Risk factors for poor colostrum quality and failure of passive transfer in Scottish dairy calves

Abstract Failure of passive transfer (FPT) has health, welfare and economic implications for calves. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration of 370 dairy calf serum samples from 38 Scottish dairy farms was measured via radial immunodiffusion (RID) to determine FPT prevalence. IgG concentration, total bacteria count (TBC) and total coliform count (TCC) of 252 colostrum samples were also measured. A questionnaire was completed at farm enrollment to investigate risk factors for FPT and poor colostrum quality at farm-level. Multivariable mixed effect logistic and linear regressions were carried out to determine significant risk factors for FPT and colostrum quality. Prevalence of FPT at calf level was determined to be 14.05%. Of 252 colostrum samples, 111 (44.05%) failed to meet Brix thresholds for colostrum quality. Of these 28 and 38 samples also exceeded TBC and TCC thresholds, respectively. Increased time between parturition and colostrum harvesting was numerically (non-significantly) associated with a colostrum Brix result <22%, and increased time spent in a bucket prior to feeding or storing was significantly associated with high TBC (≥100 000 cfu/ml and also ≥10 000 cfu/ml). High TBC values in colostrum were significantly associated with lower serum IgG concentrations. This study highlights associations between colostrum quality and FPT in dairy calves as well as potential risk factors for reduced colostrum quality; recommending some simple steps producers can take to maximise colostrum quality on farm.

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A Critical Analysis of Risk Factors for Selected Tropical Diseases

10.21203/rs.3.rs-368794/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Faith-Michael Uzoka ◽

Christie Akwaowo ◽

Chinyere Nwafor Okoli ◽

Victory Ekpin ◽

Chukwudi Nwokoro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Typhoid Fever ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Individual Risk ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Economic Implications ◽

Frequency Distributions ◽

The Individual

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the impacts of different (non-clinical) risk factors on the populations’ predisposition to tropical diseases specifically Malaria, yellow fever, typhoid fever, chicken pox, measles, hepatitis B and UTI.Subject and Methods: Data for this study was obtained through patient diagnosis forms, distributed to physicians in Nigeria. A total of 2199 patient consultation forms were returned by 102 (out of 125) physicians, and considered useful for analysis. Demographic data of patients, physicians, and diagnosis outcomes were analysed descriptively through frequency distributions, aggregate analysis, and graphs, while the influence of risk factors on the disease manifestations (diagnosis outcomes) were determined using regression analysis.Results: Findings from our study demonstrated that the difficulty in diagnosing tropical disease was associated with significant increase in morbidity and mortality especially in patients with malaria, UTI and typhoid fever. Factors such as contact with an infected person and poor personal hygiene posed significant risk, while urbanization and homelessness, posed very low risks across all the diseases. Conclusion: The risk factors identified in our study exert differential and discriminating influences in the causation, predisposition, and transmission of these conditions, understanding the individual risk factors for each condition have significant socio-economic implications for people living in tropical and endemic regions, especially with respect to management and prevention of these conditions.

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Prevalence of Failure of Passive Transfer of Immunity in Dairy Calves in the Czech Republic

Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis ◽

10.11118/actaun201967010163 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 67 (1) ◽

pp. 163-172 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Stanislav Staněk ◽

Eliška Nejedlá ◽

Petr Fleischer ◽

Alena Pechová ◽

Soňa Šlosárková

Keyword(s):

Reference Method ◽

Herd Size ◽

Passive Transfer ◽

Dairy Calves ◽

Dairy Herds ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Average Value ◽

Holstein Breed ◽

Newborn Calves ◽

Autumn And Winter

Prevalence of failure of passive transfer (FPT) of immunity remains relatively high worldwide. The aim of this study was to estimate the FPT prevalence in Czech dairy calves and to evaluate the selected factors – breed, herd size, sex of calves, single versus twin births and the influence of the season of birth. A total of 1,175 serum samples were taken from calves of Czech Fleckvieh and Holstein breed from 33 herds between October 2015 and October 2017. Serum IgG concentration was determined by reference method for IgG determination – radial immunodiffusion. Statistical evaluation was performed by Kruskal‑Wallis test. The concentration of IgG ranged from 1.5 to 46.6 g/L with average value 13.7 g/L and was significantly influenced by breed, size of the herd and season. Using the criterion IgG < 10 g/L, it was found that 34.6 % of calves had FPT. The prevalence of FPT by breed was 42.9 % vs. 24.2 % (Czech Fleckvieh vs. Holstein), by size of the herd 45.0, 44.4, 25.5 and 22.0 % (< 200, 200–399, 400–599 and ≥ 600 cows per herd, respectively) and by season 25.3, 34.6, 29.9 and 52.5 % (spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively). The sex of calves was not found to be a statistically significant factor. The study in newborn calves showed that FPT is still an important problem in Czech dairy herds, especially in the Czech Fleckvieh breed. In smaller herds and especially in the winter, the prevalence of FPT was very high.

