scholarly journals  Behaviour of lame cows: a review

2011 ◽  
Vol 56 (No. 12) ◽  
pp. 581-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Olechnowicz ◽  
JM Jaskowski
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
High Standard ◽  
White Line ◽  
Leg Injuries ◽  
Cow Welfare ◽  
Sole Ulcers ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Lying Down

Claw horn disorders, infectious diseases of hooves and leg injuries cause lameness in dairy cows. However, such diseases as sole haemorrhages, sole ulcers or white line diseases, cause clinical lameness. Lameness reduces milk production, the fertility of cows and also causes earlier culling of cows, as well resultings in a deterioration of their welfare. In this review we focus on the impact of lameness on bovine behaviour. The time spent lying down is an important behaviour of dairy cows. As an increased locomotion score is associated with an increased percentage of cows lying down, also the position of cows within the milking parlour is associated with lameness. Lame cows are more likely to present toward the end of milking. Clinical lameness is a chronic stressor, reducing progesterone concentrations prior to oestrus, and resulting in reduced sexual behaviour; however, lame cows have the same potential period of oestrus when compared with non-lame cows. Hoof diseases, particularly those which are a source of pain, also reduce animal welfare. A high standard of cow welfare may be achieved by improving the lives of animals and the people who work with them. A lack of comfort while lying presents a significant risk for lameness. Improvements in comfort on more than 75% of farms (32 out of a total number of 53 farms) reduced the incidence of mastitis, while on 42 farms it reduced the prevalence of lameness. The keeping of cows on the straw bed of stalls does not only improve animal welfare, mainly through the greater comfort of the floor, but has also been showed to increase eating and ruminating behaviour. Cows also prefer straw to sand bedding and lay down longer on straw than on sand; however, cleanliness and hoof health have been shown to be better on sand. Apart from comfort, the main factors which promote improvements in bovine welfare and health, include good management of dairy farms, keeping cows in free stalls with accompanying regular exercise, and a long time spent at pasture. The prevalence of clinical lameness was demonstrated to be higher on farms using mattresses when compared with farms using deep-bedded stalls. No differences were found in behaviour among cows with different degrees of lameness housed in mattress stalls. Hence, measures of laying behaviour are not good indicators of lameness.  

The economic, environmental and welfare implications of alternative systems of accommodating dairy cows during the winter months

2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (7) ◽  
pp. 838 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. French ◽  
K. O. Driscoll ◽  
B. Horan ◽  
L. Shalloo
Keyword(s):  
Body Temperature ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Temperate Climate ◽  
Adult Cattle ◽  
Capital Costs ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Maintain Body Temperature

Pasture grazed in situ is one of the most competitive and sustainable feeding systems for dairy cows globally because of a low environmental footprint, the potential for excellent animal welfare and the relatively low cost in the production and utilisation of the feed. However, because of seasonal variation in grass production and inclement weather conditions, dairy cattle may have to be accommodated and/or fed off pasture. There are numerous infrastructural options for achieving this and the focus of the present paper was to review the research and discuss the merits of these alternate animal accommodation systems, focussing on the impact that they have on the environment, animal welfare and farm profitability relative to pasture-only systems. Research data showed that dairy cow welfare can be protected in a range of well managed alternative winter accommodation. In a temperate climate, such as that which pertains in Ireland, adequately fed adult cattle will not use extra feed energy to maintain body temperature when accommodated outdoors and exposed to the effects of wind, rain and low temperatures, as the heat produced from the digestion of feed is in excess of the requirement to maintain body temperature. The main welfare challenge of a wintering system in such conditions is to provide suitable lying facilities for cows to express normal lying behaviour and provide adequate feed. The primary economic focus of pasture-based systems should be to maximise the length of the grass-grazing season and, consequently, to minimise the period off paddock. Provided that body condition targets can be met, there will be minimal effect of wintering system on dairy cow productivity and the only economic differences will be in costs. The cost analysis should combine the capital costs of construction financed over its useful life and the annual operating costs, including labour.

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.

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.

Does access to pasture affect claw condition and health in dairy cows?

