Journal of Animal Science

Liu,, Shuai;Alugongo,, Gibson;Li,, Jinghui;Cao,, Zhijun;Wang,, Yajing;Li,, Shengli

doi: 10.1093/jas/skz258.000pmid: N/A

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of housing system on performance and behavior of dairy calves during pre-weaning (d 1–42), weaning (d 43–56), post-weaning (d 57–63) and mixing (d 64–70) period. Thirty-seven newborn Holstein dairy calves were allocated to individual (n = 17) or pair housing (n = 10 pairs). After that, calves remained in their pens until d 63 ± 1, and then PH group and IH group were mixed and moved to 6 group pens randomly. Starter intake, fecal consistency scores and body weight were collected. Instantaneous scan-sampling with 5-min intervals was used to collect the behavioral observations (lying, ruminating, standing, eating, drinking, walking, self-grooming, manipulating object) for 48 h beginning on d 43, 50, 57 and the second day after mixing. Data were analyzed by mixed effect model with treatment, time, and the interaction between them as fixed effects, and animal within treatment as a random effect. During post-weaning period, PH group had higher starter intake (P = 0.02) and average daily gain (P = 0.02) than IH group. PH group weighed more on d 63 (P = 0.002) and d 70 (P = 0.002). PH group had higher diarrhea frequency than IH group in week 3 (P = 0.03). PH increased lying time in week 8 (P = 0.03) and walking time during post-weaning period (P = 0.05), yet IH group spent more time standing in week 8 (P = 0.008), eating during post-weaning period (P = 0.008), self-grooming during weaning period (week 7, P = 0.007; week 8, P = 0.03). Furthermore, previous housing system had no effect on calves’ behavior after mixing. In conclusion, Pair housing during post-weaning period improved performance of calves and housing system had on effect on behavior after mixing. Figure 1. Open in new tabDownload slide ADG (mean±SEM) for calves housed individually (n = 17 calves) or in pairs (n = 10 pairs). PH = calves housed in pairs; IH = calves housed individually. * P ≤ 0.05, † P < 0.10. Figure 1. Open in new tabDownload slide ADG (mean±SEM) for calves housed individually (n = 17 calves) or in pairs (n = 10 pairs). PH = calves housed in pairs; IH = calves housed individually. * P ≤ 0.05, † P < 0.10. Figure 2. Open in new tabDownload slide BW (mean±SEM) for calves housed individually (n = 17 calves) or in pairs (n = 10 pairs). PH = calves housed in pairs; IH = calves housed individually. * P ≤ 0.05, † P < 0.10. Figure 2. Open in new tabDownload slide BW (mean±SEM) for calves housed individually (n = 17 calves) or in pairs (n = 10 pairs). PH = calves housed in pairs; IH = calves housed individually. * P ≤ 0.05, † P < 0.10. Figure 3. Open in new tabDownload slide Diarrhea frequency for calves housed individually (n = 17 calves) or in pairs (n = 10 pairs) before 63d. PH = calves housed in pairs; IH = calves housed individually. * P ≤ 0.05. Figure 3. Open in new tabDownload slide Diarrhea frequency for calves housed individually (n = 17 calves) or in pairs (n = 10 pairs) before 63d. PH = calves housed in pairs; IH = calves housed individually. * P ≤ 0.05. Figure 4. Open in new tabDownload slide Time (mean±SEM) for calves (n = 6) performing each behavior as affected by different housing system during weaning, post-weaning and mixing period.* P ≤ 0.05. Figure 4. Open in new tabDownload slide Time (mean±SEM) for calves (n = 6) performing each behavior as affected by different housing system during weaning, post-weaning and mixing period.* P ≤ 0.05. This content is only available as a PDF. © The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected]. This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

