that included linear and quadratic parameters, and we added the production system as a fixed variable for all parameters tested with this model. Consultant, year, herd, and herd × system interaction were included in the model as random variables. Further, we simulated annual technical and economic indexes per farm. In addition, we developed a risk analysis to measure the probability of negative profit of the farms based on a 14-year historical series of milk prices. All production costs were affected by the system. Feed, medicine, sundry, and labor costs per farm per year were greater in DL farms when milk yield (MY) was greater than 3 500 L/day. The variables such as milk yield, assets per liter, asset turnover rate, return on assets, operational profit, profit per cow, and per liter of milk variables were greater in CB and FS with high MY (>3 000 L/day). Nonetheless, DL had the greatest economic indexes with a lower MY (<3 000 L/day), lower operating costs, and greater economic outcomes. The risk analysis indicated that the probability of negative profit (risk) was reduced for CB and FS as MY increased, but DL had the lowest risk with low MY levels. In conclusion, we suggest DL as the most attractive system for farms with MY between 150 and 3 000 L of milk/day as the DL had the lowest risk and the greatest profit in this production scale. Despite similar outcomes for CB and FS in most of the farms, the profit per cow ($/year), assets turnover rate (%), risk (%) and expected profit ($/L) analysis indicated that CB could be recommended for farms with MY greater than 3 200 L of milk/day, whereas based on risk (%) and expected profit ($/L), FS would be the most profitable system in dairies producing more than 8 000 L of milk/day per farm.

Invited review: Toward a common language in data-driven mastitis detection research

Sensor technologies for mastitis detection have resulted in the collection and availability of a large amount of data. As a result, scientific publications reporting mastitis detection research have become less driven by approaches based on biological assumptions and more by data-driven modeling. Most of these approaches try to predict mastitis events from (combinations of) raw sensor data to which a wide variety of methods are applied originating from machine learning and classical statistical approaches. However, an even wider variety in terminologies is used by researchers for methods that are similar in nature. This makes it difficult for readers from other disciplines to understand the specific methods that are used and how these differ from each other. The aim of this paper was to provide a framework (filtering, transformation, and classification) for describing the different methods applied in sensor data-based clinical mastitis detection research and use this framework to review and categorize the approaches and underlying methods described in the scientific literature on mastitis detection. We identified 40 scientific publications between 1992 and 2020 that applied methods to detect clinical mastitis from sensor data. Based on these publications, we developed and used the framework and categorized these scientific publications into the 2 data processing techniques of filtering and transformation. These data processing techniques make raw data more amendable to be used for the third step in our framework, that of classification, which is used to distinguish between healthy and nonhealthy (mastitis) cows. Most publications (n = 34) used filtering or transformation, or a combination of these 2, for data processing before classification, whereas the remaining publications (n = 6) classified the observations directly from raw data. Concerning classification, applying a simple threshold was the most used method (n = 19 publications). Our work identified that within approaches several different methods and terminologies for similar methods were used. Not all publications provided a clear description of the method used, and therefore it seemed that different methods were used between publications, whereas in fact just a different terminology was used, or the other way around. This paper is intended to serve as a reference for people from various research disciplines who need to collaborate and communicate efficiently about the topic of sensor-based mastitis detection and the methods used in this context. The framework used in this paper can support future research to correctly classify approaches and methods, which can improve the understanding of scientific publication. We encourage future research on sensor-based animal disease detection, including that of mastitis detection, to use a more coherent terminology for methods, and clearly state which technique (e.g., filtering) and approach (e.g., moving average) are used. This paper, therefore, can serve as a starting point and further stimulates the interdisciplinary cooperation in sensor-based mastitis research.

Associations between dry period length and time to culling and pregnancy in the subsequent lactation

The association between dry period length (DPL) and time to culling and pregnancy in the subsequent lactation may be important for the economically optimal length of the dry period. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) quantify the association between DPL and hazard of culling and pregnancy in the subsequent lactation; (2) develop continuous functions of DPL for the hazard ratios of culling and pregnancy; and (3) investigate the effect of a cause-specific hazards model and a subdistribution model to analyze competing events. The data used in this observational cohort study were from dairy herd improvement milk test lactation records from 40 states in the United States. After edits, there remained 1,108,515 records from 6,730 herds with the last days dry in 2014 or 2015. The records from 2 adjacent lactations (current, subsequent) were concatenated with the DPL of interest, 21 to 100 d, in between both lactations. We defined 8 DPL categories of 10 d each. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to show associations between DPL and time to culling or pregnancy for 3 lactation groups: lactation 1 and 2, lactation 2 and 3, and lactation 3 and greater. To control for confounding factors in Cox proportional models, we included 6 current lactation covariates and 3 time-dependent variables in the survival models. Hazard ratios of culling were estimated for 4 days in milk (DIM) categories from 1 to 450 DIM. Hazard ratios of pregnancy were estimated for 3 DIM categories from 61 to 300 DIM. Competing risk analysis of 8 disposal codes (i.e., farmer reported reasons) for culling and the culling event for pregnancy were conducted by a cause-specific hazards model and a subdistribution model. Hazard ratios were also estimated as quadratic polynomials of DPL. Compared with the reference DPL category of 51 to 60 d, hazard ratios of culling and pregnancy of the other 7 DPL categories ranged between 0.70 and 1.49, and 0.93 and 1.15, respectively. Short DPL were associated with lower risk of culling in the early lactation but not over the entire lactation. Short DPL were associated with greater hazard of pregnancy. Trends in hazard ratios over the ranges of the 8 DPL categories were not always consistent. Competing risk analysis with both models provided little differences in hazard ratios of culling and pregnancy. In conclusion, variations in DPL were associated with meaningful differences in the hazard ratios for culling and pregnancy and minor differences in the relative frequency of disposal codes. Subdistribution hazards models produced hazard ratios similar to cause-specific hazard models. The quadratic polynomials may be useful for decision support on customization of DPL for individual cows.

