bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Veterinarians' Potential as Feedlot Managers
Authors: Flack Duane
Published: February 2023

The operation of a modern feedlot is, without a doubt, an industry. It is not a farming enterprise anymore; it is a manufacturing entity by any description, utilizing raw materials to produce an end product through the efforts of people. Being as close to home as I am, going back to the definition that was given a little earlier of an expert as being more than fifty miles from home—I am not!
Housing, Vaccinations, Parasites and Other Dry Cow Problems
Authors: Acree Howard
Published: February 2023

I would like to tell you something about my practice area. In the five-county area which we cover, there are about 60 dairies, ranging in size from 100 to 10,000 cows (the average having 300 to 400 cows). We are responsible for about 10,000 of these cows. My brother, who is also a veterinarian, is in practice with me. We have an 800-cow dairy which he manages while I1'1anage the practice. This arrangement has helped us tremendously because it has convinced us and our clients that a dairy manager cannot run a dairy and keep up with the changes in veterinary medicine. We know that a veterinarian is a valuable member of the dairy management team.

The greatest cause of health problems in our area is high temperature, high humidity, and high water. When I say high water, I mean deep mud. I have seen charts that combine temperature and wind velocity to arrive at a chill factor. I wish someone would chart a heat factor from temperature and humidity. We can have 80° weather with 80-90% humidity and the cows will hunt any kind of shade, even a fence post, and stand or lie breathing heavily with tongues hanging out. Our worst months are June through September or October. Average daytime temperature is over 90° and 80% relative humidity. We have more than 70 days during these months with temperatures over 90°. At the same time we have over 63% of our annual rainfall which is over 54 inches.
Self-Assessment Device for Feedlot Veterinarians
Authors: Horton Dallas , Crenshaw George , Schock Robert , Dillman Richard , Bechtol David
Published: February 2023

100 thought-provoking self-assessment questions put together by recognized feedlot experts.Each question is worth a point.75-80 correct .................................................. Average Feedlot Practitioner80-90 correct ................................................................ Above Average90-100 correct ............................................... Possess a Great Deal of Expertise
Economic Impact of Antimicrobial Use in Feedlots
Authors: Booker Calvin W. , Guichon P. Timothy , Schunicht Oliver C. , Wildman Brian K. , Jim G. Kee
Published: February 2023

In beef feedlot production, antimicrobials are used daily to control disease and improve production. The vast majority of feedlot animals receive ionophores in the feed to control coccidiosis and improve feed efficiency, and antimicrobials in the feed to reduce the incidence of liver abscesses. Other antimicrobials, such as decoquinate, chlortetracycline and sulfamethazine occasionally are used according to label recommendations to prevent or control specific disease outbreaks and/or to "aid in the maintenance of weight gains and feed efficiency in cattle during periods of stress, due to weaning, shipping or handling." Parenteral antimicrobials also are used in high-risk populations according to label recommendations to prevent, control and/or treat disease.

Because increasing antimicrobial resistance in human pathogens poses a serious threat to the treatment of infectious disease in humans, use of antimicrobials in animal agriculture is under heavy scrutiny from several prominent scientists. The source of this resistance is speculated to lie with in the widespread use of antimicrobials in farm animal production. As a result, it has been suggested that the use of antimicrobials in animal agriculture be limited to therapeutic applications, which would substantially reduce the cost of production associated with antimicrobial costs. The latter theory ignores the economic benefits associated with non-therapeutic antimicrobial usage. It is imperative that these economic benefits are accurately described so that rational, informed, data-based decisions regarding the future of antimicrobial usage in food animal production can be made.
Evaluation of the Test Characteristics of the HyMast® Bacteriological Test System
Authors: Jansen J. T. , Kelton D. F. , Leslie K. E. , Ten Hag J. , Bashiri A.
Published: February 2023

Mastitis continues to be a disease of major economic importance to the dairy industry, despite the wide use of mastitis control programs. Approaches to mastitis therapy may range from conservative to aggressive, depending on cow and management factors. Knowledge of the organism, prior to treatment, would appear to be of benefit in selecting the most appropriate course of therapy. The HyMast® test (Pharmacia & Upjohn, Kalamazoo, Michigan) is a selective media bacteriological test system for detection of gram-positive (Staphylococci, Streptococci) and gram-negative (coliform) organisms in milk. Although the primary use of this test has been for decision making in mastitis therapy, there is interest in identifying specific organisms from the test. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the HyMast test read by producers on-farm and by readers in-clinic at 3 time periods, compared to standard milk bacteriology.
Comparison of an Experimental Pulsation System with Conventional Pulsation
Authors: Wilson David J. , Gonzalez Ruben N. , Southwick Lee H. , Guard Charles L.
Published: February 2023

