Feed Trough Research Articles

Impact of shearing sheep on feeding and behaviour during the pre-embarkment feedlot phase of live export

Context Shearing is a management procedure that can induce stress, and is one that sheep often undergo on-farm and/or at registered premises during the pre-embarkation phase of live export. Aim As inanition is one of the largest causes of death during sea transport and can result from sheep experiencing stress, whether shearing results in behavioural changes and stress before boarding a vessel needs to be determined. Methods A total of 600 merino wethers sourced from one farm were housed at registered pre-embarkment premises, where they were split between two adjacent pens. The wethers were further split into the six treatment groups (unshorn, and sheep shorn on Days 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5) with 50 sheep per treatment, per pen. All wethers were fitted with radio frequency identification tags that were used to record animal presence at feed and water troughs, and coloured ear tags to visually identify their treatment group. Temperature and humidity sensors were placed on the outside of each pen to record environmental conditions throughout the 13-day study. Body condition scores for each wether were recorded at the beginning and end of the study. Four portable cameras were placed at a corner of each pen, allowing behaviour states (standing, lying or locomotion) of the wethers to be recorded on Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 13 of the study. Key results Shorn treatment groups were observed to spend more time standing (F5,5 = 6.63, P = 0.029) and less time lying (F23,23 = 2.48, P = 0.017). The control group spent more time at water troughs from Day 4 to 12 (F5,55 = 3.98, P < 0.01), whereas all groups were recorded as spending more time at the feed trough on Day 5 (F5,55 = 2.78, P < 0.001). Conclusions A lack of variation in behavioural states between the treatments and no change in time spent feeding throughout the study suggest that the procedure of shearing within the first 5 days at the pre-embarkation facility had no impact on behaviour of these sheep. Implications These results assist the industry in ensuring best management practices are implemented.

SOME FEATURES OF THE BEHAVIOR OF GOATS OF THE ANGLO-NUBIAN BREED

We studied some of the behavioral features of goats of the anglo-nubian breed, namely for indicators such as coming up to the feed trough, feeding, chewing, defecation, urination, rest, movement along the pen. According to the observations, the animals spend the maximum amount of time rest 41.9 minutes , and the minimum figure is 7.7 seconds, which is 99.6% less for the maximum.

Effects of B-Wave Ultraviolet Supplementation Using Light-Emitting Diodes on Caged Laying Hens during the Later Phase of the Laying Cycle.

Simple SummarySo far, traditional cages are still the dominant housing systems for laying hens all over the world. However, during the later phase of the laying cycle, laying hens in conventional cages are highly susceptible to osteoporosis due to a calcium deficiency, which is accompanied by a decrease in production performance and egg quality, and an increase in mortality. B-wave ultraviolet (UVB) radiation (290–315 nm) can penetrate the skin and converts 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) to previtamin D3, which is rapidly converted to vitamin D3, which promotes the body’s absorption of calcium and phosphorus, as well as bone metabolism. Hence, we hypothesize that UVB exposure using light-emitting diode (LED) lights on laying hens during the later phase of the laying cycle can promote health and welfare of layers. This study aims to improve bone quality and egg quality by utilizing light environment regulation, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the application of UVB-LED lights for laying hens during the later phase of the laying cycle.Caged laying hens are prone to calcium deficiencies, resulting in osteoporosis and egg quality deterioration during the later phase of the laying cycle. Fluorescent light and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are widely used in poultry houses now, are both deficient in ultraviolet (UV) light, the lack of which is detrimental to chickens’ welfare and health. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of UVB light supplementation using LEDs on the bone traits, blood parameters, laying performance, and egg quality for caged laying hens at 68–75 weeks. In total, 120 Jingfen laying hens were randomly assigned to four different groups, with three replicates in each group (10 hens in each cage as a replicate). UVB-LED lamps installed under the feed troughs were used to provide UVB light (296–316 nm) for the birds in the three treatment groups (1 h, 2 h, and 3 h UVB supplementation per day, respectively), while the control group was not exposed to UVB-LED light. Bone traits, egg quality, and amounts of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), and 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) in both the serum and egg yolks were tested during the experiment. The results demonstrated that UVB-LED exposure significantly increased the bone mineral density (BMD), egg production, and yolk 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations (p < 0.05), and reduced the content of serum 7-DHC (p < 0.05), especially in the 2 h/day group; however, it did not improve egg quality, vitamin D metabolites, or photoproducts in the serum and yolk 25(OH)2D3 concentrations (p > 0.05). This study concluded that UVB supplementation using LEDs had a positive effect on caged laying hens during the later phase of the laying cycle.

