[Relationship between body condition of dairy cows in the peripartum period and selected metabolic parameters in consideration of different breeds]. / Zusammenhänge zwischen Körperkondition von Milchkühen im peripartalen Zeitraum und ausgewählten Stoffwechselparametern unter Berücksichtigung verschiedener Rassen.

OBJECTIVE: The results of this study describe the relationship between the body condition of dairy cows and selected metabolic parameters during the peri- and post-partum period with special consideration of 3 local dairy cow breed in Upper Bavaria and the Allgau. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three local dairy cattle breeds (Swiss Brown (BV), Simmental (FL), Holstein Friesian (HF)) were examined on 68 farms in southern Germany for 7 consecutive weeks. In dry cows as well as lactating cows (5.-65. day in milk), following blood parameters were investigated: beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, glutamate dehydrogenase, total protein, albumin, creatine kinase. In addition, body condition (body condition score [BCS] and back fat thickness [BFT]) were recorded. Exploratory and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Concerning the difference in condition before and after calving, the FL showed the smallest difference in RFD. For FL and BV a trend towards higher BFT values could be seen in first lactating cows. For FL and HF, the NEFA values of the later lactating cows were below those of the first lactating cows. The higher lactating cows of BV and FL had higher BHB values. The correlation between BFT and BCS showed the highest R2 (0.53) in the HF cows. BV and FL were below at 0.42 and 0.37. BCS and BFT could not be predicted by the variables NEFA, BHB and liver enzymes. BHB levels of all 3 breeds increased at weeks 2-4 post-partum. The NEFA values for all 3 breeds increased primarily in the 1st-3rd week p.p. in parallel to when the BFT p.p. decreased. NEFA values were highest when body condition declined and therefore when fat mobilization peaked. In BV and HF, there was a constant increase in GLDH when the p.p. BCS difference was there. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Body condition assessment (BCS at herd and animals` level, BFT at animal level) is an important tool for animal health monitoring. Due to the recognizable breed specificity, the dairy herds can be dealt with more explicitly. The aim is to optimally influence the energy balance of the cow during early lactation in order maintain the health of the animal and its organ systems.

[Investigations of a controlled, decision tree based procedure for Selective Dry Cow Treatment in Bavarian dairy farms]. / Untersuchungen zu einem kontrollierten, entscheidungsbaumbasierten Verfahren des Selektiven Trockenstellens in Bayerischen Milchviehbetrieben.

OBJECTIVE: Four parameters of a decision tree for Selective Dry Cow Treatment (SDCT), examined in a previous study, were analyzed regarding their efficacy in detecting cows for dry cow treatment (DCT, use of intramammary antimicrobials). This study set out to review wether all parameters (somatic cell count [SCC≥ 200 000 SC/ml 3 months' milk yield recordings prior dry off (DO)], clinical mastitis history during lactation [≥1 CM], culturing [14d prior DO, detection of major pathogens] and California-Mastitis-Test [CMT, > rate 1/+ at DO]) are necessary for accurate decision making, whether there are possible alternatives to replace culturing, and whether a simplified model could replace the decision tree. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records of 18 Bavarian dairy farms from June 2015 to August 2017 were processed. Data analysis was carried out by means of descriptive statistics, as well as employing a binary cost sensitive classification tree and logit-models. For statistical analyses the outcomes of the full 4-parameter decision tree were taken as ground truth. RESULTS: 848 drying off procedures in 739 dairy cows (CDO) were included. SCC and CMT selected 88.1%, in combination with CM 95.6% of the cows that received DCT (n=494). Without culturing, 22 (4.4%) with major pathogens (8x Staphylococcus [S.] aureus) infected CDO would have been misclassified as not needing DCT. The average of geometric mean SCC (within 100 d prior DO) for CDO with negative results in culturing was<100 000 SC/ml milk, 100 000-150 000 SC/ml for CDO infected with minor pathogens, and ≥ 150 000 SC/ml for CDO infected with major pathogens (excluding S.aureus). Using SCC during lactation (at least 1x > 200 000 SC/ml) and positive CMT to select CDO for DCT, contrary to the decision tree, 37 CDO (4.4%) would have been treated "incorrectly without" and 43 CDO (5.1%) "unnecessarily with" DCT. Modifications were identified, such as SCC<131 000 SC/ml within 100 d prior to DO for detecting CDO with no growth or minor pathogens in culturing. The best model for grading CDO for or against DCT (CDO without CM and SCC<200 000 SC/ml [last 3 months prior DO]) had metrics of AUC=0.74, Accuracy=0.778, balanced Accuracy=0.63, Sensitivity=0.92 and Specificity=0.33. CONCLUSIONS: Combining the decision tree's parameters SCC, CMT and CM renders suitable selection criteria under the conditions of this study. When omitting culturing, lower thresholds for SCC should be considered for each farm individually to select CDO for DCT. Nonetheless, the most accurate model could not replace the full decision tree.

