Search Results (52)

Uterine infections (metritis and endometritis) are a leading cause of culling and reproductive failure in transition dairy cows, and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative pathogens limit conventional therapy. This randomized, controlled, multi-farm field trial evaluated whether four intravaginal infusions of a host-adapted lactic acid bacteria (LAB) cocktail (Lactobacillus sakei FUA3089, Pediococcus acidilactici FUA3138, P. acidilactici FUA3140; 10⁸–10⁹ cfu/dose) at −3, −2, +3, and +4 weeks relative to calving reduce periparturient disease and improve milk production. A total of 526 pregnant cows (426 Holstein, 100 Jersey) from four commercial Alberta farms (automatic-milking, parlor, and certified-organic systems) were block-randomized within farm and parity to TRT1 (saline; n = 175), TRT2 (saline + skim milk; n = 176), or TRT3 (LAB cocktail in saline + skim milk; n = 175). Uterine infection incidence was assessed by Metricheck™ mucus scoring and transrectal ultrasonography at +3 and +4 weeks postpartum. Across the principal peripartum infectious outcomes, TRT3 showed a consistent protective effect: uterine infection incidence was lowest in TRT3 (18.8% vs. 25.1% in pooled controls; OR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.44–1.09; an approximately 25% relative reduction; exact p = 0.12), and this metritis signal was additionally supported by a repeated-measures mixed model accounting for farm, parity, and week (p = 0.0175), although the Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise contrasts were tendencies (adjusted p ≈ 0.12), and the effect did not differ by parity (treatment × lactation interaction, p = 0.97). Subclinical mastitis was numerically lower in TRT3 than in pooled controls (5.3% vs. 8.9%; OR = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.27–1.24; exact p = 0.16), whereas retained placenta, milk fever, displaced abomasum, and lameness showed no clear cow-level treatment effect in the cow-level exact analyses. Milk yield increased significantly in multiparous cows, which produced 4.6 L/day more milk than TRT1 and 3.22 L/day more than TRT2 over the first 50 days in milk (p < 0.01 for both contrasts; treatment × parity interaction, p = 0.01). No effect was seen on milk composition, uterine involution, or reproductive performance. The trial supports intravaginal LAB as a candidate antibiotic-free prophylactic whose response depends on farm- and cow-level contexts and whose mechanisms require confirmation through microbiological and metabolic measurements. Full article

Understanding behavioral responses of dairy cows to thermal load under different milking-system environments is essential for welfare monitoring in subtropical production systems, yet field-based evidence remains limited. This study compared heat-related behavioral responses between an automated milking system (AMS) and a conventional parlor system under commercial subtropical conditions, with the hypothesis that cows in the AMS would exhibit more stable and less variable behavioral patterns under heat stress. Panting, feeding, and rumination were continuously monitored and analyzed at the barn level in relation to the temperature–humidity index (THI). The AMS barn showed lower panting duration and reduced day-to-day variability, whereas the traditional barn exhibited higher panting levels and greater short-term fluctuations. Panting increased consistently with THI, showing a clear temporal trend (β ≈ 0.65 min/day), and emerged as the most sensitive indicator of thermal load, while feeding and rumination showed weaker responses. During heatwaves, panting increased markedly in both systems, with limited changes in feeding and rumination. Multivariate analyses (PCA) showed more compact clustering in the AMS barn, with higher variance explained along the first principal component (PC1 ≈ 44%), compared to greater dispersion in the traditional barn. These findings demonstrate that cows managed in the AMS exhibited more stable and less variable behavioral patterns under heat stress, whereas cows in the conventional parlor system showed higher panting levels and greater short-term fluctuations. These system-level differences directly address the study objective and support panting as a practical indicator for heat-stress monitoring in subtropical dairy systems. Full article

