bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy Diagnosis by Rectal Palpation in Dairy Cows
Authors: Warnick L. D. , See S. Y. , Rosenbaum A.
Published: February 2023

Pregnancy diagnosis by rectal palpation is one of the most frequent procedures performed by dairy veterinarians, but very little is known about the economically optimal schedule for palpation. In a practitioner survey, 34 days was the median response for how soon after breeding veterinarians reported routinely palpating cows (see companion abstract). Previous research showed that cows checked later in gestation were more likely to stay in the herd and calve again, but those studies did not address the optimal herd-level schedule. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of palpation schedule on days open and culling for four pregnancy diagnosis schedules in herds using only artificial insemination for breeding.
Strategies to Minimize Pain Response Following Dehorning in Dairy Calves
Authors: Duffield T. , Lissemore K. , DeHaan A. , Millman S.
Published: February 2023

Three experiments were designed to assess the utility of ketoprofen administration in Holstein dairy calves prior to dehorning on mitigating pain response. Experiments A and C involved the use of a butane dehorner on calves between two days and two weeks of age. Experiment B was conducted on calves between four and eight weeks of age using the electric Rhinehart dehorning device.
Use of Decision Tree Analysis to Improve LDA Decision Making
Authors: Overton M. W.
Published: February 2023

In food animal practice, medical decisions are usually made on the basis of economic impact to the dairy, rather than on perceived individual animal value or emotional attachment. A decision routinely made on dairies is what to do with cows that develop left displaced abomasums (LDA). Given the variety of management options available, veterinarians have the potential to make different recommendations depending upon the cow's historical value, parity, current stage oflactation, presence of concurrent disease, level of milk price and relative replacement cost. Decision trees are systematic quantitative tools that may be used to improve the ability to select the best course of action in situations, such as LDA, where the clinical decision is complex and outcomes are uncertain. The objective of this project was to demonstrate the use of a decision tree model as a tool to help select between surgery, roll and toggle or marketing for beef as the most economically appropriate management plan, given an early lactation cow with an LDA.
Research Summaries - French Translations
Authors: Brochard Hubert , Smith Pierre-Paul , Vinet Louise
Published: February 2023

Comptes Rendus de Recherche Boeuf et Laitier I, II, II.
Johne's Disease
Authors: Keller L. L. , Rae D. O. , Harrell C. D. , Loerzel S. M.
Published: February 2023

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is an acid fast intracellular bacillus that infects ruminants worldwide. The disease is characterized by chronic diarrhea and weight loss, despite a good appetite, even on a high plane of nutrition. The disease has a significant economic impact on both the dairy and beef cattle industry in the USA. Control of the disease is difficult due to fecal shedding of the sub-clinical animal and much effort has been put into identifying the disease in the early stages. Currently there are no reliable tests for detecting early infection. The ELISA test has been used in many seroprevalence studies. This method offers the advantage of availability of results in a short period of time and comparable sensitivity to the fecal culture. Sensitivity of the test is approximately 40-50%, but may vary from 15-87% depending on the animal's stage of the infection. Higher sensitivities are obtained from heavy shedders of the bacteria. The specificity of the current ELISA test is 99%. In 1990 Braun et al reported ELISA results of a 1986-1987 survey of Florida cattle indicating a prevalence of 8.6% in beef cattle and 17.1 % in dairy cattle. The high prevalence in that study warranted the re-evaluation of the prevalence of Johne's disease in the state. The objective of this study was to estimate the apparent prevalence of MAP antibodies in Florida cattle from samples submitted to the Florida State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
Reducing the Dose of GnRh in Heat-Synch Programs in Dairy Cows
Authors: Bolourchi M. , Naslaji A. Niasari , Roshani E. Sadeghpour , Omidi M.
Published: February 2023

One of the objectives of dairy cattle producers is to enhance the cost-effectiveness of the reproductive programs. This study was conducted to compare the effect of two doses of GnRH analogue (full dose and half-dose) used in Heat-Synch programs on pregnancy rates and days open of Holstein dairy cows.
Antigenic and Genetic Diversity of Mycoplasma bovis
Authors: Oleson T. A. , Simonson R. S.
Published: February 2023

Mycoplasma bovis is a significant emerging pathogen in cattle that causes economic loss due to mastitis, otitis, pneumonia and arthritis. Somewhat of a chameleon, this small organism is capable of great genetic variability or switching and has the remarkable ability to successfully adapt to changing environments. These characteristics allow it to evade host immunity, limiting immunological control strategies.
Mannan-oligosaccharides and other Non-antibiotic Alternatives to the Management of Enteric Disease of Cattle
Authors: Quigley J. D.
Published: February 2023

