Body conformation traits in early-lactation associated with clinical mastitis and lameness in lactating Chinese holstein cows.

BACKGROUND: Comprehending the correlation between body conformation traits of cows at the early stages of lactation and prevalent lactation diseases might facilitate the execution of selection and feeding strategies that prioritize cow health. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of body conformation traits on the incidence of clinical mastitis and lameness in Chinese Holstein cows. From a pasture herd of 1472 early lactating Chinese Holstein cows, we evaluated 20 body conformation traits. During lactation, this pasture herd was visited weekly to gather clinical mastitis and lameness data. A nine-point scale was used to determine the conformation traits of cows to clarify their linear characters, including frame capacity, rump (RU), feet and leg (FL), mammary system (MS), and dairy character. A longitudinal binary disease (0 = healthy; 1 = diseased) data structure was created by allocating disease records to adjacent official test dates. The impact of body conformation traits on the risk of developing diseases (clinical mastitis and lameness) was analyzed using the logistic regression models. RESULTS: Compared to cows with low total scores (75-79 points), those with high total scores (80-85 points) of body conformation traits had a significantly lower risk of mastitis (P < 0.001). The disease status (0 or 1: binary variable) of clinical mastitis in lactating cows was significantly impacted negatively by age (P < 0.05). The fore udder attachment (FUA), angularity, rear attachment height (RAH), and rear teat placement (RTP) were all significantly associated with clinical mastitis during lactation (P < 0.05). The rear leg-rear view (RLRV) was significantly correlated with correlated considerably (P < 0.05) with lameness during lactation. An ideal score of four points on the lameness risk dimension of the RLRV may indicate a low risk of lameness. Since the risk of mastitis decreased as this trait score increased, the RTP may be an ideal marker for mastitis risk. CONCLUSIONS: According to the study, clinical mastitis and lameness risks in cows can be estimated using their body conformation traits. Cows with more centrally located rear teats have a lower risk of mastitis. These results may help dairy farmers identify cows at high risk of disease early in lactation and aid in breeding for disease resistance in cows.

Target Trial Emulation: Does surgical versus non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs cause different outcomes?

Target trial emulation applies design principles from randomised controlled trials to the analysis of observational data for causal inference and is increasingly used within human epidemiology. Using anonymised veterinary clinical data from the VetCompass Programme, this study applied the target trial emulation framework to determine whether surgical (compared to non-surgical) management for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture in dogs causes improved short- and long-term lameness and analgesia outcomes. The emulated target trial included dogs diagnosed with CCL rupture between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019 within the VetCompass database. Inclusion in the emulated trial required dogs aged ≥ 1.5 and < 12 years, first diagnosed with unilateral CCL rupture during 2019 and with no prior history of contralateral ligament rupture or stifle surgery. Dogs were retrospectively observed to have surgical or non-surgical management. Informed from a directed acyclic graph derived from expert opinion, data on the following variables were collected: age, breed, bodyweight, neuter status, insurance status, non-orthopaedic comorbidities, orthopaedic comorbidities and veterinary group. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to adjust for confounding, with weights calculated based on a binary logistic regression exposure model. Censored dogs were accounted for in the IPTW analysis using inverse probability of censoring weighting (IPCW). The IPCWs were combined with IPTWs and used to weight each dog's contribution to binary logistic regression outcome models. Standardized mean differences (SMD) examined the balance of covariate distribution between treatment groups. The emulated trial included 615 surgical CCL rupture cases and 200 non-surgical cases. The risk difference for short-term lameness in surgically managed cases (compared with non-surgically managed cases) was -25.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) -36.7% to -15.9%) and the risk difference for long-term lameness -31.7% (95% CI -37.9% to -18.1%). The study demonstrated the application of the target trial framework to veterinary observational data. The findings show that surgical management causes a reduction in short- and long-term lameness compared with non-surgical management in dogs.

A scoring system for grading corkscrew claws in dairy cattle.

