bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Different Dosage Levels and Routes of Inoculation of Tilmicosin in a Natural Outbreak of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Zielinski G. C. , Piscitelli H. G. , Perez-Monti H.
Published: February 2023

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) is a transmissible disease of cattle, affecting beef and dairy herds worldwide. Although several factors can be involved in its pathogenesis, Moraxella bovis, a gram negative bacterium, can be considered the etiological agent. Since the disease can produce considerable economic loss in affected herds, several preventive and therapeutic tools are utilized to control it. Current vaccines are not totally effective to prevent the disease, so once an outbreak is detected, administration of antibiotics is indicated in order to avoid spread of infection within the herd and to obtain a more rapid cure of affected animals.

The goal of this work was to test the efficacy of tilmicosin in a natural outbreak of IBK.
Treatment of Fractures and Tendon Injuries in the Field
Authors: Anderson David E.
Published: February 2023

Fractures involving the limbs are common in farm animals, are most commonly found in young stock, and often occur subsequent to trauma during dystocia. The most common fractures diagnosed in food animals include metacarpus and metatarsus (~50%), tibia (~12%), radius and ulna (~7%), femur (<5%), humerus (<5%), pelvis (<5%), and phalanges (<1%). Occasionally, fractures of the axial skeleton (mandible, vertebra, ribs, pelvis) are found. Food animals are considered to be excellent patients for treatment of orthopedic injuries because they spend a majority of time lying down, have a tremendous osteogenic potential, are more resistant to contralateral limb breakdown and stress laminitis, and usually do not resist having orthopedic appliances on their limbs. The decision to treat a fracture in a food animal is made by considering the cost of the treatment, the success rate of the treatment, the perceived or potential economic or genetic value of the animal, and the location and type of fracture. Most owners will elect to pursue inexpensive treatment for fractures with a high success rate, but owners also often elect to pursue costly fracture treatment despite poor success rates when cattle are perceived to have high economic or genetic potential.
Association Between Neospora caninum Serological Status and Culling in Ontario Holsteins
Authors: Cramer G. , Kelton D. , Duffield T. , Lissemore K. , Hobson J. , Hietala S. , Peregrine A.
Published: February 2023

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that is an important cause of abortion in cattle. To determine the economic impact of N. caninum on the dairy industry it is necessary to consider both the direct effect of infection, such as abortion, and potential indirect effects such as altered milk production, reproductive performance and culling. One study involving a large California dairy herd showed that seropositive first lactation cows are at greater risk of being culled than seronegative first lactation cows. However, it is unclear whether this increased risk of culling applies to all parity groups and all dairy herds with seropositive animals. The objective of the present study was to determine if N. caninum serological status in Ontario Holsteins is associated with time until culling and risk of being culled.
Feeding Heat-Treated Colostrum to Dairy Calves
Authors: Hagman D. , Godden S.
Published: February 2023

Results from this study show that heattreated colostrum can be successfully fed on commercial dairy farms to reduce pathogen exposure without harming passive transfer in newborn calves.
PortaSCC®, New Portable Quantitative SCC Test for Mastitis
Authors: Law W. T. , Finlay A. R.
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the performance characteristics of a new portable quantitative SCC test (PortaSCC®) using an inexpensive handheld digital reflectometer.
Survey of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Testing in Diagnostic Labs in the United States from 2004 to 2005
Authors: Driskell E. A. , Ridpath J. F.
Published: February 2023

The objectives of this survey were to determine the testing methods for BVDV commonly in use by diagnostic laboratories, percentage of laboratories that provide follow up information following positive BVDV test results and the impact of testing strategy on detection.
Effect of Different Footbath Solutions on Hoof Health
Authors: Hemling T. , Janowicz P. , Blowey R.
Published: February 2023

This study tested the efficacy of Double Action, an effective footbath alternative to formalin. Double Action (DA), a product free of heavy metals and aldehyde, was tested as a preventative of DD and heel erosion in a side by side comparisonto 5% formalin footbath solution in a commercial UK herd.
Efficacy of Liver Abscess Vaccines in Natural-fed Finishing Cattle and the Impact of Liver Abscesses on Performance and Carcass Characteristics
Authors: Fox J. T. , Thomson D. U. , Lindberg N. N. , Barling K.
Published: February 2023

Liver abscesses occur in finishing cattle as a sequela to high-concentrate diets. Reductions in daily gain and feed efficiency, as well as loss of carcass yield occur as a result of abscessed livers. A common practice to reduce the incidence of liver abscesses is the feeding of antimicrobials. However, the demand for organic and natural beef in the US is on the rise and cattle reared in these systems typically cannot receive antimicrobials. These production systems do, however, allow the use of vaccines making them a potential alternative method for control of liver abscess. Two commercial vaccines are available for this use, Fusogard®, marketed by Novartis Animal Health, and Centurion™ marketed by Schering-Plough Animal Health. Our objectives were to evaluate the efficacy of these vaccines to prevent liver abscesses in finishing cattle not fed antimicrobials or ionophores, and to evaluate the impact of liver abscesses at harvest on previous feedlot performance and carcass characteristics.
Effect of Plasma-derived Colostrum Replacer Feeding Programs for Prevention of Mycobacterium avium subspecies Paratuberculosis in Dairy Calves
Authors: Pithua P. , Godden S. M. , Wells S. J.
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to estimate the relative risk of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection in calves fed a plasma-derived commercial colostrum replacer (CR) vs bovine maternal colostrum (MC) after birth.
Intensive Measure of Temperature in Fresh Dairy Cows
Authors: Currin J. F. , Bucher A. , Kasimanickam R.
Published: February 2023