The relationship between nutrition, immunity and animal productivity has become more clear. Non-antibiotic feed additives are increasingly popular to maintain or stimulate intestinal and systemic immunity and maintain high levels of animal production. Yeast cell components, particularly mannan-oligosaccharides and B-glucan, have been evaluated as means of manipulating intestinal bacterial populations, stimulating immune response and promoting optimal production. To date, little published research exists in adult cattle regarding the use of either compound to improve milk production, intake or efficiency. It is still unclear whether either compound escapes ruminal degradation. However, some data, particularly with B-glucan, suggests that the compound has functional activity in adult ruminants. The objective of this presentation is to review some of the more recent data related to the use of yeast cell components in supporting optimal production in calves and cattle.
Routine Camelid Procedures
Authors: Johnson LaRue W.
Published: February 2023

To help the relative novice and perhaps even some veteran camelid veterinarians, the most common procedures that you are asked to perform will be discussed. Included will be venapuncture procedures, some dental considerations, male breeding soundness evaluation, anesthesia/castration technique, micro-chipping, intrauterine infusion discussion, TB testing, intramuscular injection options, tapeworm treatment, epidural procedure, refractory abscess therapy, pregnant animal sedation and rectal exams.
Recognizing Common Infectious Diseases of Small Ruminants
Authors: Smith Mary C.
Published: February 2023

Caseous lymphadenitis, paratuberculosis, ovine progressive pneumonia, caprine arthritis-encephalitis, soremouth, infectious keratoconjunctivitis and foot rot are important infectious diseases of small ruminants. Although diagnosis is often based on clinical signs alone, laboratory testing to detect subclinically infected animals and culling or segregation are required for control or eradication of the more chronic diseases.
Preliminary Report on the Incidence of Laboratory-confirmed Clinical Salmonellosis in Northeast USA Dairy Herds
Authors: Cripps C. J. , Warnick L. D. , Nydam D. V. , McDonough P. L. , Grohn Y. T. , Reed K. E.
Published: February 2023

Salmonellosis in dairy cattle ranges from subclinical infections to serious illness. Many studies have assessed fecal shedding. The objective of our study was to determine the incidence of clinical salmonellosis in dairy animals in the northeastern United States.
Uterine Torsion in Cattle
Authors: Aubry P. , DesCôteaux L.
Published: February 2023

Uterine torsion can occur in all species, but is especially common in cattle, with occurrences reported in 1 to 12.5% of dystocias. However, most of the published work has been done on hospital referred cases and does not represent cases seen in the field by general practitioners. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to describe field cases of uterine torsion as well as examine a few risk factors for the condition.
Effect of Pasteurization Temperature on Immunoglobulin G, Viscosity and Pathogen Viability in Bovine Colostrum
Authors: McMartin S. , Godden S. , Feirtag J. , Metzger L. , Bey R. , Goyal S.
Published: February 2023

Calves with failure of passive transfer are much more susceptible to disease and death than calves with adequate colostral immunoglobulin G (lgG) absorption. Although colostrum is vital to calf health, it can also serve as a vector for pathogens such as Salmonella spp, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Mycoplasma bovis, and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), the causative agent of Johne's disease. While batch pasteurization at traditional times and temperatures (145°F [63°C] for 30 minutes) will kill pathogens in colostrum, it destroys significant amounts of lgG. Our objective was to determine if we could use a lower temperature/longer time approach to kill pathogens while still preserving IgG content and activity.
Deterministic Mathematical Model of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP) Transmission on Commercial US Dairy Farms
Authors: Mitchell R. M. , Stehman S. M. , Whitlock R. H. , Benedictus A. , Schukken Y. H.
Published: February 2023

Prevalence of Johne's on US dairy farms is estimated at one-fifth of all herds, and is higher for the population of large herds. Of the animals which test positive for MAP, high levels of bacterial shedding are noted in only a small proportion. Despite this low prevalence of high-shedding animals, elimination of MAP from herds has proven exceptionally challenging, with few published reports of successful eradication of MAP from infected farms. Mathematical modeling may aid us in the understanding of this apparent contradiction.
Using ELISA Adjusted Optical Density (OD) Measures to Predict Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis Shedding Status of Individual Dairy Cattle
Authors: Pillars Roxanne , Kaneene John B. , Grooms Daniel
Published: February 2023

Fecal culture remains the standard for diagnosing Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) in individual cattle, however it generally requires 8-16 weeks to obtain results. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has a rapid turnaround time, although its sensitivity is poor, especially in subclinically infected cattle. It is generally accepted that as the infection progresses, mean ELISA response and sensitivity increases. Cattle infected with MAP have a long prepatent period in which no shedding of the organism occurs, followed by intermittent then continuous shedding that increases in volume as the disease progresses. While any cow infected with MAP is undesirable, only cattle shedding the organism pose an immediate threat to other cattle. These cattle generally have higher ELISA optical density (OD) values compared to cattle not shedding MAP. The objective of this study was to compare the mean ELISA-adjusted OD values of cattle with negative fecal cultures to cattle classified as either low (≥10 cfu) or high (>10 cfu) shedders and determine the positive likelihood ratios for each.
Evaluation of the Petrifilm™ Culture System for the Identification of Mastitis Bacteria as Compared to Standard Bacteriological Methods
Authors: Walker Matthew , Leslie Ken , Vernooy Erin , Bashiri Anna , Dingwell Randy
Published: February 2023