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus of the H5N1 subtype has been infecting U.S. dairy cattle and spreading among dairy operations since March 2024. H5N1 surveillance systems for dairies are needed, but information on whether environmental sampling can inform these systems is lacking. To guide a surveillance framework, we determined the environmental sites with Influenza A virus (IAV) detection on H5N1-affected dairies (n = 25) in four states (California, Colorado, Michigan, and Ohio) and explored sample characteristics that may have influenced detection. A total of 581 samples from dairy environmental sites were characterized for IAV RNA via rRT-PCR, and classified into six categories. A total of 94 samples (16.2%) had IAV detected, and the Ct values measured from these samples were typically higher than those measured in bulk tank milk from a subset of sampled herds. A majority of IAV detections were made from the following site categories: milking equipment/personal protective equipment, parlor surfaces, and wastewater/lagoons/manure. These results suggest that environmental sites most likely to be contaminated with IAV on dairies are those with exposure to milk. Meanwhile, mixed effect logistic modeling showed that days into an outbreak that samples were collected was associated with IAV detection. These results provide a framework within which to continue the assessment of environmental sampling as a surveillance tool for dairy H5N1. This framework can be strengthened by studies that perform further IAV viral characterization and collect samples from sites prior to, during, and after H5N1 outbreak periods. Full article

After milking, dairy cows seek the nearest water trough, but access depends on competitive success. This study descriptively characterized individual drinking behavior after milking in association with physiological traits and competitive success in a herd of 42 lactating Brown Swiss cows held in a free-range barn. Cows were milked and fed twice a day, and the drinking behavior was video recorded after leaving the milking parlor during 22 milkings in July 2022. Water consumption and 33 behavioral parameters were recorded. Competitive success was defined by an index calculation. Milk production traits correlated positively with the number of trough visits, the total duration of drinking, the duration of water intake and drinking breaks, and the water volume consumed. High-yielding dairy cows exhibited twice as many agonistic interactions as low-yielding ones, suggesting that performance-based grouping increases aggressive interactions. Further, subtle dominance interactions, such as “staring”, comprise a major part of confrontations at the trough. Cows with low competitive success more frequently pursued other activities before they drank and were more frequently interrupted by agonistic interactions. Considering body and performance traits in association with individual drinking patterns in evaluating on-farm water management seemed valuable, therefore, a review of current recommendations for water supply is suggested. Full article

Mastitis represents a significant challenge for dairy farming, resulting in economic losses and environmental impacts. This study assesses a model for the evaluation of the impact of mastitis on dairy productivity and Global Warming Potential (GWP) under diverse management scenarios. The model considers a range of factors, including bedding materials, milking systems, health surveillance, and overcrowding. The results of the simulation demonstrate that effective management, encompassing the utilization of sand bedding, and the presence of an annual herd health monitoring plan have the potential to reduce the prevalence of mastitis and enhance milk yield by up to 10% in milking parlors and 7% in automatic milking systems. At the herd level, the GWP ranged from 1.37 to 1.78 kg CO₂eq/kg Fat- and Protein-Corrected Milk (FPCM), with the use of sand bedding resulting in a 14% reduction in GWP, while the utilization of non-composted manure-based materials led to an increase of 12%. The occurrence of overcrowding and a lack of adequate cleanliness in resting areas were found to have a markedly detrimental impact on both productivity and the environmental performance of cows. These findings illustrate the dual benefits of enhanced mastitis management, namely improved milk production and reduced environmental impact. They offer valuable insights for farmers and policymakers alike. Full article

For decades, bovine mastitis and milk quality have been a focus area for research, agricultural extension, and dairy processors worldwide, yet employee management as a factor in udder health management has received limited attention. This is mainly because the focus has previously been on more classical areas covered by the National Mastitis Council Mastitis Control Program (NMC 10-point plan) in English-speaking countries. Therefore, we wanted more background information on employee management on dairy farms, to identify the human factor of udder health management. The method of investigating employee management and the impact of employee management on udder health was conducting a study of 88 Danish dairy farms with hired employees and parlor or rotary milking systems. An interview-based questionnaire on individual dairy farmers’ human resource management was developed based on the current literature and multiple discussions among the authors. The results we found through analyzing associations between the dependent variable BTSCC and employee management, using a regression model, was that providing a generic SOP was associated with a 21,600 cells/mL increase in BTSCC, with estimates in the range (507; 42,674 cells/mL). We also analyzed, applying a Poisson model, that there was a 0.16% reduction in new infection risk if the training was based on a herd-specific SOP and educated employees. In contrast, we identified a 0.15% increase in new infection risk in herds where SOPs were available but not incorporated, both modest but significant results. In conclusion, farms with educated employees and trained by an SOP achieve the lowest new infection risk, but education has no impact on BTSCC. Full article

