Comparative near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy calibrations performance of dried and undried forage on dry and wet matter bases.

The application of Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for analyzing wet feed directly on farms is increasingly recognized for its role in supporting harvest-time decisions and refining the precision of animal feeding practices. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of NIR spectroscopy calibrations for both undried, unprocessed samples and dried, ground samples. Additionally, it investigates the influence of the bases of reference data (wet vs. dry basis) on the predictive capabilities of the NIR analysis. The study utilized 492 Corn Whole Plant (CWP) and 405 High Moisture Corn (HMC) samples, sourced from various farms across Italy. Spectral data were acquired from both undried, unground and dried, ground samples using laboratory bench NIR instruments, covering a spectral range of 1100 to 2498 nm. The reference chemical composition of these samples was analyzed and presented in two formats: on a wet matter basis and on a dry matter basis. The study revealed that calibrations based on undried samples generally exhibited lower predictive accuracy for most traits, with the exception of Dry Matter (DM). Notably, the decline in predictive performance was more pronounced in highly moist products like CWP, where the average error increased by 60-70%. Conversely, this reduction in accuracy was relatively contained (10-15%) in drier samples such as HMC. The Standard Error of Cross-Validation (SECV) values for DMres, Ash, CP, and EE were notably low, at 0.39, 0.30, 0.29, 0.21% for CWP and 0.49, 0.14, 0.25, 0.14% for HMC, respectively. These results align with previous studies, indicating the reliability of NIR spectroscopy in diverse moisture contexts. The study attributes this variance to the interference caused by water in 'as is' samples, where the spectral features predominantly reflect water content, thereby obscuring the spectral signatures of other nutrients. In terms of calibration development strategies, the study concludes that there is no significant difference in predictive performance between undried calibrations based on either 'dry matter' or 'as is' basis. This finding emphasizes the potential of NIR spectroscopy in diverse moisture contexts, although with varying degrees of accuracy contingent upon the moisture content of the analyzed samples. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the calibration strategies of NIR spectroscopy and its practical applications in agricultural settings, particularly for on-farm forage analysis.

Evaluation of Anatolian Water Buffalo Carcass Weights Based on a Slaughterhouse Data Collection.

This study analyzed data collected on a slaughterhouse from 2017 to 2021, belonging to five hundred and twenty one Anatolian water buffalos from different farms located in Edirne, Istanbul, and Kirklareli. Specifically, it aimed to determine the factors affecting the carcass weights and slaughter ages of the Anatolian water buffalos. The results of the study showed that the slaughter age of the buffalos was a significant determinant of their carcass weights. Meanwhile, the sex, slaughter year, and slaughter season affected the carcass weight. Differences were observed for the slaughter age regarding the sex and farm origin. Since the pricing system in local markets is based on the buffalo carcass weight, the findings of this study could be essential for farmers when determining their fattening strategies.

Uncovering Patterns in Dairy Cow Behaviour: A Deep Learning Approach with Tri-Axial Accelerometer Data.

The accurate detection of behavioural changes represents a promising method of detecting the early onset of disease in dairy cows. This study assessed the performance of deep learning (DL) in classifying dairy cows' behaviour from accelerometry data acquired by single sensors on the cows' left flanks and compared the results with those obtained through classical machine learning (ML) from the same raw data. Twelve cows with a tri-axial accelerometer were observed for 136 ± 29 min each to detect five main behaviours: standing still, moving, feeding, ruminating and resting. For each 8 s time interval, 15 metrics were calculated, obtaining a dataset of 211,720 observation units and 15 columns. The entire dataset was randomly split into training (80%) and testing (20%) datasets. The DL accuracy, precision and sensitivity/recall were calculated and compared with the performance of classical ML models. The best predictive model was an 8-layer convolutional neural network (CNN) with an overall accuracy and F1 score equal to 0.96. The precision, sensitivity/recall and F1 score of single behaviours had the following ranges: 0.93-0.99. The CNN outperformed all the classical ML algorithms. The CNN used to monitor the cows' conditions showed an overall high performance in successfully predicting multiple behaviours using a single accelerometer.

Comparison of Nonlinear Growth Models to Estimate Growth Curves in Kivircik Sheep under a Semi-Intensive Production System.

