bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
importance of dairy herd health provision and data management, with a focus on mastitis control
Authors: Green Martin , Bradley Andrew , Hudson Chris , Breen James , Statham Jonathan , Huxley Jon
Published: February 2023

Current concerns about global food security and the sustainability of agriculture have increased the importance of efficient dairy production, and in this context the importance of herd health management is highlighted. Veterinary surgeons should play a central role, and data collection and interpretation are central to the successful implementation of dairy herd health. In this article we use the example of mastitis monitoring to illustrate some principles of herd health management, including describing parameters useful for decision-making and discussing the use of predictive tools.
Q fever update
Authors: Menzies Paula I.
Published: February 2023

Infection in animals and humans from the bacterium Coxiella burnetii is responsible for significant disease risk. In sheep and goats it is an important cause of abortion, stillbirth, and neonatal weakness and mortality, although the organism may be present and shed in birth fluids, milk and feces without signs of disease. Infection in these species, as well as cattle, is widespread. Humans who work with infected ruminants are at risk of developing mild to severe disease, called Q fever. Chronic Q fever is particularly dangerous, with a high case fatality rate. Treatment with antimicrobials to control abortion or reduce bacterial shedding is unrewarding in sheep and goats. Vaccination has been shown to reduce abortions and degree of shedding, but currently no vaccine is licensed in the US or Canada. Measures to lower risk of infection in humans include lowering the level of contamination of the environment with the bacteria, understanding the signs in people so that treatment can be given promptly, and using protective wear to reduce exposure. This is an important zoonosis, and education of clients and service providers is a critical component of reducing the risk of Q fever.
Intramammary infection at calving following Petrifilm-based selective dry cow therapy
Authors: Cameron M. , Keefe G. , Roy J. P. , MacDonald K.
Published: February 2023

For producers motivated to reduce the use of antimicrobials on their farms, teat sealant-based selective dry-cow therapy (SDCT) offers an alternative to blanket dry-cow therapy (BDCT). Under a SDCT program, antimicrobial dry-cow preparations (DCT) are reserved for cows that are suspected, or known, to have an intramammary infection (IMI) at dry-off. Internal teat sealants (ITS) are a non-antimicrobial treatment that have been shown to be protective against new IMI during the entire dry period. Internal teat sealants are recommended for all cows as they enter the dry period, but their role is particularly important for cows not selected to receive DCT in a SDCT program. Determination of a cow's IMI status at dry-off is essential to the success of any SDCT program. Petrifilms are culture media plates that allow producers to culture milk on-farm, with results available in 24 hours. Petrifilms had a sensitivity of 85.2% and a specificity of 73.2% when used to diagnose IMIs in low somatic cell count (SCC; < 200,000 cells/mL) cows at dry-off. The objective of this study was to compare IMI at calving between cows that received BDCT and cows selectively treated on the basis of Petrifilm culture results.
Preliminary results from a non-inferiority clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of three commercial dry cow mastitis preparations
Authors: Arruda A. G. , Godden S. , Rapnicki P. , Gorden P. , Timms L. , Aly S. , Lehenbauer T. , Champagne J.
Published: February 2023

Although the practice of blanket dry cow therapy (DCT) has been widely adopted in North American dairy herds, the efficacy of various antimicrobial formulations was typically established many years ago and studies comparing efficacy among various commercial DCT products are largely lacking. The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the 1) ability to cure existing intramammary infections (IMI) present at dry-off, 2) ability to prevent new IMI during the dry period, and 3) overall risk for presence of IMI after calving among three DCT products.
Understanding and controlling variability of iodine concentration in bulk-tank milk in Canada
Authors: MacDonald K. , Keefe G. , Sanchez J. , Roy J. P. , Kelton D. , Hendrick S.
Published: February 2023

Iodine is an essential micronutrient for dairy cattle and humans to maintain adequate metabolism. Feeding management practices for dairy cattle are aimed at achieving the recommended intake of micronutrients for optimal health. Testing has shown that iodine concentrations in bulk-tank milk (BTM) are highly variable between herds. While the current iodine concentration in retail milk does not present a substantial risk to human health, Health Canada has recommended an interim upper limit of 500 ppm of iodine in BTM. The objectives of this project were to determine the primary sources of variability for BTM iodine concentration and provide recommendations for best management practices to maintain BTM iodine concentrations within acceptable limits.
Evaluation of a Petrifilm-based on-farm culture system for the detection of intramammary infections in cows with low somatic cell counts at dryoff
Authors: Cameron M. , Keefe G. , Roy J. P. , MacDonald K.
Published: February 2023