This study examined whether cows milked with a "copulsation" milking machine differed from cows milked with a standard pulsation milking unit in measures of udder health, teat end condition, and milk flow rate. Study design was a one-year trial with a completely randomized block crossover. Background on the "copulsation" method will be provided.
Potential to Alleviate Negative Energy Balance in Holstein Dairy Cows by Modulating Milk Glucose, Plasma Glucose, and Plasma Insulin through Feeding Yeast Culture and Propionibacteria
Authors: Lehloenya K. V. , Rehberger T. G. , Mertz K. M. , Allen D. T. , Jones D. A. , Spicer L. J.
Published: February 2023

Supplemental feeding of yeast cultures and Propionibacteria may aid in enhancing ruminal fermentation for the production of propionic acid, a major precursor for gluconeogenesis.
Comparison of Two Different Types of Yeast vs Controls on Stressed Dairy Cows
Authors: Bernal F. O. , Felts L. , Britt J. S. , Gray E.
Published: February 2023

Purpose of this study is to compare milk yield of cows fed yeast, (Cel Con 5a or YeaSacc 1026b) or no yeast (control) during heat stress conditions to post-partum cows.
Deworming Practices and Avermectin Resistance in Beef Calves
Authors: Scharko P. B. , Myers G.
Published: February 2023

Survey results indicate that Kentucky beef producers deworm their cattle at least one each year. It is important to reduce the parasite load in young calves. Avermectin products eliminated ostertagia adult worms but not did not completely eliminate cooperia worms in calves at weaning time.
Effect of Feeding Raw Versus Heat-treated Colostrum on Passive Transfer of Immunoglobulin Gin Newborn Dairy Calves
Authors: Donahue M. , Godden S. , Bey R. , Wells S. , Fetrow J. , Stabel J.
Published: February 2023

The importance of timing, volume and quality of colostrum fed has long been understood, but the improvement of colostrum quality via on farm heat-treatment is a concept developed only within the last few years. Bacterial contamination of colostrum is not only a potential source of pathogen exposure, but perhaps interferes with the absorption of lg. An earlier pilot study in 49 calves on one farm indicated that feeding heat-treated colostrum enhanced the efficiency of absorption of colostral IgG in the neonatal calf, presumably by reduction in bacteria counts in colostrum. A larger controlled study in six large commercial dairies was undertaken to determine if the pilot study results could be replicated. The objective of this study was to determine if calves fed raw versus heat-treated colostrum differed significantly in serum total solids and serum IgG concentrations.
Lesion Specific Lameness Incidence on Three California Dairies During 2007
Authors: Berry S. L. , Pinos-Rodriguez J. M. , Robinson P. H. , Tucker C. B.
Published: February 2023

Lameness is one of the three most common reasons given for prematurely culling dairy cows. Incidence surveys in the literature have found lameness incidence rates from 7 to 70% in commercial herds of dairy cows. Many dairy producers are not aware of their lameness incidence rates and do not keep records that are conducive to managerial or statistical analysis.
Biological Risk Management Practices on US Dairy Operations and their Correlation to Production Parameters
Authors: Bickett-Weddle D. , Moore D. , Hurd H. Scott
Published: February 2023

Disease introduction is a very real threat to dairy operations. Prevention practices can help minimize the risks. Biological Risk Management (BRM) includes increasing awareness by evaluating livestock operations based on the risk of infectious disease entry and spread. BRM also provides practical management plans to decrease disease risk. Existing scientific data for biological risk management in dairy operations is limited. Correlating disease prevention practices with dairy production parameters is also lacking. Using a dairy assessment tool, the objective was to 1) identify current biological risk management practices on 80 US dairies of different size and location, and 2) identify specific prevention practices that are highly correlated with production parameters.
Assessing the Epidemiologic Impact of Vaccination for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus
Authors: Rodning S. P. , Givens M. D. , Zhang Y. , Marley M. S. D. , Nunley C. L. , Walz P. H.
Published: February 2023

Currently, to validate efficacy of BVDV vaccines, clinical trials commonly involve challenge of vaccinates with a single intranasal inoculation of a BVDV field strain. Licensed vaccines provide nearly complete protection (91 to 100%) of dams and developing fetuses after this artificial challenge. However, exposure to animals persistently infected (PI) with BVDV may better represent viral challenge under field conditions. The objective of this research is to assess the efficacy of vaccination for control of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV).
Diagnostic Use of Pooled Metabolic Profiles in Czech Dairy Herds
Authors: Van Saun R. J. , Davidek J.
Published: February 2023

Use of blood chemistries in the form of metabolic profiles to determine nutritional status has been advocated,  but acceptance has been limited as a result of high cost and interpretation difficulties. A pooled sample approach to metabolic profiling could provide a more comprehensive snapshot of herd metabolic status with minimal economic investment compared to individual sampling. Study objectives were to evaluate diagnostic reference criteria to determine if pooled sample blood analyte concentrations collected at different periods relative to calving can differentiate between herds with and without health problems, and provide diagnostic value in assessment of transition cow problems.
Field Evaluation of the Finnzyme Mastitis Pathogen Detection System for Cows and Quarters Infected with Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Friendship C. , Kelton D. , Leslie K.
Published: February 2023

