Agreement between Clinical Assessment and Laboratory Diagnosis of Ringworm in Calves at Auction Markets.

To limit the spread of bovine ringworm, control measures such as movement restrictions are highly recommended. In this context, calves at auction markets in Styria, Austria, displaying skin lesions characteristic for bovine ringworm, are excluded from the auctions. To investigate whether these clinical assessments correspond to laboratory diagnosis, a total of 166 samples taken from skin lesions assigned to the three clinical categories 'ringworm very likely (v), likely (l) or unlikely (u)' were mycologically examined using microscopy, culture, and nested PCR followed by amplicon sequencing. Further, the relationships of isolated dermatophytes were determined through multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Overall, a high agreement between clinical assessment and laboratory results were observed with microscopy and nested PCR, providing more consistent results and molecular detection possessing an analytical sensitivity superior to that of cultural isolation (culture 21.7% vs. nested PCR 48.2%). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that most of the isolated dermatophytes belong to a unique Trichophyton verrucosum MLST genotype. In conclusion, clinical assessments were largely confirmed through laboratory diagnosis with nested PCR and sequencing, providing rapid, sensitive, and species-specific detection of dermatophytes in calves at auction markets displaying skin lesions typical for ringworm; this seems to be predominantly caused by a single Trichophyton verrucosum strain.

Diversity of Staphylococcus aureus associated with mastitis from dairy cows in Rwanda.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to examine the diversity of Staphylococcus aureus from mastitis milk samples of cows in Rwanda. METHODS: A total of 1080 quarter milk samples from 279 dairy cows were collected in 80 different farms from all five provinces of Rwanda. In total, 135 S. aureus isolates were obtained and subjected to genotyping (spa typing, DNA microarray, whole-genome sequencing (WGS)), antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and phenotypic profiling by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy (including capsular serotyping). RESULTS: Resistance to penicillin and/or tetracycline was most frequently observed. Ten sequence types (STs) (ST1, ST151, ST152, ST5477, ST700, ST7110, ST7983, ST7984, ST8320, ST97) belonging to seven clonal complexes (CCs) (CC1, CC130, CC152, CC3591, CC3666, CC705, CC97) were detected. The Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes (lukF-PV/lukS-PV), the bovine leukocidin genes (lukM/lukF-P83) and the human and bovine toxic shock syndrome toxin gene tst-1 variants were detected. FTIR-based capsular serotyping showed CC-specific differences. Most CC97 (cap5 allele) isolates were primarily nonencapsulated (82%), whereas isolates of CC3591 and CC3666 (cap8 allele) were mostly encapsulated (86.4% and 57.8%, respectively). Our results underline the widespread global distribution of cattle-adapted CC97. CONCLUSION: The presence of CC3591 and CC3666 in bovine mastitis suggests an important role in cattle health and dairy production in Rwanda. The results of the present study support the need for a rigorous One-Health Surveillance program of the bovine-human interface.

First isolation and genotyping of pathogenic Leptospira spp. from Austria.

Leptospirosis is a globally distributed zoonotic disease. The standard serological test, known as Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT), requires the use of live Leptospira strains. To enhance its sensitivity and specificity, the usage of locally circulating strains is recommended. However, to date, no local strain is available from Austria. This study aimed to isolate circulating Leptospira strains from cattle in Austria to enhance the performances of the routine serological test for both humans and animals. We used a statistical approach combined with a comprehensive literature search to profile cattle with greater risk of leptospirosis infection and implemented a targeted sampling between November 2021 and October 2022. Urine and/or kidney tissue were sampled from 410 cattle considered at higher risk of infection. Samples were inoculated into EMJH-STAFF culture media within 2-6 h and a real-time PCR targeting the lipL32 gene was used to confirm the presence/absence of pathogenic Leptospira in each sample. Isolates were further characterised by core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST). Nine out of 429 samples tested positive by PCR, from which three isolates were successfully cultured and identified as Leptospira borgpetersenii serogroup Sejroe serovar Hardjobovis, cgMLST cluster 40. This is the first report on the isolation and genotyping of local zoonotic Leptospira in Austria, which holds the potential for a significant improvement in diagnostic performance in the country. Although the local strain was identified as a cattle-adapted serovar, it possesses significant zoonotic implications. Furthermore, this study contributes to a better understanding of the epidemiology of leptospirosis in Europe.

