Lameness Research Articles

Use of a poll-mounted accelerometer for quantification and characterisation of equine trigeminal-mediated headshaking.

Equine trigeminal-mediated (TGM) headshaking (HS) is a neuropathic facial pain syndrome characterised by varying intensity and frequencies of head movements and signs of nasal irritation. An accurate method for quantification and/or characterisation of HS severity is lacking. To develop and validate an objective measure of TGMHS. Prospective case control study. Horses presenting for investigation of HS were recruited alongside those presenting for forelimb lameness (LAME) and pre-purchase examination as well as healthy controls (CONTROL). Head movement data were collected for 5 min whilst trotting on the lunge using a tri-axial accelerometer, with a range of ±16 g and sampling rate of 800 Hz, attached to the bridle headpiece. Recordings were exported for processing. Peak detection was performed using minimum and maximum thresholds of -1 g and +1 g (corrected for gravity) and a minimum peak width of 10 samples. Fifty-six horses were included in the study; 18 TGMHS, 10 non-TGMHS, 12 LAME and 16 CONTROL. Characteristics and frequency of vertical (Z axis) head movements of TGMHS horses differed significantly from other horses. TGMHS horses had peaks with greater mean and maximum positive g-force (P < 0.005) and lower mean and minimum negative g-force (P < 0.001), greater frequency of peaks/min (P < 0.001) and over 12 times greater percentage of peaks >+2 g compared with other horses (P < 0.001). Receiver operator curve characteristics of percentage of peaks >+2 g (CI 0.72-0.95), percentage of peaks <-2 g (CI 0.66-0.92) and percentage of peaks <-2 g and >+2 g (CI 0.72-0.96) showed excellent discrimination of TGMHS horses from LAME, CONTROL and non-TGMHS horses. Referral population of horses, small sample size and control horses were not evaluated for orthopaedic disease. Accelerometer data from trotting exercise on the lunge provides an objective measure of HS and can differentiate between TGMHS, non-TGMHS, normal head movements and those associated with forelimb lameness. Accelerometer use may aid HS diagnosis and monitoring of management strategies.

Investigation of Potential Serum Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Chronic Back Pain in Horses

Abstract Back pain is one of the most common triggers of performance failure in athletic and riding horses. Diagnosis of equine back pain has been very challenging for equine practitioners, particularly in chronic cases. Therefore, the identification of blood biomarkers would facilitate the clinical differentiation of chronic back pain. This study aimed to investigate serum biomarkers of glial cell activation, axonal damage, and inflammation for the diagnosis of equine chronic back pain. Serum samples from forty horses comprising chronic back pain (CBP), back pain concurrent with lameness (BPL), lameness (LN), and healthy control (HC) (n=10 per group) were screened for ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), phosphorylated neurofilament-H (pNF-H) by ELISA, and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) by multiplex assay. Serum concentrations of GFAP (3.81±1.72 ng/mL) and pNF-H (0.76±0.18 ng/mL) were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in horses with CBP when compared with other groups. Iba-1 was not significantly higher in CBP horses. There was no significant difference between the pro-inflammatory cytokines among the groups. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were also increased in the CBP than the HC control horses but lower in relation to BPL and LN horses. In addition, serum Iba-1, GFAP, and pNF-H showed a high discriminatory capacity for horses with CBP with high sensitivity (50-100%) and specificity (70-100%). This study provides evidence that serum levels of the GFAP and pNF-H may be useful in the clinical differentiation of horses with chronic back pain.

