bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Private Feedlot Industry Company’s Journey Related to Recognized Animal Care and Welfare Standards
Authors: Hannon S. J. , Booker C. W. , Hancock T. M. , Rogers K. , Fenton R. K. , Jim G. K.
Published: February 2023

Feedlot Health Management Services Ltd. (FHMS) is a private industry company providing animal health management, nutrition, and production consulting services, as well as individual animal data collection and management tools, to commercial feedlots in Canada and the United States. FHMS has conducted feedlot research for commercial feedlot producers and the global feedlot industry for over 25 years, and conducts over 50 studies annually, including disease investigations; new technology assessments; product safety, efficacy and licensing studies; pathogen and antimicrobial resistance surveillance; individual animal and small pen research pilot studies; and large pen commercial field trials.
Effects of Oral Administration of Magnesium Sulfate on Bovine Rumen pH, Rumen Protozoa and Serum Magnesium
Authors: Badillo M. , Denis-Robichaud J. , Buczinski S. , Veillette M.
Published: February 2023

Magnesium oxide (MgO) is usually used in bovine practice for its laxative and antiacid properties. However, side effects of its use are an increase in rumen pH, a change in numbers of protozoa and higher peripheral Mg levels, all of which may slow down the recovery process of the animal. Magnesium sulfate (MgS04) offers an interesting alternative to MgO as laxative treatment. The association of magnesium with a weaker base such as the sulfate group may alleviate harmful side effects on rumen pH and protozoa. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of orally administered magnesium sulfate on rumen pH, rumen protozoa, and serum magnesium in cattle. In addition, fecal consistency scores will be used to monitor the laxative effect of magnesium sulfate.
Adapting beef practice to future realities
Authors: Jim G. Kee
Published: February 2023

The total number of beef cows in North America has significantly declined because of lack of profitability, drought, and increasing carcass weights.

Moreover, there has been considerable consolidation of the beef industry at all levels, from the cow-calf producer to the retailer. The number of cattle producers has declined and the size of operations has increased (Figures 1, 2, and 3). The beef business has transformed from "mom and pop" operations into large-scale, sophisticated enterprises that are profit-motivated and are achieving economies of scale by spreading fixed costs over a large number of units. As a result, there are less total patients (Figures 4 and 5) and customers for beef cattle veterinarians. Carcass weights have increased in the face of declining cattle numbers (Figures 6 and 7), thereby maintaining tonnage of beef supply to meet consumer demand. In addition, the opportunity to see these patients has been further reduced as beef producers have assumed the role of performing many of the task-oriented activities that have traditionally been reserved for veterinarians, such as primary care and pregnancy diagnosis.
Fee structure models in dairy practice
Authors: Thomas Mark J.
Published: February 2023

Veterinary services, including production medicine consulting, have traditionally been delivered on an hourly fee basis. This method of compensation for both the veterinarian and producer often fails to demonstrate the full value of the service provided. It also does not allow true alignment of the consultant with the livestock enterprise. Implementation of a comprehensive consultation model that relies on data-based decision making, along with a charging mechanism that allows the veterinarian to be compensated based on value, fosters a win-win relationship between both entities.
potential value of DNA-based tests for host bovine respiratory disease resistance to the beef cattle industry
Authors: Van Eenennaam Alison L.
Published: February 2023

Recent developments in molecular genetics and genotyping platforms offer a unique opportunity to use modern genomic tools to manage the future health of beef cattle. Reducing the considerable animal morbidity, mortality, and economic losses associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) will require the simultaneous development of DNA tests to enable the selection of resistant animals, and the incorporation of this trait into breeding objectives of relevance to US beef production systems. This study focused on determining the relative weighting that should be given to selection for BRD resistance in a multi-trait selection index for Angus terminal sires. All herd-level economic statistics were modeled for a 1000 cow-calf enterprise, and retained ownership through the feedlot was assumed. All progeny of terminal sires were harvested, and so no economic value was associated with maternal traits. Reducing BRD incidence was the trait that was associated with the highest relative economic value. To maximize profitability for the operation, it was determined that reducing BRD incidence should be weighted approximately seven times more heavily in a terminal sire selection index than weaning weight, postweaning average daily gain and feed intake, and that these traits should receive two to three times more emphasis than marbling score and yield grade. To incentivize the inclusion of genomic BRD susceptibility criteria in breeding decisions, and to offset the concomitant decreased selection pressure on growth traits that return value directly to producers who do not retain ownership (i.e. sell on a weight basis prior to feeding), there would need to be some mechanism analogous to a backgrounding premium to transfer the savings from improved feedlot health back up the supply chain to producers and breeders.
Johne's disease in sheep and goats
Authors: Menzies Paula I.
Published: February 2023

