The detection and measurement of stray electrical leakages on dairy farms: effects on performance

Sources of stray electrical leakage from Power Supply Authority alternating current (AC), fence energiser pulses and randomly generated pulses and spikes on 55 dairy farms in the Waikato area were identified between December 1986 and March 1988.

The electrical measurements were made using a specifically designed voltmeter able to detect voltages between 0.1V and 1500V, from single voltage spikes of two microseconds oi- greater duration from direct current (DC) as well as 50 Hz AC. Ninety-five sources of stray voltage were identified, and 53 per cent of properties had more than one source of >0.5V. The major source was from electric fence energisers. Rotary platform parlours were among the commonest sources of random or transient voltage spikes. Leakage of AC into one or other of the components of the milk transport system such as vat, plate cooler, milk lift pump and milk line was common.

Owners acknowledged the improvements in milk production, reproductive performance and growth rate of calves after reduction of the exposure of dairy cattle to stray electrical leakage. A representative summary of five case records helps define the range of improvement that may possibly be achieved.     

Stray voltage on Michigan dairy farms

Stray voltage investigations were performed on 59 Michigan dairy farms at the request of dairymen, veterinarians, and county extension agents. On 32 farms, sources of stray voltage were detected. When the voltage exceeded 1 volt alternating current, there were increased numbers of dairy cows that had abnormal behavior in the milking facility and increased prevalence of clinical mastitis. Recovery from the stray voltage-induced abnormalities was related to the type of abnormality and the magnitude of the exposure voltage.     

Milk production, water consumption, and somatic cell count responses of cows subject to one to two volts of alternating current.

A dairy farm located in central New York was visited because of complaints of electrical shock in the farmhouse shower and the milk house sink. As much as 2 volts AC of potential difference was measured between the waterline and the cow platform (cow-contact voltage). Voltage was coming from the primary neutral wire. The farm's electrical service was modified so that the farmstead could be connected or disconnected from the primary neutral wire at 2-week intervals for 12 weeks. When connected to the primary neutral wire, voltage between waterline and floor ranged between 0 and 1.8 volts, producing estimated current flow through cows of 3.6 to 4.9 mA; when disconnected from primary neutral wire, voltage between waterline and floor was less than 0.1 volt. There was no difference in mean milk production, bulk tank milk somatic cell count, or water consumption among periods when cows were exposed or unexposed to voltage. Despite statistical nonsignificance, the values for somatic cell count were lower and water consumption was higher when cows were exposed to voltage than when they were not.     

Small electric currents affecting farm animals and man: A review with special reference to stray voltage

The literature on the electrical properties of the body and sensitivity to steady electric current in humans and farm animals is reviewed and the problem of stray voltage is examined. Stray voltage poses a problem to animal health and protection in cattle and pigs and possibly also in other animals. Dairy cattle can perceive alternating currents exceeding 1 mA between the mouth and all four hooves. Behavioural effects in cows usually occur above 3 mA. In practice, the major influence on dairy cows appears to be behavioural. In experimental research on sensitivity to electric current, the effects studied should be related primarily to the actual current densities or electric fields in the affected tissues rather than to the total voltages applied. Under normal conditions, herdsmen are less likely to be affected by stray voltage than their animals.     

Effects of continuous stray voltage on health, growth and welfare of fattening pigs.

The effects of continuous stray voltage were evaluated on growing-finishing pigs between the ages of 8 and 21 weeks. Seventy-two pigs were assigned to six blocks of 12 animals each. The following treatments were randomly distributed in each block according to a 2 x 3 factorial design: feeding level (restricted or ad libitum) and voltage level (0, 2 or 5 volts (V) as a difference of potential between feeder or drinker and the metallic floor). During daytime, stray voltage at 5 V decreased (p less than 0.05) the eating frequency in both feeding groups and the drinking frequency in restricted-fed pigs. The mean duration of drinking bouts and the total time spent at the drinker were also lower (p less than 0.05) in this last group during the hour following meal distribution. Daily feed intake and average daily gain were lower (p less than 0.05 and less than or equal to 0.08, respectively) in the 5 V group than in the 2 V and the control groups from 17 to 21 weeks of age. Finally, gastric lesions, hematological and biochemical variables were not affected (p greater than 0.05) by stray voltage.     

Characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus CC398 obtained from humans and animals on dairy farms

In this study MRSA isolates from dairy farms were investigated for their genetic relationships and antimicrobial susceptibility. In total, 125 MRSA isolates from 26 dairy farms were studied, including isolates from milk samples (n=46), dairy cattle (n=24), calves (n=6), dust samples from pig (n=16) and veal calf sheds (n=1), dogs (n=2), a horse, a sheep and humans (n=28). CC398-specific PCRs, spa typing, SCCmec typing and ApaI macrorestriction analysis were conducted. Susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution. All 125 isolates belonged to CC398. Eight spa types (t011, t108, t034, t567, t1184, t1451, t2287 and t3934) were detected. SCCmec elements of types IV (n=48) and V (n=67) were identified with 10 isolates being non-typeable. Six main macrorestriction patterns - with up to 23 sub-patterns - and twelve resistance patterns were identified. Sixty-eight isolates showed a multiresistance phenotype. Farm-by-farm analysis revealed different scenarios: in some farms, the MRSA CC398 isolates from dairy cattle, humans, pig sheds and/or sheep were indistinguishable suggesting an interspecies exchange of the same MRSA CC398 subtype. In other farms, several MRSA CC398 subtypes were detected in different host species/sources with occasionally even more than one MRSA CC398 subtype from the same host species/source. These latter results may suggest that either different MRSA subtypes associated with humans or animals have been imported into the respective farm or that one MRSA CC398 strain has undergone diversification, reflected by more or less expanded changes in PFGE patterns, spa type or resistance pattern, during colonization of different hosts on the same farm.     

Transient stray voltage: Is it detrimental to growth performance,health status and welfare of market pigs?

The effects of transient stray voltage associated with an alternating current were evaluated in growing-finishing pigs from 9 to 22 weeks of age. Seventy-two pigs were assigned to 9 blocks of 8 animals each. In each block, the following treatments were randomly distributed: a constant voltage differential created between the feeder or drinker and the metallic floor (woven wire), at a level of 0 volt plus 2-volt pulses (0 V–2 V), 2 volts plus 3-volt pulses (2 V–5 V), 5 volts plus 3-volt pulses (5 V–8 V), and a control treatment without any voltage differential (0 V–0 V). The constant voltage was applied 24 h per day. The pulses of 3 s duration were in the form of an increase in the amplitude of the constant 60-Hz signal. One pulse appeared every 20, 40 and 100 s during the hour following feed distribution and every 60, 120 and 300 s during the rest of the day. The animals were fedad libitum and received fresh feed twice per day. Once during the 2-week periods at 9–10, 13–14, 17–18 and 21–22 weeks of age, the behaviour of the pigs was recorded during the hour following the two daily feed distributions. Animal weights and blood samples were taken every 2 weeks, from 9 to 21 weeks of age. No significant effect of transient stray voltage on any of the variables measured for the feeding, drinking, sitting or lying activities was found (p>0.05). At 9–10 weeks of age, the number of rooting bouts was higher for the 5 V–8 V treatment (p=0.03) and the number of events of butting the penmate was higher for the 2 V–5 V treatment (p=0.05). Although the water and feed intake did not differ between treatments (p0.39), the average daily gain of the control group was lower than that of treated groups (p=0.04) at 9 and 10 weeks of age, while the pigs submitted to a 2 V–5 V treatment had a higher daily gain than the pigs in the other treatment groups (p=0.05) at 17 and 18 weeks of age. Finally, the frequency of gastric ulceration and the metabolic profile were not affected by the treatments (p>0.05) except for the CO₂ and total protein concentrations (p0.04), where treatment effects were inconsistent among ages. Consequently, under the experimental conditions of the present study, no major impact of transient stray voltage on the health, growth or welfare of fattening pigs was observed.     