Postpartum disease is a common occurrence in the dairy cow. Nationally about 7% of calvings and 15% of culls occur in the first 30 days postpartum. Metritis is one of the most common diseases of the postpartum period. Metritis has been shown to occur as often as 37.3% of the time (Markusfeld 2007). Monitoring of the rectal temperature of dairy cows for the first 10 days post partum is a common recommendation (100 day contract Pfizer Animal Health). Treatment with antibiotics is often recommended to be initiated if temperatures are greater than 103 to 104°F. The purpose of this study was to determine the temperature of lactating dairy cows in the first two weeks postpartum, and evaluate temperature as an indication of the need for antibiotic therapy for the treatment of metritis.
Health Risks to Veterinarians and Associated Personnel
Authors: Donham Kelley J. , Rendell David
Published: February 2023

Veterinarians, livestock producers, and workers are at risk of illness from exposure to drugs intended for animal health or growth by inhalation, skin contact, and accidental needle sticks. Exposures to antibiotics, growth enhancers, immunization products, and needle sticks are all potential hazards to those handling these products. Special risks apply to women who handle oxytocin, prostaglandins, and live immunization products. These hazards can be unitized by training personnel, choosing safe products, instituting safe inoculation procedures, and utilizing safe sharps handling procedures.
Management Approaches to Reducing or Eliminating Mycoplasma Mastitis in a Dairy Herd
Authors: Wilson David J. , Justice-Allen Anne , Maddox Jennifer
Published: February 2023

Mycoplasma spp can cause mastitis, arthritis, pneumonia, and metritis in dairy cattle. Progress in control of Mycoplasma spp mastitis, including any management changes made, was evaluated in Utah dairy herds approximately one year after diagnosis on farms that had participated in a mycoplasma prevalence study. Using a questionnaire developed at Utah State University, dairy producers and key management personnel on 10 previously mycoplasma-positive dairy farms in Utah were interviewed. Three farms had evidence that no mycoplasmal cows remained, four had mycoplasma still present, and three were of unknown mycoplasma status. Farms that cultured milk from all clinical mastitis cases for mycoplasma included all of the farms with no further evidence of mycoplasma in cows, and farms with very low prevalence remaining. Of farms that used only bulk-tank monitoring for mycoplasma at the time of the second follow-up survey, all but one were still positive or had unknown status; the only farm using bulk-tank monitoring that was apparently free of mycoplasma had cultured all clinical mastitis cases for several months after diagnosis in the herd, and sold all mycoplasmal cows found. All herds increased lactating cow numbers, and six had decreased bulk-tank milk somatic cell count (SCC). Decreased or eliminated mycoplasma mastitis was associated with approximately 1% less of the herd per month contracting clinical mastitis, and even further reduced treatment for mastitis. Mycoplasma mastitis persisting in dairy herds was associated with observing clinical mastitis moving from one quarter to another, adult cows with droopy ears and nonresponsive respiratory disease in calves.
Tips and Tricks for Common Medical and Surgical Procedures in Small Ruminants
Authors: Van Metre David C.
Published: February 2023

Every practitioner develops his or her own unique and efficient ways of doing things, and the author has collected a few of these tricks from personal experience, the veterinary literature, and veterinary technicians and practitioners. This presentation will include a variety of useful tips for a variety of commonly used procedures for South American camelids, sheep, and goats in a field setting.
Comparison of Feeding an Oral Electrolyte in the Milk to an Oral Electrolyte Fed Separately in Water to Calves with Diarrhea
Authors: Goodell G. M. , Campbell J. , Carstensen L.
Published: February 2023

Oral rehydration of calves with diarrhea is an important component of their treatment. Delivering oral rehydration solutions (ORS) can be time consuming and labor intensive. Most ORS products require separate administration from milk so that proper energy levels and adequate absorption of milk from the gut occurs. The ability to feed ORS directly in the milk has an advantage of time and labor savings.