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Epidemiological characterization and risk factors associated with lentiviral infection of small ruminants at animal fairs in the semiarid Sertão region of Pernambuco, Brazilian semiarid

Semina Ciências Agrárias ◽

10.5433/1679-0359.2017v38n4p1875 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (4) ◽

pp. 1875

Author(s):

José Romero Alexandre Alves ◽

Clécio Henrique Limeira ◽

Geilson Manoel de Souza Lima ◽

Raymundo Rizaldo Pinheiro ◽

Francisco Selmo Fernandes Alves ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Traffic Control ◽

Disease Transmission ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Small Ruminants ◽

Significant Risk Factor ◽

Disease Diagnosis ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Western Blots ◽

Factors Associated

Animal agglomerations at commercial events such as trade fairs represent an important facilitator in infectious disease transmission. Thus, it is crucial to understand the epidemiology of infectious diseases in small ruminants. The objective of this study was to examine lentiviral presence in goats and sheep traded at the animal fair of Tabira city (Sertão region of Pernambuco) and identify possible risk factors associated with infection. We collected serum samples from 233 crossbred goats and 119 crossbred sheep, belonging to 12 breeders, at the Tabira livestock fair from November 2014 to June 2015. An epidemiological questionnaire was used to analyze the risk factors. Agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) and western blotting (WB) were performed to diagnose small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) infection. In the AGID test, we used maedi-visna virus (MVV) antigens for sheep and caprine arthritis/encephalitis virus (strain Cork) (CAEV-Co) antigen for goats. The WB analysis used CAEV-Co antigen for both species. Variables from the questionnaire were analyzed with univariate and multivariate statistics. One seropositive goat but no sheep was identified via AGID. According to the WB results, 15/233 goats (6.44%; CI95% = 3.94 - 10.35%) and 8/119 sheep (6.72%; CI95% = 3.45 - 12.71%) were seropositive, totaling 23/352 reactive animals (6.53%; CI95% = 4.39 - 9.61%) from 12 herds. Annual vermifugation of the animals was a significant risk factor (odds ratio = 5.9; CI95% = 1.7-19.8; p = 0.04) for disease in goats, but no variables associated with infection risks were identified in sheep. We concluded that SRLV was present in goats and sheep at the animal fair. Western blots were more sensitive than AGID for SRLV diagnosis. Practices aiming to improve sanitary management may reduce the risk of infection in goats. All studied herds included animals identified as seropositive for SRLV. Therefore, we recommend adopting measures that increase disease diagnosis while intensifying traffic control and surveillance of animal agglomerations.

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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Monoclonal Proteinemia in Thai Population.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v114.22.1416.1416 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 114 (22) ◽

pp. 1416-1416

Author(s):

Phandee Watanaboonyongcharoen ◽

Thanyaphong Na Nakorn ◽

Ponlapat Rojnuckarin ◽

Panisinee Lawasut ◽

Tanin Intragumtornchai

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Complete Blood Count ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Chemical Exposure ◽

Blood Chemistry ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Thai Population ◽

History Of

Abstract Abstract 1416 Poster Board I-439 Background: Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is associated with progression to multiple myeloma and related hematologic malignancies at the rate of 1% per year in western population. Reliable information on prevalence, risk factors and natural history of MGUS in general population are necessary for designing an early detection strategy for myeloma in Thailand. Patients and methods: The study was performed in subjects, 50 years of age or older, in Bangkok, one nearby province and 2 remote provinces of Thailand. The demographic data and suspected risk factor history were collected by questionnaires. Complete blood count as well as blood chemistry were done to exclude underlying hematologic and/or systemic conditions. Serum monoclonal proteins were detected using high-resolution gel electrophoresis. Results: Serum samples were obtained from 3,261 participants. There were 1,105 males (33.9%) and 2,156 females (66.1%). The median age was 57. Abnormal protein electrophoresis findings were detected in 76 samples (prevalence 2.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8% - 2.8%) showing small M-spikes at gamma-globulin region in 50 (1.5%) or at beta-globulin region in 25 (0.8%) or hypogammaglobulinemia in 1 case (0.03%). The prevalence of MGUS in subjects less than 60, 60-69 and 70 yrs or more was 2.0% (41/1975), 2.6% (22/851) and 3.0% (13/435), respectively. Using multivariate analysis, presence of MGUS was strongly associated with history of drug abuse (odd ratio 4.63, 95%CI 1.14-22.08) and current residences outside Bangkok (odd ratio 2.30, 95%CI 1.18-4.79). Radiation and chemical exposure, hair and nail-coloring products and pesticides were not statistically significant risk factors in our population. Conclusions: The overall prevalence of MGUS in Thai population was 2.3%, lower than those of western countries but comparable to what reported from Japan and Taiwan. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Mortality-Culling Rates of Dairy Calves and Replacement Heifers and Its Risk Factors in Holstein Cattle

