bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
evaluation of the agreement between digital dermatitis scoring methods in the parlor, pen and hoof-trimming chute
Authors: Winders T. , Socha M. , Cramer G.
Published: February 2023

Digital dermatitis (DD) is 1 of the most common causes of lameness in dairy cattle with prevalence levels of approximately 20% at the time of hoof trimming. The disease is characterized by a variety of clinical signs including hyperkeratosis and ulceration predominately affecting the interdigital cleft or skin surrounding the interdigital space on the plantar aspect of the foot. The disease has a significant impact on milk production, profitability, and the welfare of dairy cattle. To minimize the effects of DD on the animal and the farm there is a need for rapid detection methods. In addition, an accurate rapid scoring method would allow for a mechanism to evaluate the impact of a change in management practices at the herd level. Currently, the gold standard in detecting cows with DD lesions is the hoof trimming chute. Scoring in the hoof trimming chute is time consuming, and other scoring methods have been developed to identify cows with digital dermatitis in the milking parlor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of a 5 point DD scoring method in 3 different parlor types and in 3 alternative locations on dairy farms.
Comparison of efficacy of various Mannheimia-Pasteurella vaccines against pneumonic pasteurellosis in young Holstein calves
Authors: Taylor K. L. , McKaig C. M. , Riad A. W. , Gawthrop J. C.
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study is to determine if vaccination with a commercial Mannheimia-Pasteurella (M-P) vaccine is effective in reducing the incidence of respiratory disease and in improving average daily gain (ADG) in Holstein steers post-weaning. Pneumonic pasteurellosis is an economically important condition in cattle. In young cattle, Mannheimia haemolyticia and Pasteurella multocida are commonly cultured from cases of bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC); however, the nidus for colonization of the lower respiratory tract is not well understood. Stressors, such as, weaning, shipping, and weather changes have a strong correlation with colonization of the lower respiratory tract by these organisms. Protecting young, high risk cattle, such as Holstein steers, against respiratory insult from M. haemolyticia and P. multocida would be economically beneficial to the cattle industry. There are several commercially available vaccines available; however, their efficacy in this high risk population is not well known.
Relationship between serum total proteins and immunoglobulin G for calves fed either First Day Formula® CR or maternal colostrum
Authors: Lago A. , Leonardi C. , Blanc C. , Cook D. , Socha M. , Rivera H.
Published: February 2023

Total serum proteins concentration (TP) is frequently measured in calves to evaluate adequacy of passive transfer of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from colostrum. However, calves fed some commercially available colostrum-derived colostrum replacers (CR) may have lower serum TP at equal IgG concentrations as compared to calves fed maternal colostrum (MC). This can be due to removal of some proteins during manufacturing of CR. The objective of this study was to determine the linear relationship between TP and IgG at 22 to 28 h after birth for CR and MC.
Background, experience and perceptions of antibiotic use of individuals treating cows on Californian dairies
Authors: Espadamala A. , Pallares P. , Lago A. , Silva-del-Río N.
Published: February 2023

The large size of dairy operations in California (average herd size of 1,200 cows/dairy) creates large demands for hired help. Most dairy employees on California dairies are of Hispanic ethnicity with little formal training on animal husbandry. Communication issues on these dairies have been documented between upper management and individuals administering antibiotic treatments to calves. This could result on treatment protocols (as decided by veterinarians and owners) not being followed by the dairy employee. The objective was to describe the involvement of owners and veterinarians on fresh cow evaluations, and to identify who the fresh cow evaluators requested advice from. The identification of influencers is key to design an effective outreach program.
Hoof measurements before and after hoof trimmer intervention on lame cows on California dairies
Authors: Pineda Marc , Akin Ibrahim , Silva-del-Río Noelia
Published: February 2023

Farm labor routinely perform hoof trimming tasks and treat lame cows on California dairies. Most workers performing hoof trimming tasks lack formal education and have minimal training. Despite the relevance of hoof trimmer work on cow health, the quality of their work is rarely monitored by managers or veterinarians. The objective of this study was to describe lame cow hoof measurements before and after hoof trimmer intervention on California dairies.
Cow-level analysis of bovine leukemia virus infection and milk production in Michigan dairy cows
Authors: Norby Bo , Bartlett Paul C. , Byrem Todd M. , Erskine Ron J.
Published: February 2023

Enzootic bovine leukosis is a chronic infectious disease of cattle caused by bovine leukemia virus (BLV), a deltaretrovirus. The main route of BLV transmission among cattle appears to be hematogenous transfer of infected B cells. A persistent lymphocytosis (PL) phenotypic state is observed in approximately 30% of infected cattle. Cattle that do not become PL remain aleukemic (AL) with normal lymphocyte counts. About 0.1 to 10% of BLV-infected cows progress to develop lymphoma. Little has been done to limit the spread of BLV in the US dairy herd. In a 1996 National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) survey of dairy herds in the US, the herd-level prevalence was 89%. A similar herd-level prevalence of 83.9% based on bulk-tank testing was reported in the 2007 NAHMS dairy study, and in a 2010 study of 113 Michigan dairy herds, the mean within-herd prevalence was 32.8%. Bovine leukemia virus infection has been shown to reduce milk production at the herd level. The direct losses associated with BLV infections to the dairy industry and consumers have been estimated to be in excess of $500 million yearly. The objective of this paper was to determine the association between the predicted 305-day mature equivalent (ME305) milk of cows in their lactation following BLV milk-ELISA testing and BLV status.
Prudent drug use from the practitioner's viewpoint
Authors: Lowe Phil A.
Published: February 2023