对云南省不同来源生鲜乳品质的比较分析

本试验旨在通过对不同来源生鲜乳的相关指标进行测定和比较分析,评价其品质,为地方奶牛养殖业的发展提供参考依据.采集2017-2020年云南省养殖专业合作社、乳品公司养殖场、收购站和机械化挤奶站4种来源的生鲜乳共661个样品,采用国家标准方法测定其相关指标,用SPSS 22.0统计软件做单因素方差分析.结果显示,2017-...     

Small electric currents affecting farm animals and man: A review with special reference to stray voltage

The literature on the influence of small, steady electric currents on animal health, especially cardiovascular and endocrinological functions and milk let-down, and the effects on milk production is reviewed, with special reference to the problem of stray voltage.Direct physiological effects in cows may occur above 4 mA. How the long-term effects may contrast with the acute effects is not known. Habituation may occur. The altered behaviour and physiological changes due to exposure to stray voltage may be termed a stress response. The type of stress most likely to be encountered is chronic. Whether or not stress occurs depends on the timing and context of exposure and on individual cognition. Hence stray voltage may threaten farm animal health and production wherever modern animal housing is applied.     

Microbiologic investigation of an epizootic of mastitis caused by Serratia marcescens in a dairy herd.

An epizootic of subclinical and clinical mastitis caused by Serratia marcescens was investigated in a 1,000-cow dairy farm in California. Serratia marcescens was isolated from 13 to 18% of composite milk samples obtained from lactating dairy cows. During monthly milk sampling performed during a 4-month period, S marcescens was isolated from 38.8 to 62.3% of composite milk samples obtained from cows from which S marcescens was previously isolated. Few cows infected with S marcescens had evidence of clinical mastitis. Somatic cell count value was associated with isolation of S marcescens. Cows with somatic cell counts greater than 500,000 were 5.48 times as likely to have intramammary infections with S marcescens, compared with cows with somatic cell count less than or equal to 500,000. Lactation number also was associated with S marcescens intramammary infection. After adjusting for the effect of lactation number, cows with high somatic cell count values were 2.98 times as likely to have intramammary infection with S marcescens, compared with cows with low somatic cell counts. Infection with S marcescens was independent of days in lactation, production string, and daily milk production. Eleven months after the beginning of the epizootic, S marcescens was isolated from organic bedding samples obtained from the dairy. Despite numerous attempts, other sources of S marcescens could not be identified on this dairy.     

澳系进口荷斯坦奶牛CXCR1基因遗传多态性与泌乳性状及体细胞评分的关联性分析

采用聚合酶链式反应-单链构象多态性（PCR—SSCP）技术对以海丰奶牛场588头澳系进口荷斯坦牛牛趋化因子受体1（Chemokine receptor1,CXCR1）基因的遗传多态性进行分析;采用混合动物模型分析CXCRl基因2个突变位点与测定日产奶量、乳脂率、乳蛋白率、305d产奶量、305d乳脂量、305d乳蛋白量及体细胞评分7个性状的相关性,寻找可用于生产实际的分子标记。结果显示,CXCR1基因5’侧翼区-1830位点发生了A—G的突变,检测到AA、AG和GG3种基因型,频率分别为0．684、0．289和0．027,等位基因A和G的频率分别为0．828和0．172;GG基因型奶牛的日产奶量、SCS和305d产奶量均板显著高于AA基因型（P〈0．01）,而其乳脂率和乳蛋白率却显著低于AA基因型奶牛（P〈0．05）。编码区783位点仅发现AA和AC2种基因型,基因型频率分别为0．886和0．114,等住基因A和c的频率分别为0．943和0．057。AA型的个体的日产奶量、305d脂肪产量和305d蛋白产量极显著高于AC型个体,而其乳脂率、乳蛋白率和SCS却极显著低于AC型个体（P〈O．01）。结果表明,CXCR1基因遗传突变对澳系进口荷斯坦牛泌乳性状和乳房炎抗性有较大的遗传效应,可用于澳系进口荷斯坦牛的分子标记辅助选择。     