Comparison of metrics to assess antibiotic use in small ruminants at a university referral clinic between 2005 and 2019.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring antibiotic use is essential to provide a framework enabling veterinarians to use antibiotics prudently. METHODS: Electronic medical records from the University of Veterinary Medicine's Clinic for Ruminants in Vienna were analysed with respect to sheep and goat antibiotic doses administered over a 15-year period (2005-2019). Antibiotic use was assessed using total milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), total milligrams, number of doses administered, defined daily doses (DDD) for cattle and estimated DDD for sheep. RESULTS: A total of 5113 antibiotic doses were recorded over the 15-year period. Urinary tract disorders required the highest number of doses administered per animal (mean 16.9; median 16.0). Antibiotic use patterns varied according to the metrics used for analysis. By mg/kg, the largest proportion of antibiotics administered were penicillin/streptomycin (43.0% of the total mg/kg), followed by tetracyclines (17.3%) and sulphonamide/trimethoprim combinations (15.2%). By number of doses administered, the most frequently used antibiotics were penicillins (excluding combinations with streptomycin) (33.9% of total number of doses administered), fluoroquinolones (25.1%), third/fourth-generation cephalosporins (13.6%) and penicillin/streptomycin (13.4%). LIMITATIONS: As the university clinic was a city-based referral centre, this analysis cannot be compared directly with antibiotic use in commercial herds or flocks. CONCLUSIONS: The considered choice of antibiotic use metrics is essential for an effective and meaningful analysis of the responsible use of antibiotics by veterinarians in practice.

Diversity of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from nares of ruminants.

AIMS: To examine the diversity of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from nasal swabs of ruminants in Rwanda. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 454 nasal swabs from 203 cows, 170 goats, and 81 sheep were examined for the presence of S. aureus, and 30 S. aureus isolates were detected and characterized pheno- and genotypically. Resistance to penicillin and/or tetracycline was observed. The isolates were assigned to eight different spa types (t21057 (novel), t10103, t18853, t20842, t318, t355, t458, and t9432) belonging to six clonal complexes (CCs) (CC152, CC30, CC3591, CC3666, CC522, and CC97). Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes (lukF-PV/lukS-PV), the bovine leukocidin genes (lukM/lukF-P83), and the human and bovine variants of the toxic shock syndrome toxin gene tst-1 variants were detected. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that the nares of ruminants in Rwanda are colonized with mastitis-associated S. aureus, including lineages that are also carried by humans, underscoring the zoonotic risk, especially for livestock keepers. These results highlight the crucial importance of hygiene measures when handling livestock.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Clinical Scoring and Lung Ultrasonography to Assess Pulmonary Lesions in Veal Calves.

This study on veal calf respiratory disease assessed the association between an on-farm clinical scoring system and lung ultrasonography with the postmortem inspection of the lungs. The comparisons allowed the calculation of predictive values of the diagnostic methods. In total, 600 calves on an Austrian veal calf farm were examined at the beginning and the end of the fattening period. Overall, the area under the curve (AUC) for ultrasonographic scores was 0.90 (rsp = 0.78) with a sensitivity (Se) of 0.86. The specificity (Sp) was 0.78, and the positive predictive value (PPV) was 0.74. The AUC for the physical examination was 0.76 (rsp = 0.55) with a Se of 0.64, an Sp of 0.81, and a PPV of 0.69. For the combination of ultrasonography and physical examination, an AUC curve of 0.85 (rsp = 0.69) was calculated. A Se of 0.65 and a Sp of 0.88 with a PPV of 0.73 was calculated. This study concluded that both physical and ultrasonographic examination scoring are reliable examination methods for the detection of lung diseases in veal calves.

Correlation of Faecal Egg Counts with Clinical Parameters and Agreement between Different Raters Assessing FAMACHA©, BCS and Dag Score in Austrian Dairy Sheep.