With increased scrutiny from government agencies, animal rights groups and consumers, we need to be more vigilant with antibiotic usage on farm. Now more than ever we need to assure that a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR), written protocols and treatment records are in place for drug use documentation. As the veterinarian of record (VOR) it is our responsibility to oversee drug usage on our client's operations and monitor treatment response and protocol drift.
Fatty acids and fat supplements in lactating dairy cow rations
Authors: Lock Adam L. , De Souza Jonas
Published: February 2023

In most Federal Milk Market Orders milk fat and protein yield are the major contributors to the price that producers receive for milk. The addition of supplemental fatty acid (FA)  sources to diets is a common practice in dairy nutrition to increase dietary energy density and to support milk production. The ability to understand and model FA, the effects of individual FA, and different FA supplements on production parameters has direct impact on dairy industry recommendations and the usefulness of FA supplementation strategies. The emphasis of the current paper is on biological processes and quantitative changes during the metabolism of FA in the rumen and the effect this has on FA availability to the dairy cow, the digestibility of these FA, and their overall impact on performance. We will focus on recent research supplementing palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0)-enriched supplements, on feed intake, digestibility, milk production, and milk composition, and energy partitioning.
Anti-parasitic use of sericea lespedeza and copper oxide wire particles in small ruminants
Authors: Williamson Lisa H.
Published: February 2023

Management of gastrointestinal parasitism in sheep and goats is a major challenge in many parts of the world, particularly in the current age of multi-drug anthelmintic resistance. Haemonchus contortus has gained substantial notoriety for its pathogenicity, as well as for its ability to develop resistance to all currently available classes of anthelmintics. As conventional pharmaceuticals continue to lose efficacy, alternative anti-parasitic strategies, such as feeding sericea lespedeza, a plant rich in condensed tannins, and administration of copper oxide wire particles, are gaining popularity in the United States.
clinician's guide to what kills adult sheep and goats, as diagnosed by necropsy
Authors: Smith Mary C.
Published: February 2023

Techniques for efficient field necropsy of adult sheep and goat are described. Common conditions that kill adults, as well as older lambs and kids, are then presented, with emphasis on diagnosis by gross examination of the body. Additional laboratory tests that may be warranted and management considerations for the remainder of the herd are included to guide the practitioner in addressing the problems that have been identified. Conditions leading to the death of adult sheep include the following: anemia from haemonchosis, copper toxicosis, malnutrition, heavy strongyle burden, dental disease, paratuberculosis, liver flukes, caseous lymphadenitis, bacterial pneumonia, retroviral pneumonia, endocarditis, grain overload, enterotoxemia, intestinal accidents, toxic mastitis, dystocia with uterine rupture or retained fetuses, pregnancy toxemia, hypocalcemia, urolithiasis, polioencephalomalcia, listeriosis, and other neurologic diseases.
Extension of anionic diet into the first three days of lactation and its effect on calcium blood levels in postpartum dairy cattle
Authors: Maier G. , McNabb B. , Pereira R. , Aly S. , Rossow H.
Published: February 2023

Although the incidence of clinical hypocalcemia in postpartum dairy cows is low on US dairies, subclinical hypocalcemia post-calving is common and has been associated with metabolic and infectious disease. It is common farm practice to feed a diet rich in anions to prepartum dairy cattle to support calcium homeostasis; however, this diet is typically discontinued at parturition when calcium needs are still high. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of extending the dietary anion cation difference into the first 3 days of lactation in multiparous dairy cattle with the use of magnesium chloride hexahydrate drenches on blood calcium levels.
Inter- and intra-cow variability and the effect of teat-end shape on average milk flow rate, milk harvested in the first two minutes, and seconds below 2.2 lb per minute
Authors: Wieland M. , Virkler P. D. , Nydam D. V.
Published: February 2023