2017 ◽  
Vol 182 (3) ◽  
pp. 79-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Armbrecht ◽  
Christian Lambertz ◽  
Dirk Albers ◽  
Matthias Gauly
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
White Line ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Sole Ulcers ◽  
Group 1 ◽  
Lower Frequencies

The aim of this study was to examine effects of pasturing in dairy cows on claw condition (claw length, hardness) and on the prevalence of claw diseases. At claw trimming, a total of 240 Holstein-Friesian or Red-Holstein cows from 20 German farms were examined twice, at the end of the pasture and barn season. Each individual claw was trimmed at both assessments. Farms were classified based on animals’ pasture access during pasture season into: group 1 (G1) >10 hours pasture access per day, group 2 (G2) 6–10 hours, group 3 (G3) <6 hours and group 4 (G4) without pasture access. Greater values for hardness were associated with lower scores (=prevalence×severity level) of sole ulcers, white line disease, sole haemorrhage, heel horn erosion and interdigital hyperplasia. In pasture groups, heel horn erosion showed lower frequencies in summer compared with winter, while it was vice versa in G4. In G1 and G3, lower frequencies of white line disease were found in summer compared with winter. Overall, pasture access had positive effects in particular for claw diseases that are related to moist environments. Nevertheless, appropriate free-stall design and claw trimming routine might have a greater influence.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Claw Diseases in Dairy Cows with Different Body Condition

2017 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 19-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Mudroň ◽  
T. Höskuldsson ◽  
X. Mihajlovičová
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Lower Grade ◽  
Digital Dermatitis ◽  
White Line ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Sole Ulcers ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between body condition and claw diseases in dairy cows. The data used in this study were obtained during two sessions of routine orthopaedic treatment and hoof trimming on a dairy farm in Eastern Slovakia. In the spring and autumn terms, 482 dairy cows were examined for claw diseases and their body conditions were recorded. Out of the 482 dairy cows, 56 % were affected by one or more claw diseases in one or more legs. Digital dermatitis and sole ulcers were the most often detected claw diseases found in this study. The dairy cows with a low body condition score (BCS < 3) showed a higher prevalence of claw diseases (P < 0.05) than the cows with a body condition score greater than 3. However, this difference could not be found when infectious diseases of the claws (digital dermatitis, foot rot, and interdigital dermatitis) were analysed. The results of this study allowed us to conclude that the dairy cows with a lower grade of body condition suffered more from non-infectious claw diseases (sole ulcer, white line diseases).

scholarly journals ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF AUTOMATIC MILKING ON THE SELECTED PARAMETERS OF DAIRY COWS WELFARE

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-76
Author(s):  
Miloslav Šoch ◽  
Otakar Fiala ◽  
Jana Šťastná ◽  
Jan Brouček ◽  
Petr Tejml ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Water Intake ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Automatic Milking System ◽  
Automatic Milking ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Intake Water ◽  
Lying Down ◽  
Ethological Study

Abstract the aim of study was to find out the influence of milking by automatic milking system (AMS) on the physiological needs of dairy cows within 30 minutes after milking. Ethological study covered the needs of feed intake, water intake and need of lying down. The need of feed intake in 30 minutes after milking was found at 75.51 % of dairy cows in the barn with AMS. The need of water intake was found at 41.79 % of dairy cows. The percentage of cows, which needed to lie down after milking, was 3.7 %.

