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17 pages, 1144 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impacts of Heat Stress on Rumination, Drinking, and Locomotory Behavior, as Registered by Innovative Technologies, and Acid–Base Balance in Fresh Multiparous Dairy Cows

by Ramūnas Antanaitis, Karina Džermeikaitė, Justina Krištolaitytė, Ieva Ribelytė, Agnė Bespalovaitė, Deimantė Bulvičiūtė, Giedrius Palubinskas and Lina Anskienė

Animals 2024, 14(8), 1169; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14081169 - 13 Apr 2024

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Abstract

This study hypothesizes that heat stress adversely affects dairy cows, resulting in reduced rumination, altering eating and drinking behaviors, changes in their locomotory patterns, and significant variations in their acid–base balance. The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of heat [...] Read more.

This study hypothesizes that heat stress adversely affects dairy cows, resulting in reduced rumination, altering eating and drinking behaviors, changes in their locomotory patterns, and significant variations in their acid–base balance. The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of heat stress on rumination, drinking, and locomotory behavior, as registered by innovative technologies, and acid–base balance in fresh multiparous dairy cows. This study was conducted during the summer, from 15 June to 8 July 2023, on a Lithuanian commercial dairy farm. We assessed 350 German Holstein cows that produced an average of 11,400 kg of milk annually throughout their second and subsequent lactation periods. We used the temperature–humidity index (THI) to divide the cows under investigation into three periods: I. high HS—THI >78 (period: 15–23 June 2023); II. medium HS—THI 72–78 (period: 24–30 June 2023); and III. low HS—THI <72 (period: 1–8 July 2023). The appropriate RumiWatch sensor (RWS) parameters were assessed between 15 June 2023 and 8 July 2023. Cows were acclimatized to the rumination, drinking, and locomotory behavior parameters during the adaptation period (1–30 June 2023). The registration process started on 15 June 2023 and terminated on 8 July 2023 and was performed every hour during the 24 h day. The acid–base balance was recorded from 15 June 2023 until 8 July 2023, once per week. The cows’ activity increased by 11.75% in the high HS period compared to the low HS period (p < 0.01); high mean differences were detected for rumination, which was 17.67% higher in the high HS period and 13.80% higher in the medium HS period compared to the low HS period (p < 0.01); and the change in activity was 12.82% higher in the low HS compared to the medium HS period (p < 0.01). Cows under high HS had higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels compared with cows under medium HS (p < 0.01). The observed alterations in the rumination, drinking, and locomotory behaviors, in addition to the acid–base balance, highlight the multifaceted impacts of varying heat stress on the physiological and behavioral responses of dairy cows. This suggests that the utilization of advanced technologies may assist dairy farmers in effectively monitoring and controlling heat stress in cows. Additionally, regularly assessing blood urea nitrogen levels can enable farmers to modify their feeding practices, thus promoting optimal cow well-being and productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of Dairy Cattle Health Management)

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14 pages, 969 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relation between Milk Lactose Concentration and the Rumination, Feeding, and Locomotion Behavior of Early-Lactation Dairy Cows

by Ramūnas Antanaitis, Karina Džermeikaitė, Justina Krištolaitytė, Akvilė Girdauskaitė, Samanta Arlauskaitė, Kotryna Tolkačiovaitė and Walter Baumgartner

Animals 2024, 14(6), 836; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060836 - 08 Mar 2024

Viewed by 640

Abstract

This study hypothesizes that higher in-line milk lactose concentrations are indicative of enhanced dairy cow behaviors—including increased rumination, feeding, and locomotion activities—reflecting superior overall health and well-being. It posits that fluctuations in milk lactose levels have a substantial impact on the physiological and [...] Read more.