371 Influence of Breeding Season Lameness on Reproductive Performance in Meat Goat Does

Abstract Over four years, 564 performance records from 235 does were processed to determine if lameness during the breeding season affected reproductive outcomes in meat goats. Lameness cases were recorded during routine daily herd wellness checks and treated within a short time after diagnosis. Does were bred between September and January. Kids were weaned at 3 mo of age. Fall (September-November) and winter (December-February) records were used to classify does each year as having experienced lameness (LAME) or no recorded lameness case (NOLC) by season. In the fall (F) there were 396 NOLC does and 168 LAME does. Spring kidding rates were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for NOLC-F than for LAME-F (77.1 ± 4.5% vs. 67.9 ± 6.1%). Whole-herd litter size at kidding was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for NOLC-F than for LAME-F (1.18 vs. 1.02 ± 0.1 kids/doe). Summer weaning rates tended to differ (P = 0.08) between the fall lameness groups (NOLC = 68 ± 3.3%; LAME = 59.5 ± 4.6%). Whole-herd litter size at weaning was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for NOLC-F than for LAME-F (0.97 ± 0.05 vs. 0.78 ± 0.06 kids). In the winter (W) there were 473 NOLC does and 87 LAME does. Spring kidding rates were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for NOLC-W than for LAME-W (77.6 ± 4.1% vs. 58.6 ± 7.5%). Whole-herd litter size at kidding was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for NOLC-W than for LAME-W (1.17 vs. 0.9 ± 0.09 kids). Summer weaning rates was higher (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for NOLC-W than for LAME-W (68.5 ± 3.2% vs. 53.0 ± 5.9%). Whole-herd litter size at weaning was higher (P = 0.01) for NOLC-W than for LAME-W (0.95 ± 0.05 vs. 0.73 ± 0.08 kids). Results suggest that lameness in does during the breeding season may negatively impact reproductive outcomes.

Lameness and Radial Nerve Neuropathy Caused By Chondroma Tumor in a Male Dog

A 5-year-old mongrel male dog with severe left forelimb lameness was referred to the veterinary clinic of Urmia University. On initial physical examination, vital signs were normal. However, a firm swelling with a history of one year progressive increasing in size was observed on the caudolateral aspect of the left shoulder. Pedal reflex was negative. On radiographic examination, a large mass with abnormal radiodensity was seen in the caudal humerus. Hypodermic needle aspiration specimen were unremarkable except large number of normal blood cells. Under general anesthesia, the tumoral mass was surgically removed via a caudolateral approach to the humerus. Pathological assessments corroborated the lobular pattern with the presence of tumor cells similar to normal chondrocytes in an amorphous, basophilic matrix that confirmed the chondroma tumor. In the postoperative follow-up, normal nerve function was returned and lameness was disappeared. Chondroma tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dogs with persistent lameness and neuropathies.

Welfare of broiler chickens reared in two different industrial house types during the winter season in Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT 1. The following trial compared broiler chicken welfare in closed-sided (CS) versus open-sided (OS) industrial house types during the winter season in the South of Brazil. 2. Ten flocks in each house type were evaluated as follows: a) bird health: contact dermatitis on the breast and abdominal areas (CDE), bird soiling (BSO), footpad dermatitis (FPD), hock burn (HBU), lameness (LAM), fractures (FRA), bruising (BRU), scratches (SCR), dead on arrival (DOA), and diseases (DIS); b) house environmental measurements: relative humidity (RHU), temperature (TEM), air velocity (AVE), illuminance (ILL), ammonia concentration (NH3), and carbon dioxide concentration (CO2), and c) bird behaviour and affective states: bird behaviour (BBE), touch test (TTE), and qualitative behaviour assessment (QBA). 3. Statistical analyses were based on regression models for CDE, BSO, FPD, HBU, LAM and generalised linear models for DOA, FRA, BRU, SCR, and DIS. The Mann–Whitney test was used for RHU, TEM, AVE, ILL, NH3, CO2, and the t-test for TTE and LMO, with a specific regression model for BBE data and Principal Component Analysis for QBA. 4. According to odds ratio for worse scores for CS relative to OS, birds were less likely to have severe scores for CDE (P = 0.040 and P = 0.007), BSO (P = 0.031, P = 0.016, and P = 0.038), and HBU (P = 0.017), and had higher median values for AVE (2.3, 0.0–7.8 m s−1 vs. 0.0, 0.0–4.3 m s−1), lower NH3 concentration (9.0, 0.0–64.0 ppm vs. 12.0, 0.0–60.0 ppm) and TTE scores (98, 96–100 vs. 67, 25–100). Worse results were observed in CS houses for higher stocking density (13.8 ± 0.2 birds/m2 vs. 12.0 ± 0.2 birds/m2), RHU (74.5, 50.7–99.9% vs 72.3, 47.4–99.9%), and TEM (23.9, 14.6–29.2°C vs. 21.7, 12.9–30.1°C), lower ILL (16.0, 1.0–60.0 lx vs. 161.0, 8.0–2380.0 lx), less drinking (P = 0.007), more inactive behaviour (P < 0.001) and lower positive emotions, according to QBA (P = 0.028). 5. In the studied region and season, CS houses seemed to offer fewer welfare problems in terms of the health indicators; however, OS houses showed fewer behavioural restrictions and higher positive emotional states.