The compost-bedded pack (CBP) system offers a sustainable solution for dairy farms by enhancing cow welfare and health while promoting environmental sustainability and improving manure management for agricultural reuse. This study aimed to evaluate the reduction in manure treatment required for agricultural use by analyzing manure excretion patterns in lactating cows. We compared seven Holstein and six Holstein × Gyr cows, divided into two CBP groups, and monitored their feces and urine behaviors over a 48 h period. Manure excretion was recorded across four farm areas: (1) feeding area, (2) resting area (composted bed), (3) path to the milking parlor, and (4) milking parlor. Both breeds predominantly excreted feces (45.03%) and urine (54.18%) in the resting area, which facilitated composting directly in the bedding. This resulted in a significant reduction in nitrogen requiring treatment, averaging 76.8–85.3 g per cow per day, accounting for 44–49% of total nitrogen excretion. The CBP system demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing environmental impact by minimizing nitrogen loss through volatilization and leaching, while also enhancing nutrient recycle in agriculture. These findings emphasize the CBP system’s role in foresting sustainable dairy farming and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Full article

The primary objective was to investigate the association between delayed milk ejection (DME) and the average milk flow rate, milking unit-on time, and duration in a low milk flow rate in Holstein dairy cows in a large dairy herd with suboptimal premilking teat stimulation. Our second objective was to study the association between peak lactation milk yield and the occurrence of DME. This longitudinal field study was conducted at a 4300-cow dairy farm with a thrice-daily milking schedule over a 1-week period. We analyzed data from 61,677 cow milking observations from 2937 cows. Delayed milk ejection was defined as present if the 30–60 s milk flow rate was ≤3.1 kg/min. The mean average milk flow rate (MAMF, kg/min), mean milking unit-on time (MMUT, s), and mean duration of a low milk flow rate (MLMF, s) were calculated as the mean values from the 21 milking observations. General linear multivariable models revealed associations of DME with MAMF, MMUT, and MLMF. A multivariable ordinal logistic regression model revealed an association between peak lactation milk yield and DME. Cows with lower peak lactation milk yield had greater odds of exhibiting a higher frequency level of DME. The observed associations between DME and milking performance indices suggest that DME can negatively affect milking and parlor efficiency. Peak lactation milk yield may serve as a proxy to estimate cows’ risk of recurrent DME. Future research is warranted to test if alleviating DME through, for example, a modified milking routine influences the milking performance indices described herein. Full article

Cattle are frequent carriers of Campylobacter spp.; therefore, these bacteria may be transmitted to humans through meat or milk. Campylobacter spp. in raw milk derives most commonly from secondary fecal contamination during the milking process; however, the udder excretion of Campylobacter may be a cause of milk-borne infection. Studies were carried out on a Campylobacter-positive farm with two different housing systems (with free-stall and tie-stall systems). The sampling process comprised several stages, including samples being taken from animals, such as from raw milk and feces, and from the environment, such as the from floor in the milking parlor and from teat cups. None of the individual raw milk samples or swabs from the floor in the parlor before the milking process were positive for Campylobacter spp. Simultaneously, Campylobacter spp. was isolated from all swabs from the floor after the milking process and in the bulk tank milk samples from the two farms. The incidence of Campylobacter isolated from fecal and teat swab samples ranged from 15.4% to 26.7% and from 8.9% to 25%, respectively. Altogether, 59 recovered Campylobacter isolates were classified, based on sequencing of the flaA short variable region, showing 15 different allele types, and the majority of them were distributed among one farm. Analysis of the virulence and antimicrobial properties showed that genes related to adherence, invasion and cytotoxicity were widely distributed among the Campylobacter recovered strains. In relation to AMR, multidrug resistance was noted in 16.1% of strains. Full article