This study hypothesizes that higher in-line milk lactose concentrations are indicative of enhanced dairy cow behaviors—including increased rumination, feeding, and locomotion activities—reflecting superior overall health and well-being. It posits that fluctuations in milk lactose levels have a substantial impact on the physiological and behavioral responses of dairy cows, thereby affecting their milk yields and compositions. Each cow’s milk lactose, fat, protein, and fat-to-protein ratio were continuously monitored using the BROLIS HerdLine in-line milk analyzer (Brolis Sensor Technology, Vilnius, Lithuania). The RumiWatch noseband sensor (RWS; ITIN + HOCH GmbH, Fütterungstechnik, Liestal, Switzerland) was employed to measure the biomarkers of the rumination, feeding, and locomotion behavior. The measurements were recorded over 5 days at the same time (during morning milking). A total of 502 cows were examined. During these 5 days, 2510 measurements were taken. Based on the lactose content in their milk, the cows were divided into two categories: the first group consisted of cows with milk lactose levels below 4.70%, while the second group included cows with milk lactose levels of 4.70% or higher. Our study showed that cows with higher milk lactose concentrations (≥4.70%) produced significantly more milk (16.14% increase) but had a lower milk protein concentration (5.05% decrease) compared to cows with lower lactose levels. These cows also exhibited changes in rumination and feeding behaviors, as recorded by the RWS: there was an increase in the mastication and rumination behaviors, evidenced by a 14.09% rise in other chews and a 13.84% increase in rumination chews, along with a 16.70% boost in bolus activity. However, there was a notable 16.18% reduction in their physical activity, as measured by the change in time spent walking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of Dairy Cattle Health Management)

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13 pages, 248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alterations in Rumination, Eating, Drinking and Locomotion Behavior in Dairy Cows Affected by Subclinical Ketosis and Subclinical Acidosis

by Ramūnas Antanaitis, Karina Džermeikaitė, Justina Krištolaitytė, Ieva Ribelytė, Agnė Bespalovaitė, Deimantė Bulvičiūtė and Arūnas Rutkauskas

Animals 2024, 14(3), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14030384 - 25 Jan 2024

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Abstract

This study delves into the effects of subclinical ketosis (SCK) and subclinical acidosis (SCA) on various parameters related to dairy cow rumination, eating, drinking and locomotion behavior. The research hypothesized that these subclinical metabolic disorders could affect behaviors such as rumination, feeding, and [...] Read more.

This study delves into the effects of subclinical ketosis (SCK) and subclinical acidosis (SCA) on various parameters related to dairy cow rumination, eating, drinking and locomotion behavior. The research hypothesized that these subclinical metabolic disorders could affect behaviors such as rumination, feeding, and locomotion. A total of 320 dairy cows, with a focus on those in their second or subsequent lactation, producing an average of 12,000 kg/year milk in their previous lactation, were examined. These cows were classified into three groups: those with SCK, those with SCA, and healthy cows. The health status of the cows was determined based on the milk fat–protein ratio, blood beta-hydroxybutyrate, and the results of clinical examinations performed by a veterinarian. The data collected during the study included parameters from the RumiWatch sensors. The results revealed significant differences between the cows affected by SCK and the healthy cows, with reductions observed in the rumination time (17.47%) and various eating and chewing behaviors. These changes indicated that SCK had a substantial impact on the cows’ behavior. In the context of SCA, the study found significant reductions in Eating Time 2 (ET2) of 36.84% when compared to the healthy cows. Additionally, Eating Chews 2 (EC2) exhibited a significant reduction in the SCA group, with an average of 312.06 units (±17.93), compared to the healthy group’s average of 504.20 units (±18.87). These findings emphasize that SCA influences feeding behaviors and chewing activity, which can have implications for nutrient intake and overall cow health. The study also highlights the considerable impact of SCK on locomotion parameters, as the cows with SCK exhibited a 27.36% reduction in the walking time levels. These cows also displayed reductions in the Walking Time (WT), Other Activity Time (OAT), and Activity Change (AC). In conclusion, this research underscores the critical need for advanced strategies to prevent and manage subclinical metabolic disorders within the dairy farming industry. The study findings have far-reaching implications for enhancing the well-being and performance of dairy cattle. Effective management practices and detection methods are essential to mitigate the impact of SCK and SCA on dairy cow health and productivity, ultimately benefiting the dairy farming sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of Dairy Cattle Health Management)