Data from electronic milk meters that measure milking characteristics such as average flow rate (AFR), amount of milk harvested in the first 2 minutes (2MIN), and seconds below 2.2 lb (1 kg) per minute flow rate (LOW) have been used as indicators of milking efficiency among cows. While these milking characteristics are valuable metrics to optimize efficiency of dairy production systems, the variability in them has not been rigorously investigated. The primary objective of this study was to describe the variability of the milking characteristics AFR (lb/min), 2MIN (lb), and LOW (sec.), both within and between cows. Our secondary objective was to investigate the influence of the explanatory variables milk yield, stage of lactation (DIM), parity, milking time, farm, manual control mode, and teat-end shape on the aforementioned milking characteristics.
pharmacokinetics of transdermal flunixin meglumine in Holstein calves
Authors: Kleinhenz M. D. , Van Engen N. K. , Gorden P. J. , KuKanich K. , Rajewski S. M. , Walsh Phillip , Coetzee J. F.
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetics of flunixin meglumine when administered as a transdermal topical preparation.
Influence of vaccination with an inactivated or modified live viral reproductive vaccine on reproductive parameters in beef cows
Authors: Perry G. A. , Larimore E. L. , Crosswhite M. R. , Neville B. W. , Cortese V. , Daly R. F. , Stokka G. , Rodgers J. C.
Published: February 2023

Previous research has described the detrimental effects of modified-live virus (MLV) vaccines on reproductive parameters in na'ive heifers. Less is known about the patential effects of MLV vaccines on reproductive parameters in well-vaccinated beef herds. This work describes a 2-year study involving 9 herds of well-vaccinated cows and heifers (n=1436) to evaluate whether a pre-breeding MLV or inactivated reproductive vaccine administered per label instructions had negative impacts on conception rates or calving distribution compared to a non-vaccinated control (saline) group.
descriptive analysis of the commensal luminal and mucosal microbiome of the duodenum using a cannulated calf model
Authors: Stockler Ricardo M. , Groover Erin S. , Newcomer Benjamin W. , Walz Paul H.
Published: February 2023

The gut microbiome provides important metabolic functions for the host animal. Bacterial dysbiosis as a result of bacterial, viral, and parasitic gastrointestinal infections can adversely affect the metabolism, productivity, and overall health. The objective of this study is to characterize the commensal microbiome present in the lumen and the epimural surface of the duodenum of cattle, as we hypothesize that due to metabolic processes and/ or host proprieties, there are differences in the natural microbiota present in the epimural surface and luminal contents of the bovine duodenum.
Failure of high-capacity pneumatic darts to consistently deliver tulathromycin to calves after remote drug delivery
Authors: Coetzee J. F. , Kleinhenz M. D. , Magstadt D. R. , Cooper V. L. , Van Engen N. K. , Smith J. S. , Rand N. , Gorden P. G.
Published: February 2023

Remote drug delivery (RDD) using pneumatic darts is becoming widespread in beef production systems with an estimated 4 million darts sold last year. Data concerning the impact of pneumatic dart delivery of antimicrobials in cattle are deficient in the published literature. In this report we describe a case of failure of high-capacity pneumatic darts to consistently deliver tulathromycin to calves after RDD.
Deep sequencing metagenomic analysis of experimentally induced bovine digital dermatitis lesions
Authors: Krull A. , Shearer J. K. , Gorden P. , Cooper V. , Plummer P. J.
Published: February 2023

Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is a leading cause of lameness in both dairy and beef cattle in the US and much of the world. Previous work by our laboratory and others has demonstrated that metagenomic analysis of naturally occurring digital dermatitis biopsies yields evidence of a complex polymicrobial disease process. We have demonstrated that lesions develop through a systematic progression of morphologic changes that are each associated with significantly different microbial communities. While these studies have provided insights into the pathogenesis of the disease process, they are often complicated by confounding associated with temporal differences in the time or season of biopsy collection, chronicity of the lesion, and the lack of baseline metagenomic data for each foot prior to lesion development. The goal of this study was to utilize a recently developed and highly reliable experimental lesion induction model of digital dermatitis to collect a large number of metagenomic samples with minimal confounding.
Metritis severity score misclassification underpredicts consequence cost of disease
Authors: Overton Michael W. , McCarthy Maris M.
Published: February 2023

The objective of this research was to determine the impact of disease misclassification on the estimated impact of metritis on milk production and time to pregnancy. Differential misclassification introduces bias that usually results in underestimating the true association.
Understanding stewardship
Authors: Habing G. G. , Djordjevic C. , Schuenemann G. , Lakritz J.
Published: February 2023

Calf-raising operations provide a unique microbial niche where immature intestinal flora, dense animal populations, and frequent application of antimicrobials may facilitate the emergence of antimicrobial resistant pathogens. In the US, producers report that 18% of calves receive an antimicrobial for diarrhea prior to weaning, often with antimicrobials designated as "critically important" to human medicine. The overall objective for this research was to understand the decision criteria for antimicrobial use for calf diarrhea. We hypothesized that selective antimicrobial use is associated with herd-level predictors, including the presence of veterinarian-written treatment protocols and producer attitudes about the impact of antimicrobial use in livestock.
Short interval from calving to milking is essential for high lgG content in colostrum
Authors: Lokke M. M. , Engelbrecht R. , Wiking L.
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of time passed from parturition to milking, and from these data propose a scheme that can be used at smaller farms to increase the likelihood of harvesting colostrum with a high content of antibodies.
Delayed insemination optimizes conception in dairy cows with natural estrus
Authors: Villarroel A.
Published: February 2023

