Risk factors for digital dermatitis in dairy cows kept in cubicle houses in The Netherlands

The presence of digital dermatitis (DD) in dairy cows has increased considerably over the last 10 years in The Netherlands, resulting in a current prevalence of approximately 30% in cows kept in cubicle houses. Our objective was to evaluate a diversified sample of cow- and herd-related risk factors for DD in dairy cows housed in cubicle houses with different flooring systems. Associations were analysed in random-effects logistic-regression models using 2,134 cows (37 herds) and 2,892 cows (47 herds) in the pasture and housing studies, respectively. At cow-level, the odds of having DD were increased in the case of lower parity and lactation. Important risk factors at herd-level were: restricted grazing time, fast rise in concentrate amount after calving, feeding by-products, herd trimming only at long intervals, and introduction of dry cows into the lactating herd before calving. The odds for DD were lower if cows were housed on a slatted floor with manure scraper and provided long and wide cubicles, and if calves were reared in the dairy cows' accommodation.     

An epidemiological and genetic study on registered diseases in Finnish Ayrshire cattle. IV. Clinical mastitis

The epidemiology and genetic variability of clinical mastitis were examined. The data consisted of 70,775 Finnish Ayrshire cows. All cows were from milk recorded herds and calved during 1983. Each cow was under observation from the date of calving for 305 days. Only clinical mastitis diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian during the farm visits were taken into account. The lactation incidence rate of clinical mastitis (LIR) was 5.4 %. The cows calving in April-May had the highest LIR, but the seasonal variation was relatively small. The LIR increased with parity from the first to sixth parity. The cows treated for parturient paresis, infertility or ketosis had a higher risk of clinical mastitis than cows not treated for these diseases. The LIR was higher in herds with a high milk production level. The highest odds ratio estimated from parameters of the logit model was 14.8. The heritability estimates for clinical mastitis on the binomial scale were 3.2 % in parity 1, 1.6 % in parity 2, 0.6 % in parity 3 and 4, and 0.8 % in all parities (corresponding to 19.7 %, 8.3 %, 2.6 % and 3.8 % on the normal scale). These estimates indicate sufficient assurance for progeny testing of bulls and some possibilities of genetic selection against clinical mastitis. Genetic correlations between clinical mastitis and 305-days milk yield were 0.39 in parity 1, 0.51 in parity 2, 0.18 in parity 3–4 and 0.58 in all parities. This means that the best sires for milk yield had daughters with a higher LIR for clinical mastitis than the other sires.     

Comparison between conventional tie-barn and loose housing systems with respect to milk production,feed conversion and reproductive performance of dairy cows

From a long-term experiment with three different types of housing for dairy cows, preliminary results are given for milk production, feeding efficiency and reproductive performance. The three types of housing are: (1) a conventional tie-barn, (2) an insulated cubicle (free-stall) barn with slatted floors, and (3) an uninsulated loafing barn (deep-bedding).In the first year of the experiment (adaptation period), cows in the tie-stall produced approximately 10% more milk than the cows in the two loose housing systems. During the following three years of the experiment, there were no significant differences in production level, the cows in the deep-bedded loose housing being the highest producers followed by the cows in the tie-barn.Over 305-day lactation periods, cows in 1st lactation in the tie-barn produced more milk than the 1st lactation cows in the two loose housing units, although the difference was not significant. For cows in 2nd–5th lactation no significant differences in milk production were found between the tie-barn and loose housing systems except for protein percent in the milk.Calculations of feed intake and feeding efficiency showed that the overall feeding efficiency was 2.5 and 2.8% units lower for the cows in the cubicle barn and deep-bedded barn, respectively, as compared to the cows in the tie-barn.During the 4-year period the cows in the deep-bedded loose housing system showed the best reproductive performance. Number of inseminations per pregnancy, calving interval, and cows culled were lowest for the cows in this unit.     

