Checklist-based approach to measure milker behavior before and after training.

So far, evaluation of training initiatives for dairy farm employees has been limited to the reaction and learning level. The effect of training on dairy farm employees' behavior has not been studied yet. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of online training to change employee behavior toward best-practice routines. An interactive training course related to udder health was developed in 5 modules in Spanish and English: (1) collecting an aseptic milk sample, (2) administering intramammary treatment, (3) deciding on salable milk, (4) treating a cow at dry-off with antibiotics, and (5) administering teat sealants. Participants navigated the modules at their own pace or watched a narrated video. Employees were assessed performing 2 procedures related to dry cow treatment (i.e., treating a cow at dry-off with antibiotics, administering internal teat sealant) by using an objective structured clinical examination. If possible, all employees were scored performing the procedure on 2 cows before and within 2 to 3 wk after the training was applied.

Timing of Artificial Insemination Using Sexed or Conventional Semen Based on Automated Activity Monitoring of Estrus in Holstein Heifers.

Investigations on the optimum timing of artificial insemination (AI) following automated activity monitoring (AAM) depending on different types of semen in heifers are limited and in part show controversial results. Therefore, the objective of this observational study was to determine the association between the timing of AI using different characteristics of estrus (i.e., the onset, peak, and end of estrus) and pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in Holstein heifers. Heifers were fitted with a neck-mounted AAM system and inseminated with frozen conventional and sexed semen. The pregnancy per AI (n = 4159) from 2858 heifers from six commercial dairy farms in Germany inseminated upon the alert of an AAM system was evaluated. Estrous intensity was classified based on peak activity into low (35 to 89 index value) and high (90 to 100 index value). We detected a quadratic association between the interval from the onset of estrus to AI and P/AI (p = 0.02). The greatest P/AI was observed for heifers inseminated from 9 to 32 h after the onset of estrus. The intervals from the peak of activity to AI and the end of estrus to AI were not associated with P/AI (p ≥ 0.05). Heifers inseminated with frozen conventional semen (50.1%) had a greater P/AI compared with heifers inseminated with frozen sexed semen (43.3%; p = 0.03). There were no interactions between the intervals from the onset, peak, or end of estrus to AI or the type of semen and the P/AI (p ≥ 0.05). The pregnancy per AI was not associated with estrous intensity (50.5% for low intensity vs. 53.0% for high intensity; p = 0.37). In conclusion, inseminating heifers between 9 and 32 h after the onset of estrus, as detected by the AAM, optimized the P/AI regardless of semen type.

Residue Concentrations of Cloxacillin in Milk after Intramammary Dry Cow Treatment Considering Dry Period Length.

Dry cow treatment with an intramammary antibiotic is recommended to reduce the risk of mastitis at the beginning of the next lactation. The dry period may be shortened unintentionally, affecting antibiotic residue depletion and the time when residues reach concentrations below the maximum residue limit (MRL). The objective of this study was to evaluate residue depletion in milk after dry cow treatment with cloxacillin, considering dry periods of 14 (G14d), 21 (G21d), and 28 d (G28d). Overall, fifteen cows with 60 udder quarters were included in the study. For each cow, three of the udder quarters were treated with 1000 mg cloxacillin benzathine (2:1) on d 252, d 259, and d 266 of gestation; one quarter was left untreated. Milk samples were drawn until 20 DIM and milk composition, somatic cell count and cloxacillin residues were analyzed. The HPLC-MS/MS revealed different excretion kinetics for the compounds cloxacillin and cloxacillin benzathine (1:1). All cows showed a cloxacillin and cloxacillin benzathine (1:1) concentration below the MRL of 30 µg/kg after 5 d. In the udder quarters of G21d and G28d, the cloxacillin concentration was already below the MRL at first milking after calving. The cloxacillin benzathine (1:1) concentration in the milk of G28d, G21d, and G14d fell below 30 µg/kg on the 5th, 3rd, and 5th DIM, respectively. Shortening the dry period affects residue depletion after dry cow treatment with cloxacillin. The risk of exceeding the MRL, however, seems low, even with dry periods shorter than 14 d.