Donkey hoof science and lameness resource

Donkey hoof science and lameness resource

The Use of Computer Records: A Tool to Increase Productivity in Dairy Herds.

Simple SummaryThe objective of this paper was to evaluate the use of records in cattle production systems in order to determine and quantify the possible benefits on farm productivity and the economic benefit associated with their implementation. The results suggest that use of records contributes to cattle management improvement, opening a window to implement information and communication technologies in order to make management decisions based on certified information, which in turn will improve the efficiency of cattle production systems in developing countries.The level of adoption of herd management information system veterinary automated management and production control program (VAMPP) Bovine and its impact on productivity of 912 specialized dairy systems with at least 5 years of information recorded was studied. Herds were classified as low (n = 389), medium (n = 343), or high (n = 180) adoption level on the basis of extent and consistency of record keeping for variables related to production, reproduction, and health. For each herd, within-year averages were obtained for six performance traits: age at first calving (AFC), days open (DO), daily milk yield (DMY), productive life (PL), incidence of clinical mastitis (MAST), and incidence of lameness (LAM). These variables were investigated with a generalized linear mixed model that included the fixed effects of the adoption level, follow-up year, and their interaction, adjusted by the fixed effects of herd size, agroecological zone, calendar period, breed group, and the random effects of variation between/within herds. A significant effect of the adoption level over all the variables was observed, except DMY and PL. The follow-up year was significant for all the variables except LAM. There were marked reductions for AFC and DO in the first 4 years of follow-up. AFC was higher and DO shorter in the low compared to medium and high level of adoption herds (p < 0.001). DMY showed a significant increasing trend (p < 0.001), regardless of the adoption level. There was higher MAST and LAM incidence in the higher adoption level (p < 0.05). The economic benefit was estimated through a stochastic simulation model using an approach based in partial budget analysis. For a herd with a medium level of adoption, the change in gross margin (GMMIS $USD) and marginal return rate (MRRMIS %) for the first 5 years of use of the system was estimated. Under these conditions, there was a GMMIS of $6890 and MRRMIS of 163%. Variation of ±10% in DMY and DO caused changes in the GMMIS of ±$1000 and ±$110, respectively, and in MRRMIS ±24% and ±4%, respectively. The trends suggest a positive influence of VAMPP in productive and reproductive traits during the first years of implementation, with less benefit for the low adoption levels.

Genome-enable prediction for health traits using high-density SNP panel in US Holstein cattle.

SummaryThe objective of this study was to compare accuracies of different Bayesian regression models in predicting molecular breeding values for health traits in Holstein cattle. The dataset was composed of 2505 records reporting the occurrence of retained fetal membranes (RFM), metritis (MET), mastitis (MAST), displaced abomasum (DA), lameness (LS), clinical endometritis (CE), respiratory disease (RD), dystocia (DYST) and subclinical ketosis (SCK) in Holstein cows, collected between 2012 and 2014 in 16 dairies located across the US. Cows were genotyped with the Illumina BovineHD (HD, 777K). The quality controls for SNP genotypes were HWE P‐value of at least 1 × 10−10; MAF greater than 0.01 and call rate greater than 0.95. The fimpute program was used for imputation of missing SNP markers. The effect of each SNP was estimated using the Bayesian Ridge Regression (BRR), Bayes A, Bayes B and Bayes Cπ methods. The prediction quality was assessed by the area under the curve, the prediction mean square error and the correlation between genomic breeding value and the observed phenotype, using a leave‐one‐out cross‐validation technique that avoids iterative cross‐validation. The highest accuracies of predictions achieved were: RFM [Bayes B (0.34)], MET [BRR (0.36)], MAST [Bayes B (0.55), DA [Bayes Cπ (0.26)], LS [Bayes A (0.12)], CE [Bayes A (0.32)], RD [Bayes Cπ (0.23)], DYST [Bayes A (0.35)] and SCK [Bayes Cπ (0.38)] models. Except for DA, LS and RD, the predictive abilities were similar between the methods. A strong relationship between the predictive ability and the heritability of the trait was observed, where traits with higher heritability achieved higher accuracy and lower bias when compared with those with low heritability. Overall, it has been shown that a high‐density SNP panel can be used successfully to predict genomic breeding values of health traits in Holstein cattle and that the model of choice will depend mostly on the genetic architecture of the trait.

