Cattle Practice October 2021

Cattle
Practice

OCTOBER 2021

Volume 29 Part 1

CONTENTS

Thursday 14th October Investigating the prevalence of poor mental well-being amongst

BVDV spot tests: Why do we get single animals testing positive U.K dairy farmers

and what is their significance? Duke J 27

Carty H 1

Practical implementation of an evidence-based calf Clinical examination of cattle: teaching and learning 28
health plan Wood S
Hyde R
2 The future of farm animal practice
Remnant J 29

Thermal dynamics of calves; the influence of quartz linear heaters What can vets do to help dairy and beef clients improve their

on growth rates and behaviour production and nutritional efficiency? How can we measure

Robertson J F 3

improvement and provide ‘sustainability’ related services?

The diagnosis of Mycobacterial infection – Exploring the myths Husband J 30

and the science and proposing a way forward in Mycobacterial Embracing sustainability in veterinary practice
Black D
disease control 31

Cutler K 5

A new approach to Johne’s Control in dairy herds using Implementation of an integrated control plan to minimise
benchmarking data from 257 milk recording herds
Orpin P neonatal suckler calf and lamb mortality

8 Gascoigne E 33

Confirmation and characterisation of fenbendazole resistance in Risk factors for failure of passive transfer and assisted vaginal

Ostertagia ostertagi derived from clinically affected dairy calves at delivery in British suckler calves

grass in the UK Bragg R 34

Bartley D J 9

Metabolic status prior to calving: are suckler cows getting what

Exploring the use of complementary and alternative approaches they need to calve unaided, feed a vigorous calf and conceive

to health care on UK dairy farms within six weeks of calving?

Crouch K 12 Corbishley A 36

“Piggy in the Middle”: Understanding the role and experiences Tick Borne Diseases - a series of very different case presentations

of veterinary practice staff involved in the dispensing of and not always where you would expect

antimicrobials to farmers Hobbs J 38

Rees G 14

Implementing an antimicrobial stewardship progamme How you can support your beef clients through the 40
for Wales Suckler Beef Producers Association
Rees G Oliver L-A

15 Understanding public perceptions of dairy cow welfare using

Farm Vet Champions – Opportunities for your practice frame analysis
team
Lovatt F Jackson A 41

17 Randomised controlled trial shows living space impacts

Antibiotics simplified: a real-world guide to (responsible) reproductive performance, yield and behaviour of housed dairy
prescribing in practice
Turner A cows

19 Thompson J S 42

Evidence based hoof trimming Maintaining cattle health during extreme weather events and
Carter T
20 disasters: veterinary advice and tips

Prins D 43

It’s what you say and how you say it – building on verbal and A behavioural study to evaluate positive welfare in dairy cows

nonverbal communication skills Russell A L 45

MacGillivray F 21

Udder health and machine milking The Animal Pathway Initiative; what is it and how will it affect me
Greenham T
22 and clients

Seals M 47

Can we build a sustainable veterinary profession through 23 Action plans to improve dairy herd health: examples and
curriculum change? discussion
Smith R Breen J

49

Dynamic health planning in beef herds 24 On farm testing and selective treatment of clinical
Geraghty T mastitis – where is the science, and is it a good idea
for my clients?
Friday 15th October Plate P 50

Benchmarking the UK Dairy Herd: What does it show 25

and how do you make use of the findings?

Hanks J

UK dairy farmers’ enthusiasm for the QuarterPRO udder health Setting our heifers up to succeed; the use of NSAIDS
in the prevention and treatment of lameness
initiative Wilson J

Breen J 51 74

Using thoracic ultrasound (TUS) in combination with a Minimising antibiotic use through husbandry approaches

consultative approach to monitor and benchmark the respiratory Bailey E 75

and general health of cattle youngstock on UK farms – using a UK

case study example Demystifying Camelids for Cattle Vets
Sawran A
Baxter-Smith K 53 76

Managing dairy cow lameness 54 Field anaesthesia in cattle 77
Atkinson O Hallowell G

Clostridial diseases and diagnostics 56 Advanced clinical diagnostics 80
Otter A Mueller K

Farm Vet Champions Workshop – I’ve signed up but BCVA Congress 2021 Posters
what are the next steps?
Lovatt F 57 Benchmarking antibiotic usage and ending neonatal prophylaxis

on sheep farms in Devon

Pro-active herd fertility Hobbs J 86
Smith R
58 Low body condition score in autumn calving heifers associated

Saturday 16th October with return to first service but not pregnancy

at the end of breeding

Defining proactivity and quantifying veterinary fertility input and Knight A 87

value on UK seasonally calving dairy herds

Giles G 59 Identification of BRD antibodies to install an adapted BRD

vaccination program on Dutch dairy farms

Fertility data quality assessment Kuijk H 88
Reynolds J
60

A study of the factors that influence career choices of veterinary

Salmonella Dublin Bulk Tank Seroprevalence in Great undergraduate students at a UK university
Britain
Henderson K Loogman E 89

61

Mannheimia Haemolytica serovars associated with respiratory

Over feeding copper during rearing and lactation increases disease in cattle in Great Britain

indicators of liver damage and decreases conception rate and milk Mason C 90

yield in dairy cattle

McCaughern J 63 BVD vaccination and surveillance protocol for a large, multisite,

all year round calving dairy herd

Effects of farmer-assisted parturition and postpartum NSAID O’Hara J 91

treatment on future productivity of dairy calves

Gladden N 64 Evaluation of failure of passive transfer in neonatal dairy calves in

the Netherlands

A prospective cohort study on the periparturient muscle tissue Penterman P 92

mobilisation in high producing dairy cows

Hatfield C 65 A questionnaire assessing motivations and experiences of

veterinary surgeons following participation in a farm animal

Diagnostic sampling: What type of samples do I take and how veterinary internship

do I get the best chance of a result? Prior S 93

Murphy A 67

Farmer psychosocial beliefs and attitudes: implications for control

CHeCS Health Schemes: IBR, Lepto, Neospora – where do we of BVD

start? Prosser N 94

Carty H 68

The effect of bovine respiratory disease on behaviour in pre-

A prospective cohort study into the association between weaned calves

early-lactation mastitis and the development of sole Riley B 95

ulcers in dairy cows

Watson C 69 Prevalence of bacterial pathogens of Bovine Respiratory Disease

in calves on Polish dairy farms

Investigating the use of thermal imaging as a diagnostic tool f or Rypula K 96

the detection of different stages of Digital Dermatitis in dairy

cattle IBR Biosecurity survey
Santo Tomas H
Anagnostopoulos A 71 97

Can we breed claw horn lesions out of dairy cows? Antibiotic reduction in 1800 Belgian rosé veal calves using a
Barden M
72 combined respiratory vaccination program

Theron L 98

The earliest and fastest
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Reference: 1. Donachie W (2002) The development of vaccines containing iron-regulated proteins (IRPs) of Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica for the control of pasteurellosis in cattle. XXII World
Buiatrics Congress. Hanover.

Bovilis® Bovipast® RSP contains inactivated BRSV (strain EV908), Pi3 virus (strain SF-4-Reisinger) and inactivated Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica (serotype A1). POM-V. Bovilis® Huskvac contains
viable Dictyocaulus viviparus 3rd stage irradiated larvae. POM-V. Bovilis® IBR Marker Live contains live bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1), strain GK/D (gE¯)*: 105.7 - 107.3 TCID50**. *gE¯: glycoprotein E
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UK-BOV-210500004

BRITISH CATTLE VETERINARY ASSOCIATION

BCVA President: Nikki Hopkins
Senior Vice President: David Barrett
Junior Vice President: Elizabeth Berry
Hon. Secretary: Karen Bond and John Remnant
Hon. Treasurer: Colin Mason
BVA Rep: Sally Wilson

Board Function: To discuss and formulate BCVA policy on cattle matters; to determine BCVA
development and direction to assist in providing service to BCVA members.

About the BCVA
The British Cattle Veterinary Association was established in 1967 and is the cattle specialist division of
the British Veterinary Association.
The association is involved with all aspects of cattle veterinary matters and is consulted by many
organisations for informed opinion.
BCVA has a function in providing science and policy to Government and stakeholders on a range of
cattle matters, representing the views of members in the industry and supporting the role of the vet
in all aspects related to cattle health and welfare. BCVA works with many different organisations,
including representation on groups such as CHeCs, CHAWG, Red Tractor as well as a number of Defra
working groups.
BCVA arrange CPD courses for Veterinary Surgeons throughtout the year on various topics relating to
cattle health. BCVA’s Annual Congress is a mixture of scientific and practical papers given by speakers
from the UK and abroad and is held in October. Other courses cover such issues as Mastitis, Nutrition,
Lameness, Fertility and training for recent graduates.
BCVA’s Journal Cattle Practice now has a peer-reviewed section. Papers for this secion are invited from
all members, especially those in practice. We are very happy to provide help and advice to those less
familiar with the publication process. Guidelines for submitting a paper can be found on the BCVA
website (www.bcva.org.uk/cattle-practice/submit-a-paper).
BCVA’s website (www.bcva.org.uk) has both public and members pages.
BCVA offers individual and practice membership. This includes:

‹‹ Accessible, relevant CPD – (Subsidised rates or free-of-charge).
‹‹ Cattle Practice – BCVA’s annual dedicated cattle journal including a peer-reviewed

section – available digital or in print (dependant on membership class).
‹‹ Cattle Quarterly – introduced in the Summer of 2021, a seasonal periodical that will

include CPD, case studies, interviews and features.
‹‹ Discounted rates for BCVA Congress.
‹‹ Webinar Archive – we automatically pre-register members for a free monthly

webinar – plus, each webinar is added to our growing archive.
‹‹ CattleCast – our podcast series exploring a range of farm vets experiences; from

clinical topics and headline news stories to lifestyle themes and research topics.
‹‹ Vital representation and input at national level.
‹‹ Opt-in for SMS alerts for important disease outbreaks.

BCVA, Unit 17, The Glenmore Centre, Waterwells Business Park, Quedgeley, Glos, GL2 2AP
Tel: 01452 725735, Fax: 01452 725780, Email: [email protected], Web: www.bcva.org.uk

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A.H. Souza, S. Floch, M. Englebienne. Comparison of two intravaginal progesterone releasing devices (PRID®-DELTA vs CIDR) in dairy cows: Blood progesterone pro le and eld fertility. Animal Reproduction Science 138 (2013) 143– 149.
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Cattle EDITORIAL
Practice
As I write this, I am sure like many of our readers, I am looking
is the journal of the British forward to attending Congress in Newport in a few weeks’ time. It
Cattle Veterinary Association has been a challenging two years. Being forced to cancel Congress
in 2020 was a great shame but looking at the programme and
Editor social events lined up for 2021 we all have something to look
John Remnant forward to. As always there is a diverse range of topics for the cattle
practitioner from claw horn lesions to camelids, and anaesthesia to
Office Publications antimicrobials. We hope to see you there.
Aimee Hyett
As well as planning for Congress, this year has been an exciting time
All communications to ‘Cattle for publications at BCVA. We launched Cattle Quarterly a new sister
Practice’ should be addresssed publication to Cattle Practice. Cattle Quarterly will contain news
to: and updates from BCVA as well as clinical cases from our members.
The Editor If you do have any suggestions or maybe a case you would like to
17 The Glenmore Centre share, please do get in touch. We are also changing the way we
Waterwells Business Park operate Cattle Practice. All accepted articles will now be published
Quedgeley immediately online, open access with a paper copy of Cattle
Gloucestershire Practice provided annually. Publication will remain free of charge
GL2 2AP for submissions from members. Again, if you have some research
Tel: 01452 725735 or a more formal case report you would like to submit to Cattle
Fax: 01452 725780 Practice please do get in touch.
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.bcva.org.uk I would like to end by thanking all our contributors, to Congress,
Cattle Practice and Cattle Quarterly, as well as thanking the BCVA
office team for making all this possible.

Material published in Cattle Practice reflects I look forward to seeing you in October.
the views of the author, not necessarily
those of Cattle Practice or BCVA. All papers John Remnant
are reproduced by permission of the authors Editor
or their original source (acknowledged with
the paper). The material contained in this
journal is only available for reproduction by
other cattle journals for education purposes.
Any other publication requires the prior
permission of the Editor and the author.

ISSN 0969-1251

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CATTLE PRACTICE VOLUME 29 PART 1

BVDV spot tests: Why do we get single animals testing positive and what
is their significance?

Carty, H., Caldow, G., O’Connor, R., SRUC Veterinary Services, JF Niven Building, Auchincruive, Ayr,
KA6 5HW

OBJECTIVES of herd information, and in some cases retesting,
Young stock spot tests are used to determine if a 56% of the herds were assigned a “negative” status
herd has current evidence of exposure to bovine for the year and 44% a “not-negative” status. The
viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV). Serum samples from subsequent calf crops from these herds were also
a representative proportion of young stock are tested, where applicable, and following analysis of
tested for the presence of antibodies to BVDV. those results 80% had a “negative” status, 17% a
Within the Scottish eradication programme, “not-negative” status and 3% had been declared as
typically five animals per management group are non-breeding herds. Animals persistently infected
tested. If one animal in the group tests positive for with BVDV were identified in three herds, despite
antibodies to BVDV, the herd is deemed to be “not- apparent limited evidence of exposure to BVDV in
negative” for BVDV. Movement restrictions are the initial spot test.
placed on herds that are “not-negative” for BVDV.
This study aims to determine the reasons for and Conclusion
significance of single antibody positive results in 5% of spot tests carried out in the study period
Scotland over a one year testing period. identified 20% or less of the tested animals as
positive for antibodies to BVDV. 40% of these
MATERIAL & METHODS however had a clear, avoidable explanation. The
4,728 young stock spot tests from Scottish herds results of this study can therefore be used to give
were analysed for the presence of BVDV antibodies clearer, evidence based guidance to minimise
by Scotland’s Rural Colleges (SRUC) Veterinary mistakes and misleading results with the spot test.
Services between 1st October 2017 and 30th The significance of these results on the herd status
September 2018. The spot tests were divided in the current and subsequent calf crops can also
into one of three categories: (1) all animals tested inform future policy on whether the cut-point for
negative for antibodies to BVDV; (2) more than determining herd status should be changed or
20% of the animals tested positive for antibodies protocols put in place for further sampling in these
to BVDV or (3) 20% or less of the animals tested herds.
positive for antibodies to BVDV. The data and notes
from the spot tests in the third category were
analysed to determine if there was a clear reason
for low numbers (usually a single animal in a group
of five) testing positive for antibodies to BVDV.
Retest results, herd status for that year’s calf crop
and the subsequent calf crop were also assessed to
determine the significance of these results.

RESULTS
4,290 of the spot tests were in category 1, 209 were
in category 2 and 229 were in category 3 (20% or
less of the animals tested positive for antibodies
to BVDV). After further data cleansing to remove
inappropriate tests (those that were originally
booked in as spot tests but in fact were tested for
another reason), 216 spot tests in category 3 from
192 Scottish herds were used for this study. 40% of
these spot tests were identified as having avoidable
reasons i.e. use of vaccination, maternally derived
antibody or incorrect calf tested. Following review

2021 1

CATTLE PRACTICE VOLUME 29 PART 1

Practical implementation of an evidence-based calf health plan

Hyde, R., University of Nottingham, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington
Campus, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, LE12 5RD

ABSTRACT
Calf health is of great importance to the British cattle industry and is essential to both the efficient rearing of
beef animals, as well as productive dairy heifers.

