Comparison of the effect of a CIDR-Select Synch versus a long-term CIDR based AI protocol on reproductive performance in multiparous dairy cows in Swiss dairy farms

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Synchronization programs have become standard in the dairy industry in many countries. In Switzerland, these programs are not routinely used for groups of cows, but predominantly as a therapy for individual problem cows. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of a CIDR-Select Synch and a 12-d CIDR protocol on the pregnancy rate in healthy, multiparous dairy cows in Swiss dairy farms.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Cows (N = 508) were randomly assigned to CIDR-Select Synch (N = 262) or 12-d CIDR (N = 246) protocols. Cows in the CIDR-Select Synch group received a CIDR and 2.5 ml of buserelin i.m. on d 0. On d 7, the CIDR insert was removed and 5 ml of dinoprost was administered i.m.. Cows in the 12-d CIDR group received the CIDR on d 0 and it was removed on d 12 (the routine CIDR protocol in Swiss dairies). On d 0 a milk sample for progesterone analysis was taken. Cows were inseminated upon observed estrus. Pregnancy was determined at or more than 35 days after artificial insemination. As a first step, the two groups were compared as to indication for treatment, breed, stud book, stall, pasture, and farmer's business using chi square tests or Fisher's exact test. Furthermore, groups were compared as to age, DIM, number of AI's, number of cows per farm, and yearly milk yield per cow using nonparametric ANOVA. A multiple logistic model was used to relate the success of the protocols to all of the available factors; in particular treatment (CIDR-Select Synch/12-d CIDR), milk progesterone value, age, DIM, previous treatment of the uterus, previous gynecological treatment, and number of preceding inseminations.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The pregnancy rate was higher in cows following the CIDR-Select Synch compared to the 12-d CIDR protocol (50.4% vs. 22.4%; P < 0.0001).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The CIDR-Select Synch protocol may be highly recommended for multiparous dairy cows. The reduced time span of the progesterone insert decreased the number of days open, improved the pregnancy rate compared to the 12-d CIDR protocol and the cows did not to have to be handled more often.</p

Two Years after Coxiella burnetii Detection: Pathogen Shedding and Phase-Specific Antibody Response in Three Dairy Goat Herds.

The infection dynamics of Coxiella (C.) burnetii were investigated in three dairy goat herds (A, B, and C) 2 years after the first pathogen detection. A total of 28 and 29 goats from herds A and B, and 35 goats from herd C, were examined. Sera were analyzed on three sampling dates using phase-specific serology. Pathogen shedding was assessed using post-partum vaginal swabs and monthly bulk tank milk (BTM) samples. Dust samples from a barn and milking parlor were also collected monthly. These samples were analyzed with PCR (target IS1111). In herd A, individual animals tested seropositive, while vaginal swabs, BTM, and most dust samples tested negative. Herds B and C exhibited high IgG phase I activity, indicating a past infection. In herd B, approximately two-thirds of the goats shed C. burnetii with vaginal mucus, and irregular positive results were obtained from BTM. Herd C had two positive goats based on vaginal swabs, and BTM tested positive once. Dust samples from herds B and C contained C. burnetii DNA, with higher quantities typically found in samples from the milking parlor. This study highlights the different infection dynamics in three unvaccinated dairy goat herds and the potential use of dust samples as a supportive tool to detect C. burnetii at the herd level

Effects of a single administration of prostaglandin F2alpha, or a combination of prostaglandin F2alpha and prostaglandin E2, or placebo on fertility variables in dairy cows 3–5 weeks post partum, a randomized, double-blind clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Delayed uterine involution has negative effects on the fertility of cows; use of prostaglandin F2alpha alone as a single treatment has not been shown to consistently improve fertility. Combined administration of PGF2alpha and PGE2 increased uterine pressure in healthy cows. We hypothesized, that the combination of both prostaglandins would accelerate uterine involution and have, therefore, a positive effect on fertility variables. In commercial dairy farming, the benefit of a single post partum combined prostaglandin treatment should be demonstrated. METHODS: 383 cows from commercial dairy farms were included in this study. Uterine size and secretion were evaluated at treatment 21–35 days post partum and 14 days later. Cows were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups: PGF2alpha and PGE2, PGF2alpha or placebo. For every animal participating in the study, the following reproduction variables were recorded: Interval from calving to first insemination, days open, number of artificial inseminations (AI) to conception; subsequent treatment of uterus, subsequent treatment of ovaries. Plasma progesterone level at time of treatment was used as a covariable. For continuous measurements, analysis of variance was performed. Fisher's exact test for categorical non-ordered data and exact Kruskal-Wallis test for ordered data were used; pairwise group comparisons with Bonferroni adjustment of significance level were performed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference among treatment groups in uterine size. Furthermore, there was no significant difference among treatments concerning days open, number of AI, and subsequent treatment of uterus and ovaries. Days from calving to first insemination tended to be shorter for cows with low progesterone level given PGF2alpha and PGE2 in combination than for the placebo-group (P = 0.024). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the administration of PGF2alpha or a combination of PGF2alpha and PGE2 21 to 35 days post partum had no beneficial effect upon measured fertility variables. The exception was a tendency for a shorter interval from calving to first insemination after administration of the combination of PGF2alpha and PGE2, as compared to the placebo group. Further research should be done in herds with reduced fertility and/or an increased incidence of postpartum vaginal discharge