中国荷斯坦奶牛不同地区、泌乳天数及胎次的产奶量校正系数研究

本研究通过对规模化牧场测定日数据进行分析,旨在估计不同地区305 d校正产奶量对应泌乳天数(DIM)的校正系数与胎次校正系数。利用Wood(不完全伽玛)模型对来自不同温度带9个参考群11 749头荷斯坦奶牛2010－2020年间的683 160条测定日产奶量拟合泌乳曲线,估计泌乳曲线参数,计算头胎牛和经产牛1~305 d泌乳天数对应的校正系数,分别分析参考群和验证群305 d校正产奶量和305 d实际累积奶量的差异;利用SAS 9.2中混合线性模型对1~6胎至少有前5个胎记录的牛估计305 d奶量的胎次效应值,并计算1~6胎各胎次的乘法校正系数;比较传统系数和新系数校正结果的差异。结果表明:①参考群头胎牛和经产牛中,泌乳曲线方程的拟合度R²范围分别为0.4593~0.4913和0.5796~0.6341,泌乳高峰日分别为79~85和53 d,泌乳高峰奶量分别为33.1~34.4和46.0~48.6 kg;②对于参考群,头胎牛和经产牛校正系数分别在泌乳≥90 d和泌乳≥30 d基本趋于一致,头胎牛和经产牛泌乳≥60 d的305 d校正产奶量均趋近于305 d实际累积奶量,奶量差值分别在100和200 kg以内;③对于验证群的305 d校正产奶量,头胎牛泌乳≥150 d和经产牛泌乳≥180 d的泌乳天数校正系数适用性更佳,305 d校正产奶量与305 d实际累积奶量比值高于79%;④1~6胎的胎次校正系数分别为1.2121、1.0380、1.0063、1.0000、1.0220和1.0290;⑤与传统系数相比,新泌乳天数校正系数校正效果更好,头胎牛和经产牛新系数校正的305 d奶量较305 d实际累积奶量相差分别在900和700 kg以内;利用新胎次校正系数,2~4胎产奶量可较为准确地校正到5胎成年当量。本研究结果表明,定期更新305 d校正产奶量的泌乳天数与胎次校正系数,便于准确地将不同泌乳天数、不同胎次状态下泌乳牛的产奶量调整到同一基准上,从而更好地比较奶牛个体泌乳性能的高低,为牧场管理提供参考依据。     

Analysis of Non-genetic Factors Affecting SCC Change Pattern of Holstein Cows in Jiangsu Province

The objective of this study was to explore the influence factors of SCC change pattern of Holstein cows in Jiangsu. Based on the division of 9 SCC change patterns, 253 706 DHI records of Holstein cows from 2017 to 2019 in 12 dairy farms in Jiangsu province were analyzed, and the least squares model was used to explore the influence of different farm size, parities, calving seasons, calving intervals, and 305-days milk production on SCC change pattern. The results showed that the distribution of SCC patterns at different levels of each factor was significantly different (P<0.01). Among them, the percentage of lower to maintain pattern was the highest, and lower to infection pattern was the lowest for cows in farm with more than 5 000 cows. The percentage of infected to maintain pattern was the highest, and lower to maintain pattern was the lowest for cows in farm with less than 1 000 cows. The percentage of lower to maintain pattern was the highest, and infected to healed pattern was the lowest for cows with parity 1. The percentage of lower to infection pattern was the highest, and lower to maintain pattern was the lower for cows with parity 5. The percentage of lower to infection pattern was the highest, and lower to maintain pattern was the lowest for cows calving in spring. The percentage of susceptible to reduce pattern was the highest, lower to infection pattern was the lowest for cows calving in summer. The percentage of lower to infection pattern was the highest for cows with calving interval more than 441 d, and lowest for cows with calving interval with 300-400 d. The percentage of lower to infection pattern was the highest for cows with 305-days milk production of 3 000-5 000 kg. The percentage of lower to maintain pattern was the highest, and infected to healed pattern was the lowest for cows with 305-days milk production was 9 001-11 000 kg. The results indicate that different farm sizes, parities, calving seasons, calving interval, and levels with 305-days milk production have certain influences on the distribution of the SCC change patterns in Holstein cows. The results provide references for the prediction of subclinical mastitis in Holstein cows.     