Johne's disease in sheep and goats appears to be common in Ontario dairy sheep and dairy goat herds. The bacterial infection is difficult to diagnose prior to clinical signs appearing. Vaccination will reduce losses due to the disease and will also reduce fecal shedding. Test and cull is expensive, and will take years to reduce the prevalence of disease. It is important to combine any control program with sanitary measures that reduce the transmission of the bacteria to replacement animals and other uninfected animals in the flock.
Difficult conversations with clients
Authors: Mays Glennon
Published: February 2023

Public service encounters occasionally become controversial. Even the most seasoned veterinary clinician practiced in the art and science of clinical conversation faces confrontational dialogue. In this presentation, dynamics for basic conversation interaction are explored to ensure preliminary understanding of Comfort Zone communication prior to exploring reasons for conflicting communication with clientele. Two basic categories summarize conflict between veterinarians and clients: expectations are misaligned and/or flexibility is insufficient between the two parties for simple resolve. The conversation shifts from the conversational Comfort Zone category to the Challenge Zone category with the very next 'Yes, but I ...... ' that is spoken.

At least four options for response exist when conflict arises. Avoidance, Competition, Adaptation, and Cooperation generalize the choices. This discussion describes each response and its effect on the outcome, making the student of conversation dynamics internally aware which choice each party is making during the course of the conflict. Appropriate modification is then possible for redirection of communication. Overall, the presentation provides conflict analysis, enabling the trained professional to anticipate difficulty and thereby circumvent the negative encounter, or possess the tools for maneuvering when unexpected difficulty arises or bypass attempts fail. Unification of goals by both parties for the successful outcome of patient trouble produces success. Subsequent strengthening of the client-veterinary relationship ensures foundational growth for future positive encounter.
association between β-hydroxybutyrate concentration at diagnosis of left displaced abomasum in dairy cows and removal from the herd postsurgical correction
Authors: Croushore William , Opsina Paula , Welch David , Zawisza Daniel , Nydam Daryl
Published: February 2023

Left displaced abomasum (LDA) is an economically important disease of dairy cattle. This study investigated the sensitivity and specificity of various β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations measured at the time of LDA surgery, and its association with removal from the herd within 30 days after LDA surgery.
Efficacy of a combination butaphosphan-cyanocobalamin product and insulin for the treatment of ketosis in lactating dairy cattle
Authors: Gordon J. L. , Duffield T. F. , Herdt T. , Neuder L. , Kelton D. F. , LeBlanc S. J.
Published: February 2023

In the early postpartum period, negative energy balance is nearly ubiquitous in dairy cattle. During this period, excessive ketones, generally measured as β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), are associated with lower milk production, increased risk of concurrent diseases, and decreased reproductive performance. Insulin has been recommended for the treatment of ketosis because of its anabolic effects. It has been hypothesized that administration of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) may increase gluconeogenesis by increasing the activity of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, a vitamin Bl2-dependent enzyme and important component of the Krebs or tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Recent studies have shown that a combination butaphosphan-cyanocobalamin product (B+C; Catosal®, Bayer Animal Health) is efficacious for the prevention of ketosis when it is administered at calving. However, neither of these medications has been studied for efficacy in the treatment of ketosis in North American dairy cattle under commercial conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a butaphosphan-cyanocobalamin combination product and insulin on ketosis cure rates and BHBA concentrations.
Results of anti-mortem screening methodology to predict prescribed drug withholding periods for flunixin and ceftiofur in heifers
Authors: Salter R. , Jones S. , Wells J. , Griffin D. , Shuck K. , Goldsmith T. , Rapnicky P.
Published: February 2023

A simple, cow-side test for the presence of drug residues in live animals would be useful for drug residue avoidance programs. Simple inhibition tests used at slaughter do not detect some drug tolerance concentrations such as those for flunixin and ceftiofur-metabolites. This experiment evaluated an adaptation of a beta-lactam and flunixin lateral flow (LF-modification) test for use with urine and serum samples from treated heifers and determined the ability of the test to predict the labeled slaughter withhold of ceftiofur and flunixin.
Feeding heat-treated colostrum reduces morbidity in preweaned dairy calves
Authors: Godden S. M. , Smolenski D. J. , Donahue M. , Oakes J. M. , Wells S. , Fedrow J.
Published: February 2023

Previous studies have demonstrated that batch pasteurizers can be used on farms to heat-treat bovine colostrum at 140QF (60QC) for 60 minutes, resulting in a significant reduction in bacterial exposure to the calf while maintaining overall colostral immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations. However, no studies have demonstrated that feeding heat-treated colostrum results in improved calf health.

