Herd Health Program Research Articles

The impact of the herd health interventions in small ruminants in low input production systems in Ethiopia.

Diseases have a negative impact on production and profitability of small ruminants. A good herd health program can decrease the number of sick animals and improve herd performance. In a longitudinal study, small ruminant herd health interventions such as community-based strategic gastrointestinal (GI) parasite control, prevention and control of major respiratory diseases and capacity development activities were implemented. In four districts of Ethiopia, where the Community Based Breeding Program (CBBP) is implemented, morbidity and mortality data were collected from January 2018 to July 2021 in 1047 smallholder farms with the objective of evaluating the impact of herd health interventions. A total of 2,643 sick animals and 516 deaths of small ruminants were recorded during the study period. The disease cases were categorized into eight groups: gastrointestinal, neurological, reproductive, respiratory, skin, systemic, other diseases (eye disease, foot disease etc) and unknown diseases. Chi-square and proportions were used to analyze morbidity and mortality by district, agro-ecological zone and age of the animal. The data showed that the general trend in the occurrence of cases and morbidity rate were decreasing from 2018 to 2021 in intervention villages. Overall, the morbidity rate in young animals (7.36%) was highier than in adults (3.49%) and the mortality rate difference between young and adult animals was also statistically significant (p < 0.001). The morbidity and mortality rates varied significantly (p < 0.001) among districts and among agro-ecologies. According to the data, treating and following up of infected animals reduced the mortality rate significantly. The relative risk of death in treated animals after the case reported was 0.135. Generally, the intervention impact analysis revealed that morbidity rate was significantly decreased (p = 0.009) in intervention years (6.31% in 2018 to 3.02% in 2021) and that herd health interventions provide an added value. Generally, herd health intervention had significant impact in reducing the morbidity rates in years and treatment and follow up of sick animals due to early reporting reduced mortality rate significantly. It is recommended that the herd health management should be the core activity under small ruminant production programs.

O-133 A unique quality assurance and herd health programme for Finnish sheep herds

O-133 A unique quality assurance and herd health programme for Finnish sheep herds

Rickettsia massiliae circulation in sheep and attached Rhipicephalus sanguineus in Central Portugal.

Rickettsiosis is considered an emerging/re-emerging vector-borne disease that causes significant public health threats. Ticks are reservoirs and vectors of Rickettsia having a significant role in the transmission of rickettsiae. In Portugal, little is known about tick-borne Rickettsia species in sheep. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate rickettsiae infection in ticks and their sheep host from 27 farms in four districts of central Portugal, to clarify the role of the sheep host in the circulation of this zoonotic agent. Between March and May 2021, EDTA blood samples (n = 100) of healthy grazing sheep and their ticks (n = 100, one tick per animal) were collected during a herd health program in central Portugal. Obtained ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato by PCR targeting a partial sequence of 16S rRNA gene followed by sequence analysis. Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. and host sheep blood were tested for the presence of Rickettsia spp. by PCR targeting a partial sequence of ompB and ompA genes. From a total of 100 paired R. sanguineus s.l. and host sheep, Rickettsia massiliae was detected in 62 ticks and 35 grazing sheep blood samples, collected in central Portugal, 2021. All 35 positive sheep had attached positive R. sanguineus s.l., with matching nucleotidic sequences. These findings suggest that sheep may develop rickettsiemia and are likely capable of transmitting and amplifying the infection to uninfected ticks maintaining rickettsiae in circulation in the domestic cycle.

