Behavioural assessment of pain in dairy cattle with mastitis

Assessing pain and discomfort experience in cattle is one of the main concerns of farm animal welfare science. Both behavioural and physiological measures have been used as indicators of pain; however, due to impracticability and invasiveness that physiological measures involve, behavioural measures are currently the most used parameter to assess pain in cattle. The scientific assessment of pain has been focused on farm procedures such as dehorning, branding and castration. Nonetheless, research on pain related to diseases is also getting stronger due to the impact on the farm’s economy and cows’ welfare. Mastitis has been classified as one of the most important, frequent and painful diseases in dairy cattle; however pain alleviation is not considered common part of mastitis therapy, unless cows have evident systemic illness. Pain assessment due to mastitis has been done primarily using models of experimental-induced mastitis. Physiological measures such as temperature and heart rate have been used to evaluate the efficacy of different analgesic drugs after inducing mastitis. Behavioural measures based mainly on pain sensitivity and activity behaviours have been used as indicators of pain for mastitis. Although the valuable information provided for the available studies, further research in this area is required. Combining different measures used for pain assessment associated with mastitis but also successful methodologies used to evaluate pain and discomfort in other diseases and farm procedures, it is possible to improve pain assessment in mastitic cows and subsequently improve management and welfare

Indicadores de bienestar animal en vacas lecheras en un sistema silvopastoril del trópico alto colombiano

In the municipality of Saboyá, Boyacá, Colombia, the number of Haematobia irritans flies, coat temperature, respiratory rate, motor activity, flight distance, level of dirt and occurrence of subclinical mastitis were evaluated as indicators of animal welfare in Holstein cows reared in a silvopastoral system (association of Cenchrus clandestinus and Alnus acuminata) and a traditional system based on grazing C. clandestinus in monoculture. Monthly samplings were carried out between August 2015 and May 2016 in 20-30 lactating cows selected at random in each farm. The data were analyzed using generalized linear regression models. The number of flies per animal was higher (p<0.05) in the traditional system compared to the silvopastoral system (56 ± 47.5 and 44 ± 40.0 flies/animal, respectively); the average coat temperature in the animals of the traditional system was 37.4 ºC, while 33.8 ºC in the silvopastoral system (p<0.05). There were no differences in respiratory rate. Cows had higher feed intake during the first hours of the day in both systems. The creepage distance and level of dirt were lower in the silvopastoral system (p<0.05), while the percentages of subclinical mastitis were similar between the two systems. Silvopastoral systems favour the expression of animal welfare indicators due to the presence of trees in paddocks, which offer diversification of the ecosystem and generate better conditions for the permanence of cows in grazing.En el municipio de Saboyá, Boyacá, Colombia, se evaluó el número de moscas Haematobia irritans, temperatura de capa, frecuencia respiratoria, actividad motora, distancia de fuga, suciedad y presencia de mastitis subclínica, como indicadores de bienestar animal en vacas Holstein presentes en un sistema silvopastoril (asociación de Cenchrus clandestinus y Alnus acuminata) y en un sistema tradicional basado en el pastoreo de C. clandestinus en monocultivo. Se realizaron 10 muestreos mensuales entre agosto de 2015 y mayo de 2016 en 20-30 vacas en lactancia, seleccionadas al azar, por finca. Los datos se analizaron usando modelos de regresión lineal generalizado. El número de moscas por animal fue mayor (p<0.05) en el sistema tradicional en comparación con el sistema silvopastoril (56 ± 47.5 y 44 ± 40.0 moscas/animal, respectivamente); la temperatura promedio de capa en los animales del sistema tradicional fue de 37.4 ºC, mientras que en el sistema silvopastoril fue de 33.8 ºC (p<0.05). No hubo diferencias en la frecuencia respiratoria. Las vacas tuvieron mayor consumo de alimento durante las primeras horas del día en ambos sistemas. La distancia de fuga y nivel de suciedad fueron menores en el sistema silvopastoril (p<0.05), mientras que los porcentajes de mastitis subclínica fueron similares entre los dos sistemas. Los sistemas silvopastoriles favorecen la expresión de los indicadores de bienestar animal debido a la presencia de árboles en los potreros, los cuales ofrecen la diversificación del ecosistema y generan mejores condiciones para la permanencia de las vacas en pastoreo

Associations between Feeding Behaviors Collected from an Automated Milk Feeder and Neonatal Calf Diarrhea in Group Housed Dairy Calves: A Case-Control Study