Staphylococcus aureus, a contagious pathogen, is one of the most important etiological agents of chronic, clinical and subclinical mastitis (Studer et al, 2008). S. aureus damages milk-producing tissue and significantly decreases milk production. Since damage is minimal and reversible in early infection and this infection is contagious, it would be advantageous to have a reliable and sensitive detection system in place to identify early infections in order that treatment and management to prevent spread could occur. Subclinical S. aureus infections are usually associated with elevated somatic cell counts (SCC) and confirmed by bacteriologic culture. Some significant limitations to the traditional culturebased systems for identifying S. aureus exist. Sears et al (1990) determined that even under ideal conditions the sensitivity of culturing quarter samples only reached 74.5%. Also, due to the cyclical nature of the shedding of S. aureus, the culture of samples collected over multiple days is necessary to conclusively establish the S. aureus infection status of a quarter. A real-time PCR-based reagent kit for bovine mastitis has been developed by Finnzymes. While more expensive than traditional culture-based systems, this system has a distinct advantage in that it can be applied to metered milk samples collected for general milk recording purposes by most Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) organizations. The Finnzymes test system has been shown to be accurate in the detection of most mastitis-associated pathogens in laboratory testing. It has been proposed that this PCR-based test may be more convenient and more accurate than traditional culture-based systems in identifying cows with subclinical S. aureus infections. The first objective of this pilot project is to measure the agreement between a PCR-based diagnostic system and a culture-based system for identifying S. aureus infected cows and quarters. The second objective is to determine the cause(s) of disagreement that may occur between the two test systems.
Influence of Time, Temperature and Starting Bacteria Load Parameters on the Quality of Raw Bulk Tank Milk
Authors: Melek S. R. A. , Keefe G.
Published: February 2023

Higher quality raw milk produces superior milk products that have a preferred position in the marketplace. The production of high quality milk products requires that milk be harvested with the minimum of bacterial contamination, and stored at low temperatures for the shortest time period practical before processing. These three factors (low start bacterial load, low storage temperature and short storage time) inhibit bacterial growth, which is important to maintain quality and to increase shelf life. The objective of this study was to examine the relative importance of these factors, and interactions between the factors, on end bacterial burden.
Veterinary Prescriptions and Drug Distribution
Authors: Lust Elaine
Published: February 2023

Veterinarians have come to expect reliable and predictable services from wholesale drug distributors. Due to valid concerns regarding counterfeit human medications and the security of the drug supply chain, changes at the federal and state levels have directly affected veterinary wholesale drug distributors. This manuscript will highlight state and federal regulations that influence production animal medicine business models where veterinary prescription drugs are sold/delivered to end users upon the valid order of a veterinarian within the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR).

This presentation will review federal acts and state statutes and regulations that affect the sale and distribution of prescription drugs used in production animal medicine. Additionally, it focuses on regulatory affairs and regulatory compliance issues that impact practicing veterinarians and veterinary drug distributors.
Comparison of Three Tetracycline Antibiotic Treatment Regimens for Carrier Clearance of Persistent Anaplasma marginale Infection Derived under Field Conditions
Authors: Reinbold J. B. , Coetzee J. F. , Ganta R. R.
Published: February 2023

Anaplasmosis, caused by the intracellular red blood cell parasite Anaplasma marginale, is the most prevalent tick-transmitted disease of cattle worldwide. Cattle recovering from acute anaplasmosis, including those treated with tetracycline antibiotics, develop lifelong cyclic rickettsemias. Carrier cattle serve as a reservoir of A. marginale for the infection of naïve cattle through horizontal, vertical, and iatrogenic transmission. Validated antimicrobial regimens do not exist for eliminating persistent infection; furthermore, anaplasmosis disease control is confounded by the absence of effective vaccines. A diagnostic testing strategy for identification of A. marginale infection and determination of chemotherapeutic success is urgently needed. A novel, real time RTPCR diagnostic assay and oral chlortetracycline (CTC) chemosterilization strategy were developed at Kansas State University under experimental conditions through concurrent RT-PCR results and plasma CTC pharmacokinetic determination. Validation of this diagnostic and treatment strategy utilizing cattle naturally-infected is essential for assembling science-based recommendations for anaplasmosis control, treatment, and eradication.
Evaluation of 14 Western Dairy Herds Using FirstStep™
Authors: DeFrain J. M. , Socha M. T. , Tomlinson D. J. , Cook N. B.
Published: February 2023

There is increasing need to address lameness in the dairy industry. Lameness is one of the most costly diseases in the dairy industry and continues to gain attention among consumers. Diagnosing the predominant causes of lameness requires a systematic approach to identify the important risk factors present within each dairy. FirstStep™ is a software program designed to assess key areas of a dairy known to impact lameness and provide reports that identify areas of weakness in the lameness management program. The objective of this study was to use FirstStep™ to evaluate 14 dairies in the western US.
Serum Amyloid-A and Haptoglobin Concentrations and Liver Fat Percentage in Lactating Dairy Cows with Abomasal Displacement
Authors: Guzelbektes H. , Sen I. , Ok M. , Constable P. D. , Coskun A.
Published: February 2023