Using an OSCE to Explore the Role of Structured Debriefing and Self-Directed Learning in Simulator-Based Clinical Skill Training in Production Animal Reproductive Medicine.

Self-directed learning is associated with several benefits in simulation-based clinical skill training and can be complemented by feedback in the form of post-event debriefing. In this study, final-year veterinary medicine students (n = 111) were allocated into one of three groups and practiced four clinical skills from the domain of production animal reproductive medicine in a clinical skills laboratory. Group 1 completed an instructor-led practice session (I), group 2 completed a self-directed practice session with post-event debriefing (D), and group 3 completed a self-directed practice session without debriefing (control, C). Each practice session included two clinical skills categorized as being directly patient-related (patient) and two clinical skills involving laboratory diagnostics or assembling equipment (technical). Students evaluated the practice session using Likert-type scales. Two days after practice, 93 students took part in an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Student performance was analyzed for each learning station individually. The percentage of students who passed the OSCE did not differ significantly between the three groups at any learning station. While the examiner had an effect on absolute OSCE scores (%) at one learning station, the percentage of students who passed the OSCE did not differ between examiners. Patient learning stations were more popular with students than technical learning stations, and the percentage of students who passed the OSCE was significantly larger among students who enjoyed practicing at the respective station (90.9%) than among those who did not (77.8%).

Comparison of Immediate Blanket Treatment versus a Delayed Pathogen-Based Treatment Protocol for Clinical Mastitis Using an On-Farm Culture Test at a Commercial German Dairy Farm.

The objective of this study was to compare immediate intramammary antimicrobial treatment of mild and moderate cases of clinical mastitis (CM) with a selective treatment protocol based on on-farm culture results using Accumast®. The study was conducted at a 2600 cow commercial farm in Northeast Germany. Using a randomized design, mild and moderate clinical mastitis cases were assigned to either the blanket therapy (BT) or pathogen-based therapy (SELECT) group. Overall, 468 cases were used for final analyses (BT = 236; SELECT = 232). The percentage of cases assigned to the blanket and pathogen-based groups that received intramammary therapy were 100 and 69.9%, respectively. Implementation of a pathogen-based treatment protocol for mild and moderate CM cases resulted in no significant difference in post-event milk production, somatic cell count, survival to 30 d, and days spent in the hospital compared with a blanket therapy protocol. Cows in the SELECT group had reduced odds of being culled within 60 d post CM (odds ratio = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.31-0.93; p = 0.027). The use of a pathogen-based treatment protocol using an on-farm culture system has the potential to efficiently reduce antimicrobial use without negative effects on health.

Calving Management: A Questionnaire Survey of Veterinary Subject Matter Experts and Non-Experts.

Accurate detection of the onset of parturition is a key factor in the prevention of dystocia. In order to establish current best practice recommendations for calving management, we asked subject matter experts (SME) who had published on calving management (by online survey, n = 80) and non-SMEs, veterinary practitioners (by workshop survey, n = 24) for their opinions. For this, we designed a questionnaire on the significance of signs of imminent parturition (SIP), the frequency of calving observation, and influencing factors for the timing of cow movement to a maternity pen. The response rate was 67.5% in the online survey and 100% in the workshop survey. The majority (89.7%) of all respondents agreed that it is beneficial for successful calving management to differentiate between stage I and II of parturition. Of 12 signs of imminent parturition (for stage I and II), "restlessness" and "visibility of fetal parts in vulva" were cited by 56.5% and 73.3% of SME and non-SME respondents, respectively. There was no consensus on the right time to move the cow to the maternity pen; recommendations varied from one to over 21 days. Almost half of the respondents (45.7%) recommended a 6-h observation interval for prepartum cows in the maternity pen. This study identified a strong consensus on the SIP and how and when to observe cows prior to parturition. SMEs and non-SMEs provided broadly similar recommendations, while the SMEs and the non-SMEs differed significantly in the number of publications on calving they authored, they differed little in their knowledge of calving management.

Plasma concentrations of progesterone in the preceding estrous cycle are associated with the intensity of estrus and fertility of Holstein cows.

