Machine learning approaches to predict and detect early-onset of digital dermatitis in dairy cows using sensor data.

The present study aimed to employ machine learning algorithms based on sensor behavior data for (1) early-onset detection of digital dermatitis (DD) and (2) DD prediction in dairy cows. Our machine learning model, which was based on the Tree-Based Pipeline Optimization Tool (TPOT) automatic machine learning method, for DD detection on day 0 of the appearance of the clinical signs has reached an accuracy of 79% on the test set, while the model for the prediction of DD 2 days prior to the appearance of the first clinical signs, which was a combination of K-means and TPOT, has reached an accuracy of 64%. The proposed machine learning models have the potential to help achieve a real-time automated tool for monitoring and diagnosing DD in lactating dairy cows based on sensor data in conventional dairy barn environments. Our results suggest that alterations in behavioral patterns can be used as inputs in an early warning system for herd management in order to detect variances in the health and wellbeing of individual cows.

A Fixed Cohort Field Study of Gene Expression in Circulating Leukocytes From Dairy Cows With and Without Mastitis.

Specifically designed gene expression studies can be used to prioritize candidate genes and identify novel biomarkers affecting resilience against mastitis and other diseases in dairy cattle. The primary goal of this study was to assess whether specific peripheral leukocyte genes expressed differentially in a previous study of dairy cattle with postpartum disease, also would be expressed differentially in peripheral leukocytes from a diverse set of different dairy cattle with moderate to severe clinical mastitis. Four genes were selected for this study due to their differential expression in a previous transcriptomic analysis of circulating leukocytes from dairy cows with and without evidence of early postpartum disease. An additional 15 genes were included based on their cellular, immunologic, and inflammatory functions associated with resistance and tolerance to mastitis. This fixed cohort study was conducted on a conventional dairy in Washington state. Cows >50 days in milk (DIM) with mastitis (n = 12) were enrolled along with healthy cows (n = 8) selected to match the DIM and lactation numbers of mastitic cows. Blood was collected for a complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemistry, leukocyte isolation, and RNA extraction on the day of enrollment and twice more at 6 to 8-days intervals. Latent class analysis was performed to discriminate healthy vs. mastitic cows and to describe disease resolution. RNA samples were processed by the Primate Diagnostic Services Laboratory (University of Washington, Seattle, WA). Gene expression analysis was performed using the Nanostring System (Nanostring Technologies, Seattle, Washington, USA). Of the four genes (C5AR1, CATHL6, LCN2, and PGLYRP1) with evidence of upregulation in cows with mastitis, three of those genes (CATHL6, LCN2, and PGLYRP1) were investigated due to their previously identified association with postpartum disease. These genes are responsible for immunomodulatory molecules that selectively enhance or alter host innate immune defense mechanisms and modulate pathogen-induced inflammatory responses. Although further research is warranted to explain their functional mechanisms and bioactivity in cattle, our findings suggest that these conserved elements of innate immunity have the potential to bridge disease states and target tissues in diverse dairy populations.

Physiological responses of Holstein calves to hot weather conditions.

The objectives of the study described were to (1) compare environmental temperature-humidity index (THI) with the THI measured within two different calf housing systems and (2) determine how THI affects Holstein heifer calf body temperatures, serum cortisol concentrations, and serum thyroxine concentrations. At 24 to 48 h of age, calves were assigned to one of two individual housing treatments: (1) stalls in a three-sided barn (n = 8) or 2) hutches placed outside (n = 8). Calves were observed until 42 days of age during the summer months. Ambient temperature and relative humidity within housing systems were recorded hourly. Calf body temperatures were measured hourly using devices attached to the underside of each calf's tail. Blood samples were collected at 7, 21, and 42 days of age via jugular venipuncture. Blood serum was analyzed for cortisol and thyroxine concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Overall average THI was higher in hutches than in stalls (P < 0.0001). Calves housed in hutches had higher body temperatures (39 ± 0.18 °C vs 38 ± 0.15 °C, P = 0.005). No differences occurred in serum cortisol concentrations (P = 0.89) but at 21 days of age, calves housed in hutches had higher serum thyroxine concentrations (16.55 ± 0.51 µg/dl vs 13.91 ± 0.54 µg/dl, P = 0.0006) than calves housed in stalls. Although both housing systems in this study were located on the same dairy, calves housed in hutches were exposed to higher THI values, had higher body temperatures, and at 21 days of age had higher serum thyroxine concentrations than calves housed in stalls inside a three-sided barn.

Economic and livestock health impacts of birds on dairies: Evidence from a survey of Washington dairy operators.

The survey described in this research paper aimed to investigate the economic and health impacts of birds on dairies. Birds are common pests on dairies, consuming and contaminating feed intended for cattle. As a result, dairy operators experience increased feed costs and increased pathogen and disease risk. We surveyed dairy operators attending the 2017 Washington Dairy Conference to examine the impact of birds on dairies in Washington State. Dairy operators reported feed losses valued at $55 per cow resulting in annual losses totaling $5.5 million in the Western region of the state and $9.2 million in the Eastern region of the state. Shooting was the most commonly used bird management method and European starlings (Sternus vulgaris) were the most frequently implicated species statewide. Bird abundance greater than 10,000 birds per day was associated with larger herd size and with self-reported presence of Johne's disease and Salmonella.