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The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ceftiofur on metritis cure, milk yield, reproductive performance, and culling up to 300 DIM. The secondary objective was to evaluate the effect of metritis cure at 5 (early cure [ECURE]) and 14 (late cure [LCURE]) days after diagnosis on milk production, reproduction, and culling. A total of 422 Holstein cows diagnosed with metritis from 4 herds located in Texas, California, and Florida were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial. Cows diagnosed with metritis (fetid, watery, reddish or brownish uterine discharge) were blocked by herd and parity and were randomly allocated to receive systemic administration of ceftiofur (CEF) or to remain untreated (CON). In addition, 399 nonmetritic cows (NMET) were included for comparison purposes. Metritis cure was evaluated at 5 and 14 d after diagnosis and was defined as the absence of metritis clinical signs. Logistic regression models were fitted to the data to assess the effect of treatment on metritis cure. Milk yield was analyzed using a mixed linear model, while logistic regression, Cox proportional hazard, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis models were fitted to culling and reproduction data. Cows treated with CEF had 1.86 (95% CI: 1.22–2.81) and 1.68 (95% CI: 1.02–2.75) greater odds of being cured than CON cows at 5 and 14 d after diagnosis, respectively. No effect of CEF was observed for milk yield; however, NMET cows had greater milk yield compared with metritic cows (CEF = 36.0, 95% CI = 33.8–38.1; CON = 36.1, 95% CI = 33.9–38.2; NMET = 36.9 kg/d, 95% CI = 34.8–39.4). Likewise, no effect of CEF was observed on reproductive performance and culling. Nonetheless, the likelihood of conceiving for NMET cows was 1.72 (95% CI = 1.41–2.12) and 1.64 (95% CI = 1.33–2.00) times greater than for CEF and CON cows, respectively. Ceftiofur-treated and CON cows had 2.93 (95% CI = 1.90–4.51) and 2.37 (95% CI = 1.51–3.71) greater hazard of culling compared with NMET, respectively. Regardless of treatment, no differences between ECURE and LCURE were observed on milk yield, reproduction, and culling throughout the entire lactation, but cows that cured at 5 or 14 d after diagnosis had greater milk production in the first 60 DIM compared with cows that did not cure (NCURE). Cows in ECURE and LCURE also had a 1.59 (95% CI = 1.16–2.16) and 1.49 (95% CI = 1.08–2.05) greater hazard of pregnancy and 0.43 (95% CI = 0.26–0.71) and 0.56 (95% CI = 0.34–0.92) hazard of culling compared with NCURE. Ceftiofur therapy increased metritis cure, but benefits to productivity and longevity were not observed. Also, cows that fail to cure have impaired lactation performance, but no differences regarding timing of cure were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to estimate two reproductive efficiency indices in sheep based on the ratio between litter weight (at birth and weaning) and dam weight, as well as their genetic parameters. Phenotypic and pedigree data comprising the period from 1990 to 2018 were obtained from the Santa Inês sheep database of Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros. For estimation of the genetic parameters of the indices, a repeatability model was applied in single‐ and two‐trait analyses by a Bayesian approach. The mean reproductive efficiency index was 0.069 ± 0.0163 and 0.43 ± 0.0955 at birth and weaning, respectively. These values indicate that, on average, ewes give birth to 69 g of lamb per kg body weight and wean 430 g of lamb per kg body weight. Described here for the first time, the heritability estimate obtained in single‐ and two‐trait analyses was 0.24 for the index based on birth weights and ranged from 0.13 to 0.15 for the index based on weaning weights. The estimates indicate the possibility of genetic gain by selection and are similar to those reported for reproductive traits in sheep, representing an option for selection criterion. The genetic correlation between indices was positive and moderate (0.26). The repeatability estimates were high (0.49 for the birth weight index and 0.71 for the weaning weight index). These values indicate good prediction of future performance with few observations. The weaning weight index might be a good culling criterion of females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Culling of guinea pigs can provide a large number of animals per year for meat production, but little information is available in the scientific literature on the carcass characteristics and non-carcass components of these animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass and non-carcass characteristics of cull guinea pigs in comparison to their fattening counterparts. Forty-eight fattening (3 months-age, 24 females and 24 males) and forty-eight cull (14 months-age, 24 females and 24 males) guinea pigs were slaughtered and carcass yield, linear measurements, tissular composition, and non-carcass components were evaluated. In general, cull guinea pigs had higher carcass, tissue, and non-carcass component weights. Cull male and both female guinea pig groups had similar carcass yields. Cull animals had higher carcass and hind leg lengths, lumbar and thoracic circumferences, and carcass compactness than their young counterparts. However, a sex effect was found for leg compactness depending on whether they were fattened or cull. Tissue percentages values were similar between fattening and culling animals of the same sex. However, females had a higher percentage of fat tissue than males. Fattening females had the best muscle to bone ratio, followed by cull males. The non-carcass elements were more represented in fattening animals than in culls, probably due to an allometric growth of the viscera in relation to the rest of the body. In commercial and cooking terms, this information is valuable for producers and researchers who need to understand the factors that influence carcass characteristics of guinea pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-native deer are becoming increasingly common in peri-urban landscapes, where they pose a risk to the health and wellbeing of people. Professional vehicle-based shooting is commonly used to control deer populations in these complex landscapes, but the effectiveness and cost of this method have seldom been evaluated. We analyzed the effectiveness and cost of using professional vehicle-based shooting to reduce the abundance and impacts of non-native rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) in a peri-urban landscape in Wollongong, eastern Australia, during 2011–2021. We incorporated the results from an independent monitoring program into a Bayesian joint-likelihood framework to model spatio-temporal changes in rusa deer abundance. Finally, we used our findings to assess the effect of the management program on the number of complaints from the residents. After eleven years and the removal of 4701 rusa deer from Wollongong LGA (712 km2), deer abundance did not change in 74.7% of the area, decreased in 19.4% of the area (mostly in and around the sites where the professional shooting occurred), and increased in 5.9% of the area. Shooting was most cost-effective during winter when the longer hours of darkness meant that shooters could visit more sites. In contrast to deer abundance, the probability of residents complaining about deer increased in space and time. Our study shows that professional vehicle-based shooting can locally reduce the abundance of invasive deer in a peri-urban landscape, providing that sufficient control effort is expended. We suggest that shooting effort is currently too thinly spread across this peri-urban landscape, and that concentrating shooting effort on the areas of greatest deer abundance and resident complaints might be a more cost-effective strategy for managing invasive deer in peri-urban landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ceftiofur on metritis cure, milk yield, reproductive performance, and culling up to 300 DIM. The secondary objective was to evaluate the effect of metritis cure at 5 (early cure [ECURE]) and 14 (late cure [LCURE]) days after diagnosis on milk production, reproduction, and culling. A total of 422 Holstein cows diagnosed with metritis from 4 herds located in Texas, California, and Florida were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial. Cows diagnosed with metritis (fetid, watery, reddish or brownish uterine discharge) were blocked by herd and parity and were randomly allocated to receive systemic administration of ceftiofur (CEF) or to remain untreated (CON). In addition, 399 nonmetritic cows (NMET) were included for comparison purposes. Metritis cure was evaluated at 5 and 14 d after diagnosis and was defined as the absence of metritis clinical signs. Logistic regression models were fitted to the data to assess the effect of treatment on metritis cure. Milk yield was analyzed using a mixed linear model, while logistic regression, Cox proportional hazard, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis models were fitted to culling and reproduction data. Cows treated with CEF had 1.86 (95% CI: 1.22–2.81) and 1.68 (95% CI: 1.02–2.75) greater odds of being cured than CON cows at 5 and 14 d after diagnosis, respectively. No effect of CEF was observed for milk yield; however, NMET cows had greater milk yield compared with metritic cows (CEF = 36.0, 95% CI = 33.8–38.1; CON = 36.1, 95% CI = 33.9–38.2; NMET = 36.9 kg/d, 95% CI = 34.8–39.4). Likewise, no effect of CEF was observed on reproductive performance and culling. Nonetheless, the likelihood of conceiving for NMET cows was 1.72 (95% CI = 1.41–2.12) and 1.64 (95% CI = 1.33–2.00) times greater than for CEF and CON cows, respectively. Ceftiofur-treated and CON cows had 2.93 (95% CI = 1.90–4.51) and 2.37 (95% CI = 1.51–3.71) greater hazard of culling compared with NMET, respectively. Regardless of treatment, no differences between ECURE and LCURE were observed on milk yield, reproduction, and culling throughout the entire lactation, but cows that cured at 5 or 14 d after diagnosis had greater milk production in the first 60 DIM compared with cows that did not cure (NCURE). Cows in ECURE and LCURE also had a 1.59 (95% CI = 1.16–2.16) and 1.49 (95% CI = 1.08–2.05) greater hazard of pregnancy and 0.43 (95% CI = 0.26–0.71) and 0.56 (95% CI = 0.34–0.92) hazard of culling compared with NCURE. Ceftiofur therapy increased metritis cure, but benefits to productivity and longevity were not observed. Also, cows that fail to cure have impaired lactation performance, but no differences regarding timing of cure were observed.