The aim of this study was to determine the association between concentrations of progesterone (P4) during previous the estrous cycle with the intensity of spontaneous or estrogen-induced estrous expression and pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI). A total of 1,953 AI events from lactating Holstein cows were used, consisting of 1,289 timed AI events from experiment 1 (Exp. 1) and 664 AI events from experiment 2 (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, cows were bred after a timed AI protocol based on estradiol and P4. In Exp. 2 animals were bred upon spontaneous estrus detection. In both experiments cows were continuously monitored by an automated activity monitor (AAM), in Exp.1 a relative increase of activity was calculated (i.e., percentage of increase activity at estrus compared to cow's baseline activity) and in Exp.2, activity data from each cow were computed into an index value that ranged from 0 to 100. In Exp.2 duration (hours) of estrus were calculated and defined as the total time above the threshold (35 index). The intensity of estrous expression was determined for each event and classified as either high or low intensity using the median of each experiment. Blood samples were collected for P4 analysis in Exp. 1 at -4 d, 0 d, and 7 d relative to timed AI, and in Exp. 2 immediately following estrus (0 d), 7 d, 14 d, and 21 d post-AI. Concentration of P4 was classified as greater or lower according to the median value in each experiment. Cows with lower concentrations of P4 at AI had greater estrous expression in Exp. 1 (363.6 ± 5.2 vs. 275.9 ± 8.0% relative increase) and Exp. 2 (76.7 ± 1.9 vs. 67.4 ± 4.7 index; and 12.5 ± 0.5 vs. 9.3 ± 1.8 hours). Cows with a greater intensity of estrous expression at timed AI had greater concentrations of P4 at -4 d than cows with lower intensity estrus or no estrous expression (4.6 ± 0.2 vs. 3.6 ± 0.2 vs. 3.7 ± 0.2 ng/mL). Cows with greater concentrations of P4 at -4 d had greater P/AI (32.8 ± 4.4 vs. 22.4 ± 4.5%), whereas cows with lesser concentrations of P4 at d0 for either timed AI (35.2 ± 3.4 vs. 19.6 ± 4.6%) or spontaneous estrus (31.8 ± 2.8 vs. 23.4 ± 3.2%) had greater P/AI. Cows with greater concentrations of P4 7 d post-timed AI had greater P/AI compared with cows that had lower concentration of P4 (39.1 ± 2.9 vs. 24.7 ± 2.6%). Similarly, cows that had lower concentrations of P4 at 7 d, 14 d and 21 d post-spontaneous estrus tended to have lower P/AI when compared with cows with greater concentrations of P4. Overall, concentrations of P4 prior to and at AI were associated with greater estrous intensity and P/AI at both spontaneous and timed AI events.

Examining the Role of Structured Debriefing in Simulator-Based Clinical Skills Training for Namibian Veterinary Students: A Pilot Study.

Post-event debriefing has been described as an effective tool in improving learning achievements in simulator-based teaching. This article examines the effect of structured post-event debriefing sessions in simulator-based veterinary clinical skills training. Nineteen Namibian veterinary students took part in instructor-led practice, self-directed practice with structured post-event debriefing and self-directed practice without debriefing (control) at three different learning stations in a veterinary clinical skills laboratory. Students evaluated their practice experience using Likert-type scales, and learning achievements were assessed using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). The results show that the choice of practice model had no significant effect on learning achievements overall. However, at individual learning stations, different practice models showed significant differences regarding effect on learning achievements. Students generally preferred practice sessions with some form of instructor involvement but the importance of instructor guidance was rated differently at each individual learning station.

Comparison of Self-Directed and Instructor-Led Practice Sessions for Teaching Clinical Skills in Food Animal Reproductive Medicine.