Research at the University of Nottingham has previously focussed on analysing data from 60 GB dairy farms
to identify links between calf housing/management factors and calf morbidity, mortality and productivity.
The evidence base identified during this research has been used to create a calf health plan which has now
been tested as an intervention in a randomised controlled trial on 60 GB farms.

This presentation will aim to provide practitioners with the evidence behind calf housing and management
practices and present the key results from a large randomised controlled trial; testing implementation of an
evidence based calf health plan, with morbidity, mortality and productivity as key outcomes of interest.

2021 2

CATTLE PRACTICE VOLUME 29 PART 1

Thermal dynamics of calves; the influence of quartz linear heaters on
growth rates and behaviour

Robertson, J.F.1, Isbell, A.M.,
1LMS ltd, Pioneer House, 79 Waterloo Quay, Aberdeen, AB24 3HJ

INTRODUCTION N.E Scotland over 12 weeks examined the impact
Heat lamps are used extensively in the UK pig of external energy source from quartz linear
industry and are in common use on sheep farms heaters on the growth rates and behaviour of 62
at lambing time. However, the cattle sector does Holstein Friesian calves (Isbell 2012). Ambient air
not appear to have similar behaviour in spite of temperatures were recorded within the calf unit,
the fact that calves are predictably below lower and calves were deemed to be below LCT for
critical temperature (LCT) in the first 2-3 weeks of significant periods. Calves were randomly allocated
life during typical UK winter conditions. Although within 24 hours of birth (day 0) to treatment with
there is a lack of studies examining the use of heat or without a quartz linear heat source, initially
lamps in calves, a number of studies conducted individually penned and thereafter allocated to
with pigs highlight the benefits of using heat lamps group pens at 7-14 days of age. Heat lamps were
for neonates. Even a short period of exposure to suspended 1.2m above floor level over the dividing
temperatures below LCT can increase the baseline plastic pen wall of two adjacent individual pens.
concentration of cortisol and increases the risk The adjacent pair of pens had no added heat
of tumour necrosis in the liver and spleen of pigs source (control). A 1.5KW quartz linear heater was
(Frank and others 2003). Christison and others suspended 1.8m above a straw bedded group pen,
(1997) demonstrated that manually drying piglets with the adjacent group pen with no heat source
and placing them under a heat lamp significantly (control). All heaters were controlled by a cold
reduces piglet mortality and increases piglet thermostat set at 5oC on an IP66 ring main.
vitality and subsequent ability to suckle. Similarly,
Andersen and others (2009) reported on a farm- RESULTS
based study and demonstrated that mortality was There was a significant difference in daily live
reduced when piglets were dried and placed under weight gain (DLWG) (1.050kg/d vs 1.153kg/d,
a heat lamp, compared with no supervision or heat P<0.05) in the first week, and a trend (P<0.1) for
lamp. External energy sources could be a useful difference in DLWG in the group pens. Calves in
management tool for use with neonates and sick pens with no heat lamps had significantly higher
calves, or healthy calves subjected to predictable nesting scores (P<0.01) and had thicker and more
cold ambient conditions. coarse hair coats. Nesting scores refer to the extent
that individual calves nestle into available bedding
Quartz linear/infra red heaters were promoted to reduce their surface area exposed to ambient
to the dairy sector by Farm Electric in the early 1980s, temperatures below LCT (Lago and others 2006).
but were not taken up by the industry. Robinson
and Young (1988) describe the use of infra red The lying behaviour of the individually and
heaters as one of a set of treatments for artificially group penned calves was found to be significantly
induced warming of hypothermic calves. Borderas influenced by ambient air temperature above
and others (2009) conducted a study to observe the or below 5oC (P<0.001), with more calves lying
behaviour of calves with access to heat lamps. The under the thermal footprint of a lamp at the lower
calves showed a preference for remaining nearer to ambient air temperature. This is comparable to the
the heat source during the colder periods (P<0.10). results of Borderas and others (2009) where calves
A study of 10 calves allocated to group pens with with heat lamps also showed preference for a heat
or without infra red heaters, with measured health source in colder periods of the day (P<0.1). When
parameters including leukocyte counts, showed ambient air temperatures were above 5oC and
improved health scores and lower leucocyte counts wind speeds were low, lying behaviour/placement
in the calves exposed to the external heat source was random, but when the ambient wind speed
Bhat and others (2015). was above 17-19mph (around 8m/s) there was an
increase in calves lying close to the heater. Hair coat
MATERIALS AND METHODS condition was found to be significantly (P<0.001)
A study carried out on a commercial dairy unit in linked to heat source availability in the same study,

2021 3

CATTLE PRACTICE VOLUME 29 PART 1

and there was a significant reduction in shivering Olson, D.P., Papasian, C.J., Ritter, R.C. (1980) The effects
scores as defined by Bellows and Lammoglia (2000) of cold stress on neonatal calves. II. Absorption of colostral
where calves had access to heaters below an
ambient temperature of 5oC. immunoglobulins. Canadian Journal of Comparative Medicine

Details of nutrition, environment and DLWG will 1: 19-23
be presented. Robinson, J.B., Young, B.A. (1988). Metabolic heat production
of neonatal calves during hypothermia and recovery. Journal
DISCUSSION
Calves subjected to temperatures below their of animal science 66(10): 2538-2544
LCT have a range of metabolic and physiological Young, B.A. (1983) Ruminant cold stress: effect on
adaptions. Ambient temperatures below the LCT production. Journal of Animal Sciences 57: 1601-1607
increase the rate of passage of digesta through the
abomasum (Young 1983, Kennedy 1985), which
reduces nutritional efficiency, raises the calf’s LCT
and leads to an increased risk of nutritional scour
in an animal that is already under physiological
pressure. The situation can become cyclical, with
reduced metabolisable energy (ME) intake leading
to a rise in LCT, potentially prolonging the duration
of cold stress. Calves born into a cold environment
and subsequently cold stressed have a reduced
absorptive ability (Olson and others 1980), starting
with colostral antibodies. The use of quartz linear
heaters in calf pens during periods of cold weather
could provide significant health and production
benefits.

REFERENCES

Andersen, I.L., Haukvik, I. A., Bøe, K.E. (2009) Drying and
warming immediately after birth may reduce piglet mortality
in loose-housed sows. Animal 592–597
Bellows, R., Lammoglia, M. (2000) Effects of severity of
dystocia on cold tolerance and serum concentrations of
glucose and cortisol in neonatal beef calves. Theriogenology
53: 803-813
Bhat S.A., Bhushan B., Sheikh S.A., Godara A.S.,
Chandrasekar T., Godara R.S. (2015) Effect of Infrared Lamps
to Ameliorate Morbidity and Mortality in Vrindavani Calves.
Journal of Animal Research: v.5 n.2, p. 333-339.
Borderas, F.T., Passilléc, A.M., Rushenc, J. (2009) Temperature
preferences and feed level of the newborn dairy calf. Applied
Animal Behaviour Science 120: 56-61
Christison, G.I., Wenger, I.I., Follensbee, M.E. (1997) Teat
seeking success of newborn piglets after dying or warming.
Canadian Journal of Animal Science 77: 317–319.
Frank, J.W., Carroll, J.A., Allee, G.L., Zanelli, M.E. (2003)
The effects of thermal environment and spray-dried plasma
on the acute-phase response of pigs challenged with
lipopolysaccharide. Journal of Animal Science 81: 1166–1176
Isbell, A.M. (2012) Thermal dynamics in calf housing: effect
of supplementary energy. Hons thesis University of Aberdeen.
pp58
Kennedy, P.M. (1985) Influences of cold exposure on
digestion of organic matter, rates of passage of digesta in the
gastrointestinal tract, and feeding and rumination behaviour
in sheep given four forage diets in the chopped, or ground
and pelleted form. Br. J. Nutr. 53: 159-173
Lago, A., McGuirk, S.M., Bennett, T.B., Cook, N.B.,
Nordlund, K. (2006) Calf Respiratory Disease and Pen
Microenvironments in Naturally Ventilated Calf Barns in
Winter. J. Dairy Sci. 89: 4014–4025

2021 4

CATTLE PRACTICE VOLUME 29 PART 1

The diagnosis of Mycobacterial infection – Exploring the myths and the
science and proposing a way forward in Mycobacterial disease control

Cutler, K.1, Hayton, A.1, Griffin, B.3, Reader, A.4, Harkiss, G.2, Watt, N.2,

1Synergy Farm Health Ltd, West Hill Barns, Evershot, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 0LD
2MV Diagnostics Ltd, Roslin Innovation Centre, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, EH25

9RG
3Fenton Veterinary Practice Ltd, 21 Portfield, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 1BN
4Goldsland Farm, Wenvoe, Cardiff, Glamorgan, CF5 6BE

It should come as no surprise that despite PhD thesis and elsewhere (Kudahl and other 2008,
differences in the pathology of bovine tuberculosis Nielsen 2009) shows no advantage to herd health
(bTB) and paratuberculosis (Johne’s disease) status from a simple ‘test and cull’ strategy even
there are similarities in the epidemiology of the when this is carried out over a number of years.
two infections and in the complexity of their This is due, at least in part and perhaps largely, to
diagnosis; they are, after all, both mycobacterial the poor sensitivity of the currently used diagnostic
diseases being caused by M bovis and M avium tests in common use and a lack of analysis and
spp paratuberculosis (Map) respectively. Both are interpretation of the data generated by these tests
characterised by the causative organism surviving to assess risk. As a consequence undetected yet
within macrophages following infection followed infected animals remain in herds allowing infection
by a variable, long-term and not necessarily to persist and spread.
linear progression to disease. It is this complex
pathogenesis that leads to multiple diagnostic Testing to detect mycobacterial, particularly M
challenges, particularly with respect to optimising bovis, infection has historically been based on
test sensitivity and determining the health status ‘skin’ testing and the detection of cell-mediated
particularly of individual animals with respect to immunity and a delayed-type hypersensitivity
these bacteria. (DTH) response because the survival of the
infectious organism within macrophages lead to
When planning to control infectious disease, the belief that a humoral immune response and
as well as addressing aspects of biosecurity and antibody development was a late-stage occurrence
biocontainment to break routes of infection, it in such infections. We now know this not to be the
is important to identify infected animals, rather case. Proteins released from mycobacterial-infected
than just diseased animals, and manage both macrophages to attract more macrophages which
appropriately. This is because, whilst all diseased are then, in turn, invaded by more of the infectious
animals are infected, not all infected animals are agent present a diagnostic opportunity.
diseased and while not all infected animals will
progress to clinical disease, they all retain the In addition, despite surviving the destructive
potential to do so and may become infectious at intent of the immune cells, mycobacteria which
any time even if they do not progress to clinical survive the intra-cellular killing mechanisms
disease. Infected animals, as well as infectious and secrete antigens that are processed and presented
diseased animals, need to be managed to reduce on MHC molecules of infected cells where they
the risk of transmission to other animals within the engage and stimulate T cells. Antigens can also be
herd and ultimately be removed from the herd in an secreted in intact form at the cell surface and so
economically sustainable way that does not put the can engage and stimulate an antibody response.
farm business under any greater financial pressure If the mycobacteria are not killed, then continued
than necessary. Maximising test sensitivity allows antigen secretion results in an increasing magnitude
such management interventions to occur. and breadth of the antibody responses (Welsh and
others 2005, Waters and others 2006).
It is increasingly obvious in the case of bTB
that a simple ‘test and cull’ policy, in the In the case of Johne’s disease there may be
absence of biosecurity, biocontainment and advantage to be gained by rather than interpreting
other management interventions, as would be an antibody titre above or below a pre-defined ‘cut-
implemented in the control of any other infectious off’ as a binary ‘positive’ defining a Map-infected
disease of farmed livestock, will fail; bTB has been animal or ‘negative’ defining an uninfected animal
spreading across England for very many years and by introducing an interpretation of the magnitude
continues to spread despite such an approach being of the result. The level of seropositivity is now
required by statute. The same is true for Johne’s commonly used within control programmes as
disease; work by Soren Nielsen presented in his an indicator of progression towards disease and
therefore epidemiological risk; as seropositivity

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CATTLE PRACTICE VOLUME 29 PART 1

increases so does the risk of the infected animal response and the number of antigens recognised
shedding Map to infect other animals and increases with progression towards disease
contaminate the farm environment and progressing (Kunnath-Velayudhan and others 2010, 2012).
towards clinical disease. Similarly, in the Enferplex test the number of spots
giving a positive antibody result and the magnitude
Using the seropositivity measurement in this of those responses can give an indication of
manner confers the advantage of allowing a progression from infection towards disease and
risk-based approach to be taken to managing therefore of the risk of transmission of infection
and culling infected animals, thereby providing within the herd. The specificity of the test has been
economic sustainability for the farming business shown to be 98.4%, while the sensitivity in M bovis
whilst addressing infection prevalence within the culture-positive animals is 94.2% using samples
herd; the highest risk animals (those with the collected between five and thirty days after day one
highest antibody titres or animals with multiple of a skin test (OIE validation dossier). The greatest
sequential moderately high antibody test results) sensitivity is obtained when both tests are used
can be culled from the herd as soon as is practicable together to benefit from the anamnestic ‘boosting’
but lower risk animals may be retained until a more effect on the immune system of an animal already
convenient time for them to be culled; at the end ‘primed’ by infection with M bovis by the PPD used
of their lactation perhaps. in the skin test.