The largest cost associated with treating clinical mastitis during lactation is the discarded milk during and after therapy. To justify this cost, one should ensure that the present infection will respond to antibiotic therapy. Most intramammary antibiotics target gram-positive cocci organisms, and are not particularly effective against Mycoplasma spp, yeasts and mild infections caused by gram-negative pathogens. Similarly, research has demonstrated that other organisms, such as Streptococcus uberis, are highly responsive to intramammary antibiotics, or that the cure rates achieved by various intramammary treatments are not significantly better than no treatment. Thus, there has been an increasing demand for research towards the development of on-farm mastitis culturing media for early identification and accurate classification of bacterial species. Petrifilm™ plates are selective culture media products, which are used for rapid bacteriological isolation and enumeration from food products. The 3M Petrifilm™ products are small, playing card size, sample-ready plates that will allow users to easily and efficiently perform on-site microbial identification. Petriflim™ plates that are potentially useful for mastitis diagnoses are the Aerobic Count Plates, Coliform Count Plates, and Staph Express Count Plates, due to their ease of use, and the ability to reach a diagnosis in as little as 24 hours. The usefulness of the Petrifilm™ culture system for the diagnosis of mastitis has been previously reported.1 The objective of the current project was to determine the test characteristics of Petrifilm™ to characterize the causative organism in producer-defined cases of clinical mastitis.
Effect of Pre-milking Stimulation on Milking Performance
Authors: Nydam D. V. , Capel M. B. , Thomas M. J. , Conlon K. , Kinsley M. , Lemay C. , Weix R. , Warnick L. D. , Schukken Y. H.
Published: February 2023

While pre-milking stimulation from forestripping has been traditionally recommended, some recent literature has disputed its biological need and some parlor managers have questioned its utility in parlor efficiency. The objective of our trial was to study the importance of manual forestripping on milking performance and the extent to which it needs to be performed.
Herd Level Risk Factors for Non-infectious and Infectious causes of Lameness for Ontario Dairy Herds
Authors: Cramer Gerard , Lissemore Kerry , Kelton Dave , Guard Chuck , Leslie Ken
Published: February 2023

Lameness is one of the most important issues facing the dairy industry, both in terms of production costs and public perception of dairy cow welfare. To assist bovine practitioners in making recommendations that reduce or prevent lameness, there is a need for knowledge about the prevalence of lameness and a more complete understanding of the factors that contribute to lameness in different North American management systems. The objective of this project was to determine the effect of selected risk factors on the prevalence of infectious and non-infectious claw lesions on dairy farms in Ontario.
Effects of NPCoat Intranasal™ on Health and Productivity of Beef Cattle
Authors: Nash David , Wray Mary , MacGregor Scott , Horton Dallas
Published: February 2023

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) continues to plague the beef cattle industry. Despite the introduction of new antibiotics and vaccines, the incidence of BRD has continued to rise. Although appropriate preconditioning can greatly lower the incidence of BRD, most cattle are not preconditioned and the stresses of weaning, commingling, transportation and acclimation can easily cause treatment rates exceeding 50% or more. NPCoat Intranasal™ is a medical device based on antibodies processed from hen's eggs that provides a protective shield against viral, bacterial and mycoplasmal proliferation when sprayed into the nasopharyngeal cavity of cattle. This report details the effects of the application ofNPCoat Intranasal™ on the incidence of morbidity and mortality related to BRD in southeastern calves shipped to a Colorado feedlot during January and February, 2005.
Effect of Two Commercially Available Multivalent Modified-Live Viral Vaccines on Milk Production of Holstein Dairy Cows
Authors: Garrett E. F.
Published: February 2023

Vaccination of lactating dairy cows is a common practice among US dairy herds. The objective of vaccination during lactation is to bolster immunity against common agents that may cause failure to conceive, fetal loss, or respiratory disease. The viruses commonly included in these vaccines are bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine herpes virus 1 (BHV-1), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and parainfluenza-3 virus (PI-3). The vaccines may contain inactivated virus or modified-live virus (Compendium of Veterinary Products 2004). In addition to the cost of vaccine and labor to administer the vaccine, producers should consider the cost of lost production when evaluating the economic benefits of vaccinating a lactating cow. Vaccination with an inactivated viral vaccine in combination with leptospiral bacterin produced a significant decrease in production compared to controls (Scott 2001). The effect of modified-live viral vaccines on milk production has not been reported. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of two commercially available multivalent modified-live viral vaccines on milk productionof Holstein dairy cows.
Effect of Housing System and Nutrition on Claw Hom Growth and Abrasion in Beef Steers
Authors: Becvar O. , Swecker W. S. , Ward D. L. , Scaglia G. , Neel J. P. S. , Fontenot J. P.
Published: February 2023

