scholarly journals Effects of Manure Bedding on the Rate of Claw Diseases in Dairy Cows

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 14-19
Author(s):  
P. Mudroň
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Digital Dermatitis ◽  
White Line ◽  
Inflammatory Disorders ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Claw Lesions ◽  
On Farm

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of claw diseases in dairy cows housed on two different bedding systems: deep straw bedding and unsterilized recycled manure solids. On the farm (farm A) with the straw bedding, 403 and on the farm (farm B) with manure solid bedding, 226 dairy cows were examined. The prevalence of cows with one or more claw lesions on the farm with straw bedding and with manure solids were 37 % and 69 %, respectively (P < 0.001). In both bedding systems, two claw lesions dominated: digital dermatitis and inflammatory disorders of corium (white line diseases, toe ulcer, and sole ulcer). The prevalence of the digital dermatitis housed in deep-bedded freestalls and in freestalls with manure solids were 17.8 % and 53.1 % (P < 0.001), respectively. The prevalence of the white line diseases and toe ulcer were 12.1 % and 15.7 % on farm A and 3.88 % and 2.59 % on farm B, respectively (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of the sole ulcer between farms. These data indicate a relatively high prevalence of claw lesions on the studied dairy farms. Moreover, a long-term contact of claws with manure (boxes and corridors) on the farm with unsterilized recycled manure solids seems to be associated with a higher prevalence of digital dermatitis.

Microbiological Screening Tests to Detect Antibiotic Residues in Cull Dairy Cows

1987 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOSEPH P. TRITSCHLER ◽  
ROBERT T. DUBY ◽  
STEPHEN P. OLIVER ◽  
ROBERT W. PRANGE
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Urine Samples ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Antibiotic Residues ◽  
Live Animal ◽  
Subsequent Investigation ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Microbiological Procedures

Two microbiological procedures were evaluated to detect antibiotic residues in dairy cows at slaughter. Inhibition of Bacillus subtilis growth was used for determining the presence or absence of antibiotic residues. The two tests differed only in the concentration of B. subtilis used. The Swab Test on Premises (STOP) was used to detect antibiotic residues in kidney and muscle tissue and the Live Animal Swab Test (LAST) was used to detect residues in urine of cull dairy cows. Kidney samples from 3% of cull dairy cows were positive. Confirmation by standard reference procedures and a subsequent investigation on antibiotic residues in urine from 317 cows and heifers with known antibiotic treatment histories suggest that a high percentage of false-positive readings occurred in urine. In addition, 23 % of urine samples were difficult to interpret in that B. subtilis growth surrounding Swabs dipped in urine was reduced. While producer response was generally favorable for an on-farm screening test for antibiotic residues detection in cows going to slaughter, interpretation problems, difficulty in collecting urine samples, and concerns over the complexity and sensitivity make it unlikely that the acceptance of the LAST will be widespread on dairy farms.

A multicomponent herbal feed additive improves somatic cell counts in dairy cows ‐ a two stage, multicentre, placebo‐controlled long‐term on‐farm trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 439-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Walkenhorst ◽  
Florian Leiber ◽  
Ariane Maeschli ◽  
Alexandra N. Kapp ◽  
Anet Spengler‐Neff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Somatic Cell ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Two Stage ◽  
Somatic Cell Counts ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
On Farm

Early detection and treatment of lame cows

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (01) ◽  
pp. 5-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Feldmann ◽  
M. Hoedemaker ◽  
T. Schulz ◽  
Y. Gundelach
Keyword(s):  
Early Detection ◽  
Dairy Herd ◽  
Continuous Treatment ◽  
Lower Saxony ◽  
Digital Dermatitis ◽  
White Line ◽  
Claw Lesions ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Locomotion Score

Summary Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of specific hoof lesions on the locomotion score (LS) as well as the effect of early detection and treatment on duration and prevalence of lesion-specific lameness. Material and methods: In a dairy herd in Lower Saxony, Germany, with 144 lactating cows, claw trimming was performed by a professional claw trimmer at the beginning and the end of a 41-week trial period. Weekly a veterinarian assessed the LS according to Sprecher et al. (1997) in 99 cows. The front and hind claws of cows with an LS > 1 were examined and treated within 5 days. For individual diagnoses, the duration of lameness was calculated as the number of weeks from first treatment until recovery (LS = 1).Results: In total, 580 examinations and treatments were performed on 94 cows. There were 189 new lameness cases with a total of 290 diagnoses. At the first treatment, 81.0% of the cows displayed an LS of 2. Cows with digital dermatitis (DD), heel horn erosion and white line disease (WLD) more often had an LS > 2 compared to cows with Rusterholz’ sole ulcer, interdigital hyperplasia or inadequate claw length/posture (p < 0.05). Cows with only one affected leg, more often had an LS > 2 than cows with several affected legs (p < 0.1). Lameness caused by WLD and arthritis/ periarthritis remained for the longest time period. The prevalence of sole haemorrhages and/or double soles, WLD, interdigital dermatitis and interdigital hyperplasia decreased significantly during the test period. Prevalence of sole ulcer (sole ulcer and Rusterholz’ sole ulcer) and DD remained unaffected. Conclusion and clinical relevance: Locomotion score was affected by the type of claw/limb disorder and the number of diseased limbs. Regular locomotion scoring and continuous treatment of cows with an LS > 1 is associated with a decrease in the prevalence of several claw lesions. Therefore, prevalence of severe claw lesions like WLD, which was associated with a long duration of lameness, can be reduced. In con trast, for decreasing prevalence of digital dermatitis more than weekly treatment of every cow with LS > 1 is required. Preventive measures like footbaths or improved hygiene should accompany the individual animal treatment.