Testing for bTB is determined by statute which Ministers, civil servants and, indeed, all of us must,
currently does not allow for such a risk-based however, comply with statute. Although permission
approach. Legislation in place requires active to use the Enferplex test, with all its advantages,
surveillance and control of bTB within the UK can be obtained it is still regarded as a non-relevant
based on the single intradermal comparative test by Defra and so use is limited. This is despite
cervical tuberculin (SICCT or ‘skin’) test. This test a recent announcement within the Welsh Senedd
was developed in the 1930s and has changed little by the First Minister confirming that over 70% of
since then. Compulsory screening of cattle within the new herd bTB breakdowns within the low-risk
the UK using this test was introduced in the 1950s area within Wales are due to the introduction of
and it remains the predominant test used for the infected cattle into those herds. The introduction
diagnosis of M bovis infection and the control of of these animals would only be legal if they had
bTB to this day. Godfray, however, in his Bovine TB originated in herds designated as Officially bTB Free
Strategy Review published in October 2018 noted (OTF) according to Government definition and, if
the limitations of skin testing, particularly when necessary, had also given a negative result when
carried out and interpreted on an individual animal skin tested within the sixty days prior to the
basis; although the specificity of the test is high, movement. Although the inference may have
at greater than 99.5%, sensitivity is variable and been that farmers were knowingly trading infected
frequently deemed poor (Goodchild and others in a animals, the only logical conclusion that can be
Government sponsored review of test performance drawn from the Welsh First Ministers statement
published in 2015, estimated that the sensitivity of is that current testing technologies (the skin
the skin test is, at best, 80% (other authors quote test) and strategies (repeated use of the same
a much poorer sensitivity), meaning that it will fail testing technology, albeit perhaps with increased
to identify at least one in five infected animals). frequency) is failing to deliver the control that is
Godfray continued in his report to recommend the required. Despite this being the legal requirement,
development and use of novel testing technologies. to paraphrase Albert Einstein: ‘Only a fool persists
in following the same course of action in the
The OIE validated Enferplex bovine Tuberculosis expectation of achieving a different result’! If
antibody test is one such novel testing technology. the law is failing to achieve what is required (the
It is a multiplex bTB antibody ELISA test based on detection of M bovis-infected animals and the
fifteen antigens arranged in eleven ‘spots’; the use control and eradication of bTB) then perhaps it
of multiple antigens has been shown to improve should be changed.
diagnostic sensitivity and specificity (Whelan
and others 2008). The antigens selected have Current statute, however, limits the use of the
been carefully chosen to ensure specificity; the Enferplex test, and other novel testing technologies,
selection of alternative antigens could lead to the in the diagnosis of M bovis infection and the control
development of similar testing technology aimed of bTB. Even when these tests are used privately,
at identifying Map infected animals. Studies in following permission being granted by Defra,
humans and monkeys infected with M tuberculosis and therefore at no cost to the public purse; all
have shown that the magnitude of the antibody

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CATTLE PRACTICE VOLUME 29 PART 1

testing and culling costs are borne by the farmer and so will not negatively impact the viability
and no compensation is paid for animals that test of the farming business. It will allow, however,
positive, which would then be required to remain management decisions to be made about these
in the herd in which they were when they were perceived high-risk animals; they may be prioritised
tested and would be required to be culled before for culling without further investigation or, if
OTF status can be regained, even if subsequent business sustainability allows, additional, perhaps
skin tests give entirely negative results. There is Enferplex, testing (assuming that the necessary
no acknowledgement to the fact that the greater permission has been obtained from the competent
sensitivity of these new testing technologies will authority) could be carried out to further define
almost certainly mean the identification of a greater the health status of the animal(s) in question and
number of infected animals than are identified by quantify any risk that they might pose to herd
the skin test (the culling of which in an unplanned health status if they are retained.
way is likely to prove highly financially detrimental
to the farming business) and therefore provide REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING
a more realistic prospect of eradicating infection.
This hardly incentivises such an approach. Godfray, C., Donnelly, C., Hewinson, G., Winter, M., Wood, J.
(2018) Bovine TB Strategy Review. Report to Rt. Hon. Michael
Until the law can be changed to allow the Gove MP, Secretary of State, Defra.
management of M bovis infection out of herds in Goodchild, A.V., Downs, S.H., Upton, P., Wood, J.L.N., de la
a similar way that Map antibody test results, risk Rua-Domenech, R. (2015) Specificity of the comparative skin
assessment and enhanced management strategies test for bovine tuberculosis in Great Britain. Vet. Rec. 177:
are being used to reduce the prevalence of Map 258-266
infection and Johne’s disease within herds, we Kudahl, A.B., Nielsen, S.S., Ostergaard, S. (2008) Economy,
need to be imaginative in the way that we use Efficacy and Feasibility of a Risk-Based Control Programme
other useful data to try to define individual animal against Paratuberculosis. J. Dairy Sci. 91: 4599-4609
risk and to guide management decisions. We have a Kunnath-Velayudhan, S., Salamon, H., Wang, H-Y., Davidow,
multitude of such data available to us in the results A.L., Molina, D.M., Huynh, V.T., Cirillo, D.M., Michel,
of sequential SICCT testing within herds. G.M., Talbot, E.A., Perkins, M.D., Felgner, P.L., Liang, X.,
Gennaro, M.L. (2010) Dynamic antibody responses to the
Currently, in OTF herds, ‘standard’ interpretation Mycobacterium tuberculosis proteome. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
is used when skin testing is carried out in the USA. 107: 14703-14708
majority of situations. This has been defined to Kunnath- Velayudhan, S., Davidow, A.L., Wang, H-Y., Molina,
optimise both the specificity and sensitivity of the D.M., Huynh, V.T., Salamon, H., Pine, R., Michel, G., Perkins,
test in uninfected herds, raising the question: does M.D., Xiaowu, L., Felgner, P.L., Flynn, J.L., Catanzaro, A.,
OTF mean ATF - Actually bTB Free? Where disease Gennaro, M.L. (2012) Proteome-Scale antibody responses
has been confirmed, meaning that the positive and outcome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in
predictive value of the test is increased, ‘severe’ nonhuman primates and in tuberculosis patients. J. Infect. Dis.
interpretation is used to increase test sensitivity, 206: 697-705
albeit at a small cost to specificity. In Wales a further Nielsen, S.S. (2009) Paratuberculosis in dairy cattle:
step has been taken with the definition of the ‘Welsh epidemiological studies used for design of a control
Severe IR (Inconclusive Reactor)’ category. There programme in Denmark. PhD thesis, Dept Large Animal
is, however, more that we could do, all the way to Sciences, University of Copenhagen
defining any skin reaction of any size as a positive Nielsen, S.S. (2009) Use of diagnostics for risk-based control
reaction and disregarding any reaction at the site of of paratuberculosis in dairy herds. In Practice 31: 150-154
injection of avian PPD, making any reaction at the OIE Register of Diagnostic tests. https://www.oie.int/en/
site of injection of bovine PPD significant, although what-we-offer/veterinary-products/diagnostic-kits/the-
this may result in an unacceptable compromise register-of-diagnostic-kits/
to specificity. We have developed algorithms to Waters, W.R., Palmer, M.V., Thacker, T.C., Bannantine,
analyse all the available data in such a way that the J.P., Vordermeier, H.M., Hewinson, R.G., Greenwald,
risk of animals being infected with M bovis even R., Esfandiari, J., McNair, J., Pollock, J.M., Andersen, P.,
in OTF herds, and particularly within those herds Lyashchenko, K. P. (2006) Early antibody responses to
that have recently regained OTF status following experimental Mycobacterium bovis infection of cattle. Clin.
confirmation of infection, can be estimated. Since Vac. Immunol. 213: 648-654
any animals deemed, based on this analysis, as Welsh, M.D., Cunningham, R.T., Corbett, D.M., Girvin,
being of high risk of being infected with M bovis R.M., McNair, J., Skuce, R.A., Bryson, D.G., Pollock, J.M.
will have ‘passed’ their most recent skin test this (2005) Influence of pathological progression on the balance
re-analysis of the data will not alter herd status between cellular and humoral immune responses in bovine
tuberculosis. Immunology 114: 101-111
Whelan, C., Shuralev, E., O’Keeffe, G., Hyland, P., Kwok, H.F.,
Snoddy, P., O’Brien, A., Connolly, M., Quinn, P., Groll, M.,
Watterson, T., Call, S., Kenny, K., Duignan, A., Hamilton, M.J.,
Buddle, B.M., Johnston, J.A., Davis, W.C., Olwill, A.A., Clarke,
J. (2008) Multiplex Immunoassay for serological diagnosis of
Mycobacterium bovis infection in cattle. Clin. Vac. Immnunol.
15: 1834-1838

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A new approach to Johne’s Control in dairy herds using benchmarking
data from 257 milk recording herds

Orpin, P.1, Hanks, J.2,
1MyHealthyHerd, 519 Saffron Lane, Leicester, LE2 6UL
2PAN Livestock Services Ltd, 59 Suttons Park Ave, Earley, Reading, RG6 9SU

ABSTRACT
Of the 500 milk recording herds used for annual studies of key performance indicators, 257 had undertaken
quarterly testing for Johne’s disease throughout 2019 and 2020. The Johne’s data from these herds were
analysed to provide benchmark indicators of a range of parameters that demonstrate:

A. The level and severity of infection in a herd (average test value, J5%, J4%, J4% (parity 1); % positive at
cut off levels of 30, 60 and 100.

B. The management of infection. As measures of the management response to infection the relative risk
of a J5 cow being served or removed from the herd compared to a J0 (uninfected) cow.

These parameters are benchmarked to identify quartile ranges which are colour coded within InterHerd+
(and MROs) to assist farmers and veterinarians in the management of the disease in the short and medium
term. The application of these findings have been used at farmer meetings and vet training sessions to
characterise the disease and its control on a wide range of dairy herds.

This lecture will explain the analyses used and provide a number of case studies to demonstrate and discuss
their practical application in engaging farmers in Johne’s control.

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Confirmation and characterisation of fenbendazole resistance in
Ostertagia ostertagi derived from clinically affected dairy calves at grass
in the UK

Bartley, D.J.¹, Jewell, N.J.², Andrews, L.M.¹, Mitchell, S.², Morrison, A.A.¹,
¹Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh, EH26 0PZ
²Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Veterinary Investigation Centre, Job’s Well Road,
Carmarthen, SA31 3EZ

Anthelmintic resistance (AR) is a major issue seven days later. All animals were necropsied on
for sheep producers and is well-recognised and day 35 PI and total abomasal nematode burdens
extremely prevalent in parasites of sheep, both of treatment and control groups were compared
nationally and globally. Development of AR in cattle to determine efficacy. Sequence analysis of the
has been slower and awareness of the risk may be β-tubulin isotype-1 gene from infective larvae
lower in producers and their advisers. Although AR was performed. The three commonest single
in Cooperia oncophora has been well-documented nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with
globally, lack of efficacy against the more pathogenic benzimidazole resistance, F167Y, E198A and F200Y,
Ostertagia ostertagi is less common. were examined.

The sensitivity of an Ostertagia ostertagi isolate Fenbendazole resistance in O. ostertagi was
to the benzimidazole class of anthelmintics was confirmed with total treatment failure in reducing
investigated following suspicion of inefficacy in worm burden. The reduction in FECs at 7 days
first season grazing cattle. Calves from a closed post-treatment was 59% (0–62; 95% confidence
150-cow Friesian milking herd were turned out intervals); <95% reduction indicates AR. The
to permanent pasture in May 2018. Continuous predominant resistance-associated SNPs were
release fenbendazole (FBZ) boluses (Panacur Bolus, F200Y and F167Y. There were no fully susceptible
12g Continuous Release Intraruminal Device; MSD genotypes seen at either of these polymorphism
Animal Health) were administered at turn-out. sites.
Clinical signs (ill thrift, diarrhoea, poor weight
gain) were noted approximately four weeks later. This is the first controlled efficacy test-confirmed
In late June 2018, a 5-month-old Friesian calf was case of BZ-resistant O. ostertagi in the UK and
presented to the Animal and Plant Health Agency is important for the cattle industry as a whole.
for necropsy. Abomasal mucosal changes suggestive Previous studies have shown that FBZ-resistant
of ostertagiosis were seen and adult Ostertagia sp. Ostertagia is still relatively uncommon, particularly
worms were detected following abomasal washing. in the northern hemisphere (Demeler and others
A bolus consistent with the FBZ bolus administered 2009, Rendell 2010, Chaudhry and others 2014,
was found in the reticulum. Another calf was Cotter and others 2015, Kelleher and others
reported to be similarly severely affected, with 2020, Avramenko and others 2020), but that the
poor weight gain and diarrhoea in the remainder. mechanisms for BZ resistance development and
Faecal egg counts (FEC) of nine calves averaged 143 dissemination are present in herds and can be
eggs per gram (median 80; range 0–900). Faeces associated with clinical disease.
from these cohort calves was used as the source
of infective larvae for the subsequent controlled Several recognised risk factors (Suarez and Cristel
efficacy test conducted at the Moredun Research 2014) for the development of AR were present in
Institute. the original herd, including repeated, prolonged
use of a single active along with annual use of
Twelve 4 to 7-month-old helminth-naïve calves the same permanent pasture for youngstock. The
were infected experimentally with 20,000 third use of a continuous-release product may also be
stage larvae. Six received oral fenbendazole a risk factor. Continuous-release products have
(Panacur 10% Oral Suspension, MSD Animal been shown to be effective at improving weight
Health, 7.5mg/kg bodyweight) 28 days post gain and reducing pasture contamination (Forbes
infection (PI); six received no anthelmintic. Faecal 2013). However, as with all anthelmintic products,
egg counting was performed prior to infection, it is important that resistance genes are low within
on days 21 and 27 PI, on the day of anthelmintic the parasite population prior to administration
treatment (day 28 PI) and then daily until necropsy and that effective refugia is high post-treatment;
if these conditions are not met then AR can

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CATTLE PRACTICE VOLUME 29 PART 1

develop. Grazing management and anthelmintic www.cattleparasites.org.uk/).
administration strategies are important and can A full version of this paper has been published in
affect the level of nematode challenge both
within and between seasons and consequently Veterinary Parasitology (Bartley and others 2021).
productivity and requirement for anthelmintic
intervention. REFERENCES

Ineffectively-controlled Ostertagia infections Avramenko, R.W., Redman, E.M., Windeyer, C., Gilleard, J.S.
can have a rapid impact on calf productivity and (2020) Assessing anthelmintic resistance risk in the post-
health (Fox and others 1989). As seen here, AR in genomic era: a proof-of-concept study assessing the potential
cattle nematodes can be associated with clinical for widespread benzimidazole-resistant gastrointestinal
disease (Sargison and others 2009) and reduced nematodes in North American cattle and bison. Parasitol. 147:
productivity (Candy and others 2018, Edmonds and 897-906
others 2018). Bartley, D.J., McArthur, C.L., Devin, L.M., Sutra, J.F.,
Morrison, A.A., Lespine, A., Matthews, J.B. (2012)
Timing of treatment can be targeted by use of Characterisation of macrocyclic lactone resistance in two
productivity monitoring, particularly weight gain field-derived isolates of Cooperia oncophora. Vet. Parasitol.
(Höglund and others 2009, Merlin and others 190: 454-460
2017). Ostertagia bulk milk ELISA and pepsinogen Bartley, D.J., Jewell, N.J., Andrews, L.M., Mitchell,
assays can also be undertaken (Charlier and others S., Morrison, A.A. (2021) Molecular and phenotypic
2016). Monitoring efficacy through use of faecal characterisation of fenbendazole resistance in a field-derived
egg count reduction tests (FECRT) or post-drench isolate of Ostertagia ostertagi. Vet. Parasitol. 289
efficacy tests enables issues to be identified sooner Candy, P.M., Waghorn, T.S., Miller, C.M., Ganesh, S.,
and action taken. Leathwick, D.M. (2018) The effect on liveweight gain of using
anthelmintics with incomplete efficacy against resistant
Shortening of egg reappearance time may be Cooperia oncophora in cattle. Vet. Parasitol. 251: 56-62
observed prior to resistance, associated with low Charlier, J., De Waele, V., Ducheyne, E., van der Voort,
efficacy (Sargison and others 2010). If a positive FEC M., Velde, F.V., Claerebout, E. (2016) Decision making on
is detected within half of the claimed protection helminths in cattle: diagnostics, economics and human
period plus the pre-patent period, anthelmintic behaviour. Ir. Vet. J. 1(69): 1-5
failure and resistance must be suspected (Coles Chaudhry, U., Miller, M., Yazwinski, T., Kaplan, R., Gilleard,
and others 2006). Temporary suppression of egg J. (2014) The presence of benzimidazole resistance mutations
output may also occur in resistant Teladorsagia in Haemonchus placei from US cattle. Vet. Parasitol. 204:
(Ostertagia) and Cooperia species (Martin and 411-415
others 1985, McKellar and others 1988, Bartley Coles, G.C., Jackson, F., Pomroy, W.E., Prichard, R.K., von
and others 2012); it is thus important to resample Samson-Himmelstjerna, G., Silvestre, A., Taylor, M.A.,
at the recommended time post-treatment. Vercruysse, J. (2006) The detection of anthelmintic resistance
in nematodes of veterinary importance. Vet. Parasitol. 136:
Genotypic characterisation confirmed the 167-185
importance of the SNPs at codons 167 and Cotter, J.L., Van Burgel, A., Besier, R.B. (2015) Anthelmintic
200 of the β-tubulin isotype-1 gene (Kwa and resistance in nematodes of beef cattle in south-west Western
others 1994) in this isolate. The vast majority Australia. Vet. Parasitol. 207(3-4): 276-284
of larvae were homozygote resistant suggesting Demeler, J., Van Zeveren, A.M.J., Kleinschmidt, N.,
that selection for BZ resistance was at or near Vercruysse, J., Höglund, J., Koopmann, R., Cabaret, J.,
fixation within the population. The development Claerebout. E., Areskog, M., von Samson-Himmelstjerna, G.
of diagnostic molecular tools for BZ resistance (2009) Monitoring the efficacy of ivermectin and albendazole
will enable prevalence surveys to assess the risk against gastro intestinal nematodes of cattle in Northern
posed by resistance in the economically important Europe. Vet. Parasitol. 160: 109-115
Ostertagia species. Edmonds, M.D., Vatta, A.F., Marchiondo, A.A., Vanimisetti,
H.B., Edmonds, J.D. (2018) Concurrent treatment with a
It is imperative that producers do not ignore macrocyclic lactone and benzimidazole provides season
the possibility of anthelmintic resistance in cattle long performance advantages in grazing cattle harboring
roundworms. It is important to consider nematodes macrocyclic lactone resistant nematodes. Vet. Parasitol. 252:
and treatment inefficacy when assessing ill thrift, 157-162
diarrhoea and/or reduced productivity in young Forbes, A.B. (2013) LongRange™ (eprinomectin 5%)
animals. With no new anthelmintic class likely extended-release injection parasiticide and the utility of
to emerge onto the cattle market in the near extended-activity antiparasitics in cattle. Vet. Parasitol. 192:
future it is essential to maintain the efficacy of 308-312
currently available compounds through the use Fox, M.T., Gerrelli, D., Pitt, S.R., Jacobs, D.E., Gill, M., Gale,
of sustainable parasite control strategies (https:// D.L. (1989) Ostertagia ostertagi infection in the calf: effects of
a trickle challenge on appetite, digestibility, rate of passage of
digesta and liveweight gain. Res. Vet. Sci. 47: 294-298
Höglund, J., Morrison, D.A., Charlier, J., Dimander, S.O.,
Larsson, A. (2009) Assessing the feasibility of targeted
selective treatments for gastrointestinal nematodes in first-
season grazing cattle based on mid-season daily weight gains.
Vet. Parasitol. 164: 80-88
Kelleher, A.C., Good, B., de Waal, T., Keane, O.M. (2020)