Corkscrew claw (CC) in dairy cattle is increasingly reported in dairy herds. CC is a progressive deformity of the claw capsule with uncertain aetiology and pathogenesis. Genetics and specific environmental factors are suspected of contributing to the development of this irreversible condition. CC has been found in lame cows; however, the cause and effect has not been established. To perform analysis of risk factors, treatment and pathogenesis, a definition of severity scores is called for. The aim of this study was to measure and analyse CC characteristics from photos of cows' feet to describe and evaluate a scoring system for CC. Width of the visible part of the axial wall, degree of contact between the toe and the floor and angle of the distal part of the abaxial wall as a proxy for the deviation of the abaxial wall was measured from 393 pictures of CC. Based on the measurements on the claws, the parameter "width of the axial wall" was chosen to define the scores. The parameter was divided into three intervals to define either mild CC 0.3-2.0 cm, moderate CC 2.1-3.5 cm or severe CC>3.5 cm and correlation between the parameters; level of contact between the toe and the floor and the angle of the distal abaxial wall was evaluated. There was a significant positive linear correlation between width of the axial wall and angle of the distal part of the abaxial wall (r=0.91), the wider the axial wall, the more the abaxial wall deviated in the distal part. As the width of the axial wall increased the toe increasingly lost contact with the floor, this association was significant for mild CC and moderate CC but not for severe CC. The Interobserver agreement of the CC Scoring system was tested by 30 claw trimmers each scoring 32 cadaver feet and by 2 trained observers on 28 photos of feet using Cohen´s weighted kappa and showed substantial to almost perfect agreement between untrained and trained observers, respectively.

Radiation from the equine perineal region is low compared with the elbow and head 24 hours after bone scintigraphic examination.

The timing of follow-up radiography and ultrasound in horses that undergo skeletal scintigraphy for lameness investigation varies internationally and between equine hospitals. The prospective, one-group, pretest, posttest study aimed to estimate radiation levels from horses three and 24 h after injection of hydroxydiphosphonate labeled with metastable technetium (99mTc-HDP) and investigate which anatomical locations of the horse had higher radiation levels. Included were 46 horses referred for lameness investigation between June and December 2021. Radiation levels from the horse surface were measured using an electronic device from six anatomical locations (head, elbow, dorsum, ventrum, stifle, and perineum) at two time points and adjusted to three and 24 h after injection of 99mTc-HDP using the radioactive decay law. The radiation measured was significantly different in the various locations of the horses for both time points. At 3 h after injection of 99mTc-HDP, the ventrum had the highest radiation dose. At 24 h, the radiation emitted from the perineal region was significantly lower (P < .0001) than from the elbow and head, which had the highest values. There was a negative correlation between age and the radiation detected at 24 h postinjection (P = .02). Radiation from the perineal region was low compared with other regions of the horse 24 h postscintigraphy. Additional care should be taken around the ventrum area during the scintigraphy examination and around the elbow and head at 24 h postscintigraphy to minimize radiation to personnel.

Intra-articular Fibrolipoma of the Stifle in a Dog.

A 12 yr old male castrated miniature Australian shepherd dog presented for surgical consultation of historical bilateral medial patellar luxations with a 3 mo history of an acute onset of a left pelvic limb lameness. Physical examination confirmed medial patellar luxations and a mass effect of the left stifle medially. Radiographs showed medial distension of the joint capsule by a soft tissue opacity. Fine-needle aspirate of the left stifle revealed a mesenchymal cell population. Left medial parapatellar stifle arthrotomy found a fatty mass, which was excised at its base. A benign fibrolipoma was diagnosed on histopathology, and the excision was expected to be curative. The owners reported immediate improvement of perceived comfort postoperatively. At 2 and 24 wk, the dog returned to a normal level of function. Lipomas of the stifle, although rare, should be considered as a differential for intra-articular masses causing lameness.

