Factors associated with leg cleanliness of smallholder dairy cows in Kenya

Dairy cow cleanliness provides information about animal welfare, along with risk of diseases and quality of housing environments. This study determined animal- and farm-level factors associated with upper hind leg cleanliness in smallholder dairy cows. All lactating cows (n=234) on 118 randomly selected zero-grazing fams participated in this cross-sectional study between May to August 2015 in the Naari area of Meru County, Kenya. Cleanliness scores of hind legs were assessed visually on a 1-4 ordinal scale (clean to very soiled). Potential risk factors for poor leg cleanliness were evaluated by inspection of cows and their housing, along with a questionnaire about herd management. Descriptive statistics, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine factors associated with soiled legs (cleanliness score>2) in the analyses. Prevalence of soiled legs was 59.0% (137/234). In the final model, factors positively associated with soiled legs included failure of the knee wetness test on the stall floor (OR=11.2; 95%CI: 5.1, 24.7), animal restlessness in the stall (OR=4.9; 95%CI: 1.8, 13.5), and milk production in kg/cow/day (OR=1.09; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.16). Protective factors for soiled legs included having stalls without excessive space (OR=0.25; 95%CI: 0.11, 0.57), and having an intact stall roof (OR=0.34; 95%CI; 0.15, 0.76). Our results suggest that farmers should address both housing design (especially the roof and stall size) and management issues (especially stall cleanliness) to enhance leg cleanliness and animal welfare.

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Prevalence of cystic echinococcosis and associated risk factors among humans in Khartoum State, Central Sudan

International Health ◽

10.1093/inthealth/ihaa059 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mohamed E Ahmed ◽

Sara Siddig Abdalla ◽

Ibrahim A Adam ◽

Martin P Grobusch ◽

Imadeldin E Aradaib

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cystic Echinococcosis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Larval Stages ◽

Central Sudan ◽

Potential Risk Factors ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Abstract Background Hydatid disease or cystic echinococcosis (CE) is caused by the larval stages of the cestode parasite Echinococcus granulosus. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of seropositivity and to identify the risk factors associated with the disease among humans in Khartoum State, Central Sudan. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2017 and April 2018. A total of 305 randomly selected consenting participants from three localities were included in the current investigation using a multistage probability sampling method. An in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect immunoglobulin G antibodies to E. granulosus. The χ2 test and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the risk factors associated with CE seropositivity. Results A seroprevalence of 6.5% (20/305) was recorded among humans in Khartoum State, Central Sudan. Age (odds ratio [OR] 16.61 [confidence interval {CI} 2.21 to 117.92], p=0.006), locality (OR 3.08 [CI 1.42 to 22.54], p=0.011) and contact with dogs (OR 2.34 [CI 0.026 to 0.646], p=0.013) were recorded as potential risk factors for seropositivity to CE in the study area. Conclusions The seroprevalence of CE (6.5%) is high among humans in Khartoum State, Central Sudan. Improved surveillance is necessary to optimize control and prevention strategies for CE as an important neglected zoonotic disease among the human population in the study area of Central Sudan.

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A Cross-sectional Study of Reproductive Performance of Smallholder Dairy Cows in Coastal Tanzania

Tropical Animal Health and Production ◽

10.1007/s11250-005-1218-x ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 37 (6) ◽

pp. 513-525 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

E. S. Swai ◽

M. J. Bryant ◽

E. D. Karimuribo ◽

N. P. French ◽

N. H. Ogden ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Smallholder Dairy

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Risk factors associated with cows' lying time, stall and cows' own cleanliness in smallholder dairy farms in Kenya

Veterinary World ◽

10.14202/vetworld.2019.1085-1092 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (7) ◽

pp. 1085-1092

Author(s):

E. K. Kathambi ◽

J. A. VanLeeuwen ◽

G. K. Gitau ◽

C. Kamunde

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Management Practices ◽

Production Systems ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Farm Level ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Factors Associated ◽