The Kivircik is an indigenous sheep breed from Turkey, and it has superior meat quality compared to other indigenous breeds. Therefore, farmers prioritize Kivircik lamb fattening instead of milk production. Here, we aimed to determine the best nonlinear growth model, i.e., Gompertz, Logistic, Von Bertalanffy, and Brody, to describe the growth curve of Kivircik lambs. The body weight data from birth until 150 days of age belonging to 612 lambs were used as the material of this study. The best fitting model was selected by considering the adjusted coefficient of determination (R2adj), residual mean square, and Akaike's (AIC) and Bayesian information criteria (BIC). Even though the Brody model had a better statistical fit, considering its biological interpretation, the Gompertz model was identified as an appropriate model for describing Kivircik lamb growth. Male lambs, twin lambs, and lambs born in winter had higher mature live weights (44.2 kg, 71.2 kg, and 38.5 kg, respectively) and rate of weight gain (2.1, 2.6, and 2.0, respectively). However, our subgroups revealed a similar rate of maturity (0.01). Growth models are important tools for deciding the optimal slaughter age and they provide valuable information on the management practices of both sexes, birth types, and birth seasons. These results can be applied to breeding programs for early selection, enabling intervention strategies when needed.

Characteristics of Buffalo Farming Systems in Turkey Based on a Multivariate Aggregation of Indicators: A Survey Study.

This study aimed to determine the heterogeneity that exists in water buffalo husbandry systems in Marmara Region, Turkey. A questionnaire containing a total of 60 indicators was submitted to 52 farmers. A Principal Component Analysis was performed to reduce original variables into a simplified and latent structure, which was characterized by six orthogonal components: milk productivity, economic efficiency, roughage management, dual-purpose farming, concentrate supply, and fodder production. An ANOVA model was applied to the six components to investigate the effects of the province, investment levels, grazing type, milk production, and profitability. Differences in milk productivity, roughage management, concentrate supply, and fodder management were significant according to the province and grazing type, which indicated a difference in intensification levels among the cities. Economic efficiency and dual-purpose farming differed significantly for milk production levels as well as milk productivity, and economic efficiency differed for profitability levels. We found a tendency regarding the impact of roughage management on profitability. The results conclude that profitability was associated with improving the milking traits of buffaloes and roughage management of the farms.

Development of an equation to screen for solar hemorrhages from digital cushion ultrasound texture analysis in veal calves at slaughter.

Claw disorders are a relevant welfare issue in the cattle industry, fast and accurate diagnoses are essential for successful treatment and prevention. The present study aimed to develop an equation to assess the presence of solar hemorrhages from real-time ultrasound images texture analysis at slaughter. Eighty-eight hind feet were collected at the slaughterhouse from 44 Holstein male veal calves. The claws were trimmed by a veterinarian hoof-trimmer, approximately 30 min after the calves' slaughter, and classified into healthy and affected by solar hemorrhages. At the same time, ultrasound images were collected for each claw. Sole soft tissues' thickness was measured, and texture analysis was performed using MaZda software. The resulting parameters from sole soft tissues' measurements and texture analysis were screened with a stepwise linear discriminant analysis using the absence or presence (0/1) of solar hemorrhages as the dependent variable. Results from the stepwise analysis identified 9 variables (among 279) as predictors, and an equation was developed and used to predict the presence or absence of solar hemorrhages on the scanned claws by binary measure: values ≤0.5 counted as 0, while those >0.5 as 1. Validation of the equation was performed by testing predicted lesions (LESpred) against the clinically evaluated lesions (LESeval) with a confusion matrix, a ROC analysis, and a precision-recall curve. Results of the present study suggest that the equation proposed has a good potential for detecting effectively hemorrhages of the sole by ultrasound imaging texture means, and could be used to monitor unsatisfactory housing and management conditions at the farm level, and for early management intervention and prevention.

Individual antimicrobial treatments in veal calves: Effect on the net carcasses weight at the slaughterhouse and relationship with the serostatus of the calves upon arrival to the fattening unit.