Welfare evaluation of dairy cows reared in the East of Algeria.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the welfare status of dairy cows raised in local conditions through health criteria. Important health problems have been identified as well as their effect on the milk yield. One hundred seven farms in eastern Algeria were visited. Data on health, productivity, and management practices were collected. Clinical examination of 1210 dairy cows was conducted to assess health scores. The relationship between herd health and milk yield was investigated using multiple linear regression models. The average milk yield per cow was 16.1 kg/day, and the average prevalence of thin cows (body condition score ≤ 2) was 35.1%. The cow dirtiness was a sign of poor facility hygiene, with 24.3% of cows had dirty udders, 44.5% had dirty flanks/upper legs, and 59.6% had dirty hind legs. The mean prevalence of clinical lameness (locomotion score ≥ 3) and severe lameness (locomotion score ≥ 4) were 24.7% and 8.7%, respectively. The prevalence of hocks, knees, and neck injuries (score > 1) with wound and/or swelling ranged from 0 to 46.2%, 0 to 71.4%, and 0 to 14.3%, respectively. The clinical examination showed a percentage of cows with mastitis of 15.4%, diarrhea of 6.9%, cough of 3.2%, nasal discharge of 7.5%, and ocular discharge of 1.8%. Thus, the milk yield had associated with severe lameness, mastitis, thinness, and dystocia. In conclusion, the welfare indicators in this study reflect the serious health problems in dairy farming which influence the expression of the cow genetic potential.

Retrospective evaluation and review of approaches for nonspecific lameness in dogs presented to an emergency service (2013-2014): 134 cases.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to characterize and evaluate the emergency approach, diagnosis, management, treatment, and follow-up of nonspecific canine lameness cases. DESIGN: Retrospective case series from September 25, 2013 to September 25, 2014. SETTING: The study was conducted at an urban university teaching hospital. ANIMALS: A consecutive sample of dogs presenting to the emergency service with nonspecific lameness in the designated timeframe was used to identify 134 cases. Owners were contacted to participate in the follow-up survey; dogs that died prior to data collection were excluded from the survey. Medical records were reviewed for lameness localization, etiology of lameness, diagnostics obtained, medications prescribed, and owner recommendations. INTERVENTIONS: Based on review of the medical records, the lameness localization, presumptive source of lameness (joint, soft tissue, neurological, or bone), diagnostics obtained, medications prescribed, and owner recommendations were recorded. Survey data included duration of lameness, perceived response to treatment, and activity level. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Definitive diagnoses were not assigned in 88.8% of lameness cases. A presumptive diagnosis of soft tissue injury was assigned in 45.3% of cases. Single limb lameness was more prevalent than multiple limb lameness. Owners whose dogs were treated with medication were significantly more likely to report that the lameness resolved (P = 0.049). Dogs with injury localized to ≥1 of the joints were significantly less likely to have resolution of lameness (P = 0.037). Treatment recommendations were predominantly pain control and activity restriction. CONCLUSIONS: Nonspecific lameness represents approximately 4% of canine urban emergency cases. Highlighting the points of clinical care considerations in understanding the etiology of lameness in dogs represents an opportunity for improved patient care and growth in emergency referral and follow-up.

Bovine Lameness from the Ground up.

Lameness in bulls is a common problem seen by many veterinarians, and the cause can be difficult to determine. Understanding cattle lameness requires experience and complete knowledge of their structural anatomy and handling. This article reviews the common body regions that cause lameness in bulls and discusses their treatment. It also details hoof trimming as a way to manage lameness.

The efficacy of injecting a distillate of the pitcher plant (Sarraceniaceae) adjacent to the palmar digital nerves of horses to ameliorate lameness caused by digital pain.

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of instilling extract of the pitcher plant around the palmar digital nerves of horses to ameliorate digit pain causing lameness. Five mixed breed horses were recruited. Horses were determined to be lame because of pain in the distal portion of one or both thoracic limbs by a positive response to a basisesamoid nerve block using 2%^mepivacaine hydrochloride. Gait was evaluated pre- and post-nerve block at 30 min, 3, 7,14 and 21 days. At the 3-week evaluation, the basisesamoid nerve block was repeated using the extract, and the gait was evaluated at similar times. Lameness was evaluated objectively using a wireless, inertial, sensor-based, motion analysis system. The basisesamoid nerve block significantly ameliorated lameness at 30 min when gait was evaluated, but it had no significant effect on lameness after this time. The product containing extract of the pitcher plant had no significant effect on lameness when administered as a basisesamoid nerve block at any time. Extract of the pitcher plant administered adjacent to the medial and lateral palmar digital nerves (i.e., a basisesamoid nerve block) had no efficacy in ameliorating lameness in the distal portion of one or both thoracic limbs. Extract of the pitcher plant likely has no value for treating horses for chronic pain when administered as a regional nerve block.