A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted using 1,071 newborn calves from six commercial dairy farms in Minnesota and Wisconsin, with the primary objective being to describe the effects of feeding heat-treated colostrum on serum immunoglobulin G concentration and health in the pre-weaning period. A secondary objective was to complete a path analysis to identify intermediate factors that may explain how feeding heat-treated colostrum reduced risk for illness.
Influence of season, ambient temperature, and time until feeding on bacteria counts in pasteurized milk for dairy calves
Authors: Wilson D. J. , Goodell G. M. , Kelly T.
Published: February 2023

Pasteurization of waste milk fed to calves is increasingly common. The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate milk bacteria counts as time passed following on-farm pasteurization and identify potential differences in bacteria counts over time between seasons and the associated ambient temperatures. A secondary objective was to evaluate, by season, the time after pasteurization until milk bacteria counts became > 20,000 cfu/mL, which has been suggested as an industry-standard upper limit for feeding milk to calves.
coefficient of determination between NEFA and BHBA and the association between their ratio and the development of disease in healthy cows sampled during the post-partum period
Authors: Ospina P. A. , Nydam D. V. , Stokol T. , Overton T. R.
Published: February 2023

As a consequence of lagging dry matter intake and increased energy demands, nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) is released into the bloodstream from adipose tissue to be used as a source of energy in dairy cows in early lactation. Nonesterified fatty acid is used for milk fat synthesis, ketone production (e.g., -hydroxybutyrate; BHBA) and liver triglyceride accumulation. Nonesterified fatty acid and BHBA can be used as markers of negative energy balance (NEB) and elevated concentrations in the transition period have been associated with an increased risk of developing disease.

The multiple pathways available for NEFA may result in a non-linear relationship between NEFA and BHBA concentrations. Additionally, the ratio between these two metabolites may differ in sub populations, e.g., subclinically ketotic (SCK) cows, and cows with elevated NEFA. Hence, the ratio of these metabolites may be a useful parameter for further understanding the biological mechanisms of adaption or maladaptation to NEB. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the R2 coefficient of determination between NEFA and BHBA in apparently healthy cows three to 14 DIM, and to estimate the association between the ratio of NEFA to BHBA and the subsequent development of displaced abomasum (DA), clinical ketosis (CK), or metritis (MET).
Hawaii beef producer animal health and welfare certification training and impact evaluation
Authors: Sakamoto C. , Zaleski H. , Dobbs J. , Yoshioka E. , Graef G. , Stokes A.
Published: February 2023

In Hawaii, cattle production is among the top agricultural commodities; however, most of the cattle are sent to mainland feedlots for finishing. Along with rising transportation costs and the economic constraints of feed importation, the production of local, grass-finished beef is a viable alternative to shipping feeders to the mainland. Minimizing physiological and psychological stress of cattle is essential for finishing beef cattle in both traditional feedlots and grass-finishing systems; thus, Hawaii ranchers need to be educated on best health and welfare management practices. The purpose of this study was to: ( 1) develop workshops to educate Hawaii ranchers on best health and welfare management practices, (2) determine current knowledge and attitudes regarding health and welfare management practices, (3) use pre- and post-workshop questionnaires to determine whether workshops significantly improved ranchers' knowledge and attitudes, and ( 4) determine if proper health and welfare management practices are important to Hawaii ranchers.
Liver tolerance as a mechanism for the development of BVDV persistent infection
Authors: Morarie S. E. , Smirnova N. P. , Hansen T. R. , Mediger J. , Braun L. , Chase C. C. L.
Published: February 2023

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a member of the pestivirus group of the Flavivirus family that also includes hepatitis C virus. Infection of a pregnant cow with BVDV from 40 to 120 days of gestation may result in persistent infection (PI) of the fetus with BVDV. In pregnant cows, BVDV infects the cells of the placenta and crosses into fetal circulation. Persistently infected calves have been recognized as the major reservoir for BVDV; therefore, identification and removal of PI calves are the focus of BVDV eradication efforts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of the fetal liver and liver tolerance with the development of PI with BVDV.
Bovine mastitis prevalence and associated risk factors in dairy cows in Nyagatare District, Rwanda
Authors: Blaise Iraguha , Borden Mushonga , Humphrey Hamudukwanda
Published: February 2023

In response to farmer requests after milk from their herds was rejected by processors due to poor quality, we conducted a study to investigate the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in dairy herds in the Nyagatare district of the Eastern province of Rwanda. The major causative bacteria were investigated and conclusions of the types of mastitis and risk factors thereof were assessed.
New technology for milking vacuum diagnostics helps veterinarians better understand udder health problems
Authors: Detrick K. , Postma E. M.
Published: February 2023

Udder health problems are often related to the milking equipment, many times in combination with inadequate milking routines. Notorious are teat-end vacuum fluctuations due to insufficient vacuum capacity, pathogens reaching the teat-end due to 'back-spray', and of course insufficient preparation before milking.

Most veterinarians are familiar with the Milking Time Test, or 'wet test'. In the wet test, the milking vacuum and pulsation are recorded during milking, which gives a good indication of how the milking equipment and milking routines perform in real life - when milking cows. Veterinarians understand the high value of this wet test because it helps them determine if an udder health problem is animal related or equipment related.