Socioeconomic characteristics of urban and peri-urban dairy production systems in the North western Ethiopian highlands

In order to evaluate the socio-economic characteristics of urban and peri-urban dairy production systems in the North western Ethiopian highlands, a field survey was conducted which included 256 farms. It is concluded that urban farmers tend to specialize on dairy production and support the family income from non-agricultural activities, while agricultural activities other than milk production forms an additional source of income in peri-urban farms. The specialization of urban dairy producers includes the more frequent use of crossbred cows with higher milk yield. Urban and peri-urban dairy production contributes to food security of the population and family income of the farmers’ families, but also provides a job opportunity for otherwise unemployed people. Access to farm land, level of education and access to certain input services such as training, veterinary and credit services were identified as the major constraints for the future development of the dairy sector.     

Evaluation of herd sampling for Salmonella isolation on midwest and northeast US dairy farms

Epidemiologic investigations of Salmonella infections in dairy cattle often rely on testing fecal samples from individual animals or samples from other farm sources to determine herd infection status. The objectives of this project were to evaluate the effect of sampling frequency on Salmonella isolation and to compare Salmonella isolation and serogroup classification among sample sources on 12 US dairy farms sampled weekly for 7-8 weeks. Three herds per state were enrolled from Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Wisconsin based upon predefined herd-size criteria. Weekly samples were obtained from cattle, bulk tank milk, milk filters, water and feed sources and environmental sites. Samples were submitted to a central laboratory for isolation of Salmonella using standard laboratory procedures. The herd average number of cattle fecal samples collected ranged from 26 to 58 per week. Salmonella was isolated from 9.3% of 4049 fecal samples collected from cattle and 12.9% of 811 samples from other sources. Serogroup C1 was found in more than half of the samples and multiple serogroups were identified among isolates from the same samples and farms. The percentage of herd visits with at least one Salmonella isolate from cattle fecal samples increased with overall herd prevalence of fecal shedding. Only the three herds with an average fecal shedding prevalence of more than 15% had over 85% of weekly visits with at least one positive fecal sample. The prevalence of fecal shedding from different groups of cattle varied widely among herds showing that herds with infected cattle may be classified incorrectly if only one age group is tested. Testing environmental sample sources was more efficient for identifying infected premises than using individual cattle fecal samples.     

奶牛乳腺炎病原学比较研究

针对大型奶牛场和部分散养户的奶牛,对乳腺炎阳性和阴性乳汁进行细菌分离培养计数和生化鉴定,对分离到的病原菌做药物敏感性试验。试验中分离出的细菌主要是葡萄球菌、链球菌、大肠杆菌、棒状杆菌和酵母菌。经过生化鉴定,乳腺炎阳性乳分离得到的细菌大多数是明显溶血的,凝固酶反应呈阳性的强致病菌,细菌计数也高于乳腺炎阴性组,差异极显著;而乳腺炎阴性乳中所分离得到的细菌大多是环境中条件性致病菌,致病性不强。     

Participatory rural appraisal to identify needs and prospects of market-oriented dairy industries in Bangladesh

We assessed resources, challenges and prospects of the dairy industries in four districts of Bangladesh (Mymensingh, Satkhira, Chittagong and Sirajganj) with the participation of 8 to 12 dairy farm families in each district. We used ten participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools, namely social mapping, semi-structured interview, activity profiles, seasonal calendar, pie charts, mobility diagram, matrix ranking, preference ranking and scoring, system analysis diagram and focus group discussion in 57 PRA sessions from September through October 2002. Dairying contributed more to family income (63 to 74%) and utilized a smaller portion of land than did crops. Twenty seven to 49% of cattle feed is rice straw. Only Sirajganj and Chittagong had limited, periodic grazing facilities. Fodder (Napier; Pennisetum purpureum) cultivation was practiced in Sirajganj and Satkhira. Fodder availability increased milk production and decreased disease occurrence. Friesian crossbred cows were ranked best as dairy cattle. The present utilization of veterinary and AI services was ranked highly. Farmers outside the milk union desired milk purchasing centres as the most required service in the future. They identified veterinary and AI services as inadequate and desired significant improvements. The PRA tools effectively identified resources, constraints, opportunities and farmers’ perspectives related to the dairy industries in Bangladesh.     