While the use of simulator-based clinical skill training has become increasingly popular in veterinary education in recent years, little research has been done regarding optimal implementation of such tools to maximize student learning in veterinary curricula. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of supervised and unsupervised deliberate practice on clinical skills development in veterinary medicine students. A total of 150 veterinary students took part in instructor-led practice (supervised) or self-directed practice (unsupervised) at a selection of four learning stations in a veterinary skills laboratory. Each learning station consisted of a teaching simulator, materials required to complete the task, and a standard operating procedure detailing how to execute the task. Students used Likert scales to self-evaluate their clinical skills before and after practice sessions, in addition to evaluating their motivation to practice a given task. An objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) was used to compare participants' clinical skills performance between learning stations. We were able to show that practice had a significant positive effect on OSCE scores at three out of six available learning stations. Motivation ratings varied between learning stations and were positively correlated with an increase in self-perceived clinical skills. At an instructor-to-student ratio of approximately 1:8, supervision had no effect on OSCE scores at four out of six learning stations. At the remaining two learning stations, self-directed practice resulted in better learning outcomes than instructor-led practice.

Luteal Presence and Ovarian Response at the Beginning of a Timed Artificial Insemination Protocol for Lactating Dairy Cows Affect Fertility: A Meta-Analysis.

Progesterone (P4) concentration during follicular growth has a major impact on fertility response in timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocols. Luteal presence at the beginning of a TAI protocol and ovarian response after the first gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection (G1) affect P4 concentration and subsequently pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI). A systematic review of the literature and meta-analytical assessment was performed with the objective of evaluating the magnitude of the effect of luteal presence and ovarian response at the beginning of a TAI protocol on P/AI in lactating dairy cows. We considered only studies using synchronisation protocols consisting of GnRH and prostaglandin F 2α. The time interval between G1 and prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α) had to range from 5 to 7 d. The time interval between the PGF 2α injection and G2 had to range from 48 to 72 h. We used 28 controlled experiments from 27 published manuscripts including 16,489 cows with the objective of evaluating the effect size of having a functional corpus luteum (CL) at G1 on P/AI. Information regarding ovulatory response after G1 was available for 5676 cows. In a subset of cows (n = 4291), information was available for luteal presence and ovulatory response at the initiation of the TAI protocol. A functional CL at G1 increased (p < 0.001) the relative risk of conceiving (RR (relative risk) = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.21-1.45) in lactating dairy cows. Ovulation after G1 increased (p < 0.001) the relative risk of conceiving (RR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.20-1.38) in lactating dairy cows. The effect of ovulatory response on P/AI after G1 was affected by luteal presence at G1. In summary, there was a clear benefit on P/AI for cows starting a TAI protocol with a functional CL (+10.5 percentage units) and cows ovulating at the beginning of a TAI protocol (+11.0 percentage units).

Residue concentration of cefquinome taking into account different milk fractions and comparing the performance of two screening tests.

This Research Communication describes the residue concentration of a dry cow antibiotic in two different milk fractions and describes effects of milk fraction and milk composition on the test performance of a rapid screening and a microbial inhibitor test. Thirteen dry cows were treated with an intramammary dry cow antibiotic containing 150 mg cefquinome. Quarter foremilk and stripping samples were collected on the first 10 d postpartum. All milk samples were analyzed for milk composition by the local Dairy Herd Improvement Association and were tested for antibiotic residues using the rapid screening test Milchtest BL and the microbial inhibitor test Delvotest BR Brilliant Plates. The residue concentration of cefquinome was determined in foremilk and stripping samples from milkings 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 after calving using high performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry. The logarithm of cefquinome concentration (logCef) was higher in foremilk than in stripping samples and higher in milk samples with lower lactose content. Furthermore, logCef decreased with the number of milkings (P < 0.001). The Milchtest BL was more likely to be not evaluated (i.e. no test and control line or no control line appeared) in stripping samples and milk samples with higher protein content. In the Delvotest BR Brilliant Plates milk samples with higher protein content were more likely to have a false positive result (i.e. the screening test result was positive, but the HPLC-MS/MS result was below the detection limit of the screening test). These results indicate that foremilk is the recommended milk fraction to be tested for residues of cefquinome and that a high protein content can be a cause of test failure and false positive results when milk during the first 10 d postpartum is tested for antibiotic residues using screening tests.

Body temperature of bitches in the first week after parturition measured by ingestible loggers.

