Risk factors influencing lameness and claw disorders in dairy cows

Claw health of dairy cows was investigated in an observational study in different housing systems in Switzerland. Twenty-five professional hoof trimmers examined lameness and claw disorders in 4621 cows on 290 farms during routine hoof trimming. 82 farms had tie-stall barns without exercise (T1) and 166 had tie-stall barns with exercise (T2), another 42 farms kept their animals in loose housing systems with exercise (L2). The prevalence was 10.0% for lameness (LN), 15.7% for sole disorders (SD), 6.1% for white line disorders (WD), 13.6% for heel erosions (HE), and 5.3% for disorders of skin and interdigital space (ID). LN and SD showed the highest prevalence (13.2%; 16.4%) and the highest odds ratio (OR=1.89; 1.33) in T1. WD was more often detected in L2, accounting for 9.4% (OR=1.0). HE was identified most in T2 (17.1%, OR=4.72) and T1 (13.2%, OR=4.45). Disorders of skin and interdigital space were most frequently found in T2 (7.5%, OR=1.55).     

An operation-level prospective study of risk factors associated with the incidence density of lameness in Michigan (USA) equine operations

A prospective cohort study of lameness in Michigan equids was conducted using the Michigan Equine Monitoring System (MEMS) Phase-II database. MEMS Phase II was an equine health-monitoring study of 138 randomly-selected Michigan equine operations. Management and health-related data were collected for operations in two 12-month periods. The median incidence density of lameness was 2.8 cases per 10000 horse-days at-risk (Minimum = 0; 25th Quartale (Q) = 0; 75th Q = 10.2; Maximum = 48.5). Equine operation-management and environmental risk factors associated with the incidence density of lameness were assessed using multivariable Poisson regression. Management risk factors associated with the incidence density of lameness included the total operation horse-days monitored (3rd Q: Relative Risk (RR) = 0.46; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.29–0.71 and 4th Q: RR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.16–0.37), the veterinary-related services score (3rd Q: RR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.39–0.96 and 4th Q: RR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.01–2.08), the farrier-related services score (4th Q: RR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.07–2.42) and operations having equids participating in exercise-related activities (RR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.16–2.50). Environmental risk factors associated with the incidence density of lameness included operations with stalls having medium flooring (RR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.35–0.65), operations with stalls having loose flooring (RR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.88–4.10) and operations using straw-like materials for stall bedding (RR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.53–2.68).     

Risk factors associated with camel brucellosis in Jordan

During the period between February, 2004 and December, 2006, a cross-sectional study was performed to investigate some epidemiological aspects related to camel brucellosis in Jordan. Four hundred twelve camel sera from 37 herds were randomly collected and analyzed using Rose Bengal plate test and complement fixation test. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was administered to collect information on camel herd health and management. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to investigate risk factors associated with seropositivity to Brucella antigens. Moreover, the incidence of Brucella-specific abortion was investigated in 7 camel herds located in different locations in Southern Jordan. The true prevalence of Brucella-seropositive in camels was 12.1%. Thirteen (35.1%) herds had at least one positive camel. The seroprevalence of brucellosis in camels was significantly higher in the southern part of Jordan than that in central or northern Jordan. The multivariable logistic regression model on both individual and herd levels revealed large herds and contact with small ruminants as risk factors for Brucella seropositivity. On the other hand, using disinfectants was identified as a protective factor (OR = 0.8; 95% CI: 0.1, 0.9) only on the camel herd level. The incidence of Brucella-caused abortion was 1.9%. Brucella melitensis biotype 3 was isolated from 4 aborted camel fetuses.     

Herd and sow-related risk factors for mortality in sows in group-housed systems

Mortality of sows is a major problem for pig production worldwide. In this study, we used hierarchical multivariable logistic analyses to investigate different risk factors for mortality at the sow and herd level in herds with group-housed pregnant sows. Data included 3652 pregnant and 1266 lactating sows from 34 sow herds. A clinical examination for 16 clinical signs was carried out for each sow, and information about 16 herd related factors was obtained by interviews. Farm records were used to obtain information about whether or not sows died suddenly or were euthanized within 3 months after the clinical examination. Factors increasing the risk of sow mortality in the gestation unit were solid pen floors (OR = 1.87), presence of vulva bites (OR = 1.73) and unwillingness to stand when approached (OR = 1.62). Factors increasing the risk of sow mortality in the lactation unit were pale vulva color (OR = 12.69), body leanness (OR = 4.11), and presence of shoulder ulcers (OR = 2.89). The estimated between herd variation was small. Thus, the findings for the sow level variables may be generally applicable for sows in herds with group housed systems.     