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Anthelmintic resistance among gastrointestinal nematodes of
cattle on dairy calf to beef farms in Ireland. Ir. Vet. J. 73(1): 1-8
Kwa, M.S., Veenstra, J.G., Van Dijk, M., Roos, M.H. (1994)
Beta-tubulin genes from the parasitic nematode Haemonchus
contortus modulate drug resistance in Caenorhabditis
elegans. J. Mol. Biol. 246: 500-510
Martin, P.J., Anderson, N., Jarrett R.G. (1985) Resistance to
benzimidazole anthelmintics in field strains of Ostertagia and
Nematodirus in sheep. Aust. Vet. J. 62: 38-43
McKellar, Q.A., Bogan ,J.A., Horspool, L., Reid, K. (1988)
Effect of ivermectin on the reproductive potential of Cooperia
curticei. Vet. Rec. 122: 444
Merlin, A., Chauvin, A., Lehebel, A., Brisseau, N., Froger,
S., Bareille, N., Chartier, C. (2017) End-season daily weight
gains as rationale for targeted selective treatment against
gastrointestinal nematodes in highly exposed first-grazing
season cattle. Prev. Vet. Med. 138: 104-112
Rendell, D.K. (2020) Anthelmintic resistance in cattle
nematodes on 13 south‐west Victorian properties. Aust. Vet.
J. 88: 504-509
Sargison, N., Wilson, D., Scott, P. (2009) Relative inefficacy of
pour-on macrocyclic lactone anthelmintic treatments against
Cooperia species in Highland calves. Vet. Rec. 164: 603-604
Sargison, N.D., Scott, P.R., Wilson, D.J., Macrae, A.I.,
Penny, C.D. (2010) Teladorsagia circumcincta resistance
to moxidectin and multiple anthelmintic groups in ewes
following use of the persistent drug before lambing. Vet. Rec.
167: 523-527
Suarez, V., Cristel, S.L. (2014) Risk factors for anthelmintic
resistance development in cattle gastrointestinal nematodes
in Argentina. Rev. . Bras. Parasitol. Vet. 23: 129-13

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CATTLE PRACTICE VOLUME 29 PART 1

Exploring the use of complementary and alternative approaches to health
care on UK dairy farms

Crouch, K., Cabral, C., Cramer, H., Rees, G., Sharp, D., Barrett, D.C., Bristol Veterinary School,
Langford House, Langford, North Somerset, BS40 5DU

OBJECTIVES are represented in a range of farming, veterinary
Evidence suggests that some farmers use and pro-CAM sources and explore the perceptions
complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that exist surrounding CAM and antibiotics among
to manage a range of conditions in dairy cows. stakeholder groups such as veterinary surgeons
Exploration of how CAM is viewed, used, and and pro-CAM organisations.
understood by dairy farmers may provide valuable
insight since there is little research to explore RESULTS
the current use of CAM on farms or its impact in Early findings indicate several drivers for UK dairy
reducing antibiotic use. This is something which farmers to use CAM approaches, including their own
warrants further consideration for two main personal [or friends’ and relations’] experiences,
reasons; (1) to determine if CAM use has potential to the views of influential people and advisors,
reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and support the networks within the farming community and the fact
global efforts against antimicrobial resistance, (2) to that CAM use allows a greater sense of autonomy in
ensure that antimicrobials and other conventional health-based decision making. Farmers often refer
treatment approaches are used where appropriate. to milk buyers and organic guidelines as factors
This is not only important to avoid unnecessary which influence their use of CAM. They further refer
suffering, but also to ensure that responsible use to a desire to ‘do something’ for the animal and to
of antibiotics still occurs whereby farmers use ‘as minimise animal welfare related concerns. A range
little as possible, but as much as necessary’ (RUMA of CAM information sources were also consulted
2009). by farmers including, holistic health management
organisations/courses, online materials, and
MATERIALS AND METHODS pharmacies. Participating farmers associate
A heterogeneous purposive sample of 20 farms the use of CAM approaches with other holistic
with a range of management systems, herd health management practices, human-animal
sizes and production goals were recruited to interactions, the actual character and physical
this study. Interviews were conducted with characteristics of an animal and animal welfare.
24 farmers through a mixture of face-to-face, This indicates that CAM use is seen by farmers
telephone and videoconferencing modalities as part of a wider ethos and belief about holistic
necessitated by movement restrictions during farming practices and land use. Additionally, data
the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, 16 farms implies that some farmers value their positive
were visited to collect ethnographic participant personal experiences of CAM use over scientific
observational data using ethnographic fieldnotes evidence. In contrast, barriers to CAM use were
and photographs. Interviews were conducted using also identified including: the perception that CAM
a topic guide and explored participants’ experience approaches are reserved specifically for organic
of CAM, including drivers/barriers to CAM use, systems, little access to CAM and related resources
experiences of CAM use and how CAM might and some existing tensions between farmers and
influence the use of conventional medicine such as other stakeholders’ views. Early findings suggest
antibiotics. Participant observation visits collected that farmers are influenced in their use of CAM
data on conventional and CAM medicine storage, by a range of individuals within the agriculture
CAM usage practices and farm management community, including veterinary surgeons (some
systems. Interviews were audio-recorded, of whom use homeopathic practices), mainstream
transcribed and analysed using NViVo computer farming press and pro-CAM organisations and
software using a thematic analysis to identify key advisors.
themes in the data. Ethnographic fieldnotes and
photographs were incorporated into this data CONCLUSIONS
analysis reflexively and iteratively. This study will Farmers continue to use complementary and
also conduct a documentary analysis to explore alternative approaches to health care, and the
the ways in which CAM and conventional medicine conceptualisation of what CAM is remains complex

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and subjective. A range of sources and stakeholders
are consulted by farmers to understand herd
health approaches including CAM or mainstream
healthcare practices. It is proposed that the use of
such approaches should be acknowledgement and
discussion between all stakeholders, including vets.
It may be possible that by encouraging more open
discussion surrounding the use of CAM on dairy
farms, we are able to identify ways in which dairy
farmers can reduce their antimicrobial use in a
responsible way, with the support of their vets and
other stakeholders. These early findings provide
evidence to support the further exploration of CAM
use on dairy farms, and how these practices might
influence antibiotic use.

REFERENCES

RUMA (2009) RUMA promotes ‘as little as possible, but as
much as necessary’ Antibiotic use, for the good of Animal
Health and Welfare https://www.ruma.org.uk/ruma-
promotes-little-possible-much-necessary-antibiotic-use-good-
animal-health-welfare/ accessed 03/06/2021

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“Piggy in the Middle”: Understanding the role and experiences of
veterinary practice staff involved in the dispensing of antimicrobials to
farmers

Rees, G., Butler, D., Bard, A., Reyher., K., University of Bristol Veterinary School, Langford House,
Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU

INTRODUCTION responsibilities and practical/regulatory aspects
Research into antimicrobial resistance in of dispensing in addition to the social complexities
agriculture is steadily addressing many knowledge forged by the triadic relationship of farm client –
gaps, however one central ‘human element’ within FOH staff – veterinarian. Specific skills reported as
veterinary practice that has been overlooked to critical for this role reflect this diversity, including
date is that of the veterinary practice staff directly good communication, the ability to ‘learn on the
involved in the dispensing of these prescription job’, effective organisation and relevant local
veterinary medicines (POM-V) to farmers. experience, knowledge or skills (e.g. a farming
While POM-V must be prescribed by registered background, Welsh language).
veterinarians to animals “under their care”, in
general it is not a veterinarian who takes orders Dispensing was complex and guided by both
from clients, organises the dispensary, orders regulatory and situated relational variables, in
medicines or physically hands them out to clients. addition to the different levels of responsibility
This role is generally played by non-clinical, front- engendered by this heterogenous role. Front-of-
of-house (FOH) staff. The role that these staff house staff were central in activities that influence
play in the ordering and dispensing of veterinary antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary practice
medicines, and, in particular, antimicrobials, needs and interviewees were articulate in broaching the
to be understood if the veterinary profession is challenges and opportunities to better and more
to further improve its antimicrobial stewardship. sustainable use in agriculture, although meaningful
A better understanding of the values, beliefs and influence was seen to depend on features of their
motivations of these key members of staff, in specific roles and responsibilities.
addition to the challenges and barriers they face
in their day-to-day roles, allows practice managers CONCLUSION
and veterinary surgeons to better identify and Non-clinical staff within veterinary practices play a
meet training and staffing needs and improve the key role in the flow of veterinary medicines from
recognition of this key area of practice work. dispensary to farm. While veterinary surgeons are
legally obliged to prescribe medicines, the role
MATERIALS AND METHODS of FOH staff involved in managing the medicine
Farm animal practices from across Wales were dispensary, taking orders from farmers and
contacted, and 20 participants were recruited dispensing medicines should not be overlooked,
who were identified as members of staff who nor should the complexity that underpins day-to-
played a key role in dispensing veterinary day experiences. As key actors in the supply chain,
medicines to farmers. Semi-structured in-depth these staff members should be an area of focus for
interviews explored the participants’ role, and future research, policy and intervention.
their experiences, beliefs and values relating to the
dispensing of POM-Vs. Interviews were recorded,
transcribed and analysed iteratively using a
methodology based in thematic analysis.

RESULTS
Participants had heterogeneous roles, although
all identified as being involved in the day-to-day
ordering and dispensing of POM-Vs to farmers.
Data suggest the work of FOH staff being to
simultaneously navigate diverse administrative

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Implementing an antimicrobial stewardship progamme for Wales

Rees, G., Aberystwyth University, Lecturer in Veterinary Science, Institute for Biological,
Environmental and Rural Sciences, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth, SY23 3EE

INTRODUCTION facilitated workshop aimed at developing their
Farm animal veterinary practices in the UK have own, bespoke antimicrobial stewardship action
been under pressure to reduce antimicrobial use plan which they would implement in their
in recent years, with industry initiatives aimed at practice. To support conceptualisation of this
farmers such as Farm Assurance and milk buyer personal change goal, the workshop encouraged
requirements becoming a leading drivers for participants to frame stewardship interventions as
change. Until recently, much of this change has falling within the categories laid out by the RESET
been reactionary and disparate in nature, with little model (Lam and others 2017; Rules, Education and
coordinated effort across or between veterinary information, Social pressure, Economics and Tools).
practices to develop and implement antimicrobial Participants took part in participatory small group
stewardship programs. This presentation discusses activities focused on discussing and co-creating
the participatory co-production of a coordinated their individual intervention plans, after which they
network of antimicrobial stewardship interventions were invited to each speak to the workshop group
at a national scale across farm animal practices in in plenary and articulate their intervention goals.
Wales, Arwain Vet Cymru, and describes the results To cement these intentions, participants were
of this unique approach to implementing a complex required to submit their intended actions in writing
intervention in this context. following the workshop through an ‘Action Plan’
document that also encouraged exploration of
In Wales, AMR has been a policy focus in recent perceived barriers to change, the participant’s own
years with the establishment of an Animals and reasons for change and clarification of the change
the Environment AMR Delivery Group leading to goal(s) against categories of the SMARTA mnemonic
the publication of the Welsh government’s five- acronym (i.e. Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
year AMR Implementation Plan. This plan includes Relevant, and Time-Bound). Participants were asked
the key focus areas of improving standards of to begin implementing their action plans in January
antimicrobial selection and prescribing, as well as 2021, and to report on their progress after three
improving standards of antimicrobial supply. months through an open-ended questionnaire and
after six months through a recorded telephone
MATERIALS AND METHODS interview of their chosen length (15, 30, 45 or 60
Arwain Vet Cymru is a complex antimicrobials minutes).
stewardship intervention implemented at a
national scale, and on a voluntary basis. It is RESULTS
participatory in approach, aiming to empower Thirty-seven participants completed their
veterinary surgeons to develop and implement antimicrobial stewardship action plans and began
bespoke stewardship interventions, as well as implementing these in their practices in January
share experiences and ideas. Both development 2021. In articulating these plans during the
and implementation of this scheme were informed workshop phase, preliminary analysis suggests that
by the self-determination theory (SDT), a broad veterinary surgeons predominantly focused on
theory of human motivation covering elements interventions that could be framed as Education
of interpersonal dynamics, goals and motives, and information (55%), although all RESET
individual differences, psychological needs, and categories were reported in intervention goals -
psychological well-being. Forty-three veterinary Rules (26%), Social pressure (2%), Economics (2%)
surgeons from 41 practices were enrolled to and Tools (14%). Intended actions were diverse,
the Arwain Vet Cymru project in Spring 2020. All with veterinary surgeons identifying 24 discrete
participants underwent a series of bespoke training types of interventions they intended to implement
which included online webinars from subject in their practices, with the four most cited types of
specialists in antimicrobial use, facilitated discussion intervention covering (i) within practice education;
groups and other resources aimed at improving (ii) farmer education; (iii) monitoring antibiotic
knowledge and understanding of antimicrobial usage; and (iv) targeting animal health issues
stewardship. Participants then attended a 3-hour

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contributing to usage.
Thirty-six participants completed progress

interviews during June-July 2021 with a median
length of 21 minutes (range 9-57 minutes).
Interviews explored participants’ interest in being
involved in the AVC project, their impressions of
the intervention itself (e.g. personal engagement,
perceived value, utility of delivery mediums), their
stewardship behaviours and experiences (e.g.
successes, challenges, surprises), perceptions
of the ‘champion’ identity and their desires for
the future of the AVC network. Thus far, analysis
suggests that participants’ motivations for
engaging with the network related to their feelings
of responsibility with regards to both AMU and
staff/practice considerations, their desire for a
collaborative veterinary community in Wales
surrounding medicines use and practice, and a
congruence of the AVC project with their existing
role and veterinary identity. Full analysis of these
interviews will be presented at BCVA 2021.