An evaluation of the effect of nutritional strategy in early lactation on reproductive performance of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows

2009 ◽  
Vol 2009 ◽  
pp. 12-12
Author(s):  
H S Gilmore ◽  
F J Young ◽  
R A Law ◽  
A R G Wylie ◽  
D C Patterson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Nutritional Strategy ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
On Farm

Poor fertility is a major problem on dairy farms. On-farm studies indicate than pregnancy rates to first service have declined from approximately 55% between 1975 and 1982 to 39% between 1995 and 1998 (Royal et al., 2000), illustrating a decline of approximately 1% per year during this period. The cause is multifactorial and influenced by many factors including genetics, management and nutrition. Previous studies have reported improved fertility through nutritional modification in early lactation (Gong et al., 2002). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional strategy in early lactation on reproductive performance.

scholarly journals Understanding Cows’ Emotions on Farm: Are Eye White and Ear Posture Reliable Indicators?

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Battini ◽  
Anna Agostini ◽  
Silvana Mattiello
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Valence And Arousal ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Adf Test

Understanding the emotions of dairy cows is primarily important in enhancing the level of welfare and provide a better life on farm. This study explored whether eye white and ear posture can reliably contribute to interpret valence and arousal of emotions in dairy cows. The research was conducted in five Italian dairy farms. Four hundred and thirty-six photographs of cows’ heads were scored (four-level), according to the eye white and ear posture during feeding, resting, pasture, and an avoidance distance test at the feeding rack (ADF test). Eye white and ear posture were significantly correlated and influenced by the context (P = 0.001). Pasture was the most relaxing context for cows (67.8% of half-closed eyes; 77.3% ears hung down or backwards). The excitement during ADF test was high, with 44.8% of eye white being clearly visible and ears directed forwards to the approaching assessor (95.5%). Housing and management mostly influenced emotions during feeding and resting (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively): where competition for feeding places and cubicles was low, the cows showed the highest percentages of half-closed eyes and ears backwards or hung down. This research supports the use of eye white and ear posture as reliable indicators of emotions in dairy cows.

The impact of BRD: the current dairy experience

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter M. Guterbock
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Death Rates ◽  
Prevalence Studies ◽  
Age Range ◽  
On Farm ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe primary source of data on bovine respiratory disease (BRD) prevalence in US adult dairy cattle is producer surveys, which estimate that 2.4–2.9% of cattle are affected. This estimate appears low when compared to calculations based on limited data regarding on-farm deaths due to BRD and the number of carcasses at slaughter with severe BRD. These calculations indicate that approximately 3% of dairy cows die on farm or go to slaughter with severe BRD. Not included in these data are cows that are treated for BRD and retained. The primary manifestation of BRD on dairy farms is in calves. Nationwide surveys have estimated that 12.4–16.4% of preweaned dairy heifer calves are affected with BRD, and 5.9–11% of calves are affected after weaning. More detailed prevalence studies have generally included a limited number of small farms, with limited calf age range studied. All studies relied on producer diagnosis. Prevalence in these studies ranged from 0 to 52%, with many cases occurring before weaning, and with BRD being associated with increased calf death rates. BRD affects heifer growth. It appears to have a small effect on age at first calving, and some studies have shown small effects on performance and herd life after calving. First lactation performance of heifers depends on many factors that can obscure the effects of calfhood BRD.

scholarly journals Assessment of udder health in lame cows

2020 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-140
Author(s):  
Vladimír Hisira ◽  
Pavel Slovák ◽  
Paulína Marčeková ◽  
Marián Kadaši ◽  
Pavol Mudroň
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Subclinical Mastitis ◽  
Clinical Mastitis ◽  
Coagulase Negative Staphylococci ◽  
Digital Dermatitis ◽  
White Line ◽  
Udder Health ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
California Mastitis Test ◽  
Sole Ulcers

