Strategic use of crutching and dicyclanil to protect unmulesed sheep against breech strike

Objective   To test strategies for the application of dicyclanil and mid-season crutching to maximise protection of unmulesed sheep against breech strike.
Procedure   Three hundred and eighty unmulesed Merino weaners were randomly allocated to four groups either left untreated or treated by different strategies with 50 g/L dicyclanil. Treatments included breech treatment alone and breech plus body treatment, with two application times, immediately after shearing and 6 weeks after crutching or shearing. To assess protection, larval implants with newly hatched Lucilia cuprina larvae were applied to 10 different sheep from each group at 3, 4, 5 and 6 months after crutching and shearing and assessed for the development of strike at 48 hours. The concentration of dicyclanil was measured in wool samples clipped from the breeches of the test sheep.
Results   All dicyclanil treatments gave significant reduction in strike in comparison to controls up until 4 months after crutching but protection in the sheep treated immediately after shearing had waned at 5 months. Treating at 6 weeks after crutching provided significant reduction ( P < 0.05) in strike for 6 months. Results for strike incidence immediately after shearing and concentration of dicyclanil in the breech wool also suggested improvements in protection by delaying treatment for 6 weeks.
Conclusion   In most environments it should be possible to protect unmulesed sheep against breech strike with a carefully planned integrated control program incorporating strategically timed crutching, shearing and dicyclanil application. Delaying treatment with dicyclanil to at least 6 weeks after shearing or crutching increased the protection provided in comparison to treatment immediately after shearing.     

The use of high-energy electrons to depilate the breech of sheep

The use of high-energy electrons for permanently depilating areas of sheep skin was evaluated. The most effective dose of electrons for depilation was 17.5Gy. Histological changes in skin treated at this dose were examined in one sheep over 18 months and in 5 sheep over 89 d. Effects of treatment on bodyweight gains and fleece growth were examined by comparing the productivity of a further 5 sheep treated on the breech with high-energy electrons, with that of conventionally mulesed sheep (n = 5) and untreated controls (n = 5). Electron treatment resulted in immediate death of cells in the germinative region of the wool follicle bulbs. Within 10 d of treatment the treated areas were completely depilated. Wool follicle shafts in the treated areas regressed rapidly towards the epidermis and remained quiescent for the whole trial (89 d). A sheep treated 18 months previously has remained largely depilated, although a few sparse fibres are present. Epidermal acanthosis and orthokeratosis were present at 26 d after treatment. The thickened stratum corneum then sloughed off, but the epidermis remained acanthotic for the entire trial. Sweat glands and most sebaceous glands were destroyed by the treatment and were replaced by fibrotic, avascular tissue in the dermis. In all other respects the external appearance of the electron-treated breech was similar to that of mulesed sheep. There were no apparent side-effects of treatment. Neither mulesing nor electron treatment altered weight gains or fleece growth rates.     

Dominance rank, fear scores and reproduction in cockerels

Cockerels were tested for dominance rank (509 tests) and sexual activity (79 tests). Fear responses to a human were estimated using a five-point scale (264 tests). The sexual activity of calm cockerels was 135.5 units, and that of fearful ones 66.6 units (P less than 0.05). There was a tendency to better fertility by cockerels from the first group (86.4% to 81.1%). In addition, eggs from this group showed improved hatchability compared with the fearful ones (88.5% to 77.6%). There was no clear relationship between dominance rank and fear score.     

Effect of plastic occlusive clips used as an alternative to mulesing on breech conformation, body weight and survival of Merino lambs