Course of the energy balance in the early lactation of Holstein-Friesian cows calculated according to 3 different models

The aim of this study was to compare the results of the energy balance of dairy cows calculated with 3 different formulas. The course of the energy balance up to the 100th lactation day in Holstein-Friesian dairy cows from a herd with a mean 305-day milk yield of 11 761 kg was to be described. Data from a total of 193 dairy cows were available within 2 study periods. Body weight measurements were taken at fixed time points. The feed intake was determined by means of transponder-supported feeding troughs. Milk data was obtained from the corresponding milking recordings. Energy balance was determined by calculation according to the society for nutritional physiology (GfE), Jans and Kessler and National Research Council (NRC) modified according to Collard. The 3 models yielded very similar results. The calculation modified by Collard, however, generally led to lower values. Minimum values for energy balance were calculated in the colostrum phase. The transition from the negative to the positive energy balance occurred in the mean 53 days postpartum. All 3 calculation methods were equally suitable to assess energy balance of dairy cows conveying similar results. Over 50 % of the examined cows reach a positive energy balance before the 60th day of lactation. According to the literature, the course of the energy balance with a low point around the 60th day postpartum is not to be assumed in principle for each herd. Strategies to improve negative energy balance with regard to time point, extent, and duration in the early lactation must be developed individually for each herd and still require research.

Detection of broiler heat stress by using the generalised sequential pattern algorithm

The sequence pattern mining method aims to identify frequent sequences that exceed a user-specified support threshold. The present study uses the same approach based on sequential standards to estimate the heat stress of broilers from a resulting behavioural pattern. Experimental data were recorded in a climate chamber where the behaviour of broilers was recorded under thermoneutral (comfort) conditions, set as standard, and when exposed to thermal stress (cold and heat). The Generalised Sequential Patterns (GSP) algorithm was used to evaluate the heat stress of broilers in the third and fourth week of growth. The results indicated that the mining of pattern sequences is a useful and straightforward technique to estimate the welfare of broiler chickens, allowing the identification of temporal relations between thermal stress and the consequent behaviour of the broiler. Temperature 8 °C below the standard thermoneutral conditions showed that the broiler remained lying down most of the time, walking only to the drinker and feeder trough. Broilers exposed to temperatures 8 °C above the standard thermoneutral conditions () tend to decrease locomotor activities, showing lower welfare status.

Challenges and chicken production status of poultry producers in Bishoftu, Ethiopia

ABSTRACTThe study was conducted to evaluate the current status and constraints of chicken production among poultry producers in the study area. A high percentage of poultry producers were male (69.2%) and married (53.8%). More than half had at least a tertiary education (53.8%) followed by those with secondary schooling and a primary education. The average age of poultry producers was 33.2 ± 11.0 years and this ranged from 16 up to 65 yr of age. Among all the producers’ samples, 36.5% reared chicks while hens were the largest flock type followed by pullets, chicks, cockerels, and cocks. A large proportion of producers (94.2%) provided supplementary feed to their birds and most (82.7%) of them utilized commercial ration. Mostly, 38.5% of poultry producers provide supplementary feed any time depending upon the amount of feed left in the feeding trough. The 3 biggest challenges to producers were sudden outbreak of disease, the cost of commercial feed, and the lack of availability of day-old chicks.

Performance and noise analysis of vibratory feeder using dynamic rubber spring model

In vibratory feeder, material feeding occurs due to the vibration of a trough mounted on helical springs. High vibration amplitude of trough causes the springs to jump and usually results in higher noise level generation and increase in force transmissibility in the support structure of the feeder. Reducing this noise without having significant changes in the dynamics of the feeder unit is a major challenge in the present industries. This paper presents a dynamic rubber spring model for vibratory feeders to reduce the noise level and the force transferred to the support structure of the feeder. Measurement of dynamic parameters such as vibration amplitude and magnitude of force transmitted to support structure, noise level, and conveying speed of particle analyses have been conducted experimentally on vibratory feeder with and without rubber gasket installed at spring support structure. The use of rubber gaskets at spring supports and their implication on force transmissibility and noise level of feeder is established experimentally. The performance analysis of feeder was also conducted using particle conveying speed on trough for different setups of feeder unit. It was found that the introduction of rubber gaskets at spring supports of the feeder increases the system damping, which helps in noise reduction as well as reduced amplitude of vibration and higher acceleration of trough. The increased acceleration leads to higher particle conveying velocity on the feeder trough.