影响江苏地区荷斯坦牛体细胞数变化模式的非遗传因素分析

旨在探究江苏地区荷斯坦牛体细胞数变化模式的影响因素。本研究通过对江苏地区12个奶牛场2017—2019年荷斯坦牛253 706条DHI测定日SCC记录进行分析，在划分9种SCC变化模式基础上，利用最小二乘法探究不同牧场规模、胎次、产犊季节、产犊间隔和305天产奶量对荷斯坦牛SCC变化模式的影响。结果表明，SCC模式在各因素不同水平间分布均有极显著差异（P<0.01）。其中，较低-维持模式在5 000头以上的牧场比例最高，较低-感染模式的比例最低；感染-维持模式在1 000头以下的牧场比例最高，较低-维持模式的比例最低。较低-维持模式在1胎牛的比例最高，感染-痊愈模式的比例最低；较低-感染模式在5胎牛的比例最高，较低-维持模式的比例最低。较低-感染模式在春季产犊时奶牛的比例最高，较低-维持模式的比例最低；易感-降低模式在夏季产犊时奶牛的比例最高，较低-感染模式的比例最低。较低-感染模式在产犊间隔为441 d以上的奶牛比例最高，较低-感染模式在产犊间隔为300~400 d的奶牛比例最低。较低-感染模式在305天产奶量为3 000~5 000 kg的奶牛比例最高；较低-维持模式在305天产奶量为9 001~11 000 kg的奶牛比例最高，感染-痊愈模式的比例最低。上述结果表明，不同牧场规模、胎次、产犊季节、产犊间隔和305天产奶量对荷斯坦牛SCC变化模式的分布均有一定影响，该结果为荷斯坦牛隐性乳房炎的预测提供了参考。     

Area of hock hair loss in dairy cows: Risk factors and correlation with a categorical scale

Data from 3691 dairy cows from 76 farms were used to investigate the risk factors associated with the area of hair loss over the lateral aspect of the hock and the correlation between the area of hair loss (as calculated using a hock map) and hock lesion scores determined using a pre-existing categorical scale. Six factors were associated with a greater area of hair loss, including cows with locomotion score 3, a cleanliness score (10/28 to 18/28), high daily milk yield (25.1–58.1 kg), poor body condition score (1–1.5), duration of winter housing (≥41 days) and some combinations of cubicle base and bedding materials.Compared with cows housed in cubicles with a concrete base and whole straw or rape straw bedding, cows housed in cubicles with concrete bases with sand or chopped straw bedding had smaller areas of hair loss and cows housed on a mattress base with whole straw or rape straw bedding had larger areas of hair loss. Area of hair loss, as measured on hock maps, was not significantly different between cows with score 1 (median 23.6 cm²) and score 2 (median 20.3 cm²) on the categorical scale for hock lesions. This suggests that the categorical scale was not reflecting the extent of hair loss and that hock maps are a good alternative for studying the dynamics of hock lesions over time.     

Investigation of risk factors for clinical mastitis in British dairy herds with bulk milk somatic cell counts less than 150,000 cells/ml

A sample of dairy farms in Great Britain with a monthly bulk milk somatic cell count of less than 150,000 cells/ml was enrolled into a 12-month prospective study. At the end of the study, a questionnaire on milking practice and other farm management practices was sent to the 482 farmers who had collected data on the occurrence of mastitis throughout the 12 months. The response rate was 93 per cent. The reported mean incidence of clinical mastitis was 36.9 cases per 100 cow-years. Factors associated with an increase in the incidence of clinical mastitis were cleaning out the straw yard less frequently than every six weeks, more than 5 per cent of cows leaking milk outside the parlour, checking the foremilk, wearing gloves during milking, an average annual milk yield of more than 7000 litres per cow, dipping or spraying teats before milking and keeping milk with a high somatic cell count out of the bulk tank. Factors associated with a decrease in the incidence of clinical mastitis were using a cloth to dry the teats after washing them as part of premilking preparation, using calving boxes for less than 40 per cent of calvings, and using both cubicles and straw yards to house dry cows, as opposed to other housing.     