Dairy farmers struggle to decide when to inseminate a cow after estrus is detected, mainly because heat detection methods have changed over time and new rules apply. Although the AM-PM rule was widely used during the time of visual heat detection, with the advent of timed insemination protocols, many dairies have decided to inseminate only once every day, typically in the morning. This has led to inseminate cows as soon as they show estrus signs in fear of being too late when inseminating the following day. The objective of this study was to compare conception risk in cows inseminated at different times from the time of estrus detection via pedometers.
Survey of lame cow management practices on California dairies
Authors: Pineda M. , Adkin I. , Silva-del-Río N.
Published: February 2023

Lameness is one of the main diseases on dairy farms, causing annual losses of up to $75/cow. Consequently, early lameness identification and treatment could decrease lameness prevalence. The objective of this study was to describe lame cow management practices on California dairies.
Effects of dietary fiber and distillers grains on enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli hide contamination prior to slaughter in feedlot steers
Authors: Schneider L. G. , Erickson G. E. , Moxley R. A. , Smith D. R.
Published: February 2023

Hides of cattle at slaughter serve as an important source for carcass contamination by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). The objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of distillers grains (DGS) or the level of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) affects hide contamination by EHEC prior to slaughter in feedlot steers.
More is better
Authors: Lubbers Brian V.
Published: February 2023

Antimicrobial resistance concerns have created a renewed interest in antimicrobial stewardship programs in both human and veterinary medicine. Due to the associated logistical and administrative burdens, formal antimicrobial stewardship programs have seen limited adoption outside of large institutional care centers. However, one of the key components of these programs is to optimize antimicrobial therapy - administration: of the right drug, to the right patient, at the right dose, by the right route, for the right duration. Optimizing dosing regimens does not have the same logistical burdens as a formal program, it simply requires evidential support and implementation by individual clinicians; which begs the question, "what is the basis for our current duration of antibiotic therapy recommendations?". To answer this question, a literature search was conducted to evaluate the scientific basis to support current recommendations for duration of therapy in veterinary medicine. Overall, the quantity and quality of scientific studies to support a specific duration oftherapy for a specific antimicrobial was underwhelming. However, the limited data generally supports the assumption that shorter durations of therapy can be effective and should be more thoroughly investigated.
Utilizing the value proposition in dairy practice
Authors: Garber Jonathan R. O.
Published: February 2023

How well do you understand what your dairy farm clients need and want from your practice? The value proposition can be a useful tool for identifying current and future needs of clients and then assessing how well your practice meets those needs. Valley Veterinary Clinic, SC is a large private practice serving the diverse dairy industry in north-eastern Wisconsin. This presentation will outline several relevant attributes of the practice and highlight how Valley Veterinary Clinic is using the value proposition to better meet the needs of its dairy clients.
association between automatically captured rumen temperature bolus temperatures and morbidity in group housed, pre-weaned dairy calves
Authors: Knauer W. A. , Godden S. M.
Published: February 2023

Group housing of dairy calves offers several advantages for dairy producers, yet calves housed in these systems have an increased risk of disease and it can be more challenging to detect a sick calf in a group. Fever is a widely used indicator of infectious diseases in dairy calves and often accompanies the two most common calf hood morbidities, diarrhea (DIA) and respiratory (RESP) disease. Indwelling rumen temperature bolus (RTB) systems are newly available for calves, but their utility in a field setting has not been formally evaluated. As a first step towards describing the utility (test characteristics) of this technology to detect morbidity, the objective of this study was to describe the relationship between automatically captured RTB temperatures and morbidity in group housed, pre-weaned dairy calves.
model of foot-and-mouth disease transmission and detection within a U.S. beef feedlot
Authors: Cabezas A. H. , Sanderson M. W. , Volkova V. V.
Published: February 2023

Mathematical modeling is a tool to project the impact of a potential epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in disease-free countries. Most published models of FMD spread in the U.S. focus on farm to farm transmission and represent the farm as a homogenous unit. We developed a model of FMD transmission dynamics and clinical manifestation within a U.S. beef feedlot, incorporating typical feedlot layout, production management, and animal demographics. We used the model to assess the time to detection on the feedlot based on varying clinical FMD prevalence detection thresholds. We also estimated the impact of stopping movement of cattle to hospital pens following detection on the within-feedlot FMD outbreak.
study of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in beef cow-calf herds in Mississippi and Nebraska
Authors: Schneider L. G. , Stromberg Z. R. , Lewis G. L. , Moxley R. A. , Smith D. R.
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to describe the probability of detecting seven serogroups of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC-7) of public health importance in fecal samples from beef cow-calf herds and to identify explanatory factors.
effect of different treatments for early lactation hyperketonemia on blood β-hydroxybutyrate, plasma non-esterified fatty acids, glucose, insulin, and glucagon in dairy cattle
Authors: Mann S. , Leal Yepes F. A. , Behling-Kelly E. , McArt J. A. A.
Published: February 2023

