Factors influencing the attitudes of cattle veterinarians, farmers, and claw trimmers towards the pain associated with the treatment of sole ulcers and the sensitivity to pain of dairy cows

This study assessed the attitudes of personnel involved in therapeutic claw trimming of dairy cattle in Switzerland towards pain associated with sole ulcers and their treatment. Data from 77 farmers, 32 claw trimmers, and 137 cattle veterinarians were used. A large range of factors were associated with whether the respondents thought that anaesthesia during the treatment of sole ulcers was beneficial; these included year of graduation, work experience, attitude to costs of analgesia, perception of competition between veterinarians and claw trimmers, estimation of pain level associated with treatment, estimated sensitivity of dairy cows to pain, knowledge of the obligation to provide analgesia, and whether the respondent thought lesion size and occurrence of defensive behaviour by the cow were important. Respondents' estimation of the pain level associated with sole ulcer treatment was linked to frequency of therapeutic claw trimming, age, farmers' income, estimated knowledge of the benefits of analgesia, and estimated sensitivity of dairy cows to pain. The latter factor was associated with profession, frequency of therapeutic claw trimming, capability of pain recognition, opinion on the benefits of analgesia, knowledge of the obligation to provide analgesia, and self-estimation of the ability to recognise pain. Improving the knowledge of personnel involved in therapeutic claw trimming with regard to pain in dairy cows and how to alleviate it is crucial if management of pain associated with treatment of sole ulcer and the welfare of lame cows are to be optimised.

Shedding of Neospora caninum oocysts by dogs fed different tissues from naturally infected cattle

Neospora caninum is one of the most important causes of abortion in dairy cattle worldwide. The distribution of N. caninum in tissues of adult cattle is unknown and the parasite has not been demonstrated histologically in tissues of cows. In the present study the distribution of N. caninum in different tissues of adult cattle was evaluated by bioassays in dogs. Seventeen dogs (2-3 month-old) were fed different tissues of 4 naturally exposed adult cattle (indirect fluorescent antibody test N. caninum titer >= 400): 5 were fed with masseter: 5 with heart, 3 with liver, 4 with brain, and 3 pups were used as non-infected control. Two dogs fed masseter, 2 fed heart, 1 fed liver, and 3 fed brain shed oocysts, and all dogs presented no seroconvertion to N. caninum during the observation period of 4 weeks. The oocysts were confirmed as N. caninum based on the detection of N. caninum-specific DNA by PCR and sequencing. The results indicate that dogs can be infected by N. caninum with different tissues of infected cattle. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The nutritive value of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) when treated with CaO, NaOH or a microbial inoculant and offered to dairy heifers as big-bale silage

A series of laboratory and animal studies examined the use of chemical and biological agents to enhance the digestibility of Rhodes grass (grass) cut at 60 (young) and 100 (mature) days of regrowth and ensiled as big round bales. The treatments included an untreated control (C), a microbial inoculant (I), NaOH, CaO and NaOH plus inoculant (NaOH + I). Inoculant was grown anaerobically, using a starter culture of rumen fluid from cattle given Rhodes grass. Treatments C, 1, NaOH, NaOH + I, were offered separately to twelve dairy heifers, in a 3 X 4 randomized complete block design, repeated twice for each grass silage. C and I had substantial mould growth, compared with no visible mould in NaOH or NaOH + 1. CaO treatment was effective in preventing mould growth, but had little effect on the chemical composition and in sacco digestibility of mature grass silage. NaOH reduced NDF content and increased in sacco digestibility (P < 0.05) but not the in vivo digestibility (P > 0.05) of both mature- and young-grass silage. The effects of other treatments on nutritive value were non-significant at both stages of maturity. NaOH increased the intake of mature-grass silage by 24-26% (P < 0.05), but had little effect on the intake of young-grass silage (P > 0.05). Treatment I consistently reduced grass silage intake (P < 005) for young-grass silage. The findings of these studies show that treating mature Rhodes grass with NaOH will improve its nutritive value and reduce mould growth in conserved herbage. However none of the treatments in this study had any consistently positive effects on the in vivo nutritive value or storage quality of young-grass silage.