The objective of this study was to identify the physiological ranges of body temperature of bitches in the first 7 days after parturition by measurement with ingestible temperature loggers. Twenty bitches swallowed one ingestible temperature logger daily. Bitches were defined to be healthy by spontaneous parturition and leucocyte concentration. Mean core body temperatures of eight healthy bitches were (Mean ± SD) 38.8°C ± 0.40 on day 0 p.p., 38.9°C ± 0.47 on day 1 p.p., 38.9°C ± 0.35 on day 2 p.p. 38.7°C ± 0.31 on day 3 p.p., respectively. In the following days, the three remaining healthy bitches showed mean core body temperatures (Mean ± SD) of 38.8°C ± 0.30 on day 4 p.p., 38.6°C ± 0.35 on day 5 p.p., 38.5°C ± 0.27 on day 6 p.p. and 38.4°C ± 0.34 on day 7 p.p., respectively. Three out of the eight healthy bitches showed temperatures ≥39.5°C. Bitches with leucocytosis showed significant higher mean core body temperatures (39.0°C ± 0.49) than healthy bitches (38.8°C ± 0.39) during the first 3 days after parturition (p < 0.01). We conclude that the physiological ranges of body temperature of healthy bitches in the first days after parturition do not differ from those of healthy dogs in general, while the appearance of short episodes of febrile temperatures seems to be physiological. Puerperal bitches with leucocytosis show higher body temperatures increased by only 0.2°C.

Quantitative analysis of cefquinome considering different matrix compositions of bovine colostrum and raw milk.

A robust liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and comprehensively validated for the quantification of cefquinome considering the changing matrix composition from bovine colostrum to raw milk. Sample preparation consisted of addition of isotopically labeled cefquinome internal standard prior to protein precipitation of 2 g colostrum or milk followed by solid-phase extraction. A wide concentration range from 1 to 5000 ng cefquinome per gram of colostrum or milk was quantified using a 3200 QTRAP tandem mass spectrometer in positive ionization mode with electrospray ionization. Validation was performed according to the European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC guidelines. Matrix-comprehensive in-house validation included analytical limits CCα and CCß, recovery, precision and calibration curves with prediction intervals, storage conditions, and evaluation of robustness based on factorial effect analysis. The detection limit was 0.2 ng cefquinome per gram of colostrum or milk. Recovery was between 98.4 and 99.4% for cefquinome concentrations from 4 to 240 ng/g. None of the investigated validation factors (matrix, storage of extracts, lot of SPE cartridges, and operators) exerted an influence higher than ± 3.2%, indicating that these factors make relatively low contributions to the respective combined measurement uncertainties. The comprehensively validated method enables routine residue control purposes and to monitor the pharmacokinetics of cefquinome in bovine colostrum and raw milk. In particular, residue depletion curves of cefquinome from high concentrations in first milking after treatment to concentrations far below the maximum residue limit can be measured.

Effect of denaverine hydrochloride application to heifers on the APGAR score and lactate concentration in newborn calves.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of Denaverine hydrochloride (DNH) in heifers on calf vitality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 83 calvings with 38 female and 45 male calves were included in the study. Thirty minutes after onset of stage 2 of calving, 400 mg DNH or placebo (0.9% NaCl) were administered subcutaneously. If the calving procedure was not completed after 60 minutes, an extraction was conducted and pulling force was measured by using a digital force gauge. Directly after parturition, vitality of calves was evaluated using a modified APGAR score. Additionally, lactate concentration in blood from Vena auricularis was measured with a handheld measuring device (lactate scout). RESULTS: No effect of treatment was observed on APGAR score and lactate concentration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Denaverine hydrochloride is a regularly used substance in obstetrics in veterinary medicine in many European countries. We could not confirm our hypotheses that treating heifers with DNH has a positive effect on calf vitality evaluated by APGAR score and lactate concentration in blood.

Evaluation of a CAT Database and Expert Appraisal of CATs Developed by Students.