Genetic association between milk yield,stayability, and mastitis in Holstein cows under tropical conditions

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for milk yield, stayability, and the occurrence of clinical mastitis in Holstein cows, as well as studying the genetic relationship between them, in order to provide subsidies for the genetic evaluation of these traits. Records from 5,090 Holstein cows with calving varying from 1991 to 2010, were used in the analysis. Two standard multivariate analyses were carried out, one containing the trait of accumulated 305-day milk yields in the first lactation (MY1), stayability (STAY) until the third lactation, and clinical mastitis (CM), as well as the other traits, considering accumulated 305-day milk yields (Y305), STAY, and CM, including the first three lactations as repeated measures for Y305 and CM. The covariance components were obtained by a Bayesian approach. The heritability estimates obtained by multivariate analysis with MY1 were 0.19, 0.28, and 0.13 for MY1, STAY, and CM, respectively, whereas using the multivariate analysis with the Y305, the estimates were 0.19, 0.31, and 0.14, respectively. The genetic correlations between MY1 and STAY, MY1 and CM, and STAY and CM, respectively, were 0.38, 0.12, and ?0.49. The genetic correlations between Y305 and STAY, Y305 and CM, and STAY and CM, respectively, were 0.66, ?0.25, and ?0.52.     

Milk yield and lactation length of Ghana Sanga and its crosses with the Friesian Raised under agropastoral system

Milk yield traits and lactation length of two breeds of cattle raised on natural pasture with little or no supplementation were assessed. A total of 42 573 daily milk records on 98 Friesian-Sanga cows collected over a period of 10 years and 17 790 daily milk records on 72 Sanga cows spanning a 6-year period were used in the study. Traits examined for each breed were daily milk yield, total milk yield, 305-day milk yield, 305-day milk yield/day and lactation length. Friesian-Sanga cows outperformed their Sanga counterparts in all traits studied. Friesian-Sanga cows had an average daily milk yield of 1.35?±?0.00 kg; average total milk yield of 266?±?12 kg; average 305-day milk yield of 339?±?10 kg; average 305-day milk yield/ day of 1.11?±?0.03 kg and mean lactation length of 201.1?±?6.9 days. Average values for Sanga cows were 1.01?±?0.00 kg as daily milk yield; 162?±?12 kg as total milk yield; 244?±?10 kg as 305-day milk yield; 0.80?±?0.03 kg as 305-day milk yield/day. Mean lactation length for Sanga cows was 164.1?±?9.4 days. Season of calving significantly (P?<?0.05) influenced daily milk yield of Friesian-Sanga cows and all traits of Sanga cows with animals calving in the major rainy season surpassing those that calved in the minor and dry seasons. Daily milk yield for both Friesian-Sanga and Sanga cows was significantly (P?<?0.05) influenced by season of lactation. Daily milk yield gradually declined from second parity towards the sixth parity for Friesian-Sanga cows. A gradual increase in daily milk yield from first to third parity was observed in Sanga cows. Year of calving significantly influenced all traits for both breeds. Genetic improvement in milk yield traits and lactation length is achievable for both breeds of cattle as co-efficient of variation of traits were moderate to high.     

产犊季节和胎次对测定奶牛日泌乳性能的影响

[目的]通过研究产犊季节、胎次对奶牛测定日泌乳性能的影响,以期为指导日粮配方调整、增加牛奶产量和提升原料奶质量提供科学依据。[方法]采集江苏某奶牛场2012年度408头奶牛共3012条生产性能测定记录,用线性模型分析产犊季节和胎次对测定日产奶量、乳脂率、乳蛋白率、脂蛋比、305d产奶量及体细胞评分的影响进行分析。[结果]表明：不同产犊季节对测定日产奶量和305d产奶量的影响极显著（P〈0．01）,对乳脂率、乳蛋白率、脂蛋比无显著影响;不同胎次除对乳脂率影响显著外（P〈0．05）,对其它奶牛泌乳性能及体细胞评分均影响极显著（P〈0．01）。[结论]夏、秋两季产犊奶牛的305d产奶量高;2～3胎产犊奶牛的泌乳性能较佳,随着胎次的增加,特别是5胎及以后,泌乳性能的各项指标都有不同程度的降低。     

Cubicle refusal and rearing accommodation as possible mastitis risk factors in cubicle-housed dairy heifers.