Removal of ewes from a flock before the end of their productive life, sometimes described as ewe wastage, can potentially lead to reduced flock productivity. While the main reasons for culling ewes are largely known, their relative importance to New Zealand farmers and farmers' rational behind their culling decisions are not. Therefore, this study involved semi-structured interviews with 38 sheep farmers from throughout New Zealand to explore their ewe culling decisions. Farmers consistently culled mixed-age and two-tooth ewes who failed to become pregnant or who had a vaginal prolapse. For other culling reasons, farmers' use of them and their rationale for doing so was diverse and varied between farmers based on ewe age-group, severity, season, perceived economic consequences and farmers' personal preference. This diversity indicates that there is scope for some farmers to carefully evaluate some of their culling decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban areas are a messy more-than-human interface for humans and synanthropic wildlife. Norms for what constitutes a 'problem' animal to be culled, a displaced animal to be rescued, or a species nuisance whom one simply has to let live, are undergoing rapid change. We investigate the changing expectations that municipal hunters experience that they have from society in relation to managing problem wildlife in cities. Adding to the literature on the constitution of 'problem' animals in human environments, we show what happens to these animals in the practical sense, and what informs this decision. Our point of departure is to ask by what rationales hunters consider lethal interventions in urban nature to be legitimate, and which they find to be morally problematic. In a discussion, we reflect on what this says about, and means for, multispecies coexistence. Through interviews and go-along participant observation with 32 municipal hunters in Sweden, we show how municipal hunters wrestle with growing unease about new custodial roles they are expected to inhabit, as facilitators of the natural order, as garbage collectors of society for unwanted wildlife, and as enforcers of an interspecies code of conduct for the city. Based on this analysis, we discuss the relative standing of reparative, sacrificial, aesthetic, goodwill, practical, categorical and situational rationales for culling. This paints a picture of hunters as more conflicted about their control of urban nature, in challenge with the stereotypical idea of the professional hunter as a 'natural born culler'. It also shows a city of parallel planes of multispecies coexistence, where some species and animals get a pass more than others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive species pose serious threats to ecosystems. To reduce ecological and economic consequences of invasions, efforts are made to control invaders and evaluating the effects of such efforts is paramount. Lionfishes (Pterois volitans and Pterois miles) are native to the Indo‐Pacific Ocean and pose a major threat to local ecosystems in the invaded Atlantic and Mediterranean. Culling via spearfishing is a widespread measure to limit lionfish population size in invaded ranges. However, like most hunted fishes, lionfish alter their behavior after repeated culling, potentially decreasing the effectiveness of future culls. Previous studies on lionfish in the Caribbean have shown that lionfish are less bold after repeated culling. However, the impact of culling on lionfish in their newest invasive range, the Mediterranean, remains enigmatic. To determine the behavioral changes in response to culling in this second area of invasion, we tested for effects of culling on the behavior of lionfish in Cyprus, a region heavily impacted by the lionfish invasion in the Mediterranean. We compared the response of lionfish to an approaching free diver holding a metal pole (imitating a spear fisher) between protected areas where spearfishing is restricted and areas where culls are frequently conducted. We also assessed whether activity, hiding pattern, and site fidelity differed between these culled and unculled sites. Overall, we found limited effects of culling on the traits measured, indicating surprising resistance to culling‐induced behavioral changes in Mediterranean lionfish. Future studies should monitor invasive lionfish population densities and the effects of culling in more detail to tailor management plans and reduce the negative effects of these fish in specific invaded ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the second investigation in a pair of analyses which re-evaluates the Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT), we estimate the effects of proactive badger culling on the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in cattle populations in unculled neighbouring areas. Throughout peer-reviewed analyses of the RBCT, proactive culling was estimated to have detrimental effects on the incidence of herd breakdowns (i.e. TB incidents) in neighbouring areas. Using previously published, publicly available data, we appraise a variety of frequentist and Bayesian models as we estimate the effects of proactive culling on confirmed herd breakdowns in unculled neighbouring areas. For the during trial period from the initial culls until 4 September 2005, we estimate consistently high probabilities that proactive culling had adverse effects on confirmed herd breakdowns in unculled neighbouring areas, thus supporting the theory of heightened risk of TB for the neighbouring cattle populations. Negligible culling effects are estimated in the post-trial period across the statistical approaches and imply unsustained long-term effects for unculled neighbouring areas. Therefore, when considered alongside estimated beneficial effects within proactive culling areas, these conflicting adverse side effects render proactive culling complex, and thus, decision making regarding potential culling strategies should include (i) ecological, geographical and scientific considerations and (ii) cost–benefit analyses.

Here, in the first of two investigations, we evaluate and extend the analyses of the Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT) to estimate the effectiveness of proactive badger culling for reducing incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in cattle within culling areas. Using previously reviewed, publicly available data, alongside frequentist and Bayesian approaches, we re-estimate culling effects for confirmed incidence of herd breakdowns (TB incidents in cattle) within proactive culling areas. We appraise the varying assumptions and statistical structures of individual models to determine model appropriateness. Our re-evaluation of frequentist models provides results consistent with peer-reviewed analyses of RBCT data, due to the consistency of beneficial effects across three analysis periods. Furthermore, well-fitting Bayesian models with weakly informative prior distribution assumptions produce high probabilities (91.2%–99.5%) of beneficial effects of proactive culling on confirmed herd breakdowns within culling areas in the period from the initial culls (between 1998 and 2002) until 2005. Similarly high probabilities of beneficial effects were observed post-trial (from 1 year after last culls until March 2013). Thus, irrespective of statistical approach or study period, we estimate substantial beneficial effects of proactive culling within culling areas, consistent with separate, existing, peer-reviewed analyses of the RBCT data.

