Search

Sole hemorrhages result from disruption to normal claw horn formation and are caused by a variety of internal and external factors. Evidence suggests that they are painful, although they do not usually cause clinical lameness and are difficult to detect by observing cow gait. Little is known about how or whether sole hemorrhages affect the cow systemically. This study compared hematology profile, leukocyte gene expression, and physiological responses of cows with no/mild hemorrhages (category 1; n = 17), moderate hemorrhages (category 2; n = 18), and severe hemorrhages (category 3; n = 12). At approximately 100 d in milk, all cows in the study herd (n = 374) were locomotion scored before hoof examination. The cows included in the study were not clinically lame and had no other hoof disorder. Blood samples were taken from all cows within 24 h of selection. Leukocyte counts were obtained using an automated cell counter, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentration by ELISA, and plasma haptoglobin, urea, total protein, creatine kinase and glucose were analyzed on a clinical chemistry analyzer. Expression of 16 genes associated with lameness or stress were estimated using real-time quantitative PCR. Data from cows within each category were compared using the Mixed procedure in SAS (version 9.3; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Fixed effects included hemorrhage severity category and lactation number, with days in milk and body condition score included as covariates. Locomotion score worsened as sole hemorrhage category worsened. Locomotion score of category 1 cows tended to be lower than that of category 2 cows and was lower than that of category 3 cows. The locomotion score of category 3 cows was also greater than that of categories 1 and 2 combined. Category had no effect on leukocyte number, on any of the individual leukocyte cell numbers or percentages, cortisol or DHEA concentration, cortisol:DHEA ratio, or relative expression of any of the genes investigated, and we detected no differences in plasma glucose, protein, or creatine kinase concentrations between categories. However, category 3 cows had greater plasma concentrations of haptoglobin and tended to have lesser concentrations of plasma urea than category 1 and 2 cows. The differences in gait between cows with no or minor sole hemorrhages and cows with severe hemorrhages indicate that hemorrhages may be associated with discomfort or pain. Nevertheless, the only physiological measure that changed with increasing locomotion score was plasma haptoglobin concentration. Haptoglobin has previously been found to be elevated in lame cows, and thus shows promise as a marker for limb pain., (Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Sole ulcers are one of the most severe pathologies causing lameness in dairy cows and are associated with abnormal behavior and impaired production performance. However, little is known about how or whether lameness caused by sole ulcers affects the cow systemically. This study compared hematology profile, leukocyte gene expression, and physiological responses [metabolite, cortisol, the endogenous steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and haptoglobin concentrations] of cows with sole ulcers and healthy cows. Twelve clinically lame cows (lame) were identified as having at least one sole ulcer and no other disorder, and matched with a cow that had good locomotion and no disorders (sound), using days in milk, liveweight, body condition score, and diet. Blood samples were taken from all 24 cows within 24h of sole ulcer diagnosis. Leukocyte counts were obtained using an automated cell counter, cortisol and DHEA concentration by ELISA, and plasma haptoglobin, urea, total protein, creatine kinase, and glucose were analyzed on an Olympus analyzer. Expression of 16 genes associated with lameness or stress were estimated using reverse transcription-PCR. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS software (version 9.3; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Lame cows had a higher neutrophil percentage, a numerically lower lymphocyte percentage, and tended to have a higher neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio than sound cows. Serum cortisol and DHEA concentrations were higher in lame than in sound cows. Lame cows also tended to have higher haptoglobin and glucose levels than sound, as well as higher protein yet lower urea levels. Sound cows tended to have higher relative expression of the gene coding for colony-stimulating factor 2 than lame, but in all other cases where differences were detected in cytokine gene expression (IL-1α, IL-1β, CXCL8, and IL-10), relative gene expression in sound cows tended to be, or was, lower than in lame. Relative expression of MMP-13, GR-α, Fas, haptoglobin, and CD62L were, or tended to be, higher in lame than sound cows. A high neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio in combination with higher cortisol levels in cows with ulcers is indicative of physiological stress. Moreover, increased DHEA and a higher cortisol:DHEA ratio, as well as a tendency for higher haptoglobin levels and increased haptoglobin mRNA expression, are indicative of systemic inflammation. Increased cytokine mRNA expression indicates activation of the immune system compared with healthy cows. Increased expression of MMP-13 mRNA has been found in cows with impaired locomotion and thus could be implicated in development of claw horn disorders., (Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Twice-daily milking is the most common milking regimen used globally. A reduction in milking frequency to once daily, combined with a reduced feed allowance (FA), could reduce the physiological stress associated with the transition to peak milk production, and hence improve immune function. This study investigated how milking frequency and FA affect dairy cow immune status. Cows (n = 48) were milked once a day (OAD) or twice a day (TAD) on 1 of 2 FA: high (HFA) or low (LFA), in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. After the mean calving date of March 11, HFA cows were