Serum amyloid-A (SAA) and haptoglobin are positive acute phase proteins in cattle that are produced by the liver in response to endogenous release of glucocorticoids and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Recent studies have indicated that SAA provides a more sensitive test of inflammation and bacterial infection in cattle than hematological analysis and clinical examination. Albumin is a negative acute phase protein in cattle. We hypothesized that the serum concentration of SAA and haptoglobin would be increased, and the serum concentration of albumin would be decreased, in cows with left displaced abomasum (LDA), right displaced abomasum (RDA), or abomasal volvulus (AV), relative to healthy dairy cows. The basis for our hypothesis was the presence of nutritional stress in cattle with LDA, RDA, and AV, as well as the presence of peritonitis in some cattle with AV. We confined our investigation to cattle that did not have clinical evidence of inflammation or bacterial infection, such as mastitis, metritis, or pneumonia, in order to minimize the confounding effect of clinical disease on the acute phase response.
Veterinary Opinion and Evidence-Based Medicine Regarding the Best Management Practice for a Bovine Uterine Prolapse
Authors: Wapenaar W. , Griffiths H. , Green M. , Huxley J.
Published: February 2023

Hypothesis: The analysis of veterinary opinionsfrom cattle practitioners and a comparison of these findingswith the existing literature can be used to establisha valuable 'best clinical practice guideline' for bovinepractitioners on how to manage a bovine uterine prolapse.Evidence based medicine is used to base clinicalpractice on scientific evidence. This evidence can be providedin many forms, for example text books, journals,letters, websites, and personal communications. The collectedinformation on a particular topic is then assessedto find the most valid techniques that can be used inpractice. Often there is a lack of evidence based medicinefor common cases. By studying existing literatureand investigating opinions of veterinary practitioners,knowledge can be shared among individuals within theveterinary field. Given the paucity of clinical researchstudies in bovine medicine, using veterinary opinionsmay be a useful tool for producing clinical guidelines.There is a wealth of experience present in the field, andwith the current technology we can easily tap into that.Within cattle practice, management of a bovine uterineprolapse can vary considerably. Each veterinarian canjustify their own reasons for this, but why are there somany options, and how do veterinarians chose what theybelieve to be the best? Is it possible to develop clinicalguidelines based on veterinary opinion, to help clinicianschoose the appropriate management for each case? Thisstudy provides information for cattle veterinarians tobase or improve their current practice upon. Veterinarianscan hear what others in their profession do, compareit, and possibly alter their own technique.
Evaluation of the Conference Proceedings and Peer-reviewed Publications for Vaccine-related Studies Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners from 1988 to 2003
Authors: Brace S. J. , Taylor D. D. , O'Connor A. M.
Published: February 2023

Conference proceedings are a common source of information for veterinarians. However conference proceedings tend to be brief and not subject to peer review. Studies in human medicine suggest that the results from conference proceedings tend to be "rosier" than subsequent peer reviewed publications suggesting that reliance on conference proceedings may result in an overestimation of efficacy. The objective of this study was to compare results presented in conference proceedings with subsequent publications.
Transmission of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus from Acutely Infected White-tailed Deer to Cattle via Indirect Contact
Authors: Ridpath J. F. , Neill J. D. , Chase C. C. L.
Published: February 2023

Bovine viral diarrhea viruses (BVDV) are found worldwide, and acute infections in cattle result in enteric, respiratory, and reproductive diseases of varying severity, depending on the BVDV strain, the immune and reproductive status of the host and the presence of secondary pathogens. While most commonly associated with cattle, there is evidence, based on serology and virus isolation, that BVDV replicates in a wide range of cervids. Because free-ranging cervid populations are frequently in contact with domestic cattle in the United States, possible transfer of BVDV between cattle and cervids has significant implication for proposed BVDV control programs. Previous research has demonstrated transmission of BVDV from persistently infected (Pl) deer to cattle and from PI cattle to deer via direct contact [1, 2]. While direct contact between wild cervids and cattle is observed in the field, indirect contact via cervid contamination of feed bunks, salt blocks and pasture is probably more common. Further, although PI animals are a major vector in the introduction of BVDV into naïve herds, circulation of the virus within a population is due, at least in part, to transmission of virus from acutely infected animals. In this study the transmission of BVDV to cattle from acutely infected deer via indirect contact is examined.
Passive Immunity to a Commercial E. coli-SRP® Vaccine in Beef Cattle Colostrum from Cows Grazing Native Range
Authors: Wileman B. W. , Thomson D. U. , Olson K. C. , Pacheco L. A.
Published: February 2023