Economic analysis of the use of in vitro produced embryos transferred during heat stress under dairy herd constraints

The use of embryo transfer helps to improve reproductive performance during periods of heat stress. In vitro produced embryo transfer (IVP-ET) is more expensive than artificial insemination. We hypothesized that the value IVP-ET in seasonal herds depends on herd constraints, such as the maximum number of milking cows and the maximum number of calvings that can be accommodated throughout the year. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate how profitability in dairy herds exposed to summer heat stress is affected by the number of months in which IVP-ET is used, the use of IVP-ET in repeat-breeder cows, IVP-ET cost, and herd constraints. We built and used a nonlinear programming model of a dairy herd with young stock and cows with monthly Markov Chain transitions. The model varied the number of heifers calving in each calendar month to maximize herd profitability. We varied IVP-ET cost ($100 or $200), duration of the IVP-ET program (2 or 4 months), and the breeding number in which IVP-ET started (1st or 3rd). In total, 20 scenarios were simulated. Maximum profitability was obtained when IVP-ET was not used, regardless of herd constraints. The 16 scenarios in which IVP-ET was used showed increased seasonality in milk yield, numbers of milking cows, total cows, total calvings, and heifer calvings because the program tried to limit the number of IVP-ET breedings in the summer. The addition of the calving constraint increased the value of IVP-ET. The breakeven cost per IVP-ET ranged from -$6.79 to $24.38 compared with conventional semen cost of $20. In conclusion, the current market costs of IVP-ET did not warrant application with the objective to increase reproductive performance during heat stress. Herd constraints on the maximum allowable seasonality in the monthly number of milking cows and calvings affected the value of IVP-ET during heat stress.

The economic cost of metritis in dairy herds

The objective of this study was to estimate the cost of metritis in dairy herds. Data from 11,733 dairy cows from 16 different farms located in 4 different regions of the United States were compiled for up to 305 d in milk, and 11,581 cows (2,907 with and 8,674 without metritis) were used for this study. Metritis was defined as fetid, watery, red-brownish vaginal discharge that occurs ≤21 d in milk. Continuous outcomes such as 305-d milk production, milk sales ($/cow), cow sales ($/cow), metritis treatment costs ($/cow), replacement costs ($/cow), reproduction costs ($/cow), feeding costs ($/cow), and gross profit per cow ($/cow) were analyzed using mixed effect models using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Gross profit was also compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Dichotomous outcomes such as pregnant and culling by 305 d in milk were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Time to pregnancy and culling were analyzed using the PHREG procedure of SAS. Models included the fixed effects of metritis, parity, and the interaction between metritis and parity, and farm as the random effect. Variables were considered significant when P ≤ 0.05. Metritis cost was calculated by subtracting the gross profit of cows with metritis from the gross profit of cows without metritis. A stochastic analysis was performed with 10,000 iterations using the observed results from each group. Milk yield and proportion of cows pregnant were lesser for cows with metritis than for cows without metritis, whereas the proportion of cows leaving the herd was greater for cows with metritis than for cows without metritis. Milk sales, feeding costs, residual cow value, and gross profit were lesser for cows with metritis than for cows without metritis. Cow sales and replacement costs were greater for cows with metritis than for cows without metritis. The mean cost of metritis from the study herds was $511 and the median was $398. The stochastic analysis showed that the mean cost of a case of metritis was $513, with 95% of the scenarios ranging from $240 to $884, and that milk price, treatment cost, replacement cost, and feed cost explained 59%, 19%, 12%, and 7%, respectively, of the total variation in cash flow differences. In conclusion, metritis caused large economic losses to dairy herds by decreasing milk production, reproduction, and survival in the herd.

