Fertility and health traits of dairy cows on farms with short versus long productive lifespan profiles

We compared fertility traits, health indicators and health management routines of Swiss dairy farms characterized by short versus long productive lifespans (SPL versus LPL). We analysed herdbook data from 142 Swiss dairy farms (n=142), farm questionnaire data (n=67), veterinary treatment data (n=64 farms) and data obtained during farm visits (n=30). LPL farms had a better fertility performance, i.e. lower number of inseminations per heifer, shorter average number of days open and shorter calving intervals. Number of antibiotic veterinary treatments due to fertility and other problems (i.e. others than fertility, udder or locomotion problems) were by tendency lower on LPL farms, while other veterinary medical treatments did not differ by productive lifespans. Although average somatic cell score and proportions of test day records with elevated somatic cell counts were significantly higher on LPL farms, udder health indicators remained within a healthy range and increases were not accompanied by higher treatment incidences for clinical mastitis. Moreover, the deterioration of udder health parameters was smaller than what could have been expected due to the age difference between contrasting lifespans. Locomotion scores and lameness incidence did not differ by productive lifespan profile. Cow health management routines did not significantly differ between farms of contrasting lifespan profiles, apart from a slightly higher proportion of LPL farms practicing abrupt drying off. We conclude that a longer productive lifespan is not at the expense of health, even if the SCC level increased with age. A focus on fertility, udder and claw health is crucial when aiming at a long productive lifespan

How farm management influences the longevity of dairy cows: a comparative study of Swiss dairy farms

Increasing the productive lifespan of dairy cows is an important means to lowering the environmental impact of dairy production. Farm characteristics, such as location, production type and breed are fix characteristics for most farms. However, farm management strategies can influence the longevity of their dairy herds in the medium- and short term. Within the framework of the research project ‘Longevity of Swiss Dairy Cows’ (Nutzungsdauer Schweizer Milchkühe), we aimed at identifying management choices that affect the productive lifespan of dairy cows. Based on data from the Swiss census and the major breeding organizations, we built a database of 142 farms. We defined 15 farm types that best represent the diversity of Swiss dairy production with regard to geographic regions, production zone, breed and production type (organic vs conventional). We allocated 10 dairy farms per farm type. Five of the 10 farms were chosen for having a low average productive lifespan (APL) of their dairy herd. The other five farms were chosen for having a high APL. APL was defined as the average lactation number of all cows culled 5 years in retrospective. From the initial 142 farms, 68 farms participated in a survey to assess the differences in management practices. From these participating farms, 30 were further clustered into matched pairs and were visited on-farm. Farms with low APL did not differ from those with high APL regarding their milk production and average dairy herd size. However, they significantly differed with regard to their APL, thus confirming a successful selection strategy of matched pairs. On average, dairy cows from farms with low APL were culled 2 lactations earlier than cows from farms with comparable characteristics, but with a high APL. Compared to farms with low ALP, farms with high APL were characterized by a higher percentage of loose housing systems, a higher percentage of energy rich feed rations, better fertility and more animals being inseminated with meat breeds. No statistical differences were found in relation to antibiotic treatment incidences and other health parameters

Systemic enablers and barriers to extending the productive life of Swiss dairy cows