The labor and energy inputs for milking and milk cooling, the preparation and distribution of feed, and manure removal were analyzed on eight farms in the Masovian, Podlaskie, Lower Silesian, and Kuyavian–Pomeranian voivodeships. In these facilities, milking was carried out using milking robots, which were also employed during feed preparation and discharge. The cleaning of manure channels and walking corridors were also automated. Based on labor, fuel, energy consumption, weight of machinery and equipment, and building area, the cumulative energy intensity of the farms was calculated, taking into account the average density of cow herds. The lowest energy input, 0.974 kWh∙LU⁻¹∙day, and the lowest cumulative energy intensity, amounting to 19.601 MJ∙day⁻¹∙LU⁻¹ were observed in a farm with AF-AM5 technology, that is, an automated milking system (AMS) and an automated feeding system (AFS). The second lowest total energy intensity was measured in a farm utilizing the AF-AM7 technology and amounted to 22.505 MJ∙day⁻¹∙LU⁻¹. The highest cumulative energy intensity was measured in a farm practicing conventional milking in a fishbone milking parlor, with a traditional feeding wagon powered by an agricultural tractor. A high level of cumulative energy intensity, for the majority, was connected with a high energy and fuel consumption, especially during the preparation of feed and feed distribution. Full article

The aim of the study is to discern benchmarks for the indicators L water cow⁻¹ day⁻¹ and L water kg milk⁻¹ day⁻¹ per type of production system and season. A total of 876 commercial dairy farms underwent comprehensive water consumption monitoring from January 2021 to December 2022. The monitored water consumptions were animal drinking water and water usage for cleaning. Confined systems exhibited the highest average for animal drinking and cleaning, 87.5 L water cow⁻¹ day⁻¹ and 84.4 L water cow⁻¹ day⁻¹, respectively. Semi-confined systems presented the lowest average for animal drinking, 54.4 L water cow⁻¹ day⁻¹. Pasture systems showed the lowest average for cleaning, 45.2 L water cow⁻¹ day⁻¹. The benchmarks proposed in this study can serve as the first references for animal drinking and milking parlor washing consumption for production systems in tropical conditions. Full article

Antimicrobials are extensively utilized in dairy farms to prevent and control diseases in cattle. However, their use contributes to the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antimicrobial-resistant genes (ARG), and these can be transmitted to the environment. Regular monitoring of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is crucial for implementing effective mitigation strategies. This research aimed to assess the environmental microbial species present on dairy farms in Shandong Province and characterize the antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolates. Five dairy farms located in Shandong Province were selected, representing the prevalent large-scale farming patterns in the area. Sampling took place from April to June 2022, with a total of 223 isolates collected from various environmental locations within each farm (bedding, sports field, and milking parlor). Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization—time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was employed to identify the species of the clinical isolates. The main pathogens isolated were Aerococcus viridans (5.38%, n = 12), Corynebacterium xerosis (4.93%, n = 11), and Acinetobacter lwoffii (4.03%, n = 9). Among the bacterial isolates, resistance to lincomycin was highest at 91%, and 88% were resistant to sulfadiazine. Antimicrobial resistance genes were detected in only a small proportion of the isolates, the most common of which was sul1. These findings highlight the necessity for careful evaluation of antimicrobial usage in maintaining their effectiveness in human medicine. Understanding the microbial species present and their antimicrobial resistance profiles aids in focusing efforts toward sustainable antimicrobial use and safeguarding human health. Full article

Noise is defined as unwanted sound, whether chronic or periodic, and can be described in a variety of terms, including its frequency, intensity, frequency spectrum, and sound pressure shape over time. The sources of noise can be technical devices, various hydraulic systems, the engines of various machines, routine work (opening and closing doors, repairing stalls, talking of workers, feeding), mechanical ventilators, animal activities, including climbing barriers, chewing barriers, vocalizations of cows. Good farms in terms of noise level are considered to be those with a noise level up to 70 dB, while farms with a noise level above 70 dB are problematic. Noise levels above 70 dB also have a detrimental effect on cow welfare, and this is associated with a high number of somatic cells in milk. When milking dairy cows, the noise level should not exceed 65–70 dB, or if it exceeds this value, it should be for a short time, as this can lead to health disorders in humans and animals in the medium term. Full article