MILK Symposium review: Improving the productivity, quality, and safety of milk in Rwanda and Nepal

Dairy production plays an important role in the lives of many people in Rwanda and Nepal. The aim of the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Livestock Systems (LSIL; Gainesville, FL) is to introduce new location-appropriate technologies and to improve management practices, skills, knowledge, capacity, and access to inputs across livestock value chains in developing countries such as Rwanda and Nepal. To assist LSIL, our first aim was to describe gaps in the management of cows and in milk processing that constrain milk quality and quantity in Rwanda and Nepal. Our second aim was to describe training-of-trainers workshops in both countries as an initial response to the findings from the first objective. We conducted literature reviews and did rapid needs assessments in both countries. The literature reviews revealed similar aspects of the challenges of smallholder crop-livestock mixed farming systems in both countries. Many farms are struggling with feed quality, reproduction, and health of dairy cows. Milk production per cow and quality is often low. Fresh milk is collected by milk collection and cooling centers. Hygiene and milk processing capability and shelf life of products can be improved. Local rapid needs assessments were conducted in 2016 (Rwanda) and 2017 (Nepal) through visits to farms, milk collection and chilling centers, and processing plants, and through discussions with local dairy officials. The assessments supplemented and completed our understanding of stakeholders' needs in management and processing of milk. Limiting factors to improving the productivity, quality, and safety of milk in Rwanda and Nepal were a combination of sometimes limited knowledge in areas such as feeding, mastitis control, and hygiene, and a lack of access to resources such as quality feeds, transportation, and cooling that hindered implementation of existing knowledge. Training-of-trainers workshops in milk processing and hygiene were developed and given in Rwanda and Nepal based on the rapid needs assessments, and these were well received. We concluded that Rwanda and Nepal both have smallholder dairy farms that often face similar challenges such as lack of quality feeds, needs for basic dairy management education, low cattle productivity, and undesirable milk quality. Training-of-trainers programs to address these basic issues may be successful. Continued improvements in the dairy value chain depend on available resources for education.

Piecewise modeling of the associations between dry period length and milk, fat, and protein yield changes in the subsequent lactation

Our objective was to develop predictive models of 305-d mature-equivalent milk, fat, and protein yields in the subsequent lactation as continuous functions of the number of days dry (DD) in the current lactation. In this retrospective cohort study with field data, we obtained DHIA milk recording lactation records with the last DD in 2014 or 2015. Cows included had DD from 21 to 100 d. After editing, 1,030,141 records from cows in 7,044 herds remained. Three parity groups of adjacent (current, subsequent) lactations were constructed. We conducted all analyses by parity group and yield component. We first applied control models to pre-adjust the yields in the subsequent lactation for potentially confounding effects. Control models included the covariates mature-equivalent yield, days open, somatic cell score at 180 d pregnant, daily yield at 180 d pregnant, and a herd-season random effect, all observed in the current lactation. Days dry was not included. Second, we modeled residuals from control models with smooth piecewise regression models consisting of a simple linear, quadratic, and another simple linear equation depending on DD. Yield deviations were calculated as differences from predicted mature-equivalent yield at 50 DD. For validation, predictions of yield deviations from piecewise models by DD were compared with predictions from local regression for the DHIA field records and yield deviations reported in 38 experimental and field studies found in the literature. Control models reduced the average root mean squared prediction error by approximately 21%. Yield deviations were increasingly more negative for DD shorter than 50 d, indicating lower yields in the subsequent lactation. For short DD, the decrease in 305-d mature-equivalent milk yield ranged from 43 to 53 kg per DD. For mature-equivalent fat and protein yields, decreases were between 1.28 and 1.71 kg per DD, and 1.06 and 1.50 kg per DD, respectively. Yield deviations often were marginally positive and increasing for DD >50, so that the highest yield in the subsequent lactation was predicted for 100 DD. For long DD, the 305-d mature-equivalent milk yield increased at most 4.18 kg per DD. Patterns in deviations for fat and protein yield were similar to those for milk yield deviations. Predictions from piecewise models and local regressions were very similar, which supports the chosen functional form of the piecewise models. Yield deviations from field studies in the literature typically were decreasing when DD were longer, likely because of insufficient control for confounding effects. In conclusion, piecewise models of mature-equivalent milk, fat, and protein yield deviations as continuous functions of DD fit the observed data well and may be useful for decision support on the optimal dry period length for individual cows.