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis, caused by the gram-negative bacteria Campylobacter fetus venerealis, and bovine trichomonosis, caused by the parasite protozoan Tritrichomonas foetus, are venereal diseases that occur with long intercalving periods and abortion. The control of both diseases relies on microbiological testing and culling infected bulls. Vaccination and antibiotic treatment may help in controlling campylobacteriosis but are not recommended for trichomonosis control. Several regions of the world have active control programs for trichomonosis, not campylobacteriosis. In Argentina, the state of La Pampa aims to eradicate trichomonosis and campylobacteriosis by imposing annual diagnostic testing of every bull and slaughtering positive animals. Prior studies indicated a declining trend in the prevalence of campylobacteriosis and trichomonosis in La Pampa. It was also proposed that the prevalence of one disease could be estimated from the prevalence of the other. The purpose of this retrospective analysis of data gathered from 2008 to 2021 was to determine the La Pampa program’s efficacy. Descriptive statistics were employed to determine the reason behind the correlation between tricomonosis and campylobacteriosis diagnostic results. The outcomes refute the notion that this program of venereal eradication was a success. Furthermore, an excess of false positives in both diagnoses may have contributed to the correlation between the prevalences of campylobactriosis and trichomonosis. The practice of killing animals without verifying positive results hinders the determination of disease prevalence and results in the death of numerous healthy animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) has been extinct from the UK since the late medieval period. Recently, the idea of a reintroduction of the species has entered the public sphere. While reintroduction receives support from the public, there is significant opposition to the idea within the UK farming community. This study used a questionnaire survey to investigate the attitudes of UK farmers towards the reintroduction of the lynx. The theory of planned behavior was also used to predict farmers' intention to cull lynx in the case of a reintroduction and the drivers behind this. Results indicated negative attitudes towards reintroduction among UK farmers. Older people, those from potential reintroduction areas, and sheep farmers, those whose income is dependent on farming and those with higher perceived knowledge of lynx, had more negative attitudes. Women were significantly more afraid of lynx than men. We also revealed that many farmers intended to hunt lynx in the case of a reintroduction, with attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control being significant predictors of intended behavior. Stronger protective laws for lynx could reduce intention to cull. Additionally, active management and regulation of the lynx population can facilitate harmonious coexistence. These findings suggest that high levels of legal protection and strategies that aim to encourage social norms against illegal culling of lynx, reduce capability to kill lynx (through policies relating to the use of equipment that can be used to kill lynx), or aim to change attitudes to culling lynx could help reduce the perceived conflict of farmers with regard to lynx reintroduction and increase the success of a reintroduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans greatly influence the ecosystems they live in and the lives of a wide range of taxa they share space with. Specifically, human hunting and harvesting has resulted in many species acclimating via diverse behavioral responses, often quite rapidly. This review provides insights into how hunting and harvesting can elicit behavioral changes. These responses emerge from a species' previous and evolving ability to assess risk imposed by hunters and respond accordingly; a predator–prey game thus ensues, where both players may change tactics over time. If hunting is persistent, and does not result in the taxa's extirpation, species are expected to develop adaptations to cope with hunting via natural selection by undergoing shifts in morphology and behavior. This review summarizes the various ways that human hunting intentionally and incidentally alters such evolutionary changes. These changes in turn can influence other species interactions and whole ecosystems. Additionally, alterations in behaviors can provide useful indicators for conservation and evolutionarily enlightened management strategies, and humans should use them to gain insights into our own socio-economic circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pilot study as a survey about the attitude of the participants towards the widespread practice of culling male layer-type chickens was carried out. An alternative solution to the problem has been proposed by raising these birds for meat. The layer cockerels of Lohmann Brown Classic were reared in the Institute of Animal Science-Kostinbrod, Bulgaria, and slaughtered at the age of 5 and 9 weeks. Two products “Little Cockerel” (200 g) and “Big Cockerel” (900 g) were prepared from the 5 and 9 week old chickens, respectively. The opinion of the respondents was in favor of the product with the higher weight. It was further cooked and sensory evaluation was done. The volume of the production that the respondents would buy at different price ranges was determined. According to the results of the case described, we can conclude that the “Big Cockerel” test product corresponded to a greater extent to the preferences of the participants in the survey for an innovative poultry meat product. It demonstrated potential for successful market realization with maximum utilization of the product manufactured in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The short-term benefits of pair housing pre-weaning calves have been successfully demonstrated, but the longer-term implications are still relatively unknown, especially for heifers enter the milking herd. This study aimed to investigate the impact of pairs compared to the individual housing of pre-weaning calves on longer-term heifer production. We found that pair-housed calves were less likely to exit the herd, which resulted in pair-housed calves producing more total milk per calf recruited into the original study. However, pair-housed calves also suffered from higher risks of developing udder health issues. The season of birth had an impact on growth rates, with heifers born in the colder winter months having reduced growth, but seasonality did not impact any other variables. Pair housing of pre-weaning dairy calves has previously demonstrated positive impacts on their growth, health and behaviour, but longer-term effects on production are still relatively unknown. This study followed a cohort of 431 Holstein heifers, recruited from a single UK commercial dairy farm, from weaning until either culling or the end of their first lactation. All animals were allocated to either individual or pair housing as a pre-weaning calf. Following weaning, all heifers were similarly managed through group housing, feeding with total mixed rations, the use of automatic heat detection for artificial insemination and weighing every two months until conception. Farm staff identified disease occurrences, which were treated following standard operating procedures. First-lactation monthly milk recording was used to measure milk yields and somatic cell counts. Overall mortality (voluntary and involuntary) was 26.6%, with a decreased hazard of exiting the herd if the heifer was pair housed as a calf (HR 0.70; p = 0.067). The voluntary cull rate was highest in the post-insemination period (13.0%) due to poor fertility. Heifers that were pair housed as calves had significantly increased odds of developing udder health issues as a primiparous cow (OR = 1.93, p = 0.022). Despite this, the 305-day milk yields were not associated with the housing group. However, the total milk produced per calf recruited into the original study was greater for pair-housed compared with individually housed calves (8088 kg vs. 7115 kg; p = 0.071), which is likely due to the significantly higher hazard of individually housed calves exiting the herd prematurely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When Mahatma Gandhi said that "the greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated", he clearly implied that equality must exist between the evolved animals, i.e. Humans and the rest of the animal clan. Humans have always adamantly self-proclaimed themselves as the 'superior' species, granting to themselves an authority to govern the rest, backed by a well-drafted constitution. While it is undeniable that a democratic society ensures fundamental rights to its citizens, a more civilized and sensitive one does not shy away from extending the same to its animals, too. The Apex Court of India in 2011 broke all barriers and differences in the famous Jallikattu case, whereby it brought animals under the ambit of the right to life guaranteed under Art. 21 of the Indian Constitution. While now this fundamental right has been constitutionally guaranteed to animals to live with dignity, a pertinent question to be asked is, does the right also encompass the right to die. The Supreme Court, in the case of Aruna Shanbaug, did declare that passive euthanasia is legal in India, thus bestowing the scope of passively ending the life of a terminally ill patient. Considering that animals may also very much be under the same circumstances, is this right of passive euthanasia applicable to them as well. This paper will thus dwell into analyzing the current scenario in India pertaining to euthanasia of ailing and terminally ill animals, the legal provision & judicial precedents worldwide on the issue and the moral rationale behind the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Overabundant native wildlife can pose serious challenges for managers. The most direct, immediate way to reduce density-dependent impacts is by culling, but lethal control often lacks public support. Fertility control offers a non-lethal management alternative. Aims. We conducted two fertility-control projects on eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus), a common and widespread species in Australia. We aimed to evaluate three key components of an integrated fertility-control project, namely, delivery efficiency, contraceptive efficacy and population-level outcomes. Methods. The two study sites on the urban fringe of Melbourne, Australia, were small reserves. Both had undergone an irruptive peak and subsequent crash, with negative impacts on animal health. Gresswell Forest (52 ha) is open forest habitat enclosed by a kangaroo-proof fence. Serendip Sanctuary (250 ha) is grassy woodland and retired pasture, with a boundary allowing kangaroo movement onto neighbouring properties. We captured kangaroos with a dart gun at night and treated all healthy adult females with subdermal levonorgestrel implants. Key results. Delivery efficiency (catch-per-unit effort) was greater from a vehicle at Serendip Sanctuary than on foot at Gresswell Forest, with only a marginal decline over successive nights at both sites. Background fecundity was 91% at Serendip Sanctuary, but close to zero at Gresswell Forest. Treatment efficacy was high, being 86–100% infertility at Serendip Sanctuary and 96–100% at Gresswell Forest. At Serendip Sanctuary, the proportion of females treated never reached 75%, whereas only one female at Gresswell Forest remained untreated after 3 years. Population density at Serendip Sanctuary exceeded the target range 3 years after culling and fertility control. No culling occurred at Gresswell Forest, but fertility control apparently held population density at a moderate level, albeit much higher than the density target. Conclusions. Future management at Serendip Sanctuary and Gresswell Forest will require a sustained fertility-control effort. Further culling may also be required to complement fertility control at Serendip Sanctuary, the larger, open site. Implications. Contraceptive efficacy of levonorgestrel is high in kangaroos and implants can be delivered efficiently, but achieving control of a large, open population will be challenging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With high fatality and no cure, chronic wasting disease (CWD) has infected cervids in multiple regions, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and South Korea. Despite the rapid growth of literature on CWD, the full scope of its ecological, social, and economic impacts and the most effective and socially acceptable management strategies to mitigate the disease is unclear. Of 3008 initially identified published peer-reviewed papers, 134 were included in a final systematic literature review to synthesize the current knowledge on CWD transmission patterns, impacts, and the effectiveness of management interventions. The number of publications on CWD has increased steadily since 2000 with an average of six papers per year. Most papers were related to CWD prevalence (39 %), human behavior (33 %), CWD impacts (31 %), and management interventions (16 %). Environmental factors such as soil, water, and plants were identified as the most common transmission medium, with a higher prevalence rate among adult male cervids than females. Hunters showed a higher risk perception and were more likely to change hunting behavior due to CWD detection than non-hunters. Ecological impacts included the decreased survival rate accompanied by lower population growth, eventually leading to the decline of cervid populations. Culling was found to be an effective and widely implemented management strategy across countries, although it often was associated with public resistance. Despite potentially high negative economic impacts anticipated due to CWD, studies on this subject were limited. Sustained surveillance, ongoing research, and engagement of affected stakeholders will be essential for future disease control and management.