Lameness results in economic losses in cattle populations worldwide. Most lameness lesions are associated with the lower foot, especially the claw. Major risk factors for lesions of the claw are high grain rations and concrete flooring.
Risk Factors Associated with Neospora caninum Herd Serological Status in Beef Cow-Calf Herds in Canada
Authors: Olaloku N. , Power C. , Hood R. , Mainar-Jaime R. , Campbell J.
Published: February 2023

Neospora caninum (N. caninum), a protozoan parasite, is a major cause of reproductive failure in cows all over North America and in other regions of the world. Infected cows are at risk of early embryonic death, abortion, stillbirth, birth of a weak or abnormal calf and birth of a calf with no obvious defect, depending on previous exposure and the phase of gestation-early, mid or late. The dog has been implicated as a definitive host of N. caninum and contributing to fecal-oral (horizontal) transmission. It has been suggested that neonates become infected while in-utero (vertical transmission). The role of wild canids, coyotes and foxes in transmitting infection in beef cow-calf is still not clear. Although suggested, it is not known if extensive husbandry and management methods employed in beef cow-calf plays a role in N. caninum infection, transmission and disease occurrence in beef cow-calf herds. The objective of this study was to determine seroprevalence of N. caninum in beef cow-calf herds in Canada and to identify potential risk factors contributing to seroprevalence.
Effect of Metaphylactic Intramammary Infusion of 200 mg Cephapirin Sodium per Quarter in Dairy Cattle at 2-3 Weeks Prepartum on Selected Postpartum Production Parameters
Authors: Rapnicki P. , Stewart S. C. , Farnsworth R. J. , Bey R. F. , Rosenberg J. B.
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a metaphylactic prepartum intramammary infusion of 200 mg cephapirin sodium (Cefa-Lak®) per quarter in heifers and mature dairy cows. Treated and control animals from a large, well-managed herd were evaluated for selected production parameters during the immediate post calving period.
Insight into the Shortage of Food Animal Veterinarians
Authors: Schmitz John A.
Published: February 2023

A survey of Nebraska veterinarians was conducted to study factors that influence veterinarians in their choice of practice type and location, e.g. food animal or small animal veterinary practice, and the type of community where they practice, i.e. urban or rural. Objectives of the study were to determine if possible veterinary college admission criteria could be identified to improve selection of students that will ultimately pursue food animal and rural practices, and whether programs in veterinary medical colleges significantly influenced food animal and rural veterinary practice decisions of these graduates. Background characteristics significantly associated with food animal practice included: male, grew up on a working farm or ranch, parents had livestock, hometown population of 10,000 or less, and interest in food animal practice at time of admission to veterinary medical college.
Optimizing Bovine Abortion Diagnostics
Authors: Schmitz John A. (Jack)
Published: February 2023

Very few aborted bovine fetuses have distinctive pathologic changes that contribute to confirming a diagnosis, with the exception of fetuses with congenital anomalies, thus sending an intact fetus to a diagnostic laboratory for necropsy by a pathologist rarely enhances the prospects for obtaining a positive diagnosis. In fact, it is questionable whether necropsies of aborted fetuses routinely merit the time of a busy veterinary practitioner, when a technician can be trained to collect, package and ship specimens as effectively and more efficiently. In addition, owners, managers, and herdsmen can be recruited into the diagnostic team in herds with on-going abortion problems if proper training and supplies are provided. A protocol for proper specimen collection and packaging for diagnosis of bovine abortions, which can be used by veterinarians or for training technicians, will be presented.
Latest in Mastitis Control and Management
Authors: Johnson Andrew P.
Published: February 2023

This is a very interesting topic because there have not been major changes in mastitis control and management. The secret is still to pay attention to the "Mastitis Triangle," which means looking at the people milking the cows, the equipment, and the cow's environment. The most successful milk quality programs are those that look at the whole picture.

Instead of dealing with problem high-somatic cell count (SCC) herds, the biggest opportunities are with well-managed dairies trying to improve their milk quality program. These dairies want to milk more cows in less time, and control clinical mastitis and SCC. Working to change lag times for better let-downs, having the right vacuum in the claw during peak milk flow or changing automatic take-off (ATO) settings to shorten milking duration are ways to change milking performance. Assisting the farm to develop better cow traffic patterns and faster loading will also improve the performance.

By improving milk quality you can affect the profitability of a dairy. There is no one better to accomplish this than a large animal veterinarian. The opportunity is huge for those that are willing to get involved with their dairy farms.
Evaluation of Castration Technique, Pain Management, and Castration Timing in Young Feedlot Bulls in Alberta
Authors: Wildman B. K. , Pollock C. M. , Schunicht O. C. , Booker C. W. , Guichon P. T. , Jim G. K. , Pittman T. J. , Perrett T. , Morley P. S. , Jones C. W. , Lee S. R.
Published: February 2023

A randomized commercial feedlot study was conducted to evaluate the effect of castration technique (band castration (BC) versus surgical castration (SC)), pain management (anesthesia/analgesia (AA) versus no anesthesia/analgesia (NA)), and castration timing (allocation (DO) versus 70 days post-allocation (D70)) on animal health, feedlot performance, and carcass characteristic variables of young bulls. There were 960 bulls and 48 pens used in a complete block design, with no commingling of animals from different experimental groups in the same pens.