Paredes-Sanchez, Francisco, A;Casas,, Eduardo;Parra-Bracamonte, G, M;Arellano-Vera,, W;Riley, David, G;Welsh, Thomas, H;Sifuentes-Rincón, A, M;Randel, Ronald, D

doi: 10.1093/jas/skz258.002pmid: N/A

Abstract The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions and genes associated with beef cattle temperament. Temperament, measured as exit velocity (EV; m/s), was recorded in 1,370 Brahman cattle from Texas A&M AgriLife Research at Overton, TX. We identified two groups of temperament-contrasting animals. Cows were calm if their EV of 0.16–3.41 m/s and bulls if their EV was 0.4–3.12 m/s (n-119). Cows were temperamental if their EV was 3.55–7.66 m/s and bulls if their EV was 3.13–10.83 m/s (n = 79). The 198 animals were genotyped using the GGP-HD-150K chip. 139,376 SNPs were evaluated for association with temperament. 13 SNP′s were associated with EV (P < 4.0E-05). The SNPs GABRG2-26484, NRXN3-26436 and TBX20-191081 are located in introns of the GABRG2, NRXN3 and TBX20 genes, respectively. The GABRG2 gene encodes a GABA receptor, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. The NRXN3 gene encodes receptor proteins related to chemical transmission at synapses. TBX20 is a member of the T-box transcription factor family expressed in the developing stages of heart, limbs, eye and ventral neural tube. To test the effect of these 3 SNP′s on EV, Pen-Score and Temperament-Score, a general linear model was fitted including the fixed effects of sex of calf and year of birth, and the individual effect of the 3 SNPs. The marker TBX20-191081 was associated with the three traits evaluated (P < 0.01), where the GG genotype was associated with the calmest temperament. The GG genotype had a significant effect on EV (P < 0.0001) that was 1.35 and 1.95 m/s slower than AG and AA, respectively. For TS, the GG genotype had a TS that was 1.41 and 1.24 DS less than those of the AA and GA genotypes. Our study indicates that genetic control of cattle temperament has a wide network of genes with divergent functions and genetic background specificity. This content is only available as a PDF. © The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected]. This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

Johnstone, Elizabeth, C;Coetzee,, Johann;Edwards-Callaway,, Lily;Pinedo,, Pablo

doi: 10.1093/jas/skz258.001pmid: N/A

Abstract The lack of FDA-approved analgesic drugs for use in cattle in the United States offers limited pain management options to cattle veterinarians and producers. An on-line survey was developed to investigate current use of pain mitigation by cattle veterinarians and producers. The survey was distributed electronically to multiple listservs in Summer 2018 (BEEF Magazine, American Association of Bovine Practitioners, National Milk Producers Federation Farmers Assuring Responsible Management evaluators, Dairy Moms and Dairy Girls Facebook groups; n = 46,577). A total of 1,187 (2.5%) surveys were received; 41.9% of respondents identified as producers, 47.9% as veterinarians, and 10.2% as both. Multivariate logistic regression was used for analysis. Veterinarians [OR (95% CI) = 10.2 (7.21–14.4)] and both veterinarians and producers [OR (95% CI) = 3.30 (2.02–5.39)] had significantly greater odds of using analgesia than producers in all cattle ages. Summary statistics indicate that analgesic use increased with cattle age; 57.6% of respondents used pain management in calves < 2 months of age, while 71.6% of respondents used pain management in adult cattle (>12 months of age). Respondents agreed that “cattle benefit from receiving analgesic drugs” (76.6%) and that “US/USDA/FDA regulations limit my ability to use analgesic drugs in cattle” (64.01%). Fifty-eight percent of respondents indicated their use of pain management had increased in the last 10 years. Data identify impediments to improving pain management practices in cattle. Results indicate the need for education and communication between veterinarians and producers on the necessity of pain management. This content is only available as a PDF. © The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected]. This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

Hempstead, Melissa, N;Lindquist, Taylor, M;Shearer, Jan, K;Shearer, Leslie, C;Sutherland,, Mhairi;Plummer, Paul, J