[Haptoglobin as an indicator for diseases during early lactation of dairy cows, with particular consideration of udder health]. / Haptoglobin als Indikator für Erkrankungen in der Frühlaktation von Milchkühen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Eutergesundheit.

s an acute-phase protein Haptoglobin (HP) is part of the non-specific immune response and represents a strong indicator for inflammatory conditions in cattle. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of previous study results on serum and milk HP related to diseases in early lactation with special consideration of udder health. During inflammatory diseases of the reproductive tract, metabolism and musculoskeletal system, HP increases in the serum and may serve as a non-specific indicator for diseases during early lactation. Threshold values are available for the differentiation of healthy from diseased animals. A correlation exists between HP in blood and milk. The HP concentration in milk is not only influenced by systemic disorders, as the udder epithelium is also independently capable of synthesizing HP in case of an infection. In mastitis, HP concentration may be used to estimate the severity of the disease. In addition, HP may provide certain suspicions regarding the causative pathogen. Threshold values for milk HP are available for the differentiation of healthy individuals from subclinically resp. clinically affected animals.

[Use of milk haptoglobin concentration as an indicator in animal health monitoring of dairy cows]. / Nutzung der Haptoglobinkonzentration in Milch als Indikator für das Tiergesundheitsmonitoring bei Milchkühen.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate relationships between elevated haptoglobin concentrations in milk and clinical as well as laboratory parameters in early lactating dairy cows. Furthermore, cut-off values should be identified for the differentiation of healthy and affected animals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1462 dairy cows between 5.-65. days in milk were examined on 68 Bavarian farms. Milk and blood samples were taken once a week for a 7-week period per farm and body-condition-scoring, backfat thickness measurement and Metricheck examination, to evaluate uterine health, were performed. Milk samples were analysed for milk fat, milk protein, lactose, urea, ß-hydroxybutyrate and non-esterified fatty acids (indirect measurement, based on IR spectra), cell count, and milk haptoglobin. Blood samples were analysed for creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, glutamate dehydrogenase, total protein, albumin, creatine kinase, ß-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids, and blood haptoglobin.Cluster analyses were performed to determine cut-off values for haptoglobin. RESULTS: Besides milk haptoglobin (µg/ml) and blood haptoglobin (µg/ml), cell count (cells/ml milk), milk fat (%), milk protein (%), non-esterified fatty acids in blood (mmol/l), lactation number, days in milk, breed, season, and milk yield (kg) were included as significant input variables (p<0.005) in the cluster analyses. Cluster analysis, using k-means resp. k-prototypes algorithms, resulted in 5 (clusters 1-5 M1) resp. 4 different clusters (clusters 0-3 M2 and 0-3 B).A cut-off value of 0.5 µg/ml haptoglobin in milk was determined for the differentiation of healthy and affected animals. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As milk is an easily available substrate, routine determination of haptoglobin in milk might be a suitable parameter for animal health monitoring. Using the detected cut-off value, apparently healthy animals with subclinical inflammatory diseases can be identified more quickly.