Despite this, many veterinarians are reluctant to do a wet test because of the perceived complexity and time it consumes. When normally performing a wet test, the veterinarian is wired to the milking point, meaning that the milking routines cannot be observed; moreover, the veterinarian's presence disturbs the milking routine. To get a good overview, data for quite a few cow milkings should be recorded, which implies that the veterinarian is trapped in the milking parlor and cannot spend his valuable time on anything else.

This poster is about experiences of European veterinarians and advisers with a new battery operated data logger that logs the vacuum autonomously at four points during milking. This data logger (VaDia) is small and light enough to be taped to a teat cup and makes wet testing much easier, faster, and hands- and eyes-free.
IDEXX Milk Pregnancy Test
Authors: Velek K. , Lawrence J. , Egli C. , Pearse H. , Hildreth R.
Published: February 2023

Accurate and timely detection of pregnancy in dairy cows is an essential component of any bovine reproductive management program. Veterinarians and farmers use detection of non-pregnant (open) cows to make decisions regarding re-breeding of cattle and to manage calving intervals, thereby maximizing milk production and revenue for the farm. Increased profits result from many areas, including decreased average days-in-milk for the lactating herd, additional milk yield, less culling of cows due to reproductive failure, and less variation in lengths of lactation and dry period. Currently, pregnancy is determined by rectal palpation, transrectal ultrasound of the cow, or laboratory-based testing of blood samples. IDEXX has recently developed an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) for the detection of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) in milk samples to provide another laboratory-based method for the accurate detection of pregnancy, which could provide an important tool for the identification of open cows in dairy herds.
Graphical applications of lactation model residuals for monitoring health in dairy cattle
Authors: Ehrlich J. L.
Published: February 2023

The lactation curves which results from fitting observed data points from individual lactations to the MilkBot® lactation model represent estimates of what milk production would be in the absence of all factors that cause short-term changes in production. This means that aggregated residuals, the differences between observed milk and model predictions, measure the result of short-term changes that are common to the group (such as feeding, health, and environment), while filtering out the effect of lactation stage and changes in group composition. In the context of a large data set covering thousands of herds over several years, residuals would be expected to show mainly the effect of season on lactation. In the context of an individual herd, patterns in residuals (less the component attributable to season), show the effect of herd management and local environment. For an individual lactation, patterns in residuals may reflect health events.
Scenarios of the future
Authors: Austin Jim
Published: February 2023

Scenario planning starts from the future and works back, and in that process ideally reveals more creative opportunities for sustainable veterinary practice success.
Livestock stewardship
Authors: Stokka G. L. , Maddock Rob , Dahlen Carl , Petry Tim , Stoltenow Charlie
Published: February 2023

The definition of stewardship from Webster's dictionary is "the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care". As livestock stewards, we have a responsibility to manage and utilize the resource of cull animals. Cattle culled from beef and dairy herds fill an important role in meeting the nutritional needs of consumers. Currently the US population consumes approximately 60 lb (27 .2 kg) of beef per person each year. Of this, nearly 50% is consumed as ground beef, and one of the primary uses of cull cattle is the production of ground beef. Based on cow-calf budgets the estimate of the income contribution of cull cows to the gross returns are approximately 15%. With proper care, feeding, and good marketing, there is opportunity to increase the market value of cull cows through weight gain, and a change in the grading category to meet the high standards of our food production system, and to provide a more acceptable product to our consumers.
"Value added veterinarians"
Authors: Hatcher Charles W.
Published: February 2023

Value-added dairies are dairies that add value to their milk by marketing their own dairy products directly to the consumer. Value-added dairies require considerably more services to operate than traditional dairies, because they have expanded their business beyond milk production to include processing, marketing and more. Services needed by value-added dairies can be both in traditional veterinary service areas and in non-traditional veterinary service areas. We will discuss how veterinarians can provide service and add value to these dairies.
Milk payment systems in the United States
Authors: Guess John
Published: February 2023

Payment for milk in the United States is primarily controlled by the federal government. Federal Milk Marketing Orders have been in place for a century, and continue to dominate the payment for milk in the United States. The last major revision of the process was implemented in January 2000, and this system still controls payment in 60% of the milk in the United States. Milk is so essential to health that it was controlled to ensure an adequate supply of fresh milk. Essential to ensuring an adequate supply of fresh milk, producer milk pricing processes were developed to help producers survive financially. The paper describes the history and current role of milk marketing orders in the US.
Milk quality services for dairy farms
Authors: Johnson Andrew P.
Published: February 2023

A veterinarian and founder in milk quality work, Dr. John Dahl once made the statement, "The halflife of mastitis control is at least 25 years." Unfortunately, this statement is still true today. It seems as though mastitis control still requires the same approach such as the "Mastitis Triangle". As veterinarians, our main goal still is to educate the dairy farmer the important interaction between the Man, the Machine and the Cow. The real problem is after all these years, we just cannot manage to get people to understand the real need for change, and therefore change doesn't happen. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the basic tenants of managing udder health on dairy farms by addressing the Mastitis Triangle.
Developing large, disease free herds
Authors: Mongini Andrea
Published: February 2023