Objective To determine the effect of applying plastic clips to the breech and tail of lambs on the perineal and tail bare areas, breech wrinkle, dag (faecal) accumulation, urine stain, body weight and survival of lambs, compared with unclipped, unmulesed lambs and mulesed lambs. Method The study was conducted on five commercial wool‐growing farms in southern Australia. On each study site lambs (2–12‐weeks‐old) were divided into three groups: (1) unclipped, unmulesed control (tail dock only); (2) treated with clips; and (3) treated with the mules operation. Evaluations of effects, including visual scoring, bare area measurements and body weight, were performed before treatment and on or approximately days 30, 60, 90 and 180 after treatment. On each occasion, lambs were recorded as either present or absent to allow estimates of survival. Results The clip treatment increased the size of the perineal and tail bare areas compared with the unclipped, unmulesed control lambs (P < 0.05), although the increases were less than in mulesed lambs (P < 0.05). The clips reduced breech wrinkle, dag and urine stain to levels partway between those recorded in the unclipped, unmulesed controls and the mulesed lambs (P < 0.05). Clipped lambs weighed more than mulesed lambs after treatment (days 30–90 P < 0.001; day 180 P < 0.01) and had higher cumulative percentage survival to 90 days after treatment (P = 0.03). Conclusions The clips successfully modified the breech region of lambs, although the changes were less than with mulesing. The clips did not reduce the body weight of lambs, compared with the unclipped, unmulesed control lambs, and improved 90‐day cumulative percentage survival compared with mulesed lambs.     

Associations between lamb growth to weaning and dam udder and teat scores

ABSTRACT

Aims: To investigate associations between lamb growth to weaning and dam udder and teat scores measured at pre-mating, pre-lambing, docking and weaning.

Methods: Mature Romney ewes (n?=?1,009) were enrolled from a commercial sheep flock located near Masterton, in the Wellington region of New Zealand in 2017. A range of udder and teat traits were scored in all ewes, using visual assessment and palpation, at pre-mating, pre-lambing, docking and weaning. During the lambing period, each newborn lamb was matched to its dam and lamb sex, birthweight and birth-rank were recorded. A rearing rank was allocated to each live-lamb at weaning, when all lambs were weighed (n?=?1,570), allowing calculation of daily growth rates (g/day). Associations between udder and teat scores and lamb growth rates to weaning were examined using multivariable models for each udder-scoring time.

Results: Growth rates of lambs whose dams had udder palpation scores of hard, or both teats recorded as abnormal, pre-mating were lower than lambs whose dams had normal scores (229.9 (95% CI?=?213.2–246.6) vs. 254.5 (95% CI?=?245.6–263.5) g/day; p?=?0.011) and (227.4 (95% CI?=?208.3–246.6) vs. 247.9 (95% CI?=?235.7–260.2) g/day; p?=?0.024), respectively. Growth rates of lambs whose dams had clinical mastitis at docking or weaning were lower than those without mastitis (215.8 (95% CI?=?199.9–231.7) vs. 235.4 (95% CI?=?225.4–255.0) g/day; p?=?0.007) and (220.0 (95% CI?=?205.2–234.8) vs. 254.7 (95% CI?=?248.9–260.5) g/day; p?<?0.001), respectively. Growth rates of lambs whose dams had asymmetrical udders at docking or weaning were lower than lambs whose dams had symmetrical udders (204.6 (95% CI?=?189.7–219.5) vs. 240.2 (95% CI?=?225.4–255.0) g/day; p?<?0.001) and (223.3 (95% CI?=?213.9–232.7) vs. 242.2 (95% CI?=?229.4–255.0) g/day; p?=?0.014), respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Pre-mating udder palpation and teat palpation scores can be used to identify ewes whose lambs are predicted to have lower growth to weaning. Assuming a mean lamb age at weaning of 84.4 days, lambs born to ewes with a pre-mating score of hard would be expected to have a mean weaning weight that was 2.1?kg less than those whose dams had normal scores. Udder palpation, udder symmetry and clinical mastitis scores during lactation were also associated with lamb growth rates.

Abbreviation: CALW: Conceptus-adjusted liveweight     

Products to alleviate the effects of necrotic enteritis and aflatoxin on growth performance,lesion scores,and mortality in young broilers

This study investigated the effects of necrotic enteritis challenge or a necrotic enteritis challenge with an additional challenge from dietary aflatoxin B₁ compared to broilers that were unchallenged. Also tested were products designed to help alleviate those effects. Lesion scores were higher in broilers challenged to induce necrotic enteritis, but this did not increase with added aflatoxin. The presence of dietary aflatoxin during a necrotic enteritis challenge significantly increased the negative effects of the necrotic enteritis challenge. During the necrotic enteritis challenge virginiamycin, Calibrin-Z, or a blend of Calibrin-Z, an organic acid, and yucca, helped to decrease the effects of the challenge. When birds are challenged with necrotic enteritis and dietary aflatoxin is present, Calibrin-Z had an advantage over all other tested products.     