Gastrointestinal nematodes, most notably trichostrongylids, are known to cause significant losses in sheep production. Previous studies have shown that monitoring parameters (e.g., FAMACHA©, BCS, dag score) change with increasing egg excretion. These parameters are well known and frequently used for targeted selective treatment. Based on the willingness to participate in this study (based on a previous questionnaire distribution among sheep farmers in Austria) we investigated the associations between faecal egg counts and the FAMACHA©, BCS, and dag scores of 1195 dairy ewes. Faecal samples were analysed using the Mini-FLOTAC technique I and larval culture. Three raters assessed the FAMACHA©, BCS, and dag scores in sheep to calculate the inter-rater agreement and intraclass correlation coefficient. The responses to the questionnaire of 23 farms were used for the evaluation, of which 16 farms were visited. Trichostrongylid eggs were detected in 95% of the faecal samples. The BCS was negatively correlated with the eggs per gram of faeces (EpG) (r = -0.156; p < 0.001) and the FAMACHA© score was slightly positively correlated with EpG (r = 0.196; p < 0.001). A small proportion of sheep (25%) shed the majority of eggs (47% to 84%). A moderate to good agreement for the parameters was found between the raters. In conclusion, the clinical parameters showed only weak correlations with faecal egg counts, and we confirmed that a minority of the flock is responsible for the majority of the pasture contamination with trichostrongylid eggs. Clinical raters should be trained before a study to increase the agreement between them.

Most common diagnoses and antibiotics used in South American Camelid patients at a university clinic in Austria.

Knowledge of common diseases and their treatment in minor species, such as llamas and alpacas, is growing, but frequently drugs are not licensed in these species. Our aim was to evaluate frequent diagnoses and commonly applied antibiotics in patients of a university clinic with a particular focus on EMA Category B antibiotics, which are critically important for human health. We retrospectively analyzed anonymized patient records between 2005 and 2019 regarding the causes for antibiotic treatment and choice of antibiotic substance. The most frequent indications for antibiotic treatment were diseases of the digestive tract and perioperative prophylaxis for castrations. The number of applications of EMA Category B antibiotics initially increased with the number of patients treated, then remained stable, while the use of Category D drugs increased over time. Most Category B antibiotics were used for diseases of crias and diseases of the digestive tract, primarily dental disease. The use of EMA Category B antibiotics cannot be completely avoided based on the types of cases treated. However, antibiotic stewardship guidelines should be followed wherever possible.

Factors Associated with Colostrum Quality, the Failure of Transfer of Passive Immunity, and the Impact on Calf Health in the First Three Weeks of Life.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate factors associated with colostrum quality and FTPI in calves from dairy farms in Austria and to assess the associations between disease occurrence and FTPI in calves. In total, 250 calves and their colostrum samples originating from 11 dairy farms were included in the study. All calves born between September 2021 and September 2022 were included. Blood samples were collected between the third and the sixth day of age. The farmers were trained in disease detection and recorded any health events within the first three weeks of age daily. Multiparous cows (>3 lactation) and colostrum harvesting within the first 2 hours after parturition were significantly associated with good colostrum quality (>22% Brix). Colostrum quantity (≥2 L) and quality (≥22% Brix) acted as protective factors against FTPI (serum Brix ≥ 8.4%) with odds ratios of OR = 0.41 and OR = 0.26, respectively. Calves facing any health event (diarrhea, navel illness, bovine respiratory disease, abnormal behavior) in the first three weeks of life had a higher probability of FTPI. Calves exhibiting diarrhea in the first 3 weeks of life were associated with having FTPI (OR = 2.69). The results confirm the current recommendations for good colostrum management practices and the impact of FTPI on calf morbidity.

Assessment of Herd, Calf, and Colostrum Management Practices on Austrian Dairy Farms Using a Scoring System.

