scholarly journals Study of animal welfare status in dairy cow herds in Hungary

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 509-516 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.T. Gudaj ◽  
E. Brydl ◽  
J. Lehoczky ◽  
I. Komlósi
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Normal Behaviour ◽  
Preliminary Results ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Welfare Measures

Animal welfare is a hot topic among consumers, producers and researches nowadays. The major welfare problems of dairy cows are mastitis, lameness, and any conditions which lead to impaired reproduction, inability to express normal behaviour, emergency physiological responses or injury. This paper summarizes preliminary results of project taken in 27 Hungarian dairy farms evaluating general animal welfare. The most important areas for improving animals? wellbeing are related to facilities and comfort of resting. Findings include slippery floors, cows struggling laying and standing in cubicles. Other measures include hair loss, hocks, neck rail injuries and number of thin cows (Body Condition Score 1 and 2). Mouldy silage and low quality of other feedstuff was also found. In conclusion, preliminary results confirm strong demand for monitoring farms and discussions with managers and farmers about welfare measures needed to be taken on farms immediately.

scholarly journals A Longitudinal Study of Lameness Incidence and Association with Animal-Based Welfare Measures in Dairy Cows

2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Babatunde Sadiq ◽  
Siti Zubaidah Ramanoon ◽  
Wan Mastura Shaik Mossadeq ◽  
Rozaihan Mansor ◽  
Sharifah Salmah Syed-Hussain
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Claw Lesions ◽  
Welfare Measures

The objective of this study was to investigate time to lameness event, prevalence of claw lesions, and their associations with animal-based welfare measures (ABWMs) in dairy cows. A total of 120 non-lame lactating cows (n = 30 each from four intensive dairy farms) having no claw lesion were enrolled in the study. The cow-level enrollment criteria included good body condition score (BCS), normal hock condition score, absence of body injuries, and normal claw length. Information on cows’ parity, milk yield, and previous lameness event (PLE) were recorded. The cows were observed twice monthly (every 2 weeks) for locomotion scores (LS), and ABWMs, whereas claw lesions were recorded upon onset of lameness and at the end of the observation period. Cows were considered lame when 2 consecutive LS = 3, or any assessment with score 4. Cox regression models were used to investigate lameness incidence and the association with ABWMs, while association between the latter and claw horn lesions (CHL) prevalence were analyzed using logistic regression models. Twenty-four percent (29/120) of the cows were lame during the study period. Lameness risk was associated with PLE (Hazard ratio; HR = 7.4; 95% CI 2.4-23.0), presence of overgrown claw (HR = 3.7; 95% CI 1.1-12.6) and low BCS pre-lame (HR = 4.5; 95% CI 1.3-16.6). Amongst the cows affected with claw lesions, 68.4% (37/44) were lame and CHL were predominant (75.4%) compared to infectious claw lesions (24.7%). Cows with lower BCS (< 3.0) (OR = 5.7; 95% CI 1.6- 20.4) and those with PLE (OR = 7.2; 95% CI = 2.1-24.7) were more likely to have CHL. Management practices such as maintaining cows’ body condition, improved care for those with history of lameness, and proper claw trimming could assist farmers to reduce lameness incidence in the studied herds.

scholarly journals Embryonic mortality in Holstein cows on one’s farm

2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 211-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra Puklová ◽  
Jan Šubrt ◽  
Dušan Skrip ◽  
Radek Filipčík
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
The Body ◽  
Embryonic Mortality ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Positive Effect

The objective of our research was to evaluate the effect of some factors on the embryonic mortality of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows in a herd. Monitoring was conducted in the course of three years (2006–2009) at a level of (9330–8970) kg/dairy cow per lactation. We monitored the reproduction parameters of 209 dairy cows (1st to 8th lactation). Ultrasonography was used to diagnose gravidity, and/or embryonic mortality, in each cow 6 times, at regular 4-day intervals between days 22 and 42 after insemination. We analysed the effect of 3 factors on embryonic mortality: age, body condition score and season of the year at the time of insemination. Embryonic mortality relative to the age of the female was significantly the lowest (20.69 %) in cows aged 42 to 47 months (3.5–3.9 years); high embryonic mortality (45.46 %) was recorded in the youngest females of 24 to 29 months of age (2.0–2.4 years). The results indicated that the body condition score of the cow at the time of insemination had a statistically significant (P > 0.01) effect on embryonic mortality (EM). Embryonic mortality was the lowest when the body condition of the cow was “ideal”, i.e. 5 points of the BCS (at the most 9 points). The season of the year when insemination was carried out had a positive effect on embryonic mortality.