Alteration of Prion Strain Emergence by Nonhost Factors.

Prions can persist in the environment for extended periods of time after adsorption to surfaces, including soils, feeding troughs, or fences. Prion strain- and soil-specific differences in prion adsorption, infectivity, and response to inactivation may be involved in strain maintenance or emergence of new strains in a population. Extensive proteinase K (PK) digestion of Hyper (HY) and Drowsy (DY) PrPSc resulted in a greater reduction in the level of DY PrPSc than of HY PrPSc Use of the PK-digested material in protein misfolding cyclic amplification strain interference (PMCAsi) resulted in earlier emergence of HY PrPSc than of undigested controls. This result established that strain-specific alteration of the starting ratios of conversion-competent HY and DY PrPSc can alter strain emergence. We next investigated whether environmentally relevant factors such as surface binding and weathering could alter strain emergence. Adsorption of HY and DY PrPSc to silty clay loam (SCL), both separately and combined, resulted in DY interfering with the emergence of HY in PMCAsi in a manner similar to that seen with unbound controls. Similarly, repeated cycles of wetting and drying of SCL-bound HY and DY PrPSc did not alter the emergence of HY PrPSc compared to untreated controls. Importantly, these data indicate that prion strain interference can occur when prions are bound to surfaces. Interestingly, we found that drying of adsorbed brain homogenate on SCL could restore its ability to interfere with the emergence of HY, suggesting a novel strain interference mechanism. Overall, these data provide evidence that the emergence of a strain from a mixture can be influenced by nonhost factors.IMPORTANCE The prion strain, surface type, and matrix containing PrPSc can influence PrPSc surface adsorption. The cumulative effect of these factors can result in strain- and soil-specific differences in prion bioavailability. Environmental weathering processes can result in decreases in PrPSc conversion efficiency and infectivity. Little is known about how incomplete inactivation of surface-bound PrPSc affects transmission and prion strain emergence. Here, we show that strain interference occurs with soil-bound prions and that altering the ratios of prion strains by strain-specific inactivation can affect strain emergence. Additionally, we identify a novel mechanism of inhibition of prion conversion by environmental treatment-induced changes at the soil-protein interface altering strain emergence. These novel findings suggest that environmental factors can influence strain emergence of surface-bound prions.

Effects of shade location and protection from direct solar radiation on the behavior of Holstein cows.

Two trials (E1 and E2) were performed to assess the behavior of eight Holstein dairy cows with 367 ± 58kg of body weight and 10.52 ± 0.08kg of milk yield. A 4 × 4 Latin square design (four periods of lactation and four levels of solar blockage) with four paddocks was used. Each paddock contained a wood shading structure covered with a cloth that blocked 30% (T1), 50% (T2), 70% (T3), or 100% (T4) of direct solar radiation. In the first trial (E1) each shade structure was located approximately 40m from the feeder and water troughs; in the second trial (E2), the distance was reduced to 5m. Air temperature (TA, °C), relative humidity (RH, %), wind speed (U, ms-1), black globe temperature (TG, K), mean radiant temperature (TMR, K), radiant heat load (RHL, Wm-2), and local shortwave radiation (RS, Wm-2) were recorded at 15-min intervals from 08:00 to 17:00h. Four behavioral activities were recorded: grazing, eating at the feed trough, ruminating, and idling. For each of these activities, animal posture (lying or upright) and location (under shade or exposed to sunlight) were recorded. The meteorological conditions showed similar variations from 8:00 to 17:00h between the two trials. However, the air temperatures in E1 were lower (± 2°C) than those in E2. In a PCA analysis, the first and the second principal components explained 56.87% and 21.85%, respectively, of the total variation in the behavioral variables. Under the E1 conditions, the animals did not seek shade, whereas in E2, the dairy cows spent 35 ± 5% of their time lying and idling in the shade. At a solar radiation blockage of 100%, cows were in the shade more than 60% of the time due to the intensity of solar radiation, which was 722.19 ± 14.59Wm-2 at 11:45. In a PCA analysis, the first and the second principal components explained 65.18 and 22.3%, respectively, and 87.48% together, of the total variation in the original variables. Consequently, it was possible to develop a shade index (IST) based on the first two components. In E1, animals spent very little time in the shade, spending only 0.15% of total time under the shade, irrespective of blockage. However, E2 cows used shade, reaching almost 80% of time under the shade, at midday, when the blockage was 100%.