Despite increased efforts in preventing the occurrence of metabolic disorders in transition cows, hyperketonemia remains a frequent early lactation metabolic disease affecting an average of 40% of cows in herds in the US. Despite the demonstrated economic impact of this disorder there is a lack of controlled clinical trials comparing different treatment strategies in affected cows. The objective of our study was to investigate the effect of treatment with intravenous glucose, oral propylene glycol (PG), or a combination of both on the reduction in blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations of early lactation hyperketonemic dairy cows.
Investigation of the relationship between bacteria counts, bedding characteristics and bedding management practices with udder health and milk quality on dairy farms
Authors: Patel K. , Godden S. M. , Royster E. E. , Timmerman J. A. , Crooker B. A. , Fox L.
Published: February 2023

High levels of bacteria in bedding (bedding bacteria counts; BBC) are associated with increased bacteria loads on teat ends and, in some reports, with an increased risk for environmental mastitis infections. However, relatively few studies have investigated the relationship between BBC and udder health, and science-based guidelines are lacking to interpret BBC culture results in different bedding materials. Therefore, the primary goal of our study is to conduct a multi-state, multi-herd cross-sectional observational study to describe the relationship between bedding bacteria counts and udder health and to identify cutpoints for interpreting BBC data. A secondary objective is to identify bedding characteristics and bedding management strategies that are associated with lower BBC and improved udder health. In this abstract we present preliminary results that describe BBC in new and used bedding samples collected from herds using new sand (NS), reclaimed sand (RS), manure solids (MS) or other organic bedding materials (OB).
Accuracy of color flow doppler ultrasonography to diagnose nonpregnancy in dairy cows 21 days after last insemination
Authors: Houle J. , Buczinski S. , Dubuc J.
Published: February 2023

A previous study demonstrated that the doppler ultrasonography could be used to identify cows not pregnant 20 days after last insemination (DALI). Unfortunately, such study was not repeated and it remains unclear if this diagnostic tool could also be used 21 DALI. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify the accuracy of using Doppler ultrasonography to diagnose nonpregnancy (NPG) in lactating dairy cows 21 DALI.
Evaluating the effect of two hoof trimming techniques on lesion incidence in dairy cattle
Authors: Stoddard G. , Cook N. , Wagner S. , Cramer G.
Published: February 2023

Lameness is detrimental to the well-being and productivity of dairy cattle. One recommended procedure to prevent lameness is hoof trimming (HT). The research surrounding the efficacy of HT however is currently limited. The objective of this project was to compare the functional HT method (LIT) to more modeling of the weight bearing claw (BIG) on lesion presence at mid-lactation.
Effects of liver abscess severity and quality grade on meat tenderness and sensory attributes in commercially finished beef cattle fed without tylosin phosphate
Authors: McCoy E. J. , O'Quinn T. G. , Schwandt E. F. , Reinhardt C. D. , Thomson D. U.
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of liver abscess severity in beef cattle at slaughter on meat tenderness and sensory attributes of steaks from USDA Low Choice and Select quality grades. Liver abscesses at the time of slaughter have been shown to decrease hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, yield grade, and marbling scores. However, little research has focused on the effects of animal health and disease parameters, including liver abscesses, on meat tenderness and sensory attributes.
Risk factors associated with septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in beef cattle
Authors: Robinson L. A. , Chamorro M. F. , Reppert E. J. , Cernicchiaro N. , Biller D. , Miesner M. D.
Published: February 2023

Lameness is a condition associated with important economic losses in beef cattle operations. Infection of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ) usually results in severe lameness and is an animal welfare concern; however, diagnosis of digital infection in beef cattle in the field is difficult and challenging for veterinarians. Identification of risk factors associated with septic arthritis of the DIJ in beef cattle could lead to early treatment and improve prognosis for future productive life. The objective of this study was to determine if factors such as duration of lameness, number of antibiotic treatments, severity of lameness, and the presence of asymmetric swelling at the coronary band of the affected foot are associated with septic arthritis of the DIJ in beef cattle.
Cow- and herd-level prevalence of hypoglycemia in hyperketonemic postpartum dairy cows
Authors: Dubuc J. , Buczinski S.
Published: February 2023

A recent study suggested that postpartum dairy cows simultaneously affected by hyperketonemia (HYPERK) and hypoglycemia (HYPOG) could benefit from being treated with butaphosphan-cyanocobalamin in addition to the usual propylene glycol treatment. However, it remains unclear at this stage if this situation (combination of HYPERK and HYPOG; defined as HYPERK+HYPOG) is frequent or not in dairy cows and dairy herds. The objective of this study was to quantify the prevalence of HYPOG in hyperketonemic cows in a context of systematic surveillance of HYPERK every 2 weeks in dairy herds.
Association between prepartum dry matter intake, net energy balance, and postpartum diseases in dairy cows
Authors: Perez-Baez J. , Risco C. A. , Gomes G. C. , Zenobi M. , Martinez N. , Staples C. R. , Santos J. E. , Galvao K. N.
Published: February 2023