149 Analysis of culling pattern during breeding cycle and lifetime production from the aspect of culling reasons for gilts and sows in southwest China

Abstract Unplanned removal of gilts and sows shortens the longevity and decreases the production efficiency. Analyzing and monitoring culling pattern conduces to administrative decisions on productivity and economic results of breeding herds. To investigate culling pattern during breeding cycle and lifetime production from the aspect of culling reasons, 19,471 culling records of 24 pig herds from January 2016 to December 2017 were collected in southwest China. Lifetime pigs born alive (LPBA) and parity for culling reasons were analyzed using mixed linear model (PROC MIXED) with culling reason as fixed effect and farm and year as random effects, respectively. For reason distribution at different parities and breeding cycle analysis, chi-square test (PROC FREQ) was performed for the comparison between any two culling reasons with an adjusted significant level when overall difference was significant. Results showed sows culled for stress and death (SD), lameness (LA), common disease (CD), and return to estrus (NP) had less than 20 of LPBA (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Gilts mainly culled for anestrus beyond 9 months (AB9), CD, and LA, while weaning sows for reproductive system disease (RS), CD, and anestrus beyond 7 days (P &amp;lt; 0.0033). Gestating sows mainly culled for NP, CD, and SD, while lactating sows for low or no milk production (NM), poor litter size, and CD (P &amp;lt; 0.0033). Moreover, sows mainly culled at parity 0, 1, and 2 (P &amp;lt; 0.0024). Besides CD and RS, LA and NP were the primary reason for parity 1 and 2 culls, respectively. In conclusion, SD, LA, CD, and NP sharply decrease sow lifetime production. AB9, RS, NP, and NM mainly occurred in gilts, weaning, gestating, and lactating sows, respectively. Low parity sows had more risks of CD, RS, LA, and NP.

An Analysis of Culling Patterns during the Breeding Cycle and Lifetime Production from the Aspect of Culling Reasons for Gilts and Sows in Southwest China.

Simple SummaryUnplanned removal of gilts and sows shortens the longevity and decreases the production efficiency of commercial herds. A comparison between sow culling studies is problematic due to differences in genetics, housing conditions, and feeding and management among different countries. Analyzing and monitoring culling patterns in sows in a particular area could help improve domestic feeding and the managing level. Based on the large sample of production data, we found that disease, lameness, return to estrus, and anestrus beyond seven days sharply decreased lifetime production in sows. We suggest that producers take effective measures to reduce anestrus beyond nine months, reproductive system disease, return to estrus, and low or no milk production for gilts, weaned sows, gestating sows, and lactating sows, respectively. We also recommend producers pay more attention to disease, lameness, and return to estrus for sows at low parity.To investigate culling patterns during the breeding cycle and lifetime production associated with culling reasons, 19,471 culling records were collected in southwest China. Lifetime pigs born alive (LPBA) and parity for culling reasons, and reason distribution at different parities and breeding cycle were analyzed. Sows culled for stress and death (SD), lameness (LA), common disease (CD), not being pregnant, return to estrus, and abortion (NP) had fewer than 20 LPBA (p < 0.05). Gilts were mainly culled for anestrus beyond nine months (AB9), CD, and LA, while weaned sows were culled for reproductive system disease (RS), CD, and anestrus beyond seven days (p < 0.0033). Gestating sows were mainly culled for NP, CD, and SD, while lactating sows were mainly culled for low or no milk production (NM), poor litter size, and CD (p < 0.0033). Moreover, sows were mainly culled at parity 0, 1, and 2 (p < 0.0024). Besides CD and RS, LA and NP were the primary reasons for parity 1 and 2 culls, respectively. In conclusion, SD, LA, CD, and NP sharply decrease sow lifetime production. AB9, RS, NP, and NM mainly occurred in gilts, weaned, gestating, and lactating sows, respectively. Low parity sows had a higher risk of CD, RS, LA, and NP.