Longevity in dairy and dual-purpose cattle is a complex trait which depends on many individual and managerial factors. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the survival (SURV) rate of Italian Simmental dual-purpose cows across different parities. Data of this study referred to 2 173 primiparous cows under official milk recording that calved between 2002 and 2020. Only cows linearly classified for type traits, including muscularity (MU) and body condition score (BCS) were kept. Survival analysis was carried out, through the Cox regression model, for different pairwise combinations of classes of milk productivity MU, BCS, and calving season. Herd-year of first calving was also considered in the model. SURV (0 = culled; 1 = survived) at each lactation up to the 6th were the dependent variables, so that, for example, SURV2 equal to 1 was attributed to cows that entered the 2nd lactation. Survival rates were 98, 71, 63, 56, and 53% for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th lactation, respectively. Results revealed that SURV2 was not dependent on milk yield, while in subsequent parities, low-producing cows were characterized by higher SURV compared to high-producing ones. Additionally, cows starting the lactation in autumn survived less (47.38%) than those starting in spring (53.49%), suggesting that facing the late gestation phase in summer could increase the culling risk. The present study indicates that SURV in Italian Simmental cows is influenced by various factors in addition to milk productivity. However, it is important to consider that in this study all first-calving cows culled before the linear evaluation - carried out between mid- and late lactation in this breed - were not accounted for. Finding can be transferred to other dual-purpose breeds, where the cows’ body conformation and muscle development - i.e. meat-related features - are often considered as important as milk performance by farmers undertaking culling decisions.

Abstract A new Irish bovine tuberculosis (bTB) eradication strategy was launched in 2021. The strategy was formulated following extensive discussions with stakeholders, formal reviews of several aspects of the existing bTB policy and relevant inputs from the latest scientific research projects. A stakeholder discussion body, the TB Forum, had been established in 2018 and this continues under the new strategy, supported by three working groups (scientific, financial and implementation). The strategy sets out actions to address cattle-to-cattle and badger-to-cattle bTB transmission, along with actions to improve farm biosecurity and empower farmers to make their own choices to reduce bTB risk. Large scale vaccination of badgers has been rolled out under the new strategy, with over 20,000 km2 covered by the vaccination programme and 6,586 badgers captured in vaccination areas in 2021. Vaccination efforts have been complemented by intensive communications campaigns, including a web enabled software application (“app”) enabling farmers to report the location of badger setts. Cattle which test inconclusive to the tuberculin skin test have been re-tested using a gamma interferon blood test since April 2021, enabling truly infected cattle to be identified more effectively due to the higher sensitivity of this test. An enhanced oversight process has been put in place for herds experiencing extended or repeat bTB breakdowns. Whole genome sequencing is being used to investigate links between breakdowns, with the results supporting operational decision making in case management. Communications, including biosecurity advice, are co-designed with stakeholders, in order to improve their effectiveness. A programme involving veterinary practitioners providing tailored biosecurity bTB advice to their clients was established in 2021 and was rolled out nationally during 2022. A core element of the new strategy is the continual improvement of policies in response to changing bTB risks, informed by scientific research and then implemented with stakeholder consultation.

Objective: Anglers typically use stringers to keep fish intended for harvest from spoiling or for high‐grading purposes (i.e., culling). However, relatively few studies have examined the effects of temporary stringer retention on the physical condition and postrelease mortality of fish. In this study, our objective was to investigate the lethal and sublethal effects of temporarily retaining Northern Pike Esox lucius on stringers. Methods: We evaluated the blood physiology, reflex impairment, injury, and fate of 168 Northern Pike that were exposed for 2 h on one of five treatments: (1) cord stringer through the operculum, (2) cord stringer through the lower jaw, (3) metal stringer through the operculum, (4) metal stringer through the lower jaw, and (5) aerated tank control. Result: Immediately after retention, blood lactate concentrations of stringer treatments were on average 42% greater relative to controls. Fish from the stringer treatments exhibited injuries of varying severity, most of which (e.g., gill lesions, expanded puncture wounds, swelling) were still present on surviving fish 48 h later. Reflexes were impaired for all stringer fish, whereas control fish tended to have all reflexes intact. No fish died during the treatment period. The highest occurrence of mortality was within the first 8 h following retention for the cord–operculum (48%), metal–jaw (15%), and metal–operculum (19%) treatments. Stringers placed through the operculum had a higher mortality rate (37%) compared with stringers placed through the lower jaw (17%), regardless of stringer type. Overall, 27% of fish placed on stringers died and 68% of the remaining fish showed injuries related to stringers, while control fish showed low mortality (7%) and no meaningful injuries. Conclusion: Our results suggest that holding fish on stringers causes stress and injury levels that can result in postrelease mortality. As such, fisheries managers should consider restricting the release of fish placed on stringers, and once placed on a stringer, fish should be regarded as part of the daily harvest limit for a given angler. Impact statementThis research highlights the detrimental effects of releasing Northern Pike off stringers during culling. We discovered that this practice results in stress, injury, and frequently death in released fish. We encourage fisheries managers to consider implementing regulations explicitly disallowing this practice to avoid negative impacts on fish populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intramammary antibiotic (AB) and internal teat sealants (TS) infusion at dry-off have been used to prevent intramammary infections (IMI) in dairy cows during the dry period and reduce the risk of mastitis during the dry period and subsequent lactation. A randomized clinal trial was completed on eight California dairy herds to estimate the effects of different dry cow therapies (AB, TS, AB + TS or None) on clinical mastitis and culling. A total of 1273 cows were randomized to one of the four treatment groups over summer and winter seasons. For each enrolled cow, microbiological testing was done on quarter milk samples collected from the first detection of clinical mastitis within the first 150 days in milk (DIM) in the subsequent lactation. Statistical analysis was done using generalized linear mixed models. There were no significant differences in the odds of clinical mastitis or culling between cows treated with AB, TS, or AB + TS compared to the controls. Dry cow therapy with AB and/or TS had no statistically significant effect on clinical mastitis and cow culling during the first 150 DIM.

Abstract The public may sometimes resist orders to cull wildlife, even when these pose a biosecurity threat. Managers and researchers desire to know why this is so. Research overwhelmingly focuses on the role of the species in conditioning resistance but our approach also shows the circumstances, settings, people responsible and methods used that undermine the legitimacy of the cull. We bring these together and use a social licence to operate (SLO) framework to demonstrate how support for wildlife culling in the context of biosecurity may be revoked. In the absence of SLO, resistance to wildlife culling can range from personal unease at seeing a cherished species or a neighbourhood fox being culled, to openly confronting the municipal hunter. By interviewing (n = 32) and following (n = 4) municipal hunter in Swedish cities who cull wildlife individuals or populations deemed to pose a threat to public health, safety or other societal interests, we uncover parameters by which culling wildlife are deemed to be problematic: who performs the culling, when the culling is done, how it is done and where it is done. This leads us to the concept of necroaesthetics: taboo ways of taking animal lives. In a unique perspective, we apprehend two forms of resistance: one that hunters attribute to the public and that of hunters' own unease at performing certain culling interventions. While the public and municipal hunters disagree, they also have similar criteria for opposing culls. We conclude by considering the future of the SLO of culling wildlife for biosecurity, including the subjective nature of its Revocation. This goes toward identifying parameters that make culls likely to produce controversy, hence granting some predictive value for managers in their planning. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

ABSTRACT: Greater longevity is associated with lower replacement costs, higher average milk production, and fewer replacement heifers needed. Longevity data are obtained late in life, and for this reason stayability, defined as the probability of survival from birth until a certain age, can be used as an alternative measure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different type traits, inbreeding, and production level on the stayability of Jersey cows to various ages, and to assess trends over time. Data consisted of 460,172 to 204,658 stayability records, depending on length of the opportunity period, for survival from birth until 36, 48, 60, 72, or 84 mo of age. Threshold models were used to analyze the stayability traits, including different type traits, inbreeding coefficient, and within-herd production level as explanatory variables. Heritability estimates for stayability traits ranged from 0.05 (36 mo) to 0.22 (84 mo). As expected, the probability of survival decreased as age increased. Highly productive cows were more likely to survive than their poor-producing contemporaries regardless of age and the type trait evaluated. Our data indicate that farmers' selection decisions tend to punish poor production at early ages and reward high production at later stages. Inbreeding negatively affected the probability of survival, especially when inbreeding coefficients exceeded 10%, and this impact was most noticeable at 48 mo of age or later. Some type traits, such as stature and foot angle, had little effect on the probability of survival. Other type traits, such as strength, dairy form, rump width, and rear legs, showed higher probability of survival at intermediate scores, whereas other type traits, such as fore udder attachment, rear udder height, udder depth, and final score, showed higher probability of survival at higher scores. Finally, our results indicate that the probability of survival has decreased in the last decade, probably due to a greater number of heifers available and, therefore, higher culling rates.