IN VIVO ESTIMATION OF BODY LIPID MOBILIZATION AND RECONSTITUTION IN DAIRY CATTLE

1984 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 236-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. CHILLIARD ◽  
B. REMOND ◽  
J. ROBELIN
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Adipocyte Size ◽  
Body Lipid ◽  
Lipid Mobilization ◽  
Feeding Level ◽  
Predictive Methods ◽  
Condition Score

Energy balance, FFA concentration, adipocyte size, estimated empty body weight, body condition score were in agreement with D2O dilution space as predictive methods of lipid mobilization or deposition in dairy cows. Lipids mobilized during weeks 1–8 of lactation were 15–40 kg according to milk production and feeding level Key words: Dairy cow, body lipid variations, in vivo estimation of

Production response to increased calcium salts of palm fatty acids in dairy cows

2003 ◽  
Vol 2003 ◽  
pp. 125-125
Author(s):  
T. Goodman ◽  
N. Gardner ◽  
C. Lord ◽  
A. Nickson ◽  
J. Long
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Feed Ingredient ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Production Response ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Effect Of Feeding

High levels of dietary concentrates are often used to support milk production and it is important to investigate ways to feed them efficiently. Fats have the greatest energy density of any feed ingredient and the inclusion of protected fats in the dairy cow ration enables a high energy but balanced ration to be fed. The aim of this trial was to investigate the effect of feeding different levels of Megalac (Volac International Ltd, Herts) to dairy cows and to compare milk yield, milk composition, fertility and body condition score (BCS).

scholarly journals A systematic review and meta-analyses of risk factors associated with lameness in dairy cows

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas W. Oehm ◽  
Gabriela Knubben-Schweizer ◽  
Anna Rieger ◽  
Alexander Stoll ◽  
Sonja Hartnack
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Background Lameness in dairy cows has been an ongoing concern of great relevance to animal welfare and productivity in modern dairy production. Many studies have examined associations between various factors related to housing, management, and the individual animal and the occurrence of lameness. The objective of this systematic review was to answer the research question “what are risk factors associated with lameness in dairy cows that are housed in free stall barns or tie stall facilities”. Furthermore, we performed a synthesis of current evidence on certain risk factors by means of a meta-analysis to illustrate the strength of their association with bovine lameness. Results Following pre-defined procedures and inclusion criteria in accordance with the PRISMA statement, two observers independently included 53 articles out of a pool of 1941 articles which had been retrieved by a broad literature research in a first step. 128 factors that have been associated with lameness were identified in those papers. Meta-analyses were conducted for five factors presented in six different studies: Body condition score, presence of claw overgrowth, days in milk, herd size, and parity. Results indicated that a body condition score of ≤2.5/5 is associated with increased odds of lameness. A higher risk of being lame was found for the presence of claw overgrowth, the first 120 days in milk, larger herd sizes, and increasing parity. Throughout the study, we encountered profound difficulties in retrieving data and information of sufficient quality from primary articles as well as in recovering comparable studies. Conclusions We learned that an abundance of literature on bovine lameness exists. To adequately address a problem of this importance to both animal welfare and economic viability, solid evidence is required in the future to develop effective intervention strategies. Therefore, a consistent working definition of lameness and specific risk factors should be an option to consider.

scholarly journals Study of animal welfare status in dairy cow herds in Hungary – looking for causes of lameness

2011 ◽  
pp. 25-29
Author(s):  
Richard Gudaj ◽  
István Komlósi ◽  
Endre Brydl
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Prevention Plan

In the last 20-30 years, lameness in cattle was found to be third the most influential disease next to mastitis and reproduction disorders. Studies have been established to explore reasons for lameness and prevention. The problem with more robust prevention plans is that knowledge and research evidence is not strong enough to run an effective prevention plan. The aim of the research is to look for reasons of lameness by observing number of cows on 6 farms during 2 lactations. Performance data will be put together to body condition score (BCS) and lameness scores. Other examination is focused on monitoring of 40 farms. This part of the project is more related to extension, collecting and sharing solutions for decreasing lameness. Producers are advised what kind of measures are possible to reduce occurrence of lameness. Effectiveness of those actions will be measured at the end of the study. The first preliminary results show lack in almost all preventive measures needed to be taken in minimizing lameness. Those areas are related to poor facilities, lack of straw, problems with labor and basic management.

scholarly journals Welfare parameters in dairy cows reared in tie-stall and open-stall farming systems: pilot study

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 809
Author(s):  
M. N. BENVENUTI ◽  
L. GIULIOTTI ◽  
C. LOTTI ◽  
P. A. ACCORSI ◽  
C. A. PETRULLI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Multiple Indicators ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Condition Score