Fifty-nine of the 65 dairy farms with cubicle sheds in the Norwegian county of Oppland in 1990 were included in a study of rearing accommodation, cubicle refusal and mastitis incidence. The farmers recorded the favoured resting location of the individual cows and heifers throughout the final week of pregnancy as well as during calving. The observations were matched with individual records of mastitis cases during the first 30 days after calving. Mastitis incidence in the heifers was analysed by logistic regression using rearing accommodation and cubicle refusal as independent variables, controlling for herd as a clustering factor. Cubicle refusal was found in 29% of the heifers, but in only 3% of older cows. The results of the analysis indicated a tendency for cubicle refusal to be associated with an increased mastitis incidence among the heifers (OR = 2.2, c.i.95%OR = 0.9-5.4, P = 0.08). Cubicle refusal accounted for 21% (0-32%) of the mastitis cases in the study population (PAF = 0.21).     

Management practices associated with udder health of first-parity dairy cows in early lactation

This study aimed at investigating associations between management routines including feeding, housing, and milking around calving, and udder health of first-parity cows in early lactation in Swedish large, high producing, low bulk-milk somatic cell count (SCC) dairy herds housed in free stalls. Seventy-two dairy herds participated and data concerning 1189 first-parity cows calving during the study period (October 2005-January 2006) was collected. Multivariable regression analysis were performed with three different outcomes; within-herd number of first-parity cows veterinary treated for clinical mastitis at days -10 to 60 after calving, within-herd number of first-parity cows with a SCC> or =200,000cells/mL at first test-day, and SCC of first-parity cows at first test-day. Cow factors significantly associated with good udder health of first-parity cows (few cases of clinical mastitis and or low SCC) were being of the Swedish Red breed, having a high milk yield at first test-day, and a milk-urea > or =5mmol/L at first test-day. Herd factors significantly associated with good udder health were having mattresses as flooring in the cubicles in the lactating cow housing, and to house the first-parity cows in tie stalls 1 month before calving. Cow factors significantly associated with poor udder health of first-parity cows were having a milk-urea <4mmol/L at first test-day. Herd factors significantly associated with poor udder health of first-parity cows were feeding first-parity cows sugar-beet pulp or corn silage, and to give silage from a different batch to pregnant heifers than to lactating cows. Moreover, to have sawdust or shavings in the calving pen, to be moved from the calving pen > or =2 days after calving, to milk first-parity cows at the calving site instead of in the parlor, and to rinse, clean or disinfect milking units before a first-parity cow was milked were also significantly associated with poor udder health of first-parity cows. The results indicate that different control measures must be taken depending on the nature of the udder health problem.     

Udder health and risk factors for subclinical mastitis in organic dairy farms in Switzerland

A study was performed in 1997 to estimate the prevalence and to investigate the etiology of subclinical mastitis in Swiss dairy herds managed under guidelines of controlled organic farming. It was planned as a longitudinal study over a period of 1 year and included a stratified random sample of 152 certified organic farms and 1907 cows. Two farm visits (the first from June to October when cows were on pasture, the second from January to March when cows were confined to barns) were performed on each farm. At each visit, farm management and individual-cow data (with emphasis on milking procedures and udder sanitation) were recorded. California mastitis tests (CMTs) were performed on each udder quarter of all cows in lactation. Milk samples with CMT >1+ were submitted for somatic cell counting (SCC), bacteriological examination and to test for antibiotic susceptibility. The SCC and germ-cell counts of monthly bulk-tank milk samples were available through Dairy Inspection and Advisory Services and milk production data of 567 herd-book cows were available from breeding associations. Possible individual and environmental predictors of subclinical mastitis were identified using logistic models adjusted for clustering of the data at herd and cow levels. Data were analyzed separately for cows from 7 to 100 and from 101 to 305 days post partum. Prevalences of subclinical mastitis at the quarter level were 21.2% for lactation period 7–100 days and 34.5% for 101–305 days post partum. The geometric mean SCC in bulk-tank milk samples was 85.6×10³ cells/ml. Samples at 7–100 and 101–305 days post partum were positive for Staphylococcus aureus in 16.0 and 7.4%, for coagulase-negative Staphylococci in 51.5 and 50.6%, for Streptococcus agalactiae in 0.0 and 0.8%, for other Streptococci in 19.4 and 15.6%, for E. coli in 1.0 and 0.4%, and for Corynebacterium bovis in 25.7 and 45.1%, respectively. Risks of subclinical mastitis increased significantly with increasing days post partum and advancing age of cow. Cows that were sampled when staying in alpine dairies had considerably higher risks of subclinical mastitis than cows staying in home barns. Significantly lower risks of subclinical mastitis were observed in farms where CMT was performed regularly as a control measure. Bacteria in milk from cows with mastitis exhibited antibiotic resistance at a comparable frequency as found previously in conventional farms.     