The purpose of this study was to compare two commercial products (RE-SO RB™ and Diaque ™) using their labeled administration for treating uncomplicated diarrhea in calves. RE-SO RB™ was designed for feeding separately in water whereas DiaqueTM was designed for feeding directly in milk. Parameters monitored during the study included morbidity, mortality, and average daily gain (ADG) which was recorded post treatment and at the time of weaning.
Evaluating Health, Performance and Behavior in Beef Stocker Calves Administered Two Preventive Health Protocols
Authors: Hanzlicek G. A. , White B. J. , Renter D. G. , Blasi D.
Published: February 2023

Preventive health protocols in beef stocker calves often contain a variety of component combinations including biologics, antimicrobials, and parasiticides. These protocols are employed to decrease detrimental health events, but calf performance and behavior may also be impacted by the effect of product administration methods. Our objective was to compare calf behavior, health, and performance between a minimally invasive protocol (MIN) and a more invasive protocol (MOR) during a backgrounding phase.
Dairy Beef Quality Assurance
Authors: Wagner S. , Fajt V. , Pedersen L.
Published: February 2023

The effects of reproductive hormone injections on beef quality and tenderness in dairy cows have not been well-described. The dilemma in Beef Quality Assurance for the dairy industry is the difficulty of injecting in front of the shoulder when animal handling facilities often include headlocks only. Using information about muscle damage caused by injections of reproductive hormones, producers, and veterinarians can make better decisions about injection practices which adequately balance meat quality with human safety.
Use of Three-Dimensional Accelerometry for Non-Contact, Continuous Characterization of Behavior Using an Induced Arthritis Model in Calves
Authors: Robert B. , White B. , Anderson D. E. , Schulz K.
Published: February 2023

Objective assessment of lameness is preferred to subjective assessment. There are few modalities that allow for both objective and non-contact assessment of lameness. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate two novel diagnostic tools, accelerometry and thermography, for lameness detection. We hypothesized that tri-axial accelerometry and thermography would allow for objective and non-contact assessment of lameness in calves.
Quantitative Electroencephalographic Findings Associated with Nociception Following Surgical Castration in Conscious Calves
Authors: Bergamasco L. , Coetzee J. F. , Mosher R. M. , Kotschwar J. L.
Published: February 2023

Pain suffered by livestock due to routine husbandry is an issue of growing concern, yet there is no validated model of pain available to assess the efficacy of pain-mitigating procedures. This study assessed quantitative EEG parameters in fully conscious calves in response to surgical castration.
Analgesic Efficacy of Sodium Salicylate in an Amphotericin B Induced Bovine Synovitis-Arthritis Model
Authors: Kotschwar J. L. , Coetzee J. F. , Anderson D. E. , Gehring R. , KuKanich B. , Apley M. D.
Published: February 2023

Over the past decade, the issue of food animal welfare has come to the forefront of veterinary medicine. Much of this interest has centered on pain management both in relation to routine production practices and pain involving diseases encountered in production environments. Lameness is one of the most common reasons for premature culling in dairy cows and is also an important cause of loss in beef cattle. Cook (2003) found the prevalence of lameness in dairy cows to be as high as 33.7%. The 1999 National Market Cow and Bull Beef Quality Audit was conducted to examine the quality of market cows and bulls and to compare to the data collected from the 1994 National Non-Fed Beef Quality Audit. Roeber et al (2001) found that 31.4% of all cattle audited were lame and that losses due to lameness were significantly greater than reported in the 1994 audit. In order to evaluate pain and then evaluate interventions, an objective method of measurement is required. Induction of lameness allows for controlled evaluation of pain in animals because pre- and post-lameness measurements can be taken from the same animal, thereby reducing the confounding effects of individual differences. This study examined the efficacy of sodium salicylate for providing analgesia in an amphotericin B-induced bovine synovitis/arthritis model.
Investigation into the Coliform Growth of Digested Manure Solids on a Large Commercial Michigan Dairy
Authors: Tulloch J. S. P. , O'Boyle N. J. , Sears P. M.
Published: February 2023

Anaerobic digesters are a potential solution for increasing sustainability while reducing the environmental impact of dairy farms. Many farms utilize the digester's solid waste product as freestall bedding. It provides good cow comfort and is readily available at a low cost to the producer. However, concerns have been raised about the relationship of this bedding to udder health and milk quality. Currently, little is known about the ideal management of digested manure solids, its use as bedding, and its influence on environmental mastitis. We set out to qualify and quantify the levels of coliform bacteria in the bedding, as well as aspects which would influence management in the freestall by measuring changes over time, surface and deep differences, composting and influence of the cow (i.e., inoculation of the bedding).
Milk Production and Reproductive Performance in Postpartum Dairy Cows Diagnosed and Treated for Metritis Using a Health Monitoring Program
Authors: Rabaglino M. B. , Santos J. E. , Fuentes C. , Risco C. A.
Published: February 2023

After calving, uterine health can be compromised by bacterial contamination that may result in metritis which lowers milk production, fertility and can be life threatening. Early treatment of metritis is justified on the basis of animal welfare and from an economical aspect of returning affected cows to their expected level of production. Postpartum (PP) health monitoring strategies are popular in many dairies because it allows the opportunity to identify sick cows early and provide therapy for metritis. However, it is not known if PP cows that undergo a health monitoring program and are diagnosed and treated for metritis have comparable reproductive performance and milk production to cows without metritis. Objectives were to determine milk production and reproductive performance in PP dairy cows diagnosed and treated for metritis using a health monitoring program.
Evaluation of Thoracic Ultrasonography as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Tool for Early Bovine Respiratory Disease of Feedlot Calves in Western Canada
Authors: Booker C. W. , Pollock C. , Abutarbush S. M. , Vogstad A. , Jim G. K. , Hannon S. J.
Published: February 2023

It is generally accepted that early recognition and treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) improves both prognosis and outcomes, while delayed diagnosis and treatment may result in treatment failure. Methods used to detect BRD in feedlot cattle include the assessment of animal demeanor and behavior by trained feedlot workers ("pen checkers") and evaluation oftransrectal temperature. The serial use of these two methods is currently the most practical, economically feasible, and common means of detecting BRD in feedlot cattle. However, recognized limitations of these methods may result in cattle without BRD being treated unnecessarily, while animals with BRD may remain undetected or be subject to delayed detection, all of which have adverse animal well-being and economic implications.