Nutritional strategies for the prevention of hypocalcaemia at calving for dairy cows in pasture-based systems

This review considers the current literature on the macro-mineral nutrition of the soon-to-calve, or transition, dairy cow. Calcium is the main focus, since milk fever (clinical hypocalcaemia) appears to be the most common mineral-related problem faced by the transition cow Australia-wide. The importance of minimising calcium intake and optimising the balance of the key dietary electrolytes, sodium, potassium, sulfate, and chloride, in the weeks before calving is highlighted. Excess dietary potassium can, in some situations, induce milk fever, perhaps even more effectively than excess calcium. Excess sodium remains under suspicion. In contrast, excess dietary chlorine and, to a lesser extent, sulfur can improve the ability of the cow to maintain calcium homeostasis. Diets that promote either a hypomagnesaemia or hyperphosphataemia have also the potential to precipitate milk fever at calving. Current prevention strategies focus on the use of forages with moderate to low levels of calcium, potassium, and sodium, and also rely on or utilise addition of chloride and sulfate in the form of 'anionic' feeds. Anionic salts are one example of an anionic feed. However, legitimate questions remain as to the effectiveness of anionic salts in pasture-feeding systems. The causes and prevention of milk fever are considered from the perspective of the variety of Australian feedbases. Impediments to the use of anionic feeds in Australia feeding systems are outlined. The potential for improving maternal reserves of calcium around calving to reduce the risk of milk fever is also discussed.

Pea mania: deranged behaviour in cattle grazing a pea crop (Pisum sativum var arvense)

Hypersensitivity to external stimuli, progressing in some animals to manic behaviour, occurred in a cattle herd that grazed a crop of field peas (Pisum sativum var arvense) in the pre-flowering stage. Haematological and biochemical analyses eliminated hypomagnesaemia and ketosis as diagnoses. Other than two steers euthanased due to injuries sustained during manic episodes, all affected animals survived, recovering over 3 days when moved to alternative pasture. No necropsies were conducted. No microbial pathogens or endophytes were found on or in the plants. A previously reported incident in Victoria in 1987 in cattle grazing peas appeared to be of a similar nature. Environmental factors leading to these incidents were not clearly identified.

The effects of level of dietary protein on the milk production and rumen physiology of dairy cows fed a diet based on a tropical grass hay

zFour rumen-fistulated, multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows in early lactation were offered mixed diets based on rhodes grass hay (Chloris gayana) cv. Callide containing 13, 14, 15 or 16% crude protein (CP) on a dry matter basis, in a 4 x 4 latin square design. The estimated undegradable protein concentration in these diets was similar with rumen degradable protein concentration varying. Cows fed a diet containing 13% CP had lower (P = 0.07) milk yields than cows in other treatments (20.4 vs 21.9, 22.0 and 22.2 L/d for 13, 14, 15 and 16% CP, respectively). A positive linear relationship was found (P = 0.06) between organic matter intake and dietary CP%. There were negative linear relationships between dietary CP% and digestibilities of dry matter (P = 0.09), organic matter (P = 0.06) and neutral detergent fibre (P = 0.02). Feeding a diet containing 13% CP resulted in significantly lower (P = 0.001) molar proportions (%) of rumen valerate in comparison with other treatments. The molar proportions of isovalerate differed (P = 0.001) between treatments (0.66, 0.78, 0.89 and 1.04%) for 13, 14, 15 and 16% CP, respectively). Dietary protein level had no effect on rates of passage, in situ digestion of rhodes grass hay or ratios of allantoin: creatinine in urine. These data showed that increasing the dietary CP concentration of lactating cows fed diets based on rhodes grass hay increased intakes and not significantly improved at dietary CP concentrations above 14% DM.

Antibodies against Bovine herpesvirus 1 in dairy herds in the state of Espirito Santo, Brasil

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) causes major losses in worldwide livestock, affecting the respiratory and reproductive tracts of bovine. In the past decades, the number of cases in Brazil has been gradually increasing. Therefore, it is important to assess the distribution of infection in different regions of the country. In the state of Esp��rito Santo (ES) the BoHV 1 infection rate in dairy cattle herds is unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to detect neutralizing antibodies against BoHV-1 in serum samples from 1,161 non-vaccinated cows from 59 dairy cattle herds in 23 municipalities of the Metropolitan, North, Northwest and South macro-regions. The identification of seropositive cows was evaluated by the virus neutralization test. The results showed that of all serum samples evaluated 775 (66.75%) had neutralizing antibodies against BoHV-1. Moreover, all herds were found positive; however, the percentage of positive cows varied among regions; 49.06%, 62.15%, 67.21% and 80.04% for the Metropolitan, South, North and Northwest macro-regions, respectively. In this study, the results clearly indicate the dissemination of the viral agent in dairy cattle in the ES state, requiring the monitoring and control of diseases related to BoHV-1 infection.

Survey of Infectious Etiologies of Bovine Abortion during Mid- to Late Gestation in Dairy Herds.