Disposal and disease rates in 340 British dairy herds

Data derived from 340 dairy herds, mainly in southern England, between April 1998 and March 1999, showed that the average total culling rate was 22.1 per cent, with 5.6 per cent for infertility, 3.6 per cent for mastitis, 1.7 per cent for lameness, 2.0 per cent for poor milk yield, 3.7 per cent for age and 5.5 per cent for miscellaneous reasons which included death. The average annual rate of assisted calvings was 8.7 per cent, of injury 0.9 per cent, digestive disease 1.3 per cent ketosis 0.4 per cent, hypomagnesaemia 0.7 per cent, hypocalcaemia 5.3 per cent, mastitis 36.6 per cent, and lameness 23.7 per cent. There was a significant association (P<0.001) between higher rates of mastitis in cows housed in straw yards as opposed to cubicles and also between higher rates of lameness in cows housed in cubicles as opposed to yards (P<0.015). However, there were farms with low rates of mastitis in cows kept in straw yards and low rates of lameness in cows kept in cubicles. Larger herds tended to have more problems with lameness and higher bulk milk somatic cell counts (BMSCC). There was a positive association between BMSCC and mastitis rate.     

A descriptive epidemiological study of mastitis in 12 Irish dairy herds

: Factors relating to the occurrence of mastitis were studied on 12 Irish dairy herds with histories of elevated somatic cell count (SCC) and/or increased incidence of clinical mastitis cases. Milk recording data were analysed, housing conditions and calving areas were examined; dry cow therapy, clinical mastitis records, milking technique and aspects of milking machine function were assessed.Herds with a ratio of less than 110 cubicles per 100 cows were more likely to experience environmental mastitis. Herds with inadequate calving facilities, where cows spent prolonged periods on straw bedding, were likely to acquire environmental mastitis. In the majority of the herds, the selection of dry cow therapy lacked adequate planning. The majority of farmers took no action to reduce pain experienced by cows suffering mastitis. Deficiencies in parlour hygiene were evident in all herds experiencing elevation in SCC.     

Status of bovine mastitis and associated risk factors in subtropical Jeju Island, South Korea

The present investigation was carried out to study the prevalence of mastitis in 136 Holstein cows from a subtropical province of South Korea. Out of 527 milk samples studied, 22.6 % were found positive for mastitis. On animal level, prevalence was estimated at 55.2 %. Late lactating cows were at higher risk for mastitis development as compared to those in early and mid lactations. The study revealed that the risk of an increase in somatic cell count (SSC) and mastitis increased with advanced age and in animals with higher parity. The highest infection rate of 71.4 % was found in the age group >9 years followed by cows with higher than fifth parity (65.5 %). On severity and quarter basis, cows of <3 years of age had higher occurrence (12.5 %) of severe mastitis. From the present study, it may be concluded that a positive relationship exists between increased prevalence of mastitis and high SCC and the advance in age and parity of Holstein cows.     