Herd-related risk factors for decubital ulcers present at post-mortem meat-inspection of Danish sows

We quantified risk factors for the prevalence of decubital ulcers (noted in meat-inspection records) in the shoulder region of Danish cull sows. The potential risk factors (herd-owner characteristics, production facilities and management) were obtained through telephone interviews based on a questionnaire. Meat-inspection records were obtained from the Danish Bacon and Meat Council (DBMC). The prevalence of decubital ulcers was investigated in 23,794 sows from 207 sow herds undergoing mandatory post-mortem meat-inspection at the four Danish abattoirs under the DBMC slaughtering sows in the year 2000. Three factors were associated with decreased herd prevalence of decubital ulcers in the mixed model: using one’s own gilts for replacement, routinely using a hospital pen and production of pigs under certain welfare requirements. Two factors increased the prevalence: confined sows (stalled and tethered or tethered) and two persons working in the farrowing units instead of one.     

Foot lameness in dairy goats

An outbreak of foot lameness in a dairy herd of 170 goats is described. The herd, that was kept mostly indoors, was attended between December 2006 and November 2007. During this period, 15% of the goats showed lameness with foot lesions and 24% of the goats showed lameness without foot lesions. The foot lesions consisted of cracks and erosions on the horn of the bulbs of the heel that in most cases extended along the internal side of the axial hoof wall. The clinical diagnosis was interdigital dermatitis. Annual milk production was lower in lame goats compared to those that were not lame (P < 0.05). Furthermore, annual milk yield was significantly affected by the type of foot disease present and was significantly lower in cases with foot lesions than in the animals that were not lame (P < 0.05) and also in the lame goats without foot lesions (P < 0.05).     

Track way distance and cover as risk factors for lameness in Danish dairy cows

This study investigates the effect of length and cover of track ways between barn and pasture on lameness in Danish dairy cows. We hypothesised that short track distances would be associated with a lower lameness probability of dairy cows compared to longer distances and that track ways with prepared cover (asphalt, gravel, slag, concrete, rubber) compared to no prepared cover (sand, soil and/or grass) would be associated with a lower lameness probability of dairy cows in grazing herds.     

Pressure algometry and thermal sensitivity for assessing pain sensitivity and effects of flunixin meglumine and sodium salicylate in a transient lameness model in sows

Sow lameness can result in decreased animal health and productivity, and is a significant animal welfare concern. Swine producers and veterinarians lack objective assessment tools to detect lameness. Objectives of this study were to evaluate pressure algometry (PA) and thermal sensitivity (TS) as objective assessment tools for changes in pain sensitivity associated with lameness and to assess analgesic drugs for mitigating lameness pain. Twelve mixed parity crossbred sows were anesthetized and injected with Amphotericin B in the distal interdigital space of both claws of one hind leg to induce transient lameness. Sows were randomly assigned to one of three analgesic treatment groups: (1) Sodium Salicylate (SS; 35 mg/kg per os q.12 h+0.04 ml/kg IM q.24 h sterile saline), (2) Flunixin meglumine (FM; 2.2 mg/kg IM q.24 h), or (3) Control (C; 0.04 ml/kg IM q.24 h sterile saline). All sows received each treatment over three trials with two-wk wash-out periods between trials. Forty-eight h post-induction, analgesic treatments were administered daily for four consecutive d. Pain sensitivity was assessed with PA and TS on each hind leg on d−1, d+1 and d+6 relative to induction (d0). Proc Glimmix of SAS 9.2 was used to analyze the difference between sound (S) and lame (L) legs on each trial day, with a simple effect comparison used to analyze effect of analgesia treatment on d+6. As predicted, S and L legs did not differ on d−1 (P=0.56) and less pressure was tolerated on L legs on d+1 (P<0.001) (Raw Means in kilograms of force: d−1 L 7.2±0.2; d−1 S 7.4±0.2; d+1 L 2.1±0.2; d+1 S 7.7±0.2 kgf). A simple effect comparison of d+6 revealed no differences between FM and C (p=0.90), FM and SS (p=0.17), or SS and C (p=0.07). The TS latency of S versus L legs differed on all trial days (d−1 p=0.02, d+1 p<0.0001, d+6 p<0.01) over all trials. (TS Raw means (s): d−1 L 7.3±0.6; d−1 S 9.1±0.6; d+1 L 3.3±0.2; d+1 S 6.8±0.6; d+6 L 6.0±0.6; d+6 S 8.4±0.7 s), including lame and sound days. In conclusion, these results support PA as an objective non-invasive method for measuring pain sensitivity in sows induced with transient lameness. Sodium salicylate or flunixin meglumine did not reduced pain sensitivity as measured by PA from d+1 to d+6 in this model of induced transient lameness.     