An evaluation of a pilot herd-health programme for improved health and productivity of smallholder dairy herds in peri-urban Kampala, Uganda

A pilot herd-health programme for improved health and productivity of peri-urban dairy herds in Kampala, Uganda was evaluated. A total of 15 herds were enrolled on the program following informed owner consent. Fortnightly, each herd was visited for a general herd evaluation with data captured using standard evaluation form. Following each visit and for every farm, a herd health report was produced with specific recommendations. The herds (5-10 milking cows) fed on freshly cut Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) generally produced 10 L or less of milk per cow per day. Daily milk production per cow tended to be higher (t=4.386, p 0.05) between daily milk production and the fortnightly herd health visits. However, following the visits, milk production increased in cows on supplementation with brewer’s waste (t = 2.367, p<0.05) or maize bran (t=2.550, p<0.05), and those that had clinical lameness (t=-2.001, p<0.05). In conclusion, peri-urban dairy herds in Uganda are producing below potential because of feeding and disease control challenges. Therefore, strategic interventions for dairy development should emphasize farmer support to improve the feeding of cows but also the control of diseases, especially lameness and east coast fever. Key words: Herd-health, smallholder dairy, peri-urban, Uganda.

Effect of an integrated veterinary herd health program on fertility performance and incidence of reproductive disorders in five dairy herds.

The study was carried out in 5 dairy herds of Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. The average milk yield was about 9000 kg per year. For each herd, the following fertility parameters were calculated at the start of the program and 4 years later: first- service conception rate, services per conception, length of inter-calving period and culling rate due to infertility. The incidence of silent heat, ovarian cysts, ovarian afunction, retained placenta and clinical endometritis was also recorded. Four years after implementation of the program, the average first-service conception rate increased from 43.2% to 51.2%. In three herds the differences were statistically significant (p⟨0.05). There was also a decrease in the number of services per pregnancy and in the culling rate due to infertility. Fertility performance was maintained in two herds. The average incidence of silent heat decreased from 38.1% to 29.7% and the difference was statistically significant (p⟨0.05) in three herds. There was no significant reduction in incidence of other reproductive disorders during the 4 years except for clinical endometritis in one herd. The average milk yield increased from 9300 kg to 9530 kg milk per cow per year. In conclusion, the results indicate that the implementation of the integrated veterinary herd health program improved or maintained fertility performance despite an increase in milk yield.

Ruminant farmers’ knowledge, attitude and practices towards zoonotic diseases in Selangor, Malaysia

This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practices about zoonotic diseases and associated factors among ruminant farmers in Selangor, Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January 2018 and December 2020. The survey was developed in English and Malay, validated, administered to ruminant farmers in Selangor. A total of 84 farmers completed the structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, principal component factor analysis and binary logistic regression models. Only 42 % (35/84) had heard of the term “zoonotic diseases” before this study but the majority of farmers (52/84; 61.9 %) were aware that certain diseases could be transmitted between humans and animals. A higher proportion was aware of rabies (20.8 %), followed by tuberculosis (17.8 %) and brucellosis (15.7 %), and most respondents identified the diseases as zoonotic. The majority of farmers stated (60 %) that zoonosis could be prevented and they preferred to learn more about such diseases through veterinary personnel. Higher proportions (>80 %) agreed to practices such as hand washing, proper cooking of meat, and keeping animal health records. However, the need to pasteurise milk before drinking and selling were the least items that farmers agreed to, which was reflected in their practices. Sixty-four per cent of the farmers had stray animals on their farm with dogs (45.5 %) being predominant. Overall, 34.5 % (29/84), 51.1 % (43/84), and 60.7 % (51/84) were considered to have satisfactory knowledge, attitude and practices regarding zoonotic diseases, respectively. Farmers with higher education (odds ratio; OR = 16.6; 95 % CI 3.7−71.4) and rearing exotic breeds of animals (OR = 6.0; 95 % CI 1.3–27.7) were more likely to have satisfactory knowledge about zoonoses, but less likely for those with small herd size (51−100 animals) (OR = 0.19; 95 % CI 0.04−0.95). The odds of having satisfactory attitude towards preventive measures against zoonoses were higher in farmers with higher education (OR = 3.2; 95 % CI 1.1−8.9). Farms with herd health programs were more likely to engage in satisfactory practices towards zoonoses (OR = 3.2; 95 % CI 1.2−10.0) relative to farms lacking programs. These areas might need to be considered by public health authorities to improve the current knowledge and attitude of ruminant farmers about zoonotic diseases in the Malaysian context.