The effect of digital lesions and floor type on locomotion score in Dutch dairy cows

This study describes the effects of floor system, digital dermatitis (DD) and interdigital dermatitis and heel-horn erosion (IDHE) on locomotion performance in 225 dairy cows of 12 commercial dairy herds. Nine herds were kept in cubicle houses with concrete passageways (either solid, slatted, or grooved concrete) and three herds were kept in straw yards. Animals were at most five times examined at monthly intervals for lesion severity of DD and IDHE and for locomotion score. Locomotion score was rated on a scale ranging from 1 to 5 (from normal to severe) and disturbed locomotion (lameness) was defined as a score > or =3. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the 943 observations using lameness (yes/no) as outcome variable. The proportion of observations scored as lame (locomotion score > or =3) increased from 18% 1 month after trimming to 29% at 4 months after trimming. Severe lesions of DD and IDHE were associated with a significantly higher proportion of lame cows. The proportion of animals with disturbed locomotion increased from 16% to 40% as the severity of DD increased and from 17% to 30% with increasing severity of IDHE lesions. Locomotion performance highly differed between the cubicle house and straw yard group. Only 1% of all gaits in straw yard cows were scored as lame, while in cubicle housed cows these percentages varied from 24% to 46% with grooved floors showing the highest average locomotion score. Due to the extreme low incidence of lameness in straw yards, the statistical analysis had to be restricted to observations on concrete floors (n=744). The logistic regression model with lameness (yes/no) as dependent variable and random effects of cow and herd resulted in Odds Ratios for severe DD and IDHE of, respectively, 3.2 and 3.2, both significantly larger than unity. Cows housed at grooved concrete floors showed the highest OR of 6.5 compared to solid concrete floors. Recovery of lameness was poor as disturbance in gait lasted several months.     

Effect of prepartum intramammary treatment with pirlimycin hydrochloride on prevalence of early first-lactation mastitis in dairy heifers

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether prepartum intramammary treatment of dairy heifers with pirlimycin hydrochloride would reduce the prevalence of intramammary infection (IMI) and lower the somatic cell count (SCC) during early lactation or improve 305-day mature equivalent milk production. DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: 183 Holstein-Friesian heifers (663 quarters) from 2 dairy farms. PROCEDURE: Heifers were assigned to treatment and control groups. Treated heifers received a single 50-mg dose of pirlimycin in each mammary quarter approximately 10 to 14 days prior to parturition. Prepartum mammary gland secretions and postpartum milk samples were collected for bacterial culture. Postpartum milk samples were also collected for determination of SCC or California mastitis testing and were tested for pirlimycin residues. Mature equivalent 305-day milk production data were recorded. RESULTS: Treated heifers in herd A had a higher overall cure rate, higher cure rates for IMI caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) and Staphylococcus aureus, lower SCC, and lower prevalence of chronic IMI, compared with control heifers. Treated heifers in herd B had a higher overall cure rate and cure rate for IMI caused by CNS, compared with control heifers, but postpartum California mastitis test scores and prevalence of chronic IMI did not differ between groups. Mature equivalent 305-day milk production did not differ between herds or treatment groups. No pirlimycin residues were detected in postpartum milk samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that prepartum treatment of dairy heifers with pirlimycin may reduce the prevalence of early lactation IMI, particularly IMI caused by CNS, without causing pirlimycin residues in milk.     

Association between exposure to Neospora caninum and milk production in dairy cows

OBJECTIVE: To determine association between exposure to Neospora caninum and milk production in dairy cows. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. Animals: 565 Holstein cows. PROCEDURE: Cows were classified as seropositive or seronegative to N. caninum within 7 days after calving by use of a kinetic ELISA. Milk production was compared between seropositive and seronegative cows. RESULTS: On the basis of 305-day mature equivalent milk production data, seropositive cows produced less milk (2.8 lb/cow per day) than did seronegative cows. In addition, analysis of results throughout the first 300 days of lactation revealed that after adjusting for effects of lactation number, calving season, clinical mastitis, and lameness, milk weight of seropositive cows was 2.5 lb/cow per day less than that of seronegative cows. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Exposure to N. caninum was associated with a 3 to 4% decrease in milk production. A decrease in milk production of 800 lb/cow for a typical 305-day lactation represents a loss of $128/cow.