[Veterinary Herd Health Management and Selective Dry Cow Treatment in Germany - Results of a survey among farm veterinarians]. / Integrierte Tierärztliche Bestandsbetreuung und Selektives Trockenstellen in Deutschland.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the survey was to evaluate the development and implementation of Veterinary Herd Health Management (VHHM), as well as Selective Dry Cow Treatment (SDCT), in German veterinary practices and dairy farms. Furthermore, this survey set out to compare and contrast veterinary practitioners that utilize VHHM in relation to SDCT with those that do not. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey (n=600) was distributed to veterinary livestock practitioners at 7 advanced training courses. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. Data analysis was carried out by means of descriptive statistics as well as by linear and logistic regression. RESULTS: The response rate amounted to 39.3% (n=236). 54.2% (n=128) of the veterinarians reported that they conduct VHHM. Procedures for SDCT were used on farms overseen by 75% (n=177) of the vets. Different decision criteria applied at herd (81.6%, n=142) and at individual cow level (97.7%, n=172) respectively. A performance review of SDCT was carried out more frequently on farms of veterinarians that practice VHHM (66%, n=66) than those that do not (41%, n=28). An increase in the number of farms conducting VHHM was associated with an increase in the proportion of farms using SDCT. An increase of the probability of good udder health was associated with SDCT farms that also apply VHHM (OR: 1.025; p<0.05). The provision of consultation for problems arising during the dry period (OR: 3.639; p<0.05), the frequency of veterinarians addressing SDCT with farmers (OR: 1,595; p<0,05) and vice versa (OR: 1,538; p<0.05), as well as frequency of consultation for drying off management (OR: 1,608; p<0.05) had an positive impact on the likelihood of SDCT being implemented on a farm and whether this process was ultimately successful. CONCLUSIONS: According to available data, both VHHM and SDCT are established parts of veterinary practice in bovine care. In practice, SDCT is partially conducted within the framework of a controlled procedure including a performance review. The implementation of VHHM has an effect on the number of farms performing SDCT as well as on udder health where VHHM and SDCT are combined on a farm. The range and frequency of consultation by veterinarians have a significant influence on a reduction of use of antibiotics by implementation of SDCT.

Differentiating between metabolic health statuses in Simmental cows and describing related milk fatty acids and relevant associated factors.

The aim of this observational study was to examine differences in milk fatty acid (FA) concentrations for different metabolic health statuses and for associated factors-specifically to examine with which FA concentrations an increased risk for developing a poor metabolic adaptation syndrome (PMAS) was associated. During weekly visits over 51 wk, blood samples were collected from cows between 5 and 50 days in milk. The farmer collected corresponding milk samples from all voluntary milkings. The analysis was performed on n = 2,432 samples from n = 553 Simmental cows. The observations were assigned to five different cow types (healthy, clever, athletic, hyperketonemic, and PMAS, representing five metabolic health statuses), based on the thresholds of 0.7 mmol/L, 1.2 mmol/L, and 1.4 for the concentrations of ß-hydroxybutyrate and nonesterified fatty acids and for the milk fat-to-protein ratio, respectively. Linear regression models using the predictor variables cow type, parity, week of lactation, and milk yield as fixed effects were developed using a stepwise forward selection to test for significant associations of predictor variables regarding FA concentrations in milk. There was a significant interaction term found between PMAS cows and parity compared to healthy cows for C18:1 (P < 0.001) and for C18:0 (P < 0.01). It revealed higher concentrations for PMAS in primiparous and multiparous cows compared to healthy cows, the slope being steeper for primiparous cows. Further, an interaction term was found between PMAS cows and milk yield compared to healthy cows and milk yield for C16:0 (P < 0.05), revealing a steeper slope for the decrease of C16:0 concentrations with increasing milk yield for PMAS compared to healthy cows. The significant associations and interaction terms between cow type, parity, week of lactation, and milk yield as predictor variables and C16:0, C18:0, and C18:1 concentrations suggest excellent opportunities for cow herd health screening during the early postpartum period.

[Methods for continuous body condition scoring in dairy herds - an Overview]. / Methoden zur fortlaufenden Körperkonditionsbeurteilung von Milchkühen ­ eine Übersicht.