As an alternative to blanket dry-cow therapy, teat sealant-based selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) has the potential to greatly reduce the amount of antimicrobials used in dairy production. The main obstacle to SDCT is the necessity for a rapid and cost-effective method of identifying which cows have an infection at dry-off and would benefit from dry-cow antimicrobial therapy (DCT). Ideally, this method of diagnosis would be applicable to on-farm use and be simple to interpret. Because failing to treat an infected quarter at the end of lactation can have detrimental effects on the subsequent lactation, the diagnostic test should also have high sensitivity. Petrifilms are a ready-made culture media that provide results within 24 hours and are suitable for on-farm use. The presence of an indicator dye in the Petrifilm medium makes aerobic bacterial colonies appear as bright pink dots against a white background. Petrifilms have been validated as a diagnostic tool for the selective treatment of mastitis in lactating cows. The objective of this study was to determine the utility of a Petrifilm-based on-farm culture system for making treatment decisions for cows with low somatic cell counts (SCC) at dry-off.
Profitability of preconditioning
Authors: Hilton W. Mark , Olynk Nicole J.
Published: February 2023

Preconditioning (PC) generally refers to methods used to adequately prepare a calf for a successful feedlot experience. The details of various preconditioning programs have been annotated elsewhere. In all programs, calves are vaccinated for viral respiratory diseases and seven to eight clostridial organisms; dewormed; treated for lice and grubs; bulls are castrated; and horned calves are dehorned. In most programs calves are weaned for ≥ 30 days, and calves are trained to eat from a bank and drink from a fountain or tank.
Digital dermatitis
Authors: Krull A. , Gorden P. , Shearer J. , Leuschen B. , Plummer P.
Published: February 2023

Digital dermatitis is an economically important infectious cause of lameness in dairy cattle as well as beef feedlot cattle. Despite 35 years of research, the etiology and pathogenesis of digital dermatitis has yet to be fully described. The majority of research into the etiology of digital dermatitis has focused on identification of cattle with classic lesions, either during routine foot trims or at slaughterhouses. Unfortunately, this method of monitoring lacks the ability to further classify lesions as acute versus chronic, or incorporate treatment history. A proposed lesion scoring system was developed by Dopfer et al to further attempt to classify lesions as acute or chronic. The present study has built on that method by providing further description of lesion development, and identification of changes to the skin of the foot that were consistently recognized weeks to months prior to lesion development and lameness.
Reproductive performance with an automated activity monitoring system versus a synchronized breeding program
Authors: Neves Rafael C. , LeBlanc Steven J.
Published: February 2023

Automated activity monitoring is being increasingly used in the dairy industry for reproductive management, but there are few studies assessing its performance relative to synchronized breeding programs. The objective of this study was to compare reproductive performance of dairy cows managed with an automated activity monitoring (AAM) system with that of cows managed with a synchronized breeding program under field conditions.
Detection of hyperketonemia in dairy cows
Authors: Denis-Robichaud J. , Dubuc J. , Lefebvre D. , DesCôteaux L.
Published: February 2023

Over the past years, hyperketonemia has been shown to be associated with health and production of postpartum dairy cows. Many tests are available to detect hyperketonemia in blood, urine, and milk. A procedure that quantifies ketone bodies in milk is now available through the dairy herd improvement association (DHIA) sampling process; however, conflicting data are reported on the accuracy of this procedure. The main objective of this study was to validate the relationship between blood β-hydroxybutyrate acid (BHBA) concentration and the concentrations of various milk components such as ketone bodies (BHBA and acetone), fat, protein, lactose, urea, and somatic cell count (SCC). A second objective was to identify thresholds for these indicators to diagnose hyperketonemia in dairy cows for surveillance purposes.
Ultrasound evaluation of tympanic bulla in calves
Authors: Gosselin V. Bernier , Babkine M. , Nichols S. , Desrochers A.
Published: February 2023

Otitis media is a common disease in calves. Clinical diagnosis can be confirmed by diagnostic imaging such as radiography and computed tomography. Early diagnosis of otitis media by a field veterinarian with the aid of a practical diagnostic tool could prevent the condition from becoming chronic and the prognosis from worsening. Ultrasonography of the tympanic bulla (TB) has been described in dogs, cats, and rabbits. The objective of this study was to establish an ultrasonographic approach to the TB and adjacent structures in calves and to describe their ultrasonographic appearance.
Clinical sensitivity and specificity of a quantitative PCR assay for bovine genital campylobacteriosis in bulls
Authors: Guerra A. Garcia , Chaban B. , Hill J. E. , Waldner C. , Hendrick S.
Published: February 2023

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis occurs worldwide wherever natural service is used. The disease is transmitted by carrier bulls and characterized by early pregnancy loss and infertility. Despite the challenge of maintaining viability of the Campylobacter fetus subsp venerealis (Cfv) during transport and avoiding overgrowth of contaminants, culture remains the "gold standard". Several PCR tests have been developed for the detection of Cfv, and primers VenSF/VenSR have been extensively tested and recognized worldwide. Recently, our research group at WCVM adapted these primers to a SYER Green qPCR platform. This assay presents a high analytical sensitivity and provides a fast and effective technique, suitable to be used as a screening test for the detection of carrier bulls. The objective of the present study was to determine the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the RT-PCR assay in direct preputial samples.
Evaluation of the surface area of P3 in dairy calves following changes in management systems
Authors: Gard J. A. , Wilhite D. R. , Taylor D. C. , Rodning S. P. , Edmondson M. , Sanders K.
Published: February 2023