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani9100730 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 730 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Zhang ◽

Wang ◽

Chang ◽

Luo ◽

Brito ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Dairy Calves ◽

Holstein Cattle ◽

Population Parameters ◽

Birth Season ◽

Cattle Industry ◽

Economic Implications ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Health Events ◽

Chinese Holstein Cattle

The rates of mortality and involuntary culling of dairy calves and replacement heifers have great economic implications on the dairy cattle industry around the world. The main objectives of this study were: (1) to obtain population parameters of mortality and involuntary culling rates of dairy calves and replacement heifers; and, (2) to investigate the factors affecting mortality and involuntary culling rates in Chinese Holstein cattle. Two datasets containing records of birth, calving, and culling events from 142,833 Holstein cattle born between 1991 and 2018 were used in this study. The population parameters were obtained using dataset 1, which consisted of dairy calves and replacement heifers that died or were involuntarily culled. Three survival traits were defined in dataset 2, which consisted of females born from 1999 to 2018. A binomial logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors on the survival traits. The mortality rate of dairy calves and replacement heifers from day 3 to 60, 61 to 365, and 366 to first calving was 5.5%, 7.4%, and 8.7%, and an unfavorable increasing trend was observed. Health events associated with digestive and respiratory or circulatory systems were the main death reasons. Herd-birth year, birth season, and dam parity had significant effects on survival traits. The results from this study will help farmers to better manage calves and replacement heifers and highlight the need to include survival traits in dairy calves and replacement heifers as part of national genetic evaluation schemes.

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Prevalence and calf-level risk factors for failure of passive transfer in dairy calves in New Zealand

New Zealand Veterinary Journal ◽

10.1080/00480169.2017.1361876 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 65 (6) ◽

pp. 297-304 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

EL Cuttance ◽

WA Mason ◽

RA Laven ◽

J McDermott ◽

CVC Phyn

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

New Zealand ◽

Passive Transfer ◽

Dairy Calves

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PSVIII-5 Circulating serotonin (5-HT) concentrations are associated with failure of passive transfer in 3–5 day old dairy calves

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skaa278.460 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽

pp. 255-255

Author(s):

Gwyneth Knott ◽

Samantha Weaver ◽

Laura Hernandez ◽

Theresa Ollivett ◽

Catie Cramer

Keyword(s):

Passive Transfer ◽

High Serum ◽

Dairy Calves ◽

Dairy Calf ◽

Calf Health ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Causal Pathway ◽

Risk Of Disease ◽

The Mean

Abstract Calf morbidity and mortality continues to be a challenge for the dairy industry and failure of passive transfer (FPT) is associated with an increased risk of disease. Serotonin (5-HT) has recently been implicated in the dairy calf immune system, but further work is needed to investigate the precise role of 5-HT in calf health. The objective of this study was to determine if 5-HT serum concentration at 3–5 days of age was associated with FPT. Blood samples were collected from 3–5 d old dairy calves (n = 418). Blood serum was assessed for FPT (serum protein < 5.5 g/dL) and analyzed using a commercial ELISA kit to determine circulating 5-HT concentrations. The mean (± SD) 5-HT concentration was 2574 (±1007) ng/mL. A logistic regression was used to determine if FPT (outcome; n = 124/418) was associated with 5-HT concentration (predictor; low < 2502 ng/mL, high= ≥ 2502 ng/mL). The model controlled for sex, breed (Holstein or Jersey), colostrum type (replacer or pasteurized), and dystocia (hard pull/surgical delivery). Sex, colostrum type, breed, and dystocia were not associated with FPT (P > 0.05). Calves with low serum 5-HT concentrations had a 2.7 (95% CI: 1.2–7.1) greater odds of having FPT compared to calves with high serum 5-HT concentrations (P = 0.04). Higher serum 5-HT concentrations were associated with successful passive transfer, but the causal pathway is unknown. Therefore, further investigation regarding 5-HT at different time points during calfhood should be explored as a potential way to reduce FPT in neonatal dairy calves.