Evaluation of Abnormal Limb Conformation in Jumping Thoroughbred Horses.

Subjective, objective and photographic image using software Auto CAD programme were used for evaluation of limb conformation in 51 jumping thoroughbred horses. The abnormal limb conformations were included: standing under in front (58%), steep shoulder (55%), carpus valgus (45%), calf knee (31%), standing under behind (31%), short pelvis (31%) and straight hocks (16%). Linear and angular limb measurements showed standing under in front had increased elbow joint lateral angle, and decreased fore fetlock joint lateral angle. Steep shoulder displayed a significant increase (P< 0.05) in shoulder joint lateral angle and significant decrease in forearm front length. calf knee horses had significant decrease in the lateral angle of carpus joint. Short pelvis had a significant decrease in lateral length of pelvis and significant increase in croup angle and stifle joint lateral angle. Straight hocks showed the lateral length of both pelvis and gaskin showed a significant decrease and significant increase in the stifle joint lateral angle. Therefore, the current use of linear and angular measurements in relationships to abnormal limb conformation in the present study will allow for estimation of the future performance and soundness in jumping thoroughbred horses. In addition can be considered for selection athletic horse with less risk of lameness.

Training method for animal-based measures in dairy cattle welfare assessments

Quantitative assessments of animal welfare are increasingly being used in the dairy industry. It is important to have good precision and accuracy within and among assessors. This study explored the effectiveness of a 3-d training workshop for animal-based measures (ABM) of welfare in dairy cows, in which 14 people were trained to evaluate 6 ABM, specifically hock injuries (HI), lameness (LM), body condition score (BCS), and udder, flank, and leg cleanliness (collectively CLN). All scoring systems were modified to a dichotomous outcome, acceptable or unacceptable. Acceptable HI included no swelling or hair loss, unacceptable HI included swelling or scab; acceptable BCS was >2 on a 5-point scale, unacceptable BCS was ≤2. Acceptable CLN was up to minor splashing, unacceptable CLN was distinct plaques to a solid manure plaque. Lameness was evaluated using locomotion score or in-stall lameness score (SLS) in tiestalls; unacceptable LM was ≥3 (lameness score) on a 5-point scale, where 3 equals mild lameness or ≥2 of 4 behavioral in-stall lameness score indicators were detected. Classroom instruction took place on d 1 of training. Day 2 consisted of group assessment of LM (n = 25 cows), and HI, CLN, and BCS (n = 30 cows), and individual assessment of HI, CLN, and BCS (n = 20 cows) were performed. Day 3 included individual assessments of HI, CLN, and BCS (n = 33 cows), and individual video assessment of LM (n = 27 cows). An additional training video for LM was sent to trainees 3 wk after the workshop, and another follow-up assessment of LM took place via video (n = 37 cows). Repeatability and accuracy of the trainees was assessed using Fleiss's κ (FK) and Byrt's κ (BK) to examine group-level inter-rater agreement and expert-trainee agreement, respectively. The kappa systems use a scale of poor (<0), slight (0.01 to 0.20), fair (0.21 to 0.40), moderate (0.41 to 0.61), substantial (0.61 to 0.80), or almost perfect (0.81 to 1.00). At the conclusion of the workshop, FK was 0.66 for HI and 0.43 for LM, and BK mean (and range) was 0.85 (0.63 to 1.00) for HI and 0.66 (0.56 to 0.85) for LM. Each trainee achieved perfect agreement for BCS [BK mean = 1.00 (1.00 to 1.00)] and each trainee achieved almost perfect agreement for CLN [BK mean 0.90 (0.82 to 0.94)]. After the follow-up video and 3 wk of experience, trainees achieved a FK of 0.66 and a BK mean of 0.74 (0.62 to 0.89) for LM. In conclusion, multiple assessors can achieve substantial agreement for ABM with adequate training.