Bovine abortion of unknown infectious etiology still remains a major economic problem. Thus, we investigated whether Brucella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and Coxiella burnetii are associated with abortion and/or stillbirth in Tunisian dairy cattle. Using a pan-Chlamydiales PCR, we also investigated the role of Chlamydiaceae, Waddlia chondrophila, Parachlamydia acanthamoebae and other members of the Chlamydiales order in this setting. Veterinary samples taken from mid to late-term abortions from twenty dairy herds were tested. From a total of 150 abortion cases collected, infectious agents were detected by PCR in 73 (48.66%) cases, 13 (8.66%) of which represented co-infections with two infectious agents. Detected pathogens include Brucella spp (31.3%), Chlamydiaceae (4.66%), Waddlia chondrophila (8%), Parachlamydia acanthamoebae (5.33%), Listeria monocytogenes (4.66%) and Salmonella spp. (3.33%). In contrast, Campylobacter spp. and Coxiella burnetii DNA were not detected among the investigated veterinary samples. This demonstrates that different bacterial agents may cause bovine abortion in Tunisia. This is the first report suggesting the role of Parachlamydia acanthamoebae in bovine abortion in Africa. Further studies with a larger number of samples are necessary to confirm whether this emerging pathogen is directly linked to abortion in cattle.

Projecte de legalitzaci�� d'una activitat dedicada a l'explotaci�� ramadera i a la formatgeria artesanal

La integraci�� en una mateixa activitat d'una explotaci�� ramadera ecol��gica basada en el bestiar cabr�� de llet i d'una formatgeria artesanal basada en varietats aut��ctones de formatge de cabra, permet ocupar un n��nxol de mercat encara poc explotat actualment a Catalunya. D'igual manera, la dificultat que tenen actualment molts dels formatgers artesans del pa��s per trobar llet de cabra en quantitats suficients i amb unes m��nimes garanties higi��nico-sanit��ries dificulten l'avan�� d'un sector amb molt bones perspectives de futur com ��s el de la formatgeria artesanal i justifica la necessitat de crear noves explotacions (o reconvertir-ne de ja existents) orientant-les de ple vers l'aprofitament lleter del bestiar cabr��, que ��s actualment molt redu��t en l'��mbit Catal��. A m��s d'aix��, les actuals exig��ncies en el camp del benestar animal aix�� com en el camp de la qualitat i de la seguretat alimentaria, exigeixen a les explotacions ramaderes i a les ind��stries aliment��ries el compliment d'una s��rie de requisits, tan de disseny dels locals i de les instal���lacions, com de control de les activitats i dels productes elaborats, que garanteixin en tot moment la seva correcte gesti�� i funcionament en aquestes mat��ries. L'objectiu d'aquest projecte, doncs, ��s la legalitzaci�� d'una activitat, que anomenarem ���Mas Peirot, S.L.���, dedicada a l'explotaci�� ramadera ecol��gica de bestiar cabr�� de llet i a la formatgeria artesanal de formatge de cabra. ��s important mencionar que tot i tractar-se d'un projecte de legalitzaci�� d'una activitat,, tamb�� s'hi han contemplat aspectes i detalls relacionats amb l'execuci�� de la mateixa, al tractar-se d'unes obres d'una certa complexitat i considerant que aix�� es tracten amb m��s detall i rigorositat les actuacions projectades. En concret, en aquest projecte es planifiquen les operacions de rehabilitaci�� de dues naus ramaderes actualment en des��s, per tal que puguin destinar-se a l'explotaci�� ramadera de bestiar cabr�� i a la formatgeria artesanal, projectant-se aix�� mateix totes les instal���lacions necess��ries per tal que a les mencionades naus s'hi puguin desenvolupar les activitats citades. Com a conclusions m��s importants d'aquest projecte podem dir que amb un cens de 100 caps de bestiar cabr�� ��s possible obtenir una producci�� mitjana de llet de 32.500 litres anuals, que es corresponen a un volum total de 3.823 quilograms de formatge a l'any (de les tipologies Formatge Garrotxa i Formatge de cabra amb oli, ambdues varietats tradicionals catalanes) obtenint un benefici de 21.389,47 Euros/any durant els primers 15 anys i un benefici de 33.386,39 Euros/any a partir del 16�� any, cosa que permetr�� recuperar la inversi�� inicial de 172.716,76 Euros que valen les naus i instal���lacions projectades, en un termini de 8 anys i permetr��, com s'ha dit, ocupar un n��nxol de mercat encara poc explotat per la ind��stria agroaliment��ria a Catalunya.