The body condition assessment methods Body Condition Scoring (BCS) and backfat thickness measurement are important methods to assess the energy status of a dairy cow in the dry period and early lactation. An extensive search of the scientific literature (online and analogue) was carried out for the presented review. Various keywords filtered important articles, which were entered into a literature management program and whose content was assigned to various categories, on which the review article is based. The BCS is the tool of choice for acquiring a rapid and precise overview of the dairy herd. The backfat thickness (RFD) may be used for more detailed investigations. The aim of aformentioned studies is to attain an optimal energy balance of the dairy cow during early lactation considering energy intake and energy output as well as to minimize diseases such as fat mobilization syndrome and ketosis, and in consequence to allow for improved animal health and optimal performance.

Sensitivity and Specificity for the Detection of Clinical Mastitis by Automatic Milking Systems in Bavarian Dairy Herds.

In automatic milking systems (AMSs), the detection of clinical mastitis (CM) and the subsequent separation of abnormal milk should be reliably performed by commercial AMSs. Therefore, the objectives of this cross-sectional study were (1) to determine the sensitivity (SN) and specificity (SP) of CM detection of AMS by the four most common manufacturers in Bavarian dairy farms, and (2) to identify routinely collected cow data (AMS and monthly test day data of the regional Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA)) that could improve the SN and SP of clinical mastitis detection. Bavarian dairy farms with AMS from the manufacturers DeLaval, GEA Farm Technologies, Lely, and Lemmer-Fullwood were recruited with the aim of sampling at least 40 cows with clinical mastitis per AMS manufacturer in addition to clinically healthy ones. During a single farm visit, cow-level milking information was first electronically extracted from each AMS and then all lactating cows examined for their udder health status in the barn. Clinical mastitis was defined as at least the presence of visibly abnormal milk. In addition, available DHIA test results from the previous six months were collected. None of the manufacturers provided a definition for clinical mastitis (i.e., visually abnormal milk), therefore, the SN and SP of AMS warning lists for udder health were assessed for each manufacturer individually, based on the clinical evaluation results. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) with herd as random effect were used to determine the potential influence of routinely recorded parameters on SN and SP. A total of 7411 cows on 114 farms were assessed; of these, 7096 cows could be matched to AMS data and were included in the analysis. The prevalence of clinical mastitis was 3.4% (239 cows). When considering the 95% confidence interval (95% CI), all but one manufacturer achieved the minimum SN limit of >80%: DeLaval (SN: 61.4% (95% CI: 49.0%−72.8%)), GEA (75.9% (62.4%−86.5%)), Lely (78.2% (67.4%−86.8%)), and Lemmer-Fullwood (67.6% (50.2%−82.0%)). However, none of the evaluated AMSs achieved the minimum SP limit of 99%: DeLaval (SP: 89.3% (95% CI: 87.7%−90.7%)), GEA (79.2% (77.1%−81.2%)), Lely (86.2% (84.6%−87.7%)), and Lemmer-Fullwood (92.2% (90.8%−93.5%)). All AMS manufacturers' robots showed an association of SP with cow classification based on somatic cell count (SCC) measurement from the last two DHIA test results: cows that were above the threshold of 100,000 cells/mL for subclinical mastitis on both test days had lower chances of being classified as healthy by the AMS compared to cows that were below the threshold. In conclusion, the detection of clinical mastitis cases was satisfactory across AMS manufacturers. However, the low SP will lead to unnecessarily discarded milk and increased workload to assess potentially false-positive mastitis cases. Based on the results of our study, farmers must evaluate all available data (test day data, AMS data, and daily assessment of their cows in the barn) to make decisions about individual cows and to ultimately ensure animal welfare, food quality, and the economic viability of their farm.