In the preliminary feedlot performance data summary from allocation to D159, ADG ( +0.051 lb./day, P=0.188) and DM:G (-0.117, P=0.060) were improved in pens castrated at DO versus pens castrated at D70; ADG ( +0.076 lb./day, P=0.049) and DM:G (-0.069, P=0.264) were improved in pens castrated using BQ versus pens castrated using SC; and ADG ( +0.025 lb/day, P=0.511) and DM:G (-0.079, P=0.204) were improved in pens castrated with NA versus those castrated with AA. There were no significant interactions detected between castration timing, castration technique, and pain management strategies. There were minimal differences in mortality from DO to D159 between the pens in each of the castration options (DO versus D70; BC versus SC; or AA versus NA).

The preliminary data from DO to D159 are interesting; however, final data from allocation through slaughter are necessary to complete the overall assessment of each castration option. Understanding the relative cost-effectiveness of each castration option will help bridge the gap that currently exists in determining optimal castration management in commercial feedlot settings.
Pooling Resources to Achieve Financial, Professional and Personal Success
Authors: Reed Brian
Published: February 2023

Veterinarians, as well as many other people in our society, tend to lead very busy, active lives. We strive for success in our professional lives, try to reach our individual and family financial goals, and somehow try to blend all this with a successful personal and family life. Success in these three areas is necessarily unique to every person, based on their own individual goals and interests. There are many things that interfere with our success, however you may define success. Barriers to success may be time constraints, energy constraints, educational constraints or conflicts between the different foci of our lives. Pooling resources between and within veterinary practices can sometimes help to ease these various constraints and help us to achieve the success we strive for in the different facets of our lives.
Balancing Profit and Value
Authors: Reed Brian
Published: February 2023

As veterinarians, all of us want to provide valuable service for our clients. We want to feel we bring value to our clients with the service we provide. At the same time, we need to maintain profitability of our practices to help meet our goals as well as those of our families. Sometimes we think, as profits increase, the value of our services to our clients must be decreasing. In reality, the goal is to maximize value for our clients while attaining our goals for practice profitability.
Guidelines for Ultrasound Fetal Sexing in a Cow/Calf Operation
Authors: Stroud Brad
Published: February 2023

Fetal sexing was first described in 1989. For the next decade only a small number of experienced ultrasonographers actually applied the technique on a commercial basis. In recent years, client pressure h8:s increased the number of veterinarians offering the service, but the demand for the artisan skill continues to grow as new and emerging reproductive technologies become commercialized. However, the learning curve to accurately diagnose sex by ultrasound is steep. To have command of the procedure to the point of becoming 98% accurate takes time away from practice and a lot of bred cows with accurate breeding records to practice on. The purpose of this paper is to review fetal sexing and offer suggestions on how to minimize the learning curve so that practitioners won't be intimidated by it.
Practical Clinical Approaches to the Problem Breeder Female
Authors: Stroud Brad
Published: February 2023

Applied reproductive biotechnology, information technology, and efficient production management systems on the farm have all contributed to an increased awareness and knowledge of reproductive problems. Reproductive history is now documented and we know more than ever about individual females and their problems. Artificial Insemination (AI), emliryo transfer, in vitro fertilization (IVF), real time ultrasound, sex-sorted sperm (Sexing Technologies, Navasota, TX 77868}, and novel heat detection systems (HeatWatch®, Denver, CO 80216) are some of the tools that cattle breeders and veterinarians use to diagnose and treat problem females. Although a small percentage of infertility cases can be diagnosed and treated successfully, the majority of infertility cases in beef cattle are idiopathic in nature. Over half of the infertile females brought to my facility fall into this classification after both palpation and ultrasound examinations. In spite of all the technology available, amazingly little is known about the etiology or pathobiology of the most common form of infertility in cattle. This paper explores possible causes of idiopathic infertility and suggest a systematic method of handling bovine female infertility in a clinical setting.
Population Dynamics and Herd Immunity
Authors: Stokka G. L.
Published: February 2023

Understanding the population dynamics of pathogen transmission is critical to developing control programs for disease. Controlling contagious pathogens in human populations through vaccination has been successfully used to stop spread of disease and ultimately control outbreaks. This effect is termed "herd immunity". This concept needs to be well understood by veterinarians as they are called upon to provide disease control recommendations and advice to livestock businesses.
Thinking Outside the Shots
Authors: Thomson Daniel U. , White Brad J.
Published: February 2023

Bovine respiratory disease complex is one of the most costly diseases in the beef industry. Prevention of this disease starts with procurement of cattle ready for the auction market. If preconditioned cattle are not economical or available, applying the correct management strategy to each subpopulation of animals is essential. Matching animal flow with the amount and experience of your labor pool is important. A proper vaccine program along with metaphylaxis is important for controlling morbidity in high risk calves. Quality pen riding, proper diagnosis, treatment and supportive care are all a function of a quality health program in the feedyard. Feedyard morbidity and mortality is mostly dependent on the type and number of cattle procured. Realizing what is normal will allow us to change the process without distorting the data.
Retrospective Video Analysis of the Behavior of Periparturient Dairy Cattle
Authors: Misch L. , Putnam H. , Duffield T. , Millman S. , Lissemore K. , Leslie K.
Published: February 2023