This project investigated the use of thoracic ultrasonography (US) as a diagnostic tool for the assessment of early BRD in feedlot cattle, and evaluated associations between US findings and subsequent animal health and production outcomes.
30/30 Club: Metabolic Breaking Point, or Fulfilling Genetic Potential
Authors: Cook Nigel B.
Published: February 2023

Major consumer concerns exist over current dairy practices that relate to herd size and "factory farming", lack of grazing in our production systems, and the "hyper-production" of our dairy cows. If we are to believe animal activists and mainstream media, largescale confinement dairy herds are places where cows are forced to milk around the clock, and individuals are pushed to the breaking point with the use of hormones and feed additives, resulting in metabolic disease, poor well-being, and premature death. Using three real herds as examples, this article discusses the pros and cons of different production systems and asks whether there is any truth behind these claims. Have we pushed the dairy cow to metabolic breaking point and forgotten about animal welfare - or is there a different story to tell?
Beef Production
Authors: Wileman Ben , Thomson Dan
Published: February 2023

Modern beef production systems have seen significant changes in the last 30 years, from number of ranches and feedlots to the use of different technologies. Data from key beef production inputs and outputs were gathered from the time of peak beef cattle numbers in 1975 and compared to data from 2008. The majority of the change occurring in the last 30 years has been from the development and implementation of beef production technologies. The beef industry has significantly reduced its natural resource burden in terms of land mass and number of animals used, all while increasing production. One of the changes in the last 30 years in beef production has been the emergence of natural and organic beef production. These production systems do not allow many of the technologies used in conventional beef production, and the discussion of these technologies appears to be a major driver of future beef production. Therefore, a critical review of peer-reviewed literature on these technologies' effects on animal performance was conducted, as well as their effects on beef food safety. Findings of this research were then used as inputs into a breakeven model to illustrate the effects of these production systems relative to conventional production. And finally, these inputs were used to forecast the effect of removing these technologies from beef production and its impact on natural resource requirements. Modern beef production has achieved remarkable strides in the efficient use of natural resources to provide a safe and nutritious beef product over the last 30 years.
Assisting Dairies in Mastitis Culturing On-farm
Authors: Wagner Sarah
Published: February 2023

An on-farm milk culturing program can generate useful information that may be used to facilitate treatment decisions that reduce farm expenses. Prior to beginning an on-farm milk culturing program, detailed protocols must be developed that include information about which cows will have milk samples collected and cultured, milk culturing procedures, and how culture results will be used in therapeutic decision-making. Because many milk cultures result in the growth of no pathogens or gram-negative pathogens, and many farms elect not to treat such cases, a milk culturing program can result in reduced expenses associated with treatment of mastitis. Discontinuation of on-farm culture programs is common; in order to increase the likelihood of success of the program, procedures must be clear and simple, the program must be beneficial to the farm, and the farm staff in charge of the program must be interested in mastitis microbiology and have time to perform related duties. In addition, the limitations of on-farm culture must be understood and accepted; it is not equivalent to milk culture performed at a diagnostic microbiological laboratory. Proper farm and personnel selection, comprehensive protocols, simple procedures, and proper utilization of culture results will help increase the likelihood of success of an on-farm culture program.
Disposition
Authors: Busby Darrell
Published: February 2023

Disposition or temperament of cattle is a measure of the animal's relative docility, wildness, and handling ability during processing in the pen as well as in the handling facilities. Easily excitable animals compromise both their own safety and the safety of handlers. The Iowa Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity collects sires, dams, and birth dates from cow-calf producers who retain ownership, as well as growth data, health treatments, disposition scores, and complete carcass data on steers and heifers. In the last 10 years data has been collected on 66,620 head of cattle from 23 states and Manitoba. Cattle are disposition scored at on-test, reimplant, and first sort; the cattle in the second harvest group are scored one additional time. Based on their average disposition score, the cattle were grouped as docile, restless, and aggressive.