Preference for heights of feeding troughs in mares: a pilot study

AbstractPreferences for the height of feeding troughs of seven mares were evaluated and, as awareness of surroundings when feeding is adaptive for horses, the relationship between preference responses and attention behaviours was also assessed. First, feeding troughs at four heights (0, 25, 50, and 75 cm) were provided for 16 days, and the amount of time animals ate from each height option was measured daily. These data were used to determine the preferred/non-preferred options for each individual. An overall preference for heights of 50 and 75 cm was detected, but responses showed significant individual variation The same animals were subsequently observed, when feeding from preferred (four days) or non-preferred (four days) trough heights, while their behaviours were recorded. Moving ears/head (attention behaviours) occurred more frequently when feeding from preferred heights of feeding troughs. We concluded that to ensure better welfare conditions for the mares in this study, it was important to consider the individual variation of such preferences if possible, however, by using troughs positioned at 50 or 75 cm, the general preference could be assured. Moreover, when feeding from their preferred heights, the study mares paid more attention to their surroundings than when feeding from their non-preferred height and thus it is likely that they defended their preferred options more. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the generalisability of these findings. We have demonstrated a methodology to assess mares’ preferences and provided some preliminary data on the relationship between preferences/non-preferences and the possible emotional states of mares.

Characterization of pig saliva as the major natural habitat of Streptococcus suis by analyzing oral, fecal, vaginal, and environmental microbiota

It is generally difficult to specify the sources of infection by which domestic animals may acquire pathogens. Through 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we compared the composition of microbiota in the saliva, vaginal mucus, and feces of pigs, and in swabs of feeder troughs and water dispensers collected from pig farms in Vietnam. The composition of the microbiota differed between samples in each sample group. Streptococcus, Actinobacillus, Moraxella, and Rothia were the most abundant genera and significantly discriminative in saliva samples, regardless of the plasticity and changeability of the composition of microbiota in saliva. Moreover, species assignment of the genus Streptococcus revealed that Streptococcus suis was exceptional in the salivary microbiota, due to being most abundant among the streptococcal species and sharing estimated proportions of 5.7%–9.4% of the total bacteria in saliva. Thus, pig oral microbiota showed unique characteristics in which the major species was the pig pathogen. On the other hand, β-diversity analysis showed that the microbiota in saliva was distinct from those in the others. From the above results, pig saliva was shown to be the major natural habitat of S. suis, and is suggested to be the most probable source of S. suis infection.

Feeding preferences of ostriches towards the inclusion of full-fat canola seed in grower diets

The largest expense of an intensive ostrich production unit is feed cost (ca.75%). Protein makes up a great portion of feed for monogastric animals and this expense can be lowered by utilizing locally produced feedstuffs such as full-fat canola, although it is not clear whether ostriches will readily consume full-fat canola because of its anti-nutritional and other known factors. To evaluate the feeding preference of ostriches towards full-fat canola, 60 South African Black ostriches (82.2 +/- 1.06 kg in live weight) were placed in 10 camps of six birds per camp. Each camp had five identical feed troughs containing diets in which full-fat canola seed (FFCS) incrementally (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of protein source) replaced the soybean oilcake meal (9.8% of the total diet composition in control diet was soybean oilcake meal and full-fat canola was included up to 27.5% of the total diet) as protein source. Dry matter intake (DMI) was measured daily and feed colour characteristics were measured, based on L*, a* and b* colour attributes. Only the 25%FFCS showed a higher DMI (817.38 +/- 81.98 g/bird/day) and percentage DMI (similar to 29.53%) than the other diets, with an average DMI of 488.8 g/bird/day) and percentage DMI of 17.62%. Although the 0%FFCS, 50%FFCS and 75%FFCS had a lighter colour than the 25%FFCS and 100%FFCS and the b* colour parameter for 100%FFCS was lower than the rest, it is believed that these differences had no effect on DMI. Based on the results of this study, diets with up to 27.5% full-fat canola seeds had no detrimental effect on feed intake of finishing ostriches. Birds prefer diets with a combination of 6.9% full-fat canola seed and 7.4% soybean oilcake meal.