Genetic analysis of growth,visual scores,height, and carcass traits in Nelore cattle

Covariance components were estimated for growth traits (BW, birth weight; WW, weaning weight; YW, yearling weight), visual scores (BQ, breed quality; CS, conformation; MS, muscling; NS, navel; PS, finishing precocity), hip height (HH), and carcass traits (BF, backfat thickness; LMA, longissimus muscle area) measured at yearling. Genetic gains were obtained and validation models on direct and maternal effects for BW and WW were fitted. Genetic correlations of growth traits with CS, PS, MS, and HH ranged from 0.20 ± 0.01 to 0.94 ± 0.01 and were positive and low with NS (0.11 ± 0.01 to 0.20 ± 0.01) and favorable with BQ (0.14 ± 0.02 to 0.37 ± 0.02). Null to moderate genetic correlations were obtained between growth and carcass traits. Genetic gains were positive and significant, except for BW. An increase of 0.76 and 0.72 kg is expected for BW and WW, respectively, per unit increase in estimated breeding value (EBV) for direct effect and an additional 0.74 and 1.43, respectively, kg per unit increase in EBV for the maternal effect. Monitoring genetic gains for HH and NS is relevant to maintain an adequate body size and a navel morphological correction, if necessary. Simultaneous selection for growth, morphological, and carcass traits in line with improve maternal performance is a feasible strategy to increase herd productivity.     

The relationship of various muscular and skeletal scores and ultrasound measurements in the live animal,and carcass classification scores with carcass composition and value of bulls

The relationships of live animal muscular and skeletal scores and ultrasound measurements and carcass conformation and fat scores with carcass composition and value were determined using 74 bulls. The animals consisted of 53 late-maturing breed crosses and 21 Holstein–Friesian slaughtered at 13 to 17 months of age. They were offered concentrates ad-libitum and 1 kg of grass silage dry matter per head daily for the final 139 day finishing period. Live animal muscular and skeletal scores and ultrasonic muscle and fat depth measurements of the M. longissimus dorsi were recorded at 8 to 12 months of age and pre-slaughter. Following slaughter, carcasses were classified for conformation and fatness and the right side of each carcass was dissected into meat, fat and bone. Carcass conformation and fat scores, (scale 1 to 15) ranged from 4.7 to 14.4 and 2.7 to 11.5, respectively. Pre-slaughter muscular scores showed significant positive correlations with kill-out proportion (r = 0.82), carcass meat proportion (r = 0.72), conformation score (r = 0.94), carcass value (r = 0.72), and the proportion of high-value meat cuts in the carcass (r = 0.49), and significant negative correlations with carcass bone (r = − 0.89) and fat (r = − 0.32) proportions. The associations between pre-slaughter muscular scores and proportion of high-value cuts in meat, perinephric plus retroperitoneal fat and fat score were not significant. Corresponding correlations with muscular scores at 8 to 12 months of age were generally lower than those recorded pre-slaughter. Correlations of ultrasound muscle depth with carcass traits showed similar trends but lower values to those obtained using the muscular scoring procedure. Ultrasound fat depth pre-slaughter was positively correlated with carcass fat proportion (r = 0.56) and fat score (r = 0.54), and negatively correlated with carcass meat proportion, proportion of high-value cuts and carcass value. Correlations with other carcass traits were not significant. Correlations of live animal skeletal scores with carcass traits were generally non-significant. A one unit (scale 1–15) increase in carcass conformation score was associated with significant increases in kill-out proportion, meat yield and carcass value of 11.9 g/kg, 11.9 g/kg and 5.8 cent/kg, respectively. Corresponding effects for a one unit change in fat score were − 2.9 g/kg, − 11.1 g/kg and − 4.9 c/kg. In conclusion, live animal muscular scores and ultrasound measurements and carcass conformation and fat scores were shown to be useful predictors of carcass composition and value.     