Five steps have been recommended to provide evidence-based patient care: formulating a clinical question, searching for literature, evaluating the validity and applicability of results, implementing results into practice, and assessing if the new evidence has led to improved health care. Students can be trained in these steps by the development of knowledge summaries such as critically appraised topics (CATs). The aim of the present project was the development, use, and evaluation of a German-language CAT database and an appraisal of the quality of CATs developed by students. A total of 153 fifth-year veterinary medical students (in 21 groups) were enrolled in the project. Each group developed a CAT and most students participated in a survey. To learn more about the quality of the CATs, we asked experts to appraise the texts written by the students. The CATs were indexed with key words and assigned to specific fields corresponding to the European Colleges of Veterinary Specialisation. Currently, 57 CATs have been developed. The majority of students stated that writing CATs is a good exercise and that "it is important to teach the assessment of scientific information." In total, 13 experts completed the questionnaires, out of which 9 graded the CAT they appraised as good. In addition to English-language CAT databases, German tools should also be available for students and practitioners.

Odor Perception by Dogs: Evaluating Two Training Approaches for Odor Learning of Sniffer Dogs.

In this study, a standardized experimental set-up with various combinations of herbs as odor sources was designed. Two training approaches for sniffer dogs were compared; first, training with a pure reference odor, and second, training with a variety of odor mixtures with the target odor as a common denominator. The ability of the dogs to identify the target odor in a new context was tested. Six different herbs (basil, St. John's wort, dandelion, marjoram, parsley, ribwort) were chosen to produce reference materials in various mixtures with (positive) and without (negative) chamomile as the target odor source. The dogs were trained to show 1 of 2 different behaviors, 1 for the positive, and 1 for the negative sample as a yes/no task. Tests were double blind with one sample presented at a time. In both training approaches, dogs were able to detect chamomile as the target odor in any presented mixture with an average sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 84%. Dogs trained with odor mixture containing the target odor had more correct indications in the transfer task.

Associations of ß-hydroxybutyrate, cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoproteins to non-esterified fatty acids pre- and postpartum.

While laboratory tests for measuring the concentration of NEFA in serum are well established, a point of care test to determine NEFA on farm is not available. Several hand-held measuring devices, however, have been validated for measuring ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) in cattle or cholesterol, triglycerides (TAG), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in human medicine, respectively. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between NEFA and different parameters related to lipid metabolism. Specifically, we set out to determine if it is feasible to predict the concentration of NEFA by means of surrogate measures. The concentration of BHBA was determined by a hand-held device evaluated for use in cows, whereas the concentrations of the other parameters were determined by laboratory analysis because hand-held devices for cholesterol, TAG and HDL are only evaluated for human medicine so far. A total of 254 cows were included in the trial. One blood sample was taken from each cow between d 10 and d 1 prepartum. Second and third samples were collected on d 2 and d 10 postpartum, respectively. The coefficients of correlation between parameters were calculated and a receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis has been used. The prediction of NEFA concentrations using only one of the parameters was insufficient. However, a NEFA concentration ≥0·5 mEq/l could be predicted with a high sensitivity (i.e. Se = 0·88) and specificity (i.e. Sp = 0·93) from d 3 to d 1 prepartum and a NEFA concentration ≥0·7 mEq/l could be reliably predicted on d 2 postpartum (i.e. AUC = 0·89, Se = 0·89, Sp = 0·76) when using a combination of BHBA, cholesterol and TAG as surrogates. Overall, our results suggest that a combination of different parameters of lipid metabolism could be used as surrogates for NEFA.

Lying behaviour and IgG-levels of newborn calves after feeding colostrum via tube and nipple bottle feeding.