Approach to veterinary management of adult camelids

Background: Camelids are gaining in popularity globally and have versatile purposes that range from fibre production to companion animals. As such, veterinary surgeons must be capable of providing basic veterinary services, including the development of nutrition and herd health programmes, performing foot and teeth trims, as well as castration. Notably, the medications described in this article are not licensed for camelids and their use should be discussed in detail with the owner and written consent obtained before their use.Aim of the article: This article provides guidance on approaching the key veterinary services that practitioners can offer to camelid farmers.

A descriptive retrospective study on mortality and involuntary culling in beef and dairy cattle production systems of Western Australia (1981-2018).

Identifying and quantifying the relative frequency of involuntary losses is an essential first step in developing fit-for-purpose herd health programmes. The objective of this study was to provide an estimate of the relative frequency of reasons for mortality among south-west Western Australian beef and dairy cattle, based on necropsy findings from a university-based veterinary pathology referral centre over 38 years. A total of 904 cattle were submitted for postmortem examination throughout the study period. Gastrointestinal, cardiopulmonary and reproductive conditions were the most common causes of mortality in cattle submitted for necropsy at Murdoch University for the period 1981-2018. In dairy cattle, the common problems were gastrointestinal (bloat, abomasal displacements) 18% (59/320), cardiovascular (traumatic reticulo-pericarditis) 9% (30/320) and respiratory conditions (pneumonia) 8% (27/320). In beef cattle, the most common conditions were gastrointestinal (bloat, rumen acidosis) 11% (39/358), reproductive (metritis) 11% (38/358), cardiovascular (traumatic reticulo-pericarditis) 7% (25/358), respiratory (pneumonia) 7% (24/358), lameness (fractures) 6%, (21/358) and hepatobiliary conditions (blue-green algae poisoning, hepatotoxicity) 6% (21/358). Selection bias and missing data were potential confounders in this study. Although necropsy investigations provide useful information on animal mortalities and avenues for future herd health programmes, there is a need to standardise data capture methods and disease definition criteria, and conduct more detailed recording of data both at the farm level and at necropsy diagnostic centres.

Comparison of efficacy of Ovsynch protocol to single PGF2α administration in treatment of individual dairy cows with post-service subestrus.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Ovsynch protocol in the treatment of post-service subestrus in individual dairy cows compared to a single administration of PGF2α. The study was performed on 517 Polish Friesian Holstein cows with post-service anestrus over four years in 3 dairy herds under a herd health program. Cows (n=240) diagnosed ultrasonographically as non-pregnant and with a mature corpus were treated with a single PGF2α administration and inseminated at detected estrus. Cows without corpus (n=277) were treated with the Ovsynch protocol. The estrus detection rate after PGF2α administration, percentages of cows pregnant after the treatment and at day 260, intervals from parturition to treatment and from treatment to conception and pregnancy loss rates were calculated. The overall percentage of cows pregnant after treatment did not differ between animals treated with the Ovsynch protocol and with PGF2α (38.9% vs. 42.5%; p>0.05). In herd A the percentage of cows pregnant after treatment was significantly lower (p⟨0.05) for the Ovsynch group than for the PGF2α group (30.2% vs. 61.2%). In contrast, in herd C the percentage of cows pregnant after treatment was significantly higher (p⟨0.05) in the Ovsych group than in the PGF2α group (39.6% vs. 28.8%). The overall estrus detection rate after administration of PGF2α was 59.6%. However, it was significantly lower (p⟨0.05) in herd C (44.7%) than in herds A (79.6%) and B (76.3%). The overall pregnancy loss rate ranged from 5.1% to 13.3% and did not differ significantly between herds and treatment groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, Ovsynch protocol can be a useful alternative for treatment of post-service suboestrus in individual cows in dairy herds with insufficient oestrus detection.

Contagious ecthyma: how serious is the disease worldwide?