Genetic evaluation of elbow scores and the relationship with hip scores in UK Labrador retrievers

A linear mixed model analysis of elbow and hip score data from UK Labrador retrievers was used to estimate the heritability of elbow score (0.16-0.19) and to determine a moderate and beneficial genetic correlation with hip score (0.40). A small improvement in the genetic trend of elbow score was observed during the years 2000-2008, equivalent to avoiding only the worst 3-4% of scored dogs for breeding, but close to what may have been anticipated if the current British Veterinary Association-approved guidelines were followed. Calculations suggested that a correlated response to indirect selection on hip score may elicit a greater response than direct selection on elbow score and that the genetic trend in elbow score may be explained as a consequence of the stronger selection pressure that has been placed on hip score. Increases in the accuracy of estimated breeding values for elbow score of 4-7% for dogs with elbow data only and 7-11% for dogs with both hip and elbow score were observed from bivariate analysis of elbow and hip data. A selection index confirmed the benefits of bivariate analysis of elbow and hip score data by identifying increases in accuracy (directly related to the response to selection) of 14% from the use of optimum coefficients compared to use of hip data only. The quantified genetic correlation means that hip score effectively acts as a 'secondary indicator' of elbow score in this breed and the preponderance of hip data means that it acts as a major source of information that may be used to improve the accuracy of estimates of genetic risk for elbow dysplasia.     

Weight necessary to change body condition scores in Angus cow

Weights and body condition scores (BCS) were measured and assessed on Angus females (n = 367) over 14 yr (1981 to 1994) to allow calculation of weight adjustments for different BCS. Data were collected at five time periods: prepartum, postpartum, prebreeding, postbreeding, and midgestation. Individual cows with multiple records were included in the analysis as repeated measures to yield 3,912 total observations. Body condition score was assigned on a scale of 1 = emaciated to 9 = obese. Only BCS 2 through 8 were analyzed, as there were zero recorded observations of BCS 1 or 9. The final model included age and the time period by BCS interaction as fixed effects. Year by animal within age interaction and a residual error term were treated as random effects. Animal was included to correct for repeated measures across time periods and years for individual animals. All these effects were significant (P < 0.0001). Weight adjustments for BCS were calculated for each time period. Cow weight and weight adjustments for BCS were not consistent for each time period. Overall weight adjustments to adjust cows to BCS of 5 were (kg +/- SEM) BCS = 2 (68 +/- 12), BCS = 3 (50 +/- 4), BCS = 4 (21 +/- 1), BCS = 5 (0), BCS = 6(-24 +/- 2), BCS = 7(-51 +/- 3), and BCS = 8 (-73 +/- 7).     

疏枝对紫花苜蓿倒伏状况、种子产量和产量构成因子的影响

2003—2004年在甘肃酒泉地区研究了疏枝对紫花苜蓿Medicago sativa产量和其种子产量构成因素的影响,结果表明,疏枝对提高紫花苜蓿种子产量具有明显的作用(P<0.05)。疏枝降低了单位面积的生殖枝数,提高了花序数/枝条、结荚花序数/枝条和荚果数/结荚花序(P<0.05),但对种子数/荚果和种子质量没有显著影响(P>0.05)。种子标准发芽试验的结果表明,疏枝对紫花苜蓿种子萌发没有显著的影响(P>0.05)。     

Correlations between acute radiation scores and pain scores in canine radiation patients with cancer of the forelimb