offered ad libitum grass silage and 7 kg of concentrates/cow per day until March 22, then 4 kg of concentrates/cow per day until April 17, and thereafter allocated 31.3 kg of dry matter (DM) grass/cow per day. The LFA cows were offered 4 kg of concentrates/cow per day, 1 kg of concentrates/cow per day, and allocated 19 kg of DM grass/cow per day for the same respective periods. Milk yield was recorded daily and body condition score weekly, and somatic cell count was performed at approximately 2-wk intervals. Blood samples were collected prepartum (d -7 to -1) and at d 1 to 7, d 14 to 21, and d 42 to 49 postpartum. Total and differential leukocyte percentage, IFN-γ production in response to concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin, and cortisol, haptoglobin (Hp), and serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations were evaluated. Cows milked OAD had reduced milk yield and body reserve mobilization, but higher somatic cell counts. Milking frequency and diet had no effect on total leukocyte counts. Cows milked OAD had a higher lymphocyte percentage and lower monocyte percentage, and tended to have a lower neutrophil percentage than cows milked TAD. In addition, the LFA cows had a higher eosinophil percentage than cows fed the HFA. Milking frequency and diet had no effect on IFN-γ, Hp, SAA, or cortisol production. Utilization of strategies to reduce milk yield at the beginning of the lactation could not only reduce body reserve mobilization, but also help to maintain a functioning immune system, and thus improve cow welfare., (Copyright © 2012 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study evaluated the effect of 2 dairy cow housing systems on cow locomotion, immune status, and expression of genes associated with lameness during the dry and periparturient periods. Cows were assigned to freestall housing with either rubber (RUB; n = 13) or concrete (CON; n = 14) at the feed-bunk and alley immediately after their first calving, and managed on this system during all subsequent lactations. At dry off, cows were moved to a straw bedded-pack dry cow pen, and remained there until about 2 d before subsequent calving. To investigate whether greater exposure to RUB or CON increased the differences between cows on each treatment, cows at the end of either their first (n = 16) or second (n = 11) lactations were included in the experiment. Locomotion scores and blood samples were obtained at -60 (beginning of the dry period), -30, 0 (after calving), +10 and +18 d relative to calving. Leukocyte counts were obtained by using an automated cell counter. Phagocytic activity, and cells positive for CD14 and CD18 expression were measured by flow cytometry using labeled microbeads and antibodies. Expression of tachikinin 1(TAC1), histamine receptor 1 (H1), and metalloproteinase (MMP)13 in blood leukocytes was estimated using quantitative real-time PCR. Treatment effects were determined using a repeated measures model. Provision of rubber flooring did not improve dairy cow locomotion during the subsequent study period. However, time relative to calving had an effect on locomotion score and speed, which were worst on d 0, probably because of the discomfort associated with calving. An interaction occurred between treatment and time for neutrophil and lymphocyte counts. The RUB cows had greater neutrophil and lesser lymphocyte numbers postpartum than CON. These cows also had more cells positive for CD14 postpartum compared with prepartum. Moreover, RUB cows showed upregulation of MMP13 and TAC1 compared with CON. These genes are associated with lameness and pain detection respectively. Greater neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios and CD14 expression are associated with physiological stress or with activated immunity. Rubber flooring is associated with an increase in activity and standing. This may have resulted in indications of physiological stress and upregulation of genes associated with lameness and pain for RUB cows. However, this study did not take into account the long-term effects of concrete or rubber flooring; for instance, occurrence of lameness or survivability within the herd.

The study investigated differences in behavior synchrony of dairy cows during the winter confinement period when managed in 1 of 3 out-wintering pad (OWP) systems, or indoors in free-stall housing. There were 2 replicates of each treatment, and observations were carried out on 3 recording occasions in January and February 2006. On each recording occasion, behavior was recorded every 30 min between 0600 and 0130 h the following day (n = 40). The outcomes for measurement were eligible cows lying (ECL), cow comfort index (CCI), and proportion of animals feeding (AF). Autocorrelation as an indicator of synchrony was calculated using the Durban-Watson statistic and compared across treatments. A centered moving average was calculated, used to obtain the residual, and compared between treatments. Low autocorrelations were recorded in free stalls (39.6 +/- 0.1%), indicating lower temporal behavioral synchrony than in the 3 OWP designs. Overall, the greatest proportion of ECL, CCI, and AF occurred in free stalls (60%). However, high proportions (>90%) of ECL were recorded on OWP in the early morning, whereas the range of ECL in free stalls (22 to 87%) was lower. The low overall proportions for ECL (44, 52, and 54%) and CCI (48, 55, and 58%) in the OWP were caused by the cows standing without feeding during daylight hours. Nevertheless, these cows performed more synchronized lying at night, and their behavior was more highly autocorrelated (65.9 +/- 0.1, 73.3 +/- 0.1, and 52.3 +/- 0.1%) than cows in free stalls. Synchrony of behavior is part of the normal behavior repertoire of herd-living animals such as dairy cattle, and OWP may promote a more natural circadian behavior pattern than do free-stall systems. It is important that indices such as CCI and ECL are utilized at appropriate times of the day, when cows are expected to lie; that is, during the evening time. Estimated acceptable levels of these indices may be dependent on the confinement system employed.