Contagious ecthyma (CE) is an infectious disease of small ruminants caused by a parapoxvirus of family Poxviridae subfamily Chordopoxvirinae. The disease is obviously distinguished by an establishment of scabby lesions and ulcerative formation on less hairy areas including muzzle, ears, nostril, and sometimes on genitalia. The disease is endemic in sheep and goats. The virus is transmissible to other ruminants and is a public health concern in humans. Although the disease is known as self-limiting, it may cause a significant economic threat and financial losses due to lower productivity in livestock production. Information with regard to the risk of the disease and epidemiology in most parts of the world is underreported. This paper aims to provide relevant information about the epidemiology of CE in selected regions of Europe, South America, North America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. An in-depth comprehension of virus infection, diagnoses, and management of the disease will enable farmers, researchers, veterinarians, abattoir workers, health personnel, and border controllers to improve their measures, skills, and effectiveness toward disease prevention and control, toward reducing unnecessary economic loss among farmers. A herd health program for significant improvement in management and productivity of livestock demands a well planned extension program that ought to encourage farmers to equip themselves with adequate skills for animal healthcare.

108 A Veterinarian’s Perspective on How Health and Nutrition Intersect

Abstract Nutritionists and veterinarians have long recognized that the provision and consumption of all essential nutrients is critical to the health of pigs, in all production phases. Animals that are properly fed, and maintain adequate body stores, are better able to reach their full genetic potential and defend themselves from pathogen invasion. This may be due to better tissue integrity, proper antibody production, improved detoxifying ability, and many other factors (Shurson et al, 1998). The pathology of various infectious organisms can influence absorption and the metabolism of nutrients, and inadequate nutrition can worsen the frequency, duration or pathogenicity of infectious disease. Herd health programs can only be most effective if pigs have adequate nutrition. Although much attention has been given to diagnostics, immunology, epidemiology and surveillance of infectious challenges, there is still relatively little known about the interactions viruses have with digestibility, metabolism and tissue accretion (Gabler et al, 2017). There is increasing interest in discovering ways to support the immune system, as improved alternatives are necessary with evolving restrictions on antibiotic use, zinc and others. The future demands a holistic approach to create resilient, robust animals, and that we identify alternatives that improve the productivity and overall wellbeing of food animals. It is well established that the gastrointestinal tract is the largest interface between the external and internal environments of the pig, and that the pig gut microbiota plays a critical role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis in harmony with a myriad of other physiological functions. Knowing this, how do we “feed the gut” and support a proper microbiome? What considerations do we need to have for the wean pig, the growing pig, the often-forgotten replacement gilt, and the challenges and environments they encounter? In this presentation, we will describe the relationships of nutrition and health, and how they can influence productivity.

Clinical disease incidence during early lactation, risk factors and association with fertility and culling in grazing dairy cows in Uruguay

This paper aims to describe clinical disease incidence in early lactation and explore its association with fertility and culling in 13 commercial grazing dairy herds in Uruguay. Seven farms with less than 250 dairy cows considered small herds (SH) with a herd size average ± (SD) of 144 ± (56) cows and six farms with more than 500 cows considered large herds (LH) with a herd size average ± (SD) of 830 ± (239) cows were selected. Herd managers recorded health events during the first 90 days in milk in 5375 Holstein dairy cows [24.5% (n=1316) of them were primiparous cows, (PP)] during one year. Overall, 36.5% (n=1959) of the cows had at least one clinical health event between 1–90 days in milk. The cumulative incidences were 2.2% for twin birth and 4.9% for stillbirth. Cumulative incidence was 4.4% for retained placenta-metritis (RP-metritis), 27.6% for clinical mastitis and 5.0% for lameness. Our data showed that parity and herd size were risk factors for postpartum disease in grazing dairy herds. In PP cows, stillbirth incidence was higher than in multiparous (MP) cows (PP=6.9 ± 3.4, SD vs. MP=4.3 ± 2.6, SD), while in MP cows twin births (MP=2.7 ± 1.7, SD vs. PP=0.7 ± 2.7, SD), RP-metritis (MP=4.6 ± 3.9, SD vs. PP=3.8 ± 3.7, SD) and mastitis incidence (MP=30.9 ± 11.4, SD vs. PP=17.2 ± 13.9, SD) was higher. Clinical mastitis (LH=29.4 ± 9.6, SD vs. SH=19.1 ± 11.3, SD) and lameness incidence (LH=5.6 ± 1.9, SD vs. SH=2.3 ± 2.1, SD) was higher in large herds than in small herds. RP-metritis was increased by stillbirth (OR=4.4, 95 % CI=2.9–6.5) and twin birth (OR=2.8, 95 % CI=1.5–5.1). Diseases had a negative impact on time to first service and pregnancy rate and increased culling hazard rate. Disease incidence in early lactation was high and showed a wide variation among herds (10.4%–48.7%), which highlights the relevance of a herd health program prioritizing the early lactation disease control.