Risk factors of bovine tuberculosis in cattle in rural livestock production systems of Ethiopia

This study shows a representative stratified cluster sample survey of the prevalence of comparative intradermal tuberculin test in cattle from four regions in Ethiopia. Using a cut-off for positivity of 2 mm, it assesses possible risk factors for tuberculin-positive reaction in cattle. Seventy-three villages in 24 kebeles (administrative units) were randomly selected, from which 2216 cattle from 780 owners were tested. In addition, 450 of these cattle owners were interviewed for risk factor assessment. Ninety-nine percent of the tested cattle in this rural livestock production system were traditional zebus. The individual overall prevalence of cattle bovine tuberculosis (BTB)e was 3%, with the highest found in Meskan Mareko, in Central Ethiopia (7.9%) and the lowest in Woldia, in the North East edge of the Rift Valley (1.2%). Generalised Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) with random effect on kebeles was used to analyse risk factors of cattle reactors and human tuberculosis (TB) infection. Purchase of cattle and presence of other livestock in the herd were statistically significant, with OR: 1.7, p-values of 0.03 and OR: 2, p = 0.05, respectively. Family members diagnosed with TB or showing clinical signs of extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB) were reported in 86 households (19%). None of the assessed potential risk factors of disease transmission between cattle and human (food consumption, livestock husbandry and presence of BTB-positive cattle) were statistically significant.     

Working towards a reduction in cattle lameness: 1. Understanding barriers to lameness control on dairy farms

On 222 dairy farms, the farmer’s perception of the scale of the herd lameness problem was compared with the prevalence detected by observation of the milking herd, and a questionnaire explored the barriers to lameness reduction. Ninety percent of farmers did not perceive lameness to be a major problem on their farm, although the average prevalence of lameness was 36%. For 62% of the sample, lameness was not the top priority for efforts made to improve herd health. Time and labour were important limiting factors for lameness control activities and financial constraints prevented farmers taking action on advice in 30% of cases. Farmers’ understanding the implications of lameness for the farm business was limited. Lameness reduction is restricted by farmers’ perception of lameness, but also by time, labour and finance; these issues need to be addressed at the industry level to support animal welfare improvement.     

Supplementation of dietary enzymes has varying effects on apparent protein and amino acid digestibility in reproducing sows

The effects of two enzyme (Enz) products on ileal and total tract digestibility (ID and TTD) were evaluated in sows (n = 8) fed corn–soybean meal diets. Treatments were: 1) control diet; 2) control + Enz 1 (protease and cellulase activity); and 3) control + Enz 2 (xylanase activity). Ileal and fecal samples were collected at week 6–7 and 12–13 of gestation and week 2–3 of lactation. There were no improvements in digestibility during gestation. The ID% of dry matter (DM: 77.3, 79.3, 81.7) and N (81.2, 82.5, 84.3) as well as TTD% of DM (89.8, 90.7, 90.8) and N (89.0, 90.0, 90.6) during lactation were affected to varying degrees by the enzymes. The TTD of DM (P = 0.05) and N (P = 0.10) were positively affected by Enz 1. The ID of DM (P = 0.01) and N (P = 0.02) as well as TTD of DM (P = 0.05) and N (P = 0.02) were improved by Enz 2. The improvement in ID of N was not associated with any particular amino acids (AA) but represented small increases in ID of 8 of 10 essential AA with Enz 1 (P = 0.04) and 10 of 10 for Enz 2 (P = 0.01). The product containing xylanase activity, in particular, appears to have potential to increase digestibility of nutrients during lactation in sows.     

Prevalence of lameness and of associated claw disorders in Greek dairy cattle industry

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of lameness as well as the prevalence of claw–horn disruptions, abnormal claw shape and dermatitis in lame cows in Greek dairy farms and to evaluate their risk factors. Forty dairy farms were visited twice, during winter and during summer, and the lameness of milking cows was scored using a 5-point scale. In total 760 cows were lame (lameness score ≥ 3) and were further examined to identify macroscopically the claw disorders. The herd size, the trimming and footbathing frequency, the floor surface, the cleanness of the herd, the scraping frequency and the disinfectant used in the footbaths were recorded. The mean lameness prevalence was 18.7% and that of claw disorders observed in the lame cows was 75.4% for abnormal claw shape, 30.2% for dermatitis and 30.6% for claw–horn disruptions. Large herd size and the absence or only once per year trimming were associated with increased risk for the presence of lameness.     