E.coli O157:H7 is a contaminant of E.coli O157:H7s and has been associated with food-borne illnesses in humans. Recently an E. coli SRP® vaccine received conditional licensure in the United States for the control E. coli 0157 in cattle. E. coli is also a common disease agent responsible for causing post-natal calf diarrhea. Colostrum management is recognized as an important factor for calf health and survival. Calves that fail to consume an adequate amount of colostrum within the first 12-24 hours after birth are at a higher risk for disease, death, and decreased performance. The objective of this study was to determine if E.coli O157:H7 SRP® specific antibodies could be detected in the serum of calves that consumed colostrum from dams that were vaccinated prior to calving with E.coli O157:H7 SRP® vaccine.
Recommendations for Castration and Dehorning of Cattle
Authors: Coetzee Hans
Published: February 2023

Pain associated with routine husbandry procedures such as dehorning and castration is increasingly being scrutinized by the public. The results of a survey of AABP and AVC members suggest that surgical castration with a scalpel followed by emasculator (>200 lb or 90 kg) or twisting ( <200 lb or 90 kg) is the most common castration method used by practitioners in the United States. Risk of injury to the operator, calf size, handling facilities, and experience were the most important considerations in selecting a castration method. Non-surgical castration is perceived to cause more adverse events than surgical castration. One in five veterinarians currently report using anesthesia or analgesia at the time of castration. Ninety percent of veterinarians vaccinate and dehorn at the time of castration. The Barnes dehorning tool appears to be the most common method of dehorning used in the US. Results of studies that use plasma cortisol or weight gain to determine the optimal timing and method of castration and use of analgesia are often equivocal or conflicting. The preliminary findings of a study using electroencephalography to examine the effect of age at the time of castration on brainwave activity show a more prominent shift toward high-frequency, low-amplitude brain activity in older calves compared with six-week-old calves. Meloxicam tablets administered orally at 0.45 mg/lb (1 mg/kg) may provide a convenient and cost-effective means of providing analgesia in cattle. A mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of3.10 ug/mL (Range: 2.64- 3.79 ug/mL) was recorded at 11.64 hours (Range: 10 - 12 hours) with a half-life (T ½ Az) of 27.54 hours (Range: 19.97 - 43.29 hours) after oral meloxicam administration. In recent studies we found that meloxicam administered prior to dehorning at 0.23 mg/lb (0.5 mg/kg) IV significantly increased average daily weight gain in calves after dehorning. A second study found that calves receiving oral meloxicam 24 hours prior to surgical castration tended to have a lower incidence of bovine respiratory disease.
Creating the Physical Environment for Transition Cow Success
Authors: Nordlund Kenneth V.
Published: February 2023

Field studies of transition cow management using Transition Cow Index™ as the outcome variable have shown that housing constraints are the major risk factors for fresh cow health in freestall dairies today. Key factors to improve fresh cow health are provision of sufficient bunk space so that all transition cows can eat simultaneously; minimizing social stress or the need to establish social rank during the prepartum period; provision of soft, bedded surfaces for standing and resting; and sizing of stalls and packs to facilitate the motions of lying and rising for large, mature cows. Provision of these conditions allows caregivers to screen for fresh cows that need attention in the most effective way.
Buck Health Management
Authors: Rowe Joan Dean
Published: February 2023

The buck is often overlooked in health management planning for the goat herd. Proper care can promote 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, 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.
Duodenal Obstruction Caused by Volvulus of the Duodenal Sigmoid Flexure in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Vogel S. R. , Nichols S. , Buczinski S. , Babkine M. , Veillette M. , Desrochers A.
Published: February 2023

Duodenal obstructions are uncommon in cattle. Recently, a new condition clinically resembling abomasal volvulus (AV) but affecting the duodenal sigmoid flexure (SF) has been recognized in dairy cattle. The purpose of this retrospective study was to characterize this condition and determine the prognosis of cattle undergoing surgery. We hypothesized that values obtained from bloodwork would be of diagnostic value.
Lipid Mobilization in Transition Dairy Cows Alters Endothelial Inflammatory Response
Authors: Contreras G. A. , Sordillo L. M.
Published: February 2023

A hallmark of the transition period in dairy cows is intense lipid mobilization. This mechanism of adaptation is necessary to fulfill the energy deficits experienced by cows in late gestation and early lactation. Lipid mobilization is a dynamic process involving lipolysis and lipogenesis. During the transition period, the rate of lipolysis surpasses that of lipogenesis, inducing the release of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) into the blood stream. As a consequence, increased NEFA concentrations disrupt systemic lipid homeostasis not only quantitatively, but also relative to composition. Previous research demonstrated that enhanced lipolysis during the transition period altered the fatty acid composition of different organs and cell populations including blood, liver, adipose tissue, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A common change was the increment in the concentrations of saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic). Although increments in plasma NEFA are linked to transition cow diseases such as ketosis and displaced abomasum, less is known about the consequences of shifts in fatty acid profiles of endothelial cells and how these changes contribute to dairy cows increased susceptibility to disease. Immune responses are highly dependent on the interactions between immune cells with the vasculature. Indeed, endothelial cells regulate the trafficking of the immune cell migration to and from tissues. We hypothesize that shifts in plasma NEFA content and composition in transition dairy cows modify endothelial cells inflammatory response by enhancing lipid mediator biosynthesis and expression of adhesion molecules.
Comparison between Individual and Pooled Samples of Non-esterified Fatty Acids (NEPA) and B-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) in Transition Dairy Cows to Determine Herd Alarm Level Status
Authors: Ospina Paula , Nydam Daryl , Stokol Tracy , Overton Thomas
Published: February 2023