When compared to docile cattle, aggressive cattle gained less in the feedlot (2.91 vs 3.17 lb/day; 1.32 vs 1.44 kg/day), produced fewer Choice carcasses (58.1 vs 72.4%), more Select carcasses (36.2 vs 23.3%), and the black-hided cattle produced a lower percentage of Certified Angus Beef (CAB) carcasses (14.3 vs 29.1 %). Morbidity rates were similar across disposition scores; however, death loss increased significantly as disposition scores increased. Non-replacement heifers had higher disposition scores than steer mates, as cow-calf producers selected for more docile replacement heifers. Average profit for docile cattle was $46.63 per head compared to $7.62 per head for aggressive cattle.
Injection Sites
Authors: Schnackel John
Published: February 2023

Cattle are injected with a variety of animal health products including vaccines, bacterins, antibiotics, anthelmintics, analgesics, and vitamins. Giving proper injections improves animal welfare, product response, and beef quality. Current Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) recommendations are to give products in the neck. Injections should be four or more inches apart. No more than 10 mL of a product should be given at any one injection site when giving products labeled for intramuscular administration; label instructions should be carefully followed when administering products labeled for subcutaneous use. When given a choice, the subcutaneous route of administration should be used. Needles should be sharp and changed often. Damaged needles should be discarded. Veterinarians, technicians, and others giving injections should follow BQA recommendations.
Effect of Postparturient Uterine Douching on the Risk for Clinical Metritis in Lactating Holstein Dairy Cows
Authors: Smith Isaiah J. , Overton M. W. , Berghaus R. D. , Mosley S. A.
Published: February 2023

Clinical metritis in the lactating dairy cow leads to decreased reproductive efficiency, decreased milk production, and predisposes the cow to other metabolic diseases. Postparturient uterine douching was historically used in humans as a prophylaxis and treatment for postpartum uterine disease. Some producers and veterinarians have advocated the use of postpartum uterine douching in dairy cows to help prevent metritis and improve uterine health, although there is little scientific evidence for its efficacy. Metritis represents a serious concern for modern dairy cattle, with a median lactational incidence of approximately 10%, and many herds have an incidence of 20-30%. The average cost of a case ofmetritis was estimated by Overton using stochastic simulation to be approximately $350. This represents tremendous potential in lost income to the dairy due to a greater risk of culling, loss of milk production, decreased reproductive efficiency, and increased treatment costs. The objective of this study was to determine whether cows that undergo a uterine douche shortly after calving are at decreased risk for clinical metritis.
Effect of Nutritional Plane on Health, Performance, and Muscle Metabolism in Neonatal Dairy Calves
Authors: Ollivett T. L. , Nydam D. V. , Linden T. C. , Wakshlag J. J. , Bowman D. D. , Van Amburgh M.
Published: February 2023

Neonatal dairy calf maintenance energy requirements are 1.75 Meal per day at thermoneutral temperatures. Conventional milk replacer feeding programs (e.g. 2 quarts of reconstituted solids twice per day) provide approximately 2.2 Meal per day. Considering the abundance of environmental and pathogenic challenges faced by neonatal calves, these conventional programs provide little energy for maintaining body temperature, mounting immune responses, and growing at expected rates of 1 to 2 pounds per day and weight loss often occurs for the initial week of life. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of conventional nutritional plane versus a higher nutritional plane on the health status, muscle development, and initial weight loss in neonatal dairy calves.
Multi-level Interpretation of the New IDEXX M. paratuberculosis ELISA on Serum and Milk Based on Likelihood Ratio Analysis
Authors: Collins M. T. , Djuranovic N. , Estey Lisa , Leathers Valerie
Published: February 2023

The new IDEXX ELISA for paratuberculosis measures the concentration of antibody in clinical samples, serum, plasma or milk. ELISA reader results, measured as optical density (OD) units, are transformed to SIP (sample/positive) ratios. Conventional ELISA interpretations employ a single cutoff for interpretation of SIP values as either negative (below the cutoff) or positive (above the cutoff). Prior studies demonstrated a strong correlation of SIP values with the probability animals are shedding Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP) in fecal samples collected at the same time as serum samples by likelihood ratio (LR) analysis, highlighting the clinical value of knowing the magnitude of SIP or equivalent transformed ELISA OD values ( Collins et al, 2005).
Qualification and Quantification of Bacterial Pathogen Load in Acute Bovine Respiratory Disease Cases
Authors: Roof C. , Apley M. , McVey D. S. , McClary D. G.
Published: February 2023

In December 2009 a total 194 steers, bulls, and heifers weighing 400-700 lb (180-320 kg) were purchased at an Arkansas sale barn on a Friday and shipped 12 hours to a northern Kansas feedlot on Saturday. There was no previous history of treatment. The objectives of the study were to evaluate (1) bacterial pathogen isolates in different locations in the respiratory tract, (2) pathogen load in lung tissue as it corresponds to histology scores, and (3) total pathogen load in clinically ill and clinically normal calves.
Enhancing the Recruitment and Retention of Food Supply Veterinarians
Authors: Fajt V. R. , Posey R. D. , Faries F. , Musser J. M. B. , Davidson J. , Libal M. C.
Published: February 2023

The importance of recruiting and retaining new food animal veterinarians is well known, and many groups are working on recruitment tools and programs. One of the recognized barriers to interest in food supply veterinary medicine is students' lack of experience and concomitant discomfort with food animal practice. Therefore, in 2008, we began offering an elective to first and second-year veterinary students, the Food Animal Production Tour, to provide students with little experience an opportunity to learn about large state-of-the-art food animal production units. We also wanted to provide students with demonstrated interest and more experience an opportunity to solidify and advance their career goals. The objective of this study was to assess the learning outcomes of the course by administering pre- and post-surveys of students' self-evaluation of learning as well as pre- and post-tests of knowledge of food animal production and veterinary roles.
Effect of Hot Weather on Number of Visits to Water Troughs
Authors: Villarroel A. , Krahn B.
Published: February 2023