19 pages, 2711 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Defensive Behaviors and Milk Production of Pastured Dairy Cattle in Response to Stable Flies, Horn Flies, and Face Flies

by Anna C. Hansen, Roger D. Moon, Marcia I. Endres, Glenda M. Pereira and Bradley J. Heins

Animals 2023, 13(24), 3847; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13243847 - 14 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 707

Abstract

Thirty-four crossbred dairy cows were observed on pasture six times per week from June to August 2014 at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center grazing dairy in Morris, MN, for defensive behaviors in response to three species of muscid [...] Read more.

Thirty-four crossbred dairy cows were observed on pasture six times per week from June to August 2014 at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center grazing dairy in Morris, MN, for defensive behaviors in response to three species of muscid flies. Counts of stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans (L.)), horn flies (Haematobia irritans (L.)), and face flies (Musca autumnalis DeGeer) were recorded before and after pasture observation. Individual cows were monitored for 5 min intervals to observe the frequencies of five different defensive behaviors: front and back leg stomps, head tosses, skin twitches, and tail swishes. Fly numbers averaged 5 stable flies per leg, 37 horn flies per side, and 1 face fly per face during the study. The fly counts and behavior frequencies increased with ambient temperature. The results showed a very strong relationship between the numbers of flies and numbers of defensive behaviors, though correlations between specific flies and behaviors were low. Younger cows had fewer stable flies and horn flies than older cows. The thresholds of flies to lower production for pastured organic dairy cows may be greater than 5 for stable flies, 37 for horn flies, and 1 for face flies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of Dairy Cattle Health Management)

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11 pages, 3415 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Identification of a Sub-Clinical Salmonella spp. Infection in a Dairy Cow Using a Commercially Available Stool Storage Kit

by Alice Nishigaki, Renato Previdelli, James L. Alexander, Sharmili Balarajah, Lauren Roberts and Julian R. Marchesi

Animals 2023, 13(17), 2807; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172807 - 04 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1706

Abstract

Stool sampling is a useful tool for diagnosing gastrointestinal disease in veterinary medicine. The sub-clinical disease burden of Salmonella spp. in cattle can become significant for farmers. However, current methods of faecal sampling in a rural setting for diagnosis are not consistently sufficient [...] Read more.

Stool sampling is a useful tool for diagnosing gastrointestinal disease in veterinary medicine. The sub-clinical disease burden of Salmonella spp. in cattle can become significant for farmers. However, current methods of faecal sampling in a rural setting for diagnosis are not consistently sufficient for the preservation of Salmonella spp. in faeces. This study evaluated the use of a commercial stool storage kit for bacterial preservation in cow faecal samples compared to unpreserved stools placed into refrigeration at different time-points. A stool sample was collected per-rectum from one apparently healthy Holstein–Freisen cow. The sample was weighed and aliquoted into two sterile Falcon tubes and into two commercial kit tubes. The aliquots were then placed into refrigeration at 4 °C at 0, 24, and 96 h after processing. One commercial kit tube was not aliquoted and remained at ambient temperature. After 2 weeks, DNA was extracted from the samples and analysed using endpoint PCR, revealing a sub-clinical infection with Salmonella spp. The bacterium was best preserved when the stool was stored in the commercial kit at ambient temperature and re-homogenised immediately prior to DNA extraction. The unpreserved stool did not maintain obvious levels of Salmonella spp. after 24 h at ambient temperature. This commercial kit should be considered for use in the diagnosis of salmonellosis in cattle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of Dairy Cattle Health Management)

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14 pages, 1506 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Reticuloruminal Temperature, Reticuloruminal pH, Cow Activity, and Clinical Mastitis in Dairy Cows

by Ramūnas Antanaitis, Lina Anskienė, Giedrius Palubinskas, Arūnas Rutkauskas and Walter Baumgartner

Animals 2023, 13(13), 2134; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13132134 - 28 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1133

Abstract

We hypothesized that reticuloruminal temperature, pH as well as cow activity can be used as parameters for the early diagnosis of clinical mastitis in dairy cows. Therefore, we aimed to detect the relationship between these factors and the disease. We randomly selected cows [...] Read more.