114 What Is the Impact of Dairy Influence Cattle on the Traditional Beef Industry Structure?

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 38-39
Author(s):  
Bradley J Johnson ◽  
Luke Fuerniss
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dairy Herd ◽  
The United States ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Industry Structure ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Beef Industry ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The U.S. cow inventory includes approximately 31 million beef cows and 9 million dairy cows, so flow of cattle from dairies into beef production influences the traditional beef industry structure. Dairy-influenced cattle have historically entered the beef supply chain as cull cows and calf-fed Holstein steers. Culled dairy cows account for approximately half of the cows harvested in the United States annually. Fed steers and heifers of dairy influence are estimated to account for 15% of annual steer and heifer slaughter. Advancements in data availability, genomics, and reproductive technologies have enabled more precise selection of dairy replacement heifers and more pregnancies to be allocated to a terminal sire. Recently, the use of beef semen to breed dairy cows that are not desirable for producing replacement heifers has become more widespread. Beef-on-dairy calves are often moved to calf ranches shortly after birth where they are weaned and grown before transitioning to traditional grow yards or feedlots. In comparison to traditional range beef production, calves of dairy origin are weaned at a younger age, have more restricted mobility early in life, and are fed a delivered ration for a greater number of days. While carcasses of dairy-originated fed cattle excel in subcutaneous leanness and marbling, calves originating from dairies typically experience greater morbidity, poorer feed conversion, and poorer dressed yields compared to native fed cattle. Future opportunities to optimize beef production from the dairy herd include refining sire selection to consistently produce high quality calves, reducing variation in calfhood management, and identifying optimal nutrition and growth technology programs for calves from dairies.

scholarly journals Natural Infection of Dairy Cows with Bovine Leukemia Virus Affects Immunoglobulin Levels in Saliva and Serum but Not Milk

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 907
Author(s):  
Monika Dziuba ◽  
Vickie J. Ruggiero ◽  
Catherine Wilson ◽  
Paul C. Bartlett ◽  
Paul M. Coussens
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Bovine Leukemia Virus ◽  
Leukemia Virus ◽  
Natural Infection ◽  
Total Serum ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Retroviral Infection ◽  
Serum Iga ◽  
The Impact

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a retroviral infection that disrupts the immune function of infected animals. It is widespread among U.S. dairy cattle. In this pilot study, the average total IgA and IgM concentrations in milk, saliva, and serum samples from BLV ELISA-positive (ELISA+) dairy cows were compared against samples from BLV ELISA-negative (ELISA−) cows using the Kruskal–Wallis test (with ties). The results from ELISA+ cows were also stratified by lymphocyte count (LC) and proviral load (PVL). In milk and saliva from ELISA+ cows, the average total IgA and IgM concentrations were decreased compared to ELISA− cows, although this was only statistically significant for saliva IgM in cows with low PVL (p = 0.0424). Numerically, the average total IgA concentrations were 33.6% lower in milk and 23.7% lower in saliva, and the average total IgM concentrations were 42.4% lower in milk and 15.5% lower in saliva. No significant differences were observed in the total serum IgA concentrations, regardless of PVL and LC. The total serum IgM from ELISA+ cows was significantly decreased (p = 0.0223), with the largest decreases occurring in the highest PVL and LC subgroups. This pilot study is a first step in investigating the impact of BLV on mucosal immunity and will require further exploration in each of the various stages of disease progression.

Stock Market Volatility and Terrorism: New Evidence from the Markov Switching Model

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faheem Aslam ◽  
Hyoung-Goo Kang ◽  
Khurrum Shahzad Mughal ◽  
Tahir Mumtaz Awan ◽  
Yasir Tariq Mohmand
Keyword(s):  
Stock Market ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Market Volatility ◽  
Terrorist Attacks ◽  
Stock Market Volatility ◽  
Markov Switching Model ◽  
Physical Damage ◽  
Stock Market Returns ◽  
Switching Model ◽  
The Impact

AbstractTerrorism in Pakistan poses a significant risk towards the lives of people by violent destruction and physical damage. In addition to human loss, such catastrophic activities also affect the financial markets. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of terrorism on the volatility of the Pakistan stock market. The financial impact of 339 terrorist attacks for a period of 18 years (2000–2018) is estimated w.r.t. target type, days of the week, and surprise factor. Three important macroeconomic variables namely exchange rate, gold, and oil were also considered. The findings of the EGARCH (1, 1) model revealed that the terrorist attacks targeting the security forces and commercial facilities significantly increased the stock market volatility. The significant impact of terrorist attacks on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday confirms the overreaction of investors to terrorist news. Furthermore, the results confirmed the negative linkage between the surprise factor and stock market returns. The findings of this study have significant implications for investors and policymakers.

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