Objective To determine whether there is a correlation between skin acute radiation score (ARS) and pain scores and to determine if skin ARSs can be used to predict future pain scores and increased need for analgesia in dogs undergoing radiation therapy for cancer of the forelimb. Study design Prospective observational study. Animals Seven middle‐aged dogs of various breeds with cancer of the forelimb. Methods Each neoplasm was surgically removed and a histologic diagnosis was obtained. Curative intent radiation therapy was initiated 2½–4½ weeks after surgery. Curative intent radiation therapy was delivered as prescribed. Two trained observers scored the dogs using a visual analog pain scale (VAS), Glasgow composite measure of pain scale, short form (GCMPS) and skin ARS prior to each day’s therapy. Daily scores were averaged and scatter plots were developed. Generalized estimating equation regressions were used to calculate standard error, 95% confidence interval, and p‐values for each relationship. Confidence and prediction bands were plotted. Results A statistically significant correlation between skin ARS and VAS and GCMPS pain scores was identified indicating that as the skin ARS increased so did the pain scores. A general correlation between VAS and GCMPS scores was observed. Early (fraction days 1–6) GCMPS scores were significantly influenced by anxiety behavior unrelated to pain. Skin ARS was found to predict precisely current and future presence of pain, but could only predict a range of potential future pain scores based on the pain management approach in use during this study. Conclusions Skin ARS can provide valuable information for initiating preemptive analgesia and intensifying pain management during curative intent radiation therapy. Daily pain scoring with an acceptable pain scale should be used in conjunction with the skin ARS to improve patient pain management. Clinical relevance Pain is an anticipated consequence of curative intent radiation therapy. Understanding the correlation between pain and skin ARS may facilitate more effective pain management.     

Converting to organic dairy farming: Consequences for production, somatic cell scores and calving interval of first parity Holstein cows

This paper aims to describe the changes prompted by conversion to organic farming for milk production and fertility of first parity Holstein cows.

Data was collected for Dutch organic farms, with a distinction made between long-standing-organic farms, converted organic farms and a reference group of conventional farms. The percentage Holstein blood in the herds, milk production (kg milk, % milk fat, % milk protein), somatic cell scores (SCS), calving interval (CI) and age at first calving (AFC) were described over time. An animal model was used to estimate the effects of conversion on different traits based on data from converted organic farms.

Milk production was lower and somatic cell counts were higher on long-standing-organic farms than on conventional and converted organic farms. Interestingly, at pre-organic farms, i.e. before their conversion, the milk production level was already lower than at conventional farms.

The estimates from our statistical analysis showed a highly significant decrease in milk yield and protein percentage due to conversion. Also fat content decreased, SCS increased and AFC increased significantly.

It can be concluded that the conversion to organic farming is a gradual process over years. Dutch farmers who decided during the late 1990s to convert to organic farming, represented a specific group of farmers distinct from conventional farmers, which was reflected by lower milk yields, milk fat percentage and protein percentage before conversion as compared to conventional farms. During conversion, significant changes in milk production, protein and fat contents and somatic cell scores took place. Age of first calving is an important difference between organic and conventional farming.     

Associations among albuminuria, C-reactive protein concentrations, survival predictor index scores, and survival in 78 critically ill dogs

Background: Microalbuminuria and C‐reactive protein (CRP) are predictors of morbidity and survival in critically ill human patients. Hypothesis/Objectives: To evaluate results of microalbuminuria assays (untimed single‐sample urine albumin concentration [U‐ALB] and the urine albumin : creatinine ratio [UACR]), serum CRP, and survival predictor index (SPI2) scores as predictors of survival in critically ill dogs. Animals: Seventy‐eight dogs admitted to intensive care units at University of Tennessee (UT) and Colorado State University (CSU). Methods: Prospective observational study. Critically ill dogs were eligible for enrollment, unless euthanized because of financial constraints. Samples were collected within 3 hours of admission. Spearman's rank‐correlation coefficients were determined for U‐ALB, UACR, CRP, and SPI2. U‐ALB, UACR, CRP, and SPI2 were assessed for associations with 7‐ and 30‐day survival by Mann‐Whitney U‐tests and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. P‐values < .0125 were considered significant. Results: UT (n = 49) and CSU (n = 29) patients did not differ significantly. Forty percent (31/78) of dogs died. SPI2 was inversely correlated with U‐ALB (r_s=?0.39, P < .001) and UACR (r_s=?0.41, P < .001). CRP was not correlated with SPI2 (P= .019), U‐ALB (P > .1), or UACR (P > .1). U‐ALB and UACR had very high correlation (r_s= 0.95, P < .001). SPI2, U‐ALB, and UACR differed significantly for survivors and nonsurvivors. SPI2, U‐ALB, and UACR had areas under the ROC curve (AUC) from 0.68 to 0.74 for survival prediction. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Albuminuria and SPI2, but not CRP, are associated with survival in critically ill dogs. Suboptimal AUCs limit the value of microalbuminuria testing for clinical risk assessment. Additional studies are necessary to determine the usefulness of microalbuminuria testing in patient risk stratification for prospective research.     