We hypothesized that reticuloruminal temperature, pH as well as cow activity can be used as parameters for the early diagnosis of clinical mastitis in dairy cows. Therefore, we aimed to detect the relationship between these factors and the disease. We randomly selected cows with clinical mastitis and clinically healthy cows (HG) out of 600 milking cows. We recorded the following parameters during the experiment: reticulorumen temperature (RR temp.), reticulorumen pH (RR pH), and cow activity. We used smaXtec boluses (smaXtec animal care technology^®, Graz, Austria). In this investigation, reticulorumen data obtained seven days before diagnosis were compared to HG data from the same time period. CM cows were observed on the same days as the healthy cows. The healthy group’s RR pH was 7.32% higher than that of cows with CM. Reticulorumen temperature was also 1.25% higher in the CM group than in the control group. The healthy group had a higher average value for walking activity, which was 17.37% higher than the CM group. The data of reticulorumen pH changes during 24 h showed that during the day, the pH changed from 5.53 to 5.83 in the CM group. By contrast, pH changed from 6.05 to 6.31 in the control group. The lowest reticulorumen pH in the CM group was detected on the third day before diagnosis, which was 15.76% lower than the highest reticulorumen pH detected on the sixth day before diagnosis. The lowest reticulorumen pH in CM cows was detected at 0 and 1 days before diagnosis and it was 1.45% lower than the highest reticulorumen pH detected on the second day before diagnosis. The lowest walking activity in the CM group was detected 0 days before diagnosis, which was 50.60% lower than on the fifth day before diagnosis. Overall, the results confirmed our hypothesis that reticuloruminal temperature, reticuloruminal pH, and cow activity could be used as parameters for the early diagnosis of clinical mastitis in dairy cows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of Dairy Cattle Health Management)

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13 pages, 272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health Treatment Cost of Holsteins in Eight High-Performance Herds

by Michael R. Donnelly, Amy R. Hazel, Leslie B. Hansen and Bradley J. Heins

Animals 2023, 13(13), 2061; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13132061 - 22 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 894

Abstract

Health treatments of Holstein cows (n = 2214) were recorded by the owners of eight high-performance dairy herds in Minnesota. Cows calved from March 2008 to October 2015, and 14 types of health treatments were uniformly defined across the herds. Specific types [...] Read more.

Health treatments of Holstein cows (n = 2214) were recorded by the owners of eight high-performance dairy herds in Minnesota. Cows calved from March 2008 to October 2015, and 14 types of health treatments were uniformly defined across the herds. Specific types of health treatment were subsequently assigned a cost based on the mean veterinary cost obtained from the veterinary clinics that serviced the eight herds. A fixed labor cost for time (USD 18/h) associated with specific types of health treatment was determined based on interviews with the herd owners and was added to the veterinary cost. Health treatment cost was then partitioned into five health categories: mastitis (including mastitis diagnostic test), reproduction (cystic ovary, retained placenta, and metritis), lameness (hoof treatments), metabolic (milk fever, displaced abomasum, ketosis, and digestive), and miscellaneous (respiratory, injury, and other). Lactations of cows were divided into six intervals that corresponded with stage of lactation based on days in milk. The first interval of lactation was 30 days in length, followed by four intervals of 60 days each, and the final interval started on day 271 and had variable length because it continued to the end of lactation and included the dry period. Health treatment cost was summed within each interval of lactation and subsequently across lactations by parity. Statistical analysis by parity included the fixed effects of herd, interval, and the interaction of herd and interval, with interval regarded as a repeated measure of cows. Health treatment cost was highest during the first interval for all five parities of cows and ranged from USD 22.87 for first parity to USD 38.50 for fifth parity. Reproduction treatment cost was about one-half of the total health treatment cost during the first interval in all five parities. Metabolic treatment cost during the first interval ranged from USD 3.92 (in first parity) to USD 12.34 (in third parity). Compared to the other health categories, mastitis treatment cost was most evenly distributed across intervals of lactation in all parities. Lameness treatment cost was highest during mid- or late-lactation across parities and reflected the time when cows received routine hoof trimming. Additionally, treatment cost across health categories was summed across intervals of lactation for each cow, and the total health cost of cows varied substantially from herd to herd and ranged from USD 23.38 to USD 74.60 for first parity and usually increased with parity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of Dairy Cattle Health Management)