CONCLUSIONS
Designing a novel national AMS programme
for farm animal veterinary surgeons requires
several supporting factors. The applicability of
this programme design to other parts of the UK
and the rest of the world is difficult to predict;
however, we believe that by focusing on a robust
theoretical grounding, stewardship interventions
can be improved worldwide. A favourable policy
background, collaboration with key actors within
the profession, stakeholder consultation, an
emphasis on autonomy, and commitment to
developing a sense of community have all helped
to promote high levels of engagement in this
voluntary national network of VPCs.

REFERENCES

Lam, T., Jansen, J., Wessels, R.J. (2017) The RESET Mindset
Model applied on decreasing antibiotic usage in dairy cattle
in the Netherlands. Irish Veterinary Journal 70: 5. https://doi.
org/10.1186/s13620-017-0085-x

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Farm Vet Champions – Opportunities for your practice team

Lovatt, F., RCVS Knowledge Farm Vet Champions Clinical Lead; Flock Health Ltd, Egglesburn Farm,
Eggleston, Barnard Castle, Co Durham, DL12 OBD

INTRODUCTION Within the Farm Vet Champion platform, the
It was demonstrated in the 2014 O’Neill report cattle module covers dairy and beef suckler
that by 2050, the number of human deaths due herds as well as youngstock and is delivered by
to antimicrobial resistance will outnumber deaths key BCVA personnel. All of the cattle content was
from cancer. At a predicted 10 million global deaths peer-reviewed by other BCVA board members. In
a year, the scale of the issue will utterly dwarf the the youngstock presentation, Kat Hart focuses on
impact of our current world pandemic. the three areas of colostrum, environment and
nutrition and guides vets through these key areas
For most Cattle Vet readers, routine hospital in the control of disease. Rachel Hayton talks
procedures for family members have not been vets through responsible use of antimicrobials
a cause for undue concern. Although distressing in dairy herds and outlines the opportunities
when neonatal calves are dying or store cattle for benchmarking antimicrobial use and focuses
won’t stop coughing, for the entire careers of every on mastitis and lameness as ‘hot spots’ for
currently practising farm vet, there has always been antimicrobial use in dairy herds. Keith Cutler
an appropriate antibiotic to turn to. presents some of the major disease challenges
in beef suckler herds including lameness and
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION? calving time and scour and pneumonia in calves.
Farm Vet Champions (FVC) is a major collaborative Each of these engaging sessions offer solutions
project spearheaded by the charity, RCVS that champion responsible antimicrobial use
Knowledge and it has at its heart the mantra Plan behaviours.
Prevent Protect in terms of ensuring healthy farm
livestock. Farm Vet Champions is not simply about
considering appropriate treatments but more
There are 5,500 farm vets in the UK, each with holistic as it develops a supportive community of
a unique job. You may spend the majority of your farm vets and support staff who are empowered
time with cattle but you may also have clients with to motivate clients to ensure good management
sheep flocks, goat herds, hens, turkeys or game and preventative medicine plans so that livestock
birds. remain fit and healthy and the need to turn to
antibiotics is minimised.
Nationally, we have already made huge and
significant progress in reducing levels of antibiotics Who can actually call Who can access all the Farm
used in farm animals – with a 45% reduction over themselves a Farm Vet Vet Champion CPD and
5 years – though this progress has been largely Champion training materials
evidenced in the more tightly integrated sectors
such as pigs and poultry which have good herd-level Veterinary surgeons Practice receptionists
data and are predominantly serviced by species-
specific vets. In the ruminant sectors, herd-specific Veterinary nurses Veterinary technicians
data is sparse and widely variable.
Veterinary students Practice managers
WHO IS INVOLVED?
Farm Vet Champions is a project aimed at all vets All veterinary professionals All staff members who work
who have contact with food-producing animals and who work in the agricultural in a professional veterinary
their owners. BCVA, SVS, GVS, PVS and BVPA have food-producing sector organisation
provided high quality species-specific technical
CPD and different behaviour and communication UNITED WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
experts have provided short presentations on how You may feel that every prescribing decision that
to motivate behaviour change. Additionally, there you make or each snatched conversation that you
are key sessions provided by VMD and NOAH on the have within the practice or with a farmer is small
legalities and practicalities of our use of veterinary or insignificant. Put all 5,500 farm vets together,
medicines. recognise their role as the guardians of farm
antibiotic use in the UK and you realise that every
single farm vet has their part to play and a moral
duty to be well informed and well equipped.

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We can’t afford to leave you behind and we would
love to have you join us. We want to learn from
you and with you as together we become Farm
Vet Champions and ensure optimum antibiotic
stewardship throughout the UK livestock industry.

To express your interest in becoming a Farm Vet
Champion and access the training, please visit
rcvsknowledge.org/farmvetchampions

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CATTLE PRACTICE VOLUME 29 PART 1

Antibiotics simplified: a real-world guide to (responsible) prescribing in
practice

Turner, A., Langford Farm Animal Practice, Langford Vets, Langford, N. Somerset, BS40 5DU

ABSTRACT
As a clinician in a teaching practice, I know that nearly all final-year students feel overwhelmed with the
choice of antibiotics that are available to them, underprepared in their understanding of the pharmacology
of common antibiotic classes and often concerned with which is the ‘right’ antibiotic for a specific clinical
scenario. This often results in newly graduated vets relying on doing ‘as the boss does’, and feeling they have
a poor understanding of, or autonomy over, their prescribing practice.

This interactive seminar will use world-clouds and audience polling to engage and inform the attendees.
The seminar will seek to simplify the selection process from the range of antimicrobials that are available
to us and dispel commonly held fears that there is a ‘right’ antibiotic for any given situation (and all other
choices are wrong).

The seminar will briefly summarise the action of antibiotics and give an overview of relevant pharmacology.
Armed with this information the participants will be encouraged to consider how we can select the most
appropriate licensed treatments that will get to the site of the infection, whilst thinking of the practicalities
that clients may face when administering these treatments. The seminar will also help participants ensure
that their prescribing aligns with the principles of responsible antibiotic use and that they feel confident to
advise regarding withdrawal times for combination and ‘cascade use’ prescribing.

Some ‘golden rules’ of what not to use in a given clinical scenario will be shared, and the participants will
be able to apply this knowledge to a series of clinical scenarios via answering questions using the interactive
software and open discussion of the cases.

The course will primarily be designed for recent graduates or those re-entering farm animal practice who
may need to refresh their knowledge. The hope is that all clinicians up to 8 years in-practice could gain
something from the seminar and more experienced vets will be able to share their experiences with those
less experienced.

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CATTLE PRACTICE VOLUME 29 PART 1

Evidence based hoof trimming

Carter, T., Bell, N., Cattle Hoof Care Standards Board, 6 Maiden Castle Road, Dorchester, Dorset,
DT1 2ER

ABSTRACT
Appropriately adjusted trimming and treatment techniques can have massive potential to reduce lameness.
Trimming is one of the most common and complex procedures carried out on farm often by untrained
trimmers, based on ideas developed over 40 years ago for grazing Friesians. The environment, genetics and
demands on the modern dairy cow have changed substantially in that time and new evidence indicates there
are a number of adjustments to technique that are beneficial, particularly for housed Holsteins. This workshop
examines the approach to judging toe length, balance and size of model practically with cadaver limbs. We
will also review treatment protocols for the common lesions causing lameness and identify the common
faults that increase (rather than decrease) lameness risk. We will review the evidence behind the techniques
and explore when and how to apply them, and how to go about coaching trimmers.

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CATTLE PRACTICE VOLUME 29 PART 1

It’s what you say and how you say it – building on verbal and nonverbal
communication skills

MacGillivray, F., MacVet Cattle Communications Limited, Marshside Toft Road, Knutsford, Cheshire,
WA16 9EE

A fundamental part of veterinary practice is to predominantly on the verbal channel, yet
engage clients in animal management practices communication is comprised of three elements;
that promote animal health and welfare; essentially verbal (written and spoken words), paraverbal
to encourage client behaviour change. As (includes pitch, volume, intonation, emphasis,
veterinarians, we strive to ensure that the scientific handwriting style) and non-verbal (includes facial
quality and accuracy of our recommendations is expression, touch, body positioning, gestures,
optimised. It seems logical to believe that, when body adornment). Nonverbal communication
we give our professional advice and provide the (NVC) involves the exchange of ideas, feelings and
‘right’ choices, our farming clients should act on information without the use of words; it provides
this advice and make positive changes accordingly. clues to the attitude and feelings behind the words
However, this often is not the case, which can leave being spoken (MacGillivray and others 2019).
you feeling frustrated or disappointed.
In this workshop, participants will gain an
Communication is the transfer of information, understanding of the core skills and communication
ideas and feelings. Studies show that veterinarians processes that underpin the practice of MI. There
often adopt a directive style of communication will be the opportunity to practice these skills in
(e.g. hold a one-way conversation based on the group discussions, which can then be applied to
‘problem’, dominate the consultation agenda and advisory interactions on farm. There will also be the
provide solutions and advice without exploring the opportunity to learn about certain aspects of NVC
farmer’s motivations and thoughts). It has been that may occur during routine farm consultations,
suggested that the veterinary industry could benefit with an understanding of how NVC could be
from a deeper understanding of communication adding feedback and silent messages, helping
and its effects on client motivation to make changes to develop a deeper understanding of effective
(Bard and others 2017). communication.

A growing body of research has considered how This workshop is aimed at clinical veterinarians
Motivational Interviewing (MI) can be used to help who have no previous experience of MI or have
improve cattle veterinarians’ communication skills previously attended a MI workshop and wish to
(Svensson and others 2020) and as a tool for engaging practice their MI skills further.
farmers in positive behaviour change (Bard 2018).
In any interaction on herd health - whether over a REFERENCES
specific incidence of disease or the broader process
of planning - communication acts as the bridge Bard, A.M., Main, D.C.J., Haase, A.M., Whay, H.R., Roe, E.J.,
between veterinarian and farmer in understanding Reyher, K.K. (2017) The future of veterinary communication:
and implementing recommendations. Partnership or Persuasion? A qualitative investigation of
veterinary communication in the pursuit of client behaviour
Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative change. PLoS ONE 12(3): e0171380.
conversation style, developed in the medical and Bard, A. (2018) Improving dairy cattle welfare: examining
psychological sciences, for strengthening a person’s motivational interviewing, veterinary communication and the
own motivation to change (Miller and Rose 2009). herd health advisory paradigm. Ph.D. Thesis, University of
MI specifically explores and resolves ambivalence to Bristol Veterinary School, UK.
influence the motivational processes that facilitate MacGillivray, F., Wapenaar, W., Giles, G., Atkinson, O.,
change, by evoking a client’s own desires, reasons Whittick, S., Mayer, J. (2020) Can communication in farm
and willingness to do so as a means of clarifying animal veterinary practice be improved through a focus on
and strengthening their positive intent. Critical to the non-verbal element? A clinical forum, Livestock. Mark
this process is the relational context of empathy, Allen Group, 25(1): 24–29
acceptance and partnership, which facilitates the Miller, W.R., Rose, G.S. (2009) Toward a theory of
spontaneous emergence of client language of Motivational Interviewing. American Psychologist 64(6): 527-
change, combined with technical communication 537
skills that shape and enhance it (Moyers 2014). Moyers, T. (2014) The relationship in Motivational
Interviewing. Psychotherapy 51(3): 358-363
Communication skills training typically focuses Svensson, C., Wickström, H., Forsberg., L. (2020) Training
in motivational interviewing improves cattle veterinarians’
communication skills for herd health management. Veterinary
Record 187: 191

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Udder health and machine milking

Greenham, T., Advance Milking, The Cornhouse, Iscoyd, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 3AU

ABSTRACT
Machine milking of cows introduces numerous risk factors for intramammary infection. These risk areas may
have greater or lesser impact on udder health at the herd level depending on the relationship between the
milking machine and the cows being milked. The milking process accounts for a significant proportion of
variance in new infection rate between farms.

Milking machine infrastructure and settings can affect the anatomy and physiology of the teat, with both
short term and long term changes impacting upon animal welfare, udder health and milking efficiency.
Paradoxically, the anatomy and physiology of the cows can affect the function of the milking machine, with
different teat dimensions and milk flow rates leading to variation in the forces that the machine applies to
the cow.

Understanding the relationship between milking machine and cow allows the veterinary surgeon to identify
risks for intramammary infection that result from the milking process. This workshop uses a peer-reviewed
evidence-base to equip attendees with a detailed knowledge of teat pathologies and their respective
pathogeneses. Practical methods to identify the specific risk factors of the milking process involved in these
cases will be detailed and discussed, along with solutions to the most common problems seen in practice.
Advice will be provided on incorporating the knowledge and expertise acquired during the session into the
udder health troubleshooting already carried out by the attendees.

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CATTLE PRACTICE VOLUME 29 PART 1

Can we build a sustainable veterinary profession through curriculum
change?

Smith, R., Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological
Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE

Co-authored by the VetSustain Curriculum group chaired by Sharon Boyd (University of Edinburgh). Ms Laura Higham
(Vet Sustain and University of Edinburgh), Dr Julie Dickson (University of Bristol), Miss Jenny Reeve (University of
Bristol), Dr Louisa Slingsby (University of Bristol), Dr Milorad Radakovic (University of Cambridge), Professor Alun
Williams (University of Cambridge), Professor Susan Rhind. Ms Samantha Fontaine (University of Glasgow) , Ms Noelia
Yusta (University of Glasgow), Professor Matt Jones (Harper Adams University), Dr Gretchen Neary (University of
Liverpool), Professor Robert Smith (University of Liverpool), Professor David Connolly (Royal Veterinary College), Dr Zoe
Halfacree MRCVS (Royal Veterinary College), Ms Hannah Davies (University of Surrey), Mr Ken Stapleton (Veterinary
Medicines Directorate), Dr Danny Chambers MRCVS (RCVS Education Committee member).

ABSTRACT
The veterinary curriculum develops graduates who can tackle difficult situations; a key skill in a rapidly
changing world (Marouli 2021). However, sustainability concepts are rarely taught explicitly in veterinary
curricula (Kramer and others 2020). Students have advocated for the inclusion of sustainability concepts
in higher education curricula for over 40 years (SOS-UK 2021). In the face of global crises, this workshop
provides a first step in taking up their challenge to create a future-thinking, resilient profession based on the
foundations of long-term sustainability.