Water consumption is crucial to maximum milk production. Environmental factors such as elevated ambient temperature influence water consumption, and therefore milk production. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of hot weather on water consumption, measured as number of visits to the water troughs.
Agronomic Biofortification with Selenium
Authors: Harwell A. M. , Pirelli G. , Stewart W. C. , Vorachek W. R. , Van Saun R. J. , Hall J. A.
Published: February 2023

Although the essentiality of selenium (Se) has been known for five decades, the most effective method of Se delivery to cattle is unclear. Se may be administered as an injection or in feed and mineral supplements, with Se usually provided as inorganic sodium selenite. One limitation of inorganic Se is the apparent short duration of Se storage in the body. Natural Se sources in plants are organic forms, namely selenomethionine, selenocysteine, or Se-methylselenocysteine. Organic Se accumulates in muscle as selenoproteins, and subsequently becomes available during dietary inadequacy or during stress conditions when the Se requirement is increased but feed consumption is decreased. Agronomic biofortification is defined as increasing the bioavailable concentration of an essential element in edible portions of crop plants through the use of fertilizers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate Se status in beef cattle after short-term exposure to high-Se-fertilized forage vs a commonly used mineral supplement containing inorganic sodium selenite.
Evaluation of a Questionnaire on Management Practices as a Diagnostic Tool to Determine Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis Infection Status in Quebec Dairy Herds
Authors: Buczinski S. , Roy J. P. , Fecteau G. , Labrecque O. , Aubry P.
Published: February 2023

The determination of herd status in regard to Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP) infection in dairy cattle is important since MAP infection is associated with important production losses even before clinical cases are identified. Several diagnostic strategies exist to diagnose MAP infection at the herd level. Producers may resist investing time and money on diagnostic procedures if they do not believe the disease is present in the herd. The aim of this study was to assess a questionnaire based on risk factors for transmission of MAP in Quebec dairy herds as a screening tool for identifying positive herds.
Validation of a New IDEXX Johne's Antibody ELISA for Use on Milk Samples
Authors: McCormick Jill , Chebanier Sophie , Djuranovic Nevena , Estey Lisa
Published: February 2023

Johne's disease (JD), also known as paratuberculosis, is a chronic infectious intestinal disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Over 68% of US dairy operations are infected with Johne's disease, causing decreased milk production, diminished fertility and a shortened production life. Johne's disease costs producers $250 per animal per year in infected herds. Lost productivity from Johne's disease is estimated at $200-$250 million per year. Regular ELISA testing, followed by control measures based on ELISA results, reduced infection rates from 10% to 3.5% in a recent Wisconsin study. The new IDEXX Mycobacterium paratuberculosis Antibody Test Kit (IDEXX M. pt. Ab ELISA), based on proven Institut Pourquier technology, has been validated and USDA licensed for use in bovine milk, serum, and plasma samples. It provides fast and accurate detection of MAP antibodies in dairy and beef cattle.
Dynamics of Tritrichomonas foetus Infection in Bulls Used for Natural Service in a Florida Dairy Farm
Authors: Pena G. , Riso C. , Rae O.
Published: February 2023

The economic impact of bovine trichomonosis has been well reported for beef and grazing livestock. However, in dairy farms the extensive use of artificial insemination (AI) has reduced its prevalence. The one exception is those herds where natural service (NS) is a part of the reproductive management and the potential for venereal disease transmission exist. In the US, a considerable number of dairies use bulls in their reproductive program. In the Southeast, de Vries et al, (2005) reported that 70% of herds used NS along with an AI program. Worldwide trichomonosis is considered a major cause of infertility in cattle bred by natural service. Tritrichomonas foetus (T. foetus) is a flagellate, obligate, anaerobic protozoa which causes venereal disease in domestic animals. The transmission of T. foetus occurs at coitus when an infected bull breeds a susceptible female or vice versa. In bulls, the infection is asymptomatic. In females, the protozoa cause embryonic death during early stages of pregnancy and temporary infertility. However, pyometra or abortions are the only clinical signs that may be observed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of T. foetus in dairy bulls used for natural service in Florida dairy farm.
Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) in the United States, France, Spain and the United Kingdom
Authors: Winslow Frank , Egli Christoph , Newcomb Caroline , Djuranovic Nevena , Welles Peter
Published: February 2023

IDEXX Laboratories manufactures and sells diagnostic tests used to detect bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in cattle. The purpose of this study was to better understand BVDV vaccination and testing practices among veterinarians in the United States (US), France (FR), Spain (ES) and the United Kingdom (UK). The study examined similarities and differences in the four countries in several areas: use, cost, satisfaction, and turnaround time for current of BVDV tests and estimated impact of BVDV on cattle productivity.
Comparison of Pregnancy Diagnosis by Transrectal Ultrasonography at 28-34 Days after AI and Rectal Palpation at 35-41 Days after AI on Pregnancy Retention at 61-67 Days after AI
Authors: Pereira R. V. V. , Caixeta L. S. , Nydam D. V. , Guard C. L.
Published: February 2023