The impact of calving difficulty on the behavior of periparturient dairy cattle has not been reported. The objective of this study was to measure variables associated with difficulty of calving, and to identify the associations of parameters with periparturient behavior. Previously recorded videotapes of 23 cows on day -1, 0 and +1 relative to calving were analyzed. Data included frequency and duration of standing and lying behavior, calving difficulty score, duration of calving and calf body measurements. Calving difficulty was scored as: 0-unassisted, 1-easy pull, 2-hard pull. Video information was analyzed, interpreted and entered. Data were analyzed using logistic and linear regression with Statistix. Heifers were more likely to require assistance during calving (P<0.01). Male calves weighed significantly more than female calves (P<0.05). Cow standing and lying behavior differed on the day of calving. Pre-calving, heifers lie for 18 fewer minutes per lying bout compared to cows (37.1 ± 3.8 versus 55.1 ± 6.4 minutes per bout, P<0.02). Mean pre-calving lying time was also influenced by calving difficulty, as cows requiring assistance spent 15 minutes less lying down per bout (P<0.05). Post-calving, heifers lie for 13 minutes less per bout than cows (40.4 ± 3.1 versus 53. 7 ± 8.8, P=0.09). Cows taking longer to calve lie for fewer minutes each bout (P<0.02). Finally, dams that had hard pulls lie for 12.5 fewer minutes each bout (P=0.11). When mean lying bouts post-calving was analyzed, controlling for pre-calving mean lying time, only calving duration remained significant. Calving duration also positively influenced the number of post-calving lying bouts (P=0.05). Lying behaviour, both pre and post-calving, was the most significant measurement related to calving. Cows with longer calvings spent less time lying down after calving. Differences between lying time for cows and heifers merits further investigation. It is possible that this difference is related to the presence of pain, and that there are opportunities for pain management at calving.
Predictors of Stillbirth for Cows Moved to Calving Pens when Calving is Imminent
Authors: Carrier J. , Godden S. , Fetrow J. , Stewart S. , Rapnicki P.
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to identify predictors for stillbirth in cows moved from freestalls to a calving pen when calving is imminent. The risk of stillbirth was modeled using multivariate logistic regression. The calving ease score (CES) was contracted to three levels of assistance (1: none, 2: light and 3+: required). The advance of parturition at moving time was scored as a) presence of only mucus, b) presence of a "water bag" or c) presence of feet. The other predictors tested were parity, total serum calcium, calf weight (CW) and BCS. A total of 495 single births were observed on a 2,500-cow dairy, with 15% stillbirths. The odds ratios adjusted for the other predictors are shown. Stillbirth was not associated with BCS. Compared to unassisted calvings (CESl), the odds of stillbirth were 2.9x higher for CES2 and 46x higher for CES3+. Stillbirth odds were reduced by 36% per 1 % unit increase of CW relative to the dam (OR = 0.64), and by 22% per 1 mg/dL increase in calcium (OR = 0.78). The odds of stillbirth were 5.2x higher for heifers vs. cows. Cows moved to a calving pen earlier in the parturition process (mucus only) were 2.5x more at risk of stillbirth than those moved later with a "water bag", but presence of feet was not different from the "water bag" stage. The fact that advance of parturition, parity and serum calcium remained in the model after adjustment for CES could be due to an association with duration of calving.
Effect of Different Castration Methods on the Subsequent Performance of Bull Calves
Authors: Rust R. L. , Thomson D. U. , Loneragan G. H. , Apley M. , Swanson J.
Published: February 2023

Fifty mixed-breed, preconditioned bulls (791 +/- 77 lb; 359.5 +/- 35.0 kg) were utilized to examine the effects of different castration methods on animal performance.
Measurement of Exhaled Nitric Oxide and Exhaled Carbon Dioxide in the Breath of Calves upon Arrival and During a 42-Day Receiving Period
Authors: Holland B. P. , Step D. L. , Roller C. B. , McMillen G. , Montelongo M. , Burciaga-Robles L. O. , McCurdy M. P. , Krehbiel C. R.
Published: February 2023

Endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is produced in many tissues from the amino acid L-arginine by a group of nitric oxide synthase enzymes. The inducible form of this enzyme has been identified in lung tissue from calves that succumbed to pneumonia. In vitro studies have measured NO derivatives from alveolar macrophages, stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and respiratory pathogens. The objective of this study was to measure exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) and exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2) in steers upon arrival, and during a 42-day receiving trial, using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS).
Feedyard Managers and Veterinarian Response to a Delphi Feedyard Biosecurity Survey
Authors: Brandt A. W. , Sanderson M. W. , DeGroot B. D. , Thomson D. U.
Published: February 2023