Relationship of body weight at first calving with milk yield and herd life

The objectives of this study were to investigate the association of body weight (BW) at first calving (BWFC) and maturity rate (MR; BWFC as a percentage of mature BW) with first-lactation 305-d milk yield (FLMY), milk yield (MY) in the 24 mo following first calving (24MMY), herd life, and BW change (BWC) through the first month of lactation in Holstein heifers. We retrieved daily milk production records and daily BW records from AfiFarm (S. A. E. Afikim, Kibbutz Afikim, Israel). The data set included daily records for 1,110 Holstein cows from The Pennsylvania State University (n = 435,002 records) and 1,229 Holstein cows from University of Florida (n = 462,013 records) that calved from 2001 to 2016. Body weight at first calving was defined as mean BW from 5 to 10 d in milk of the first lactation, whereas BWC represented change from BWFC to average BW from 30 to 40 d in milk. First-lactation 305-d MY and 24MMY were analyzed with a linear model that included effects of farm-year-season of calving, age at calving, and quintiles of BWFC, MR, or BWC. Body weight change was analyzed with the same model to determine associations with BWFC. Survival analysis was performed to estimate the effect of BWFC on survival. Heifers in the top 60% of BWFC had significantly higher FLMY (10,041 to 10,084 kg) than lighter heifers (9,683 to 9,917 kg), but there was wide variation in every quintile, and no relationship of BWFC and FLMY existed within the top 60%. Relationships between BWFC and 24MMY were not significant. Heifers with higher BWFC or MR lost significantly more BW in early lactation. Although BWFC and MR were significant predictors of FLMY, they accounted for <3% of variation in FLMY or 24MMY, suggesting that BWFC and MR are not primary contributors to variation in MY. Compared with the lightest heifers, the heaviest heifers were 49% more likely to be culled at a given time. These data indicated that, among heifers managed similarly, heavier heifers produced more milk in first lactation than lighter heifers but lost more BW, faced a higher risk of being culled, and did not produce more milk in the long term. Based on our data, heifers that reach between 73 and 77% MR at first calving can produce more milk in their first lactation without sacrificing long-term MY and herd life.

Late-gestation heat stress impairs daughter and granddaughter lifetime performance

Records of late-gestation heat stress studies conducted over 10 consecutive years in Florida were pooled and analyzed to test the hypothesis that maternal hyperthermia during late gestation impairs performance of the offspring across multiple generations and lactations, ultimately impeding the profitability of the US dairy sector. Dry-pregnant multiparous dams were actively cooled (CL; shade of a freestall barn, fans and water soakers, n = 196) or not (HT; shade only, n = 198) during the last 46 d of gestation, concurrent with the entire dry period. After data mining, records of 156 daughters (F₁) that were born either to CL (CL_F1, n = 77) or HT dams (HT_F1, n = 79) and 45 granddaughters (F₂) that were born either to CL_F1 (CL_F2, n = 24) or HT_F1 (HT_F2, n = 21) were used in the analysis. Life events and daily milk yield for 3 lactations of daughters and granddaughters were obtained. Milk yield, reproductive performance, and productive life data were analyzed using MIXED and GLIMMIX procedures, and lifespan was analyzed using PHREG and LIFETEST procedures of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Milk production of HT_F1 was reduced in their first (2.2 kg/d), second (2.3 kg/d), and third lactations (6.5 kg/d) compared with CL_F1. More HT_F1 were culled before first calving, and the productive life and lifespan of HT_F1 were reduced relative to CL_F1 (4.9 and 11.7 mo, respectively). The granddaughters (HT_F2) born to HT_F1 produced less milk in their first lactation (1.3 kg/d) relative to granddaughters (CL_F2) born to CL_F1. More HT_F2 were culled before first breeding relative to CL_F2; however, productive life and lifespan were not different between HT_F2 and CL_F2 animals. An economic analysis was then performed based on the number of heat stress days, dry cows per state, and the aforementioned impairments on daughters' lifespans and milk production. Collectively in the United States, the economic losses for additional heifer rearing cost, reduced productive life, and reduced milk yield of the F₁ offspring were estimated at $134, $90, and $371 million per year, respectively. In summary, late-gestation heat stress exerts carryover effects on at least 2 generations. Providing heat abatement to dry-pregnant dams is important to rescue milk loss of the dam and to prevent losses in their progeny.

Identifying gram-negative and gram-positive clinical mastitis using daily milk component and behavioral sensor data

