Research Article
Association of Cow Drying off Practices with Milk Yield and Udder Health Outcomes in Peri-Urban Smallholder Dairy Herds
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2024
Pages:
128-137
Received:
30 July 2024
Accepted:
24 August 2024
Published:
11 September 2024
Abstract: In peri-urban smallholder dairy herds, farmers face challenges in drying off cows due to a lack of evidence-based recommendations. This study examined the associations between cow drying-off practices, mean milk yield at drying off and during early successive lactation, and the odds of mastitis and udder leakage cases in herds around Nakuru city, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey of 232 cows across 172 herds was conducted. Mean milk yield was determined using a general linear model, while the odds ratios for mastitis and udder leakage were estimated using a binary logistic regression model, with drying-off practice, cow breed, and dairy management intensification as explanatory variables. All the three explanatory variables were significantly associated (p<0.05) with mean milk yield at drying off, early successive lactation, and the occurrence of mastitis and udder leakages. Cessation of milking (57.3%) was more common than abrupt cessation (42.7%). Mean milk yield was 2.6 liters/day at drying off and 13.4 liters/day during early successive lactation. Teat sealants were applied to cows producing more than 5 liters/day, while gradual reduction in milking, complete cessation of milking, or dry-cow therapy was used for cows producing less than 3 liters/day. During early successive lactation, cows dried off using teat sealant, salt application, stopping concentrate feeding, or gradual reduction in milking produced more milk (14 liters/day) than those dried off by abrupt cessation or dry-cow therapy (10-12 liters/day).Relative to abrupt cessation, the odds of mastitis and udder leakage were lower (p<0.05) with dry-cow therapy (odds ratio 0.12; 0.12), gradual cessation of milking (odds ratio 0.22; 0.29), or stopping concentrate feeding (odds ratio 0.14; 0.26). The study found that gradual reduction in milking (47%) and abrupt cessation of milking (22%) were the most common drying-off practices. These methods are effective for cows producing less than 3 liters/day at the start of drying off and do not result in milk loss during early successive lactation. However, abrupt cessation of milking is more likely to result in poor udder health outcomes. Though teat sealant was rarely used (3.9%), it proved effective for cows producing more than 5 liters/day, maintaining milk production and udder health during early successive lactation. These findings provide crucial insights for farmers on selecting appropriate drying-off practices to optimize milk yield and udder health.
Abstract: In peri-urban smallholder dairy herds, farmers face challenges in drying off cows due to a lack of evidence-based recommendations. This study examined the associations between cow drying-off practices, mean milk yield at drying off and during early successive lactation, and the odds of mastitis and udder leakage cases in herds around Nakuru city, K...
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Research Article
Circulating anti-Canine Parvovirus Antibody Titer Is Impacted by Colostrum Production in Breeding Bitches
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2024
Pages:
138-141
Received:
29 July 2024
Accepted:
2 September 2024
Published:
20 September 2024
Abstract: This prospective study aimed to determine the impact of colostrogenesis on circulating serum titer against canine parvovirus (CPV-2) in the gravid bitch, and subsequent implications for timing of sample collection for nomograph analysis. CPV-2 is a deadly virus of global concern which mainly impacts susceptible puppies, inducing severe lymphopenia, gastroenteritis, and organ failure. Vaccinal blockade by maternally derived antibody is one of the main causes of modified-live CPV-2 vaccine “failure to immunize” in the puppy. Nomograph analysis intends to improve puppy immunization outcomes by providing a tailored vaccination schedule for a specific litter based on a conservative estimation of blockade length. To generate a nomograph, individual bitch antibody levels are determined and known half-life degradation is applied. The current study was undertaken to ensure optimal timing for serum sample collection to achieve the best diagnostic accuracy, and to prove our hypothesis that active transport and sequestration of immunoglobulin type G (IgG) specific for CPV-2 induces a temporary decline in circulating anti-CPV-2 antibody titer. Serum samples were collected from 56 pregnant beagle bitches at four timepoints: 4 weeks and 2 weeks pre-whelp, at whelp, and 2 weeks post-whelp. Sera were analyzed for specific antibody against CPV-2 by hemagglutination inhibition assay (HIA). Geometric mean titer values were statistically analyzed via repeated measures, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and Tukey’s multiple comparisons post hoc correction, with p-value set at <0.05. Seven of the 56 bitches (12.5%) showed a significant decrease in circulating anti-parvovirus titer at whelp (p<0.0001). These results prove our hypothesis and indicate that serum for titer and nomograph analysis of breeding bitches should be collected outside of the colostrogenesis window for the greatest accuracy.
Abstract: This prospective study aimed to determine the impact of colostrogenesis on circulating serum titer against canine parvovirus (CPV-2) in the gravid bitch, and subsequent implications for timing of sample collection for nomograph analysis. CPV-2 is a deadly virus of global concern which mainly impacts susceptible puppies, inducing severe lymphopenia,...
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Bockline Omedo Bebe