Routine hoof-trimming data provides insight into the occurrence of claw lesions in Holstein herds in the central region of South Africa.

Claw lesions in dairy cows contribute significantly to lameness, causing distress and discomfort for affected cows and raising welfare concerns. Despite increased awareness, lameness incidence continues to rise. Defining and recording claw traits are particularly problematic. In South Africa (SA), claw data is limited to paper-based records kept by private hoof trimmers. This research analysed claw-trimming data from five dairy farms over 6 years to examine the occurrence and recording of claw lesions in SA Holstein cattle. Lesion identification followed the Claw Lesion Identification in Dairy Cattle brochure. Among the recorded lesions, digital dermatitis (DD) had the highest prevalence (64.02%), followed by sole ulcers (SU; 8.59%), white line disease (WLD; 6.27%), and sole haemorrhage (SH; 4.28%), and most lesions occurred in the rear feet. Chi-square tests and correspondence analysis (CA) were employed to explore the relationships between lesions, feet, and housing. Results indicated that the prevalence of SU and SH showed high similarity for foot and lesion association, and that these were more highly associated with the rear feet. Additionally, the prevalence of DD and interdigital phlegmon were strongly associated, and closely associated with SU, and all these lesions were associated with both dirt lot and free-stall housing systems. CA further confirmed a close association between WLD and SH, and the prevalence of these lesions in the combination housing system. Results of this study highlight the complexity of lesion data and that specific associations between lesions could lead to simplifying the recording thereof. Consolidating the most informative claw lesions into categories will aid in the practical prevention, management, and treatment of lameness on-farm.

Prevalence of lameness on pasture-based New Zealand dairy farms: An observational study.

To understand the current impact of lameness on a system, it is important to define lameness prevalence across a range of dairy farms in that system. Prevalence estimates from dairy systems where cows are permanently managed at pasture are uncommon, although the limited data suggest that they have a lower lameness prevalence than housed cattle. One hundred and 20 farms from eight of the major dairying regions of New Zealand were randomly enrolled into a cross-sectional lameness prevalence study. On each of the farms, trained observers lameness scored cattle on two occasions, between October-December (spring, coinciding with peak lactation for most farms) and between January-March (summer, late lactation for most farms). At each visit, all lactating animals were scored using a four-point 0-3 scoring system, and included animals that had previously been identified as lame by the farmer. Animals with a lameness score (LS) ≥2 were defined as lame. Mixed logistic regression models assessed the interaction between region and season and island and season, respectively, and differences between the lameness prevalence within farm across the two seasons reported descriptively. A total of 116,317 locomotion scores over two events were conducted across the 120 farms. At the spring scoring event, 2128/60,007 (3.5 %) cows had a LS ≥2 and 1868/56,310 (3.3 %) cows had a LS ≥ 2 at the summer scoring event. At the farm level, across both scoring events, median lameness prevalence was 2.8 (interquartile range 1.5 - 4.5) %, with a range of 0.0-17.0 %. The median farm-level prevalence of LS = 3 was 0.5 % with a range of 0-4.6 %. The effect of timing of scoring was modified by region (p < 0.001), and island (p = 0.006) and at the individual farm level, differences between spring and summer farm level lameness prevalence were generally small (interquartile range: -1.8 to 1.0 %) but potentially large on individual farms (range from -12.3 % to 7.6 %). The median farm-level lameness prevalence estimate of 2.8 % across a random representative sample of New Zealand dairy farms give confidence that the overall prevalence of cattle lameness on New Zealand dairy farms is low. This adds to the growing evidence that pasture is a good management system with respect to hoof health. The evidence of strong seasonality of lameness was lacking. Instead of using lameness scoring to identify farms with large lameness problems, lameness scoring should be encouraged to farmers as a tool to improve the identification of lame animals.