13 pages, 1836 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Meta-Analysis on the Prevalence of Failed Transfer of Passive Immunity in Calves from Pasture-Based Dairy Farms in Australasia

by Thien D. Van, Do T. Hue, Cynthia D. K. Bottema, Gebremeskel Mamu Werid, Rebel Skirving and Kiro R. Petrovski

Animals 2023, 13(11), 1792; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13111792 - 28 May 2023

Viewed by 1128

Abstract

Monitoring and minimizing the prevalence of failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in dairy replacement calves within the first week of life is crucial for calf health and farm profitability. In this study, a systematic literature search and meta-analysis were conducted on papers [...] Read more.

Monitoring and minimizing the prevalence of failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in dairy replacement calves within the first week of life is crucial for calf health and farm profitability. In this study, a systematic literature search and meta-analysis were conducted on papers reporting the prevalence of FTPI in calves from pasture-based dairy farms in Australia and New Zealand. Two search methods, a “traditional method” and a “search engine method”, were conducted to identify published studies on FTPI in Australia and New Zealand. Data from a total of 13,430 calves from eight studies in Australasia were included in the analysis for FTPI within 8 days of birth. The meta-analysis revealed that the average prevalence of FTPI was 33% across the two countries, with the lowest FTPI (9%) in Western Australia and the highest FTPI (59%) in New Zealand. Using farm data from three studies, the average prevalence of FTPI at the farm level in Australasia was 38%, with the lowest prevalence found in a farm in South Australia (6%). In conclusion, the meta-analysis confirmed the need for good management of cows and newborn calves after birth in pasture-based systems to reduce FTPI in calves. Collecting newborn calves from pasture at least twice per day after birth and providing colostrum of sufficient quantity and quality as soon as possible were the best practices for preventing FTPI in Australasian dairy systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of Dairy Cattle Health Management)

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13 pages, 3284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ruminating, Eating, and Locomotion Behavior Registered by Innovative Technologies around Calving in Dairy Cows

by Ramūnas Antanaitis, Lina Anskienė, Giedrius Palubinskas, Karina Džermeikaitė, Dovilė Bačėninaitė, Lorenzo Viora and Arūnas Rutkauskas

Animals 2023, 13(7), 1257; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071257 - 05 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1537

Abstract

The hypothesis for this study was that there are correlations between ruminating, eating, and locomotion behavior parameters registered by the RumiWatch sensors (RWS) before and after calving. The aim was to identify correlations between registered indicators, namely, rumination, eating, and locomotion behavior around [...] Read more.