The objectives of the study were to describe colostrum management on Austrian dairy farms and to explore differences between regions (alpine/flatlands), organic and conventional producing farms, and full-time or part-time operated farms. An online survey (24 questions) on general farm characteristics and herd and calf management was sent to 16,246 farmers. In total, 2328 farmers (response rate 14.3%) answered the questionnaire. To allow an objective comparison, a scoring system was implemented. Farm size is, on average, smaller in the alpine regions than in the foothills/flatlands regions of Austria. Small farms were more often organic-producing farms (81.6%) and operated part-time (93.8%). In foothills/flatland regions, 70.0% of farms have a separate calving area, and in the alpine regions, it is solely 42.8%. Colostrum testing is still mostly done by visual appraisal (63.7%); only a few farmers use a colostrometer (8.8%), brix-refractometer (18.3%), or ColostroCheck® (9.2%, a cone-shaped device to rate the flow velocity of colostrum). The results of the present study using the scoring system showed differences in herd and calf management practices in all sectors. In the future, the findings and especially the scoring system can support Austrian dairy farmers or veterinarians to better assess areas of improvement on farms in order to prevent calves from suffering from Failure of Transfer of Passive Immunity.

Evaluation of an immunochromatographic point-of-care test for the detection of failure of transfer of passive immunity in calves.

BACKGROUND: As calves are born without circulating immunoglobulin G (IgG) they depend on transfer of passive immunity via colostrum within the first hours of life. If calves are not sufficiently supplied with high qualitative colostrum they suffer from Failure of Transfer of Passive Immunity (FTPI). The objectives of this study were to evaluate a calf-side point-of-care test to detect calves with FTPI and to evaluate the cut-offs for a positive test result. Two hundred fifty calves from 11 dairy farms (born between September 2021 and September 2022) were included, whereof 23 were excluded due to incomplete data. Twelve to 16 h post partum the farmers carried out a point-of-care test (FASTest® IgG bovine, Megacor, Austria) using a whole blood sample. Between the 3rd and the 6th day of age, all calves were physically examined and blood samples were collected to carry out further point-of-care tests using whole blood supernatant and plasma and for measuring the Brix values in serum and plasma. Brix values in serum were used as reference for the evaluation of the point-of-care test between the 3rd and the 6th day of age, as radial immunodiffusion assays could not be conducted simultaneously. RESULTS: Brix values were not normally distributed (median at 8.6% and 9.3% in serum and plasma). In this study, the cut-off values for the point-of-care tests using whole blood supernatant and plasma were at 8.3% Brix in serum. FASTest® IgG bovine shows high sensitivities of 90% and 84% and specificities of 70% and 72% for whole blood supernatant and plasma. CONCLUSIONS: Of the 227 investigated calves, 39.7% showed Brix values of < 8.4% (cut-off for FTPI) which indicates an urgent need to improve colostrum management. The results of the study suggest that the FASTest® IgG bovine is a suitable on-farm method to assess FTPI in whole blood supernatant and plasma of calves between the 3rd and the 6th day of age. However, the results also show that FASTest® IgG bovine is not adequate to test for FTPI using whole blood at 12 to 16 h post partum.

[Diagnostic procedures and treatment of a ventromedial coxofemoral luxation in sheep - Surgery and open reposition of a ventromedial coxofemoral luxation with a toggle-pin and iliofemoral sling fixation]. / Diagnostik und Therapie bei der Hüftgelenksluxation des Schafes.

A 2.5-year-old female Valais black-nosed sheep was referred to the University Clinic for Ruminants at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, with a history of sudden lameness after shearing. The sheep showed a moderate mixed lameness of the right hind limb, the hip joint area was painful on palpation; the pelvic limb was presented as stretched as possible. After the clinical examination, the suspected diagnosis of a right-sided hip joint dislocation was made, which was subsequently confirmed radiologically (luxatio ossis femoris dextra to caudoventral and medial). An open, manual reposition was performed under general anesthesia. A toggle pin was used as a prosthetic ligament replacement for the femoral head ligament, further stabilization was achieved by means of an iliofemoral loop fixation within the fascia of the gluteal muscles.The movement possibilities of the sheep during the postoperative healing phase were severely restricted and 8 weeks of stall rest were ensured. The healing process was uncomplicated. Telephone enquiry 6 months following the surgical intervention revealed that the sheep was free of lameness, kept up with the herd, and displayed a normal general condition.The success of surgery and the use of the procedure in livestock practice is limited by the necessity of rapid intervention after the trauma has occurred, the willingness of the animal owner to bear the costs associated with the operation under general anesthesia as well as to ensure the long post-operative follow-up care with controlled restriction of movement.