The economically and environmentally optimum length of productive life of European dairy cows, which is commonly described in terms of the number of completed lactations or productive life days (milking days) before a cow is replaced, is between six and seven lactations. However, the current average length in Switzerland, and many other countries, is approximately half that figure, which is both inefficient and ethically questionable. The aim of this study is to investigate systemic barriers to, and enablers for, the extension of the length of productive life of dairy cows in Switzerland. Data were collected by means of 29 qualitative expert interviews. Interviewed experts were selected by purposive sampling to cover a broad range of different stakeholder groups within the Swiss dairy farming system. The analysis of the interviews was done by classifying statements to inductive codes based on their content. The results show that breeder associations encourage extended service life by advertising that longer life increases milk yield per day of life. Information on the benefits of extended service life is readily available, but is not a focus of farmer education so farmers are not motivated to use the available calculation tools. Milk prices are low, so farmers try to maximise production while minimising costs so make breeding decisions based on production rather than robustness. Swiss vets are highly educated and familiar with herd management so could potentially motivate a change in the mindset of dairy farmers. However, vets are expensive so few farmers seek advice from veterinarians on herd management. In conclusion, the existing system is so deeply entrenched that no actors feel they can bring about comprehensive change on their own. Any actor who could initiate change in their part of the system fears that they would then no longer be in harmony with the rest of the system. Therefore, they are committed to behaviours that they know are not optimal and overcoming these lock-ins can only take place slowly. Collaborative reflection at industry level, led by breeder’s associations, vets, and advisors, and the further development of the existing decision support tools, may lead to optimisation of the system, and to a longer productive life of dairy cows

Tierindividuelle und betriebliche Einflussfaktoren auf die Nutzungsdauer von Milchkühen am Beispiel Schweiz

Es werden ausgewählte Ergebnisse des Nutzungsdauerprojektes vorgestellt. Dazu gehören die Entwicklung von Leistungsniveau und Nutzungsdauer über 20 Jahre, die Analyse der Abgangsursachen von 2008-2019 und die Darstellung von tierindividuellen und betrieblichen Einflussfaktoren auf die Nutzungsdauer bei sechs Schweizer Milchrassen

Implementation of husbandry practices improving quality and sustainability: a living lab approach

The living lab approach to innovation is receiving increasing attention also in the agricultural sector in view of the current environmental, economic, and social challenges. This contribution presents some preliminary results of INTAQT project (EU Horizon 2020), which aims to perform an in- depth multi-criteria assessment of the relationships between animal husbandry and qualities of products. In specific, this research aims to identify and implement on-farm changes in the production processes (e.g. feeding regimes, outdoor access, herd management), which are expected to improve intrinsic quality traits of the products and/or sustainability traits of the farms. A participatory approach was used to establish farmer field-groups (living labs) representative of the different geographic regions and of the main production systems involved in the project. Each farmer field group involves from 5 to 8 farms. The groups are established considering different husbandry systems according to a gradient of intensification (extensive vs intensive systems): 3 groups for dairy farms (Ireland, northern Italy and France); two groups for beef farms (Switzerland and northern Italy); two groups for poultr (France and Italy). The methodological approach is based on 5 steps: (1) tarting analytical phase: a critical analysis of trade-offs / synergies between sustainability and quality traits for each farmfield group; (2) decision phase: development of practices to improve the identified synergies / mitigate trade-offs; (3) implementation phase: implementation of practices for at least one year. During this time, 2-3 meetings of the whole farmers group on farms allow farmers discussions about their experiences, successes and drawbacks; (4) concluding analytical phase: the aim is to analyse the effects of the implementation of the practices during a last meeting in the farmer’s groups and presentation of the analysis results; (5) scientific data analysis and interpretation. The first results of this approach will be presented and discussed. The ambition is to establish a network of living labs usable as pilot and demonstration enterprises regarding practice improvements for better food quality and sustainability

Implementation of husbandry practices improving quality and sustainability: a living lab approach