Biosecurity is an important aspect of disease prevention in any agricultural production system. The beef feedyard is particularly vulnerable to disease introduction because of the large number of different cattle arriving from multiple sources. Additionally, the large concentration of animals makes a feedyard a likely target for bioterrorism from domestic or international terrorist groups. The economic losses that accompany the treatment or elimination of an infectious or toxic agent to a feedyard would be substantial. The purpose of this survey was to determine the importance of different aspects of biosecurity in feedyards utilizing a Delphi survey.
Correlation of Different Visual Scores and the Presence or Absence of Painful Foot Lesions
Authors: Bicalho R. C. , Cheong S. H. , Warnick L. D. , Guard C. L.
Published: February 2023

Most lame cows in dairy farms are detected by visual locomotion scoring (VLS) by farmers and farm personnel. However, it is unknown how accurately foot lesions can be detected by VLS. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the level of agreement between visual locomotion scores and presence or absence of painful foot lesions and to determine the frequency distribution of the encountered diseases related to lameness.
Relationship between Teat-end Hyperkeratosis and Composite Milk Somatic Cell Count in a Dairy Herd in Iran
Authors: Bolourchi M. , Kasravi R.
Published: February 2023

Teat-end health is a complex issue, and several studies have demonstrated the positive association between teat-end hyperkeratosis (TEHK) and subclinical mastitis. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine whether TEHK is associated with an increased risk of subclinical mastitis, as indicated by composite milk somatic cell count (CMSCC) in a Holstein dairy herd in the Tehran province of Iran. Cows were milked three times a day by a milking machine with an automatic cluster removal (ACR) default setting of 200 g/min. Post-milking teat dipping was done with a product containing 1% available iodine and 10% glycerin as an emollient.
Effect of Maternity Pen Management on Morbidity and Mortality in Dairy Heifer Calves from Birth to 90 Days of Life
Authors: Pithua P. , Wells S. J. , Godden S. M.
Published: February 2023

Risk factors for calf morbidity and mortality have been well characterized. Type of maternity housing and where calves are born have been shown to influence the likelihood of morbidity and mortality suffered by calves during the preweaning period. Proper management and hygiene of maternity pens may help reduce the frequency of early calfhood diseases in calves. The objective of this study was to determine whether heifer calves born in individual maternity pens will have a lower risk for experiencing calfhood diseases versus heifer calves born in a multiple cow maternity housing area.
Preliminary Study on the Effect of Intra-uterine Infusion of Sodium Ceftiofur on Chronic Uterine Infections of Holstein Cows
Authors: Havaresht P. , Moradi A. , Kasravi R.
Published: February 2023

Cows suffering from postpartum endometritis which may not be treated with conventional treatments, and thus may have long days-in-milk (DIM), are candidates for disposal from the herd. The aim of this study was to treat such animals with only one intra-uterine (IU) infusion of ceftiofur to keep them in the herd.
Fetal Protection Against Continuous Exposure To Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Following Administration of A Vaccine Containing an Inactivated BVDV Fraction
Authors: Grooms Daniel L. , Bolin Steven R. , Coe Paul H. , Borges Rafael , Coutu Christopher E.
Published: February 2023

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a major viral pathogen of cattle, leading to substantial economic losses. A major source of loss is attributed to fetal infection with subsequent fetal pathology. The major source of virus transmission is cattle that are immunotolerant and persistently infected with BVDV. The objective of this study was to determine if a commercially available killed BVDV vaccine (CattleMasterR® Gold TM FP™ L5, Pfizer Animal Health) could protect cattle against viremia and fetal infection during continuous exposure to cattle persistently infected with the BVDV. This type of model may more closely represent natural challenge, including continuous exposure to multiple virus strains.
BVD Type I and Type II SN Titer Response in Weaning Age Beef Calves Following the Administration, in Various Combinations, of Two MLV Vaccines Containing Different BVD Type 1 and Type 2 Strains
Authors: Jones C. A. , Goehl D. R. , Loughin M.
Published: February 2023

Many preconditioning and feedlot vaccination protocols require two doses of BVD vaccine. Typically the same vaccine and same strains of BVD are used for each dose. Following vaccination, the immune response will be strongest against the strains of BVD virus in the vaccine; however, the immunity developed must also protect against exposure to heterologous strains in the field. Due to antigenic diversity in BVD virus, it is important to stimulate immunity against as wide array of viruses as possible. Theoretically, using combinations of different vaccines containing different strains of BVD will expose the immune system to a wider range of BVD virus. Whether this results in an improved immune response or broader protection against field strains of BVD remains to be proven. The objective of this study was to determine if vaccination with different combinations of two modified live virus vaccines, containing different strains of BVD Type 1 and 2, would improve serum neutralization (SN) titer response and weight gain.
Environmental Distribution of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) on Michigan Dairy Farms
Authors: Pillars R. B. , Kaneene J. B. , Grooms D. L.
Published: February 2023