Lameness negatively affects the well-being and economic productivity of beef and dairy cattle. It has been reported that the prevalence of lameness in dairy herds is nearly 20% for primiparous cows and almost 50% for multiparous cows. Hence, evaluation, development, and implementation of better management protocols are necessary to produce replacements which have healthy functional feet able to withstand the rigors of the industry. The focus of this study was to evaluate whether the honey structures in calves' feet will remodel and develop when exposed to rocky terrain.
Measuring a milk response
Authors: Ehrlich J. L. , Cole J. B. , Null D.
Published: February 2023

Milk production is often the most important outcome variable in both field investigations and research trials involving dairy herds. Nutrition, health, and environment all have strong and rapid effects on milk production, but precise and unbiased quantification of such effects usually requires either matching of cases and controls py lactation stage and parity or use of a lactation model to minimize the confounding effects of lactation stage. Use of a model is often the only practical option, but little attention has been paid to measuring the precision and bias of lactation models, especially for individual lactations. An estimate of expected performance is essential in choosing among competing lactation models for maximum sensitivity and specificity in detecting changes from normal milk production, and in power calculations.
Peripartum haptoglobinemia identifies dairy cows at risk for retained placenta and metritis
Authors: Dubuc J. , Von Keyserlingk M. A. G. , LeBlanc S. J.
Published: February 2023

Haptoglobin is an acute phase protein produced primarily in the liver in response to proinflammatory cytokines. Increased haptoglobinemia has been associated with several diseases in dairy cattle including mastitis, peritonitis, metritis, endometritis, and pneumonia. Retained placenta and metritis are postpartum uterine conditions that affect up to 15% and 20% of cows, respectively. Although conflicting data are reported on the direct detrimental impact of retained placenta and metritis on subsequent reproduction, these conditions have been associated with increased odds of endometritis and delayed ovulation later in the postpartum period, which may impair reproductive performance. Prediction of risk or early diagnosis ofretained placenta or metritis could be used to reduce their impacts. The objective of this study was to determine whether peripartum haptoglobinemia can be used to predict retained placenta and metritis in dairy cows.
Types and frequencies of movements onto and off of Vermont dairy farms
Authors: Smith J. M.
Published: February 2023

Preparedness for highly contagious animal diseases requires an understanding of the frequency and types of movements onto and off of farms and how to mitigate the risks of direct or indirect disease spread through those contacts. A survey of Vermont dairy farms was conducted to collect information on recent animal movements, farm visitors, and various biosecurity practices.
use of homeopathic remedies in the treatment of cows with mastitis
Authors: Boldyreva E. M.
Published: February 2023

Two experiments on the use of homeopathic remedies for the treatment of cows with serous and catarrhal mastitis were carried out on two farms in the Moscow region, Russia. Mastitis was caused mainly by improper milking machine function because most of the equipment used in the observation period was worn-out. During the summer, cows were fetched to pasture, which increased the incidence of traumatic mastitis. On both farms, homeopathic remedies were used that are marketed by the German company Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH.
Effects of selenium sources on blood and milk selenium concentration, glutathion peroxidase concentrations, and somatic cell count in Quebec dairy herds
Authors: Jinane Noureddine , Tison Nicolas , DesCôteaux Luc , Fournier Alain , Couture Yvon , Chorfi Younès
Published: February 2023

Quebec is a selenium-deficient area (0.06 - 0.33 ppm) and most dairy farmers supplement their cows' rations with an inorganic form of selenium (Se); however, several studies have shown that organic Se is more effective in preventing mastitis, although most of these studies were conducted under controlled conditions with a limited number of cows. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic Se on somatic cell count (as an indication ofmastitis) for a large number of cows under field conditions.
Effect of prostaglandin administration during the first hours after calving on blood calcium concentration in multiparous dairy cows
Authors: Salgado-Hernández E. G. , Bouda J. , Aparicio-Cecilio A. , Rendon Villamil J. , Velasquez-Forero F. H. , Castillo-Mata A.
Published: February 2023

Subclinical hypocalcemia is a common metabolic disorder of dairy cows after parturition. The administration of prostaglandin (PGF2a) results in improvement of uterine health in some experiments, which may be explained by the effect of PGF2a on calcium and vitamin D metabolism.
Antibiotic decision making
Authors: Smith Geof W.
Published: February 2023

Diarrhea is the leading cause of calf mortality prior to weaning in both beef and dairy calves. Both veterinarians and producers should put some effort into designing rational and effective protocols both for the prevention and treatment of diarrhea. Antimicrobials have long been used to prevent calf diarrhea and are often administered as a treatment. However, it is important to prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics in food animal species to limit the development of resistant bacteria. The purpose of this article is to review existing data on the use of antibiotics given prophylactically for diarrhea prevention and as a treatment for calves with existing disease. Based on current research, the feeding of oral antibiotics to calves to prevent diarrhea cannot be recommended. However, the use of certain antimicrobials to treat select cases of calf diarrhea may be effective in reducing mortality and decreasing the severity and duration of diarrhea. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that any of the antibiotics that are currently approved for the treatment of diarrhea in the United States would be effective. Instead of mass medicating large numbers of calves, antimicrobial therapy should be targeted to specific calves that are likely to develop septicemia or have systemic signs of disease.
Are goats really just small cows?
Authors: Mongini Andrea
Published: February 2023