The Mean ◽

Smallholder Dairy

Background and Aim: The welfare of animals kept in livestock production systems has raised concerns around the world. Adult dairy cattle require adequate rest and spend approximately 12 h/day lying down. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the stall factors and management practices affecting cows' lying time, stall cleanliness, and cows' cleanliness (udder and upper leg), in smallholder dairy cows in Meru County of Kenya. Materials and Methods: A total of 106 milking cows from 73 farms were assessed for daily lying time and cleanliness. Data loggers were used to record the lying time of cows for 3 days. Stall, udder, and upper leg cleanliness were assessed using a 5-score system: 1 (very clean) to 5 (very dirty). Management information was acquired using a questionnaire that was administered face-to-face to the farmers in their native Kimeru language. Univariable and multivariable linear and logistic regression models were fit to determine factors associated with cows' lying time and dichotomized stall and cows' own cleanliness, respectively. Results: The mean daily lying time was 10.9±2.2 h, and the mean stall cleanliness score was 2.4±1.0. The mean average cleanliness scores of the udder and upper legs were 1.9±0.7 and 2.5±1.1, respectively. Overall, 35% of the stalls were categorized as dirty (>2.5), whereas 13% and 47% of the cows had udder and leg cleanliness scores >2.5, respectively. From the final multivariable models (p<0.05), daily lying time increased by 1.0 h for cows older than 5.25 years versus younger cows. Conversely, lying time decreased by 1.0 h with stall cleanliness scores >2.5 and by 1.6 h with poorly positioned neck rails. In an interaction term, addition of new bedding at least once a day without removing stall manure at least once a day decreased the daily lying time of the cows by 1.5 h, whereas failure to add new bedding at least once a day but removing stall manure at least once a day decreased the lying time of the cows by 1.2 h. Farm-level risk factors for stall dirtiness (>2.5) included delayed cleaning of the alley (odds ratio [OR]=6.6, p=0.032), lack of bedding (OR=4.9, p=0.008), and standing idle and/or backward in the stall (OR=10.5, p=0.002). Stalls categorized as dirty (OR=2.9, p=0.041) and lack of bedding (OR=2.7, p=0.065) were cow- and farm-level risk factors for dirtiness of the udder (>2.5), respectively, whereas the stall being dirty (OR=2.3, p=0.043) was the only risk factor (cow level) for dirtiness of the upper legs (>2.5). Conclusion: It was recommended that farmers should pay attention to the specific factors identified regarding the stall design (e.g., neck rail position) and bedding/manure management that impact the cleanliness of cows and their lying time.

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Risk factors associated with subclinical mastitis in dairy cows reared in district Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir

Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences ◽

10.51966/jvas.2021.52.4.418-422 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Ali A. ◽

Ganie S.A. ◽

Mir M. R. ◽

Ahmad S.B. ◽

Bhat R.R. ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Subclinical Mastitis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Jammu And Kashmir ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Lactation Stage ◽

Holstein Friesian ◽

Intensive System

Subclinical mastitis is associated with certain risk factors such as age, lactation stage, milk production and parity. A cross sectional study including 135 cross bred Holstein Friesian dairy cows was undertaken from June 2017 to January 2019 in surrounding villages of district Ganderbal in order to identify major risk factors. The overall prevalence of SCM was 81.48%. The highest prevalence of subclinical mastitis associated with various risk factors was 48.1% (early lactation), 44.54% (5-7 years), 49.09% (>10 litres per day) and 30.90% (3rd parity) respectively. In intensive system of rearing, prevalence was 66.36% whereas in extensive 33.63% was found. In present study, single quarter was affected in 61.81% of SCM infections. In milking method, knuckling and stripping showed more incidence of SCM. In present study, moderate form of mastitis was more predominant (40.9%).

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A Cross-sectional Study on Infectious Health Risks Regarding Freshwater Sport Practice in Brittany, France

10.21203/rs.3.rs-454461/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Fanny Velardo ◽

Hanifa Bouziri ◽

Lucie Adélaïde ◽

Emma Oliosi ◽

Maylis Layan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Infectious Diseases ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Online Study ◽