doi: 10.1093/jas/skz258.004pmid: N/A

Abstract Cautery disbudding causes pain, but is commonly performed without pain mitigation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cortisol response associated with (1) lidocaine compared with saline injections and (2) lidocaine injections, a topical mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine (EMLA) cream and meloxicam before cautery disbudding of dairy goat kids. Sixty doe kids were randomly allocated to 1 of 6 treatments: (1) a ring block using 1% lidocaine (DBLA) 20 min before disbudding, (2) saline injected (DBSA) 20 min before disbudding, (3) EMLA cream rubbed into the buds 1 h before disbudding (DBEM), (4) oral meloxicam 1 h before disbudding (DBMEL), (5) disbudding without pain relief (DB) and (6) handled but not disbudded (HAND). Blood was sampled to assess plasma cortisol concentrations at 20 and 5 min prior to disbudding to evaluate the cortisol response associated with handling and injections for DBSA and DBLA kids and at 5 min prior to disbudding for DBEM, DBMEL and DB kids. All kids were blood sampled 15 and 30 min post-treatment. There was no change in cortisol over time for HAND kids (P > 0.05). Cortisol of DBLA and DBSA kids was elevated above baseline 5 min pre-disbudding (after injections) (P ≤ 0.05), which was no different to cortisol 15 min post-disbudding (P > 0.05). DB kids had elevated cortisol above baseline 15 min post-disbudding (P ≤ 0.05). Cortisol was elevated from baseline for 30 min post-disbudding for DBEM and DBMEL kids (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, it appears that injections of lidocaine or saline initially caused as much pain as cautery disbudding, while not reducing the pain associated with disbudding. EMLA cream and meloxicam were not effective at reducing acute pain associated with disbudding. Further research on efficacious pain relief for cautery disbudding of goat kids is required. This content is only available as a PDF. © The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected]. This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

Littlejohn, Brittni, P;Riley, David, G;Neuendorff, Don, A;Long, Charles, R;Welsh, Thomas, H;Randel, Ronald, D

doi: 10.1093/jas/skz258.003pmid: N/A

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the transgenerational influence of prenatal transportation stress (PNS) on temperament, birth weight, and weaning weight in Brahman calves. Dams were derived from multiparous cows that were transported for 2 h at 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 d of gestation (n = 48) or maintained as Controls (n = 48). Heifers born to Transported or Control cows were followed through maturity and their calves (n = 79; 35 calves born to Control dams and 44 to PNS dams) studied across multiple years. Calf birth and weaning weights were recorded. Calf temperament at weaning was evaluated utilizing pen score (PS; 1=calm and 5=excitable), exit velocity (EV; m/sec), and temperament score (TS; (PS+EV)/2). Data were analyzed using mixed linear models. Fixed effects included dam treatment, calf sex, and birth season nested within birth year (season nested within year was identified as an efficient parameterization). Calf sire was a random effect. Birth weight was not affected by dam treatment, calf sex, or season nested within year (P > 0.1). Weaning weight was greater in males than females (P < 0.01). Weaning weight was affected by season nested within year (P < 0.01). DOA at weaning was a covariate for weaning weight (0.74±0.09 kg; P < 0.01), but not PS, EV, or TS (P < 0.1). Weaning weight was not affected by dam treatment (P > 0.1). TS was affected by season nested within year (P = 0.04) but not dam treatment or calf sex (P > 0.1). EV was not affected by dam treatment, calf sex, or season nested within year (P > 0.1). PS was affected by season nested within year (P < 0.01) but not calf sex (P > 0.1). Calves born to PNS dams had greater (P = 0.02) PS than calves born to Controls (3.17±0.20 and 2.58±0.22, respectively). There was a transgenerational influence of PNS on temperament but not birth or weaning weight. This content is only available as a PDF. © The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected]. This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