In recent years, the scientific community, institutions, and public opinion have shown a growing awareness towards the problem of antimicrobial resistance. Guidelines from the European Union aim at significantly reducing (even avoiding) the antimicrobial use for prophylactic and metaphylactic purposes in veterinary medicine and this represents an important issue for several intensive farming systems, such as the veal industry. This retrospective observational cohort study analyzed net carcass weight data at the slaughter of 618 veal calves belonging to 6 batches of animals fattened in an Italian commercial farm according to the number of individual antimicrobial treatments administered during the fattening cycle. Sixty-eight percent (419 animals) of the overall sample of calves received at least one individual antimicrobial treatment due to a disease event during the fattening, and 280 of these (45 % of the overall sample) had more than one treatment. On average, the net carcass weight of calves individually treated more than once was about 10 kg lower than that of untreated calves or treated only once. Moreover, the carcasses of calves that received more than one treatment were 16 times more at risk of being severely penalized in payment at the slaughterhouse due to a net weight below 110 kg than those of untreated calves. Serum analysis data of a subsample of 105 calves belonging to 3 out of the 6 batches collected within 5 days after their arrival to the veal farm identified 3 persistently infected animals by bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus and a prevalence of calves with serum immunoglobulin concentration below 7.5 g/L of 37 %. The presence of specific antibodies against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and a serum immunoglobulin level above 7.5 g/L at the onset of the fattening were the most important factors associated with a decreased risk of multiple individual antimicrobial treatments (and thus, disease development) or with a delay in disease onset during the fattening, thus leading to better performances at the slaughter. The outcomes of this study suggested that a relationship could exist between calf serostatus upon arrival to the veal farm and the possibility to avoid multiple individual antimicrobial treatments during fattening. Further research is needed to deeply study this association, as such knowledge would allow for planning effective preventing strategies to reduce the antimicrobial use in veal calves.

Brief Research Report: How Do Claw Disorders Affect Activity, Body Weight, and Milk Yield of Multiparous Holstein Dairy Cows?

Claw disorders are among the most relevant health problems in dairy herds. Despite being often not clearly visible and not easily detectable for farmers, they may appear as peculiar cow behavioral and performance patterns. This retrospective study aimed to assess cow's behavior and production variations associated with claw disorders. The study involved 54 lactating Italian Holstein cows reared on the same dairy farm. A veterinarian performed the routine hoof trimming every 6 months, diagnosing specific claw disorders. Multiparous cows with no disorders at the first trimming were selected and monitored for the two following trimming sessions. Data coming from the automatic milking system and neck collars and related to the 15 days before a given cow was diagnosed with claw problems during trimming were further collected. These data were compared with those recorded for the same animal over the 15 days preceding the previous trimming in which no claw disorders were observed. Compared to when they had no disorders, the cows affected by claw disorders had a lower daily activity (405 vs. 429 ± 27.7 units/day, p < 0.001), showing a constant decrease in the last 10 days before the trimming, a lower milk yield (26.5 vs. 28.4 ± 1.57 kg/day, p = 0.03), and only a decreasing trend of rumination time. These patterns of activity, milk yield, and rumination characterizing cows affected by claw disorders should promote the development of specific algorithms that would enable early detection of lameness thanks to the deviations of these parameters that are sensitive to cow claw health.

Assessment of the Effectiveness of a Portable NIRS Instrument in Controlling the Mixer Wagon Tuning and Ration Management.

The adoption of the mixer wagon and total mixed ration aimed to decrease dysmetabolic diseases and improve feed efficiency in dairy cows. Differences between theoretical and eaten diets are imputable to errors in diet preparation or cow feed sorting. We proposed a method to measure the chemical composition and particle size distribution of the ration and determined its peNDF content through a portable Near Infra-Red spectrophotometer that allowed the calculation of two indexes: the homogeneity and the sorting indexes. In a cohort of 19 Italian Holstein breeding farms, we studied the correlation of these indexes with the mixer wagon settings. Determination coefficients in the validation (Rv2) for dry matter, crude protein, aNDF, and starch were 0.91, 0.54, 0.86, and 0.67, respectively. The ration fractions (%, w/w of wet weight) retained by the 3.8 and 1.8 mm sieves, and the bottom showed Rv2 of 0.46, 0.49, and 0.53, respectively. The homogeneity index regressed negatively with the mixer wagon load fullness (R2 = 0.374). The homogeneity-binary classification showed an odds ratio of 1.72 for dry matter and 0.39 for aNDF (p < 0.05). The sorting-binary classification showed an odds ratio of 2.54 for aNDF (p < 0.05). The studied farms showed low peNDF values (median = 17.9%).

The Use of the General Animal-Based Measures Codified Terms in the Scientific Literature on Farm Animal Welfare.