Percutaneous ultrasonic debridement of equine tendinopathy and desmopathy: A report of 10 cases.

Background: Tendinopathy and desmopathy are significant causes of morbidity in horses. Aim: To evaluate the use of percutaneous ultrasonic debridement (PUD) as a treatment for chronic tendinopathy and desmopathy in the horse. Methods: Eight adult horses with 10 affected limbs presented for lameness, ranging from 60-700 days postinjury. Diagnostic ultrasound identified the following: suspensory branch desmitis (n = 1), suspensory body desmitis (n = 2), Achilles tendinopathy (n = 1), desmitis of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor (DDF) tendon (n = 1), DDF tendinopathy (n = 2), and superficial digital flexor tendinopathy (n = 3). All horses had demonstrated lameness ranging from grade 1 to 4 [American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) scale], with a mean pretreatment grade of 2.7. All horses underwent PUD using the Tenex Health TX® System. Results: Follow-up results were available from 6 to 41 months (mean, 23.2 months). Follow-up ultrasound imaging demonstrated improvement in fiber alignment and architectural change in all cases. All horses had a reduction in lameness from the treated tendon or ligament (AAEP grade 0-1; mean AAEP grade, 0.2) following a single treatment; lameness completely resolved in 8 of 10 treated limbs. No adverse events occurred in any case. No horses in this study developed a recurrence of their original lesion. Conclusion: Horses in this study demonstrated improvement following the PUD procedure. The procedure was well-tolerated and safe. Removal of tendinopathic scar tissue with PUD resulted in a return to function and without recurrence of the original lesion in all horses.

Perivascular wall tumour presenting as pastern mass in a Standardbred gelding.

A 2-year-old Standardbred gelding was referred for a mass on the palmaromedial right front pastern which was accompanied by progressively worsening lameness. The mass was firm to palpation and covered by normal skin. Ultrasonographically, a smooth encapsulated mass was present, medial to the flexor tendons and palmar to the neurovascular bundle. Because of a poor prognosis for future athletic performance without surgical or chemotherapeutic intervention and economic constraints preventing further diagnostics and treatment, the horse was euthanised. Post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging, histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed the mass to be a perivascular wall tumour, the first record of such a neoplasia in the horse.