Many bovine veterinarians are hesitant to treat small ruminants, leaving sheep and goat breeders calling horse veterinarians for services. Sheep and goats are food animals and should be treated as such. Veterinarians are generally well respected and have the ability to influence producers with their knowledge. The commercial goat and sheep industries stand to benefit from working relationships with food animal veterinarians.
Improving client profitability by increasing veterinary services in the sheep and goat production cycle
Authors: Bowen Joan S.
Published: February 2023

Bovine veterinarians frequently advise cattlemenregarding management practices and herd health proceduresthat improve the economic success and productivityof the cattle enterprise. Small-scale sheep and goatproducers are often unaware of these routine veterinarypractices that would similarly increase their success inlivestock production. Bovine practitioners can increasesmall-scale client profitability by educating them aboutroutine procedures that should be undertaken priorto breeding season, routine parturition, and neonatalcare. Areas where increasing on site veterinary servicesimprove profitability include breeding soundness examination,establishment of the veterinary-client-patientrelationship,use of controlled intravaginal drug releasedevices in sheep, pregnancy diagnosis, recommendationsfor the dry period, treatment of dystocia and creation ofstandard operating protocols for producers. Both bovineveterinarians and sheep and goat producers benefit fromincreased use of veterinary services.
Changes in rectal temperature, sacrosciatic ligament relaxation, and plasma progesterone concentration 24 hours before parturition in Holstein-Friesian cattle
Authors: Hiew M. H. W. , Megahed A. , Townsend J. R. , Horstman L. A. , Constable P. D.
Published: February 2023

Accurate prediction of parturition permits more frequent observation of periparturient dairy cattle and minimizes dystocia-related injuries that lead to animal pain and suffering. The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive ability of changes in rectal temperature, sacrosciatic ligament relaxation, and plasma progesterone concentration as indicators of parturition within 24 hours in dairy cattle.
Behavioral response of feedlot cattle fallowing tail docking
Authors: Kroll L. K. , Grooms D. L. , Siegford J. S.
Published: February 2023

Tail injuries commonly occur in feedlot cattle that are housed in barns with slatted floors, facilities that are commonly found in the Great Lakes Region. These injuries put cattle at risk of developing secondary complications such as tail infections, ascending myelitis, and paresis. The practice of docking the tails of cattle upon entry into these feedlot facilities was initiated to prevent tail injuries. According to a recent survey, approximately two-thirds of Michigan feedlots dock the tails of cattle at entry. Tail docking raises potential welfare concerns because it is painful and removes an important method of fly avoidance. The purpose of this study was to describe the behavioral response of cattle following tail docking.
influence of different nutritional planes in the dry period on immunoglobulin G concentration of bovine colostrum
Authors: Mann S. , Leal Yepes F. , Overton T. R. , Nydam D.
Published: February 2023

High-quality colostrum is important for successful rearing of calves. Parity and length of dry period have been discussed as factors influencing the quality of colostrum.  However, the role of the nutritional plane of the cow during the dry period and its effect on the colostral immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration remains unclear. Results from studies carried out in sheep suggest that colostrum volume as well as composition can be affected by different energy levels prepartum. Furthermore, recent publications in the field of human medicine have found lower concentrations of IgG in colostrum from women suffering from an altered insulin response. Because dry cows on a high-energy diet are at increased risk to develop insulin resistance, and their colostrum volume and IgG concentration might be affected in a similar manner as that in other species, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different nutritional planes during the dry period on colostrum composition.
Effect of feeding colostrum that was heat-treated with the Perfect Udder® System on passive transfer of immunoglobulin G in neonatal Jersey calves
Authors: Kryzer A. A. , Godden S. M. , Schell R.
Published: February 2023

Heat-treating colostrum by the use of batch pasteurizers is an effective method to reduce bacterial contamination while protecting immunoglobulins and enhancing passive transfer and health in calves. The Perfect Udder® bag (Dairy Tech Inc., Windsor, CO) is designed to heat-treat 1 gallon (~4 L) of colostrum at a time prior to storage and feeding; however, this system has not been validated. The objective of this study was to compare passive transfer of IgG in neonatal calves that were fed colostrum that was heat-treated with the Perfect Udder® system, heat-treated with a batch pasteurizer (positive control), or fresh-refrigerated or fresh-frozen (negative controls).
Assessment of L-lactatemia as a predictor of bovine respiratory disease incidence and severity in feedlot steers
Authors: Buczinski S. , Rademacher R. , Edmonds M. , Tripp H. , Edwards E. G.
Published: February 2023