Milk technology assessment based on greenhouse gas emissions

The resulted of determination greenhouse gas emissions under the tied maintenance of cattle and mechanized removal of manure when preparing byproducts for using with industrial production of cattle. The determination was made on the basis of the obtained data on the consumed gross energy of different sex and age groups of cattle, which was determined taking into account raw protein, raw fat, crude fiber and nitrogen-free extractives in the feed and biogenic elements of by-products. The determination was made taking into account the amount of food consumed and the yield of by-products. On the basis of the gross energy consumed by the animals and these byproducts, the values of methane emissions, direct and incidental nitrogen emissions were determined, both in absolute values and in the units per one conventional head and CO2 equivalent per year. With a herd of 703 heads, the consumption of gross energy per day was 1170435.38 mJ. The output of by-products per day is 12.300 kg. The output of by-products per day is 12.300 kg. The distribution of feeds with the tied content of cows is carried out by the mobile feed distributor KTU-10, directly into the feeding troughs. Manure from the stalls is raked manually into the manure channels, where the TSN-3B transporter is mounted, which removes it from the barn. It was determined that when the animals were tied in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine in the State Enterprise «Gontarovka», the emissions of greenhouse gases during the preparation of organic wastes of industrial milk production amounted to 16640.90 kg in CO2 equivalent per 1 head, while the annual emissions for the flock were as follows: methane — 8701156.055 СО2, and direct and indirect nitrogen emissions — 382.325 СО2. The results of the research will form the basis for the analysis of greenhouse gas emissions with various cattle technologies in order to identify technologies that can provide minimum greenhouse gas emissions.

The effect of pen environment on pen-mate directed behaviour prior to feeding in finisher pigs with intact tails

Tail biting is one of the largest problems in intensive pig production among finishers. Currently, tail docking is performed to minimize tail biting, such as bleeding, sores, infection and amputation, however, due to legislation and consumer demand, there is a need for finding other alternatives. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pen environment on the prevalence of pen-mate directed behaviour prior to feeding in finishers with intact tails. Pigs were assigned to one of two pens. Compared to PEN1, PEN2 housed fewer pigs, had a higher space allowance per pig and a larger area of solid floor than PEN1, whereas the space per pig at the feeding trough was the same. Straw was provided in a straw rack in PEN1 and on the floor in PEN2. Recorded behaviour (tail directed, ear directed, aggression, feeding, belly nosing and other nosing behaviour) was observed continuously 30 min prior to the last feeding of the day by the use of video recordings in three focal pigs in a total of 30 pens. The hypothesis was that PEN2 would generate a lower prevalence of pen-mate directed behaviour compared to PEN1. However, there was a similar prevalence of tail directed, ear directed and other nosing behaviour between pens and a tendency of a higher prevalence in counts of aggression and belly nosing in PEN2, thus rejecting the hypothesis. Furthermore, there was a difference in feeding behaviour with a higher prevalence in PEN1 (P ≤ 0.01).

Environmental Sampling Survey of H5N2 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza-Infected Layer Chicken Farms in Minnesota and Iowa.