A systematic review on leptospirosis in cattle: A European perspective.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease which is globally distributed and represents a classic One Health issue that demands a comprehensive understanding of the hosts, transmission paths, and risk factors of transmission. Bovine leptospirosis often results in economic losses through its severe impact on reproduction performance while it threatens human health at human-cattle-environment interfaces. However, a clear analysis of the disease characteristics in European cattle is currently lacking. The objective of this review was to summarise the current knowledge on the epidemiology of bovine leptospirosis in Europe. We conducted a systematic literature review, screening four electronic databases, and filtered articles published between 2001 and 2021, in English, German, and French. Sixty-two articles were ultimately included in the review. The seroprevalence of leptospirosis in cattle was remarkably variable among studies, probably reflecting local variations but also heterogeneity in the study designs, laboratory methods, and sample sizes. Risk factors positively associated with the disease were diverse, related to local, environmental, and climatic parameters as well as farming practices. The most reported circulating Leptospira serogroups in European cattle were Sejroe (58.5%), Australis (41.5%), Grippotyphosa (41.5%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (37.7%), and Pomona (26.4%), which have also been associated with human infections worldwide. Abortion (58.6%) and fertility disorders (24.1%) were the most frequently reported signs of leptospirosis in European cattle and were generally associated with chronic infections. This work highlights several research gaps, including a lack of harmonisation in diagnostic methods, a lack of large-scale studies, and a lack of molecular investigations. Given that predictions regarding the climatic suitability for leptospirosis in Europe suggest an increase of leptospirosis risk it is important to raise awareness among stakeholders and motivate an integrated One Health approach to the prevention and control of this zoonotic disease in cattle and humans.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi in fecal samples from calves and cows in Austria.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an obligate intracellular pathogen that infects livestock, companion animals, and wildlife and has the potential to cause severe diarrhea especially in immunocompromised humans. In the underlying study, fecal samples from 177 calves with diarrhea and 174 adult cows originating from 70 and 18 farms, respectively, in Austria were examined for the presence of E. bieneusi by polymerase chain reaction targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) region. All positive samples were further sequenced for genotype determination. Overall, sixteen of the 351 (4.6%) samples were positive for E. bieneusi, two of the 174 samples from cows (1.2%) and 14 of the 177 samples from calves (7.9%). In total, four genotypes, J (n = 2), I (n = 12), BEB4 (n = 3), and BEB8 (n = 1), were identified. The uncorrected p-distance between the four ITS1 lineages (344 bp) ranges from 0.3% to 2.9%. The lineages differ by 1 bp (I and J), 2 bp (J and BEB4), and 3 bp (I and BEB4), respectively, and BEB8 differs by 7 to 10 bp from the latter three lineages. Two of the E. bieneusi-positive calves showed an infection with two different genotypes. E. bieneusi occurred significantly more often in calves > 3 weeks (8/59) than in calves ≤ 3 weeks (6/118), respectively (p = 0.049). Calves with a known history of antimicrobial treatment (50 of 177 calves) shed E. bieneusi significantly more often than untreated calves (p = 0.012). There was no statistically significant difference in E. bieneusi shedding in calves with or without a medical history of antiparasitic treatment (p = 0.881). Calves showing a co-infection with Eimeria spp. shed E. bieneusi significantly more often than uninfected calves (p = 0.003). To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. bieneusi in cattle in Austria. Cattle should be considered as a reservoir for human infection since potentially zoonotic E. bieneusi genotypes were detected.

Haemonchosis in Sheep and Goats, Control Strategies and Development of Vaccines against Haemonchus contortus.