107 Effects of Dietary Chelated Minerals and Methionine during Rearing on Gilt Lameness, Growth, and Performance before and after Entering Production.

107 Effects of Dietary Chelated Minerals and Methionine during Rearing on Gilt Lameness, Growth, and Performance before and after Entering Production.

Self assessment: pyrexia and lameness in a Labradoodle

Companion AnimalVol. 22, No. 3 MedicineSelf assessment: pyrexia and lameness in a LabradoodleMark MaltmanMark MaltmanSearch for more papers by this authorMark MaltmanPublished Online:1 Mar 2017https://doi.org/10.12968/coan.2017.22.3.144AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References Abercromby RH, Innes JF, May C (2006) Arthritis: immune-mediated arthritis. In: Houlton JEFCook JLInnes JFLangley-Hobbs SJ, eds. BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Musculoskeletal Disorders. British Small Animal Veterinary Asociation (BSAVA) Publications, Gloucester: 89–96 Google ScholarBattersby IA, Murphy KF, Tasker S, Papasouliotis K (2006) Retrospective study of fever in dogs: laboratory testing, diagnoses and influence of prior treatment. J Small Anim Pract 47: 370–6 Crossref, Google ScholarCauvin, A (2008) Pyrexia of unknown origin in the dog. In Practice 30: 302–13 Crossref, Google ScholarChervier C, Chabanne L, Godde M, Rodriguez-Piñeiro MI, Deputte BL, Cadoré JL (2012) Causes, diagnostic signs, and the utility of investigations of fever in dogs: 50 cases. Can Vet J 53: 525–30 Google ScholarClements DN, Gear RN, Tattersall J, Carmichael S, Bennett D (2004) Type I immune-mediated polyarthritis in dogs: 39 cases (1997–2002). J Am Vet Med Assoc 224: 1323–7 Crossref, Google ScholarColopy SA, Baker TA, Muir P (2010) Efficacy of leflunomide for treatment of immune-mediated polyarthritis in dogs: 14 cases (2006–2008). J Am Vet Med Assoc 236: 312–8. doi: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.236.3.312 Crossref, Google ScholarDear JD (2017) Swollen joints and joint pain. In: Ettinger SJFeldman EC, eds. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 8th edn. Elsevier, St Louis, MO: 72–6 Google ScholarDunn KJ, Dunn JK (1998) Diagnostic investigations in 101 dogs with pyrexia of unknown origin. J Small Anim Pract 39: 574–80 Crossref, Google ScholarFoster JD, Sample S, Kohler R, Watson K, Muir P, Trepanier LA (2014) Serum biomarkers of clinical and cytologic response in dogs with idiopathic immunemediated polyarthropathy. J Vet Intern Med 28: 905–11. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12351 Crossref, Google ScholarJohnson KC, Mackin A (2012a) Canine immune-mediated polyarthritis: part 1: pathophysiology. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 48: 12–17. doi: https://doi.org/10.5326/JAAHA-MS-5744 Crossref, Google ScholarJohnson KC, Mackin A (2012b) Canine immune-mediated polyarthritis: part 2: diagnosis and treatment. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 48: 71–82. doi: https://doi.org/10.5326/JAAHA-MS-5756 Crossref, Google ScholarMay C (2001) The musculoskeletal system: Lyme disease. In: Ramsey ITennant B, eds. BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Infectious Diseases. BSAVA Publications, Gloucester: 223–4 Google ScholarNakamura M, Takahashi M, Ohno K et al. (2008) C-reactive protein concentration in dogs with various diseases. J Vet Med Sci 70: 127–31 Crossref, Google ScholarRhoades AC, Vernau W, Kass PH, Herrera MA, Sykes JE (2016) Comparison of the efficacy of prednisone and cyclosporine for treatment of dogs with primary immune-mediated polyarthritis. J Am Vet Med Assoc 248: 395–404. doi: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.248.4.395 Crossref, Google ScholarShaughnessy ML, Sample SJ, Abicht C, Heaton C, Muir P (2016) Clinical features and pathological joint changes in dogs with erosive immune-mediated polyarthritis: 13 cases (2004–2012). J Am Vet Med Assoc 249: 1156–64. doi: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.249.10.1156 Crossref, Google ScholarStull JW, Evason M, Carr AP, Waldner C (2008) Canine immune-mediated polyarthritis: clinical and laboratory findings in 83 cases in western Canada (1991–2001). Can Vet J 49: 1195–203 Google ScholarTaylor SM, Scott-Moncrieff JCR (2014) Joint Disorders. In: Nelson RWCouto CG, eds. Small Animal Internal Medicine. 5th edn. Elsevier Mosby, St Louis, MO: 1103–25 Google ScholarWebb AA, Taylor SM, Muir GD (2002) Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis in dogs with noninfectious, nonerosive, idiopathic, immune-mediated polyarthritis. J Vet Intern Med 16: 269–73 Crossref, Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 March 2017Volume 22Issue 3ISSN (print): 2053-0889ISSN (online): 2053-0897 Metrics History Published online 1 March 2017 Published in print 2 March 2017 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