Flying foxes are keystone species on islands and are threatened worldwide, particularly by forest degradation, hunting and culling. They are often persecuted if they are perceived as agricultural pests, but the extent of crop damage from flying foxes and the factors triggering their visits to crops are not well established. This study aimed to investigate wildlife-caused damage to tankan oranges Citrus tankan on Okinawa Island, Japan, and interactions between the Ryukyu flying fox Pteropus dasymallus and farmers. We compiled data from three sources: official records of wildlife-caused crop damage, questionnaire surveys of 43 farmers and time-lapse camera surveys conducted at 14 locations during January–February 2018. Official records and the questionnaire survey indicated that the large-billed crow Corvus macrorhynchos caused most damage in a typical year (53–56% of the total damage), followed by P. dasymallus (18–28%). However, time-lapse camera surveys suggested negligible damage caused by P. dasymallus (2.1%) in 2018, a typhoon-free year. Farmers perceived a decline in local population size and stated that at least 2,000 P. dasymallus individuals had died in their orchards during 2008–2018. If this is extrapolated to the whole region, fatalities could have reached 6,500–8,500 individuals during that period. Binomial regression performed on official records demonstrated that damage by P. dasymallus was largely explained by interannual cyclonic activity. Prevalent netting practices could be a serious threat to P. dasymallus: 81% of interviewees reported that flying foxes die from entanglement in their nets. Nevertheless, half of these farmers were satisfied with current crop protection measures. These findings call for prompt remediation with particular focus on implementing more bat-friendly crop protection following strong typhoon seasons.

ABSTRACT: From an initial data set involving 84,189 lactations, this research evaluated the relationship between dry period length (DPL) and milk production, culling risk, and fertility. The data set included a total of 48,297 multiparous cow lactation records, with a calving event occurring in 2019 and 2020, belonging to 62 Italian herds with at least 150 cows. The DPL was classified into 5 categories (70 d) and these categories were used to establish the association between DPL and the outcome variables. All data obtained were assessed with simple and multiple linear regressions and Cox proportional hazard models. Cumulative milk production at 60 d in milk (DIM) was the highest in DPL categories of 61 to 70 d (2,480.29 kg/cow) and 50 to 60 d (2,474.39 kg/cow), and the lowest in 70 d had slightly, but significant, lower milk production both as cumulative 60 DIM and predicted 305-d milk production. Culling risk had a curvilinear behavior, with DPL 70 d showing significantly higher odds for culling during the first 60 DIM compared with DPL of 50 to 60 d [relative risk (RR): 1.53; RR: 1.46]. Within the same comparison, DPL of 61 to 70 d also had a slightly higher risk for culling (RR: 1.13). The DPL was associated also with fertility, with DPL of 40 to 49 d and 50 to 60 d having the greatest odds for pregnancy within the first 200 DIM. The DPL of 70 d were negatively associated with fertility and showed pregnancy risks of 0.87, 0.95, and 0.94, respectively. This paper reinforces the importance of DPL as we demonstrated its association with milk production, culling, and fertility. Despite being attractive for high production dairy cows, very short dry periods are at the same time also associated with higher culling risk, lower milk production and fertility. Long DPL is detrimental, especially regarding culling and fertility. In summary, reducing variability in DPL and avoiding extremes by improving reproductive performance, maximizing late lactation milk production and making wise decisions on dry-off timing, may lead to better performances and lower early culling under Italian dairy conditions.