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Prevalence and Risk Factors for ESBL/AmpC-E. coli in Pre-Weaned Dairy Calves on Dairy Farms in Germany

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9102135 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 2135

Author(s):

Laura Patricia Weber ◽

Sylvia Dreyer ◽

Maike Heppelmann ◽

Katharina Schaufler ◽

Timo Homeier-Bachmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Animal Health ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Dairy Farms ◽

Positive Sample ◽

Dairy Calves ◽

Federal States ◽

E Coli ◽

German Federal States ◽

Waste Milk

The objectives of this study were to ascertain the fecal ESBL/AmpC-E. coli prevalence and to detect risk factors for their occurrence in young pre-weaned calves and their dams on large dairy farms in Germany. From 2018–2019 we investigated 2816 individual fecal samples from pre-weaned dairy calves and their dams, representing seventy-two farms (mean = 667 milking cows) from eight German federal states. To assess possible risk factors associated with ESBL/AmpC-E. coli prevalence in calves and dams, a questionnaire was performed, collecting management data. We observed an ESBL/AmpC-E. coli prevalence of 63.5% (95% CI: 57.4–69.5) among the sampled calves and 18.0% (95% CI: 12.5–23.5) among the dams. On all farms, at least one positive sample was obtained. To date, this is the highest ESBL/AmpC-E. coli prevalence observed in dairy herds in Europe. Feeding with waste milk was identified as a significant risk factor for a high prevalence of ESBL/AmpC-E. coli in calves. Many calves at large dairies in Germany are fed with waste milk due to the large amounts generated as a result of antibiotic dry-off routines and mastitis treatment with antibiotics. Other notable risk factors for high ESBL/AmpC-E. coli in calves were the general fitness/health of dams and calves, and the quality of farm hygiene. Taken together, these findings suggest that new or improved approaches to animal health management, for example, antibiotic dry cow management (selective dry cow therapy) and mastitis treatment (high self-recovery), as well as farm hygiene, should be researched and implemented.

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Human-to-human transmission of avian influenza A/H7N7, The Netherlands, 2003

Eurosurveillance ◽

10.2807/esm.10.12.00584-en ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 3-4 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

M Du Ry van Beest Holle ◽

A Meijer ◽

M Koopmans ◽

C M de Jager

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

The Netherlands ◽

Avian Influenza ◽

Influenza A ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Stable Model ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Poultry Workers ◽

Household Members

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus subtype H7N7 began in poultry farms in the Netherlands in 2003. Virus infection was detected by RT-PCR in 86 poultry workers and three household contacts of PCR-positive poultry workers, mainly associated with conjunctivitis. To determine the magnitude of and risk factors for human-to-human transmission of influenza A/H7N7 in the Netherlands, a retrospective cohort study among household members of infected poultry workers was undertaken. In total, 33 (58.9%) of 56 (among 62) participants who provided blood samples had positive H7 serology, using single convalescent serum samples obtained at least 3 weeks after onset of symptoms of the index case. Eight household members (12.9%) reported symptoms (conjunctivitis and/or ILI), of which four of five (80.0%) tested seropositive. On univariate analysis, significant risk factors for seropositivity included having at least two toilets, a pet bird, and using cloth handkerchiefs. It was not possible to obtain a stable model for binomial regression for the outcome of A/H7N7 infection. Further seroprevalence studies among contacts of asymptomatic H7 cases should be conducted.

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Seroprevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in small ruminant flocks in Karnataka in the Southern Province of India

Veterinary World ◽

10.14202/vetworld.2021.2855-2862 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 2855-2862

Author(s):

Krithiga Natesan ◽

Triveni Kalleshamurthy ◽

Mangadevi Nookala ◽

Chaitra Yadav ◽

Nagalingam Mohandoss ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Small Ruminant ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Small Ruminants ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Farm Level ◽

History Of

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of high economic and public health importance in large and small ruminant populations worldwide. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in small ruminants in organized farms in the southern region of India. Materials and Methods: Farms exclusively rearing sheep and goats were selected based on the number of animals (small, medium, or large) and the location of the farm (urban, periurban, or rural). A total of 1499 serum samples; 1001 from sheeps and 498 from goats were sourced from six sheep and four goat farms and tested using Rose Bengal Plate and indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay tests. Results: The apparent prevalence of brucellosis was higher in sheep (8.29%, 95% CI 6.7-10.1) than goats (5.82%, 95% CI 4.0-8.2). The true adjusted population level seroprevalence was also higher in sheep, at 7.7% (95% CI 6.0-9.6) than in goats, at 5.1% (95% CI 3.2-7.6). According to bivariate categorical analysis, six highly significant (p<0.001) animal- and farm-level risk factors for sheep were age, breed, number of lambings, history of abortion, rural farms, and presence of dogs on the farm. In goats, five significant risk factors were found: History of abortion, separate sheds, dogs on the farm, weekly veterinary consultation, and lack of brucellosis awareness. In a logistic regression model, abortion (OR adjusted 10.8, 95% CI 1.2-96.12), rural farms (OR adjusted 8.5, 95% CI 3.6-20.0), and absence of separate sheds on the farms (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1- 3.5) were found to be significant risk factors for ovine brucellosis. Conclusion: The use of complementary measures to tackle the multiple animal- and farm-level risk factors may help to reduce the disease burden in the absence of a vaccination policy for small ruminants in India.

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