Background: The approach to farm animal welfare evaluation has changed and animal-based measures (ABM), defined as the responses of an animal or effects on an animal, were introduced to assess animal welfare. Animal-based measures can be taken directly on the animal or indirectly and include the use of animal records. They can result from a specific event or be the cumulative outcome of many days, weeks, or months. The objective of the current study was to analyze the use of general ABM codified terms in the scientific literature, the presence of their definitions, and the gap mapping of their use across animal species, categories, years of publication, and geographical areas of the corresponding author's institution. The ultimate aim was to propose a common standard terminology to improve communication among stakeholders. In this study, data models were populated by collecting information coming from scientific papers extracted through a transparent and reproducible protocol using Web of ScienceTM and filtering for the general ABM codified terms (or synonyms/equivalents). A total of 199 papers were retained, and their full texts were assessed. The frequency of general codified ABM terms was analyzed according to the classification factors listed in the objectives. These papers were prevalently European (159 documents), and the most represented species was cattle. Fifty percent of the papers did not provide a definition of the general ABM terms, and 54% cited other sources as reference for their definition. The results of the study showed a very low penetration of the general codified ABM term in the literature on farm animal welfare, with only 1.5% of the papers including the term ABM. This does not mean that specific ABM are not studied, but rather that these specific ABM are not defined as such under a common umbrella, and there is no consensus on the use of terminology, not even among scientists. Thus, we cannot expect the stakeholders to use a common language and a standardized terminology. The recognition and the inclusion of ABM in the lists of commonly accepted abbreviations of scientific journals could be a first step to harmonize the terminology in the scientific literature.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal, liver and claw disorders in veal calves fed large amounts of solid feed through a cross-sectional study.

The impact of the current practice of feeding veal calves with large amounts of solid feed (SF) on the prevalence of specific disorders on rumen, abomasum, liver and claws was investigated through a post-mortem inspection at the abattoir. Forty-one batches ("batch" referred to a group of calves of the same breed, coming from the same farm and belonging to the same slaughter group) of crossbred male calves from dairy breed were randomly inspected at 213.6 days old. On average 16.0 rumens, 15.6 abomasa, 15.1 livers, and 30.5 hind claws were checked per batch. Rumens were evaluated for the presence of hyperkeratosis and plaques; abomasa for the presence of lesions in the pyloric area; livers for the presence of lipidosis, abscess or fibrous adherence; and claws for the presence of sole hemorrhages. More than 60% of rumens per batch had signs of hyperkeratosis and plaques, and 80 to 100% of abomasa per batch showed at least 1 lesion in the pyloric area. On average 24% of livers per batch were diseased and about 65% of claws per batch had sole hemorrhages. Affected abomasa were positively correlated to rumens with plaques. Claws with sole hemorrhages tended to be positively correlated to rumens with hyperkeratosis. Calves of inspected batches were fed 311 ± 31 kg DM/cycle of milk-replacer and 158 ± 44 kg DM/cycle of SF containing more than 85% of corn grain. Based on the recorded prevalence of alterations, this feeding strategy should be reconsidered in order to improve veal calves' welfare.

Assessment of Rumen Mucosa, Lung, and Liver Lesions at Slaughter as Benchmarking Tool for the Improvement of Finishing Beef Cattle Health and Welfare.

Abattoir post-mortem inspections offer a useful tool for animal disease surveillance. The present cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the prevalence of rumen mucosa, lung, and liver lesions in 153 randomly selected batches of finishing beef cattle through a post-mortem inspection at the abattoir. At least 15 animals per batch were inspected at slaughter by two veterinarians for a total of 2,161 animals (1,376 bulls; 785 heifers) coming from 80 Italian commercial farms. Rumens were inspected by recording as binary variables (presence/absence) signs of hyperkeratosis, ruminitis, ulcer, and star scars. Similarly, lungs were inspected for signs of pneumonia and livers for signs of lipidosis, abscesses, and/or adherence. Hyperkeratosis of the mucosa and signs of ruminitis were detected in 58 and 30% of the inspected rumens, respectively. Ruminal star scars were more prevalent in bulls than in heifers (18 vs. 11%; P < 0.05). Signs of severe pneumonia were observed in 10% of the lungs; abscess and/or adherence in 4% of the livers. Hyperkeratosis of rumen mucosa was correlated to signs of ruminitis, and signs of ruminitis were correlated to star scars. No correlations were found between hepatic lesions and any other rumen or lung disorders. The wide variability observed among batches for the prevalence of specific lesions suggested the development of a benchmarking system to provide feedback to the farm veterinarians, as these lesions can be reflective of a subclinical disease status not easy to be detected in the live animal. Quartiles of the batch prevalence of rumen, lung, and liver alterations (if ≥1%) were calculated as a benchmarking tool, and third quartile value was proposed as an alarm threshold for each lesion. The use of the benchmarking system could allow to allocate each inspected batch to a specific "health class." Critical batches with a prevalence above the alarm threshold for a given lesion should be reported to veterinarians of the origin farms where actions should be taken in order to identify and lower the risk factors for that specific health issue. Knowledge of post-mortem inspection data along with the implementation of the proposed benchmarking system should help farm veterinarians to improve herd management from a health and welfare perspective.