Respiratory secretions, feces, feathers, and eggs of avian influenza-infected hens provide ample sources of virus which heavily contaminate barn and farm environments during a disease outbreak. Environmental sampling surveys were conducted in the Midwestern United States on affected farms during the 2015 H5N2 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak to assess the degree of viral contamination. A total of 930 samples were obtained from various sites inside and outside layer barns housing infected birds and tested with real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. The distribution and load of viral RNA in barns in which most birds were dead at the onset of depopulation efforts (high-mortality barns) were compared with those of barns in which birds were euthanatized before excess mortality occurred (normal-mortality barns). A statistically significant difference was seen between cycle threshold (Ct) values for samples taken of fans, feed troughs, barn floors, barn walls, cages, manure-associated locations, barn doors, egg belts, and the exterior of high-mortality vs. normal-mortality barns. In high-mortality barns, sample sites were found to be the most to least contaminated in the following order: cages, manure-associated locations, barn floors, egg belts, feed troughs, barn doors, barn walls, fans, exterior, and egg processing. Significant changes in Ct values over time following HPAI detection in a barn and depopulation of birds on an infected farm were observed for the manure-associated, barn floor, barn wall, and fan sampling sites. These results show that high mortality in a flock as a result of HPAI will increase contamination of the farm environment. The results also suggest optimal sampling locations for detection of virus; however, the persistence of RNA on highmortality farms may delay the determination that adequate sanitization has been performed for restocking to take place.

Assessment of pig saliva as a Streptococcus suis reservoir and potential source of infection on farms by use of a novel quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate colonization of Streptococcus suis and Streptococcus parasuis on pig farms in Japan and to identify sources of infections. SAMPLE Saliva, feces, and vaginal swab samples from 84 healthy pigs of several growth stages on 4 farms and swab samples of feed troughs and water dispensers at those farms. PROCEDURES Samples were collected from August 2015 to June 2016. Two quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays (one for S suis and the other for S parasuis) were designed for use in the study. The novel qPCR assays were used in combination with previously described qPCR assays for S suis serotype 2 or 1/2 and total bacteria. Relative abundance of bacteria in each sample was evaluated. RESULTS Streptococcus suis was detected in all saliva samples and some of the other samples, whereas S parasuis was not detected in any of the samples, including saliva samples, which indicated a difference in colonization preference. The ratio of S suis to total bacteria in saliva appeared to increase with age of pigs. Streptococcus suis serotype 2 or 1/2 was detected in a few saliva samples and feed trough swab samples at 2 farms where S suis infections were prevalent. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Saliva, especially that of sows, appeared to be a reservoir and source of S suis infection for pigs. The qPCR assay described here may provide an effective way to monitor for S suis in live pigs, which could lead to effective disease control on pig farms.

Location of supplementary feed and water troughs on the sward affects movement and spatial distribution of Brahman cattle (Bos indicus)

The grazing dynamics of animals differ depending on whether they are raised on rangeland or sward areas. Grazing patterns of cattle raised on rangeland can be modified by the location of supplement feed and water troughs. However, no information about the use of this strategy is available for swards. Thus, the effects of the location of supplementary feed and water troughs in small (7500 m2) irrigated swards on movement, behavior and distribution were studied in a herd of 15 Brahman cows. The herd grazed on five swards in rotation, for seven days on each sward, so that each sward then had 28 days of rest. There were four rotations, giving four replicates of each of five treatments. For each rotation, one of the following treatments was randomly assigned to each sward. Supplementary feed and water troughs were: T1 in the same corner of the sward; T2 separate, each in the middle of one of the shorter sides of the sward; T3 separate in diagonally opposite corners; T4 separate in adjacent corners; T5 together in the sward center. The behavior and location of each cow was registered on a daily basis, every 2 h from 9:00 to 15:00 h, 7 days/week, using instantaneous scan sampling during the 140 days that the experiment lasted. Total distance traveled of each cow (i.e. the sum of Euclidean distances between the four subsequent positions of each cow within each day) was longer in T2 and T3 than in T5 (159.8, 162.5 vs 119.5 m respectively; p = 0.006), with the rest of the treatments showing intermediate values. The distance to the nearest cow was longer in T1 vs. T2 and T3 (6.2 vs 4.0 and 4.7 m, respectively; p = 0.007). Similarly, the herd home range was greater in T1 vs. T2 (792.6 vs. 574.7 m2, respectively; p = 0.01). Regardless of the treatment, social disruption occurred on day 1, which gradually decline through the week of grazing. The results show that the location of supplementary feed and water troughs affects the movement and cattle distribution in small (<1 ha) irrigated swards. This might have practical applications in the design of grazing strategies and in the animal welfare of cattle maintained on small swards.