Opportunities exist for automated animal health monitoring and early detection of diseases such as mastitis with greater on-farm adoption of precision technologies. Our objective was to evaluate time series changes in individual milk component or behavioral variables for all clinical mastitis (CM) cases (ACM), for CM caused by gram-negative (GN) or gram-positive (GP) pathogens, or CM cases in which no pathogen was isolated (NPI). We developed algorithms using a combination of milk and activity parameters for predicting each of these infection types. Milk and activity data were collated for the 14 d preceding a CM event (n = 170) and for controls (n = 166) matched for breed, parity, and days in milk. Explanatory variables in the univariate and multiple regression models were the slope change in milk (milk yield, conductivity, somatic cell count, lactose percentage, protein percentage, and fat percentage) and activity parameters (steps, lying time, lying bout duration, and number of lying bouts) over 7 d. Slopes were estimated using linear regression between d -7 and -5, d -7 and -4, d -7 and -3, d -7 and -2, and d -7 and -1 relative to CM detection for all parameters. Univariate analyses determined significant slope ranges for explanatory variables against the 4 responses: ACM, GN, GP, and NPI. Next, all slope ranges were offered into the multivariate models for the same 4 responses using 3 baselines: d -10, -7, and -3 relative to CM detection. In the univariate analysis, no explanatory variables were significant indicators of ACM, whereas at least 1 parameter was significant for each of GN, GP, and NPI models. Superior sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) estimates were observed for the best GP (Se = 82%, Sp = 87%) and NPI (Se = 80%, Sp = 94%) multiple regression models compared with the best ACM (Se = 73%, Sp = 75%) and GN (Se = 71%, Sp = 74%) models. Sensitivity for the GN model was greater at the baseline closest to the day of CM detection (d -3), whereas the opposite was observed for the GP and NPI model as Se was maximized at the d -10 baseline. Based on this screening of relationships, milk and activity sensor data could be used in CM detection systems.

Economics of reducing antibiotic usage for clinical mastitis and metritis through genomic selection

Antibiotics use (ABU) in animal agriculture has been implicated in the emergence of antibiotic resistance, a global public health threat. Economically justifiable antibiotic reduction strategies can motivate farmers to reduce ABU for clinical mastitis (CM) and metritis, the most common reasons for ABU on dairy farms. Our objective was to quantify the reduction in incidence of CM, metritis, and ABU, and the herd performance of a representative US herd that uses genomic selection for Lifetime Net Merit 2018 (NM$) selection index, compared with genetic selection based only on the mastitis (MAST) or metritis resistance (METR) trait or a health trait subindex (HTH$). A stochastic dynamic simulation model of a 1,000-cow herd with multi-trait genetics for 19 correlated traits included in the NM$ affected the performance of animals. The incidence of CM and metritis for each animal was affected by the genetic and environmental components of the MAST or METR, along with a standard phenotypic function that calculated the daily underlying herd probability to contract CM or metritis. Selection decisions were made based on genomic estimated breeding values of the traits of interest. A strategy named AI-NM$ based decisions on the NM$ trait so that the correlated genetic trends in MAST and METR are improved. Three other strategies named AI-MAST, AI-METR, and AI-HTH$ maximized respectively MAST, METR, and HTH$ genetic merit, but with a tradeoff in NM$ genetic merit. The cumulative true breeding values (TBV) of NM$ for 15 yr showed a difference of $4,947 per cow between the AI-NM$ (best strategy for NM$) and AI-METR (worst strategy for NM$). However, the 15-yr cumulative TBV of MAST was 26.50 percentage points (PP) higher in AI-MAST, and 18.5 PP higher for METR in AI-METR, compared with AI-NM$. As a result, the 15-yr cumulative phenotypic CM and metritis incidence was respectively 94.03 PP and 58 PP lower in AI-MAST and AI-METR compared with AI-NM$. Therefore the corresponding 15-yr cumulative ABU decreased by 42% in AI-MAST and by 53% in AI-METR. We found that AI-MAST had the lowest CM incidence across the 15 yr, whereas AI-METR had the lowest incidence of metritis and the smallest total ABU for 15 yr. To achieve the lowest incidence of CM, metritis, and ABU strategies AI-MAST, AI-METR, and AI-HTH$ had to incur 15-yr discounted cumulative losses per cow of $1,486, $1,434, and $1,130, respectively, compared with AI-NM$. Hence, AI-NM$ had the best financial performance, despite having slightly higher incidence of CM, metritis, and ABU.

P3503Transcriptome changes in atrial myocytes during the transition from a proliferative into a contractile phenotype and vice versa

Background

iAM-1 cells are conditionally immortalized neonatal rat atrial myocytes allowing toggling between proliferative and contractile phenotypes by a single-component change in culture medium composition. In the absence of proliferation stimuli, the cells synchronously differentiate into functional cardiomyocytes. Following re-expression of the immortalization factor, the fully differentiated iAM-1 cells dedifferentiate and start to proliferate again.

Purpose

The aim of our study was to investigate the changes in gene expression profile in iAM-1 cells during one round of cardiac differentiation and dedifferentiation in order to identify potential (new) regulators of atrial myocyte differentiation and proliferation.

Methods

RNA sequencing was performed on iAM-1 cells at 9 time points during one cycle of cardiomyogenic differentiation and dedifferentiation (20 million 150-bp paired-end reads per sample, 4 samples per time point). The resulting sequence data were analysed by EdgeR. Hierarchical clustering and principle component analysis were performed in R. GO category enrichment was determined using DAVID.