An epidemic model is proposed to comprehend the disease dynamics between humans and animals and back to humans with a culling intervention strategy. The proposed model is separated into two cases with two different culling rates: (1) at a per-capita constant rate and (2) constant population being culled. The global asymptotic stability of equilibria is determined in terms of the basic reproduction numbers. Further, we find that the culling rate (2) considered in the model could change the dynamics by having multiple positive equilibria. Sensitivity analysis recommends developing a strategy that promotes animals' natural and disease-related death rates. By ranking the efficacies of various intervention strategies, we obtain that vaccination in the human population, isolation and public awareness are the largely effective control interventions. Our general theory raises concerns about both human and animal populations becoming reservoirs of the disease and affecting each other dynamically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around half of dairy cows suffer from diseases associated with parturition that affect reproductive efficiency. A total of 2,364 lactations were studied to assess the impact of disease within 21 days postpartum (combined and individually) on culling prior to first service, conception to first service, and pregnancy losses from 35 to 100 days. In healthy cows, culling prior to first service was 4.95% and in sick cows it was 15.95% (OR=6.68; P≤0.0001). Culling was 8.93% in cows with metritis (OR=6.33; P≤0.0001) and 19.12% in cows with ketosis (OR=6.84; P=0.001). In healthy cows, conception rate was 36.16% and in sick cows was 30.12% (OR=0.75; P=0.052). Conception rate was 29.04% in cows with metritis (OR=0.71; P=0.084) and 30.49% in cows with ketosis (OR=0.59; P=0.068). Pregnancy losses in healthy cows were 11.29% and in sick cows were 14.73% (OR=0.77; P=0.54). Diseases associated with parturition combined or metritis and ketosis individually, increased culling prior to first service, decreased conception, but did not affect pregnancy losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Introduced sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) are increasing in south-eastern Australia, and both volunteer and contract ground-based shooters are being used by management agencies to control their undesirable impacts. However, little is known about the effectiveness and costs of volunteer and contract shooters for controlling deer populations in Australia. Aims: We evaluated the effectiveness and costs of volunteer and contract ground-based shooters for controlling sambar deer and their impacts in a 5-year management program conducted in and around alpine peatlands in Alpine National Park, Victoria. Methods: Ground-based shooting operations were organised in two blocks. Within each block, four ~4200-ha management units were delimited, of which two were randomly assigned as treatment (ground-based shooting) and two as non-treatment (no organised ground-based shooting). In the treatment units, ground-based shooting was conducted using either volunteers or contractors. Each shooting team recorded their effort and the numbers of deer seen and shot, and used a GPS to record their track log and the time and locations of deer shot. Key costs were recorded for both shooter types. Key results: The catch per unit effort of contract shooters was four times greater than that of volunteer shooters. Both shooter types were most effective during the first half of the night and prior to sunrise, and when using a vehicle with a spotlight or walking with thermal-vision equipment. During the day, the use of gundogs to indicate deer significantly increased the success rate of volunteer shooters. Both volunteer and contract shooters used roads and tracks to move in the landscape, but contractors covered more ground than did volunteers. After accounting for key operational costs, the cost per deer killed was 10.1% higher for contract than volunteer shooters. Conclusions: The effectiveness of ground-based shooters is increased by operating at night using vehicles, spotlights and thermal-vision equipment. Contract shooters kill sambar deer at a faster rate, but are slightly more expensive per deer killed, than are volunteer shooters. Implications: Ground-based shooting is likely to be most effective when conducted at night with thermal-vision equipment, and in areas with a high density of roads and tracks. Ground-based shooting is widely used to reduce the undesirable impacts of deer, but the effectiveness and costs of this technique have seldom been quantified in Australasia. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of volunteer and contract ground-based shooters for controlling sambar deer in a 5-year management program in eastern Australia. Our study showed that the catch per unit effort of contract shooters was four times greater than that of volunteers, but that cost per unit killed was 10.1% greater for contract shooters. Photograph by Parks Victoria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Aerial shooting from a helicopter targeting introduced sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) is a key activity being undertaken on public land in the North East and East Gippsland regions of Victoria. However, there is currently little published information on the efficacy of aerial shooting for reducing sambar deer populations in Australia. Aims: The aims of this study were to analyse the operational data collected during an aerial shooting program in eastern Victoria, to assess the efficacy of aerial shooting at reducing sambar deer density and to inform management decisions on the required intensity of aerial shooting to achieve target densities. Methods: Operational data (locations of all shot animals as well as aerial search effort) were analysed from 10 sites using a Bayesian generalised catch–effort model, which allowed for population changes between five periods of intensive control. The model allowed estimates of initial and residual abundance for each site to be made from the catch–effort data, which were used to estimate the efficacy of aerial shooting. Estimates of the detection rate of deer, which were allowed to vary with removal occasion and site, were then used to estimate the amount of aerial search effort required to reduce population densities by various proportional amounts. Key results: Aerial shooting resulted in population reductions of 50–70% of sambar deer at four sites where aerial search intensities per unit area were highest. However, results at the remaining sites suggest that sambar deer densities have either remained static or increased over the five periods of aerial control. Recruitment of sambar deer between control periods, which was strongly influenced by study site elevation and season, was largely responsible for eroding reductions achieved by aerial shooting. Conclusions: Catch–effort models applied to operational data collected during aerial shooting programs can be used to estimate control efficacy without the need for additional monitoring. Our analysis suggests that sufficiently high search intensities, around 1.4 km of search effort per km2 of habitat in each of five removal occasions, would need to be applied to achieve at least a 50% reduction in sambar deer densities. We used catch–effort models to analyse the efficacy of aerial shooting data for sambar deer (Cervus unicolor). Aerial shooting at 10 sites in eastern Victoria managed to achieve reductions in sambar deer densities around 50–70% at sites where aerial search intensities per unit area were highest. However, recruitment of sambar deer between control periods, which was strongly influenced by study site elevation and season, eroded reductions due to aerial shooting, especially at sites with low aerial shooting intensities. Photo credit: Arthur Rylah Institute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: There is concern about potential competition between non-native fallow deer (Dama dama) and livestock for food, particularly during times of low rainfall when pasture is scarce. Aims: We aimed to estimate the extent to which a high-density fallow deer population (~37 deer per km2) competed with livestock for food during a severe drought on pastoral properties on the Liverpool Plains, New South Wales, Australia. Methods: We collected rumen contents from 125 fallow deer shot from helicopters during control operations in June and August 2018, and used microhistology to quantify their diets. We then used the diet data to adjust published estimates of stock unit equivalence from farmed fallow deer. Fallow deer sex and age class abundances and stock unit equivalences were multiplied to estimate the grazing pressure of the fallow deer population pre- and post-control relative to recommended sheep and cattle stocking rates. Finally, we estimated density–impact relationships for fallow deer. Key results: Fallow deer diet was dominated by monocots (primarily grasses), but some individuals consumed large amounts of dicots (commonly Eucalyptus). Fallow deer were grazers to intermediate mixed feeders. Fallow deer dry-sheep equivalents (DSEs, based on a 50-kg merino weather) varied from 1.01 (juveniles) to 1.85 (adult females and adult males). Assuming complete diet overlap, the pre-control fallow deer population was equivalent to approximately 60.3 DSEs per km2 and reduced the potential stocking rate of domestic livestock by 50.2%. Discounting the fallow deer DSEs by the amount of browse in the diet resulted in a pre-control population of 45.7 DSEs per km2. The helicopter-based shooting reduced the fallow deer population by 26%, increasing the stocking rate in natural pasture by 22.0% (complete overlap) or 13.8% (discounting for browse). Conclusions: When food is limiting, fallow deer at high density can exert strong competitive pressure on livestock, reducing carrying capacity. Browsing, including on Eucalyptus , likely helped fallow deer to persist at high densities during the severe drought of 2018, when properties had destocked. Implications: Helicopter-based shooting reduced the competitive effects of fallow deer on livestock in our study area to only a small extent, but more intensive shooting would have led to a greater reduction. The helicopter-based shooting of deer was received positively by landholders at a time of severe stress, suggesting that deer control in agricultural areas can have other important benefits. We evaluated the extent to which a high-density non-native fallow deer population (37 deer per km2) competed with livestock for food during a severe drought in eastern Australia. Fallow deer reduced stocking densities in natural pasture by 50.2%. It is likely that browsing, including on Eucalyptus , helped fallow deer to persist at high densities during the severe drought of 2018. Photograph by D. M. Forsyth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: In response to the toxic health threats posed by lead (Pb), there is currently a focus on transitioning to lead-free bullets for shooting wild animals. Aim: We aimed to quantify the killing efficiency and animal welfare outcomes of lead-based and lead-free (copper-based) bullets for ground-based shooting of sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) in Victoria, south-eastern Australia. Methods: We used shooter-collected data from recreational diurnal hunting and professional nocturnal culling during 2020–2021. Shooters recorded rifle calibre, cartridge type, bullet mass, bullet type, shooting outcomes (miss, wound or kill), shooting distance, flight distance (the distance between where the animal was shot and where it died) as an assumed positive correlate of time to incapacitation, anatomical zones struck by bullets, and frequency of bullet exit wounds. We used flight distance as our response variable, assuming that it is positively correlated with time to incapacitation. To examine the role of several predictor variables (including bullet type) potentially influencing flight distance, the dataset was reduced to those deer killed with a single thoracic shot. Key results: Our data captured shooting events involving 276 deer, with 124 deer shot at with lead-based bullets and 152 with copper-based bullets. Most (87%) of the deer were killed with a single shot. The frequency of non-fatal wounding was <4% for both bullet types and there was no distinct difference in the probability of a single shot kill for deer shot with either bullet type. For those deer killed with a single thoracic shot (n = 198), there was no evidence that bullet energy or shooting distance influenced flight distance. After accounting for differences in terminal kinetic energy, the mean flight distance of deer shot with lead-free bullets (35 m) was 56% greater than that of deer shot with lead-based bullets (22 m). Conclusions: Lead-based and lead-free bullets produced similar animal welfare outcomes for shooting sambar deer. Implications: A transition to lead-free ammunition for shooting sambar deer would have minimal impact on efficiency or animal welfare outcomes. There is increasing awareness of the threats posed by lead-based ammunition in Australasia. We quantified outcomes for 276 sambar deer shot at with lead-based and lead-free bullets and compared flight distances for 198 deer that were killed with a single thoracic shot. The two bullet types produced similar outcomes; hence, a lead-free transition would have few animal welfare trade-offs. Photograph by Geoff Rayment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Helicopter-based shooting has been widely used to harvest deer or control overabundant populations in Australasia, but the effectiveness and cost of this method as a deer control tool has seldom been evaluated. Aims: We evaluated the effectiveness and costs of helicopter-based shooting of fallow deer (Dama dama) and chital deer (Axis axis) in eastern Australia by quantifying (1) reductions in density, (2) the relationship between numbers killed per hour and deer density (i.e. the functional response), (3) the costs of control and (4) the effort–outcome and cost–outcome relationships. Methods: We evaluated the costs and effectiveness of 12 aerial shooting operations aiming to reduce fallow deer (n = 8) or chital deer (n = 4) population densities at nine sites in eastern Australia. Sites were characterised by fragmented woodland, and all but one operation aimed to reduce grazing competition with livestock. We used pre-control population density estimates and operational monitoring data to estimate the costs and outcomes of each operation. We combined data from all operations to estimate the relationship between shooting effort and population reduction, as well as costs associated with different levels of effort. Key results: Population reductions for operations ranged from 5% to 75% for fallow deer, and from 48% to 88% for chital deer. The greatest population reductions occurred when effort per unit area was greatest, and the largest reductions in deer density occurred when shooting was conducted in consecutive years. The functional response of hourly kills to deer density was best described by a modified Ivlev model, with the asymptotic kill rate estimated to be 50 deer per hour. There was no support for the existence of a prey refuge, that is, a threshold population density below which no deer could be shot. Helicopter charter was the primary cost of helicopter-based shooting programs, followed by labour; firearm and ammunition costs were relatively minor. Conclusions: Helicopter-based shooting can rapidly reduce deer populations over large geographic areas, but the magnitude of the reduction depends on the effort (hours of shooting) per deer per km2. Implications: Aerial shooting operations should include a pre-control population survey so that (1) measurable objectives can be established, (2) the likely level of effort and cost required for objectives to be met can be estimated and planned for, and (3) the realised population reduction can be estimated. We assessed the effectiveness and costs of helicopter-based shooting of deer at nine sites in eastern Australia. Our study demonstrated that helicopter-based shooting can rapidly reduce deer populations over large geographic areas, but that the magnitude of the reduction depends on the deer density, the hours of shooting and size of the area. The major control cost was helicopter charter. Photograph by Jordan O. Hampton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Vehicle-based shooting has been widely used to kill deer, but the animal-welfare outcomes of this technique have not been evaluated in Australasia. Aim: To assess the animal-welfare outcomes of peri-urban deer culling by quantifying the fates of deer seen and shot at, the duration of procedures, and the number and location of bullet wounds in deer. Methods: We assessed vehicle-based night shooting of peri-urban rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) by professional contractors in eastern Australia. Shooters targeted the heads of deer using.223 Remington® rifles and 55 grain bullets. Independent veterinarians conducted ante-mortem (i.e. from the shooting vehicle) and post-mortem (i.e. inspecting the carcass) observations. The ante-mortem data were used to estimate the proportion of deer seen that were shot at, killed, wounded, and escaped. The influence of variables predicted to affect shooting outcomes was assessed. The numbers and locations of bullet wounds were recorded post-mortem. Key results: Of the 269 deer seen in 21 nights, 48% were shot at and 85% of those shot at were killed by either one (87%), two (10%) or three (3%) shots. The frequency of non-fatal wounding (i.e. escaping wounded) was 3.5% for those shot at and hit, and the median time to insensibility for the deer that were shot multiple times was 289 s. There was variation among shooters in their ability to hit a deer, and also to do so with a killing shot. The number of bullet wounds per deer ranged from 1 to 3 (mean = 1.1), with 83% of shots striking the brain and 17% striking the anterior skull, neck and jaw. Conclusions: The animal welfare outcomes we observed were comparable to those reported from other professional ground-based shooting programs for ungulates, but were poorer than those reported for professional ground-based shooting of peri-urban kangaroos. Implications: Our results suggest that one way to improve the animal welfare outcomes of vehicle-based shooting of peri-urban deer is by improving shooter training. Assessment of shooter performance should be a routine part of ground-based shooting programs. Vehicle-based shooting is widely used to control peri-urban deer populations, but the animal welfare outcomes of this technique have not been quantified in Australasia. We assessed the animal welfare outcomes of professional vehicle-based shooting of peri-urban rusa deer in eastern Australia. Our study showed that animal welfare outcomes varied among shooters and with shooting distance, and that the frequency of the most adverse animal welfare event (escaping wounded) was 3.5% of deer that were shot at and hit. Image by Juliana D. Spahr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the use of decision trees to select sows based on the production parameters of parity order (PO) 1 sows from a commercial herd. Data were collected at a piglet production unit with a capacity of housing 5,500 sows in collective pens. Piglet production and sow culling information was collected from PO1 and PO2 sows. The period from January 2017 to March 2020 was analyzed. The correlation analysis was used to identify the influence of the production parameters on sow culling after exploring the database using the graphical analysis and descriptive statistics. The ANOVA was applied to evaluate differences in the response variables between culled and unculled sows. Two models were proposed using the decision tree method: model 1 referred to sow culling, and model 2 comprised the total number of liveborn piglets (TBA). The calculated value was close to 0, although the correlations of the production parameters with culling were statistically significant. The mean number of weaned piglets was higher for unculled sows in PO1 (p < 0.05). The number of weaned piglets, total number of liveborn piglets, and weaning-service interval did not differ in the unculled and culled sows in PO2 (p > 0.05). Using a confusion matrix as a metric tool, the decision tree method used in this study provided consistent results for this database, indicating its possible use for decision-making in sow selection.