This workshop incorporates three strands, allowing delegates to select their area of interest.
1. Key sustainability themes for the veterinary curriculum.
2. Sustainability of veterinary processes and activities.
3. Role of the veterinary professional in advocating for sustainability beyond the profession (including
advising farmers etc).

The workshop will begin with a ten-minute presentation providing an overview of sustainability in the
profession. Delegates will move to breakout clusters for facilitated group discussions on the workshop themes.
The groups will return to the main “room” for a summary of each theme and opportunities for delegates to
remain involved in the process post-conference.

REFERENCES

Kramer, C.G., McCaw, K.A., Zarestky, J., Duncan, C.G. (2020)
Veterinarians in a Changing Global Climate: Educational
Disconnect and a Path Forward. Frontiers in Veterinary
Science 7: 1029. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.613620
Marouli, C. (2021) Sustainability Education for the Future?
Challenges and Implications for Education and Pedagogy
in the 21st Century. Sustainability 13(5): 2901. https://doi.
org/10.3390/su13052901
SOS-UK (2021) Students Organising for Sustainability - United
Kingdom (SOS-UK): Our background. Available at: https://
sustainability.nus.org.uk/about/timeline-of-our-work
(Accessed on 12.04.2021)

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Dynamic health planning in beef herds

Geraghty, T., SRUC Vet Service Aberdeen, Mill of Craibstone, Craibstone Estate, Aberdeen, AB21
9TB

ABSTRACT
Effective health planning in seasonal beef and sheep systems has the potential to improve health, welfare
and production efficiency. Uptake of active health planning on these farms can be limited however, often
restricted to the minimal statutory requirements of farm assurance schemes, and thought of as a tick box
exercise by the farmer. Vet practices aiming to ‘sell’ more effective health planning services can struggle to
find a market outside of a small number of progressive clients. The aim of Dynamic Health Planning is to try
to address these issues by promoting a different approach to health planning activity, and create a demand
led market for veterinary health planning services.

This workshop will be an interactive session outlining a proposed new approach to Dynamic Health Planning
in seasonal beef and sheep farms.

Discussion and interaction will be welcomed throughout as the workshop covers key concepts including:
• The importance of being farmer led (veterinary facilitated)
• Following a ‘herd health cycle’ over the season (no big annual meeting)
• Maximising cost: benefit of vet-time to the farmer
• Integration of nutritionists and other business consultants
• Focussing on the coming years performance (not last years)
• Prioritising practical, on-farm interventions to mitigate risk and deliver real improvements
• Avoiding data being a barrier
• Celebrating ‘failure’ and generating demand for vet investigations
• Generating farmer interest and getting started

This workshop will be best suited to practitioners that are actively working with beef and sheep clients and
are interested in further developing practice level herd health services. Attendees will have the opportunity
to assess and comment on the proposed structure and will leave the session with a good understanding of
the key concepts and how they might be best applied in their own practice setting.

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Benchmarking the UK Dairy Herd: What does it show and how do you
make use of the findings?

Hanks, J., PAN Livestock Services Limited/Vet. Epidemiology and Economics Research Unit,
School of Agriculture, Policy & Development (SAPD), University of Reading, PO Box 237, Reading
RG6 6EU

The University of Reading has conducted annual Fertility:
studies of dairy herd fertility, production and health • The median calving interval in 2020 is 400
since 2010 using a randomly selected sample of 500 days. This has reduced steadily from 424
herds that milk record with National Milk Records days in 2010.
(NMR). The primary objective has always been • The median conception rate in 2020 is
to provide farmers and their technical advisers 35%. There has been a gradual increase of
with key performance indicators (KPI) that can be 3% since 2010 but one herd in four has a
directly compared against the performance of conception rate of 29% or less.
an individual herd to highlight key strengths, • The median % of inter-service intervals at
weaknesses and trends in herd performance 18-24 days (heat detection) in 2020 is 39%.
via the InterHerd+ program. All the studies are This continues an upward trend from 30%
available at http://www.interherdplus.com/ in 2010. However, one herd in four still
annual-kpi-studies/ detects under 31% of service returns at the
next available oestrus.
Many of the parameter calculations have • The median submission rate in 2020 is 40%,
not changed since 2010 so results are directly a steady increase from 27% in 2010.
comparable across all studies and provide a valuable • The median pregnancy rate in 2020 is 14%,
description of how performance has changed in the an increase from 9% in 2010.
national herd over time.
Milk production:
Other parameters, in particular relating to • The median Lifetime milk per cow per day
Johne’s disease, are recently added. These provide (since birth) in 2020 is 12.8kg, down from
an indication of the prevalence of the disease and 13.00 in 2019. This parameter increased
which herds are in control or otherwise of the every year from 2013 to 2019.
disease. • The median Milk per cow per year (milk per
cow place) in 2020 is 8,904kg. Since 2010
This study reviews the main parameters, with the median milk/cow/year has increased by
example of how a practising vet use them for 16% (1,239kg/cow/year).
evidence based discussions with their clients. In • The median protein % content of milk has
addition the study will examine the main trends increased from 3.27% in 2010 to 3.32% in
across the industry and the implications this may 2020.
have at the farm level. • The median fat % content of milk has
increased from 3.96% in 2010 to 4.13% in
A selection of the KPIs and how they have 2020.
changed since 2010 are given below:
Somatic Cell Counts (SCC):
Herd size: • The median herd SCC in 2020 is 173,000
• Median herd size in 2020 is 174 cows. One cells/ml milk a reduction of 39,000 since
herd in four has over 252 cows and one 2010 study. The median herd SCC in 2010
(214,000) was bettered by 375/500 (75%)
herd in four has below 118 cows. of herds in 2020.
• 346 (69%) of the 500 herds had a herd SCC
Longevity: below 200,000 cells in 2020. This contrasts
• The median age at first calving in 2020 is with 218/500 (44%) herds in the 2010 study.
2.3 years. The median age at exit is 6.0 • The median level of chronic high SCC
years giving 3.7 years of productive life. cows in 2020 is 9%. This is down from 14%
• Age at first calving and at exit are lower of cows in 2010. The strong association
than in 2010.
• The median lactations per cow at exit in
2020 (3.5 lactations) is 0.4 less than 2010.
• The median culling rate in 2020 is 28%. This
has increased from 24% since 2010.

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(R2>0.7) between the % chronic high SCC
cows and herd SCC occurred in every study.
• The median % cows completing lactations
with no high SCC recordings in 2020 is 49%.
This has increased steadily since 2010 when
33% of lactations recorded no high SCCs.

Mastitis: Cases are not consistently recorded
across all 500 herds. Since 2016 a subset of the 500
herds (recording 5 or more cases/100 cows/year)
has been included for analysis of mastitis incidence.

• Median mastitis incidence in the 2020
subset is 28 cases per 100 cows per year.

Johne’s disease (JD):
• In the 233 herds that tested for over two
years, the median percentage of cows with
multiple (more than one) high JD test result
is 3.2%. The equivalent figure in the 2018
analysis was 3.5%. There were 21 herds
(9%) that had no cows with more than one
high test.
• The median percentage of cows with any
high test result(s) is 9.1% of cows, up from
8.6% in 2018. There were just two herds
(<1%) that had no cows with any high test
result(s).
• Among the 105 herds regularly testing for
at least 7 years, the percentage of cows
with more than a single high test result
peaked close to 7% between August 2015
and July 2016. Since then the prevalence
has more than halved to the current level
below 3.5%.

The results show the dynamic nature of milk
production. The UK dairy sector is increasingly
efficient with increases in milk production KPIs
(milk/cow/year and milk/cow/day of life) and
steady improvements in fertility parameters
and SCC parameters. Herd size appears to have
stabilised in recent years, after increasing in the
first half of the current decade. Along with this, the
productive life of cows appears static at just over
3.5 lactations, with herd turnover replacing over
25% of cows every year (culling rate 27%). Mastitis
is not a major issue in the majority of herds.
Johne’s disease is widespread and the evidence of
effective control is inconsistent.

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Investigating the prevalence of poor mental well-being amongst UK dairy
farmers

Duke, J., New Student Village, RVC, Hawkshead Lane

ABSTRACT
The research into farming globally shows many factors of the work contribute to different personal aspects
which come together to form ‘mental well-being’. Financial pressures, legislation and regulation, climate
variability, pesticide exposure, worker health/injury, and time pressure have all been cited as affecting self-
esteem, optimism, anxiety, stoicism, feelings of being overwhelmed, fatigue and insomnia. The aim of this
study was to investigate prevalence of poor mental well-being in UK dairy farmers. A survey containing the
Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scales (WEMWBS) and General Health Questionnaires (GHQ-12), plus
demographic questions, was distributed online to dairy companies and dairy farming social media sites. 32 UK
dairy farmers completed the survey. Well-being and mental health were found to be significantly poorer than
the UK and English general populations. WEMWBS scored a mean result of 42.69 versus 49.85 in the English
general population (p<0.0001). GHQ-12 Likert score had a mean result of 15.09 versus a mean of 11.06 in
the UK general population (p=0.0083). The proportion of respondents that scored above the threshold for
psychiatric morbidity on the GHQ-12 scale were 53% which is significantly higher than the English general
population (women=21%, men=16%; p<0.0001) and 44% had considered leaving the profession. Main reasons
given were financial pressures, lack of family and social time, stress and anxiety, and lack of respect from
organisations and the general public. The small sample size limited the study and further analysis should be
undertaken into external stressors, which are out of the farmers control, in order to prevent mental distress
from developing.

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Clinical examination of cattle: teaching and learning

Wood, S., University of Bristol Veterinary School, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU

ABSTRACT
The RCVS day one competencies, updated in 2020, state a newly graduated vet must be able to “perform a
complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context. Whilst the newly qualified veterinary
surgeon should be competent to perform a complete examination, they should know when it is appropriate
to adapt their examination to the circumstances.” What does this look like in cattle practice and does this fit
with what we are teaching?

In this study we ran focus groups with final year students to discuss their experiences of learning this skill
and evaluate their experiences of assessment. Students at the University of Bristol learn to perform a clinical
examination of cattle as they move into clinical teaching, with practical classes and supporting resources
such as an online video and “1 page summary” diagram. Students are also encouraged to practise clinical
examination skills during extra-mural studies (EMS) placements, documenting their experiences and learning
in a reflective log which is discussed with tutors. Further practical classes ahead of clinical rotations and cases
during rotations aim to encourage students to adapt their approach to the circumstances. Clinical examination
skills are assessed in final year as part of a series of Directly Observed Procedural Skills (DOPS), these allow
valid assessment of key practical skills, feasible in the clinical environment.

Focus group transcripts underwent thematic analysis and we present here key themes from the particpants
with a focus on teaching and learning of this skill. When asked about their experience of clinical examinations
prior to final year rotations, many students felt inexperienced in this skill. Is this perhaps due to the type of
work most commonly performed by ambulatory farm animal vets e.g. fertility work, routine management
practices, preventative medicine and surgery? Students reported only occasionally observing a full clinical
examination. It could also be considered that the student may be unaware that the vet may be performing a
more detailed examination, as they point out the interesting parts for the student to assess for themselves.
This differed to small animal experiences, reported by the students in our focus group, where they felt
they had exposure to a full clinical examination more frequently. The participants did acknowledge that a
full structured clinical examination was a valuable skill used in first opinion ambulatory practice. Students
valued the practical classes and access to the online video, particularly its value as a revision tool.

Our findings indicate that students benefit from opportunities to observe and perform clinical
examinations, and experience with practitioners in the field plays a part in gaining confidence and competence
with this key day one skill. Through dissemination of the findings of this study we hope to encourage
practitioners in the field to highlight opportunities to observe and perform examinations whether that be
focused (system-based) or a complete examination, but also discuss their approach with EMS students.

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The future of farm animal practice

Remnant, J., University of Nottingham, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton
Bonington, Loughborough, LE12 5RD

ABSTRACT
The farm animal veterinary sector is changing. Changes are needed at all levels of the “farm vet pipeline”. This
is a global challenge, with opportunities to learn from shared challenges and opportunities internationally.

The author received funding from the Trehane Trust, via the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust, to
undertake a study tour investigating these issues globally. Topics spanning the entire farm vet pipeline were
explored: Admissions and outreach, training and inspiring, recruitment and retention and services and
business models. Several themes have been identified that impact on the whole pipeline. These themes
include “values”, the values vets have and how their work aligns with them; inclusivity; flexible working; out
of hours working; collaboration; herd health; and technology.

Real world solutions and challenges from visits to The Netherlands, Canada, USA, New Zealand and Australia
will be presented alongside an overview of academic research in these areas from both the UK and overseas.

The author’s full report is available from the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust website here https://www.
nuffieldscholar.org/reports/gb/2019/ensuring-veterinary-profession-meets-needs-livestock-agriculture-
now-and-future.

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What can vets do to help dairy and beef clients improve their production
and nutritional efficiency? How can we measure improvement and provide
‘sustainability’ related services?

Husband, J., Martineau, H., Map of Ag, Suite 1A, Cumbria House, Gilwilly Road, Penrith, Cumbria,
CA11 9FF

ABSTRACT
The UK aims to be net zero for Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. As UK agriculture accounts for
10% of the country’s GHG emissions, action within the industry is bound to be an important part of reaching
this target. Agriculture is currently a net GHG source but the sector ambition is to be Net Zero by 2040 with
retailers and processors with challenging emissions reductions and net zero targets. To deliver this we must
reduce emissions intensity and preserve and add to existing C stocks in the soil. This requires a coordinated
approach between animal health and arable experts.

The agricultural industry needs to be able to demonstrate improved sustainability credentials in several
areas. This is important not only to mitigate effects on climate change but also to meet consumer demands
and challenges who have other choices and are increasingly moving to them. There has been a big emphasis
on animal health and welfare plus the reduction in use of antibiotics in the last 15 years which has been
very successful, but the consumer now expects that and more. Deforestation in South America is a concern
for consumers and is partly driven by soya production. Approximately 75% of the 4.2 million tonnes of
soybean equivalent imported into the UK is used for agriculture. Hence, the sustainable sourcing credentials
of agriculture and the feed companies that supply agriculture’s demands are being increasingly scrutinised
to provide certification that can guarantee that UK used soya is not contributing to land use change. If the
supply cannot be guaranteed alternative protein sources such as rape seed meal can be used. The supply of
protein to dairy cows can often be reduced with no negative effects on production and health and this will
almost always save the farmer money. In addition, protein efficiency can sometimes be improved through
more efficient use of home-grown forages and better management of grazed grass. Protein use efficiency can
be routinely measured on dairy if the milk protein output and feed protein inputs are known. The inputs for
this easy equation can be automated so this figure can be available monthly. Once the industry knows what
good and bad looks like we can advise farmers on how to improve.

Many retailers are setting more ambitious sustainability targets than the government; for instance,
Morrison’s aims to be net carbon zero within its own supply base by 2030. These targets have driven activity
around measuring GHG and protein/N usage on farm. Key input data include animal numbers, yields, feed
usage and fertiliser usage that can drive the models with decent accuracy. Veterinary practices hold much of
the required input data already or can get access to it with client permission. Much of the data entry can be
done with very little farmer input and is within the scope of veterinary practices in much the same way that
progressive practices benchmark farms on reproductive and health performance.

The net zero GHG target is particularly challenging for the beef sector and carrying out assessments can be
difficult because beef farms tend to be ‘data poor’ compared with dairy farms. However, through accurate
data collection relating to the inputs mentioned above herds can be compared, farmers engaged with and
advice can be given. This is important as carrying out a GHG measurement periodically will not be enough to
drive change without data driven evidence-based advice coming in behind it.