Sport Practice ◽

Skin Symptoms ◽

Potential Risk Factors

Abstract Background: Freshwater sports can be associated with infections from pathogenic microorganisms. In French Brittany, such infections are a major concern since a leptospirosis outbreak in 2016. Objectives: We aimed to estimate the prevalence of infectious diseases related to the practice of freshwater sports and identify the factors associated with these pathologies in Brittany, France. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from March 18 to May 8, 2019, among freshwater sport licensees (online study) and clubs (phone study). Licensees were 18 years old or more, and practiced at least one freshwater sport, in one of the 79 Brittany clubs. Club presidents and instructors were also surveyed. We used logistic regression models to study the association between our variables of interest and potential risk factors. Results: In total, 551 licensees (20.3% of the total number of licensees) and 38 clubs (48.1%) were surveyed. A diagnosis of leptospirosis was reported by 29 (5.3%) licensees, of which 41.3% occurred in the last five years. The most reported symptoms were skin symptoms (24.3%) and 7.1% of individuals reported at least one hospitalization in their lifetime for a disease related to freshwater sports. The occurrence of leptospirosis was negatively associated with boarding from a pontoon (OR=0.20 [0.06-0.56]), practicing for less than 4 years (OR=0.17 [0.04-0.56]) compared to more than 10 years, and the occurrence of leptospirosis was positively associated with taking a soapy shower after practice (OR=4.38 [1.90-10.51]). Eskimo roll was positively associated with the occurrence of otitis and conjunctivitis (OR=3.22 [1.82-6.03]) and skin irritations (OR=1.66 [0.99-2.84]). Conclusion: This study provides a better understanding of the proportion and factors associated with infectious diseases linked to the practice of freshwater sports in French Brittany. Complementary studies are necessary to better understand the link between these diseases and the practice of freshwater sports.

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Major Causes of Calf Morbidity and Mortality in Smallholder Dairy Farms in Shashemene Town, Ethiopia

NASS Journal of Agricultural Sciences ◽

10.36956/njas.v3i2.375 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Abdela Edao ◽

Abdurahman Meribo

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Management Practices ◽

Dairy Farms ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Morbidity And Mortality ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Potential Risk Factors ◽

Smallholder Dairy ◽

Floor Condition ◽

Smallholder Dairy Farms

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the major causes of calf morbidity and mortality in smallholder dairy farms and associated potential risk factors in Shashemene. A total of 187 calves from 46 farms were included in the present study. The overall crude morbidity and crude mortality rates were 27.8% and 6.4%, respectively. The most frequent disease syndrome was diarrhea with incidence rate of 28(15%) followed by pneumonia 8(4.3%), Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorder 8(4.3%) and septicemia 5(2.7%). In addition skin lesion, navel ill and unidentified cases were encountered. The main causes of death were diarrhea 6(3.2%), Septicemia 2(1.1%), GIT disorder 2(1.1%), pneumonia 1(0.5%) and others 1(0.5%). The most important risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality were housing hygiene, floor condition and calf size in farm. Out of 187 calves examined for GIT parasites; 63(33.3%) were positive for nematode eggs. Prevalence of helminthes parasite increased with increasing age, showing higher prevalence (P<0.05) in calves above 2 months than in calves below 2 months of age. Besides, majority of the calves, 48(25.7%) were found positive for coccidian oocyst. In general; diarrhea, pneumonia and septicemia were the major causes of calf morbidity and mortality. Interms of risk factors housing hygiene, floor condition, calf size in the farms, age and breed were identified major role players. Therefore, identifying major causes and improving management practices and breed should be given to emphasis by advisory of smallholder dairy farms.

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Epidemiology of Bovine Mastitis and Associated Risk Factors in East Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Open Access Journal of Veterinary Science & Research ◽

10.23880/oajvsr-16000129 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Sadia Hajie

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Clinical Examination ◽

Bovine Mastitis ◽

Clinical Mastitis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Lactating Cows ◽

Stage Of Lactation ◽

California Mastitis Test ◽

Smallholder Dairy

A cross sectional study was conducted in selected districts of East Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional Stat from November 2013 to April 2014 on dairy cows to determine the prevalence of mastitis and determinant of its major risk factors. The study was done on 250 lactating cows, of which 109 were local and 14 1 cross breed by using clinical examination , California mastitis test (CMT) and culture. Of these 108 (43.2 %) were positive by clinical examination and CMT for clinical and sub clinical mastitis, with prevalence of 4 % and 38.8 %, respectively. All the p otential risk factors considered in this study namely, parity ( p < 0.05), breed (p< 0.05), age (p < 0.05), stage of lactation (p < 0.05),breed (p < 0.05) and husbandry (p < 0.05) showed a significant effect on prevalence of mastitis in present study. Thus , high prevalencence of mastitis was observed in older cows >7 years and cows with parity >7 but high prevalence was obtained on early and late stage of lactation. The study also revealed that cross breed lactating cows and those managed intensively were s usceptible to mastitis. The highly prevalent bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aurous (46 %) followed by Streptococcus agalactiae which accounts (19.4 %), and others were Staphylococcus intermidius, E. coli and Corynebacterial species with respective pr oportion of 16.6, 10.9 and 7.1%. The present study also revealed that mastitis is the major problem in smallholder dairy farms in the study area specially the sub clinical form, so that creation of awareness about the importance and prevention of subclinic al mastitis among smallholder dairy farmers, milking infected animals and periodic monitoring of infection status of the udder is recommended.