Sheep and goats differ from cattle with respect to the diseases which infect them. In general, small ruminant diseases are chronic and incurable. There are a multitude of diseases that will decrease production and efficiency of feed conversion, while increasing cull rates and death loss. On a large-scale operation, these diseases must be prevented in order for a farm to be economically viable. In this article, we discuss how to successfully develop large herds and prevent future spread of disease or introduction of disease into the herd.
Validation of two diagnostic methods for postpartum endometritis in dairy cows
Authors: Denis-Robichaud J. , Dubuc J.
Published: February 2023

Postpartum uterine diseases can impair reproductive performance of dairy cows. Diagnostic tools have been developed to identify cows at risk of poor subsequent reproductive performance. Most of these tools focus on identification of inflammation in the reproductive tract during the postpartum period. Endometrial cytology was proposed as a good tool to identify cows with cytological endometritis; however, cytology is not an easy technique to implement for an on-farm uterine health surveillance program in dairy herds because it requires the use of a microscope. Therefore, a more convenient on-farm method needs to be identified for determination of uterine status of dairy cows. Aleucocyte esterase (LE) colorimetric test is commercially available (Multistix®, Bayer Corporation, Elkhart, IN) and could be used to detect endometrial inflammation. The objectives of this study were to determine diagnostic criteria for endometritis in dairy cows by use of endometrial cytology and LE testing, to quantify the agreement between results of these two methods, and to quantify their impact on subsequent reproductive performance.
effects of BRD in Holstein dairy calves during the first 120 days of life on subsequent production, longevity, and reproductive performance as cows
Authors: Schaffer A. P. , Bartle S. J. , Larson R. L. , Thomson D. U.
Published: February 2023

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a complex and common disease that results in considerable economic loss for dairy calves. However, studies to determine the long-term effects associated with BRD in dairy calves on subsequent production, longevity, and reproduction as adults are lacking. The objectives of this retrospective observational study of Holstein heifers were to describe the prevalence of BRD in dairy calves during the first 120 days of life and to evaluate the association of BRD during the first 120 days of life on production, longevity, and reproduction as adult cows.
Dairy cow well-being on large, high-performance Wisconsin dairy herds
Authors: Brotzman R. L. , Döpfer D. D. , Foy M. R. , Hess J. P. , Nordlund K. V. , Bennett T. B. , Cook N. B.
Published: February 2023

The emergence of confinement-housing facilities for large herds of dairy cattle has been associated with increasing concerns for animal welfare from consumer groups and animal activists. Some believe that lowered production from grazing and the cessation of production-enhancing technologies, such as bovine somatotropin (BST) and monensin sodium, is healthier for the cow and results in a healthier, safer food product for the consumer. The Food Animal Production Medicine section at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, has been researching and working alongside Wisconsin farmers for over a decade to help build and remodel dairy cattle housing that promotes health, well-being and productivity, resulting in successful herds and farmers. The Dairyland Initiative was formed to spread these efforts further within the state and beyond its borders. This study tests the hypothesis that large, high-producing dairy herds have excellent standards of animal well-being by auditing herds for select measures of well-being along with herd housing and management characteristics.
Evaluation of udder health parameters of organic and conventional dairy herds in Minnesota
Authors: Michels L. J. , Godden S. M. , Heins B. J. , Lombard J. E. , Sorge U. S.
Published: February 2023

The National Organic Program emphasizes the importance of disease prevention and does not allow organic dairy herds to use antimicrobials for dry cow therapy or for treatment of clinical mastitis. At present, little is known about the impact of these regulations on udder health or management practices on organic dairies in Minnesota. The objectives of this pilot study were to describe bulk-tank somatic cell and bacteria counts, udder health variables, and milking and udder health management practices of organic and conventional dairy herds in Minnesota, and to compare udder health variables and management practices between organic and conventional herds.
Impact of milk feeding levels and housing on the incidence of respiratory disease in young dairy calves
Authors: Krawczel P. D. , Prado M. E. , Wilkerson J.
Published: February 2023

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) continues to be the leading cause of death in feeder cattle, with losses approaching $1 billion annually in North America. In contrast to beef cattle, dairy calves are more likely to be affected with BRD during the pre-weaning (incidence, 58%) and post-weaning (incidence 42%) periods. Additionally, the impact of BRD extends beyond the actual disease episode, with negative effects evident on subsequent productivity and survivability of replacement stock. The ability to identify calves during the initial stages of BRD by behavior monitoring would allow for earlier treatment intervention and potentially decrease the disease's effects on subsequent productivity. Results of recent studies indicate that group housing or daily increased provision of milk decreased the incidence of disease and increased the daily gain. These findings suggest the potential for a positive effect of the social interactions stemming from group or paired housing. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of milk feeding levels and housing on the incidence of BRD in young dairy heifers.
Randomized longitudinal study to test the effect of pre-calving vaccination of range beef cows and other factors on the incidence of calf pneumonia
Authors: Smith D. R. , Woolums A. R. , Grotelueschen D. M. , Thomson L. E. , Noffsinger T. , Stokka G. L. , Maddux J. , Hill H. , Rowley L.
Published: February 2023