Evaluation of an investigative model in dairy herds with high calf perinatal mortality rates in Switzerland

peer-reviewedThe objective of this study was to evaluate an investigative model which encompassed the risk factors, incidence, timing and causes of perinatal mortality (PM) (0–48 h) on high risk dairy farms (PM of >5% in the previous year) in Switzerland. This pilot-study was carried out on 47 predominantly Holstein PM calves from 21 dairy farms, between September 2016 and January 2018. Gross pathological examinations of calves and placentae as well as histopathological examinations of internal organs and placental tissue were performed. Further investigations included microbiological examinations: broad-spectrum bacterial and fungal culture, detection of Chlamydia abortus, Coxiella burnetii, pathogenic Leptospira spp. and Neospora caninum by real-time PCR (qPCR) and of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) by Ag-ELISA. Maternal blood samples were used for serology of bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1), Brucella abortus, Chlamydia abortus, Coxiella burnetii and nine pathogenic leptospiral serovars and the evaluation of trace element status. A questionnaire was completed with the farmer, which included general farm characteristics and case-related data. Inbreeding coefficients (IC) were calculated for pure-bred matings. At the farm-level, the PM rate was 10.0% (5.3–28.2%) and at the cow-level, 11.5%. These values, from high-risk farms, were approximately five-times higher than the contemporary national bovine PM rate (2.3%) in Switzerland. The risk factors associated with these high PM rates were the self-selection of high risk herds, the high proportion of primiparae in these herds (45%) and the evidence of widespread pathogenic infections on these farms (exposure: 67% of herds, 53% of dams; infection: 57% of herds, 45% of calves). The majority (68.1%) of calves died intrapartum. The most commonly diagnosed initiating/ultimate cause of death (UCOD) was infection (34%) of which Coxiella burnetii was the most frequently detected pathogen, by antigen. The most frequently diagnosed proximate cause of death (PCOD) was asphyxia (44.7%), though multiple PCOD was also common (21.3%). This study was the first detailed investigation of bovine PM in Switzerland. Infectious causes were diagnosed more frequently than expected. While the findings from these high PM Swiss herds may have limited external validity, the investigative model adopted and the detailed research methodologies employed can be replicated and re-evaluated, respectively, in future studies on PM internationally

Niemals zu früh eingreifen

Was passiert mit der Gebärmutter und hormonell bei der Abkalbung der Kuh? Wie soll eine Geburt ablaufen? Die Geburtsauslösung erfolgt durch das fertig entwickelte Kalb. Mit zunehmender Platznot schüttet es das Stresshormon Kortisol aus, das die Geburt auslöst. In der Vorbereitungsphase der Geburt können Aufeutern, Einsinken der Beckenbänder, Auflösen des Schleimpfropfes («Schleimschnur») und schliesslich der Beginn der Wehen beobachtet werden. Mit den Wehen werden die Fruchtblasen mit dem Kalb an den noch geschlossenen Muttermund gepresst und weiten diesen

Causes d’avortement chez les petits camélidés sud-américains en Suisse

Die Zucht gesunder Nachkommen ist ein zentrales Element der Neuweltkamelidenhaltung in der Schweiz. Die Reproduktionsleistung wird durch Aborte und Totgeburten vermindert. Eine Studie der Wiederkäuerklinik der Vetsuisse-Fakultät in Bern beschäftigte sich mit den Ursachen für Aborte und Totgeburten in der Schweiz und untersuchte das gesammelte Abortmaterial über einen Zeitraum von 1.5 Jahren auf Aborterreger. Zusätzlich wurde die Situation in der Schweiz mittels Fragebogen bei den Züchterinnen und Züchtern erhoben. Zum ersten Mal weltweit konnte das Bakterium Coxiella burnetii als Abortursache bei Neuweltkameliden identifiziert werden