The objective of this case-control study was to determine if feeding behavior data collected from an automated milk feeder (AMF) could be used to predict neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) in the days surrounding diagnosis in pre-weaned group housed dairy calves. Data were collected from two research farms in Ontario between 2017 and 2020 where calves fed using an AMF were health scored daily and feeding behavior data (milk intake (mL/d), drinking speed (mL/min), number of rewarded or unrewarded visits) was collected. Calves with NCD were pair matched to healthy controls (31 pairs) by farm, gender, and age at case diagnosis to assess for differences in feeding behavior between case and control calves. Calves were first diagnosed with NCD on day 0, and a NCD case was defined as calves with a fecal score of ≥2 for 2 consecutive days, where control calves remained healthy. Repeated measure mixed linear regression models were used to determine if there were differences between case and control calves in their daily AMF feeding behavior data in the days surrounding diagnosis of NCD (−3 to +5 days). Calves with NCD consumed less milk on day 0, day 1, day 3, day 4 and day 5 following diagnosis compared to control calves. Calves with NCD also had fewer rewarded visits to the AMF on day −1, and day 0 compared to control calves. However, while there was a NCD status x day interaction for unrewarded visits, there was only a tendency for differences between NCD and control calves on day 0. In this study, feeding behaviors were not clinically useful to make diagnosis of NCD due to insufficient diagnostic ability. However, feeding behaviors are a useful screening tool for producers to identify calves requiring further attention

Percepciones de productores sobre el bienestar de bovinos doble propósito en los llanos Orientales de Colombia

The aim of this observational-cross-sectional study was to determine the attitudes of producers regarding the welfare (CW) of double-purpose (DP) cattle. A face-to-face survey was carried out with 20 DP producers from Meta, Colombia to quantify their perceptions (using 5-point Likert scales) on the level of impact that environmental, health and management aspects have on CW and on the level of importance of indicators (environmental, management, health and affective states) of CW evaluation. The average scores awarded to each aspect and indicator were calculated. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess differences between categories of impact aspects and between categories of indicators. The health aspects were considered the ones with had the greatest impact (4.07/5), while the indicators of affective states were considered the least important (3.82). The key aspects categorized as 'Extreme Impact' factors were external parasite load (4.65), not checking colostrum intake (4.65), heat stress (4.55), myiasis (4.25) and disbudding/dehorning without anesthesia (4.25). Key indicators recognized as 'Essential' were access to shade (4.65), colostrum intake (4.55), staff skills (4.5), pup mortality (4.45) and drinking water (4.45). The results highlight the existing consensus between the impact of heat stress and the importance of the presence of shade as an indicator of CW, as well as between colostrum consumption and calf mortality. Likewise, there is evidence of a disagreement between the high impact of disbudding /dehorning without anesthesia and the low level of importance perceived as an essential indicator of CW.El objetivo de este estudio observacional-transversal fue determinar las actitudes de productores sobre el bienestar de bovinos (BB) doble-propósito (DP). Se realizó una encuesta presencial a 20 productores DP del Meta, Colombia, para cuantificar sus percepciones (utilizando escalas Likert de 5-puntos) sobre el nivel de impacto que tienen aspectos ambientales, de salud y de manejo en el BB y sobre el nivel de importancia de indicadores (ambientales, manejo, salud y estados afectivos) de evaluación del BB. Se calcularon las puntuaciones promedio otorgadas a cada aspecto e indicador. La prueba Kruskal-Wallis se utilizó para evaluar diferencias entre categorías de aspectos de impacto y entre categorías de indicadores. Los aspectos de salud fueron considerados como los de mayor impacto (4.07/5), mientras que los indicadores de estados afectivos fueron considerados como los de menor importancia (3.82). Los aspectos clave categorizados como factores de ‘Impacto extremo’ fueron carga parasitaria externa (4.65), no verificar consumo de calostro (4.65), estrés térmico (4.55), miasis (4.25) y topizar/descornar sin anestesia (4.25). Los indicadores clave reconocidos como ‘Esenciales’ fueron acceso a sombra (4.65), consumo de calostro (4.55), capacidades del personal (4.5), mortalidad de crías (4.45) y agua potable (4.45). Los resultados resaltan el consenso existente entre el impacto del estrés calórico y la importancia de la presencia de sombra como indicador de BB, así como entre el consumo de calostro y la mortalidad de crías. Asimismo, se evidencia un disenso entre el alto impacto que tiene topizar/descornar sin anestesia y el bajo nivel de importancia percibido como indicador esencial de BB

One Welfare for all: Associations between sheep welfare indicators and producers’ mental health