The hypothesis for this study was that there are correlations between ruminating, eating, and locomotion behavior parameters registered by the RumiWatch sensors (RWS) before and after calving. The aim was to identify correlations between registered indicators, namely, rumination, eating, and locomotion behavior around the calving period. Some 54 multiparous cows were chosen from the entire herd without previous calving or other health problems. The RWS system recorded a variety of parameters such as rumination time, eating time, drinking time, drinking gulps, bolus, chews per minute, chews per bolus, activity up and down time, temp average, temp minimum, temp maximum, activity change, other chews, ruminate chews, and eating chews. The RWS sensors were placed on the cattle one month before expected calving based on service data and removed ten days after calving. Data were registered 10 days before and 10 days after calving. We found that using the RumiWatch system, rumination time was not the predictor of calving outlined in the literature; rather, drinking time, downtime, and rumen chews gave the most clearcut correlation with the calving period. We suggest that using RumiWatch to combine rumination time, eating time, drinking, activity, and down time characteristics from ten days before calving, it would be possible to construct a sensitive calving alarm; however, considerably more data are needed, not least from primiparous cows not examined here. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of Dairy Cattle Health Management)

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14 pages, 2000 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Change in Rumination Behavior Parameters around Calving in Cows with Subclinical Ketosis Diagnosed during 30 Days after Calving

by Ramūnas Antanaitis, Vida Juozaitienė, Karina Džermeikaitė, Dovilė Bačėninaitė, Greta Šertvytytė, Eduardas Danyla, Arūnas Rutkauskas, Lorenzo Viora and Walter Baumgartner

Animals 2023, 13(4), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040595 - 08 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1265

Abstract

We hypothesized that cows with SCK (blood BHB over >1.2 mmol/L) diagnosed within the first 30 days of calving can be predicted by changes in rumination and activity behavioral parameters in the period before calving and indeed subsequently. A total of 45 cows [...] Read more.

We hypothesized that cows with SCK (blood BHB over >1.2 mmol/L) diagnosed within the first 30 days of calving can be predicted by changes in rumination and activity behavioral parameters in the period before calving and indeed subsequently. A total of 45 cows were randomly selected from 60 dry cows from at least 40 days before calving. All the cows were fitted with RuniWatch sensors monitoring both intake behaviors (faceband) and general movement and activity behavior (pedometer) (RWS-ITIN + HOCH, Switzerland). Following an adaptation period of 10 days, rumination, eating, and activity parameters were monitored for 30 days before calving and 30 days after calving. Considering the design of the study, we divided the data of cows into three stages for statistical evaluation: (1) the last thirty days before calving (from day −30 to −1 of the study); (2) day of calving; and (3) the first thirty days after calving (from day 1 to 30 of the study). We found that before calving, those cows with a higher risk of having SCK diagnosed after calving had lower rumination time, eating time, drinking gulps, bolus, chews per min, chews per bolus, downtime, maximal temperature, and activity change. On the calving day, in cows with higher risk of SCK after calving, we found lower rumination time, eating time, chews per min, chews per bolus, uptime, downtime, minimal temperature, other chews, eating chews, drinking time, drinking gulps, activity, average temperature, maximal temperature, activity change, rumination chews, and eating chews. After calving in cows with SCK, we found lower rumination time, eating time 1, eating time 2, bolus, chews per bolus, uptime, downtime, minimal temperature, maximal temperature, rumination chews, and eating chews. Moreover, after calving we found higher drinking gulps, drinking time, activity, activity change, average temperature, other chews, and eating chews in cows with SCK. From a practical point of view, we recommend that by tracking changes in rumination and activity behavior parameters registered with RuniWatch sensors (such as rumination time, eating time, drinking time, drinking gulps, bolus, chews per minute, chews per bolus, downtime, maximal temperature, and activity change) before, during, and after calving, we can identify cows with a higher risk of SCK in the herd. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of Dairy Cattle Health Management)

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21 pages, 5399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-Dose Vitamin E Supplementation Can Alleviate the Negative Effect of Subacute Ruminal Acidosis in Dairy Cows

by Zibin Wu, Yongqing Guo, Jiahao Zhang, Ming Deng, Zhenyu Xian, Haoming Xiong, Dewu Liu and Baoli Sun

Animals 2023, 13(3), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13030486 - 31 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1750

Abstract

The aim of this trial was to assess whether the supplementation of vitamin E (VE) in high-concentrate diets could improve the fermentation and blood metabolism in the rumen of dairy cows, thereby modulating the degree of the subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) response and [...] Read more.