Pneumonia is a leading cause of sickness and death in beef calves prior to feedlot entry. The objective of this study was to test the effect of pre-calving vaccination of beef cows and other factors on the subsequent incidence of calf pneumonia on a ranch with a history of incidence of calf pneumonia > 10%.
Survival of dairy cattle following treatment of idiopathic pericardial hemorrhage with parenteral dexamethasone or isofluprednone acetate
Authors: Gaska J. M. , McGuirk S. M. , Peek S. F.
Published: February 2023

A limited number of individual case reports and small retrospective studies have described idiopathic pericardial effusion in dairy cattle. Affected cattle develop acute signs of cardiac failure and tamponade, with distended and poorly compressible jugular and mammary veins, edema, mildly muffled heart sounds, and a sudden drop in production and appetite. In contrast to other forms of cardiac disease, this condition appears to have a more favorable prognosis in terms of reproductive and lactational productivity and longevity. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the survival of dairy cows with presumptive idiopathic pericardial effusion that were treated with dexamethasone with those that were treated with isofluprednone acetate.
Understanding dairy employee attitudes, concerns, and perspectives to improve employee management and overall herd health
Authors: Durst P. T. , Moore S. J. , Soriano F. D.
Published: February 2023

A significant part of dairy management on large farms involves managing the employees who milk, feed, and provide care to the cows. However, management of people is generally an area about which dairy owners express a lack of knowledge and comfort. In 2012, a project was initiated to improve management of dairy employees by providing employee feedback to dairy owners through an anonymous telephone interview conducted by a single bilingual interviewer. The objectives of this study were to learn about the attitudes, concerns and perspectives of dairy farm employees, to apply gathered information to management practices and choices, and to recommend changes in management to better engage employees in the success of the operation.
economic analysis of subclinical ketosis testing and propylene glycol treatment strategies in early lactation dairy cattle
Authors: McArt J. A. A. , Nydam D. V. , Ospina P. A. , Oetzel G. R. , Guard C. L.
Published: February 2023

The negative associations of subclinical ketosis (SCK) with downstream health events and production have been well described in dairy cattle during early lactation. Cows with SCK have an increased risk of developing additional postpartum diseases such as displaced abomasum (DA), are at an increased risk of leaving the herd, and have decreased milk yield during early lactation. Thus, the cost per case of SCK depends on a variety of factors including increased occurrence of postpartum diseases, cost of herd replacements, and loss of milk production. The intensity and accuracy of diagnostic testing used to define a case of SCK then affects the reliability of the cost estimate. Additionally, overall herd costs of SCK vary based on herd SCK incidence, and a cost-to-treatment benefit ratio depends on the frequency and accuracy with which cows are tested. Although a higher testing frequency improves accuracy, it may not improve the cost-to-treatment benefit. Following accurate identification of SCK-positive cows, individual cow treatment with propylene glycol (PG) is an effective means ofreducing the risks associated with SCK. The purpose of this study was to develop stochastic economic models which address variation in disease risks and costs in order to evaluate different simulated on-farm testing and PG treatment strategies based on herd SCK incidence.
scoping review of the peer-reviewed literature in human populations and in vitro for potential non-antimicrobial interventions to reduce antimicrobial resistance in cattle
Authors: Fajt V. R. , Murphy C. P. , Wickwire P. , Foster M. J. , McEwen S. A. , Scott H. M.
Published: February 2023

Scoping reviews are used to evaluate the extent and nature of existing literature. Our goals in this scoping review were to broadly map interventions or factors associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR), to identify potential areas for application, and to highlight research gaps. This part of the review attempted to identify non-antimicrobial interventions in human populations or in vitro.
Bovine leukemia virus in Michigan beef bulls
Authors: Zalucha J. , Grooms D. L. , Erskine R. , Norby B. , Coussens P. , Bartlett P.
Published: February 2023

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a contagious retrovirus of cattle. Little is known about the prevalence, risk factors, or potential health impacts of BLV in beef cattle. Most cattle remain asymptomatic, but 30 to 40% will develop persistent leukocytosis. Fewer than 5% of infected cattle develop malignant lymphosarcoma, which in the US, is the most common neoplastic disease of cattle discovered at slaughter. Recent studies have suggested that BLV prevalence has increased dramatically, and has a previously unappreciated economic impact on the cattle industry. The objectives of this study were to determine the crude and age-specific prevalence of BLV among beef bulls in Michigan, assess the possible impact of BLV infection on bull fertility, and identify the major risk factors for BLV transmission among beef bulls.
simulation model to determine the economic value of changing diagnostic characteristics for identifying bovine respiratory disease
Authors: Theurer M. E. , White B. J. , Larson R. L. , Schroeder T. C.
Published: February 2023

