Abstract
ObjectiveTo examine the use of handheld methodology to assess mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) on cows kept loose-housed. Study designProspective randomized partial cross-over experimental study. A one-factor (test day) design was used to evaluate MNT over time. AnimalsOne hundred and fifteen healthy, loose-housed Danish Holstein cattle. MethodsWe evaluated intra-individual variation, inter-observer agreement and variation over time of MNT using two handheld devices and two stimulation sites. Mechanical, ramped stimulations were performed with an algometer (6.5 mm diameter steel probe, 0–10.0 kgf) or an electronic von Frey device (plastic tip with diameter 0.8 mm, 0–1000 gf). Each cow received 5–6 consecutive stimulations within a 2 × 5 cm skin area on the dorsal or lateral aspect of the left third metatarsus until an avoidance reaction occurred. We investigated the difference in precision [expressed as coefficient of variation (CV)] between the combinations of devices and stimulation sites. The inter-observer agreement and the difference in MNT between test day 1, 3, 7, 10 and 24 were investigated for selected combinations. Data were analysed in mixed models and Bland-Altman as relevant. ResultsThe CVs did not differ [range 0.34–0.52 (p = 0.1)]. Difference between observers (95% limits) was 0.2 kgf (2.8) and 4 gf (369) for the algometer and von Frey device, respectively. Mechanical nociceptive threshold increased from 361 on test day one to 495 gf on test day 24 (p < 0.01). Conclusion and clinical relevanceAll methods showed a high degree of intra-individual variation, and no combination of device and stimulation site showed superior precision. Mean difference between observers was low, and MNT was not consistent over time. Further development of the methods is required before they can be used in research to investigate possible relations between claw lesions and hyperalgesia.
Highlights
Claw disorders and lameness are considered to be among the major welfare problems in intensive milk production (Anonymous 2009)
We investigated the difference in precision [expressed as coefficient of variation (CV)] between the combinations of devices and stimulation sites
As part of the development of a handheld methodology appropriate for quantification of mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) testing in dairy cows kept in loose housing, we investigated the short term precision of four combinations of probe diameter and stimulation site, determined the inter-observer agreement and the temporal consistency of mean MNT over a 24 day period
Summary
Claw disorders and lameness are considered to be among the major welfare problems in intensive milk production (Anonymous 2009). Mechanical nociceptive stimulation has been applied to the skin of the dorsal part of the metatarsus/metacarpus by use of a blunt pin, driven by a pneumatic actuator and attached to the leg with a cuff (Whay et al 1997, 1998; Laven et al 2003). This method requires handling and restraint of the cows, potential stressors which might influence the nociceptive thresholds (Rushen et al 1999; Herskin et al 2004, 2007). In order to be able to quantify MNT in modern dairy production, handheld methods, which can be used on freely behaving dairy cows kept in their home environment, seem to offer a good alternative but such method have not yet been investigated
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