Potassium diformate in the diet of reproducing sows: Effect on performance of sows and litters

The effects of adding potassium diformate (K-diformate) to diets for primiparous and multiparous sows (Dutch × Scandinavian Landrace) (n = 156) were evaluated with respect to performance of sows and their litters, apparent total tract digestibility (TD) of nutrients, milk composition, and microbiota of sows' feces. Treatments comprised a basal diet and a basal diet containing 0.8 or 1.2% K-diformate. The experiment lasted from mating, through gestation and lactation until the next mating. Sows were fed restrictively according to a commercial feeding regime during the gestation period, and had free access to feed from d 10 post-farrowing. The addition of K-diformate to diets increased backfat thickness (P = 0.03) of sows during gestation. No effects on average daily feed intake or body weight gain were seen. Piglets born to sows receiving K-diformate tended to have increased individual (P = 0.05) and litter (P = 0.08) birth weight, tended to have increased average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.07) and to be heavier at weaning (P < 0.05). Birth weights, ADG, and weaning weights were similar for piglets born from sows fed 0.8 and 1.2% K-diformate. There was no effect of K-diformate on the number of pigs born alive, number of stillborns or mortality rates of piglets. Adding 1.2% K-diformate to diets increased TD of ash by 4.9% (P = 0.001) and crude fat by 3.4% (P = 0.08), and calculated NE-content by 2.3% (P = 0.02). Sows fed K-diformate tended (P = 0.09) to show an increased milk fat content on d 12 post-farrowing. In conclusion, adding K-diformate to diets for sows had a positive effect on sows' backfat thickness in gestation and on growth performance of piglets.     

Association between age and time from calving and reported lameness in a dairy herd in the Waikato region of New Zealand

Abstract

CASE HISTORY: During the 2014/2015 season 823 predominantly Holstein-Friesian cows calved on a pasture-based farm in the Waikato region of New Zealand. A high prevalence and recurrence rate of lameness had been noted for several years but cows feet were not routinely picked up and therapeutically trimmed.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: At a farm visit in December 2015, 23 cows feet were examined and 18/23 (78%) cows had white line disease and 17/23 (74%) sole haemorrhages, as well as severely overgrown and misshapen hooves.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION: Lameness, culling and reproductive data were collected for the farm for the period from 01 July 2014 to 30 November 2015. In the 2014/2015 season, 207/823 (25.2%) cows were recorded lame, and in the first half of the 2015/16 season 120/850 (14%) cows were recorded lame. Of the cows recorded lame, 52/207 (25.1%) in the 2014/15 season had >1 case of lameness, and 39/120 (32.5%) cows recorded lame in the 2015/2016 season had been lame in the previous season. There was an apparent increase in prevalence between 29–37 weeks post-calving. Cows >7-years-old had seven times the odds of being recorded as lame compared to 2–3-year-old cows (p<0.001). Lameness was not associated with culling, empty rate or days to conception (p>0.3).

DIAGNOSIS: No direct cause for the lameness could be determined.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It was hypothesised that, along with the degenerative changes in the pedal bone as dairy cows increased in age, suboptimal treatment and overgrowth of hooves resulted in permanent changes in the cows feet, resulting in a high prevalence of lameness in older cattle and a high recurrence rate of lameness within and between seasons. This case highlights the importance of prompt identification and treatment of lame cattle.     

Antioxidant defence of colostrum and milk in consecutive lactations in sows

Background

Parturition is supposed to be related to oxidative stress, not only for the mother, but also for the newborn. Moreover, it is not clear whether consecutive pregnancies, parturitions, and lactations are similar to each other in regards to intensity of metabolic processes or differ from each other. The aim of the study was to compare dynamic changes of antioxidative parameters in colostrum and milk of sows taken during 72 h postpartum from animals in consecutive lactations. Activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione transferase (GSH-Tr), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and amount of vitamin A and C were measured. Healthy pregnant animals were divided into 4 groups according to the assessed lactation: A -1^st lactation (n = 10), B - 2^nd and 3^rd lactation (n = 7), C - 4^th and 5^th lactation (n = 11), D - 6^th - 8^th lactation (n = 8). The colostrum was sampled immediately after parturition and after 6, 12, 18 and 36 h while the milk was assessed at 72 h after parturition. Spectrophotometric methods were used for measurements.