In both dairy and beef, the information required for GHG and NUE assessments is extremely useful for vets to
provide better consultancy services to clients. This not only helps clients with their compliance requirements
but also offers the opportunity to improve production efficiency and better farm profits as sustainability
metrics and profitability are closely linked.

Vets are very familiar with disease control and reproductive performance and will be aware of the effects
these have on GHG emissions and profitability. By adding GHG and protein/N usage to existing benchmarking
exercises and providing advisory services following in behind what the data shows veterinary practices can
improve their offer to their clients.

Farmers are being scrutinised more and more in this area and if the veterinary profession does not provide
these services other consultancy organisations certainly will.

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Embracing sustainability in veterinary practice

Black, D., Paragon Veterinary Group, Carlisle House, Townhead Road, Dalston, Carlisle, CA5 7DR

Sustainable farming systems play an essential role in tackling the climate and ecological crises, and as
members of the vet-led team involved in animal agriculture, we have an essential role to play.

Our planet is facing catastrophic environmental crisis: climate change, biodiversity collapse, species
extinctions, food and resource scarcity. Climate change is considered to be the greatest global threat to
human health (Costello 2009), although antimicrobial resistance may be just as great, threatening the lives of
many millions of people. We also know that 75% of new infectious diseases are zoonotic – many originating
as a result of human behaviours at the animal-human-environment interface.

The veterinary professions have a unique One Health perspective regarding the interplay between animal,
human and environmental health. We have a position of responsibility and influence and the potential to be
a leading force for sustainability. As a profession, we can have an impact at several levels; as individuals in the
way we live our lives, as veterinary businesses, and as trusted advocates advising clients on many aspects of
sustainability from optimising health, to medicine use to regenerative agriculture.

In a 2019 BVA survey, 89% of the veterinary profession stated that they wished to play a more active
role in the sustainability agenda yet most recently, initial findings from a joint survey by Vet Sustain and
VDS (Halfacree and Stonehewer 2021) indicate that further information and support is sought. From 446
respondent practices, albeit a potentially skewed sample, only 72 (17.5 per cent) said that their practice
had a policy regarding environmental sustainability while 240 (54 per cent) felt that a greater knowledge
of sustainable solutions for veterinary practices would encourage their practice to create an environmental
sustainability policy. Many things we do in clinical practice are designed to optimise patient welfare and
outcome, in addition to maintaining health and safety of the veterinary team. Changes made for sustainability
do not need to compromise these standards.

Some examples of continued change for sustainability in clinical practice include:

• Responsible resource use;

◊ Responsible use of resources reduces the environmental impact, preserves resources for the future
and can bring cost savings. A simple, and yet key, change for veterinary practices is switching to a
green energy provider and promoting a ‘switch off’ culture.

◊ Optimising waste management is a further key area that can reduce environmental impact.
Reducing resource use is the first step in the waste reduction hierarchy (The Waste (England &
Wales) regulations 2011), followed by re-use and recycling. A great example of a switch to a re-
usable system is changing from single-use plastic sharps containers, which once full are incinerated
along with their contents, to re-usable sharps containers.

◊ A large proportion of healthcare waste is plastic. The use of plastics in medicine has revolutionised
healthcare: their material properties have allowed invaluable equipment to be developed, however
plastics have an environmental impact in their synthesis and disposal, or persistence in the
environment. Currently, less that 5% of medical plastics are estimated to be recycled in the human
field (Rizan and others 2020), whilst it is suggested that 45-64% are considered to be potentially
recyclable; this data is not yet available in the veterinary sector.

• Be sustainable in business operations

◊ Consideration should be given to clinical protocols to ensure they are optimal, lean and efficient.
Travel associated with activities of the practice or hospital could be rationalised to reduce carbon
emissions; both of supplies delivered and the delivery of veterinary services. This is a key area for
the largely ambulatory farm vet – as ranges and availability of fast charging improves, a move to
hybrid or all-electric vehicles is more attractive – or even hydrogen power. The use of technologies
such as trackers to further improve farm visit efficiencies could be considered.

• Use and advise on using medicines responsibly
◊ Appropriate use of antimicrobials, including antiparasitic agents, is essential to mitigate the

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development of antimicrobial resistance. The use of selective deworming and routine use of faecal
egg counts in practice provides a leading example of responsible medicine use within the veterinary
sector. We have a vital role as veterinary surgeons to make decisions about the treatment protocols
we choose and how we educate the clients about appropriate pharmaceutic use and disposal.

Vet Sustain have released a free resource, the Greener Veterinary Practice checklist (www.vetsustain.org/
resources/vet-practice-checklist) to help veterinary practices embark upon their sustainability journey. The
checklist highlights simple steps to embed sustainability into clinical practice; when done one step at a time,
it is not difficult to do.

Some examples of how as advocates and advisors we can influence the agricultural sector:
• Inform ourselves, understand the science, technology and terminology
◊ Understand the science (e.g. GWP, carbon footprints)
◊ Understand the terminology (organic, regenerative, sustainable +/- intensification)
◊ Be aware of legislation and policy (The Agriculture Act 2020, Farming Rules for Water, Farming is
Changing, ELMS, Animal Health and Welfare Pathway etc)
◊ Optimise health and welfare at all times [BVA Policy on Sustainable Agriculture]
◊ Understand the impacts of genetics/genomics and (advanced) breeding
◊ Ensure responsible medicine use across clients’ farms – we are the gatekeepers
◊ Consider feed conversion efficiency as well as land use efficiency

The first output from the Vet Sustain Food & Farming Working Group, in partnership with VetSalus, provides
examples of how vets in farm practice are leveraging their unique positions as trusted advisors to create a more
sustainable food and farming future. The resource is designed to enable and inspire farm vet practitioners
to support their clients in creating successful and sustainable farming businesses that are fit for the future.

In preparation is a self-directed modular e-learning course covering all aspects of sustainable farming and
adapted to suit practitioners and others who are interested in production animal vet practice and about
protecting the planet we share.

We must all feel empowered to engage with sustainability: for the future of our planet and to ensure
ongoing provision of outstanding veterinary care.

REFERENCES

Costello, A., Abbas, M., Allen, A., Ball, S., Bell, S., Bellamy,
R., Friel, S., Groce, N., Johnson, A., Kett, M., Lee, M., Levy, C.,
Maslin, M., McCoy, D., McGuire, B., Montgomery, H., Napier,
D., Pagel, C., Patel, J., Antonio, J., de Oliveira, P., Redclift, N.,
Rees, H., Rogger, D., Scott, J., Stephenson, J., Twigg, J., Wolff,
J., Patterson, C. (2009) Managing the health effects of climate
change. The Lancet Commissions 373: 1693-1733
Halfacree, Z., Stonehewer, J. (2021) Vet professionals want to
make sustainability changes. Veterinary Record 189: 157-157
https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.860

Rizan, C., Mortimer, F., Stancliffe, R., Bhutta, M. (2020)
Plastics in health care: a time for re-evaluation. Journal

of the Royal Society of Medicine 113: 49-54 https://
www.veterinaryevidence.org/index.php/ve/article/

download/251/318?inline=1

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Implementation of an integrated control plan to minimise neonatal suckler
calf and lamb mortality

Gascoigne, E., Synergy Farm Health LTD, Evershot, DT2 0LD

ABSTRACT
Neonatal mortality in the beef suckler herd and sheep flock are significant costs to welfare, productivity and
sustainability and feature highly on the animal welfare agenda. Disease in newborn calves and lambs is also
an important driver of antimicrobial use on farm.

An integrated plan “Target Survival” was developed based on prior peer-reviewed data and GB wide survey
data and interviews with vets and farmers. The plan is based on the HACCP model with critical control points
identified throughout the year. The rings of the target reflect key themes from the literature i.e. nutrition,
shelter, infection, colostrum, breeding and the farm team with critical importance for reducing neonatal
losses. Intervention and control flocks/herds were contacted weekly throughout Spring 2019 and 2020 to
collate neonatal losses to appraise the impact of “Target Survival” of neonatal losses.

Results will be available for presentation at BCVA 2020.
We will consider:

• “Target Survival” and where the research gaps lie when designing a neonatal loss control plan.
• Engaging farmers with “Target Survival” and attitudes towards reducing losses.
• The impact of plan implementation on neonatal losses and animal health.

This work was funded by the UK levy bodies (AHDB, HCC and QMS) and makes use of the following hashtags:
#everylambcounts, #everycalfcounts

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Risk factors for failure of passive transfer and assisted vaginal delivery in
British suckler calves

Bragg, R.1, Macrae, A.1, Lycett, S.2, Burrough, E.1, Russell, G.1, Corbishley, A.1,
1Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter
Bush Campus, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG
2The Roslin Institute, Easter Bush Campus, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG

BACKGROUND significant predictors for calves having a [sIgG]
Calves are born agammaglobulinemic and <24g/L (Lead to dam OR = 1.85, Bottle/tube
are dependent on the intake and uptake of fed dam’s colostrum OR = 2.35, Bottle/tube fed
immunoglobulins from colostrum for protection artificial colostrum OR = 3.78), whilst bottle/tube
against infectious diseases in early life. Failure feeding either dam’s or artificial colostrum were
of passive transfer of immunoglobulins (FPT) also significant for [sIgG] <10g/L (OR 2.66 and
has been defined as a serum IgG concentration 2.34 respectively). Male calves had a higher risk
([sIgG]) of under 10g/L in dairy calves, associated for [sIgG] <10g/L (OR 1.68) whereas being a twin
with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity. or being born to a heifer were predictive of having
The prevalence of FPT in dairy calves is well a [sIgG] <24g/L (OR 3.31 and 1.57 respectively).
described, however there is limited data relating Breed of calf when classified as native bred or
to the prevalence and risk factors for FPT in the continental bred had no significant effect on risk of
beef sector, especially relating specifically to developing FPT.
Great Britain. Previous studies of beef calves in
Canada and Ireland described estimates between RISK FACTORS FOR CALVING ASSISTANCE
5.8-33% depending on the thresholds used (Filteau Since we identified calving assistance as a
and others 2003, Todd and others 2018). The only significant risk factor for calves developing FPT,
published estimates for prevalence in GB beef this was further investigated to determine risk
calves are nearly 50 years old (Logan and Gibson factors for live calves requiring assisted vaginal
1975). Therefore, this study aimed to provide a deliveries. Calves from Caesarean sections
more up to date estimate for GB prevalence of FPT were excluded from the study. Within the study
within the beef suckler herd, as well as looking at population, 907 calves born on 68 farms reported
potential risk factors for FPT. calving indoors, 83 calves born on 7 farms reported
mixed indoor and outdoor calving, and 118 calves
STUDY DESIGN born on 9 farms reported calving outdoors. The
This study quantified [sIgG] in 1,131 blood samples assistance rate for these calves was 19.2% for herds
taken from beef suckler calves born on 84 farms calving indoors (n=174), 21.7% for mixed indoor/
in Great Britain in spring 2018 (mean 13.5 calves outdoor calving farms (n=18) and 8.5% for outdoor
sampled per farm, range 3-22). Age of calves at calving farms (n=10).
sampling ranged from 1-13 days. The estimated
prevalence of calves with [sIgG] <10g/L in this study Twins (OR = 5.45), Charolais calves (OR = 3.24),
population was 15% (145 calves), whilst 37% (396 calves from primiparous dams (OR = 5.75) and
calves) calves had a [sIgG] <24g/L. 22 out of the 84 male calves (OR = 1.75) were at significantly
farms had no calves sampled with [sIgG] <10g/L. increased risk of calving assistance across all
modelling. Calves born to cows classed as thin (BCS
FAILURE OF PASSIVE TRANSFER RISK <2.5/5) were identified in univariate analysis and
FACTORS in one multivariate model (OR = 1.92) as having
Risk factors predictive of [sIgG] were calculated an increased likelihood of dystocia. Calf weight as
using univariate and multivariate generalised linear a proportion of adult weight was developed as a
mixed models, with farm included as a random ratio (CWAWR) to try and determine whether this
effect. Calving assistance was significant and could be a useful metric to help in the prediction
increased the likelihood of [sIgG] concentrations of calving difficulty. We found that proportionally
<10g/L and [sIgG] <24g/L (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.66 larger calves to cow size (upper quartile of
and 1.91 respectively). All three levels of assistance CWAWR) were indeed at significantly increased
with colostrum feeding used in this study were risk of requiring calving assistance. This should help
to inform breeding decisions in terms of wanting

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the maximum calf produced per cow, but with the
least likelihood of requiring assistance given the
long-term impact on the calf and cow requiring
assistance.

CONCLUSIONS
Calving assistance was shown to be an important
risk factor for calves developing FPT, and so
attempts to limit this risk factor can therefore help
to reduce the risk for neonatal calves. Requiring
assistance at birth can not only lead to FPT but also
has been shown to have an impact on the dams’
future fertility in both beef and dairy cows.

Most beef herds have limited scope to manage
cows on the basis of foetal sex and number.
However, calf breed, dam body condition and
management of primiparous dams can be
manipulated to reduce the risk of dystocia and
improve supervision. Poor body condition is a novel
risk factor for dystocia in beef cows and worthy of
further investigation.

This study raises important questions with
respect to colostrum management practices on
beef farms and highlights the need for revised
protocols, particularly with respect to colostrum
assistance, to improve calf health and productivity.

REFERENCES

Filteau, V., Bouchard, E., Fecteau, G., Dutil, L., DuTremblay,
D. (2003) Health status and risk factors associated with failure
of passive transfer of immunity in newborn beef calves in
Québec. Can. Vet. J. = La Rev. Vet. Can. 44: 907–13
Logan, E.F., Gibson, T. (1975) Serum immunoglobulin levels in
suckled beef calves. Vet. Rec. 97: 229–230
Todd, C.G., McGee, M., Tiernan, K., Crosson, P., O’Riordan,
E., McClure, J., Lorenz, I., Earley, B. (2018) An observational
study on passive immunity in Irish suckler beef and dairy
calves: Tests for failure of passive transfer of immunity
and associations with health and performance. Prev.
Vet. Med. 159: 182–195. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.
PREVETMED.2018.07.014

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Metabolic status prior to calving: are suckler cows getting what they need
to calve unaided, feed a vigorous calf and conceive within six weeks of
calving?

Corbishley, A., Bragg, R., Burrough, E., Russell, G., Macrae, A., The Royal (Dick) School of
Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG

ABSTRACT
Nutritional status in late gestation suckler cows is poorly characterised. It is often assumed that due to their
modest nutritional requirements in comparison to milking dairy cows or ewes carrying multiple fetuses,
that their nutritional status should not be an area of concern. To determine whether this was the case,
blood samples were taken from 988 cows in 84 British spring calving suckler herds. Cows were sampled in
the month prior to the start of the calving block. Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB), non-esterified fatty acids
(NEFAs), glucose, urea nitrogen (urea-N), albumin, globulin, phosphate, copper, magnesium and glutathione
peroxidase (GSHPx) were measured in each sample. Pooled plasma inorganic iodine was also measured for
each herd. Due to the lack of validated optimal cut-offs for suckler cows, validated cut-offs for late gestation
dry dairy cows were used for interpretation.

• 6.7% cows sampled had an elevated BOHB result (>0.6mmol/l) and hence were failing to meet their
current energy requirements and mobilising body fat reserves at an excessive rate in the run up to
calving.