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the leading cause of morbidity and death in feedlot cattle. Prognostic tools for the prediction of morbidity and severity of BRD are currently lacking. Blood L-lactate (LAC) is a metabolite that increases because of various conditions including stress and cellular hypoxia, which frequently accompany severe forms of BRD. Results of another study conducted in feedlot cattle indicate that low LAC concentration at processing was associated with a greater risk of developing BRD during the early feeding period. Investigators of other studies in double-muscled calves and in hospital settings have demonstrated that a single measurement LAC can be predictive of death. The objectives of this study were to assess the clinical usefullness of evaluation of LAC concentration at processing as a predictor of BRD during the early feeding period and to assess serial measurement of LAC concentration in feedlot steers with BRD.
Dynamics of body condition score, ultrasound measured backfat, and body weight during the transition period of dairy cows and their association with milk production in herds with automatic milking systems
Authors: Caixeta L. S. , Ospina P. A. , Capel M. , Nydam D. V.
Published: February 2023

Dairy cows undergo a state of negative energy balance (NEB) after parturition and use energy from fat reserves to overcome the NEB and maintain milk production. Body condition score (BCS) is used to determine the cow's body fat reserve, and its association with milk production has been studied. Backfat thickness (BFT) is associated with BCS, and it is a more objective measurement. Sequential body weight (BW) measurements may be a good way to monitor energy reserve use, yet the association between daily BW measurements and milk production has not been examined. Also, there has been little description of the related dynamics of BCS, BFT, and BW. The objectives of this study were to describe the dynamics of BCS, BFT, and BW during the first 50 days-in-milk (DIM), and to evaluate the association between these potential explanatory variables and milk production (MP) in the herds with automatic milking systems (AMS).
Healthy calves
Authors: Barringer Sam
Published: February 2023

Raising dairy replacement heifers or steers to enter the beef market can be an important economic center for the dairy, but can also be a financial drain. A study done in Wisconsin in 2007 estimated the cost of raising a Holstein heifer to the point of its first drop of milk was in the range of $1600 to $2900. In recent years, the cost of purchasing a bred heifer has often been less than the cost of raising one on the dairy. However, many dairies were still able to raise a quality heifer on the farm and manage costs. Many factors contribute to this variability, and every dairy should have a firm grasp on their costs.
Buck management
Authors: Rowe Joan Dean
Published: February 2023

The buck is often overlooked in health management planning for the goat herd. Proper care can facilitate the buck attaining his full genetic potential in the herd. Inattention to buck health may result in the introduction of infectious diseases or resistant parasites into the herd by the male, reduced herd reproductive performance through the use of infertile or subfertile males, or shortened lifespan of the buck due to infectious disease or urolithiasis. Gynecomastia, mastitis or mammary neoplasia are seen more frequently in goats than in rams or bulls. Screening bucks for breeding soundness and mating ability can help to prevent unexpected failures in breeding programs. The veterinarian can enhance herd productivity through health management planning for the buck herd.
Tailgate vaccinology
Authors: Newcomer Benjamin W.
Published: February 2023

Vaccination is an important tool to improve herd health as part of an overall biosecurity program. The large number of vaccines available, differences in vaccine efficacy, and diversity of management schemes and production goals can complicate the designing of a vaccination program and emphasizes the need to tailor such programs to the needs of individual clients. There is no single best approach to fashioning bovine vaccine protocols; therefore, it is imperative that the veterinarian understand the differences in vaccine labeling and formulation, and mesh this knowledge with the goals and management scheme of the client in the selection and timing of vaccinations. This presentation will review factors necessary to consider in the formation of vaccination programs, and discuss the application of these factors to both dairy and beef operations.
Making antibiotic choices in bovine medicine
Authors: Newcomer Benjamin W.
Published: February 2023

Selection of therapeutic antibiotics for use in bovine patients can be a difficult decision, particularly when clinical experience is limited. A limited number of antimicrobial drugs are available to the bovine practitioner, and extra-label drug use is restricted in food animal medicine. Factors of the target infectious agent, the host and management scheme, as well as the drug must be considered when prescribing or administering antibiotics. The goal of this presentation is to review the major antibiotics available to the bovine practitioner, and provide a brief outline of the restrictions of extra-label drug use in cattle with the aim of applying this knowledge to selection of antibiotics for use in beef or dairy cattle.
Characterizing the BRD sickness response
Authors: Toaff-Rosenstein R. L. , Gershwin L. J. , Zanella A. J. , Tucker C. B.
Published: February 2023

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most prevalent and costly illness in feedlot cattle. A limiting factor in efforts to reduce BRD is the poor accuracy of the usual diagnostic approach, pen rider detection of animals with depression, anorexia, respiratory changes, and temperature elevation (DART). The relationship between DART-identified individuals and those with definitive BRD only has an estimated specificity and sensitivity of 63% and 62%, respectively. Limited monitoring (e.g. 2x/d), human presence, and handling may contribute to DART’s poor accuracy. Continuous, automated monitoring of fever and anorexia is more effective than DART for BRD detection. Both fever and anorexia are part of the generalized sickness response, a collection of physiological and behavioral changes associated with inflammation. This response also includes a reduction in grooming behavior, but this behavior has not been studied in the context of BRD and may be another candidate for improved, automated detection. Our objective was to further characterize the BRD sickness response, especially those components that may be monitored automatically. We hypothesized that BRD-challenged cattle would have fever, anorexia, and less grooming in comparison to healthy controls, and that the magnitude of these changes would reflect the extent of gross lung lesions (%LUNG).
Characterization of the 13 cytopathic BVDV strains from mucosal disease cases from a single herd
Authors: Darweesh M. F. , Rajput M. K. S. , Braun L. J. , Neill J. D. , Ridpath J. F. , Chase C. C. L.
Published: February 2023