The evolutionary success of parasitic worms causes significant economic losses and animal health problems, including in the small ruminant industry. The hematophagous nematode Haemonchus contortus is a common endoparasite that infects wild and domestic ruminants worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. To date, the most commonly applied control strategy is the administration of anthelminthic drugs. The main disadvantages of these chemicals are their ecotoxic effects, the necessary withdrawal period (especially important in dairy animals) and the increasing development of resistance. Vaccines offer an attractive alternative control strategy against Haemonchus infections. In previous years, several potential vaccine antigens prepared from H. contortus using the latest technologies have been assessed in clinical trials using different methods and strategies. This review highlights the current state of knowledge on anti-H. contortus vaccines (covering native, recombinant and DNA-based vaccines), including an evaluation, as well a discussion of the challenges and achievements in developing protective, efficient, and long-lasting vaccines to control H. contortus infection and haemonchosis in small ruminants. This paper also addresses novel developments tackling the challenge of glycosylation of putative candidates in recombinant form.

Associations between Animal Welfare Indicators and Animal-Related Factors of Slaughter Cattle in Austria.

Three cattle welfare indicators (lameness, dirtiness, and abomasal disorders) were evaluated in 412 slaughter cattle in a cross-sectional study in Austria. The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the prevalence of lameness, dirtiness of slaughter cattle, and abomasal disorders; and (2) to determine the association between these welfare indicators and animal-related factors (e.g., housing type, carcass weight, transportation and waiting duration of the animals). The lameness prevalence was 0.73%, the abomasal disorders prevalence was 52.43%, and 88.59% of all cattle were contaminated. The latter result indicates that the cattle were kept in a dirty environment. The occurrence of abomasal disorders was associated with cattle housing systems (p ≤ 0.00) and slaughter weight (p = 0.03). The odds for abomasal disorders were 28.0 times higher for cattle housed on slatted flooring compared to cattle kept in a tethered system. The chance for occurrence of abomasal disorders was 3.6 times higher for cattle with a low carcass weight compared to cattle with a high carcass weight. Furthermore, significant associations were found between dirtiness (also referred to as cleanliness or contamination) and husbandry system, sex, and breed. Cattle housed in deep litter boxes had 40.8 times higher odds of being contaminated compared to cattle in a tethered housing system. Cows (odds: 32.9) and heifers (odds: 4.4) had higher odds of being contaminated with feces compared to bulls, whereby female calves (odds: 0.09) and male calves (odds: 0.02) had significantly lower odds of being contaminated. Furthermore, the breeds Brown Swiss (odds: 0.26) and Holstein-Friesian (odds: 0.14) had a significantly lower chance of being contaminated compared to Simmental cattle. Other collected factors, such as production system, transportation duration, life days of the cattle, average daily weight gain, carcass classification, and fat coverage, showed no association with the collected welfare indicators. The study presented here indicates that welfare indicators evaluated for slaughter cattle are suitable to assess cattle welfare, and improvements in husbandry may positively impact both the abomasal physiology and cleanliness of cattle.

Secretory protein beta-lactoglobulin in cattle stable dust may contribute to the allergy-protective farm effect.

BACKGROUND: Growing up on a cattle farm and consuming raw cow's milk protects against asthma and allergies. We expect a cattle-specific protein as active component in this farm effect. METHODS: Dust was collected from cattle and poultry stables and from mattresses of households. Urine was obtained from cattle, and ambient aerosols were sampled. Samples were analysed for BLG by SDS PAGE/immunoblot and mass spectrometry, and for association with metals by SEC-ICP-MS. PBMC of healthy donors were incubated with BLG +/- zinc, and proliferation and cytokines determined. BALB/c mice were pre-treated intranasally with stable dust extract containing BLG or depleted of BLG, and subsequent allergy response after sensitization was evaluated on antibody and symptom level. RESULTS: A major protein in dust from cattle farms and ambient air was identified as BLG. Urine from female and male cattle is a major source of BLG. In dust samples, BLG was associated with zinc. In vitro, zinc-BLG provoked significantly lower proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ cells while inducing significantly higher levels of IFN-γ and IL-6 than the apo-BLG devoid of zinc. In vivo, pre-treatment of mice with dust extract containing BLG resulted in lower allergy symptom scores to BLG and unrelated Bet v 1 than pre-treatment with extract depleted of BLG. These in vitro and in vivo effects were independent of endotoxin. CONCLUSION: The lipocalin BLG is found in large amounts in cattle urine, accumulates in bovine dust samples and is aerosolized around farms. Its association with zinc favorably shapes the human cellular immune response towards Th1-cytokines in vitro. BLG together with zinc in stable dust protects mice from allergic sensitization. BLG with its associated ligands may in an innate manner contribute to the allergy-protective farm effect.