The objective of this study was to assess the udder health in lame dairy cows. The study was performed on 35 dairy cows which were admitted to the Clinic of Ruminants. The most frequent claw diseases were white line abscess (28.6%) and toe necrosis (28.6%), followed by digital dermatitis (17.1%), toe ulcers (14.3%), and sole ulcers (11.4%). The prevalence of mastitis in lame cows was 74.3% (26); clinical mastitis was detected in 5 (19.2%) and subclinical mastitis in 21 (80.8%) dairy cows. Distribution of mastitis was similar in terms of front (52.54%) and rear quarters (47.46%). For statistical analyses of mastitis grade in lame dairy cows, a six-point Mastitis Score was created based on physical examination of the mammary gland and results of California Mastitis Test. The Mastitis Score tended to be higher in cows with corium inflammation than in those with digital dermatitis (10.0 and 6.5, respectively). Microbiological culture of 24 positive milk samples was performed and intra-mammary pathogens were isolated in 18 (75%) samples. The most prevalent bacteria were coagulase negative staphylococci (50%), followed by Enterococcus spp. (16.7%), Proteus spp. (11.1%), and Aerococcus viridians (11.1%). Of the total bacteria, contagious pathogens were determined in two milk samples (11.1%). In conclusion, high prevalence of mastitis was detected in lame cows suffering from claw diseases without a significant effect of the type of claw diseases on the mastitis grade. Moreover, the dominating isolation of environmental pathogens may be a result of longer lying period of animals affected with lameness.

On-farm detection of claw lesions in dairy cows based on acoustic analyses and machine learning

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Volkmann ◽  
B. Kulig ◽  
S. Hoppe ◽  
J. Stracke ◽  
O. Hensel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Claw Lesions ◽  
Acoustic Analyses ◽  
On Farm

scholarly journals Digital dermatitis of the accessory digits of dairy cows

2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 246-248
Author(s):  
Celso A. Rodrigues ◽  
Maria C.R. Luvizotto ◽  
Ana Liz G. Alves ◽  
Piero H.M. Teodoro ◽  
Elisa A. Gregório
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Response To Therapy ◽  
Holstein Cattle ◽  
Electronic Microscopy ◽  
Digital Dermatitis ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
History Of ◽  
Long Acting

This report characterizes the digital dermatitis (DD) lesions in the accessory digits of dairy cows and presents data on the applied therapy. Fifteen Holstein cattle with DD affecting the accessory digits of the hindlimbs from four dairy farms with previous history of DD were evaluated. Lesions were excised, the wounds were sutured, and a topical application of oxytetracycline powder covered by bandaging was associated with a single parenteral administration of long acting oxytetracycline IM (20mg/kg). Tissue samples were obtained for histopathology and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM). Lesions from all the animals were recuperated 15 days after surgical procedure. Overal, most DD lesions were papillomatous epidermal projections or wartlike verrucous lesions. Histopathologically, samples revealed hyperplasia of epidermis with hyperkeratosis, several mitoses in the stratum basale and elongated rete ridges in the superficial and middle dermis. TEM revealed long, thin spirochete-like bacteria. Morphologic features of lesions and its response to therapy were comparable to those described for DD.

scholarly journals Claw Trimming as a Lameness Management Practice and the Association with Welfare and Production in Dairy Cows

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1515
Author(s):  
Mohammed Babatunde Sadiq ◽  
Siti Zubaidah Ramanoon ◽  
Rozaihan Mansor ◽  
Sharifah Salmah Syed-Hussain ◽  
Wan Mastura Shaik Mossadeq
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
White Line ◽  
Peer Review Journal ◽  
Welfare Issue ◽  
Painful Sensation ◽  
Stress Changes ◽  
Claw Lesions ◽  
Prophylactic Use ◽  
The Impact

Lameness resulting from claw lesions remains a pressing welfare issue in dairy cows. Claw trimming (CT) is a common practice for prevention and management of clinically lame cows. This review summarizes the results of studies that have investigated various claw trimming (CT) methods, their application in lameness management, and associations with the welfare and production of dairy cows. The papers included in this review fulfilled the following inclusion criteria: published in peer review journal or book chapter within the last 20 years (1999–2019), written in English, and focused on the application of CT for lameness management and the association with either welfare or production variables. Databases used included Google scholar, Web of Science and PubMed. A total of 748 records were assessed and 61 papers were eligible for inclusion and the main objectives and results were used to categorize the results under six topics: CT techniques, association between CT and claw overgrowth/specific claw lesions, timing and frequency of CT, association between CT and behavioral variables, association between CT and physiological parameters, and association between CT and production. The literature findings showed the existence of various CT methods with the common types including the Dutch Five-step, White Line, White Line Atlas, and Kansas techniques. There is data paucity on the efficacy of these techniques in lameness management; however, the slight procedural difference yields varying sole thicknesses and presentations which may influence their prophylactic use. Results regarding the impact of CT on welfare and production were discussed in relation to potential short and long-term benefits. Depending on the lesion type and severity level, CT may induce immediate painful sensation, stress, changes in lying down activities and reduction in milk yield, but the positive impacts were more evident at later stages of lactation following improvement in locomotion score. The majority of the reviewed studies were lacking a detailed description of CT techniques and claw health of the studied animals; thus, reducing the strength of demonstrating CT-related benefits. However, electronic recording of claw health data during every CT visit provides the basis for monitoring hoof health and could assist in curtailing some of these challenges. To elucidate CT-related benefits, certain areas requiring further research were highlighted such as ascertaining the appropriate timing for preventive CT and identifying cows that will benefit more from such intervention during lactation.

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