The transition period in dairy cows is characterized by a drop in dry matter intake, leading to lipid mobilization in the form of nonesterified fatty acids [NEFA) and an increase in ketone bodies such as beta-hydroxybutyrate. Concentrations of NEFA > 0.3 mEq/L during 14 to 2 days prepartum can predict diseases like displaced abomasum, clinical ketosis, metritis, and retained placenta (RP). These diseases reduce milk yield, impair reproductive performance, and increase culling, hence incurring economic losses. The association between DMI prepartum and disease incidence postpartum has not been extensively studied. The primary objectives of this study were to determine the association between prepartum dry matter intake (DMI), DMI as percentage of body weight (DMI%BW), and net energy balance (NEB) (-21 days) and postpartum diseases or disorders; calving problems (dystocia, twins, stillbirth), RP, metritis, mastitis, metabolic problems (hypocalcemia, ketosis), digestive problems (indigestion, displaced abomasum), lameness, and disease (Dz) (no disease, 1 disease, >2 diseases). A secondary objective was to use DMI, DMI%BW and NEB prepartum to predict Dz postpartum.
Differential effect of a single dose of oral Ca based on postpartum plasma Ca concentration in Holstein cows
Authors: Thomas M. J. , Curler M. D. , Leno B. M. , Neves R. C. , Louge I. , Overton T. R. , McArt J. A. A.
Published: February 2023

Even with multiple physiological adaptations in place to maintain normocalcemia, many cows fail to meet this demand without compromising systemic Ca status. As a result, these cows can experience clinical hypocalcemia or, in the absence of clinical symptoms, be categorized as having subclinical hypocalcemia based on blood Ca concentration. Our objectives were to determine: 1) the effect of a single dose of an oral Ca bolus within 24 h after parturition on blood Ca concentration, 2) the response of primiparous (PP) and multiparous (MP) cows to this supplementation strategy, and 3) differential responses to supplementation based on blood Ca concentration at enrollment.
Effect of prepartum energy balance on neutrophil function following pegbovigrastim treatment in periparturient cows
Authors: McDougall Scott , Rapnicki Paul , LeBlanc Stephen , Heiser Axel
Published: February 2023

Treatment with granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) increases neutrophil (PMN) count and enhances PMN function in the periparturient cow. It was hypothesized that prepartum undernutrition might reduce the effect of a commercial recombinant bovine G-CSF product (pegbovigrastim; Imrestor (IMR), Elanco) on PMN count and function. Hence the objective of this study was to test the effect of undernutrition for 1 month prior to calving on the response to IMR.
Climbing behaviour in lactating dairy goats
Authors: Zobel G. , Neave H. , Webster J.
Published: February 2023

Providing opportunities for the expression of natural behavior is an important component of good animal welfare. In a natural setting, goats readily climb; however, the extent to which naive commercial dairy goats express this behavior is not known. This study aimed to determine the time lactating dairy goats, naive to raised surfaces, would spend on a raised platform when given the opportunity.
Secret Sauce Service
Authors: McArthur Morgan J.
Published: February 2023

Humans determine our status as indispensable. The designation is often subjective. It is earned and revocable at any time. Clients can be hard to understand. Humans are emotional beings. Though our species is distinguished by a highly developed pre-frontal cortex - the 'thinking brain' - many of our choices and preferences are profoundly influenced by the deeper limbic brain. When activated, the limbic brain overpowers logical thinking. The limbic structures contain our motivational motor, our memory center, and are where the dopamine reward circuitry resides. I suggest that if we endeavour to become indispensable to our human clients, then we have to offer more than technical acumen; we should strive to be rewarding if we want to build a meaningful, trusting, ongoing relationship. Research on physician-patient communications has revealed that patients want 3 things from their doctor: 1) competence in data collection and decision-making; 2) a relationship; and 3) coaching. Our training and expertise are centered on 4-legged animals. As trained observers we are very good at 1, above. Our professional destiny is affected on our skills at 2 and 3. There is scope for most of us to get more training in soft skills as we strive to become indispensable.
Seeing what clients miss
Authors: Bickett-Weddle Danelle A.
Published: February 2023

Worldwide, there are 45 bovine zoonotic diseases and many more animal-only diseases. Veterinarians understand the potential health risks associated with disease transmission. Educating clients and staff on practical, easily implemented steps to protect themselves from zoonotic diseases is an important professional task. Veterinarians are the best resource to help identify opportunities to improve animal and human health on dairies. A risk analysis approach combined with hierarchy of controls can be applied in a practical manner, making veterinarians an indispensable resource for their clients.
Nutritional strategies to improve gastrointestinal health of dairy calves
Authors: Ballou Michael A. , Davis Emily M. , Liang Yu
Published: February 2023