Objective. The objective of this observational cross-sectional study was to investigate associations between farmers’ mental health scores for stress, anxiety, depression, and resilience, and sheep welfare outcomes. Materials and methods. Twenty-two sheep farms in the departments of Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Tolima, and Meta, Colombia, were visited once. Clinical health, cleanliness, and calmness of randomly selected sheep per farm were scored to identify the number of animals with different welfare problems such as lameness, hoof overgrowth, and mastitis. A face-to-face interview with the farmer was done to gather demographic information (farm size and year of establishment, gender, age, role at the farm, and education) and to complete validated psychometric scales to assess resilience, stress, anxiety, and depression. Linear regression models were used to evaluate associations between farmers’ mental health scores, demographic aspects, and within-flock prevalence of sheep welfare indicators. Results. A total of 427 sheep were evaluated across farms. The most prevalent welfare problems identified were hoof overgrowth (40.9%) and dirty fleece (32.9%), while the least prevalent were clinical mastitis (1.3%) and respiratory issues (1.2%). Farmers’ stress level was positively associated with the prevalence of clinically lame sheep and farm size. Anxiety was positively associated with the prevalence of sheep with dirty fleece, clinical lameness, and with being a female farmer. Depression was positively associated with the prevalence of hoof overgrowth. Conclusions. Findings showed that higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among farmers were associated with the presence of animal welfare problems, larger farms, and gender

Evaluación de bienestar animal en fincas bovinas lecheras basadas en pastoreo en la Sabana de Bogotá, Colombia

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine an overall on-farm animal welfare score (WS) for dairy farms using a protocol involving animal- and management/resource-based variables; and to identify the variables that contributed the most to the variance for the WS. Materials and methods. Twenty-five pasture-based dairy farms in Savanna of Bogota - Colombian high tropic, were visited twice. During each visit, a total of 15 animal- and 13 management/resource-based variables were evaluated. For each variable, a herd-level negative cut-off point was established to determine compliance. Based on compliance, a WS was determined (from 0 to 100) and farms were classified as 'excellent', 'enhanced', 'acceptable', or 'non-acceptable'. A linear regression model was used to evaluate the association between variables at the herd-level with the WS. Results. Overall, median WS was 82 (min=67; max=97). Two farms were classified as 'excellent' (WS=94.5), 20 as 'enhanced' (WS=82.5), and 3 as 'acceptable' (WS=68). Among all variables, the noncompliance regarding subclinical mastitis, hind-legs and udder dirtiness score, ventral line wounds, Haematobia irritans fly counts, and condition/cleanliness of pre-milking holding area was significantly associated with a 5.6, 3.6, 6.7, 5.1, 6.5, and 6.1 points reduction in the WS, respectively (R2=0.84). Conclusions. Welfare level found across farms was good and encouraging. Nonetheless, six variables were identified as the main contributors to an unfavorable result. Strategies for improvement could focus on these variables to be able to reach a welfare level of ‘excellence’.Objetivo. Determinar un puntaje de bienestar animal (PBA) a nivel de hato para ganaderías lecheras utilizando un protocolo que involucrara variables basadas en los animales y en manejo/recursos, e identificar las variables que más contribuyen a la varianza del PBA. Materiales y métodos. Veinticinco fincas lecheras basadas en pastoreo (Trópico alto colombiano) fueron visitadas dos veces. Durante cada visita, 15 variables basadas en el animal y 13 basadas en manejo/recursos fueron evaluadas. Para cada variable se estableció un punto de corte negativo a nivel de hato para determinar el cumplimiento. En función del cumplimiento, se determinó un PBA (de 0 a 100) y las fincas se clasificaron como 'excelente', 'buena', 'aceptable' o 'no-aceptable'. Se usó una regresión lineal para evaluar la asociación entre variables a nivel de hato con PBA. Resultados. La mediana de PBA fue de 82 (mín=67; máx=97). Dos fincas fueron clasificadas como 'excelentes' (PBA=94.5), 20 como 'mejoradas' (PBA=82.5) y 3 como 'aceptables' (PBA=68). Entre todas las variables, el incumplimiento con respecto a mastitis subclínica, calificación de suciedad (patas y ubre), heridas en la línea ventral, recuentos de mosca Haematobia irritans y condición/limpieza del área de espera preordeño se asociaron significativamente con 5.6; 3.6; 6.7; 5.1; 6.5 y 6.1 puntos de reducción en el PBA, respectivamente (R2=0.84). Conclusiones. El nivel de bienestar encontrado fue bueno y alentador. No obstante, se identificaron seis variables que contribuyeron a un resultado desfavorable. Las estrategias de mejora podrían centrarse en estas variables para alcanzar un buen nivel de bienestar