Immunoglobulin G Concentrations in Alpaca Colostrum during the First Four Days after Parturition.

Colostrum provides the newborn with nutrients and immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulins and their intestinal transfer play a major role in the immune system of neonates since they are born agammaglobulinemic. In this study immunoglobulin G (IgG) content was determined in alpaca colostrum and the correlations of the IgG concentration by fat, protein, lactose and minerals were calculated. Colostrum samples were collected daily from 20 multiparous alpaca mares during the first four days after parturition. The IgG concentrations were determined by radial immunodiffusion using a Camelid IgG Test Kit. The IgG concentration decreased significantly from 26,319 mg/dL on day 1 to 3848.8 mg/dL on day 4. There were significant correlations between IgG concentration and the other components of the colostrum. While the correlations between IgG and fat (r = -0.69, p ≤ 0.001) and lactose (r = -0.64, p ≤ 0.001) were negative, the correlations with protein (r = 0.91, p ≤ 0.001), magnesium (r = 0.86, p ≤ 0.001) and cobalt (r = 0.87, p ≤ 0.001) were strongly positive. Due to the strong association, the colostrum protein concentration could be used for a brief estimation of the IgG content.

Effects of milking, over-milking and vacuum levels on front and rear quarter teats in dairy cows.

Mechanical forces to the teat and vacuum during milking negatively affect teat condition and may result in increased mastitis risk. We compared vacuum levels during milking and over-milking as well as teat condition before and after milking between front and rear teats. We expected that the lower milk yield of the front quarters would result in a longer over-milking and higher vacuum levels in front teats, resulting in morphological differences. The study comprised 540 dairy cows in 41 Austrian dairy farms with conventional milking systems. Before and after milking teats were visually assessed (colour, swelling, rings, hyperkeratosis) and teat dimensions (length, diameter, wall thickness, teat canal length) were measured manually and ultrasonographically. Vacuum measurements were taken using a vacuum measurement device attached to the cluster (short milk tube, pulsation tube and mouth-piece chamber). These various measurements of front and rear teats were compared and a multivariable analysis with backward stepwise procedure was used for inclusion or exclusion from the model. Front teats showed a poorer teat condition and were over-milked for longer in comparison to the rear teats. However, during milking and over-milking the vacuum levels in the mouthpiece chamber were significantly higher at the rear teats. The changes in front teat morphology were only partially caused by milking, over-milking and vacuum levels, with approximately 70% of the variation due to other, undetermined variables. Milking, over-milking and vacuum levels had no or very limited impact on the morphological changes of the rear teats.

Integrating diverse data sources to predict disease risk in dairy cattle-a machine learning approach.

Livestock farming is currently undergoing a digital revolution and becoming increasingly data-driven. Yet, such data often reside in disconnected silos making them impossible to leverage their full potential to improve animal well-being. Here, we introduce a precision livestock farming approach, bringing together information streams from a variety of life domains of dairy cattle to study whether including more and diverse data sources improves the quality of predictions for eight diseases and whether using more complex prediction algorithms can, to some extent, compensate for less diverse data. Using three machine learning approaches of varying complexity (from logistic regression to gradient boosted trees) trained on data from 5,828 animals in 165 herds in Austria, we show that the prediction of lameness, acute and chronic mastitis, anestrus, ovarian cysts, metritis, ketosis (hyperketonemia), and periparturient hypocalcemia (milk fever) from routinely available data gives encouraging results. For example, we can predict lameness with high sensitivity and specificity (F1 = 0.74). An analysis of the importance of individual variables to prediction performance shows that disease in dairy cattle is a product of the complex interplay between a multitude of life domains, such as housing, nutrition, or climate, that including more and diverse data sources increases prediction performance, and that the reuse of existing data can create actionable information for preventive interventions. Our findings pave the way toward data-driven point-of-care interventions and demonstrate the added value of integrating all available data in the dairy industry to improve animal well-being and reduce disease risk.