Dairy calves are extremely susceptible to gastrointestinal disease during the pre-weaned period. The gastrointestinal immune system of the calf is naive and develops rapidly during the first few days to weeks of life. The cells that make up the gastrointestinal tract are the first line of defense of the immune system; therefore, until the cells are more adult-like the calf may be at an increased risk for developing gastrointestinal diseases. Gastrointestinal health can be improved either by hastening the maturation of the intestinal immune system or by controlling infections in the intestines until the local immune system fully develops. Various nutritional strategies may function through 1 or both of these mechanisms and include yeast cell wall extracts, probiotics, other fermentation products, hyper-immunized egg protein, and spray-dried plasma proteins. In addition to various nutritional additives, the quantity and quality of milk solids that are fed to neonatal calves can influence not only the pre-weaning health, but have effects that persist later into life. Nutrition of neonatal calves is as important to calf health as any other management strategy.
Evolving world of precision dairy technology, Part I
Authors: Endres Marcia I.
Published: February 2023

Precision dairy farming involves the use of technologies to measure physiological, behavioral, and production indicators on individual animals. Examples include wearable sensors (neck, ear, legs, or tail), rumen boluses, subcutaneous implants, inline or online milk sensors, cow-side tests, video analysis, and facial recognition. These technologies can help improve performance and welfare of dairy herds. This review focuses on technologies used to monitor the individual cow on the farm, and more specifically wearable sensors. Sensors should be validated to establish whether they measure the behavior they are supposed to measure ( e.g. rumination, lying, standing, feeding, or activity). In addition, research needs to be conducted to investigate whether the sensor data can accurately detect the animal condition that it is supposed to detect, such as estrus or metabolic disease. Studies have shown promise on using rumination, activity, feeding or standing behavior for early detection of transition cow disorders, such as ketosis, metritis or retained placenta. On the farm, the data collected by the sensors should result in action taking place with that animal to improve performance and health of the herd in an economically sustainable manner.
Practical fluid therapy and blood transfusions in camelids
Authors: Walker Pamela G.
Published: February 2023

Camelids require fluid therapy and blood transfusions for many reasons. Crias, just like calves, can have failure of passive transfer, diarrhea, and sepsis requiring fluid therapy and plasma transfusions. Adult camelids can require fluid therapy for many medical conditions such as gastric ulcers, diarrhea, and hepatic lipidosis to name a few. Blood transfusions are required in cases of severe parasitism either from gastrointestinal parasites or hemoparasites. With camelids, especially crias, there are certain precautions that must be addressed that will be discussed here.
Buy/sell agreements
Authors: Tumblin Denise L.
Published: February 2023

It's easy to delay planning for the eventual sale of your hospital given the typical to-do list of veterinary practice owners. But, all empathy aside, a transition plan is essential for the continued existence of the practice and your family's future financial security. No crystal ball exists to tell you exactly what the future holds. Life happens! But with a little preparation - okay, a lot of preparation - your odds for success are much greater. This presentation is intended to provide insight on the complexity of buying or selling a practice, and examples of areas that should be considered during buy-sell negotiations.
How I became indispensable by mentoring new associates and implementing new technologies
Authors: Lewis Keelan
Published: February 2023

The veterinary profession is becoming specialized and sectioned, leaving the concept of mixed animal practice in question. At the same time, technology and even medications are becoming more available to our clients. Rural mixed animal practice is at a precipice. We are facing a perception of decreased value of a veterinary relationship with clients and a stereotype amongst veterinary students that rural mixed practice is dying. In this presentation I will discuss how my practices have designed a strategy to overcome these obstacles.
"One ... two ... three little doctors making a big impact!"
Authors: Walton David H.
Published: February 2023

"Becoming Indispensable" is the question that is posed to you as a veterinarian. For most this would be finding a niche that would make them profitable or that niche unique thinking outside of the box. To me "Becoming Indispensable" is so much more. It is becoming a public mentor for my community as a steward of veterinary medicine. It is creating a family type work environment that is approachable by anyone and everyone contributes to knowledge provided. It is starting with nothing and working hard to create that system overall. My main goal is to provide a story type depiction of how you can start with something, a run down and outdated veterinary practice, and make it a highly successful rapidly growing integral part of the community we serve all a while maintaining a work life balance with a successful family. "Becoming Indispensable" it is a lifestyle not a service provided to a client.
Field necropsy of cattle
Authors: Homerosky Elizabeth R. , Warr Brian N.
Published: February 2023

Field necropsies provide important information regarding both individual animal and herd health. Adequate preparation, including following an agreed-upon plan with the producer, obtaining proper equipment, and collecting a thorough history, contributes significantly to successfully determining a diagnosis in a timely manner. Standard equipment includes proper outerwear, a necropsy knife, honing steel, and an axe or reciprocating saw. Cattle should be placed left side down and prosected in a manner that allows the veterinarian to examine relevant organs in a consistent order. By developing a standard necropsy routine, the veterinarian is less likely to overlook organs with significant gross lesions. In the absence of distinctive gross lesions, submission of photographs or tissue samples to an experienced veterinarian or diagnostic laboratory may help with determination of the diagnosis or etiology.
Communications and cultural awareness
Authors: Roman-Muniz I. N. , Behlke E. J.
Published: February 2023