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is an economically important syndrome in the beef industry, and diagnostic accuracy is important for optimal disease management. Diagnostic test improvements are typically focused on changing sensitivity or specificity, but enhancement in both simultaneously is rare. The research objective was to determine whether improving diagnostic sensitivity or specificity was of greater economic value at varied levels of BRD prevalence by the use of Monte Carlo simulation.
Prevalence, severity, and relationships of multiple gross pathologies measured in beef cattle at slaughter
Authors: Rezac D. J. , Thomson D. U. , Overstock J. B. , Prouty F. L. , Bartle S. J. , Reinhardt C. D.
Published: February 2023

A wide array of management tools and interventions exist within the beef industry to improve animal welfare and productivity; however, the ability to monitor and assess the outcomes of those tools is lacking. Thus, a multifaceted system to observe life-cycle health and well-being of beef cattle was designed and implemented to provide producers with real-time data on cattle health and productivity. In beef cattle production systems, deficiencies in management most commonly manifest themselves as cattle with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) or nutritional disorders such as acidosis; therefore, lung, liver, and rumen gross pathology lesions present in beef cattle at slaughter were measured and their associations with performance determined.
Medications and treatment practices used on California dairies
Authors: Karle B. M. , Payne M. A. , Price P. L. , Ostrowski S. S. , Meyer D.
Published: February 2023

During the December, 2010, Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (RB5) board meeting, requests were made for more stringent permit requirements for dairy operations. The dairy industry proposed that UC-Davis complete a study of pharmaceutical use on California dairies in order to generate current and objective data with which to inform the permit development process. To obtain the data required, a survey of practicing dairy veterinarians was conducted to provide a point of reference for evaluating pharmaceutical use specific to California dairies.
Detection of β-lactam antimicrobial residues in the milk of cows treated for mastitis by use of the BetaStar® Plus Assay
Authors: Grooms D. L. , Norby B. , Grooms K. E. , Jagodzinski E. N. , Erskine R. J. , Halbert L. M. , Rice J. A.
Published: February 2023

Rapid assays for on-farm detection of antimicrobial residues in milk collected from individual cows would be advantageous to reduce risks of violative residues in marketed milk. The objective of this project was to evaluate the accuracy of a rapid immunomigration assay (BetaStar® Plus, N eogen Corporation, Lansing, MI) for detecting β-lactam antibiotic residues in milk collected from individual dairy cows treated for mastitis. This assay is currently FDA-approved for detecting β-lactam antibiotic residues in commingled milk.
Pen riding and evaluation of cattle in pens to identify compromised individuals
Authors: Portillo Thomas A.
Published: February 2023

There are a myriad of disease processes that can be diagnosed in feedyard cattle. Playing the odds, the signs of bovine respiratory disease are what pen riders are most often trained to look for. Bovine respiratory disease is responsible for the majority offeedyard morbidity and subsequent mortality. The approach to evaluation of cattle in the home pens to detect individuals early in the course of disease needs to be as efficient and as thorough as possible. Focusing on single clinical signs of BRD may not be the most feasible approach. Instead, the focus should be on more subtle behavioral changes to isolate individuals within the group that should be further examined for secondary clinical signs.
2014 protocols for synchronization of estrus and ovulation in beef cows and heifers
Authors: Johnson S. K. , Funston R. N. , Hall J. B. , Lamb G. C. , Lauderdale J. W. , Patterson D. J. , Perry G. A.
Published: February 2023

Biotechnology presents beef producers with an unprecedented opportunity to improve herd genetics. Producers have more precise tools for genetic selection. Research has led to a better understanding of methods to induce and synchronize estrus and ovulation in postpartum cows and replacement heifers. These improvements enable producers to expand their use of artificial insemination (AI) and make it possible to inseminate cows at predetermined times and to achieve pregnancy rates comparable to those gained after several days of detecting heat. Many options exist for synchronization of estrus and ovulation. This short list of protocols, based on research and field use by reproductive physiologists, veterinarians, and professionals in related industries, is intended to help you select an appropriate synchronization option.
Utilizing fetal ultrasound in beef herds
Authors: Olson Chandy
Published: February 2023

Fetal ultrasound in beef cows has many advantages over rectal palpation, but the extent of those advantages will depend on a correct analysis of what type of information can be collected and how the producer will utilize the information. Successfully obtaining images involves making a goal of having easily repeatable, easily obtainable images, and then addressing the livestock and ultrasound equipment factors that contribute to those images as well as the environmental and cow factors that contribute to those images. Optimizing these factors and spending time with the producer addressing how they will utilize the information will determine the type of information that is collected. After this is determined, a plan for collecting the data chute-side and identifying the different groups can be made. The ultimate goal should be to provide actionable data that is easily implemented within in the herd to provide an economic return.
Milking equipment
Authors: Gorden Patrick J.
Published: February 2023