Oesophageal tube feeding colostrum is used to ensure sufficient colostrum intake in newborn calves but the impact of tube feeding on animal behaviour is unclear. Therefore the objective of this study was to compare lying behaviour of tube-fed or bottle-fed dairy calves. Calves (n = 37) in 3 groups were offered 3·5 l colostrum 2 h after birth. Calves of the bottle group were fed with a nipple bottle. Calves of the placebo tubing group were tubed for 4 min but no colostrum was given and they were then fed with a nipple bottle. Calves of the tubing group received 3·5 l colostrum via tube feeding. Consumed amount of bottle and placebo tubing calves was recorded. If they refused some of the offered 3·5 l the rest was offered in a second feeding 2 h later. Lying behaviour was measured by data loggers fitted to right hind leg for 3 d. Blood samples were taken 24 h after birth for determination of IgG concentration. The voluntary colostrum intake differed significantly between bottle-fed and placebo tubed calves at first feeding. Considering both colostrum feedings, bottle-fed calves consumed 3·44 ± 0·14 l and placebo tubed calves consumed 3·20 ± 0·38 l colostrum. ImmunoglobulinG intake (255·6 ± 77·5 g IgG), serum IgG concentration 24 h after birth (22·8 ± 6·7 g/l) and total serum protein concentration (6·1 ± 0·6 g/dl) did not differ between groups. None of the calves had a failure of passive transfer. There was no effect of tubing on lying behaviour.

Measurement of heat stress conditions at cow level and comparison to climate conditions at stationary locations inside a dairy barn.

The objectives of this study were to examine heat stress conditions at cow level and to investigate the relationship to the climate conditions at 5 different stationary locations inside a dairy barn. In addition, we compared the climate conditions at cow level between primiparous and multiparous cows for a period of 1 week after regrouping. The temperature-humidity index (THI) differed significantly between all stationary loggers. The lowest THI was measured at the window logger in the experimental stall and the highest THI was measured at the central logger in the experimental stall. The THI at the mobile cow loggers was 2·33 THI points higher than at the stationary loggers. Furthermore, the mean daily THI was higher at the mobile cow loggers than at the stationary loggers on all experimental days. The THI in the experimental pen was 0·44 THI points lower when the experimental cow group was located inside the milking parlour. The THI measured at the mobile cow loggers was 1·63 THI points higher when the experimental cow group was located inside the milking parlour. However, there was no significant difference for all climate variables between primiparous and multiparous cows. These results indicate, there is a wide range of climate conditions inside a dairy barn and especially areas with a great distance to a fresh air supply have an increased risk for the occurrence of heat stress conditions. Furthermore, the heat stress conditions are even higher at cow level and cows not only influence their climatic environment, but also generate microclimates within different locations inside the barn. Therefore climate conditions should be obtained at cow level to evaluate the heat stress conditions that dairy cows are actually exposed to.

Use and future of wiki systems in veterinary education?--A survey of lecturers in German-speaking countries.

OBJECTIVES: Wiki systems are becoming increasingly important in university teaching. Not much is known about the opinion of lecturers of veterinary medicine regarding the active participation of students in teaching, their opinion on wiki systems and their motivation to use them in courses and to improve the quality of information. The objective of the present study was to evaluate how lecturers of veterinary medicine estimate learning management systems and the production of text or material by students in courses, if they rate wiki systems as an appropriate tool for teaching, if they would use wiki systems for their courses and if they are willing to improve the quality of information. METHODS: The data collection was carried out as an online survey using a five-point Likert scale. Lecturers of veterinary medicine in Germany, Austria and Switzerland were contacted (n=approx. 1700) out of which 139 completed (8.2%) the survey. RESULTS: Most lecturers use LMS and consider it to be suitable for providing course material. Half of all respondents indicated that they believe that students achieve greater learning success by developing their own learning material. In courses 23.0% of their students develop own materials. The majority of lecturers considered wiki systems as an appropriate and complementary tool for teaching (53.6%). A collection of wiki articles is seen as useful (56.6%), particularly when experts review the contents. One third of the lecturers would use wiki systems for the creation of material by students, but 82.5% have not yet used them in teaching. One third is willing to participate in the review of articles with regard to their quality. CONCLUSION: The results show that many lecturers are willing to use veterinary wiki systems and that they regard them useful for teaching. According to the opinion of the majority of lecturers, the creation of material by students can lead to greater learning success and wiki systems are suitable for this purpose. We are about to develop strategies to support the implementation of wiki systems into veterinary education and a peer review system supported by lecturers. In a further project the actual learning success provided by the active use of wiki-systems by students will be evaluated.