Morgan,, Liat;Itina-Swartz,, Beata;Koren,, Lee;Meyer,, Jerrold;Raz,, Tal

doi: 10.1093/jas/skz258.005pmid: N/A

Abstract Piglets commonly undergo a set of invasive procedures, which may include surgical castration, tail docking and teeth clipping. These procedures potentially result in pain and stress, which may negatively affect the animals’ health, welfare and production. Our objective was to examine welfare and production parameters of pigs from birth to slaughter. Litters (n = 32 sows; 329 piglets; 3 days after farrowing) were allocated randomly into 4 groups; G1: Surgical castration, tail docking and teeth clipping, without environmental enrichment; G2: same as G1, but meaningful environmental enrichment was provided; G3: Immunocastration (Improvac®), tail docking, teeth clipping, with environmental enrichment; G4: none of the invasive procedures were performed, piglet were vaccinated (Improvac®), and environmental enrichment was provided. Mixed-effects Linear Regression model revealed that standardized slaughter weight significantly increased when invasive procedures were avoided and environmental enrichment was provided (G1: 99.2±1.07, G2: 99.9±1.4, G3: 103.6±.1.58, G4: 106.5±1.6 Kg; P < 0.05). The odds ratio to be weak, dead or injured in the conventional, non-enriched G1, was 89% higher than in G4 (P < 0.05). Hair Cortisol on weaning day, as a marker for chronic stress, significantly decreased when welfare implications were avoided (G3: -32.18%, P = 0.014; G4: -24.5%, P = 0.102). Saliva Cortisol, from weaning to slaughter, as a marker for acute stress, was significantly lower in all enriched groups as compared to the conventional, non-enriched Group1 (Group2: -0.74±0.37, Group3: -1.1±0.35, Group4: -0.98±0.36; Linear Regression). Anti-GnRH vaccine was effective in reducing serum and hair testosterone, and hair DHEA, similar to surgical castration. An economic model based on this study suggests an expected rise of 1.48 to 1.92 billion USD if applied to the US pig industry. In conclusion, replacing surgical castration by anti-GnRH vaccine, avoiding tail docking and teeth clipping, and providing environmental enrichment, are better alternatives that would substantially benefit both the animals and farmers. This content is only available as a PDF. © The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected]. This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

Nickles,, Kirsten;Relling, Alejandro, E;Parker,, Anthony

doi: 10.1093/jas/skz258.006pmid: N/A

Abstract Common industry practice is to wean beef calves prior to natural weaning with the objectives of improving cow body weight and preparing calves for the subsequent receiving, growing, and finishing phases of production. Discontinuing the cow-calf social and nutritional bond before natural weaning, however, causes atypical walking and vocalizing behaviors by calves that are detrimental to calf growth and health. A proposed alternative weaning method is the addition of a social facilitator cow at weaning to reduce calf stress. Utilizing global positioning system (GPS) technology, we were able to determine total distance walked, total time devoted to walking, and area of the pasture utilized by the calf. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a social facilitator on calf growth during weaning and more specifically, walking behaviors, utilizing a Garmin® product. Angus x Simmental heifer calves (n = 80) were used in this study, and in all four replications calves were randomly allotted to each treatment group (n = 10), social facilitator (SF) or control (CON) on the day of weaning (day 0). Calves in the SF group were placed on pasture at weaning with a social facilitator, and CON calves were placed in a similar sized pasture without a social facilitator. All calves were allocated their own GPS tracking device on days 0 (weaning), 7, and 14 for a full 24 hours before removal. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with repeated measurements (SAS 9.4). Placing calves with a social facilitator decreased the distance walked (P = 0.001), and the amount of time calves devoted to walking (P = 0.001). Placing a social facilitator with calves at weaning, therefore, has an effect on walking distance and amount of time calves devote to walking. This content is only available as a PDF. © The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected]. This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

Sutherland,, Mhairi;Lowe,, Gemma;Stewart,, Mairi;Cox,, Neil;Waas,, Joseph;Schutz,, Karin

doi: 10.1093/jas/skz258.007pmid: N/A

Abstract Feeding behavior can be measured using automated calf milk feeding systems, that record total number of visits consisting of rewarded (milk consumed) or unrewarded (no milk consumed) visits. Unrewarded visits can be either when the calf is entitled to milk, but does not drink (“Entitled”), or is not entitled to milk, so cannot drink (“Non-entitled”). Feeding behavior can be used as an indicator of sickness in calves; fewer unrewarded visits to an automated feeder has been shown to be a sensitive measure of the onset of illness. However, a greater understanding of sickness behavior would aid in early detection of disease in calves. This study aimed to evaluate unrewarded visits prior to signs of clinical illness in calves. Calves were group-housed in pens with an automated feeder from approximately 1 wk of age and examined daily for signs of illness. Of the 74 calves, 16 were diagnosed with neonatal calf diarrhea. To examine the feeding behavior during the 5 days leading up to calves displaying clinical signs of illness, we calculated a robust estimate of the daily rate of change (the Kendall-Theil slope) over this time and used the one sample t-test to test whether the slopes were significantly different from zero. During the 5 days before clinical signs of illness, there was a decrease in unrewarded visits, in accordance with other studies. Interestingly, the proportion of “Non-entitled” unrewarded visits decreased (KT slope = -0.05, P = 0.037) whereas “Entitled” increased (KT slope = 0.04, P = 0.038). These results suggest that during the days leading up to clinical signs of neonatal calf diarrhea, calves may be less motivated to drink even though they are entitled to, possibly due to reduced appetite This content is only available as a PDF. © The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected]. This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