[Use of serum haptoglobin concentration as an indicator in animal health monitoring of dairy cows]. / Nutzung der Haptoglobinkonzentration im Blutserum als Indikator im Tiergesundheitsmonitoring bei Milchkühen.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between haptoglobin concentration in the blood and the occurrence of ketosis, selected clinical parameters as well as lameness in dairy cows. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data was collected on 39 dairy farms in Bavaria over a period of 8 months. In 712 Simmental and Brown Swiss cows, clinical examinations as well as milk and blood samplings were performed between 10 and 30 days after calving. In these blood samples, the concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), ß-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and haptoglobin (Hp) were determined. Analysis of the milk included milk constituents (fat, protein, urea, lactose and acetone), BHBA, NEFA and the somatic cell count (SCC). RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between increased Hp-concentration on the one hand and increased NEFA levels in blood and milk (p < 0.001), increased somatic cell count (p < 0.001), lameness (p < 0.001), as well as reduced lactose content (p < 0.001) and protein content in the milk (p = 0.001) on the other hand. Animals sampled during the warmer summer months showed significantly higher serum Hp-concentrations (p < 0,001). Heifers exhibited significantly higher Hp-values than multiparous individuals (p < 0.001). By dividing the examined cows into 4 clusters, a Hp-threshold value could be determined at 0.18 mg/ml. Combined with a SCC threshold of 40 500 cells/ml milk, the majority of animals with subclinical and clinical abnormalities could be identified. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Measurement of the Hp-concentration in blood is a pertinent approach in animal health monitoring during the postpartum period. In combination with evaluations of milk amount and contents, deviations from the physiological status may be recognized and affected individuals treated early on. Haptoglobin may be used to assess the health status of the individual animal as well as an indicator of herd health in the context of animal health monitoring.

[Overview on the relationship between changes in activity and ketosis in dairy cows]. / Übersicht zu Zusammenhängen zwischen Änderungen der Bewegungsintensität und Ketose bei Milchkühen.

With a prevalence of up to 43 % subclinical ketosis is one of the most common diseases in dairy cows in their transition period. In itself, this may cause subsequent diseases such as clinical ketosis or lameness. Therefore, monitoring of animals in this stage is of importance. In addition to the measurement of ß-hydroxybutyrate or acetoacetate in blood, milk, and urine as well as the observation of the animals, computer-assisted systems are suitable means of monitoring. Information such as animal identification and activity data are recorded on a data logger and transmitted to a computer. A change in activity may be an indication of an underlying disease days before the onset of additional clinical signs. In cases of ketosis, a decrease in activity may be observed 5 days before the clinical diagnosis is made. Thus, these data are a valuable contribution in monitoring the cattle herd's health status for both the farmer and the veterinarian. Activity measurement may also be employed for the detection of a beginning lameness. In the presence of lameness, the individual's activity decreases and periods of lying are longer. Activity measurement via transponder as a part of the herd monitoring provides important information on lameness prevalence in the herd. In the presence of a lameness a visual assessment should additionally be made. Lameness scores (Locomotion score, Gait score) have been developed for this purpose and add to determining the lameness status of the herd. This way the animals are divided into different lameness classes. Based on this classification those individuals in need of claw trimming or further treatment may be identified leading to amelioration or prevention of secondary diseases. Due to lameness and subsequent reduction of activity and feed intake, the animals may develop subclinical or clinical ketosis. Therefore, under consideration of both animal welfare and economic factors early disease detection and prophylaxis is desirable and should be a main objective of herd monitoring.

Herd health monitoring in dairy farms - discover metabolic diseases. An overview.