The aim of this trial was to assess whether the supplementation of vitamin E (VE) in high-concentrate diets could improve the fermentation and blood metabolism in the rumen of dairy cows, thereby modulating the degree of the subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) response and improving the performance. Seven Holstein cows (four fitted with ruminal cannulas) were fed three diets (total mixed rations) during three successive periods (each lasted for 18 d): (1) the control diet (CON); (2) a high-grain (HG) diet, which was the control diet supplied with a 15% finely ground wheat diet (FGW); and (3) a high-VE diet (HGE), which was the control diet provided with a 15% FGW and 12,000 IU of VE/head per day. The results indicated that VE was able to alleviate the reduction in the dry matter intake (DMI) and milk fat yield in cows caused by HG diets. The supplementation of VE significantly reduced the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), histamine (HIS), and the total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) in the rumen. The supplementation of VE observably increased the antioxidant capacity of the milk and plasma. In addition, VE markedly reduced the plasma levels of endotoxin, HIS, and pro-inflammatory factors. The supplementation of VE significantly enriched the differential metabolites of the purine metabolism, cysteine, methionine metabolism, and ABC transporter synthesis pathway in the serum. The supplementation of VE also significantly increased the relative abundance of Succiniclasticum and decreased the relative abundance of Treponema, thus reducing the production of TVFA in the rumen. In conclusion, considering that the cows in this trial had high ketone levels (BHBA > 2.3 mmol/L), we found that VE could improve the rumen fermentation and blood metabolism by modulating the relative abundance of rumen microorganisms, thereby mitigating a range of adverse effects caused by SARA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of Dairy Cattle Health Management)

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Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 746 KiB

Open AccessReview

Innovations in Cattle Farming: Application of Innovative Technologies and Sensors in the Diagnosis of Diseases

by Karina Džermeikaitė, Dovilė Bačėninaitė and Ramūnas Antanaitis

Animals 2023, 13(5), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13050780 - 21 Feb 2023

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 11262

Abstract

Precision livestock farming has a crucial function as farming grows in significance. It will help farmers make better decisions, alter their roles and perspectives as farmers and managers, and allow for the tracking and monitoring of product quality and animal welfare as mandated [...] Read more.

Precision livestock farming has a crucial function as farming grows in significance. It will help farmers make better decisions, alter their roles and perspectives as farmers and managers, and allow for the tracking and monitoring of product quality and animal welfare as mandated by the government and industry. Farmers can improve productivity, sustainability, and animal care by gaining a deeper understanding of their farm systems as a result of the increased use of data generated by smart farming equipment. Automation and robots in agriculture have the potential to play a significant role in helping society fulfill its future demands for food supply. These technologies have already enabled significant cost reductions in production, as well as reductions in the amount of intensive manual labor, improvements in product quality, and enhancements in environmental management. Wearable sensors can monitor eating, rumination, rumen pH, rumen temperature, body temperature, laying behavior, animal activity, and animal position or placement. Detachable or imprinted biosensors that are adaptable and enable remote data transfer might be highly important in this quickly growing industry. There are already multiple gadgets to evaluate illnesses such as ketosis or mastitis in cattle. The objective evaluation of sensor methods and systems employed on the farm is one of the difficulties presented by the implementation of modern technologies on dairy farms. The availability of sensors and high-precision technology for real-time monitoring of cattle raises the question of how to objectively evaluate the contribution of these technologies to the long-term viability of farms (productivity, health monitoring, welfare evaluation, and environmental effects). This review focuses on biosensing technologies that have the potential to change early illness diagnosis, management, and operations for livestock. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of Dairy Cattle Health Management)

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