Results

The activity of antioxidative enzymes and the concentration of vitamin A increased with time postpartum. The concentration of vitamin C was the highest between the 18th and 36th h postpartum.

Conclusions

Dynamic changes in the values of antioxidant parameters measured during the study showed that sows milk provides the highest concentration of antioxidants in the 2^nd and 3^rd and 4^th and 5^th lactation giving the best defence against reactive oxygen species to newborns and mammary glands.     

母猪尿路感染的检测方法及应用案例

母猪的尿路感染在种猪场中普遍存在,急性尿路感染会导致母猪猝死,亚临床感染影响母猪繁殖性能.由于缺乏便捷有效的检测方法,尿路感染经常被忽视.文章回顾了母猪尿路感染的原因和感染后的临床表现.为了在现场更好地普及尿路感染检测,文章介绍了一种新型的尿路感染的快速检测方法,并用此方法在山东某规模猪场进行了实际操作,对该场的40份...     

Prevalences of welfare-related lesions at post-mortem meat-inspection in Danish sows

We investigated the prevalences and intercorrelations of all daily meat-inspection recordings at four Danish sow abattoirs in the year 2000 from 23,794 sows coming from 207 sow or farrow-to-finisher herds. The meat-inspection data were obtained from databases at the Danish Bacon and Meat Council (DBMC). Prevalences generally were low—but large herd-to-herd variations were seen. Despite low prevalences, many slaughtered sows had recordings which raise welfare concerns. Intercorrelations between the meat-inspection recordings were evaluated using exploratory factor analysis describing underlying latent factors related to health and welfare problems within herds.     

A survey of bone integrity from cull sows in Ireland

The objective of this study was to examine the differences in sow metacarpal properties through various parities and to compare the incidence of locomotory problems between stalled and loose-housed sows. Metacarpals (n = 110) of sows from six farms were collected at slaughter and stored at -20°C. Bones from one forelimb of sows in stalls (n = 36) and loose-housed (n = 20) were collected and their articular surfaces examined for Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD), these sows were also scored for lameness pre-slaughter. Metacarpals were CT scanned for cross sectional area and moment of inertia. Cylindrical sections from the diaphysis were used for mechanical testing and calculating bone strength indices. The results show there was little change in bone mineral status throughout the range of parities examined and overall metacarpal integrity was not compromised by multiple production cycles. There were no differences detected in the incidence of lameness or joint pathology between housing systems.     

Flooring preference and behavior in sound and lame sows

The objectives of this study were to assess sow flooring preference and behavior during sound, induced lame and lameness recovery states. Thirty-four multiparous, non-pregnant sows were compared prior to and following lameness induction (day 0). Behavior was recorded on six days (days ?1, +1, +2, +3, +4 and +10). Three flooring locations (Alley, Concrete and Mat) and four behaviors (lying lateral, lying sternal, sitting and standing) were recorded. Sows increased Mat frequency and decreased Alley frequency on day +1 (most lame) relative to day ?1. Lying lateral frequency increased, whereas lying sternal and standing frequencies decreased between day ?1 and day +1. Sows appear to prefer the Mat within 24?h following lameness induction. Lying lateral is likely a more comfortable position than standing or lying sternal in these lame sows. In conclusion, these behaviors may be reliable indicators to further ascertain if a sow is lame.     

母猪无乳综合征(MMA)新见解

母猪无乳综合征(MMA)是母猪乳腺炎(Mastitis)、子宫炎(Metritis)和无乳症(Agalactia)的简称,是由多种原因引起的母猪产后泌乳量逐渐减少甚至是完全无乳,以致于哺乳仔猪乳汁摄入量不足,严重影响到仔猪的生长发育。MMA在猪场中经常发生,尤其是在炎热的夏秋季节多发,母猪一旦发生MMA,就会影响到仔猪的成活率,从而给猪场带来经济损失。许多饲养母猪的猪场对MMA都比较熟悉,有研究表明,规模猪场中哺乳仔猪死亡因素的50%都与MMA有关。那么,是什么原因导致了母猪MMA问题?MMA的发生现状又如何?一旦发生,猪场该如何应对?怎么样进行防治?本篇文章主要介绍了英国颇为高产(已发表近3000篇关于养猪的文章)的养猪专栏作家John Gadd,结合他本人过去几十年来在世界各地猪场的宝贵经历,写成的介绍母猪MMA的最新文章。