• 30.9% cows had a low glucose result (<3.0mmol/l), which may be indicative of either particularly
severe negative energy balance, or problems with short term energy supply from the rumen i.e. low
levels of Fermentable Metabolisable Energy (FME) in the ration.

• 35.4% cows had an elevated NEFA result (>0.4mmol/l), another indicator of negative energy balance
and excessive body fat mobilisation. Elevated NEFAs are of particular concern due to their association
with fatty liver disease, which can have serious consequences in energy restricted suckler cows.

• 57.0% cows had a low urea-N result (<1.8mmol/l), indicating that short term intakes of Effective
Rumen Degradable Protein (ERDP) were inadequate. Poor ERDP supply results in poor rumen function,
inefficient utilisation of the ration and an increased risk of rumen impactions.

• 10.4% cows had a low albumin result (<30g/l) and hence a poor long term protein status. This is
usually a consequence of a concurrent disease, potentially diseases like lameness, Johne’s Disease or
liver fluke.

• 29.3% cows had a low magnesium result (<0.8mmol/l), indicating that they were at risk of both clinical
and subclinical hypomagnesaemia. Whilst clinical disease (grass staggers) is obvious and potentially
fatal, subclinical hypomagnesaemia can be more insidious, potentially resulting in slow calvings,
failure to calve unaided and a higher risk of milk fever and hence uterine prolapse.

• 3.1% cows had a low phosphate result (<1.4 mmol/l), indicating that they were failing to meet their
current phosphate requirements. Most of these results were in isolated individual animals and
probably reflected reduced dietary intakes in the run up to calving, rather than problems with overall
dietary phosphate supply.

• 3.8% cows had elevated globulin results (>50g/l), indicating that they were suffering from a chronic
inflammatory disease, potentially something like lameness.

• 0.2% cows had a low copper result (<3.0µmol/l). The cut-off of 3.0µmol/l is used to define clinical
copper deficiency. It is important to note that blood copper levels tend to only decline once liver and
other tissue stores have been depleted. Nonetheless, only one of the cows sampled had a blood test
result indicative of clinical copper deficiency.

• 4.9% cows had a low GSHPx result (<50 units/g Hb) and hence their intakes of selenium over the 2-3
months prior to calving were inadequate. As with the copper results, only a very small proportion of
the cows had any evidence of selenium deficiency.

• 7.6% of herds had a low pooled plasma iodine result (<50ng/ml). Again, similar to the copper and
selenium results, the iodine status of the majority of herds sampled was satisfactory.

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This is the first description of the metabolic status of late gestation suckler cows in GB. Taken together, this
study indicates that despite the relatively modest nutritional requirements of suckler cows, the energy and
short-term protein status of a significant proportion of suckler cows in GB is poor. The number of cows at risk
of hypomagnesaemia is also of concern. The results for the other minerals tested for in this study indicate
that the mineral status for the majority of suckler cows is generally adequate. The relationship between blood
parameters in late pregnancy that are indicative of poor energy and short term protein status with cow and
calf outcomes is unknown, however feed restriction and body condition loss in late pregnancy have been
shown to increase dystocia in cattle. There is therefore significant potential for poor metabolic status in late
pregnancy to adversely affect cow and calf health, welfare and productivity. Further work will be necessary
to determine whether blood parameter cut-offs that have been validated in dry late gestation dairy cows are
predictive of poorer production and health prospects of suckler cows.

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CATTLE PRACTICE VOLUME 29 PART 1

Tick Borne Diseases - a series of very different case presentations and not
always where you would expect

Hobbs, J., North Park Veterinary Group Ltd, 64 Fore Street, North Tawton, Devon, EX20 2DT

INTRODUCTION with some abortion and some small lambs born in
Located on and around Dartmoor National Park, the same litter with normal lambs. There was no
my practice has always seen cases of babesiosis response to vitamin B1. Ill thrift, wasting and death
(Red Water Fever) in cattle, typically in the region was subsequently noted in spring born suckle
of 10-15 animals per year. In November 2019 we calves in August.
had our first ever suspicion of Tickborne Fever (TBF)
in a group of store lambs. This was subsequently INVESTIGATION
confirmed. Following this initial case, we have seen Cases were investigated by a mixture of post-
several other large outbreaks across the practice mortem examinations (both in-house and through
over the past two years, with increasing frequency APHA Starcross) and the submission of EDTA blood
and with highly varied clinical presentations, as samples to APHA Starcross.
well as the emergence of louping ill.
FINDINGS
INITIAL PRESENTATIONS All cases tested positive for TBF, with diagnosis
Case one – November 2019. Ill thrift and ten confirmed by the detection of Anaplasma
deaths in a group of 150 7-month-old lambs phagocytophoilum DNA by PCR (spleen or EDTA
over the prior 10 days. The lambs were on rough blood, via Moredun). Post mortem findings were
moorland grazing, typically displaying lethargy, consistent with the ultimate cause of death and as
stupor and weakness, eventually progressing to follows:
recumbency and death. They were all vaccinated
with a multivalent clostridial vaccine and had last In cases one and four, these were typical of ill
been wormed 2 months prior. Regular faecal egg thrift (including hypoalbuminaemia and anaemia),
counts from the mob did not indicate a significant high worm burdens and pneumonia (caused by
worm burden. Bibersteinia trehalosi in case one, Mycoplasma
arginini in case four). Case four also had concurrent
Case two – May 2020. 3 lambs found dead cobalt and selenium deficiency; this demonstrates
over proceeding 3 days from group of 100 lambs the need to thoroughly investigate these cases.
6-8 weeks of age. One week prior, all lambs were
given a 1-BZ anthelmintic for N. battus prevention Case two had one submission with severe acute
and given their second injection of a multivalent pneumonia caused by Bibersteinia and a subsequent
clostridial and Pasteurella vaccination programme. submission with systemic Staphylococcus aureus;
Post-mortem examination was suggestive of so-called tick pyaemia.
Bibersteinia/pasteurellosis. The process of reporting
a suspect vaccination failure was initiated. Case five yielded Bibersteinia trehalosi and
Pasteurella multocida infections, with louping ill
Case three – June 2020. 6-week-old suckler calves confirmed by histology on brain as well as virus
on lowland grazing a few miles from moorland, detection by Haemagglutination inhibition test
presented with mild pneumonia but severe lethargy (HAIT) on serum. The group was toxoplasma and
and stupor unresponsive to antibiotic treatment enzootic abortion negative. Calcium, magnesium
administered by farmer. and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels were all within
normal limits.
Case four – October 2020. Wasting, recumbency
and death in 6-month-old lambs from a flock of INTERVENTION/FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS
500 on both rough moorland grazing and lowland Advice was given to all farms affected regarding the
pasture. application of suitable ectoparasiticides and the
grazing management of stock (where applicable).
Case five – April 2021. Two-week-old lambs Cases have been seen between February and
and recently lambed ewes with neurological November; I advise protection across this entire
signs including nystagmus, ultimately leading to period for “at risk” livestock.
recumbency and death. The group affected was
on lowland pasture and limited to 150 mule ewes
and their lambs. Two ewes had died with similar
symptoms two weeks prior to lambing, together

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CATTLE PRACTICE VOLUME 29 PART 1

DISCUSSION
TBF causes a marked lymphocytopenia
and neutropenia, resulting in a severely
immunocompromised animal. Case presentation is
wide and varied, depending on the ultimate agent
involved; consider TBF as an underlying cause of
disease.

Cases of tickborne disease are increasing and
have moved into previously unaffected areas
(Phipps and others 2020). Some of this may be
due to the availability of a relatively new test,
however I believe this to be a genuine increase
in disease prevalence. This is likely to be due to a
combination of new tick incursions, incursion of
disease into a formerly uninfected tick population,
and more favourable climatic conditions leading to
a faster completion of the tick lifecycle, ultimately
increasing the tick population.

It is likely that the drive to “re-wilding” will lead
to a further increase in the prevalence of tickborne
diseases as tick habitats become more common
and widespread. We should be mindful however of
the environmental impact of topical ectoparasiticide
treatments upon other invertebrates and the wider
ecosystem.

REFERENCES

Phipps, P., Johnson, N., Macrelli, M., Pile, N., McGinley, L.,
Hansford, K., Medlock, J. (2020) Expansion of red sheep tick
range in England. Veterinary Record 186(19):

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CATTLE PRACTICE VOLUME 29 PART 1

How you can support your beef clients through the Suckler Beef Producers
Association

Oliver, L-A., The Fold Farm Vets Ltd, Tyne Green, Hexham, NE46 3SG

ABSTRACT
The UK suckler beef herd is the second largest breeding herd in Europe after France. There are 1.527 million
suckler cows in Great Britain which has been in slow decline from a peak in the 1980’s (for comparison
there are currently 1.871 million dairy cows in GB). Suckler beef still dominates GB prime cattle at 57%, the
remaining 43% is supplied by the dairy herd as ‘dairy beef’.

At present there is little differentiation between dairy beef and suckler beef at all levels of the supply chain.
Antibiotic data, carbon data and even the labelling of the packaging on the supermarket shelf just refers to
generic ‘beef’. The Suckler Beef Producers Association (SBPA) has been set up to fly the flag for suckler beef by
generating positive support and grassroots signup from producers, vets, industry bodies and the wider supply
chain in England, Scotland and Wales.

How can you help?
• Record antibiotic use in a way that ensures sucklers are differentiated from dairy beef by supporting
data input from suckler producers into the new AHDB medicine hub.
• Promote, inform, and support beef suckler producers to enter data into the SBPA bespoke carbon
calculator to establish a baseline for carbon balance on suckler farms.
• Generally, be involved in collaborative and positive promotion of all activity emphasising the many
nutritional, eating quality, animal welfare and environmental benefits of suckler beef.

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CATTLE PRACTICE VOLUME 29 PART 1

Understanding public perceptions of dairy cow welfare using frame
analysis

Jackson, A., University of Nottingham, School of Veterinary Sciences, Sutton Bonington Campus,
Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, LE12 5RD

ABSTRACT
The mounting pressure dairy farming faces over animal welfare, coupled with the growth in sales of dairy
alternatives, highlights the importance of the dairy industry working with public audiences to develop a
shared vision of a welfare-positive future. However, efforts to understand the public’s preferences for dairy
cow management have revealed a wide range of priorities across different groups of citizens, as well as
divergence between these and the views held by farmers and veterinary surgeons. One possible cause for
this heterogeneity of opinion on welfare is the way people use different interpretive frames to construct a
range of meanings around new subjects or events. While divergent views on welfare have previously been
attributed to differences in socio-demographic background, values, attitudes or experiences of farming or
animals, the frames people have developed through broader experiences and memories could fundamentally
impact the way in which they perceive cows and the way farmers care for them. To investigate this further,
60 face-to-face interviews were conducted with a diverse range of participants using a semi-structured
questionnaire. Perceptions of the dairy cow and the farmer were captured, then analysed through inductive
thematic analysis. Frames identifying the cow as a fellow traveller or equal, as an entity worthy of awe and
respect, and as an object of pity worthy of fair treatment revealed a complex and multi-layered relationship
between members of the public and the cow. While frames for traditional and modern farmers were also
identified, both positive and negative perspectives were expressed about the same attributes within these
frames, which appeared to create conflict, confusion and some distrust over how the farmer delivers on their
responsibility for the cow’s welfare. These findings suggest that if the dairy industry wishes to develop a
shared common vision for dairy cow welfare with its external stakeholders, it should accept public interest in
the issue and legitimately consider their views. Furthermore, it should consider the confusion created around
the motives of the farmer, and work to build trust around a more positive, modernised image of the role.

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CATTLE PRACTICE VOLUME 29 PART 1

Randomised controlled trial shows living space impacts reproductive
performance, yield and behaviour of housed dairy cows

Thompson, J.S.1, Hudson, C.1, Robinson, R.1, Bollard, N.1, Woad, K.1, Huxley, J.2, Kaler, J.1, Green,
M.J.1.,
1School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington,
Loughborough, LE12 5RD
2School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, 4442, New
Zealand

APPLICATION lying areas) were identical between groups.
Living space is a basic requirement for all dairy Production data were recorded from Lely
cows whilst in housing yet its fundamental impact
on health and wellbeing remains unclear. This novel Astronaut A4 milking robots (daily cow yield and
piece of research relates to the ethics of farming as rumination time) analysed via mixed effects models.
well as the understanding of animal biology. This All key reproductive data such as day of conception,
research has shown that the housed environment, which was analysed by survival analysis. Cows were
specifically living space and total space allowance, fitted with location sensors providing position and
has significant impacts on dairy cow production, acceleration data for each cow using a novel wireless
reproduction and behaviour and thus could be sensor system (Omnisense). Direct comparisons of
limiting the potential of herds. This topic is also daily time budgets for key behavioural activities
relevant given the current high profile of intensive (i.e. lying times) were made between groups.
farming methods, particularly year-round housing.
RESULTS
INTRODUCTION Compared to cows in commercial average space,
The environment in which livestock are farmed cows with increased space, produced more milk
will have fundamental impacts on health and per 305 day lactation (heifers: ~12200L vs ~11600L,
wellbeing. Intensification of farming has become P<0.01, multiparous cows: ~14700L vs ~14600L,
more commonplace but remains an emotive P<0.01) but took longer to conceive (34d, P <0.05).
subject (Jackson and others 2020). Most dairy Cows with less living space spent less time in
cows globally are housed for at least 4-6 months of lying (~1hr/d), instead spending more time in the
the year (March and others 2014), yet virtually no passageways (~1.5hr/d). In terms of underlying
evidence exists on the long-term effects of specific physiology, cows with increased living space
housing conditions. Even the most fundamental ruminated for ~15 minutes/d (P<0.05) longer.
requirement, living space, has not been thoroughly
evaluated (Thompson and others 2020). CONCLUSION
This is the first long term study to demonstrate
This study aimed to quantify the effect on that increased living space results in meaningful
production, reproduction and behaviour, of an benefits in terms of productivity and behaviour. It is
increase in the living space allowance for adult likely that additional living space will be of benefit
dairy cows. to adult dairy cows but further research is needed
into the cost-effectiveness of providing extra space.
MATERIAL AND METHODS Acknowledgements
This long-term randomised controlled trial
was undertaken continuously over a 12-month This work was funded by Agriculture and
period, in a unique, purpose-built facility, which Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) Dairy.
allowed precise measurement and configuration
of the housed area. All elements of the trial were REFERENCES
conducted under home office license.
March, M.D., Haskell, M.J., Chagunda, M.G.G., Langford,
Adult Holstein dairy cows (n = 150) were randomly F.M., Roberts, D.J. (2014) Current trends in British dairy
allocated to a ‘high’ living space group (living space management regimens. J. Dairy Sci. 97: 7985–7994
= 6.5m2, total = 14m2) or ‘commercial average’ Jackson, A., Green, M., Millar, K., Kaler, J. (2020) Is it just
living space group (living space = 3m2, total = 9m2) about grazing? UK citizens have diverse preferences for how
(Thompson and others 2020); all other aspects of dairy cows should be managed. J. Dairy Sci. 103: 3250–3263
the housed infrastructure (e.g. feed-face length, Thompson, J.S., Huxley, J.N., Hudson, C.D., Kaler, J., Gibbons,
J., Green, M.J. (2020) Field survey to evaluate space
allowances for dairy cows in Great Britain. J. Dairy Sci., 103(4):
3745-3759

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