The first patents for mechanized milking were issued in the mid-19th Century, and since their introduction they have been blamed for the development of mastitis in dairy cattle. Machine milking can lead to the development ofmastitis, but poor management practices also result in reduced milk quality. Veterinarians are uniquely qualified to comprehensively evaluate milk quality problems as long as a systematic approach is taken which considers all risk factors. Once a comprehensive evaluation as been completed, recommended changes should be prioritized to improve milk quality along with establishing a realistic timeline for progress.
Do you get all the milk?
Authors: Sorge Ulrike S.
Published: February 2023

The importance of human-animal interaction for the well-being and production of dairy cattle is increasingly recognized. This paper discusses the impact of stockmanship skill and worker attitude on production and animal well-being on dairy farms.
Transition health
Authors: Oetzel Garrett R.
Published: February 2023

There is an urgent need for dairy practitioners to become more involved in managing the health of transition dairy cows on many large dairies. Veterinarians can become involved at the level of properly diagnosing and treating disease and at the level of disease prevention. Specific tools that veterinarians can use include objectively monitoring transition-cow health with an emphasis on monitoring early lactation death loss, getting into post-fresh pens to observe disease diagnosis and treatment, evaluating on-farm euthanasia procedures, evaluating handling and care of downer cows, encouraging proper recording and monitoring of transition-cow diseases, using on-farm data to identify risk factors for disease, and intensively monitoring key health outcomes such as hypocalcemia, ketosis, and lameness. The veterinarian’s role in transition cow health monitoring may be enhanced by establishing ongoing monitoring programs, which provide longer-term involvement than troubleshooting only.
What bovine practitioners need to know about traceability and scrapie
Authors: Rowe Joan Dean
Published: February 2023

Veterinarians serving clients with small ruminants or working with small ruminants at fairs, shows, auctions or other activities must be familiar with identification requirements for sheep and goats. Scrapie program identification and records serve as the sheep and goat requirements for Animal Disease Traceability. Many online resources are available through USDA-APHIS to familiarize veterinarians with National Scrapie Eradication Program (NSEP) program requirements and clinical recognition of scrapie cases. Regulatory veterinarians, designated scrapie epidemiologists, and official testing laboratories conduct many elements of the NSEP, but private practitioners play a key role in assisting owners and community members in complying with NSEP animal identification and recordkeeping standards, completing certificates of veterinary inspection for animal movement, and recognizing clinical scrapie suspects in the field. Engagement by all veterinary practitioners, whether or not sheep and goats are a significant part of their practice, is needed to succeed in the eradication of scrapie from the United States.
randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effect of an intranasal respiratory vaccine on calf health, ultrasonographic lung consolidation, and growth in Holstein dairy calves
Authors: Ollivett T. L. , Leslie K. E. , Duffield T. , Nydam D. V. , Hewson J. , Caswell J. , Kelton D. F.
Published: February 2023

Although passive transfer of antibodies to the newborn calf provides many great benefits, high levels of maternal antibodies may limit the ability of the calf to respond to parenterally administered vaccines against the respiratory viruses associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Experimental challenge studies have demonstrated varying levels of efficacy of vaccines administered via the intranasal route. Unfortunately, direct identification of lung lesions associated with BRD requires euthanasia and often limits the size of study populations. As an alternative, thoracic ultrasonography (US) can be performed quickly and provides an accurate antemortem assessment of lung health. Therefore, the purpose of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of an intranasal vaccine on calf health, ultrasonographic lung lesions, and growth in young Holstein calves.
Comparison of the antimicrobial efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone iodine as preoperative surgical preparation solutions in cattle under field conditions
Authors: Schleining J. A. , Plummer P. J. , Wang C. , Schneider A. M.
Published: February 2023

Antimicrobial substances are used in the preoperative period to reduce the number of resident skin flora and prevent surgical wound infection. Most standing abdominal surgeries in cattle are classified as clean contaminated and are performed on potentially immune-compromised cattle in a contaminated area. Thus, the antiseptic used must quickly reduce the number of microbes present while at the same time preventing bacterial recolonization following the procedure. This can be particularly difficult in field conditions where many environmental contaminants cannot be controlled by the surgeon. Environmental conditions are a major contributing factor in determining the efficacy and residual effects of antiseptic agents. Therefore, a preparation procedure with a high percentage of bacterial reduction and prolonged residual activity would prove favorable in the surgical management of cattle in a field setting. The few studies that have been completed on surgical site preparation in cattle have either been conducted in a sterile hospital surgical suite or only using 1 product in 2 different manners in a field situation. The purpose of this study was to document the comparative efficacy of a standard iodophor and alcohol preparation and a chlorhexidine and alcohol preparation in cattle under field conditions.