The transition period, 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after calving, is inevitably accompanied by a negative energy balance, which sometimes causes metabolic disturbances, such as ketosis. Subclinical ketosis (SCK) is defined as an increase in the ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration to ≥ 1.2 mmol/l in the blood. According to a recent study, a value of ≥ 0.7 mmol/l of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the blood indicates the potential development of the poor metabolic adaption syndrome (PMAS). With a herd prevalence of 21 %, and an incidence of approximately 40 % within the first 2 weeks after calving, SCK is a relevant herd health problem. The milk yield decreases in the first 2 weeks postpartum by 3-5.3 kg/d for each ketotic cow, and the total milk reduction through the whole lactation period of 305 days averages 112 kg (SD 89 kg). Although the cow does not display any clinical signs of ketosis at this stage, the risk of developing associated production diseases like retained placenta, metritis, displaced abomasum, lameness and clinical ketosis increases and the expected performance in terms of milk production will decrease. The herd health status deteriorates and the risk for early culling increases. Another impact factor is the financial aspect, which includes costs for early death, reduced milk production, reproduction losses, and associated production diseases. In the literature, the calculated costs per SCK case vary between $ 78 and $ 289. The gold standard diagnostic test for SCK is the photometric measurement of BHB in blood. This method is accurate, but results are delayed due to the required laboratory analysis. There are also some rapid cow-side tests, i. e. urine or milk strip tests available to identify ketotic cows. The common disadvantage of these methods is that they are not suitable for herd health monitoring because of the need to collect samples from each cow manually and the high rates of false negative results. However, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is suitable for herd health monitoring. It is already being used for the analysis of milk composition. This inexpensive, rapid and simple technique has a specificity of 83.8 % and a sensitivity of 82.4 %. Therefore, FTIR is an early and easy method for detecting ketotic cows, that could help reduce financial and performance losses associated with ketosis.

[Herd health problems with a focus on potential involvement of Clostridium botulinum in dairies in Bavaria. - A survey among veterinarians]. / Bestandsprobleme mit möglicher Beteiligung von Clostridium botulinum in bayerischen Milchkuhbetrieben.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perceptions of Bavarian bovine practitioners in regard to ailments that could potentially be associated with chronic Clostridium botulinum infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire-based survey consisting of two parts was conducted via telephone. The questionnaire contained five main inclusion criteria and seven further criteria for inclusion in the second, special part of the study. The main focus was on diseases suspected to be associated with chronic Clostridium botulinum infections. For the interview in the special part, for each practice, the farm that fulfilled the most of the main criteria was selected. RESULTS: In the general section of the questionnaire, 38 (37%) of the 104 participants stated not to have farms with any of the previously indicated disease patterns in their practice. A total of 532 operations (5% of all managed dairies) were classified as a problem facility that had to deal with the aforementioned main inclusion criteria diseases. The most frequently stated on-farm problems were an increased number of recumbent cows (73 %), lameness or cases of ataxia (70 %), udder problems (69 %), metabolic disorders (68 %), high incidence of chronically ill animals (66 %) and high culling rates (66 %). The housing conditions of dairy cows were assessed to be "mediocre" or "poor" in 49 % of dairies. Feeding management was regarded as "moderately good", "good" or "very good" by 91 % of participants. Testing for Clostridium spp. was performed on 11 farms and positive results were found in seven cases. CONCLUSION: Livestock veterinarians in Bavaria are frequently confronted with an abundance of animal health-related issues on dairy farms. However, even on farms on which there were signs according to the literature of clostridial infection, rather husbandry-related problems were suspec -ted in most cases.

Cefotaxime-resistant E. coli in dairy and beef cattle farms-Joint analyses of two cross-sectional investigations in Germany.

Resistance to third-generation cephalosporins and other beta-lactam antibiotics is of major concern for animal and human health. Knowledge of the prevalence of resistant bacteria in primary production is an important element to estimate transmission along the stages in the food production chain and the exposure of the human population. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of cefotaxime-resistant commensal E. coli in dairy and beef cattle production units throughout Germany. Secondarily, the association between management factors and the presence of cefotaxime resistance was investigated. In total, 60 beef cattle and 52 dairy cattle production units all over Germany were included. Cefotaxime-resistant E. coli were isolated from at least one sample in 70% (95% CI: 58-83%) of the farms keeping beef cattle and 85% (95% CI: 75-94%) of the farms keeping dairy cattle. The sample prevalence was 35% (161/455; 95% CI: 31-40%) and 48% (156/323; 95% CI: 43-54%), respectively. Most factors associated with resistance to cefotaxime indicate that less intensive production results in a lower number of positive samples. For beef cattle, antimicrobial treatment of the whole animal group was significantly associated with an increased proportion of samples containing cefotaxime resistant E. coli. In addition, our results indicate that better hygiene management could improve the resistance situation on cattle farms.