Lameness — here to stay?

Lameness — here to stay?

Recognition of lameness: Man versus machine

Recognition of lameness: Man versus machine

Genetic analyses of claw health in Norwegian Red cows

The aim of this study was genetic analyses of claw health in Norwegian Red. Claw health status at claw trimming has, since 2004, been recorded in the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System. The claw trimmer records whether the cow has normal (healthy) claws or if one or more claw disorders are present. Nine defined claw disorders were recorded: corkscrew claw (CSC), heel horn erosion (HH), dermatitis (DE), sole ulcer (SU), white line disorder (WLD), hemorrhage of sole and white line (HSW), interdigital phlegmon (IDP), lameness (LAME), and acute trauma (AT). Data from 2004 to 2011, with a total of 204,892 claw health records, were analyzed. The disorders were defined as binary traits with 1 record per cow per lactation. Further, 3 groups of claw disorders were analyzed: infectious claw disorders (INFEC, containing HH, DE, and IDP); laminitis-related claw disorders (LAMIN, containing SU, WLD, and HSW); and overall claw disorder. The 9 single traits and the 3 groups were analyzed using univariate threshold sire models. Multivariate threshold models were performed for the 5 most frequent single traits (CSC, HH, DE, SU, and WLD) and for CSC together with the grouped traits INFEC and LAMIN. Posterior mean of heritability of liability ranged from 0.04 to 0.23, where CSC had the highest heritability. The posterior standard deviations of heritability were low, between 0.01 and 0.03, except for IDP (0.06). Heritability of liability to INFEC and LAMIN were both 0.11 and for overall claw disorders, the heritability was 0.13. Posterior means of the genetic correlation among the 5 claw disorders varied between 0.02 and 0.79, and the genetic correlations between DE and HH (0.65) and between WLD and SU (0.79) were highest. Genetic correlation between INFEC and CSC was close to zero (0.06), between LAMIN and CSC it was 0.31, and between LAMIN and INFEC it was 0.24. The results show that claw disorders are sufficiently heritable for genetic evaluation and inclusion in the breeding scheme. At present, data are scarce with few recorded daughters per sire. Claw trimming records from more herds would therefore be beneficial for routine genetic evaluation of claw health.

Genetic parameters for production, health, fertility and longevity traits in dairy cows