As energy demands surpass dry matter intake during the transition period, elevated non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and B-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations can be used as markers of the extent of negative energy balance both at the individual cow and herd level. Previous studies have demonstrated that there is a threshold above which elevated NEFA and BHBA concentrations are associated with increased risk of disease and decreased reproductive and milk production performance in individual cows. Recently, the herd alarm level, i.e., the proportion of sampled animals with metabolite concentrations above the threshold which was associated with detrimental herd-level outcomes, was determined. The objective of this study was to compare the interpretation of the proportion of individual samples above the metabolite threshold versus pooled samples to evaluate the herd alarm level status.
Variation in Weekly Shedding Pattern of Staphylococcus aureus in Naturally Occurring Intramammary Infections
Authors: Walker J. B. , Rajala-Schultz P. J. , Walker W. L. , Matthews J. L. , Gebreyes W. J. , DeGraves F. J.
Published: February 2023

Despite improvements in management, prevention, and treatment, mastitis accounts for 26% of morbidity on US dairies, making it the most prevalent and costly disease of dairy cattle. In total, it is estimated that 70-80% of this loss is due to subclinical intramammary infections (IMI) such as Staphylococcus aureus (SA). The most prevalent contagious mastitis pathogen in the United States, SA was detected in 43% of bulk tanks examined. The control of SA is contingent on accurate diagnosis of IMI, yet there remains no definitive standard for the diagnosis of a SA IMI. Studies following cows experimentally infected with the Newbould SA strain concluded that SA was shed in a cyclical pattern and that consecutive samples were necessary to accurately diagnosis a SA IMI. Since then, new technologies, such as pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) used to compare strain relatedness, have brought into question the usefulness of research based on experimental SA infections. The goal of this study was to evaluate bacterial shedding patterns of SA, specifically the influence of clonal relatedness of SA on the shedding patterns of bacteria in naturally occurring SA infections.
Effect of Feeding Bovamine® Probiotic on Passive Transfer of Immunoglobulin G in Newborn Calves
Authors: Brakefield K. , Godden S. , Fetrow J. , Rapnicki P. , Bey R. , Haines D.
Published: February 2023

Early studies have suggested that bacteria in colostrum may interfere with passive absorption of immunoglobulins (lg) in newborn calves (James et al, 1981), and recent studies reported that calves fed pasteurized colostrum had improved passive transfer of IgG versus calves fed fresh colostrum (Johnson et al, 2007; Heinrichs et al, 2009a). However, a recent study reported that colostrum bacteria counts were not associated with IgG absorption (Heinrichs et al, 2009b). Do pathogenic or non-pathogenic bacteria, living or dead, truly interfere with lg absorption? Bovamine® (Nutrition Physiology Company, LLC, Overland Park, KS) is a direct-fed microbial (DFM or probiotic) containing a patented combination of living Lactobacillus acidophilus ( 1 x 109 cfu/1 g dose) and Propionibacterium freudenreichii (2 x 109 cfu/1 g dose). The study objective was to describe the effect of supplementing colostrum with living or dead DFM on serum total protein (STP) and IgG levels, and apparent efficiency of absorption of IgG (AEA %).
Descriptive Epidemiology of Bovine Tuberculosis in Michigan (1975-March 2010)
Authors: Okafor C. C. , Grooms D. L. , Bruning-Fann C. S. , Averill J. J. , Kaneene J. B.
Published: February 2023

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by the zoonotic agent Mycobacterium bovis, is a significant threat to Michigan livestock and wildlife. After the state was declared free of bTB in 1979, the disease re-emerged in wild white-tailed deer in 1994 and in cattle in 1998. The Michigan Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Project was established in 1995. Partners in the project are the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA), Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE), USDA APHIS Veterinary Service, Michigan Department of Community Health, and Michigan State University. Tens of millions of dollars have been spent on the project. In cattle alone, $5.2 million is spent on herd testing annually. After 15 years of the project's eradication efforts, bTB remains a challenge. The purpose of this study was to conduct a descriptive epidemiological review of bTB in Michigan and to identify any information that may be useful in moving the project forward.
Detection of Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus Using Commercial Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Rapid Immunomigration Assays
Authors: Barbu N. , Passmore C. , Urban R. , Maes R. , Grooms D.
Published: February 2023