Staphylococcus is a very prevalent etiologic agent of bovine mastitis, and antibiotic resistance contributes to the successful colonization and dissemination of these bacteria in different environments and hosts on dairy farms. This study aimed to identify the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genotypes and phenotypes of Staphylococcus spp. isolates from different sources on dairy farms and their relationship with the use of antibiotics. An antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed on 349 Staphylococcus strains (S. aureus, n = 152; non-aureus staphylococci (NAS), n = 197) isolated from quarter milk samples (QMSs) from cows with subclinical mastitis (176), the teats of cows (116), the milking parlor environment (32), and the nasal cavities of milk workers (25). Resistance and multidrug resistance percentages found for S. aureus and NAS were (S. aureus = 63.2%, NAS = 55.8%) and (S. aureus = 4.6%, NAS = 11.7%), respectively. S. aureus and NAS isolates showed resistance mainly to penicillin (10 IU) (54.1% and 32.4%) and ampicillin (10 mg) (50.3% and 27.0%) drugs. The prevalence of AMR Staphylococcus was higher in environmental samples (81.3%) compared to other sources (52.6–76.0%). In S. aureus isolates, the identification of the blaZ (83.9%), aacAaphD (48.6%), ermC (23.5%), tetK (12.9%), and mecA (12.1%) genes did not entirely agree with the AMR phenotype. We conclude that the use of β-lactam antibiotics influences the expression of AMR in Staphylococcus circulating on dairy farms and that S. aureus isolates from the environment and humans may be reservoirs of AMR for other bacteria on dairy farms. Full article

Milk production continues to be the main source of income for dairy producers, and mastitis continues to be the major health challenge for dairy cows worldwide. The objective of the current study was to describe the different management practices implemented in Egyptian dairies, which may influence mastitis and improve milk quality. An in-person survey was completed with herd managers and owners of 20 Egyptian dairies selected using a stratified random sample from four of Egypt’s milk sheds. The questionnaire included 80 questions that inquired about herd demographics, mastitis status and control, milking practices, and management practices of the study dairies. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, multiple factor analysis (MFA), and hierarchical clustering to identify the important principal components and different dairy clusters. Of the surveyed herds, 69.50% had less than 500 lactating cows, with Holstein as the main cow breed. The reported average milk production on the study herds was 31.1 (SE ± 1.10) Kg/cow/day. Housing of lactating, dry, and close-up cows was in open lots. The majority of the dairies milked cows were three times per day (90.63%), the remaining milked cows four (5.00%) or a mix of four and three times per day. Furthermore, herringbone parlor design was the most common parlor design (66.79%) in the study dairies. The most common disinfectants used for both pre- and post-milking teat dip were iodine-based, 90.0% and 95.0%, respectively, while 52.16% of the dairies reported that their milkers wore gloves during milking. The reported mean annual percentage of mastitis was 52.3%, as a percent of the milking herd. The study dairies reported the inspection of udder health through either visual inspection (95.00%), udder hygiene score (86.88%), teat end score (71.88%), and/or using CMT (54.91%). Contagious mastitis pathogens were reported in 45.2% of the study herds. More than 50% of the study herds relied on importing pregnant cows or pregnant heifers as replacements. Multiple factor analysis identified 20 questions and represented 5 components of variability related to mastitis on dairies. The current survey of Egyptian dairies described the herd demographics and different management practices related to mastitis control and prevention. All the study dairies relied on the blanket intramammary antimicrobial drugs at dry off when current research elsewhere has identified selective dry cow therapy as an integral component of antimicrobial stewardship on dairies. Further research is required to identify the association between different management factors and the occurrence of mastitis. Full article