Disproportionate to the amount of formal training in communications and cultural awareness that students receive through the standard veterinary education curriculum, a large part of a bovine practitioner's time is spent communicating with clients, and often times the intricacies of cultural differences must be navigated through this process. The objective of this article and the associated presentation is to highlight specific examples of some of the cultural differences that are likely to be encountered, and practical approaches to handling these differences. Approaches to effective communication on small- and large-scale bovine operations will also be discussed.
Persistence, personality, and positivity
Authors: Borek-Stine Michelle
Published: February 2023

Creating a successful niche in today's competitive and financially stricken dairy industry requires persistence, personality, and positivity. A synopsis of how those 3 qualities aided in developing successful recurring employee meetings on Michigan dairies will be reviewed.
Genomic comparison of Histophilus somni strains shows genetic drift
Authors: Wiener Brittanny , Lawrence Paulraj
Published: February 2023

Histophilus somni is a gram-negative, non-motile, non-encapsulated, coccobacillus commensal bacterium associated with nasal cavities of cattle. H. somni is an opportunistic pathogen that complicates viral infections and increases the severity of infection in association with other bacterial agents. H. somni can infect several organs once it becomes blood-borne, and is often associated with Mannheima haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida. H. somni affects the respiratory, genital, nervous (thrombotic meningoencephalitis, TME), circulatory and musculoskeletal systems (joints), either individually or together. Currently there are 22 USDA-licensed H. somni vaccines licensed by 5 companies for the US market; however, many of these are no longer being manufactured or marketed. The current manufactured vaccines are heavily used, with 69. 7% of all large feedlots in the US vaccinating cattle against H. somni. Surprisingly, their ability to confer immunity in the production setting is modest or unknown. One of the reasons for perceived low protection is high genetic diversity and genetic-drift among H. somni strains. In order to understand the genetic-drift and select candidates for inclusion in autogenous vaccines we performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) and comparative mapping analysis of 30 H. somni field isolates (named NPL#) and 2 avirulent mutant strains to the reference strains 129PT commensal isolate and 2336 and HS91 pathogenic isolates.
Effects of postpartum oral calcium supplementation on productive and reproductive outcomes in multiparous Jersey cows
Authors: Valldecabres A. , Silva-del-Río N.
Published: February 2023

The detrimental effects that subclinical hypocalcemia has on postpartum performance, and the lack of a cow-side diagnostic tool, drives researchers to focus on designing preventive management strategies. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of prophylactic supplementation with oral calcium boluses after calving on productive and reproductive outcomes.
Validation of a handheld somatic cell count device
Authors: Domino Tonie , Nydam Daryl , Watters Rick
Published: February 2023

Mastitis is the most common and costly disease of dairy cattle. It impacts farm economics through diagnostic and treatment costs and loss of income through discarded milk, decreased milk production, and loss of milk quality premiums. It negatively affects cow comfort and increases the culling risk. Most cases of mastitis are subclinical, leading to undetected economic losses. To mitigate these losses, surveillance for subclinical mastitis (SCM) indicators can be useful. One such indicator is the somatic cell count (SCC). Elevated SCC indicates inflammation, most likely caused by bacterial infection. One barrier to early detection of SCM is the lag between sample collection and availability of test results. The objective of this study was to evaluate a novel handheld, cow-side instrument for the enumeration of somatic cells in milk, the DQI iPod Touch Cell Counter. Our goal is to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and agreement of the instrument compared to currently available laboratory methods.
Variation of liver mineral concentrations in Florida beef cattle diagnosed with ovarian follicular dysplasia
Authors: Gard J. A. , Roberts J. , Nobre H. , Wenzel J. , Edmondson M. , Gaskill C.
Published: February 2023

Ovarian Follicular Dysplasia (OFD) is a slowly progressive bilateral abnormal growth and/ or development of ovarian follicles eventually transforming into Sertoli-form Granulosa Cell Tumor. Cattle with OFD are often infertile leading to culling from the herd. The leading cause of infertility in Florida beef cows is OFD. The purpose of this study was to describe OFD through mineral analysis in order to lay the groundwork for ante-mortem identification of OFD. Additionally, mineral analysis may provide evidence of inciting factors surrounding the development of OFD.
Effect of purulent vaginal discharge on ovarian cyclicity, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and cow survival in a large multi-farm population of Holstein cows
Authors: Pinedo P. , Santos J. E. P. , Schuenemann G. , Rodrigez-Zas S. , Rosa G. , Seabury C.
Published: February 2023

Uterine diseases, such as metritis and endometritis, are highly prevalent in dairy cows. Clinical endometritis, more precisely identified as purulent vaginal discharge (PVD), is characterized by presence of purulent (>50% pus) uterine discharge detectable in the vagina ≥21 days after parturition, or mucopurulent (approximately 50% pus, 50% mucus) discharge detectable in the vagina >26 days postpartum. This condition has been associated with variable degrees of reduced fertility; however, the reported effects on subsequent survival in the herd are conflicting. The analysis of a large experimental data set, using a standardized disease definition would help to clarify these long-term responses. Therefore, the objective was to analyze the effect of PVD on multiple reproductive responses and survival in a large population of Holstein cows across US regions.