A hidden Markov model to estimate the time dairy cows spend in feeder based on indoor positioning data

The feeding time of dairy cows is linked with the health status of the animal and can be used to estimate daily feed intake together with other measurements. The aim of this study was to develop a model to measure the time a dairy cow spends at a feed bunk using an Ultra wide-band indoor positioning system.The feeding behavior of 50 dairy cows was measured during 7 days using Ubisense indoor positioning system and Insentec roughage feeders. The feeding probability (presence at the feeder) of the cows was calculated using logistic regression model with the distance to feed barrier as input and the Viterbi algorithm was used to calculate the most likely state (feeding or not feeding) given state transition probabilities.The model was able to predict whether the cow was at the feeding trough or not with the accuracy of 97.6%, sensitivity 95.3% and specificity 97.9%. The model was also able to estimate the mean bout duration and the number of feeding bouts.

An outbreak of caprine toxoplasmosis - investigation and case report

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to investigate an abortion outbreak in a dairy goat herd in the municipality of Arapoti, Parana, Brazil. At the beginning of the outbreak, blood samples were collected from 33 goats with clinical signs; later, of the whole goat herd, two cats and two dogs. Milk samples were collected from 78 lactating goats. Four environmental soil samples and four samples of feed residue from goat feeders were collected too. Immunofluorescence antibody test (IFA) was used for serodiagnosis, the molecular analysis was conducted by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), for the isolation of the etiological agent the bioassay was used. The results of the IFA revealed that 76.53% (137/179) of the goats, two dogs and two cats were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii. Bioassay revealed one buffy coat and two milk sample having viable T. gondii. In the PCR, 11 whole blood samples, eight milk, three feeder troughs, and all soil samples were positive. The findings of the present study confirmed an outbreak caused by environmental contamination (of soil and feed) with T. gondii oocysts that could have been shed by kittens that lived on the farm and had access to the stock of goat food, facilitating this contamination, which reinforces the need for veterinary assistance and good management practices on farms.

Study on gastro intestinal parasite of cattle at Horoguduru Animal Production and Research Center of Wollega University, Oromia, Ethiopia

Cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastro intestinal parasite and protozoan emeria, to determine the common risk factor and to identify the commonly existing parasitic eggs at Horoguduru animal production and research center of Wollega University. To determine the sample size, an expected prevalence of 50% was taken into consideration since there was no research work on gastro intestinal parasitic eggs at the center. 384 animals’ fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of cattle into a universal bottle containing 10% formalin and transported to the laboratory for examination. Carpological examination was done at Wollega University Shambu campus animal science and, food and nutrition department. Coprological examinations were made within 12 hours after sample collection. Eggs of nematode, cestode and trimatodes were identified. In this study egg of paramphistomum, fasciola, haemonchus, strongylus and monezia are the commonly identified eggs by floatation and sedimentation techniques. Sedimentation technique was used to detect the presence of fluke eggs in the fecal samples. The result showed that the overall prevalence of gastro intestinal parasite is 133/384 (34.6%).The result showed that the prevalence were 27.8% in young age group, 40% in adult age group and 35.4% in old age group. The result also reported that the prevalence of the parasite was 48/86(55.81%) in cross breed and 85/298(28.5%) in local breed. The study depicted that the prevalence of the parasitic egg are 88/219(40.18%) in female animals and 45/165 (27.27%) in male animals. In this study from the total of 134 infected animals 85/134(63%) were infected by single infection and49/134 (36.57%) were infected at least with two different genera of gastro intestinal and protozoan parasites. The prevalence of eggs of each single infection were Paramphistomum 27/85(31.76%), Fasciola 17/85(20%), Ascaris 15/85(17.95%), Monezia 9/85(10.59%), Tricuris 7/85(8.24%), Strongyloid types 6/85(7.06%), Haemonchus 2/85(2.53%), and 1/85(1.18%) of Nematodurous and Emeria It also showed that from the total of multiple infections 9/49(18.36%) was infected with three types of parasitic genera and 40/49 (81.63%) were infected with two different genera. In conclusion separate grazing land for young animals (calves), separate Water and feed trough for different age category and risk factors based strategic deworming were recommended. Keywords : Gastro intestinal parasite Carpological examination Prevalence Protozoan emeria Fecal samples