Milk yield and composition, nutrition, body conformation traits, body condition scores, fertility and diseases in high-yielding dairy cows--Part 1

Twenty-nine pairs of high-yielding dairy cows (HC; > or = 45 kg/day reached at least once during lactation) and corresponding control cows (CC; with milk yields representing the average yield of the herds) were examined on 29 Swiss farms from March 1995 to September 1996. The hypotheses were tested that there are differences in feed intake, body-conformation traits, body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), fertility status and disease incidence between HC and CC cows. Cows were studied 2 weeks before and at 5, 9, 13, 17 and 40 weeks post-partum. HC cows produced more energy-corrected milk (ECM) than CC cows (10,670 +/- 321 kg in 293 +/- 5 days and 8385 +/- 283 kg in 294 +/- 4 days, respectively; P < or = 0.001) and yields in the first 100 days of lactation were greater in HC than in CC cows (46.2 +/- 1.1 and 36.2 +/- 1.0 kg ECM/day, respectively; P < or = 0.001). Concentrate intake was greater (P < or = 0.05) in HC than in CC cows (7.6 +/- 0.5 and 5.7 +/- 0.5 kg/day, respectively) and dry matter intakes (measured in week 5 of lactation over 3 days on six farms) were greater in HC than in CC cows (24.0 +/- 1.1 and 20.3 +/- 1.1 kg/day, respectively; P < or = 0.001). HC cows were taller than CC cows (wither heights 143.3 +/- 0.8 and 140.1 +/- 0.8 cm, respectively; P < or = 0.01). Although BW in HC cows was greater than in CC cows throughout the study, differences and decreases of BW during lactation were not significant. BCS at the end of pregnancy and decrements during lactation were similar in HC and CC cows. Fertility parameters were similar in HC and CC cows. Incidences of mastitis, claw and feet problems, hypocalcemia/downer cow syndrome, ovarian cysts and abortions were similar in HC and CC cows, but there were more indigestion problems in HC than in CC cows.     

Total hip arthroplasty outcomes assessment using functional and radiographic scores to compare canine systems.

A retrospective multi-centre study was carried out in order to compare outcomes between cemented and uncemented total hip arthoplasties (THA). A quantitative orthopaedic outcome assessment scoring system was devised in order to relate functional outcome to a numerical score, to allow comparison between treatments and amongst centres. The system combined a radiographic score and a clinical score. Lower scores reflect better outcomes than higher scores. Consecutive cases of THA were included from two specialist practices between July 2002 and December 2005. The study included 46 THA patients (22 uncemented THA followed for 8.3 +/- 4.7M and 24 cemented THA for 26.0 +/- 15.7M) with a mean age of 4.4 +/- 3.3 years at surgery. Multi-variable linear and logistical regression analyses were performed with adjustments for age at surgery, surgeon, follow-up time, uni- versus bilateral disease, gender and body weight. The differences between treatment groups in terms of functional scores or total scores were not significant (p > 0.05). Radiographic scores were different between treatment groups. However, these scores were usually assessed within two months of surgery and proved unreliable predictors of functional outcome (p > 0.05). The findings reflect relatively short-term follow-up, especially for the uncemented group, and do not include clinician-derived measures, such as goniometry and thigh circumference. Longer-term follow-up for the radiographic assessments is essential. A prospective study including the clinician-derived outcomes needs to be performed in order to validate the outcome instrument in its modified form.