Diagnóstico de leptospirosis canina por medio de las técnicas Dot-ELISA y MAT en perros con enfermedad renal en Bogotá

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that is caused by species of genus Leptospira (Order Spirochaetales, Family Leptospiraceae). This is very important on a global level, due to its widespread distribution and diversity of serogroups and serovars that affect an extensive group of animal species. Canines are one of the most affected species, where this bacterium generates an acute renal or hepatic infection. Chronic kidney disease is a common consequence of the infection and miscarriage can also happen in pregnant females. During the past few years, Leptospirosis has been catalogued as one of the most common differential diagnostics for dogs with acute renal and hepatic disease symptoms. Thirty (30) dogs with renal disease were evaluated during this project, undergoing serological testing for Leptospirosis: the Microscopy Agglutination Test (MAT) for six Leptospira interrogans serovars and a diagnostic urine test through Dot–ELISA for serovars canicola, icterohaemorrhagiae, pomona and grippotyphosa. The results of both tests came out positive for Leptospira as the cause of the renal disease in ten (10) dogs (33.3%), which showed titles on MAT mainly in serovars icterohaemorrhagiae, canicola and grippotyphosa. Dot–ELISA was positive in 9 of the 10 dogs, with a homogeneous distribution in the 4 serovars. The remaining 20 dogs (66.7%) came out negative. The association between the Dot–ELISA test and the MAT test was highly significant (P < 0.01).La leptospirosis es una enfermedad zoonótica, causada por especies del género Leptospira (orden Spirochaetales, familia Leptospiraceae), de gran importancia mundial, debido a su amplia distribución y diversidad de serogrupos y serovares que afectan a varias especies. Una de las especies más afectada por esta bacteria es la canina, en la cual esta bacteria desencadena una infección renal o hepática aguda. La falla renal crónica es una consecuencia común de la infección y los abortos pueden ocurrir en hembras preñadas. En los últimos años, la leptospirosis se ha catalogado como uno de los posibles diagnósticos diferenciales más comunes para perros que presentan signos de enfermedad renal aguda o hepática. En el presente trabajo se estudiaron treinta caninos con enfermedad renal, a los cuales se les realizó una prueba de diagnóstico serológico para leptospirosis: la técnica de aglutinación microscópica (MAT) para seis serovares de Leptospira interrogans, y una prueba de diagnóstico en orina por medio de la prueba Dot-Elisa para los serovares canicola, icterohaemorrhagiae, pomona y grippotyphosa. Se diagnosticaron como positivos a Leptospira, como causa de la enfermedad renal, utilizando los resultados de las dos pruebas, diez caninos (33,3%), los cuales presentaron títulos a MAT para los serovares icterohaemorrhagiae, canicola y grippotyphosa principalmente. Nueve de los diez perros fueron positivos a Dot-Elisa con una distribución homogénea en los cuatro serovares que se manejaron. Los veinte perros restantes (66,7%) fueron negativos. La asociación entre la prueba Dot-Elisa y la prueba MAT fue altamente significativa (P < 0,01)

Diagnostic of Canine Leptospirosis by Dot – ELISA and MAT tests in dogs with renal disease in Bogota

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that is caused by species of genus Leptospira (Order Spirochaetales, Family Leptospiraceae). This is very important on a global level, due to its widespread distribution and diversity of serogroups and serovars that affect an extensive group of animal species. Canines are one of the most affected species, where this bacterium generates an acute renal or hepatic infection. Chronic kidney disease is a common consequence of the infection and miscarriage can also happen in pregnant females. During the past few years, Leptospirosis has been catalogued as one of the most common differential diagnostics for dogs with acute renal and hepatic disease symptoms. Thirty (30) dogs with renal disease were evaluated during this project, undergoing serological testing for Leptospirosis: the Microscopy Agglutination Test (MAT) for six Leptospira interrogans serovars and a diagnostic urine test through Dot–ELISA for serovars canicola, icterohaemorrhagiae, pomona and grippotyphosa. The results of both tests came out positive for Leptospira as the cause of the renal disease in ten (10) dogs (33.3%), which showed titles on MAT mainly in serovars icterohaemorrhagiae, canicola and grippotyphosa. Dot–ELISA was positive in 9 of the 10 dogs, with a homogeneous distribution in the 4 serovars. The remaining 20 dogs (66.7%) came out negative. The association between the Dot–ELISA test and the MAT test was highly significant (P < 0.01)