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) causes a severe interstitial pneumonia primarily in calves from birth to 12 months of age, and is a significant component of the bovine respiratory disease complex. Current detection of BRSV is performed by laboratory-based methods including direct and indirect immunofluorence, real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The development of a rapid patient-side BRSV detection assay would facilitate timely disease diagnosis and the institution of appropriate therapeutic and control plans. Rapid immunomigration assays are readily available for the detection of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV). BRSV and HRSV share significant genetic and antigenic homology. Taking advantage of this homology, this study investigated the use of commercially available HRSV immune migration assays to detect BRSV.
Predicting Cumulative Risk of Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex using Feedlot Arrival Data and Daily Morbidity and Mortality Counts
Authors: Babcock A. H. , Renter D. G. , White B. J.
Published: February 2023

Economic losses from bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) are substantial in commercial feedlots. The ability to estimate potential losses at arrival and during the feeding period would be valuable for health and economic management. Our objectives were to evaluate the use of arrival risk factor data and subsequent daily BRDC morbidity and mortality counts for predicting lot-level cumulative BRDC risk.
Field Study
Authors: Grooms D. , Bolin S. , Metz K. , Birney J. , Peasley L. , Grotelueschen D.
Published: February 2023

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a major pathogen involved in the bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD). Immunosuppression induced by BVDV is thought to contribute to BRD, exacerbating secondary bacterial and viral pneumonias. Calves persistently infected (PI) with BVDV maintain the virus in the cattle population and serve as the primary source of transmission within and between herds. The impact that PI calves have on overall feedlot calf health and performance has been shown to be significant. In this field study, calves from one farm, but from different BVDV exposure backgrounds, were monitored after entry into a feedlot in which constant exposure to BVDV virus occurred via presence of PI calves. The objective was to determine if different pre-weaning BVDV exposures mitigated adverse consequences of constant BVDV exposure in a feedlot setting.
Bovine Neonatal Pancytopenia (BNP)
Authors: Friedrich A. , Rademacher G. , Carlin A. , Assad A. , Hafner-Marx A. , Klee W.
Published: February 2023

Since the spring of 2007, cases of an almost always lethal bleeding disorder in neonatal calves have appeared, first in Germany and since in many other European countries with increasing incidence, with some notable exceptions. Results of epidemiological, clinical, and experimental investigations are reported.
Reproductive Impact following Controlled Introduction of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus
Authors: Rodning S. P. , Givens M. D. , Marley M. S. D. , Hathcock T. L. , Owsley W. F. , Prevatt J. W.
Published: February 2023

The reproductive impact following controlled introduction of animals persistently infected (PI) with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) was evaluated in BVDV-naïve heifers.
Evaluation of a Commercial Vaccine to Protect Developing Fetuses from Natural Challenges with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus and Bovine Herpesvirus 1
Authors: Givens M. D. , Marley M. S. D. , Jones C. A. , Ensley D. , Joiner K. S. , Rodning S. P.
Published: February 2023

Fetal protection in heifers vaccinated with a modified-live vaccine (Express® FPS, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica) was evaluated following sequential, prolonged field exposures to animals persistently infected (PI) with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and animals acutely infected with bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1).
Time of Onset, Duration, and Location of Lameness in Beef Cattle in a Commercial Feedyard
Authors: Green T. M. , Thomson D. U. , Guillossou S. , Wileman B. W. , Guichon P. T.
Published: February 2023

Bovine lameness from a variety of etiologies is a significant cause of feeder cattle morbidity. Cattle are susceptible to traumatic injuries during the marketing process. Inappropriate animal handling or improper facility design can lead to animals being injured with subsequent lameness such as a broken leg, toe abscess, or footrot. Newly arrived, high risk cattle are stressed and exposed to viral pathogens which can make them more susceptible to concurrent infections such as Mycoplasma, Histophilus, or Arcanobacterium which can cause clinical lameness. Localization of the source of the lameness can provide valuable information for treatment protocols, prognosis, and prevention strategies. The objective of this study was to determine the onset, location, and duration of lameness in newly arrived feeder cattle.
Comparison of Observational and Necropsy Derived Diagnosis for Cause of Death for Cattle in Commercial Beef Feedlots
Authors: Anspaugh D. , Thomson D. U. , Guillossou S. , Wileman B. , Apley M. D. , Taylor W. , Noffsinger T.
Published: February 2023

Necropsy results are used routinely by feedlots to provide insight into causes of mortality and to provide a surveillance mechanism for emerging diseases. Necropsy also allows for the feedlot to make management decisions regarding events occurring in their cattle population such as digestive problem outbreaks or management decisions in high risk calves. This is an occupational hazard for feedlot employees because they can become injured or be exposed to zoonotic disease while conducting necropsies. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of a pre-necropsy mortality diagnosis made by feedlot personnel to the mortality diagnosis made from necropsy results.
IDEXX Bovine Pregnancy Test
Authors: Velek Katherine , Michaud Shona , Hart Meghan , Leathers Valerie , Egli Christoph
Published: February 2023

