Leberegel – haben sie Bedeutung für Öko-Betriebe? [Livefluke - is it important for organic farms?]

Presentation for organic dairy farmers (Demeter)

Die Bekämpfung des großen Leberegels beim Rind

Presentation on the control of bovine fasciolosis for organic dairy farmers, setting out the life cyle, the importance, diagnosis and control measures

Bovine Fasciolose in bayerischen `Bio-Milchkuhbetrieben`: Prävalenz und Risikofaktoren

This study about fasciolosis in Bavarian dairy farms is part of the project “Tackling the parasitological challenges in organic ruminant farming systems (ProPara)” (Core Organic Plus).The first aim of this project was to analyse the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica in Bavarian organic dairy farms in comparison to conventional farms. For this purpose, 366 bulk tank milk (BTM) samples of Bavarian organic cattle herds and 366 BTM samples of Bavarian conventional farms were collected in October 2015. Seroprevalence of each BTM sample was estimated using the `IDEXX Fasciola hepatica Antibody Test Kit`. The second aim of this project was to identify risk factors for the transmission of F. hepatica, which are important especially for organic cattle farming. In order to exclude pasturing as a risk factor, only herds with grazing were included in the study. A questionnaire, including 37 questions, was discussed with each participating farmer by telephone. BTM or fecal samples of every herd was examined to assess the infectionstatus. Thus, the herds were divided into 4 groups: - organic Fasciola-negative, - organic Fasciola-positive, - conventional Fasciola-negative, - conventional Fasciola-positive. As risk factors in all herds breed, the collective grazing of different production groups (e. g. dairy and dry cows), grazing depending on the weather, and the percentage of pastures with wetlands

[Meta-analysis to estimate the economic losses caused by reduced milk yield and reproductive performance associated with bovine paratuberculosis in Switzerland].

INTRODUCTION Especially in regions with intensive cattle farming, paratuberculosis in ruminants can cause considerable economic losses for example through loss of sick animals, reduced milk yield and decreased reproduction performance. Although quantifying the actual economic losses is complex, this study attempts to quantify the losses caused by paratuberculosis in infected dairy farms in Switzerland by means of meta-analyses. For this purpose, in an elaborate selection process, data from 12 studies on milk yield and from three studies on the calving to conception interval were finally selected for further calculations. In addition, data from eight studies each on milk fat concentration and milk protein concentration were evaluated. For the meta-analyses, only studies in which «sick» (seropositive) and «healthy» (seronegative) animals based on the results of serum ELISA tests were compared at the individual animal level were considered. With a paratuberculosis prevalence of 5,99 % in cattle in Switzerland, a total loss of CHF 12 034 329,96 (95 % CI [CHF 8 625 406,02; CHF 16 409 276,30]; 11 095 652,20 € [7 952 624,35 €; 15 129 352,70 €]) per year was calculated for a population of 559 900 dairy cows. The main part of the losses is caused by an extended calving to conception interval: Seropositive animals need an average of 14,93 days longer (95 % CI [1,73; 28,13]) from calving to successful insemination as seronegative animals. This results in total costs for the extended calving to conception interval due to paratuberculosis of CHF 7 365 591,21 per year (95 % CI [CHF 900 394,95; CHF 14 838 087,61]; 6 791 075,10 € [830 164,14 €; 13 680 716,80 €]). Milk yield reduction based on a lactation period of 305 days results in an economic loss of CHF 4 668 738,75 per year (95 % CI [CHF 1 571 188,69; CHF 7 725 011,07]; 4 304 577,13  € [1 448 635,97 €; 7 122 460,21 €]). Milk fat and milk protein content were not found to be significantly changed. Despite a large number of studies in the screening phase, it was not possible to calculate all types of losses attributable to paratuberculosis due to lack of comparability between the studies, which is essential for meta-analyses. Nevertheless, it was possible to carry out four different meta-analyses, the results of which give a first impression of the economic importance of paratuberculosis in dairy cows in Switzerland

Effects of Alkalinization and Rehydration on Plasma Potassium Concentrations in Neonatal Calves with Diarrhea