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a positive single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Pestivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family. BVDV has a wide host range that includes most ruminants. Noncytopathic (ncp) BVDV may establish lifelong persistent infections in calves following infection of the fetus between 40 and 120 days of gestation. Cytopathic (cp) BVDV strains arise from ncp strains via mutations. The most common cp mutations are insertions of RNA derived from either host or a duplication of viral sequences into the region of the genome coding for the NS2/3 protein. Superinfection of a persistently infected animal with a cp virus can give rise to mucosal disease (MD), a condition that is invariably fatal.
Factors affecting Escherichia coli 0157:H7 hide contamination of feedlot cattle
Authors: Schneider L. G. , Erickson G. E. , Moxley R. A. , Smith D. R.
Published: February 2023

Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (STEC 0157) is an enteric bacterium that can cause severe illness in humans. Cattle are important asymptomatic reservoirs for direct or indirect human exposure to STEC 0157. The STEC 0157 colonize the terminal rectum mucosa (TRM) of cattle, and colonized cattle have been defined as super-shedders because while colonized they are an important source of STEC 0157 to other cattle in the population. At harvest, hide-to-carcass transfer of STEC 0157 presents an important risk for beef contamination and human foodborne exposure. Our objective was to determine factors that increase prevalence of hide contamination.
Hyperketonemia in early lactation dairy cattle
Authors: McArt J. A. A. , Nydam D. V. , Overton M. W.
Published: February 2023

Excessive production of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) are indicative of a poor adaptive response to negative energy balance in early lactation dairy cattle, and numerous studies have reported on the detrimental effects of elevated NEFA and BHBA on early lactation immune function, milk production, and subsequent health events. Due to ease of measurement and quantification, the negative effects of elevated blood BHBA concentrations and resulting diagnosis of hyperketonemia (HYK; BHBA> 1.2 mmol/L) are better documented than those for elevated blood NEFA concentrations. Although the incidence of HYK in early lactation has been reported to range from 40 to 60%, there are few published reports on the economic impact of HYK. The cost of HYK as ascribed to direct consequences of the impact of this condition on milk production, treatment and culling (reported here as the component cost) is important, as is the cost of other diseases attributed to HYK (i.e. the increase in disease risk associated with HYK). The total cost, the sum of the component cost of HYK as well as the additional disease-attributed costs, is important to emphasize the impact of management and prevention of HYK. The objective of this study was to use deterministic models to estimate the direct and indirect costs associated with: 1) the component cost per case of HYK, and 2) the total cost per case of HYK when accounting for the costs related to HYK-attributable displaced abomasa (DA) and metritis cases.
Evaluation of the MISCO Palm Abbe PA-203X digital refractometer for estimation of serum total protein and serum IgG in neonatal calves
Authors: Thompson Megan , Heusel Loren , Godden Sandra , McGuirk Sheila , Haines Deborah
Published: February 2023

Failure to absorb sufficient colostral immunoglobulins (Ig), termed failure of passive transfer (FPT), may predispose neonatal calves to the development of disease and impaired future performance. The gold standard measurement for FPT is laboratory analysis of serum IgG using RID or ELISA. However, this is too expensive to be part of routine on-farm monitoring programs. As such, historically many producers have indirectly estimated FPT rates through the measurement of serum total protein (STP) using optical refractometers. However, a digital refractometer was recently introduced which offers the option of testing using multiple scales including Brix (%), STP (g/dL), serum IgG (g/L) and colostrum IgG (g/L) (MISCO Palm AbbePA-203X. MISCO. Cleveland, OH). The objective of this study was to describe the test characteristics of the MISCO Palm Abbe PA-203X digital refractometer for the measurement of STP and serum IgG. If successful, then either of these scales could be a useful tool for monitoring colostrum management on dairy farms.
Comparison of two competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for Anaplasma marginale in cattle
Authors: Whitlock B. K. , Daniel J. A. , Johnson J. K. , Stensland W. R. , Chung C. , Coetzee J. F.
Published: February 2023