Results

Approximately 13,000 genes were extracted from the RNA sequencing analysis. In general, dynamic changes in mRNA levels during the transition from a proliferative into a contractile phenotype opposed those that occurred when differentiated iAM-1 were re-exposed to proliferation stimuli. These inverse trends were most evident for genes involved in cell cycle progression, DNA replication, sarcomere formation and cardiac contraction. Moreover, the RNA-SEQ data allowed us to make a distinction between genes contributing to the early and late phases of cardiomyogenic differentiation and dedifferentiation and to identify similarities and differences in the transcriptional programs underlying the cardiomyogenic differentiation of iAM-1 cells versus those of embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. The transcriptome analysis also unveiled several genes with potentially important and previously unrecognized roles in cardiomyocyte differentiation and proliferation.

iAM-1 differentiation and dedifferention

Conclusions

Due to their ability to homogenously and synchronously differentiate and dedifferentiate, iAM-1 cells offer unique new insights into the transcriptional regulation of cardiomyocyte differentiation and proliferation.

Economic comparison of systemic antimicrobial therapies for metritis in dairy cows

Metritis is a prevalent disease with effects on production, reproduction, and survival, thereby affecting dairy farm profitability. A component of the cost of metritis is antimicrobial therapy. Some antimicrobials result in milk withhold that adds to the cost of disease. The objectives were (1) to determine cost of metritis for 2 antimicrobial treatments using a herd budget that includes costs associated with incidence of concurrent diseases, milk production and reproduction losses, and removal from the herd and (2) to apply sensitivity analysis to determine the cost of different scenarios. Cows with metritis from a previous study assigned randomly to receive ampicillin (AMP, n = 259), an antimicrobial that requires milk withhold, or ceftiofur (CEFT, n = 269), an antimicrobial with no milk withhold, were used for the economic analysis. A group of cows with no metritis (NOMET, n = 268), matched by parity and calving day, served as the baseline for comparison. The incidence of other diseases in the first 60 d postpartum, culling and death, reproductive performance, discarded milk, milk yield, total milk sold per cow, and residual cow value were used as responses. The economic analysis considered the costs associated with therapy, reproductive management, discarded milk, estimated DM consumed, income from saleable milk, and the residual cow value at 300 d postpartum or earlier if the cow was removed from the herd. Sensitivity analyses were performed considering 3 scenarios for milk and feed prices. The incidence of diseases other than metritis (NOMET, 30.4%; AMP, 45.4%; CEFT, 34.0%) and days in the hospital (NOMET, 2.7 d; AMP, 8.6 d; CEFT, 3.5 d) were greater for cows treated with AMP than CEFT. Treatment did not affect the risk of leaving the herd (NOMET, 15.5%; AMP, 15.0%; CEFT, 19.1%). The 21-d pregnancy rate was lower for cows with metritis but did not differ between AMP and CEFT (NOMET, 24.9%; AMP, 18.9%; CEFT, 17.0%). Milk yield was greater for cows without metritis than those with metritis and greater for AMP than CEFT (NOMET, 33.7 kg/d; AMP, 32.5 kg/d; CEFT, 31.2 kg/d). Cost of metritis did not differ with choice of therapy, but it increased as milk price increased. When both milk and feed prices were the average values considered ($0.44/kg and $0.26/kg, respectively), the costs of a case of metritis for AMP and CEFT were, respectively, $344 and $410 when milk was discarded and $267 and $406 when milk was fed to calves. Cost of therapy for AMP and CEFT represented 16.6 and 24.6% of the total cost of metritis when milk was discarded and 21.5 and 24.8% of the total cost of metritis when milk was fed to calves. The largest component of cost of metritis for both therapies was the reduced income from milk minus feed cost, ranging from 40.0 to 56.7%. Collectively, metritis is an expensive disease, and choice of antimicrobial therapy did not influence survival, reproduction, or cost of the disease.

Action of Newcastle Disease Virus on Human Blood Platelets

Newcastle Disease Virus induces a viscous metamorphosis like process in washed platelets.

This virus liberates from platelets lactic dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase, depletes their ATP content and impairs their ability to concentrate 5-hydroxy-tryptamine.

Since Newcastle Disease Virus has adenosine triphosphatase activity, a possible role of this viral enzyme in the production of viscous metamorphosis and in inhibition of clot retraction is discussed.

Treatment of platelets by Newcastle Disease Virus or by particulate fraction from normal allantoic fluid causes liberation of a platelet factor 3-like substance.