This study compared locomotion, hoof health, and lameness of dairy cows confined in either indoor free stalls (FS) or 1 of 3 out-wintering pad (OWP) designs. Out-wintering pad treatments were 1) uncovered OWP with a concrete feed apron (UP); 2) covered OWP with a concrete feed apron (CO); and 3) uncovered OWP on top of which grass was ensiled so that the cows could self-feed (SP). Cows were assigned to treatment at drying off using a randomized complete block design. They remained on treatment until calving, when they were turned out to pasture. Sole lesions, heel erosion, dermatitis, and claw hardness on both hind feet were scored according to severity at assignment to treatment, at calving, and 9 and 14 wk postpartum. Locomotion score was recorded weekly after calving for 14 wk. Incidence of clinical lameness was recorded during the treatment period and in the subsequent lactation. Treatment had no effect on sole lesion score, but scores increased over time (calving = 5.5 +/- 1.3, wk 9 = 10.8 +/- 1.3, wk 14 = 14.2 +/- 1.3, mean +/- SE). Self-fed cows had higher heel erosion scores (6.4 +/- 0.4) than FS and CO cows (4.7 +/- 0.4 and 4.7 +/- 0.4, respectively) at calving. Cows on SP had the highest dermatitis scores [1.14 (0-2) mean (interquartile range)] and FS cows the lowest [0.51 (0-0)]. Hooves were hardest at assignment to treatment (43.9 +/- 0.6) with a significant reduction in hardness at calving (40.0 +/- 0.6). The hooves of CO cows were harder than those of SP and UP cows (CO = 43.3 +/- 0.7, SP = 41.7 +/- 0.7, UP = 41.7 +/- 0.7, Shore D scale). There was no treatment effect on locomotion scores or lameness incidence. Higher dermatitis scores and heel erosion in SP may be due to exposure to excreta and moisture, because the SP treatment had no manure removal system at the feed face. In FS, the alleys and the feed face were cleaned regularly by automatic scraper, explaining the lower dermatitis scores recorded indoors. Providing shelter for OWP likely reduced exposure to environmental moisture. This ensured that the hooves of CO cows remained as hard as those of FS cows. Low correlations between hardness and pathologies indicate that other factors are involved in the development of hoof pathologies. Confining dry dairy cows on OWP does not increase locomotion scores or lameness incidence.

Group housing provides increased access to space and social interactions for calves while reducing labor costs for producers. However, group housing necessarily requires that calves be mixed and no research to date has addressed the effects of mixing on behavior of milk-fed dairy calves. The objective of this study was to monitor the feeding and competitive behavior of individual dairy calves (n = 8) after introduction into an established group of older calves fed ad libitum by a computer-controlled milk feeder. Milk feeding was monitored for 2 d before introduction into the new group and both milk feeding and competitive behaviors were monitored for 4 d after mixing. Mean (+/- SE) milk consumption before mixing was 9.7 +/- 0.7 kg/d, dropped slightly on the day of mixing to 8.6 +/- 0.6 kg/d, but increased on d 1 to 3 after mixing to 11.1 +/- 0.3 kg/d. Calves visited the feeder less frequently on the day of mixing (6.0 +/- 1.8 visits/d) than on either the days before mixing (20.3 +/- 2.5 visits/d) or the days after mixing (25.3 +/- 6.9 visits/ d). The mean duration of feeder visits and mean milk consumption per visit increased from 4 min 15 s +/- 21 s and 0.53 +/- 0.06 kg per visit before mixing to 8 min 17 s +/- 1 min 28 s and 1.87 +/- 0.51 kg per visit on the day of mixing. Competitive displacements from the milk-feeding stall were rare. In summary, feeding behavior of young calves is altered on the day of mixing, but calves are able to maintain milk intake when using a milk feeder fitted with a stall that prevents calves from displacing one another.