Bovine anaplasmosis, caused by Anaplasma marginale, is the most prevalent tick-transmitted disease of cattle worldwide and a major obstacle to profitable production in the U.S. Several serological assays such as complement fixation (CF), card agglutination, and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) have been used in the detection of anaplasmosis carriers. The CF and card agglutination tests are not considered reliable due to low diagnostic sensitivities (<2 0% and 67%, respectively). Commercially available major surface protein-5 (MSP-5) epitope-based cELISA is more reliable with high sensitivity (99%) and specificity (89%). Recently, maltose binding protein included as fusion protein in the recombinant MSP-5 used in the commercially available cELISA was identified as the source of some false-positive results. A new cELISA test was developed to improve diagnostic specificity by reducing false positive reactions due to maltose binding protein antibodies and other non-specific antibodies in bovine sera. The objective of this study was to compare results generated using the current and new cELISA tests and real-time RT-PCR to provide veterinarians with up to date information regarding the most appropriate test to use for anaplasmosis diagnosis.
Lying behavior as an early predictor of ketosis in early lactation dairy goats
Authors: Zobel G. , Leslie K. , Weary D. , Von Keyserlingk M. A. G.
Published: February 2023

Goats frequently have multiple foetuses, a known risk factor for negative energy balance prior to kidding (Brozos et al, Vet Clin North Am Food AnimPract, 2011). This state, coupled with increased energy demands of milk production, also increases the risk of ketosis after kidding. Ketosis is a serious metabolic condition that when left untreated can be fatal. Regardless of severity, ketosis has been shown to negatively affect milk production in dairy cows (Rajala-Schultz et al, J Dairy Sci, 1999). Unfortunately, in goats, this disease is typically only identified when does show clinical signs, and prognosis is poor. At subclinical levels, which frequently go undetected, reduced milk production likely leads to early culling. Clinical symptoms of ketosis include loss of appetite, ataxia, and general lack of mobility, including increased lying behavior (Andrews et al, Small Ruminant Res, 1996). In dairy cows, changes in lying behavior have been shown to be useful as early indicators of compromised health status (Weary et al, J Anim Sci, 2009). Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine whether lying behavior could be used as an early predictor of ketosis after kidding in dairy goats.
Rectal temperature and bovine respiratory disease outcome
Authors: Theurer Miles
Published: February 2023

Rectal temperature is a common component of health-monitoring protocols to diagnose bovine respiratory disease. Information about the effectiveness of using rectal temperature as a diagnostic method and as a prognostic indicator for case outcome is provided. There are several factors that affect rectal temperature including environmental condition, time of day, and timing relative to disease progression. Rectal temperature of feedlot calves at first treatment of bovine respiratory disease has limited value as a prognostic indicator of case outcome; however, the use of rectal temperature does provide some form of objective monitoring for use in production practice.
Comparing group pens to individual pens for inside feeding of dairy calves
Authors: Ollivett T. L. , McGuirk S. M.
Published: February 2023

Feeding and housing calves in groups is becoming increasingly popular in North America. This has been driven by the desire for increased labor efficiency and improved quality of life for caregivers during inclement winter weather. Raising calves in this manner requires a high level of commitment and management. This review will discuss the top 10 factors important for veterinarians advising clients about adopting indoor, group feeding.
Recombinant bovine somatotropin
Authors: Bauman Dale E. , St-Pierre Normand R. , Milliken George A. , Collier Robert J. , Hogan Joseph S. , Shearer Jan K. , Smith K. Larry , Thatcher William W.
Published: February 2023

Historically, the dairy industry has made remarkable gains in productivity and a gallon of milk can be produced today with less feed resource inputs and a markedly reduced carbon footprint. Recombinant bovine somatotropin is a production-enhancing technology and 20 years commercial use of POSILAC® (rbST-Zn) provided the backdrop for an updated meta-analysis of effects on cow health and welfare. Our meta-analysis used data from peer reviewed publications or regulatory reports in which the commercial formulation of rbST-Zn was used was according to label specifications. Twenty six studies were identified which had usable data (13,784 cows). Results indicated milk yield was increased by about 9 lb/d whereas milk fat, protein, and lactose content were unaltered. For health and welfare variables, treatment with rbST-Zn had little or no effect on udder health, reproduction, lameness, body condition or culling. Overall, these results and 20 years of US commercial experience demonstrate that management practices used by US dairy producers are adequate for the effective use of rbST-Zn to increase milk yield and productivity with no unmanageable adverse effects on cow health or welfare.
Variation in clinical mastitis detection frequency and etiology among milkers
Authors: Duque-Madrid P. C. , Blanc C. , Largo A.
Published: February 2023

Our objectives were to describe variation in 1) clinical mastitis detection frequency among milkers; 2) cases with bacterial growth among milkers; and, 3] etiology of clinical mastitis among milkers with low and high levels of detection.
Small ruminant tips for the practitioner
Authors: Van Metre David C.
Published: February 2023

Restraint, local or spinal anesthesia, and short-acting general anesthesia are commonly employed procedures in small ruminant field practice. Correct application of these procedures can greatly facilitate the completion of other common procedures such as debridement of infected wounds of the foot, paring out of hoof lesions, obstetrical procedures, and placement of casts or splints for orthopedic problems. Presented here are different methods for restraint, sedation, and local, spinal, and general anesthesia that the author has used successfully in a field setting.
Genomic-based identification of host and environmental Listeria monocytogenes strains associated with an abortion outbreak in beef heifers
Authors: Whitman K. J. , Bono J. L. , Clawson M. L. , Bosilevac J. , Arthur T. , Ondrak J. D. , Loy J. D.
Published: February 2023

Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is a bacterial pathogen that causes late-term abortions in cattle, and definitive diagnosis and point-source determination may be challenging. In 2014, a diagnostic work-up of listerial abortions was initiated by a novel sample collection protocol. To determine the source(s) of the outbreak, LM strains isolated from cases and their environment were subjected to whole-genome sequencing and compared.
relationship between concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyric acid in transition dairy cows
Authors: Mann S. , McCarthy M. M. , Nydam D. V. , Overton T. R. , McArt J. A. A.
Published: February 2023

Both non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) concentrations have been used as cow and herd-level markers of negative energy balance during the transition period of dairy cows to monitor disease risk and reproductive and milking performance. Prior evidence based on cross-sectional data suggests that the NEFA and BHBA are not well correlated. The objective of this study was to describe the correlation between NEFA and BHBA concentrations of dairy cows in the peripartum period. We hypothesized that accounting for possible lag times between elevation of NEFA and BHBA by using longitudinal data could improve their relationship.
effects of sample temperature on the concentrations of glucose and β-OH butyrate measured by the Precision Xtra meter in plasma from periparturient dairy cattle
Authors: Megahed A. A. , Hiew M. H. , Constable P. D.
Published: February 2023

Early and accurate diagnosis of hypoglycemia and hyperketonemia is helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of ketosis in periparturient dairy cattle. The results of a preliminary study recently indicated that the glucose concentration [glue] and β-OH butyrate concentration [BHB] measured by the Precision Xtra meter was impacted by sample temperature when temperature <89.6° (< 32°C). The objective of this study was to fully characterize the effects of sample temperature on the accuracy of the Precision Xtra® for measuring [glue] and [BHB].
Effect of colostrum replacer supplementation of milk replacer on the risk of antibiotic treatment and performance of pre-weaned dairy calves
Authors: Chamorro M. F. , Haines D. M.
Published: February 2023

Concerns over the risks of emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to excessive antibiotic use in food producing animals has led to increased restrictions of their use to treat and prevent common infectious diseases. Additionally, the absence of discovery and development of new antibiotics has prompted efforts to develop alternatives to antimicrobial use. Daily supplementation of milk replacer with immunoglobulins and immune factors from colostrum replacers could be an alternative prophylactic measure to decrease antibiotic usage in young dairy calves. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of colostrum supplementation of milk replacer on the risk of antibiotic treatment and weight gain of pre-weaned dairy calves.
Health benefits of Il-10 egg yolk antibodies administered to milk-fed dairy calves
Authors: Raabis S. M. , McGuirk S. M. , Rieman J. , Cook M. , Sand J.
Published: February 2023

Cryptosporidium parvum infection in calves causes villous atrophy, resulting in reduced surface area and absorptive capacity of the small intestine. Prevention and treatment of C. parvum infections are hindered by a lack of approved, efficacious products and inadequate colostral immunity. An integral component of infection is the dampening of the cell-mediated response by inducing anti-inflammatory cytokines. In calves, ileal intraepithelial lymphocytes express interleukin-10 (Il-10) when infected with C. parvum. Interleukin-10 decreases production of interferon-gamma, which is a vital Thl-associated cytokine. Studies have shown that Il-10 knockout mice are resistant to C. parvum infection. Oral administration of chicken egg yolk antibodies as a means of controlling enteric disease in calves is of interest to the dairy industry. Egg yolk Il-10 antibodies have been shown to survive gastrointestinal transit, are accessible in the intestinal lumen, and remain locally active, without persistence of systemic residues. Therefore, the objective of this trial was to investigate the effect of feeding Il-10 antibodies on calf health and performance after natural C. parvum infection in pre-weaned Holstein dairy calves.
survey of commercial slaughterhouses
Authors: Lee T. L. , Vogel K. D. , Feinberg B. , Loneragan G. H. , Walker J. , Edwards-Callaway L. N. , Thomson D. U.
Published: February 2023

Beef and dairy cull cow health and welfare are important to ensuring safe, quality food. This survey serves as a global benchmark for assessing cull cow health and welfare at the time of slaughter. The objectives of the survey were to: 1) describe the distribution of 10 pre-determined health and/ or welfare conditions, and 2) describe the distribution of the conditions within and among different areas of the world.
Comparative plasma pharmacokinetics of ceftiofur sodium and ceftiofur crystalline free acid in neonatal calves
Authors: Woodrow J. S. , Credille B. C. , Caldwell J. M. , Hines M.
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to compare the plasma pharmacokinetic profile of ceftiofur crystalline free acid (CCFA) and ceftiofur sodium in neonatal calves.
Perspective of organic livestock production of bovine veterinarians in the United States
Authors: Sorge U. S. , Yamashita S. , Pieper L.
Published: February 2023

Over the past decade the organic agricultural industry has grown exponentially; dairy production represents its second largest sector. The National Organic Program of the United States limits the list of allowable therapies, therefore the objective of this study was to ask bovine veterinarians regarding their opinion, perception, and challenges while working with organic livestock herds.