Risk factors for claw disorders in intensively finished Charolais beef cattle.

This cross-sectional study aimed at performing a risk factor analysis of on-farm housing and management factors associated with infectious and non-infectious claw disorders of intensively finished Charolais young bulls and heifers. Claws' health condition of a total of 1305 animals belonging to 88 batches finished in farms located in the Eastern Po Valley (Italy) was assessed at slaughterhouse. Batch prevalence of feet affected by sole hemorrhage (SH) and white line abscess (WLA) was calculated and foot condition was summarized by infectious lesion (ILS) and non-infectious lesion (NILS) scores according to diseases' etiology. Batch prevalence of feet with SH, WLA, and assigned to the worst score classes were the outcomes in the risk factor analysis. Information about rearing facilities and health management of the tested batches were gathered in each origin farm along with a dietary sample used for chemical and physical analyses. Five categorized factors and 30 continuous covariates were considered as independent predictors and a cluster analysis of the continuous covariates was performed to select the most representative ones. Percentage of feet/batch affected by SH was on average 57.0 ±â€¯32.5 % (SD) and by WLA was 9.94 ±â€¯12.7 %. Percentage of feet/batch with the worst ILS and NILS was 29.6 ±â€¯32.8 % and 12.5 ±â€¯14.1 %, respectively. Charolais bulls showed a higher risk of SH and WLA than heifers and an increasing dietary NDF content acted as preventive factor. Concrete slats increased the risk of SH. Animals slaughtered in winter had the highest risk of WLA and the increasing level of dietary water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) was a further risk factor. The risk for the worst NILS was lowest in spring and in presence of ventilation systems. It increased for bulls and in those batches fed diets with higher WSC content. Batches for which the farmer reported a higher prevalence of urgently slaughtered animals during finishing showed a higher risk of WLA and infectious claw diseases. The risk for infectious claw diseases was reduced in animals slaughtered in summer, housed on deep litter and fed diet with increased NDF content. It increased in farms where diet formulation was not under the nutritionist control. As general outcomes of the study, benefits for the claw health of finishing Charolaise may come from the use of the deep litter and ventilation systems, the involvement of a nutritionist in diet formulation, and the provision of diets with reduced WSC and increased NDF contents.

An overview of claw disorders at slaughter in finishing beef cattle reared in intensive indoor systems through a cross-sectional study.

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess in post-mortem the prevalence of specific claw disorders and their location on the sole in hind feet of finishing beef cattle reared indoors under intensive production systems. Evaluation was made on animals that were introduced in the ordinary slaughterhouse planning, presumably with no signs of impaired locomotion or severe lameness. A total of 4292 hind feet (right and left) belonging to 153 batches were collected (average feet/batch 28.1 ± 5.62 (SD)) in 3 abattoirs in Northern Italy at 3 time points (April-June and September-October 2016; February-March 2017). One veterinarian performed the claw trimming first and then scored the presence of specific claw disorders and their position on the sole considering 7 zones (in the digital and interdigital areas). All claw disorders in a specific zone were recorded as binary (presence/absence). Infectious (ILS), non-infectious (NILS), and global (GLS) scores were calculated considering both the type of claw disorder detected and the number of zones affected. Non-infectious disorders were the most common diagnoses among batches, mainly on the lateral claws and in the heel-sole junction area. In particular, white line abscesses and ulcers (sole and toe ulcers) were also found as two of the most debilitating and painful lesions with a non-negligible frequency. Infectious diseases, when occurring in a batch, spread to almost all feet. As expected, GLS distribution on the total feet inspected showed a non-harmful condition, given that the worst scores from 3 to 13 were assigned to a restricted sample of feet (15%) and were far from the maximum potential value of 50. However, the GLS of all batches monitored revealed 10 critical batches having no healthy feet or more than 50% of feet graded with the worst scores. Since right and left feet of the same animal showed similar clinical diagnoses, a more efficient claw health evaluation system should consider only one foot. Although all cattle inspected were supposed to have no evident locomotory problems before slaughter, the detection of several foot disorders and the considerable distribution in some batches might suggest poor conditions on farms affecting finishing beef cattle health, behaviour, and welfare. It is therefore advisable that possible predisposing factors of specific claw disorders on the farms of origin be investigated more deeply.