Economic feasibility of cooling dry cows across the United States

Heat stress during the dry period reduces milk yield in the subsequent lactation of dairy cows. Our objectives were to quantify the economic losses due to heat stress if dry cows are not cooled and to evaluate the economic feasibility of dry cow cooling. We used weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to calculate the number of heat stress days for each of the 50 US states. A heat stress day was declared when the daily average temperature-humidity index was ≥68. The number of dairy cows in each state in 2015 was obtained from the USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service. We assumed that 15% of the cows were dry at any time, a 60-d dry period, and a calving interval of 400d. Only cows in their second or greater parity (65%) benefitted from cooling during the dry period of the previous parity. Milk yield decreased by 5kg in the subsequent lactation (340d) if the cow experienced heat stress during the dry period based on a review of the literature. The default marginal value of milk minus feed cost was $0.33/kg of milk. The investment analysis included purchases of fans and soakers and use of water and electricity. Investment in a dry cow barn was considered separately. The average US dairy cow would experience 96 (26%) heat stress days during the year if not cooled and loses 447kg of milk in the subsequent lactation if not cooled when dry. Annual losses would be $810 million if dry cows were not cooled ($87/cow per yr). For the top 3 milk-producing states (California, Wisconsin, New York), and Florida and Texas, the average milk losses in the subsequent lactation were 522, 349, 387, 1,197, and 904kg, and reduced profit per cow per year would be $101, $68, $75, $233, and $176, respectively. The average benefit-cost ratio and payback periods of cooling dry cows in the United States were 3.15 and 0.27 yr (dry cow barn already present) and 1.45 and 5.68 yr (if investing in a dry cow barn) in the default scenario. To reach positive net present values, 6d (barn is present) and 55d (barn investment necessary) of heat stress annually were necessary (default assumptions). Other benefits of cooling, such as increased health and more productive offspring, were not considered. In conclusion, cooling of dry cows was profitable for 89% of the cows in the United States when building a new barn is required (under default assumptions) and very profitable when construction of a dry cow barn is not required (except for Alaska).

Buprenorphine provides better anaesthetic conditions than butorphanol for field castration in ponies: results of a randomised clinical trial

A prospective, randomised, blinded, clinical trial in 47 ponies compared butorphanol and buprenorphine administered intravenously with detomidine prior to castration under anaesthesia. Detomidine 12 μg/kg intravenously was followed by butorphanol 25 μg/kg (BUT) or buprenorphine 5 μg/kg (BUP) before induction of anaesthesia with intravenous ketamine and diazepam. Quality of sedation, induction and recovery from anaesthesia, response to tactile stimulation, and surgical conditions were scored. If anaesthesia was inadequate 'rescue' was given with intravenous ketamine (maximum three doses) followed by intravenous thiopental and detomidine. Time from induction to first rescue, total ketamine dose and number of rescues were recorded. Postoperative locomotor activity was scored and abnormal behaviour noted. Simple descriptive scales were used for all scoring. Data were analysed using two-way analysis of variance, t tests, Mann-Whitney or Fisher's exact tests as appropriate; P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Cryptorchid animals did not undergo surgery, but castration was successfully completed in 18 BUT and 20 BUP. More incremental ketamine (P=0.0310) and more rescue drugs (P=0.0165) were required in BUT and more postoperative locomotor activity occurred in BUP (P=0.0001). There were no other differences between groups. Both opioids were suitable for premedication prior to castration but buprenorphine appeared to provide better intraoperative analgesia.

Estimation of regional genetic parameters for mortality and 305-d milk yield of US Holsteins in the first 3 parities

Several research reports have indicated increasing dairy cow mortality in recent years. The objectives of this research were to characterize the phenotypic differences in mortality in the first 3 parities across 3 regions of the United States to estimate the heritability of mortality of Holstein cows across regions and parities, and to estimate genetic and environmental correlations between milk yield and mortality across parities and regions. Dairy Herd Information (DHI) milk yield and mortality data were obtained from 3 different US regions: the Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW), and Northeast (NE). A total of 3,522,824 records for the first 3 parities were used: 732,009 (SE), 656,768 (SW), and 2,134,047 (NE) from 1999 to 2008. Cows that received a termination code of 6--"Cow died on the dairy; downer cows that were euthanized should be included here"--were given a mortality score of 2 (dead), whereas all other codes were assigned a mortality score of 1 (alive). Average annual mortalities in the first 3 parities across regions ranged from 2.2 to 7.2%, with mortality frequency increasing with increasing parity across all regions and with the SE having the highest mortality frequency. For genetic analysis, a 2-trait (305-d milk yield and mortality) linear-threshold animal model that fitted fixed effects of herd-year (for 305-d milk yield), cow age, days in milk (in month classes), month-of-termination, and random effects of herd-year (for mortality), animal, and residual was implemented. The model was used to estimate variance components separately for each region and parity. Heritability estimates for mortality were similar for all regions and parities, ranging from 0.04 to 0.07. Genetic correlations between mortality and 305-d milk yield across the first 3 parities were 0.14, 0.20, and 0.29 in SE; -0.01, 0.01, and 0.31 in SW; and 0.28, 0.33, and 0.19 in NE. We detected an adverse genetic relationship between milk production and mortality; however, the moderate magnitudes of the genetic correlations suggest that indices that include both milk yield and mortality could be effective in identifying sires that would provide opportunities for minimizing death loss even when selecting for increased milk yield.