Animals can experience pain or distress as a result of widely accepted management practices. In dairy cattle, housing system can affect animal welfare. The assessment of animal welfare requires the use of multiple indicators in order to analyse the heterogeneity of the aspects involved. The aim of this study was to compare the welfare of dairy cows reared in a tie-stall (TS) and open-stall (OS) system by metabolic, immunological and stress related parameters. The study involved 80 pluriparous lactating cows belonging to eight dairy farms located in the area of Mugello (Florence, Italy) reared in TS and OS systems. Ten blood samples were collected at morning time to measure alanine-aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), creatinine (Creat), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), total proteins (TP), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), serum lisozyme (SL), bactericidal activity (SBA), haptoglobin (Hp), oxygen free radicals (OFR), and hair cortisol levels. At the same time a body condition score (BCS) was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA. The experiment was carried out in accordance with European Commission regulations (Directive 2010/63/EC and Directive 98/58/EC). The results showed that the housing system affected various parameters such as ALT, BHBA, OFR, cortisol (P≤0.01) and AST, BUN (P≤0.05). Most of these parameters showed mean values within the range of reference without revealing any signs of suffering. An interesting outcome regarded the OFR levels, which was higher in the OS system (68.2±34.51 U.Carr. vs 36.1±21.39 U.Carr.), probably as a consequence of the high productive effort. In conclusion, it is possible to state that TS did not show a comparable overall situation with serious signs of welfare impairment.

scholarly journals On-farm welfare assessment of dairy cattle by animal-linked parameters in Bangladesh

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 417-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamir Ahsan ◽  
M Ariful Islam ◽  
Md Taohidul Islam
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Joint Injury ◽  
Hind Limbs ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
And Performance

The present study was conducted in 33 dairy farms to evaluate the welfare quality of Australian-zebu cross bred cows through some animal-based welfare indicators. The main aims of this research were to identify welfare issues facing dairy cows and investigate whether indicators are associated with measures of welfare and performance efficiency. The assessment of animal welfare was performed (330 animals) Australian-cross breed in family dairy farms at Sirajganj district of Bangladesh. Data were collected through face-to-face interview with farmers, followed by an inspection and observation of dairy cows. A total 330 females (43 heifers and 287 cows) were included in this study. Body condition, body cleanliness, injury, lameness, health status and milk yield were assessed. Among studied animals, body condition score 2 about (65.5%), hock joint injury (83.6%), knee injury (48.8%), and a pronounced state of poor cleanliness on: dirty udder (55.9%), flank (55.0%) and hind limbs (96.4%) were observed. Health status including diarrhea, respiratory distress, coughing, nasal and ocular discharge were present in some animals. The results indicate that very good BCS and mastitis free cows are related to higher milk yields. Results of this study may indicate the some indicators that influence the animal welfare and productivity in selected farms. As this work was a preliminary study, so the comprehensive research is needed to further develop the prototype protocol.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.3(3): 417-424, December 2016

The effect of energy balance and condition score on early lactation fertility in two genetic lines of Holstein cattle maintained in two contrasting feeding systems

2007 ◽  
Vol 2007 ◽  
pp. 56-56
Author(s):  
G. E. Pollott ◽  
M. P. Coffey
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Explanatory Factors ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Feeding Systems

The ability of high-yielding modern dairy cows to perform in the range of systems found on UK dairy farms, and to be profitable and sustainable, needs investigating. As part of a project to study the robustness of such animals, milk-progesterone profiling was used to investigate the reproductive performance of two genotypes of dairy cow on two production systems (Pollott and Coffey, 2006). In this paper differences in fertility between genotypes and systems was investigated using energy balance (EB) and body condition score (CS) as explanatory factors.

scholarly journals Study of animal welfare status in dairy cow herds in Hungary – looking for causes of lameness

2012 ◽  
pp. 47-50
Author(s):  
Richard Gudaj ◽  
István Komlósi ◽  
Endre Brydl
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Prevention Plan

In the last 20–30 years lameness in cattle was found to be third the most influential disease next to mastitis and reproduction disorders. Studies have been established to explore reasons for lameness and prevention. The problem with more robust prevention plans is that knowledge and research evidence is not strong enough to run an effective prevention plan. The aim of the research is to look for reasons of lameness by observing number of cows on 6 farms during 2 lactations. Performance data will be put together to body condition score (BCS) and lameness scores. Other examination is focused on monitoring of 40 farms. This part of the project is more related to extension, collecting and sharing solutions for decreasing lameness. Producers are advised what kind of measures are possible to reduce occurrence of lameness. Effectiveness of those actions will be measured at the end of the study. The first preliminary results show lack in almost all preventive measures needed to be taken in minimising lameness. Those areas are related to poor facilities, lack of straw, problems with labour and basic management.

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