Robbins,, Jesse;Parsons,, Rebecca;Johnson,, Anna;Jorgensen,, Matthew;Danielson,, Jared;Millman,, Suzanne

doi: 10.1093/jas/skz258.008pmid: N/A

Abstract Veterinarians are seen as experts in matters relating to animal welfare and ethics. However, relatively little is known about veterinary students’ attitudes and beliefs towards animals. To begin to address this gap, we surveyed the freshman class of veterinary students at a major U.S. veterinary college (n = 125) to examine their views on the ethics of various forms of animal use, their beliefs about the extent to which different species are capable of experiencing emotions (AKA ‘belief in animal mind’) and their beliefs about the degree to which humans and non-human animals are similar. The 20-item attitudes towards animal scale showed high internal consistency (a = 0.91, CI95 [95% Confidence Interval] 0.89, 0.93). Preliminary multiple regression analyses indicated female (vs male) students held more positive attitudes toward animals (b = 0.35, P = .005). Growing up in a household where animals were raised for food was associated with less positive attitudes (b = -0.30, P = .006). More liberal political ideology was associated with more positive attitudes towards animals (b = 0.17, P = < .0001). Female students also believed animals were capable of experiencing a greater diversity of emotions (b = 126.96, P = 0001). Neither socioeconomic status (P = 0.65) nor having a pet as a child (P = 0.12) were associated with attitudes towards animals or belief in animal mind. However, childhood pet ownership was associated with greater perceived similarity between human and non-human animals (b = 1.38, P = 0.01). Subsequent analyses will assess whether taking a required, introductory course in animal welfare has any effect on these measures. Eventually these data could provide baseline information for longitudinal analyses exploring how student attitudes and beliefs about animals are affected as they progress through the veterinary curriculum. This content is only available as a PDF. © The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected]. This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)

Huang,, Jie;Zhang,, Lei;Zhou,, Zhongxin

doi: 10.1093/jas/skz258.010pmid: N/A

Abstract Cage layer osteoporosis (CLO) is one of the most serious bone metabolic diseases in laying hens industry. This disease not only causes huge economic losses, but also greatly affects the welfare of animals. Traditional Chinese medicines are widely used for prevention and treatment of all kinds of diseases. It is famous for excellent treatment, low side effects, and wide range of use safety. Total flavonoids from Rhizoma drynariae (TFRD) is an herbal product extracted from the dried root of Rhizoma drynariae. Recently, many researcher reports about the beneficial effects of TFRD in relation to various types of bone conditions but no report is available about promoting effect of TFRD against CLO. Therefore, current study was conducted to explore the ameliorating effect of TFRD in low calcium-induced osteoporosis. A total of 144 Lohmann pink-shell laying hens of 31-week-old were equally distributed in four groups: The control group (containing calcium 3.5% in based diet), the low calcium group (containing calcium 1.5% in low-calcium diet), the test group 1 (adding 500 mg/kg TFRD to low-calcium diet), the test group 2 (adding 2000 mg/kg TFRD to low-calcium diet). The birds were fed the diets for 60 d. The bone mineral density of tibia was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry indicating that the low calcium group had lower bone density than the control group. Compared with the low calcium group, the supplementation of TFRD protects bone tissue and prevents bone density from decreasing. Serum biochemical analysis showed that TFRD supplementation decreased the level of alkaline phosphatase, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, osteocalcin and calcitonin. Therefore, adding TFRD to low-calcium diet can improve the activity of important biochemical markers, clearly inhibit bone resorption and alleviate osteoporosis induce by low-calcium diet in caged laying hens. This content is only available as a PDF. © The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected]. This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model)