Dairy farm revenue is dependent upon reproductive efficiency, which can be improved by early identification and intervention of cattle that have been bred and are not pregnant. Pregnancy diagnosis by rectal palpation is the most common method used by veterinarians. The use of ultrasound allows for earlier pregnancy diagnosis. The objective of this study was to compare two systematic programs for detecting open cows on a large commercial dairy. In the first program cows were checked earlier for pregnancy using transrectal ultra-sonograpy and in the second cows were checked later using manual rectal palpation. The proportion of cows that retained the pregnancy at 60 to 66 days after AI was compared between programs.
Assessment of Reproductive Outcomes in United States Holstein Dairies by Geographic Region
Authors: Moeller L. M. , Michael N. A. , Dalton J. C. , Lamb G. C.
Published: February 2023

Herd size is frequently associated with differences in reproductive management strategies such as the use of fixed-time AI (TAI) and outcomes such as conception rate (CR), pregnancy risk (PR), and stillborn and abortion percentages. Although reproductive outcomes may also differ by geographic region, they may be used as benchmarks to assess reproductive management success within a dairy. In this study, reproductive outcomes were evaluated to determine overall CR, PR, stillborn, and abortion percentages and to establish benchmarks for the most effective 20% of operations.
Delayed Breeding Optimizes Conception in Dairy Cows with Prolonged Estrus
Authors: Villarroel A. , Lane V. M.
Published: February 2023

A common question of dairy farmers is whether to breed a cow that is still in estrus several hours after insemination. It is possible these cows have a longer interval between onset of estrus and ovulation time, and thus AM-PM rule is not valid. The objective of this study was to compare conception risk in cows with prolonged estrus bred once vs. twice (12 hours apart).
Drivers of Income and Economic Growth in Mixed Animal Veterinary Practices
Authors: White Brad
Published: February 2023

Business management techniques, procedures, and services can impact the overall economic success of veterinary practices. Gross practice income and income growth rate are two important metrics for gauging practice economic well-being. Practices with higher economic growth rates have been associated with utilization of specific business management techniques, including the frequency of updating prices and the employment of a business manager. Every practice has a brand, or perceived value by the client base, and practices can generate a long-term plan to capitalize on competitive advantages. Providing convenient client services and actively communicating with clientele promotes economic success.
Achieving Reproductive Efficiency in Beef Cow Herds
Authors: Hilton W. Mark
Published: February 2023

Excellent reproductive efficiency can be achieved in a beef herd by using a multifaceted approach focusing on herd production and management issues. Numbers that would define reproductive efficiency for most herds would include a 90-95% pregnancy rate, less than 2% abortion rate with 65, 88, and 100% of the calves born by days 21, 42, and 65 of the calving season, respectively. Heritability of reproductive traits tends to be low and disease causing reproductive failure in beef herds is uncommon in many parts of North America. Heifer selection and development, nutrition and utilizing heterosis are some of the keys to success. Efficiency is not synonymous with maximums, but rather is more closely aligned to ‘optimums’. Recent research with cost control as the core of heifer development shows that heifers can be developed more efficiently than previously thought.
Survival of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus on Materials Associated with Livestock Production
Authors: Stevens Elliot T. , Thomson Daniel U. , Wileman Ben , O'Dell Sean , Chase Christopher C. L.
Published: February 2023

Although research has demonstrated bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) can be transmitted by a fomite, there are no published studies on the longitudinal survival of BVDV on common materials and within liquids used in livestock production that could serve as fomites. The objective of this study was to evaluate the longitudinal survival of a type lb, non-cytopathic (NCP) BVDV on fomites in the presence or absence of a novel, synthetic mucus.
Use of Rapid Thoracic Ultrasonography for Detection of Subclinical and Clinical Pneumonia in Dairy Calves
Authors: Ollivett T. L. , Burton A. J. , Bicalho R. C. , Nydam D. V.
Published: February 2023

Detection of subclinical disease has become the focus of much research in the recent past, e.g. mastitis and ketosis in dairy cattle, and pneumonia secondary to Rhodococcus equi infection in foals. The purpose of this study was to assess, using thoracic ultrasonography, the prevalence of abnormal lungs in pre-weaned dairy calves. Subsequent objectives were to describe ultrasonographic changes within the lung, respiratory score, and treatment of respiratory disease.
Interpreting Outcome Measures of Disease and Health in Cattle Research and Practice
Authors: Ospina P. A. , Nydam D. V. , DiCiccio T. J.
Published: February 2023

Evaluating the association between multiple predictor variables such as β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and parity level on a dichotomous outcome such as a displaced abomasum or no displaced abomasum is common in dairy research and practice. The risk ratio (RR) can be estimated to evaluate the strength of the association, i.e., how likely the outcome is to happen based on the levels of the predictor variables. The purpose of this study is to outline an applied method for estimating the RR with PROC GENMOD using SAS software version 9.2. This estimate is preferred to the odds ratio (OR), which can sometimes overestimate the effect and can be difficult to interpret.
Assessment of Calving Progress and Reference Times for Obstetric Intervention during Dystocia in Holstein Dairy Cows
Authors: Schuenemann G. M. , Nieto I. , Bas S. , Galvao K. N. , Workman J. D.
Published: February 2023