Water holding capacity of Swamp Buffalo muscles raised with and without proper herd health

Fresh meat is composed of 70-75% water. Meanwhile, water holding capacity (WHC) affects storage quality, appearance, eating experience, and also contributes to loss of profit for meat entrepreneurs. WHC is influenced by the species, sex, breed, farming practices, as well as post-slaughter storage and handling. Swamp buffalo meat is leaner compared to cattle, goats, and sheep. Therefore, this study aims to determine the WHC of swamp buffalo muscles raised with two herd health programs at different aging periods. A total of 24 months old male swamp buffalo (n=4) was raised with a proper herd health protocol (HHP) and another (n=6) without a proper herd health protocol (NHHP). The drip loss (DL), thawing loss (TL), and cooking loss (CL) for longissimus dorsi (LD), supraspinatus (SS), and semitendinosus (ST) muscles were evaluated on day 1, 7, and 14. Based on the results, only SS and ST from NHHP showed significant differences (P≤0.05), while DL, LD, SS, and ST of the HHP and NHHP also differed significantly (P≤0.05). Furthermore, the TL and CL for all the muscles showed significant differences (P≤0.05) at day 7 of aging in the NHHP group, while on day 14, both were significantly higher in LD and ST muscles of NHHP compared to the HHP group. Therefore, the results showed that the muscles of the HHP group had a better WHC compared to NHHP.

The effect of participation in a regular reproductive herd health program on 80-day submission rate and 100-day in-calf rate in year-round calving dairy farms.

Herd health management programs are commonly implemented on dairy farms to improve farm reproductive performance. In year-round calving systems, herd health programs can be supported by extension programs such as InCalf, which focus on improving the 100-day in-calf rate (100DICR) as a key reproductive performance indicator. The effect of implementing a herd health program was evaluated by analysing the 80-day submission rate (80DSR) and 100DICR during the initial 18-month period following commencement of regular herd health visits at 11 year-round calving dairy farms. The mean 80DSR and 100DICR was calculated for each of six consecutive three-month intervals following the initial herd health visit at 11 dairy farms distributed across the north and south coasts of New South Wales (NSW). On the 11 study farms 80DSR increased from 36.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 36.7-37.2) at 0-3 months to 61.9% (95% CI 61.4-62.4) and 100DICR increased from 19.1% (95% CI 18.9-19.3) at 0-3 months to 28.5% (95% CI 28.0-29.0) at 15-18 months. 80DSR increased at similar rates on north coast farms compared to south coast farms; however, north coast farms had a lower 100DICR at 0-3 months which increased at a greater rate compared to south coast farms. 100DICR on north coast farms increased from 12.8% (95% CI 12.5-13.2) at 0-3 months to 27.6% (95% CI 26.8-28.4) at 15-18 months, whereas 100DICR on south coast farms increased from 26.7% (95% CI 26.3-27.0) at 0-3 months to 29.6% (95% CI 28.8-30.5) at 15-18 months. Participation in a regular herd health program resulted in an increased 80DSR and 100DICR.

Starting Herd Health Programs in Veal Calf Operations

Veal raisers and veterinarians have not worked closely in the past, but there seems to be new interest in using veterinary consultation on the part of the veal raisers. However, the vealers most rapidly consume the services of veterinarians who are interested in their industry and who are willing to learn their system instead of trying to correct the inherent problems with this type of calf rearing. Our profession needs to let the veal industry know what we can do and that we are willing to learn how to do more. It can only be profitable to both groups in the long run.