Associations of cow and farm characteristics with cow-level lameness using data from an extensive cross-sectional study across 3 structurally different dairy regions in Germany.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the associations between milk recording data, body condition score (BCS), housing factors, management factors, and lameness in freestall-housed dairy cows in 3 structurally different regions in Germany. These regions substantially vary regarding herd size, breeds, access to pasture, farm management (family run or company owned), and percentage of organic farms. The data used was collected in a large cross-sectional study from 2016 to 2019. A total of 58,144 cows from 651 farms in 3 regions of Germany (North, East, and South) was scored for locomotion and body condition. Additionally, data on milk yield, milk composition, breed, age, as well as information on housing and management were retrieved. One mixed-logistic regression model was fitted per region to evaluate the association of the data with the target variable "lame" and to allow for a comprehensive reflection across different kinds of farming types. In all regions, undercondition (BCS lower than recommended for the lactation stage; North: odds ratio [OR] 2.15, CI 1.96-2.34; East: OR 2.66, CI 2.45-2.88; South: OR 2.45, CI 2.01-2.98) and mid-lactation stage (102-204 d in milk; North: OR 1.15, CI 1.05-1.27; East: OR 1.24, CI 1.17-1.32; South: OR 1.38, CI 1.18-1.62) were associated with higher odds for lameness, whereas overcondition (BCS higher than recommended for the lactation stage; North: OR 0.51, CI 0.44-0.60; East: OR 0.51, CI 0.48-0.54; South: OR 0.65, CI 0.54-0.77) and parity of 1 or 2 was associated with lower odds (parity 1 = North: OR 0.32, CI 0.29-0.35; East: OR 0.19, CI 0.18-0.20; South: OR 0.28, CI 0.24-0.33; parity 2 = North: OR 0.51, CI 0.47-0.46; East: OR 0.41, CI 0.39-0.44; South: OR 0.49, CI 0.42-0.57), irrespective of the regional production characteristics. Low energy-corrected milk yield was associated with higher odds for lameness in South and North (North: OR 1.16, CI 1.05-1.27; South: OR 1.43, CI 1.22-1.69). Further factors such as pasture access for cows (North: OR 0.64, CI 0.50-0.82; and South: OR 0.65, CI 0.47-0.88), milk protein content (high milk protein content = North: OR 1.34, CI 1.18-1.52; East: OR 1.17, CI 1.08-1.28; low milk protein content = North: OR 0.79, CI 0.71-0.88; East: OR 0.84, CI 0.79-0.90), and breed (lower odds for "other" [other breeds than German Simmental and German Holstein] in East [OR 0.47, CI 0.42-0.53] and lower odds both for German Holstein and "other" in South [German Holstein: OR 0.62, CI 0.43-0.90; other: OR 0.46, CI 0.34 - 0.62]) were associated with lameness in 2 regions, respectively. The risk of ketosis (higher odds in North: OR 1.11, CI 1.01-1.22) and somatic cell count (higher odds in East: increased (>39.9 cells × 1,000/mL): OR 1.10; CI 1.03-1.17; high (>198.5 cells × 1,000/mL): OR 1.08; CI 1.01-1.06) altered the odds for lameness in 1 region, respectively. Cows from organic farms had lower odds for lameness in all 3 regions (North: OR 0.18, CI 0.11-0.32; East: OR 0.39, CI 0.28-0.56; South: OR 0.45, CI 0.29-0.68). As the dairy production systems differed substantially between the different regions, the results of this study can be viewed as representative for a wide variety of loose-housed dairy systems in Europe and North America. The consistent association between low BCS and lameness in all regions aligns with the previous literature. Our study also suggests that risk factors for lameness can differ between geographically regions, potentially due to differences in which dairy production system is predominantly used and that region-specific characteristics should be taken into account in comparable future projects.

[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 Review on Pathophysiology, and Molecular Mechanisms of Bacterial Chondronecrosis and Osteomyelitis in Commercial Broilers.

Modern day broilers have a great genetic potential to gain heavy bodyweights with a huge metabolic demand prior to their fully mature ages. Moreover, this made the broilers prone to opportunistic pathogens which may enter the locomotory organs under stress causing bacterial chondronecrosis and osteomyelitis (BCO). Such pathogenic colonization is further accelerated by microfractures and clefts that are formed in the bones due to rapid growth rate of the broilers along with ischemia of blood vessels. Furthermore, there are several pathways which alter bone homeostasis like acute phase response, and intrinsic and extrinsic cell death pathways. In contrast, all the affected birds may not exhibit clinical lameness even with the presence of lameness associated factors causing infection. Although Staphylococcus, E. coli, and Enterococcus are considered as common bacterial pathogens involved in BCO, but there exist several other non-culturable bacteria. Any deviation from maintaining a homeostatic environment in the gut might lead to bacterial translocation through blood followed by proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in respective organs including bones. It is important to alleviate dysbiosis of the blood which is analogous to dysbiosis in the gut. This can be achieved by supplementing pro, pre, and synbiotics which helps in providing a eubiotic environment abating the bacterial translocation that was studied to the incidence of BCO. This review focused on potential and novel biomarkers, pathophysiological mechanism, the economic significance of BCO, immune mechanisms, and miscellaneous factors causing BCO. In addition, the role of gut microbiomes along with their diversity and cell culture models from compact bones of chicken in better understanding of BCO were explored.

[Risk factors for infectious foot -disorders on two Swiss cattle -mountain pastures]. / Risikofaktoren für infektiöse Zehen­erkrankungen auf zwei Schweizer ­Rinderalpen.