Dynamics of culling for Jersey, Holstein, and Jersey × Holstein crossbred cows in large multibreed dairy herds

The objective of this observational study was to describe and compare the dynamics of reason-specific culling risk for the genetic groups Jerseys (JE), Holsteins (HO), and Jersey × Holstein crossbreds (JH), considering parity, stage of lactation, and milk yield, among other variables, in large multibreed dairy herds in Texas. The secondary objective was to analyze the association between survival and management factors, such as breeding and replacement policies, type of facilities, and use of cooling systems. After edits, available data included 202,384 lactations in 16 herds, ranging from 407 to 8,773 cows calving per year during the study period from 2007 to 2011. The distribution of lactation records by genetic group was 58, 36, and 6% for HO, JE, and JH crosses, respectively. Overall culling rates across breeds were 30.1, 32.1, and 35.0% for JH, JE, and HO, respectively. The dynamics of reason-specific culling were dependent on genetic group, parity, stage of lactation, milk yield, and herd characteristics. Early lactation was a critical period for "died" and "injury-sick" culling. The risk increased with days after calving for "breeding" and, in the case of HO, "low production" culling. Open cows had a 3.5 to 4.6 times greater risk for overall culling compared with pregnant cows. The odds of culling with reason "died" within the first 60 d in milk (DIM) were not significantly associated with genetic group. However, both JE and JH crosses had lower odds of live culling within the first 60 DIM compared with HO cows (OR=0.72 and 0.82, respectively). Other cow variables significantly associated with the risk of dying within the first 60 DIM were cow relative 305-d mature equivalent (305ME) milk yield, parity, and season of calving. Significant herd-related variables for death included herd size and origin of replacements. In addition to genetic group, the risk of live culling within 60 DIM was associated with cow-relative 305ME milk yield, parity, and season of calving. Significant herd-related variables for live culling included herd-relative 305ME milk yield, herd size, type of facility, origin of replacement, and type of maternity. Overall, reason-specific culling followed similar patterns across DIM in the 3 genetic groups.

No evidence for the persistence of Schmallenberg virus in overwintering mosquitoes

In 2011, Schmallenberg virus (SBV), a novel member of the Simbu serogroup, genus Orthobunyavirus, was identified as the causative agent of a disease in ruminants in Europe. Based on the current knowledge on arthropods involved in the transmission of Simbu group viruses, a role of both midges and mosquitoes in the SBV transmission cycle cannot be excluded beforehand. The persistence of SBV in mosquitoes overwintering at SBV-affected farms in the Netherlands was investigated. No evidence for the presence of SBV in 868 hibernating mosquitoes (Culex, Anopheles, and Culiseta spp., collected from January to March 2012) was found. This suggests that mosquitoes do not play an important role, if any, in the persistence of SBV during the winter months in northwestern Europe.

Survival, lifetime production, and profitability of Normande × Holstein, Montbéliarde × Holstein, and Scandinavian Red × Holstein crossbreds versus pure Holsteins

Pure Holstein (HO) cows (n=416) were compared with Normande (NO) × HO (n=251), Montbéliarde (MO) × HO (n=503), and Scandinavian Red (SR) × HO (n=321) crossbred cows for survival, lifetime production, and profitability in 6 commercial herds in California. The SR crossbred cows were sired by both Swedish Red and Norwegian Red bulls. Cows calved from June 2002 to January 2009. For analysis of survival to subsequent calvings, lifetime production, and profitability, data were restricted to 3 of 6 herds because they had at least 20 cows in each of the breed groups. All cows had the opportunity to calve at least 4 times. Best prediction, which is used by USDA for national genetic evaluations in the United States, was used to determine lifetime production to 4 yr (1,461 d) in the herd after first calving from test-day observations. Production and survival were estimated after 4 yr to calculate lifetime profit. A profit function was defined to include revenues and expenses for milk, fat, protein, and other solids production; somatic cell count; reproduction; feed intake; calf value; salvage value; dead cow disposal; and fixed cost. The NO × HO (1.2%), MO × HO (2.0%), and SR × HO cows (1.6%) had significantly fewer deaths than did pure HO cows (5.3%) during the first 305 d of first lactation. All crossbred groups had significantly more cows that calved a second, third, and fourth time, and had mean survival that was 300 to 400 d longer than did pure HO cows. The NO × HO, MO × HO, and SR × HO cows had significantly higher lifetime fat plus protein production than did pure HO cows up to 1,461 d after first calving. For profitability (ignoring possible differences in health costs), NO × HO cows had 26% greater projected lifetime profit per cow, but 6.7% less profit per cow-day, than did pure HO cows. On the other hand, MO × HO and SR × HO cows had 50 to 44%, respectively, more projected lifetime profit per cow and 5.3 to 3.6%, respectively, more projected profit per cow-day than did pure HO cows.