Dystocia has been defined as a difficult birth resulting in prolonged calving or severe assisted extraction of the calf at birth. Dystocia increased the incidence of stillbirths and calf mortality (within 30 days post-calving), increased the likelihood of trauma on the dam (i.e., paresis), increased uterine disorders (e.g., metritis), and decreased milk yield. To reduce the sequelae resulting from dystocia, training dairy personnel on calving management should be a top priority. The educational program should provide clear recommendations to participants on the signs of imminent birth over time (e.g., calving progress), when and how it is appropriate to intervene, and hygiene practices, among others. The objectives of this observational study were: 1) to assess the time from the appearance of the amniotic sac (AS) or feet outside the vulva to birth in cows with (dystocia) or without assistance (eutocia) at calving, and 2) to estimate reference times for obstetric intervention in Holstein cows that need assistance during difficult births.
Efficacy of a New Navel Dip to Prevent Umbilical Infection in Dairy Calves
Authors: Grover Wayne M. , Godden Sandra
Published: February 2023

A field study, controlled at the farm level, was conducted utilizing 495 newborn calves in 13 commercial Wisconson dairy herds to evaluate the use of a new umbilical disinfectant dip (Navel Guard (NG), Sirius Chemical Group, McDonough, GA) to prevent umbilical infections (omphalitis) as compared to 1) not dipping the umbilicus at birth, 2) dipping the umbilicus with 7% tincture of iodine, or 3) dipping the umbilicus with solutions containing a lower concentration (0.5 to 2%) of iodine.
Management Practices Associated with the Rate of Pre-Weaning Calf Respiratory Disease
Authors: Hanzlicek G. A. , Renter D. G. , White B. J. , Wagner B. A. , Dargatz D. A. , Sanderson M. W.
Published: February 2023

Pre-weaning bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) in beef cow-calf herds can negatively affect calf sale weight and can lead to pre-weaning mortalities. Reductions in weight and number of calves that cow-calf operators sell will impact herd profitability. There are no large-scale studies documenting management factors associated with pre-weaning BRDC in cow-calf herds. The US Department of Agriculture National Animal Health Monitoring System’s Beef 2007-08 study generated data on management factors and disease occurrences for US cow-calf herds. Our objective was to utilize these data to assess potential associations between cow-calf herd management practices and the rate of BRDC in pre-weaned beef calves.
Associations between Weather Conditions and Bovine Respiratory Disease in Feedlot Cattle
Authors: Cernicchiaro N. , Renter D. G. , White B. J. , Babcock A. H. , Fox J. T.
Published: February 2023

Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD) is the most common cause of disease in weaned cattle. Ambient environmental conditions affect nutritional requirements, metabolism, and BRD risk; however, data on associations between specific weather conditions and BRD morbidity in cattle are sparse. The goal of our study was to quantify associations between daily BRD incidence rates and preceding weather conditions in different lag periods (considering up to seven days from the current day of interest) in feedlot cattle.
Associations between Transport Distance and Weight Loss during Transit with Health Parameters in Feedlot Cattle
Authors: Cernicchiaro N. , White B. J. , Renter D. G. , Babcock A. H. , Kelly L. , Slattery R.
Published: February 2023

Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD) is the most common disease of feedlot cattle. Most cattle are transported at least once during their lives and the physiologic changes associated with cattle transport stress are well documented. However, limited work exists evaluating how the risk of detrimental health outcomes changes based on the characteristics of the journey including distance cattle traveled or the weight loss in transit (shrink). The objective of this study was to determine potential associations between common measures of transportation (distance traveled (DTV)) and shrink (SHK) with feedlot health.
Evaluation of Arrival Health Risk Status of Steer Calves on Individual Animal Performance and Health over a 61-Day Preconditioning Period
Authors: May M. L. , Krehbiel C. R. , Schunicht O. C. , Holland B. P. , Booker C. W. , Burciaga-Robles L. O.
Published: February 2023

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most common disease in calves that enter the feedlot, and may result in large economic losses. Arrival risk status is often used to predict the risk of an animal developing BRD and subsequently which vaccination program to follow. The purpose of this study was to follow two populations of calves with different pre-arrival commingling (ranch direct vs auction derived) over a 61 day preconditioning period, to compare performance data based on individual animal feed intakes using the GrowSafe data collection system (GrowSafe Systems Ltd., Airdrie, Canada).
Effects of Anabolic Growth Implant and Restricted Feed Intake on Proliferation of Bovine Primary Skeletal Muscle Cells
Authors: Thomson D. U. , Wileman B. W. , Reinhardt C. D. , Bradford B. J. , Mamedova L. K.
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a steroid implant, Revalor XS (200 mg trenbolone acetate, 40 mg estradiol) and/or restricted feed intake on nutrient metabolism and muscle cell growth of steers.