BackgroundIncreased plasma potassium concentrations (K+) in neonatal calves with diarrhea are associated with acidemia and severe clinical dehydration and are therefore usually corrected by intravenous administration of fluids containing sodium bicarbonate. ObjectivesTo identify clinical and laboratory variables that are associated with changes of plasma K+ during the course of treatment and to document the plasma potassium-lowering effect of hypertonic (8.4%) sodium bicarbonate solutions. AnimalsSeventy-one neonatal diarrheic calves. MethodsProspective cohort study. Calves were treated according to a clinical protocol using an oral electrolyte solution and commercially available packages of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate (250-750mmol),0.9% saline (5-10L),and 40% dextrose (0.5L) infusion solutions. ResultsInfusions with 8.4% sodium bicarbonate solutions in an amount of 250-750mmol had an immediate and sustained plasma potassium-lowering effect. One hour after the end of such infusions or the start of a sodium bicarbonate containing constant drip infusion, changes of plasma K+ were most closely correlated to changes of venous blood pH, plasma sodium concentrations and plasma volume (r=-0.73,-0.57,-0.53;P<.001). Changes of plasma K+ during the subsequent 23hours were associated with changes of venous blood pH, clinical hydration status (enophthalmos) and serum creatinine concentrations (r=-0.71, 0.63, 0.62;P<.001). Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThis study emphasizes the importance of alkalinization and the correction of dehydration in the treatment of hyperkalemia in neonatal calves with diarrhea

Effects of Alkalinization and Rehydration on Plasma Potassium Concentrations in Neonatal Calves with Diarrhea

BackgroundIncreased plasma potassium concentrations (K+) in neonatal calves with diarrhea are associated with acidemia and severe clinical dehydration and are therefore usually corrected by intravenous administration of fluids containing sodium bicarbonate. ObjectivesTo identify clinical and laboratory variables that are associated with changes of plasma K+ during the course of treatment and to document the plasma potassium-lowering effect of hypertonic (8.4%) sodium bicarbonate solutions. AnimalsSeventy-one neonatal diarrheic calves. MethodsProspective cohort study. Calves were treated according to a clinical protocol using an oral electrolyte solution and commercially available packages of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate (250-750mmol),0.9% saline (5-10L),and 40% dextrose (0.5L) infusion solutions. ResultsInfusions with 8.4% sodium bicarbonate solutions in an amount of 250-750mmol had an immediate and sustained plasma potassium-lowering effect. One hour after the end of such infusions or the start of a sodium bicarbonate containing constant drip infusion, changes of plasma K+ were most closely correlated to changes of venous blood pH, plasma sodium concentrations and plasma volume (r=-0.73,-0.57,-0.53;P<.001). Changes of plasma K+ during the subsequent 23hours were associated with changes of venous blood pH, clinical hydration status (enophthalmos) and serum creatinine concentrations (r=-0.71, 0.63, 0.62;P<.001). Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThis study emphasizes the importance of alkalinization and the correction of dehydration in the treatment of hyperkalemia in neonatal calves with diarrhea

Risk Factors for the Development of Hypokalemia in Neonatal Diarrheic Calves

BackgroundNeonatal diarrheic calves have a clear negative potassium balance because of intestinal losses and decreased milk intake but in the presence of acidemia, they usually show normokalemic or hyperkalemic plasma concentrations. ObjectivesTo assess whether marked hypokalemia occurs in response to the correction of acidemia and dehydration and to identify factors that are associated with this condition. AnimalsEighty-three calves with a clinical diagnosis of neonatal diarrhea. MethodsProspective cohort study. Calves were treated according to a clinical protocol using an oral electrolyte solution and commercially available packages of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate, 0.9% saline and 40% dextrose infusion solutions. ResultsThe proportion of hypokalemic calves after 24hours of treatment (19.3%) was twice as great as it was on admission to the hospital. Plasma K+ after 24hours of treatment was not significantly correlated to venous blood pH values at the same time but positively correlated to venous blood pH values on admission (r=0.51, P<.001). Base excess on admission (Odds ratio [OR]=0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.70-0.94),duration of diarrhea (OR=1.37, 95% CI=1.05-1.80),milk intake during hospitalization (OR=0.54, 95% CI=0.37-0.79) and plasma sodium concentrations after 24hours (OR=1.12, 95% CI=1.01-1.25) were identified to be independently associated (P<.05) with a hypokalemic state after 24hours of treatment. Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceFindings of this study suggest that marked depletion of body potassium stores is evident in diarrheic calves that suffered from marked metabolic acidosis, have a low milk intake and a long history of diarrhea