Parity and season affect hematological, biochemical, and milk parameters during the early postpartum period in grazing dairy cows from high-tropics herds

Improving the early detection of animals or herds at increased risk for diseases, reduced milk yield or impaired reproductive performance should be an essential component of herd health programs. The present study aimed to describe the findings of hematological, biochemical, and milk analytes of grazing cows from tropical dairy herds during the early postpartum period, and the effects of parity and calving season. In the North of Antioquia, Colombia which is the major area of specialized dairy production in the country, a longitudinal study comprising 260 dairy cows selected at calving, was conducted. Blood and milk sampling were made to establish red blood cell count, white blood cell count, minerals, protein traits and, milk composition. Variables were checked for normal distribution. The Box-Cox transformation was used when necessary. Variables were statistically analyzed using a GLM model considering parity and calving season as fixed effects. Using a parametric or non-parametric method based on the distribution of the variables, single average values, and 90% confidence intervals were determined considering fixed effects founds in the GLM model. Blood values affected by parity in lactating dairy cows grazing in highland tropical herds included serum calcium levels, red blood cell counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and total eosinophil counts, whereas blood values affected by season included: total leukocyte counts, total and differential lymphocyte counts, serum albumin and globulin concentration, and serum albumin:globulin ratio (P < 0.05). Data from our study could be used for comparison studies between lactating dairy cows within tropical herds or between tropical and seasonal dairy herds.

Rethinking Coliform Vaccine Programs

Core-antigen vaccine technology has been available for the prevention of coliform mastitis for over ten years. However, unresolved issues regarding the most effective method to incorporate this technology into a dairy herd health program remain. These include number of vaccinations, effect of vaccinations on milk production of cows, and if risk factors associated with the incidence of clinical coliform mastitis correlate to vaccination schedules. This paper will discuss the immunological justification and limitations of vaccination protocols for coliform mastitis, and propose applications of this information.

Cow-calf vaccination programs

The term “herd health” means different things to different people, both producers and veterinarians. Many times producers equate a herd health program with a vaccination program. However, much more goes into preventive herd health programs than just a good vaccination program. To truly immunize cattle, they must have a working immune system at the time of vaccination. That means that we need to minimize all of the stressors that negatively impact the immune system.&#x0D; Herd health programs can be divided into 6 parts: nutrition; parasite control; biosecurity; vaccinations; genetics; and stress management. A good analogy is a 6-strand barbed wire fence. You need all the strands intact to keep cattle in. The more strands that are broken, the higher the risk of cattle escaping. All 6 parts of a herd health program are important. We can’t pick only the ones that are easy or cheap.&#x0D; It is most cost-effective to personalize each herd health/vaccination program. Many ranches don’t need every vaccine available, and in some cases recommendations don’t fit the business model of the ranch. “Cookbook” programs are a good place to start, but should be tailored to each ranch.

What is the future of cattle veterinary practice?

We live in a rapidly changing world, and the veterinary profession is changing along with it. The globalisation of markets, climate change, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), accelerating technologies such as artificial...

Integrated Herd Health Programs in the Dairy Herd The Israeli Experience

A comprehensive, mutual veterinary service is practiced in Israel under the nationwide Mutual Society for Cattle Insurance and Veterinary Services "Hachaklait". The package offered under contract includes emergency treatment, preventive and herd medicine, consulting services and supportive laboratory services. The routine by which the balance between individual cow and herd medicine, and that between the clinical and the supportive services are achieved is described in detail. Early professional treatment of all clinical diseases, discovery of diseases by routine tests and examinations, a regular presence on the farm and the use of "real time" diagnostic laboratories are the essence of the individual cow therapy. The value of following feeding plans, vaccination programs, and other preventive measures in optimization disease prevalence is stressed. The statistical and clinical epidemiological approach to herd problems is described and some of the problems associated with integrated herd health programs are discussed.