International audienceThe living lab approach to innovation is receiving increasing attention also in the agricultural sector in view of thecurrent environmental, economic, and social challenges. This contribution presents some preliminary results ofINTAQT project (EU Horizon 2020), which aims to perform an in- depth multi-criteria assessment of the relationshipsbetween animal husbandry and qualities of products. In specific, this research aims to identify and implement on-farmchanges in the production processes (e.g. feeding regimes, outdoor access, herd management), which are expectedto improve intrinsic quality traits of the products and/or sustainability traits of the farms. A participatory approachwas used to establish farmer field-groups (living labs) representative of the different geographic regions and of themain production systems involved in the project. Each farmer field group involves from 5 to 8 farms. The groups areestablished considering different husbandry systems according to a gradient of intensification (extensive vs intensivesystems): 3 groups for dairy farms (Ireland, northern Italy and France); two groups for beef farms (Switzerland andnorthern Italy); two groups for poultry (France and Italy). The methodological approach is based on 5 steps: (1) tartinganalytical phase: a critical analysis of trade-offs / synergies between sustainability and quality traits for each farmfield group; (2) decision phase: development of practices to improve the identified synergies / mitigate trade-offs; (3)implementation phase: implementation of practices for at least one year. During this time, 2-3 meetings of the wholefarmers group on farms allow farmers discussions about their experiences, successes and drawbacks; (4) concludinganalytical phase: the aim is to analyse the effects of the implementation of the practices during a last meeting in thefarmer’s groups and presentation of the analysis results; (5) scientific data analysis and interpretation. The first resultsof this approach will be presented and discussed. The ambition is to establish a network of living labs usable as pilotand demonstration enterprises regarding practice improvements for better food quality and sustainabilit

How does the diversification of farming methods in Europe influence the main indicators of the technological and sensory quality of chicken meat?

The H2020 INTAQT project (grant agreement n°101000250) is based on the ’One Quality’ concept, which encompasses the various facets of intrinsic product quality (nutritional, safety and sensory) as well as the quality of production systems (i.e., economic, environmental and societal sustainability). Its aim is to provide the knowledge and tools needed to characterize, authenticate and improve the quality of products from the diversity of European livestock farms. It focuses on three products – beef, dairy and chicken – which account for around 65% of the economic value of animal products in Europe. Thanks to an extensive network of 90 farms in France, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland and Poland, we have been able to assess the impact of 18 European farming systems on the intrinsic quality of chicken breast and thigh meat. The farming systems studied were both conventional and organic, and covered a continuum of practices from the most intensive to the most extensive, with the use of fast- or slow-growing genotypes (including dual-purpose strains), giving access to more or less enriched environments (including free-range rearing). We propose here to present the first results obtained for the classic indicators of meat quality such as ultimate pH, color, drip and cooking loss, proximal composition, tenderness after cooking and processing yields. These initial results will be supplemented by additional measurements of nutrients or hazardous elements, microbes and shelf life, as well as sensory analysis and consumer testing. Our long-term objective will be to develop multi-criteria quality assessment tools, as well as decision-making tools to guide the evolution towards more sustainable farming practices for the animal, the environment and the consumer

INnovative Tools for Assessment and Authentication of chicken meat, beef and dairy products’ QualiTies: a living lab approach

This contribution presents preliminary results of the INTAQT project (EU Horizon 2020), which aims to perform an in- depth multi-criteria assessment of the relationship between animal husbandry systems and the quality of animal products. In specific, this research aims to identify and implement on-farm changes in the production processes (e.g. feeding regimes, outdoor access, herd management), which are expected to improve intrinsic quality traits of the products and/or sustainability traits of the farms. A participatory approach was used to establish farmer field-groups (living labs) representative of the different geographic regions and of the main production systems involved in the project. Each farmer field group involves 5 farms. The groups are established considering different husbandry systems according to a gradient of intensification (extensive vs intensive systems): 3 groups for dairy farms (Ireland, northern Italy and France); two groups for beef farms (Switzerland and northern Italy); two groups for poultry (France and Italy). The methodological approach is based on 5 steps: 1 -starting analytical phase: a critical analysis of trade-offs / synergies between sustainability and quality traits for each farm-field group; 2 – decision phase: development of practices to improve the identified synergies / mitigate trade-offs; 3 – implementation phase: implementation of practices for at least one year; 4 – concluding analytical phase: analysis and presentation of the effects of the practices during a last meeting in the farmer’s groups; 5 -scientific data analysis and interpretation. Different innovative solutions are tested in each living lab. Some case studies will be presented to evidence the potential contribution given by living labs network to the improvement of food quality and sustainability