Accurate and timely detection of pregnancy in dairy cows is an essential component of today’s reproductive management programs. Veterinarians and farmers use early detection of non-pregnant (open) cows to enable faster rebreeding and shorten the calving interval, thereby maximizing milk production and revenue for the farm. IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. has developed an ELISA for the accurate detection of pregnancy as early as 28 days post breeding, providing veterinarians and dairy farmers with another tool for the early identification of open cows.
Physiological and Behavioral Changes with Variations in Ambient Temperature and Exposure to Lipopolysaccharides in Cattle
Authors: Theurer Miles E. , Anderson David E. , White Brad J. , Miesner Matt D. , Spire Mark F.
Published: February 2023

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of ambient temperature and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on biothermal distribution and behavioral activity of calves. Clinical disease diagnoses are often based on the interpretation of body temperatures which may vary with environmental conditions. Further, calf biothermal response following LPS exposure may vary under different ambient conditions.
Increased Productivity in Calves Fed a Fatty Acid Supplement in Milk Replacer
Authors: Gawthrop J. C. , Riad A. W.
Published: February 2023

Diarrhea treatment protocols that depend on antibiotic therapy need to be replaced with strategies that utilize management and nutrition to minimize economic losses from calf diarrhea. It is logical to formulate milk replacers that copy cow’s milk as closely as possible. Calf milk replacers are typically formulated with a fatty acid profile that does not exactly match that of cow’s milk (butterfat). Much research has been done to study the effects of many different nutrients. Recent work has looked at the effect of bringing fatty acid levels closer to cow’s milk (Hill et al, J Dairy Sci 92(2), 2009). This is a study to explore the effect of using a fatty acid supplement in a farm production setting.
Preliminary Evaluation of Two Methods for Estimating Lameness Prevalence on Western US Dairies
Authors: Hoffman A. C. , Wenz J. R. , Vanegas J. , Moore D. A.
Published: February 2023

The sampling strategy using milking parlor exit order was effective at estimating herd prevalence when samples from all pens were combined. Pen level variation requires sampling all pens. The presence of an arched-back position in cows in lock-ups predicts lameness in those cows, but these preliminary data suggest that this lameness assessment strategy underestimates herd prevalence. However, lameness assessment using arched-back position has promise for wide adoption, as it could easily be incorporated into routine herd management procedures. Further work is needed to refine and validate the arched-back method.
Grumpy old vets revisited
Authors: Nordlund Ken
Published: February 2023

Veterinarians can thrive in large-scale dairies by positioning themselves to be a part of the management team. There appear to be a number of common characteristics of veterinarians who succeed in management teams. They tend to "own" herd performance data. They are more likely to advise decision-making processes, and are less likely to position themselves as holding the answers. They work with outside consultants, but position themselves alongside management to evaluate and implement the proposals. These roles contrast with the traditional expectations of veterinary medicine.
Dairy stockmanship
Authors: Rapnicki Paul , Perala Margaret , Höglund Don
Published: February 2023

At the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, we have taken a strong interest in dairy stockmanship and the interactions that occur between people and cows. Mr. Bud Williams (Independence, KS) has been a leader in establishing many of the basic principles and practices of good cattle stockmanship and has been teaching these concepts to beef cattle audiences around the world for over 30 years. The authors have attended multiple Bud William's stockmanship schools over the last three years. Our initial goal was to improve our personal stockmanship skills with dairy cattle. Since we began working with Mr. Williams in 2008, we have become firmly committed to successfully implementing dairy stockmanship on commercial dairy operations. The daily management of a dairy operation requires personnel to interact with the cattle many times a day. Dairy stockmanship is the implementation of low-stress cow handling techniques to improve the outcomes for both the people and the cattle.
What's new in timed artificial insemination and assisted reproduction in beef cattle?
Authors: Mapletoft Reuben J. , Bó Gabriel A.
Published: February 2023

Protocols designed to control follicular wave dynamics and ovulation in cattle have reduced, and even eliminated, the need for estrus detection. The addition of progestin-releasing devices and gonadotropin treatments, such as equine chorionic gonadotropin, have provided possibilities for increased pregnancy rates, especially in cows experiencing postpartum anestrus. In embryo transfer programs, these same treatment protocols have again eliminated the need for estrus detection, permitting fixed-time embryo transfer. In superovulation schemes, the control of follicular wave emergence and ovulation has also eliminated the need for estrus detection in donors, facilitating donor management. Alternative approaches to control follicular wave emergence have been developed recently by increasing the responsiveness of donors to gonadotropin releasing hormone. To further simplify superstimulatory treatments, follicle stimulating hormone has been diluted in a hyaluronan-based, slow-release formulation permitting the induction of superovulation with only two intramuscular injections. Collectively, new treatment protocols have facilitated the widespread application of artificial insemination and embryo transfer in beef cattle, primarily by eliminating the necessity of estrus detection.