Johne's disease (JD) is an important infectious disease of cattle caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). It is estimated that over 50% of US dairy herds are infected with MAP. Environmental contamination with MAP is considered the major reservoir of infection for susceptible cattle. While MAP does not multiply in the environment, it can persist for months in manure, lagoons, manure packs--areas that are found in abundance on most dairy farms--even in below-freezing temperatures. Very little information is published on distribution of MAP on dairy farms. The objectives of this study were to: 1) perform serial environmental culturing on six Michigan dairy herds, enrolled in a JD control program over several years; 2) characterize the distribution of MAP contamination on dairy farms; and 3) determine if and how that distribution changes as herd fecal culture prevalence changes.
Herd Stratification to Reduce the Spread of Johne's Disease
Authors: Pence M. , Ensley D.
Published: February 2023

Johne's disease (JD) is a chronic, progressive enteric disease of ruminants caused by infection with Mycobacterium avium subspecies Paratuberculosis (MAP). Johne's disease causes major economic losses to the cattle industry. There is an age susceptibility to JD with younger cattle being more susceptible. Calves are generally infected as neonates. After a prolonged incubation period of two to ten years, initial clinical signs may develop, including severe progressive diarrhea and gradual weight loss, despite the persistence of a normal appetite. Typically, the infection develops in the ileum and gradually spreads to regional lymph nodes and other viscera. Over time, cattle become lethargic, emaciated and, in the terminal stages of disease, exhibit cachexia and severe watery diarrhea. MAP survives in the soil and the cattle environment for extended periods of time. Environmental contamination contributes to the pathogen load and infection rate of neonatal calves. In an attempt to reduce the pathogen load that neonatal calves are exposed to, these two cow herds were stratified by age and stage of production.
Lessons Learned from Minnesota Johne's disease Demonstration Herd Control Program
Authors: Ferrouillet C. , Wells S. J.
Published: February 2023

Six dairy cattle and three beef cattle herds in Minnesota have participated in a Johne's disease (JD) demonstration herd control program for the past six years. Objectives of this project were to 1) evaluate the longterm effectiveness and feasibility of management-related disease control on development of JD on dairy and beef cattle operations, 2) provide information and materials for education and training of public and private practice veterinarians and cattle producers and 3) develop and evaluate management, testing and monitoring strategies for use in control of JD in cattle herds.
Successful Control of Johne's Disease in Nine Wisconsin Dairy Herds
Authors: Eggleston Vic , Collins Michael T.
Published: February 2023

There is general consensus on how to control Johne's Disease (JD) but there are few longitudinal field studies to demonstrate that such recommendations actually work. The goal of the project was to fill this need by testing a single specific affordable control program in ten Wisconsin commercial dairy herds with diverse sizes and management styles.
Immunology Review/Refresher with Einphasis on Vaccinology
Authors: Chase Chris
Published: February 2023

Vaccinology involves the preparation and testing of vaccines, the animal's immune response to the vaccine and the outcome against a challenge. This area of veterinary medicine, which offers great promise, is misused, abused and often expected to cure the impossible. Unfortunately, there is no "magic bullet" and the myths of vaccinology outweigh the reality.

Our understanding of the immune response has been greatly expanded in the last 10 years. Terms such as "danger signals" and "dendritic cells" were unknown in vaccinology until the last 5-6 years. In this vaccinology review, I will emphasize the primary immune response and its importance for setting up the long-term memory and duration of immunity.
Vaccine Field Efficacy
Authors: Hunsaker Breck D. , Tripp Scott P.
Published: February 2023

An evidence-based approach to design and recommendation of vaccination programs requires a thorough review of the peer-reviewed veterinary literature. Criteria for inclusion in this review are: inclusion of a valid concurrent control group, blinding of evaluators of subjective outcomes, randomization of experimental treatments, appropriate statistical methods, sufficient statistical power and external validity. Also, only those peer-reviewed articles that report clinically relevant outcomes, e.g. morbidity, mortality, average daily gain, feed efficiency, milk production, lameness, etc, are included in this review. Furthermore, only reports of field studies done in North America were included.

CAB abstracts and PubMed databases were searched using the following search terms: bovine or cattle or cal? or bull or cow AND immun? or vaccin? or vaccine AND natural or field challenge. From these searches, 21 reports of well-designed studies done in North America to investigate field efficacy of vaccine antigens with relevance to beef cattle or dairy operations were found; 13 of these studies reported a benefit in clinically relevant outcomes.
Where are we with Johne's Disease Control
Authors: Wells Scott J.
Published: February 2023

In the US, a major step forward in control of Johne's disease (JD) was the development and implementation of the JD Herd Risk Assessment and Herd Management Plan. Along with a major educational effort, many herds have joined the US JD Herd Control Program, though many others remain outside of control programs. The focus of this report is to address the issue of control and eradication of Johne's disease with evidence from scientific literature and experience primarily from US dairy cattle herds, identify knowledge gaps in our current understanding and identify a path forward towards national control.