Greater longevity is associated with lower replacement costs, higher average milk production, and fewer replacement heifers needed. Longevity data are obtained late in life, and for this reason stayability, defined as the probability of survival from birth until a certain age, can be used as an alternative measure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different type traits, inbreeding, and production level on the stayability of Jersey cows to various ages, and to assess trends over time. Data consisted of 460,172 to 204,658 stayability records, depending on length of the opportunity period, for survival from birth until 36, 48, 60, 72, or 84 mo of age. Threshold models were used to analyze the stayability traits, including different type traits, inbreeding coefficient, and within-herd production level as explanatory variables. Heritability estimates for stayability traits ranged from 0.05 (36 mo) to 0.22 (84 mo). As expected, the probability of survival decreased as age increased. Highly productive cows were more likely to survive than their poor-producing contemporaries regardless of age and the type trait evaluated. Our data indicate that farmers' selection decisions tend to punish poor production at early ages and reward high production at later stages. Inbreeding negatively affected the probability of survival, especially when inbreeding coefficients exceeded 10%, and this impact was most noticeable at 48 mo of age or later. Some type traits, such as stature and foot angle, had little effect on the probability of survival. Other type traits, such as strength, dairy form, rump width, and rear legs, showed higher probability of survival at intermediate scores, whereas other type traits, such as fore udder attachment, rear udder height, udder depth, and final score, showed higher probability of survival at higher scores. Finally, our results indicate that the probability of survival has decreased in the last decade, probably due to a greater number of heifers available and, therefore, higher culling rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flying foxes are keystone species on islands and are threatened worldwide, particularly by forest degradation, hunting and culling. They are often persecuted if they are perceived as agricultural pests, but the extent of crop damage from flying foxes and the factors triggering their visits to crops are not well established. This study aimed to investigate wildlife-caused damage to tankan oranges Citrus tankan on Okinawa Island, Japan, and interactions between the Ryukyu flying fox Pteropus dasymallus and farmers. We compiled data from three sources: official records of wildlife-caused crop damage, questionnaire surveys of 43 farmers and time-lapse camera surveys conducted at 14 locations during January–February 2018. Official records and the questionnaire survey indicated that the large-billed crow Corvus macrorhynchos caused most damage in a typical year (53–56% of the total damage), followed by P. dasymallus (18–28%). However, time-lapse camera surveys suggested negligible damage caused by P. dasymallus (2.1%) in 2018, a typhoon-free year. Farmers perceived a decline in local population size and stated that at least 2,000 P. dasymallus individuals had died in their orchards during 2008–2018. If this is extrapolated to the whole region, fatalities could have reached 6,500–8,500 individuals during that period. Binomial regression performed on official records demonstrated that damage by P. dasymallus was largely explained by interannual cyclonic activity. Prevalent netting practices could be a serious threat to P. dasymallus : 81% of interviewees reported that flying foxes die from entanglement in their nets. Nevertheless, half of these farmers were satisfied with current crop protection measures. These findings call for prompt remediation with particular focus on implementing more bat-friendly crop protection following strong typhoon seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay suggests that culling campaigns against canids in postwar Canada have striking affective dimensions. Drawing on examples of canid management in the 1950s and 60s from Nunavik, Alberta, and Ontario, we contend that the killing of supposedly rabid dogs and wild canids was predominantly about affective excess and emotional management. The wildness of these animals was perceived to lead to excessive nonhuman affectivity, which was seemingly exacerbated by rabies. Human encounters with these animals were characterised by excessive affective responses, a result of long-standing fears of rabies, anxieties about northernness and assertions of 'civilisation' in the context of settler colonialism. This fear was then channelled into round ups and killings of canids. The killing was what Monique Scheer calls an 'emotional practice' designed to soothe anxieties, to cleanse and to civilise. Drawing on archival and other documentary sources, we aim to show the value in exploring more fully the intersections between affect and animal histories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: This randomized controlled trial on 4 commercial grazing dairy farms investigated whether pegbovigrastim (PEG) treatment affected partial net return as calculated from milk revenues and costs for feed, medical treatments [clinical mastitis, uterine disease, and other diseases (i.e., any medical treatment that was not intended for clinical mastitis or uterine disease)], inseminations, and culling during a full lactation in grazing dairy cows. We also explored the effect of potential interactions of PEG treatment with parity, prepartum body condition score, and prepartum nonesterified fatty acids concentration on partial net return, milk revenues, and the costs mentioned above. Holstein cows were randomly assigned to 1 of the 2 following trial arms: a first PEG dose 9.4 ± 0.3 (mean ± standard error) days before the calving date and a second dose within 24 hours after calving (PEG: primiparous = 342; multiparous = 697) compared with untreated controls (control: primiparous = 391; multiparous = 723). The effect of PEG treatment on the outcomes of interest expressed per year was tested using general linear mixed models. Results are presented as least squares means ± standard error. Overall, PEG treatment increased the partial net return, resulting in an economic benefit per cow per year of $210 ± 100. The cost of treatment of clinical mastitis was lower for PEG treated cows compared with control cows ($9 ± 3). The largest nonsignificant difference was seen for the cost of culling; additionally, PEG treatment numerically reduced the cost of culling by $145 ± 77.

ABSTRACT: The removal (culling) of dairy cows from the farm is a regular and required management practice. The main objectives of this study were to describe the involvement of bovine veterinarians in Ontario, Canada, in dairy cull cow management decisions, their expectations of current producer practices, and their perspectives on welfare issues and best management practices for cull dairy cows. Between February and May 2021, a province-wide survey was conducted among all members of the Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners (OABP), with questions addressing veterinarians' background and demographics, veterinary clinic characteristics, cull cow management, down cow management, and learning preferences. The response rate for the survey was 25.1%, with 45 responses meeting all eligibility criteria. Dairy veterinarians would like to have greater involvement in cull cow management; when asked for desired involvement in culling decisions, 57.5% of veterinarians would like to be involved in culling decisions most of the time or always. Most (70.0%) veterinarians believed that cull cow welfare has improved over the last decade. However, most respondents also identified at least one area of management (farm of origin, transportation, auction, slaughter) as currently being a high risk to cull cow welfare. Given the frequency of their visits, trust by dairy producers, and knowledge, herd veterinarians are among those in the best position to improve the care of cull dairy cows. Information generated from this survey can be used to inform the development of improved decision-making tools for culling cows, and this, along with increased veterinarians' involvement in cull cow management, could improve the economic and welfare outcomes of culling decisions for dairy producers.