Association of bGH and Pit-1 gene variants with milk production traits in dairy Gyr bulls

The objective of this study was to obtain genetic marker information in the Gyr breed by analyzing bGH and Pit-1 gene polymorphisms and to verify their association with milk production traits. One sample including 40 Gyr bulls were genotyped at two bGH gene restriction sites (bGH- AluI and bGH-MspI) and at one restriction site in the Pit-1 gene (Pit-1 HinfI). The bGH-MspI(-) allele was favorable for fat milk percentage. The heterozigous Pit-1 HinfI (+/-) bulls were superior for fat milk production, in relation to homozigous Pit-1 HinfI (+/+). The Pit-1 and bGH genes are strong candidates in the dairy cattle QTL search, and zebuine populations are promising samples for this purpose.

Milk yield and reproductive performance of dairy heifers and cows supplemented with polyunsaturated fatty acids

The objective of this work was to determine productive and fertility responses of Holstein-Friesian heifers and cows to supplementation with extruded linseed and soybean as sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Supplementation had a positive effect on profitability, with significant increases in milk yield in supplemented cows, but not in heifers. Treatments had no effect on milk fat content, but higher milk protein contents were observed with supplementation. A higher conception rate was found for supplemented heifers, but not for cows. Fat sources containing PUFAs are recommended for dairy cattle supplementation, since they improve fertility in heifers and milk yield in cows.

Projecte de legalitzaci�� d'una activitat dedicada a l'explotaci�� ramadera i a la formatgeria artesanal

La integraci�� en una mateixa activitat d'una explotaci�� ramadera ecol��gica basada en el bestiar cabr�� de llet i d'una formatgeria artesanal basada en varietats aut��ctones de formatge de cabra, permet ocupar un n��nxol de mercat encara poc explotat actualment a Catalunya. D'igual manera, la dificultat que tenen actualment molts dels formatgers artesans del pa��s per trobar llet de cabra en quantitats suficients i amb unes m��nimes garanties higi��nico-sanit��ries dificulten l'avan�� d'un sector amb molt bones perspectives de futur com ��s el de la formatgeria artesanal i justifica la necessitat de crear noves explotacions (o reconvertir-ne de ja existents) orientant-les de ple vers l'aprofitament lleter del bestiar cabr��, que ��s actualment molt redu��t en l'��mbit Catal��. A m��s d'aix��, les actuals exig��ncies en el camp del benestar animal aix�� com en el camp de la qualitat i de la seguretat alimentaria, exigeixen a les explotacions ramaderes i a les ind��stries aliment��ries el compliment d'una s��rie de requisits, tan de disseny dels locals i de les instal���lacions, com de control de les activitats i dels productes elaborats, que garanteixin en tot moment la seva correcte gesti�� i funcionament en aquestes mat��ries. L'objectiu d'aquest projecte, doncs, ��s la legalitzaci�� d'una activitat, que anomenarem ���Mas Peirot, S.L.���, dedicada a l'explotaci�� ramadera ecol��gica de bestiar cabr�� de llet i a la formatgeria artesanal de formatge de cabra. ��s important mencionar que tot i tractar-se d'un projecte de legalitzaci�� d'una activitat,, tamb�� s'hi han contemplat aspectes i detalls relacionats amb l'execuci�� de la mateixa, al tractar-se d'unes obres d'una certa complexitat i considerant que aix�� es tracten amb m��s detall i rigorositat les actuacions projectades. En concret, en aquest projecte es planifiquen les operacions de rehabilitaci�� de dues naus ramaderes actualment en des��s, per tal que puguin destinar-se a l'explotaci�� ramadera de bestiar cabr�� i a la formatgeria artesanal, projectant-se aix�� mateix totes les instal���lacions necess��ries per tal que a les mencionades naus s'hi puguin desenvolupar les activitats citades. Com a conclusions m��s importants d'aquest projecte podem dir que amb un cens de 100 caps de bestiar cabr�� ��s possible obtenir una producci�� mitjana de llet de 32.500 litres anuals, que es corresponen a un volum total de 3.823 quilograms de formatge a l'any (de les tipologies Formatge Garrotxa i Formatge de cabra amb oli, ambdues varietats tradicionals catalanes) obtenint un benefici de 21.389,47 Euros/any durant els primers 15 anys i un benefici de 33.386,39 Euros/any a partir del 16�� any, cosa que permetr�� recuperar la inversi�� inicial de 172.716,76 Euros que valen les naus i instal���lacions projectades, en un termini de 8 anys i permetr��, com s'ha dit, ocupar un n��nxol de mercat encara poc explotat per la ind��stria agroaliment��ria a Catalunya.