Milk production, fertility, longevity and health records, were extracted from databases of two milk recording organisations in the United Kingdom for the first three lactations of the Holstein–Friesian breed. These included data related to health events (mastitis and lameness), voluntarily recorded on a proportion of farms. The data were analysed to calculate disease incidence levels and to estimate genetic parameters for health traits and their relationships with production and other functional traits. The resulting dataset consisted of 124 793 lactations from 75 137 animals of 1586 sires, recorded in 2434 herds. Incidence of health events increased with parity. The overall incidence of mastitis (MAS) and lameness (LAM), defined as binary traits, were 17% and 16%, respectively. Heritability estimates for MAS and LAM were 0.04 and 0.02, respectively, obtained from repeatability linear sire models. Heritability estimates of mastitis and lameness as count traits were slightly higher, 0.05 and 0.03, respectively. Genetic correlations were obtained by bivariate analyses of all pair-wise combinations between milk 305-day yield (MY), protein 305-day yield (PY), fat 305-day yield (FY), lactation average loge transformed lactation average somatic cell count (SCS), calving interval (CI), days to first service (DFS), non-return at 56 days (NR56), number of inseminations (NINS), mastitis (MAS), number of mastitis episodes (NMAS), lameness (LAM), number of lameness episodes (NLAM) and lifespan score (LS). As expected, MAS was correlated most strongly with SCS (0.69), which supports the use of SCS as an indicator trait for mastitis. Genetic correlations between MAS and yield and fertility traits were of similar magnitude ranging from 0.27 to 0.33. Genetic correlations between MAS with LAM and LS were 0.38 and −0.59, respectively. Not all genetic correlations between LAM and other traits were significant because of fewer numbers of lameness records. LAM had significant genetic correlations with MY (0.38), PY (0.28), CI (0.35), NINS (0.38) and LS (−0.53). The heritability estimates of mastitis and lameness were low; therefore, genetic gain through direct selection alone would be slow, yet still positive and cumulative. Direct selection against mastitis and lameness as additional traits should reduce incidence of both diseases, and simultaneously improve fertility and longevity. However, both health traits had antagonistic relationships with production traits, thus genetic gain in production would be slower.

Effects of zinc supplementation on growth performance, blood metabolites and lameness in young Holstein bulls

One hundred and six young Holstein bulls (initial body weight = 376.7±18.3 kg) were randomly allocated in two treatments in a completely randomised design for 56 days. Dietary treatments consisted of (1) the basal diet (control; n=50); (2) basal diet plus 150 mg of Zn/kg of dry matter as ZnSO4 (n=56). Animals received a fresh total mixed ration at 09.00, 12.00 and 15.00 hours for ad libitum intake allowing 10% orts. Group dry matter intake was measured daily. On days 0, 28 and 56, body weights were recorded and blood samples were collected. Liver samples were taken on day 56. All claws of young bulls were examined every two weeks to identify claw lesions. Supplemental Zn decreased the average daily gain (ADG; p<0.01), gain:feed (G:F; p<0.001) and apparent DM digestibility (p<0.001); however, dry matter intake was not influenced. Plasma total protein (p<0.01), urea nitrogen (p<0.01) and albumin (p< 0.05) were higher in animals fed ZnSO4; however, serum cholesterol concentration decreased in Zn-supplemented animals. The prevalence of lameness (LN) was higher in control group than ZnSO4-supplemented treatment (28% vs. 12.5%; odds ratio or OR = 2.7; p<0.05). In summary, supplemental Zn decreased ADG and G:F, however, it could decrease the prevalence of LN.

Genetic parameters for producer-recorded health data in Canadian Holstein cattle

Health traits are of paramount importance for economic dairy production. Improvement in liability to diseases has been made with better management practices, but genetic aspects of health traits have received less attention. Dairy producers in Canada have been recording eight health traits (mastitis (MAST), lameness (LAME), cystic ovarian disease (COD), left displaced abomasum (LDA), ketosis (KET), metritis (MET), milk fever (MF) and retained placenta (RP)) since April 2007. Genetic analyses of these traits were carried out in this study for the Holstein breed. Edits on herd distributions of recorded diseases were applied to the data to ensure a sufficient quality of recording. Traits were analysed either individually (MAST, LAME, COD) or were grouped according to biological similarities (LDA and KET, and MET, MF and RP) and analysed with multiple-trait models. Data included 46 104 cases of any of the above diseases. Incidence ranged from 2.3% for MF to 9.7% for MAST. MET and KET also had an incidence below 4.0%. Variance components were estimated using four different sire threshold models. The differences between models resulted from the inclusion of days at risk (DAR) and a cow effect, in addition to herd, parity and sire effects. Models were compared using mean squared error statistic. Mean squared error favoured, in general, the sire and cow within sire model with regression on DAR included. Heritabilities on the liability scale were between 0.02 (MET) and 0.21 (LDA). There was a moderate, positive genetic correlation between LDA and KET (0.58), and between MET and RP (0.79).