INTRODUCTION: In the present study, risk groups for infectious foot disorders were identified on two large Swiss cattle mountain pastures by analyzing animal and treatment data of a total of 3256 animals of the bovine species. Both mountain pastures were part of the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) consultancy project «Healthy animals, attractive herdsmen positions and less medication on large cattle mountain pastures¼. The project was launched in 2020 following the increased incidence of lameness on these mountain pastures. Bacteriological and histological analyses were to provide information as to whether the most common foot disorder was interdigital phlegmon (IP) or whether digital dermatitis also occurred. Further, the temporal distribution of cases over the mountain pasture season and the influence of mountain pasture and year were investigated and interpreted for the project years 2020 to 2022, and treatment incidences were compared between years. Multiple treatment cycles in the same individual were classified into persistent infections and new infections. Nineteen of 394 first-treated cattle were clinically examined, 12 of them were additionally sampled for bacteriological and histological analyses. All cases examined showed, both clinically and following laboratory analyses, typical characteristics for IP. In contrast, there was no specific evidence for the presence of digital dermatitis. No persistent infections occurred during treatment with benzylpenicillin. Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified > 365-730-day-old cattle (odds ratio OR 8,29), as well as inseminated (OR 5,30) and non-inseminated (OR 7,85) heifers as risk groups for the disease studied (p < 0,05). Association with the oestrus activity of non-inseminated heifers and a generally higher locomotor activity in heifers compared to cows - with a correspondingly increased risk of injury - is conceivable. Meat breeds had a reduced risk compared to dairy breeds (OR 0,29). Breed differences in behavior and/or the effectiveness of the local immune response might have an impact. Knowing about these risk groups can be put to use in the future when selecting animals to be taken to the mountain pastures and/or when planning pasture management in order to reduce the prevalence of infectious foot disorders and thereby the use of antibiotics.

INTRODUCTION: Dans la présente étude, nous avons identifié, grâce à l'analyse des données concernant les animaux et les traitements d'un total de 3256 animaux de l'espèce bovine, des groupes à risque pour les maladies infectieuses des onglons sur deux grands alpages bovins en Suisse. Les deux alpages faisaient partie du BLW-projet de conseil «Animaux sains, postes de bergers attractifs et moins de médicaments sur les grands alpages bovins¼. Le projet a débuté en 2020 suite à l'accumulation de problèmes de boiteries sur ces alpages. Des analyses bactériologiques et histologiques devaient fournir des indications afin de savoir si la maladie des onglons majoritaire était le phlegmon interdigité (PI) ou si la dermatite digitale était également présente. La répartition temporelle des cas de maladies durant la saison d'estivage et l'influence de l'alpage et de l'année pour les années de projet 2020 à 2022 ont été évaluées et interprétées, et les incidences des traitements comparées entre les années. Les cycles de traitement multiples chez le même individu ont été répartis en deux groupes: les infections persistantes et les nouvelles infections. Dix-neuf des 394 bovins primo-traités ont été évalués cliniquement. Douze de ces 19 animaux ont également été soumis à un échantillonnage bactériologique et histologique. Tous les cas étudiés présentaient, aussi bien cliniquement que suite à l'analyse technique en laboratoire, les caractéristiques typiques d'un PI. Par contre, il n'y a pas eu d'indication quant à la présence de dermatite digitale. Aucune infection persistante n'a été constatée après traitement avec de la Benzylpénicilline. Les bovins âgés > 365­730 jours (OR 8.29), ainsi que les génisses inséminées (odds ratio OR 5.30) et non inséminées (OR 7.85) ont été identifiés, suite à une analyse de régression logistique multivariée, comme faisant partie de groupes à risque pour la maladie étudiée (p < 0.05). Un lien avec l'activité en période de chaleurs des génisses non inséminées et une activité locomotrice généralement plus intensive des génisses par rapport aux vaches ­ avec par conséquent un risque accru de blessures ­ est concevable. Le risque était réduit pour les races à viande par rapport aux races laitières (OR 0.29). Des différences de comportement et/ou d'efficacité de l'immunité locale entre les races pourraient avoir une influence. Le fait de connaître ces groupes à risque pourrait être mis à profit à l'avenir lors de la sélection des animaux à monter à l'alpage et/ou lors de la planification de la gestion des prairies, afin de diminuer la prévalence des maladies infectieuses des onglons et ainsi l'utilisation d'antibiotiques.