Immunization against Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone in Female Beef Calves to Avoid Pregnancy at Time of Slaughter

Precociousness of heifers kept in mixed beef herds with young and adult bulls leads to unwanted pregnancies. Inbreeding, premature calving followed by dystocia and a high stillbirth rate are the consequences. As an alternative, such heifers are slaughtered during the resulting pregnancy. The slaughtering of pregnant animals is an ethical problem, which is strongly criticized by consumers and animal welfare organizations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to postpone puberty in female beef calves housed in Swiss mixed herds to avoid pregnancy until scheduled slaughter at 11 months of age. We used a vaccine (Improvac®) that induces antibody production against sexual hormones, thereby suppressing the reproductive cycle. Monthly progesterone analysis in blood was performed to decide whether the cycle had already started. The results proved, that vaccinated female beef were not coming in heat until 11 months of age compared to the unvaccinated control group, which came in heat earlier. In conclusion, vaccination with Improvac® is an animal-friendly, non-invasive and reliable method to avoid early pregnancy in heifers as well as the slaughter of pregnant cattle

Short Lecture “Clinical cure rates of endometritis in dairy cows after intrauterine application of an antibiotic or an herbal veterinary medicinal product”

Reproductive disorders represent one of the most challenging problems for dairy cattle farmers. We compared the clinical cure rates of endometritis after the intrauterine application of cephapirin (Metricure​; cefapirin benzathin 500 mg per dosis; CEPH) or a herbal product (25ml of EucaComp​ PlantaVet containing alcoholic extracts of Calendula officinalis, Mellissa officinalis, Origanum majorana and the essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus (EUC)). Totally, 169 cows between 21 and 35 days after calving were included and randomly assigned to one of the both treatment groups. Endometritis diagnosis was based on a scoring system for vaginal discharge. For final analysis, 136 cows (61 EUC and 75 CEPH) were maintained. In total, 64% (EUC: 61%, CEPH: 67%) of the endometritis cases were considered as clinically cured 14±2 days after the first treatment without statistical difference (p=0.956). Uncured cows 14±2 days after the first treatment were treated again as for the first time and controlled 14±2 days thereafter. This results in an overall clinical cure rate one month after initial endometritis diagnosis of 85% (EUC: 82%, CEPH: 88%; p=0.923). In conclusion, there was no statistical difference between the clinical cure of dairy cows’ endometritis after the intrauterine application of a herbal veterinary medicinal product or the antibiotic cephapirin. These results could contribute to reduce the antimicrobial use in the daily veterinary routine treatment of endometritis

Comparison between intrauterine application of an antibiotic and an herbal product to treat clinical endometritis in dairy cattle - A randomized multicentre field study.

Uterine diseases are main indications for antibiotic use in dairy cows. To test a non-antibiotic treatment option, we compared the effect of an intrauterine cephapirin (Metricure®; cefapirin benzathin 500 mg per dosis; CEPH) with an intrauterine applied herbal product (25 ml of EucaComp® PlantaVet containing alcoholic extracts of Calendula officinalis L., Mellissa officinalis L., Origanum majorana L. and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (EUC)) on the clinical cure of endometritis. Examinations of 816 cows between 21 and 35 days after calving were performed and cases of clinical endometritis (n = 169) were included. Diagnosis based on a scoring system for vaginal discharge. Study animals were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups and treated immediately. After excluding animals with incomplete datasets, 136 cows (EUC: n = 61; CEPH: n = 75) remained for the final analysis. In total, 64% (EUC: 61%, CEPH: 67%) of analysed endometritis cases were considered as clinically cured 14 ± 2 days after the first treatment, 15% stayed uncured after the application of a maximum of two consecutive treatments, leading to an overall clinical cure rate of 85% (EUC: 82%, CEPH: 88%). No statistically difference in clinical cure rates could be observed between both treatment groups nor 14 ± 2 days after the first treatment (p = 0.956) neither regarding the overall cure rate (p = 0.923). In conclusion, the clinical cure of dairy cows' endometritis after the intrauterine application of the herbal product was non-inferior to the intrauterine application of the antibiotic cephapirin. These results could contribute to reduce the antimicrobial use in the daily veterinary routine treatment of endometritis