生鲜乳有害微生物污染与危害分析

近年来乳制品质量安全是社会关注的焦点,而作为乳制品供应链最上游的生鲜乳的质量安全是乳业持续健康发展的根本保证,其可能含有的乳源性病原体和腐败菌等有害微生物严重影响乳品质量和安全。本文综述了生鲜乳中有害微生物的来源、生鲜乳种类和冷藏、巴氏杀菌对有害微生物的影响,以及主要致病菌的发生、危害和研究现状,以期为监督管理乳制品生产、加工和食物安全提供基础依据。     

超高效液相色谱-串联质谱法测定乳制品中季铵盐类化合物残留

建立牛乳、酸乳和乳粉3 种基质中超高效液相色谱-串联质谱同时检测4 种季铵盐类化合物残留的检测方法。用甲醇进行提取,经混合型弱阳离子交换反相吸附剂（WCX）固相萃取柱净化,2%甲酸甲醇溶液洗脱,氮吹后复溶,采用电喷雾正离子源、多反应监测模式进行检测。结果表明：牛乳、酸乳和乳粉中十二烷基三甲基溴化铵、十六烷基二甲基苄基氯化铵、十四烷基二甲基苄基氯化胺和二癸基二甲基氯化铵的定量限均为10 μg/kg;季铵盐类化合物添加量为10～200 μg/kg时,回收率为81.4%～105.6%,相对标准偏差为0.97%～     

基于Shapley值法的宁夏奶产业利益分配机制优化研究

近年来,宁夏回族自治区（简称“宁夏”）奶产业积极进行供给侧结构性改革,致力于打造全国奶产业发展核心区和优质奶源生产基地。而牧草种植农户、奶牛养殖企业及乳制品加工企业间的利益联结健康化发展是推动宁夏奶产业改革实现与高质发展的有效保障。因此,本文围绕上述主体对应的“牧草种植–奶牛养殖–乳制品加工”三环节进行发展现状及成本收益情况分析,在此基础上运用Shapley值法对利益分配机制进行优化,并有针对性地给出优化建议。     

保护性蛋氨酸与赖氨酸在奶牛生产中的应用

乳蛋白是体现牛奶质量的重要指标,乳蛋白氨基酸来源于日粮氨基酸。乳蛋白中酪蛋白、乳白蛋白和乳球蛋白除了满足人体基本营养需求,还对人体生长、发育和健康发挥重要作用,是动物源优质蛋白质来源。蛋氨酸与赖氨酸是奶牛日粮限制性氨基酸,不仅是乳蛋白合成的重要底物,同时还作为信号分子调控乳蛋白基因表达。本文综述了奶牛氨基酸需要与来源、必需氨基酸、限制性氨基酸、保护性蛋氨酸和赖氨酸在日粮中的应用,阐述了氨基酸营养在蛋白质合成代谢中的核心作用,为指导奶牛日粮配方提供参考。     

牛乳过氧化物酶活性,电导率与隐性乳房炎的关系

对发情盛期、怀孕初期、怀孕中期、怀孕末期的泌乳奶牛的正常乳和隐性乳房炎阳性乳（简称隐乳），测定了其乳过氧化物酶活性及电导率，探讨了乳过氧化物酶活性和电导率的变化与隐性乳房炎的关系。结果表明，不同时期泌乳牛隐乳的乳过氧化物酶活性显著高于同期正常乳汁的酶值（Ｐ＜０．０１）；隐乳的电导率值比正常乳的亦明显升高（Ｐ＜０．０５）