Abstract This article presents the results of the culling of cows of the Simmental and Holstein breeds in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The purpose of the research was to study the actual number of culled cows of dairy productivity in the farms of the Republic of Kazakhstan to determine its norm. The object of research were cows of Simmental (18,462 heads) and Holstein (17,862 heads) breeds in various regions of the republic. The research was carried out according to generally accepted zootechnical methods using statistical data processing using RStudio. The results of the studies showed that the percentage of culling increases in cows of the Simmental and Holstein breeds and amounts to 19.7 and 22.9%, respectively. The analysis of the retirement of full-aged cows of the Simmental breed showed that the main causes are hoof diseases (up to 26%), low reproductive function (up to 21%), low productivity (up to 18%). Holstein cows had an increase in disposals in all categories except for disposals for various reasons, for problems with reproduction, the disposal is up to 21%. The determination of the relationship between productivity and retirement in the Simmental breed cows showed that with age and increased lactation, the proportion of retired cows also increases, in the Holstein breed, with increased productivity, the percentage of culled animals also increases.

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Simple Summary: In order to capture the complexity and dynamics of bovine mastitis, which has multiple effects, such as milk losses, increased risk of culling, or a higher likelihood of reproductive failure, a simulation model was developed. The economic evaluation of the mastitis control was performed considering different interventions combining a basic control plan with either segregation or culling of chronically infected cows. Changes in transmission probability, milk price, and strategies efficacy were evaluated. Several economic parameters in the model could be adjusted to represent farm-specific situations. This is a flexible tool that may support the decision-making of producers and veterinarians. The economic evaluation of mastitis control is challenging. The objective of this study was to perform the economic evaluation of mastitis control, under different intervention scenarios, quantifying the total cost of mastitis caused by S. aureus in Holstein cows in Argentina. A model was set for a dairy herd of Holstein cows endemically infected with S. aureus. A basic mastitis control plan including proper milking procedures, milking machine test, dry cow therapy, and treatment for clinical mastitis, was compared against other more complex and costly interventions, such as segregation and culling of chronically infected cows. Sensitivity analysis was performed by modifying the intramammary infection transition probabilities, economic parameters, and efficacy of treatment strategies. The basic mastitis control plan showed a median total cost of USD88.6/cow per year, which was close to the infected cows culling scenarios outputs. However, the segregation scenario was the most efficient, in which the total cost was reduced by about 50%. Such cost was more sensitive to probabilities and efficacy than the economic parameters. The model is flexible and can be customized by producers and veterinarians according to different control and herd settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Lead‐based bullets used to shoot deer typically fragment. These toxic fragments are a threat to wildlife scavengers and human consumers of venison. Awareness of this issue is widespread internationally but limited in Australia. The aim of this research was to characterise deer carcass contamination via bullet fragmentation associated with lead‐based and lead‐free ammunition in a deer culling program conducted in Australia. We used radiography (X‐rays) to study Hog Deer (Axis porcinus) shot in a professional ground‐based shooting program in Victoria, south‐eastern Australia. Our data captured 33 deer shot with frangible lead‐based bullets in 2021, and 21 deer shot with monolithic lead‐free (copper‐based) bullets from the same rifles in 2021–2022. For lead‐based bullets, the mean number of lead fragments per carcass ranged from seven to 629 (mean ± SD = 256 ± 169), mean fragment size was 1.2 mm2 (74% of fragments were <1.0 mm2) and the mean fragment coverage area (the smallest ellipse covering all fragments) was 325 cm2. Of these deer, 36% had metallic fragments in the 'back strap' (loin) muscles and 42% had metallic fragments in the shoulder muscles: meat cuts typically removed for human consumption. In contrast, for lead‐free bullets, the mean number of metallic fragments per carcass ranged from zero to four (0.5 ± 1.0), with only 29% of carcasses having any fragments, and no deer had metallic fragments in the loin or shoulder muscles. On the basis of these results, it is clear that lead‐based bullets used for shooting deer in Australia pose risks to wildlife scavengers, and to human consumers when used in hunting. Australian wildlife managers involved in mitigating deer impacts should strongly consider a timely transition to lead‐free bullets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From an initial data set involving 84,189 lactations, this research evaluated the relationship between dry period length (DPL) and milk production, culling risk, and fertility. The data set included a total of 48,297 multiparous cow lactation records, with a calving event occurring in 2019 and 2020, belonging to 62 Italian herds with at least 150 cows. The DPL was classified into 5 categories (<40, 40–49, 50–60, 61–70, and >70 d) and these categories were used to establish the association between DPL and the outcome variables. All data obtained were assessed with simple and multiple linear regressions and Cox proportional hazard models. Cumulative milk production at 60 d in milk (DIM) was the highest in DPL categories of 61 to 70 d (2,480.29 kg/cow) and 50 to 60 d (2,474.39 kg/cow), and the lowest in <40 d (2,281.29 kg/cow). Similarly, DPL categories 61 to 70 d (10,830.94. kg/cow) and 50 to 60 d (10,817.48 kg/cow) had the highest 305-d milk production, whereas the <40 d (10,200.96 kg/cow) had the lowest one. The groups with a DPL of 40 to 49 d and >70 d had slightly, but significant, lower milk production both as cumulative 60 DIM and predicted 305-d milk production. Culling risk had a curvilinear behavior, with DPL <40 d and DPL >70 d showing significantly higher odds for culling during the first 60 DIM compared with DPL of 50 to 60 d [relative risk (RR): 1.53; RR: 1.46]. Within the same comparison, DPL of 61 to 70 d also had a slightly higher risk for culling (RR: 1.13). The DPL was associated also with fertility, with DPL of 40 to 49 d and 50 to 60 d having the greatest odds for pregnancy within the first 200 DIM. The DPL of <40, 61 to 70, and >70 d were negatively associated with fertility and showed pregnancy risks of 0.87, 0.95, and 0.94, respectively. This paper reinforces the importance of DPL as we demonstrated its association with milk production, culling, and fertility. Despite being attractive for high production dairy cows, very short dry periods are at the same time also associated with higher culling risk, lower milk production and fertility. Long DPL is detrimental, especially regarding culling and fertility. In summary, reducing variability in DPL and avoiding extremes by improving reproductive performance, maximizing late lactation milk production and making wise decisions on dry-off timing, may lead to better performances and lower early culling under Italian dairy conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien deer (known in Australia as 'feral deer'; hereafter, 'alien deer') are some of Australia's worst emerging pest species. Recently, the Government of South Australia launched a four-year program to reduce the populations of alien fallow deer (Dama dama). The program will focus on coordinating landscape- scale aerial culls and seeks to deliver the most efficient and humane approach to aerial culling. We sourced data from a recent program trialling a new approach to aerial culling that incorporated advanced thermal technology and a second shooter with a shotgun to target fallow deer. We reviewed available video and audio records of 104 deer culled in the program to assess efficiency and welfare outcomes. We collected information on the number of shotgun and rifle rounds fired per animal, time between first shot with a shotgun and apparent death, and pursuit time. We completed field dissections of 20 individuals targeted in the program to assess the lethality of wounds inflicted with shotgun pellets. We also compared program costs and efficiency against published and unpublished data from ten other aerial-culling programs for alien deer in South Australia since 2009. A total of 383 shotgun rounds and 10 rifle rounds were used on 104 fallow deer in the focal program. We documented strong improvements to animal welfare for alien deer targeted with shotguns. The mean (± standard error) time between first shot and apparent death with a shotgun was 11.1 ± 0.7 seconds; mean pursuit time between detection and apparent death was 49.5 ± 3.4 seconds. Pursuit time increased with subsequent deer controlled within a group; the maximum pursuit time for any individual was 159.0 seconds. All autopsied animals had received lethal wounds from shotgun pellets, with 100% receiving lung-penetrating damage and 70% also receiving heart-penetrating damage. While a program that uses a shotgun and rifle combined with a second shooter and thermographer can cost more to mobilise, the outcomes measured in cost deer-1 made it the most cost-effective approach of any program we assessed. Control options that deliver improved animal welfare outcomes and increase efficiency are desirable for managing expanding populations of alien deer in South Australia and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]