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Prevalence and potential risk factors associated with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in Dairy farms

Mansoura Veterinary Medical Journal ◽

10.35943/mvmj.2020.21.2.0204 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 39-47

Author(s):

Mohamed El-Fateh ◽

Adel El-Gohary ◽

Mona Elsayed ◽

Fatma El-Gohary

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Staphylococcus Aureus ◽

Environmental Samples ◽

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

P Value ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Potential Risk Factors

Objective: A cross sectional study was conducted between June 2017 and August 2018 in around Dakahlia governorate to identify Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and to determine risk factors associated with the occurrence of mastitis in dairy cows. Design: Cross sectional study Animals and samples: 130 dairy cattle (744 samples) and 181 environmental samples (36 bedding, 37 bulk tank milk BTM, 27 feed troughs, 27 water troughs, 27 milk linear and 27 worker’s nasal swabs), with a total of 925 samples were studied. Procedures: Three hundred and seventy-two quarters were examined to detect clinical and subclinical mastitis by physical examinations and California mastitis test. In addition, bacteriological isolation and identification of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA were carried on the above milk samples of above mentioned quarters, teat swabs and environmental samples. Results: The overall prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA was 59.4 and 22.4, respectively. The MRSA were more prevalent in mastitic quarter (X2 = 31.146, P-value = 0.000), Holstein Friesian breed (P-value = 0.021), Old aged dairy cattle (>8 years) (P-value = 0.000), Multiparous cows (P-value = 0.000), large herd size (>=2000) (P-value = 0.000). Conclusion and clinical relevance: The present result indicates that MRSA is a major cause of mastitis in dairy farms at northern Egypt, where one of the key elements for controlling its spreading depends mainly on determining its potential risk factors responsible for its existence.

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Carpal, tarsal, and stifle skin lesion prevalence and potential risk factors in Swiss dairy cows kept in tie stalls: A cross-sectional study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0228808 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. e0228808 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Johanna Karin Bernhard ◽

Beatriz Vidondo ◽

Rahel Lisa Achermann ◽

Rahel Rediger ◽

Kerstin Elisabeth Müller ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Skin Lesion ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Potential Risk ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Potential Risk Factors

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Seroprevalence of Bluetongue Virus in Dairy Herds with Reproductive Problems in Sudan

ISRN Veterinary Science ◽

10.1155/2014/595724 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-4 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Amira Mohamed Elhassan ◽

Mohamed Abdalla Fadol ◽

Abdel Rahim Mohamed El Hussein

Keyword(s):

Bluetongue Virus ◽

Neonatal Death ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Dairy Herds ◽

Sectional Study ◽

High Seroprevalence ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Potential Risk Factors

The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to determine the seroprevalence of blue tongue virus (BTV) and assess potential risk factors associated with BTV infection in dairy cattle with reproductive problems in Sudan. Serum samples were collected from a total of 784 animals from 37 herds and tested for antibodies against BTV using cELISA. A total of 663 out of 784 (84.57%) sera tested proved positive for BTV antibodies in all farms tested in Khartoum and Gazira States. The prevalence of antibodies was high in both areas being 94.32% in Gazira State and 76.62% in Khartoum State. BTV antibodies prevalence were significantly higher (P<0.000) in older animals than in younger ones. These rates were also significantly higher in the rainy season (P<0.000) and in Gazira State compared to Khartoum State. Sex also showed significant (P<0.000) differences in the seroprevalence, whereby females (74.7%) had higher level than males (9.8%). However, no significant (P>0.09) variations for BTV seroprevalence were observed between breeds. The BTV antibodies prevalence in infertility cases (86.6%) was not significantly different from that found in abortion (74.3%) or neonatal death (66.7%) cases. The high seroprevalence of BTV recorded herein calls for control strategy to be implemented.

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