AI-based prediction and detection of early-onset of digital dermatitis in dairy cows using infrared thermography.

Digital dermatitis (DD) is a common foot disease that can cause lameness, decreased milk production and fertility decline in cows. The prediction and early detection of DD can positively impact animal welfare and profitability of the dairy industry. This study applies deep learning-based computer vision techniques for early onset detection and prediction of DD using infrared thermography (IRT) data.

Machine learning approaches to predict and detect early-onset of digital dermatitis in dairy cows using sensor data.

The present study aimed to employ machine learning algorithms based on sensor behavior data for (1) early-onset detection of digital dermatitis (DD) and (2) DD prediction in dairy cows. Our machine learning model, which was based on the Tree-Based Pipeline Optimization Tool (TPOT) automatic machine learning method, for DD detection on day 0 of the appearance of the clinical signs has reached an accuracy of 79% on the test set, while the model for the prediction of DD 2 days prior to the appearance of the first clinical signs, which was a combination of K-means and TPOT, has reached an accuracy of 64%. The proposed machine learning models have the potential to help achieve a real-time automated tool for monitoring and diagnosing DD in lactating dairy cows based on sensor data in conventional dairy barn environments.

A Fixed Cohort Field Study of Gene Expression in Circulating Leukocytes From Dairy Cows With and Without Mastitis.

Specifically designed gene expression studies can be used to prioritize candidate genes and identify novel biomarkers affecting resilience against mastitis and other diseases in dairy cattle. The primary goal of this study was to assess whether specific peripheral leukocyte genes expressed differentially in a previous study of dairy cattle with postpartum disease, also would be expressed differentially in peripheral leukocytes from a diverse set of different dairy cattle with moderate to severe clinical mastitis. Four genes were selected for this study due to their differential expression in a previous transcriptomic analysis of circulating leukocytes from dairy cows with and without evidence of early postpartum disease.

Physiological responses of Holstein calves to hot weather conditions.

The objectives of the study described were to (1) compare environmental temperature-humidity index (THI) with the THI measured within two different calf housing systems and (2) determine how THI affects Holstein heifer calf body temperatures, serum cortisol concentrations, and serum thyroxine concentrations. At 24 to 48 h of age, calves were assigned to one of two individual housing treatments: (1) stalls in a three-sided barn (n = 8) or 2) hutches placed outside (n = 8). Calves were observed until 42 days of age during the summer months.

Effect of enzymatically hydrolyzed yeast on health and performance of transition dairy cattle.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing enzymatically hydrolyzed yeast (EHY; Celmanax Arm and Hammer Animal Nutrition, Princeton, NJ) on transition dairy cattle. Forty multiparous Holstein cows were blocked by predicted transmitting ability and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments (EHY, n = 20; or control, CON, n = 20) from 21 d before expected calving to 60 d postpartum. The EHY cows received 56 and 28 g/d in close-up and lactating diets, respectively.

Economic and livestock health impacts of birds on dairies: Evidence from a survey of Washington dairy operators.

The survey described in this research paper aimed to investigate the economic and health impacts of birds on dairies. Birds are common pests on dairies, consuming and contaminating feed intended for cattle. As a result, dairy operators experience increased feed costs and increased pathogen and disease risk.

A retrospective cohort study comparing dairy calf treatment decisions by farm personnel with veterinary observations of clinical signs.

Antimicrobials are frequently administered to calves with diarrhea, despite evidence suggesting questionable efficacy. Even if efficacious, providing the appropriate therapy to an animal requires accurate disease detection. The objective of this study was to use previously collected data and compare clinical scoring by a veterinarian to treatment decisions by on-farm personnel.

Housing and management characteristics of calf automated feeding systems in the Upper Midwest of the United States.

Automated milk feeders are used by dairy producers to manage preweaned calves in group housing, but little is known about how these feeding systems are being used in the United States. To better understand how US dairy producers are operating these systems, this study investigated characteristics of barn design, environment, and management practices on 38 farms in the Upper Midwest of the United States via a questionnaire and on-farm measurements. Farms using automated feeders ranged in size from 7 to 300 calves on site.

Short communication: Predictors of time to dairy calf bucket training.

The time required to adequately bucket-train a dairy calf to drink its milk allotment is unknown. Additionally, factors that could predict calves who are slow to learn have not been identified. A prospective observational study was conducted to describe timing of bucket training and possible calf birth and colostrum quality factors that might predict calves requiring extra time to train.

Mortality and health treatment rates of dairy calves in automated milk feeding systems in the Upper Midwest of the United States.

Automated calf feeding systems are increasing in use across the United States, yet information regarding health and mortality outcomes of animals in these systems is limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between farm management practices, housing, and environmental factors with mortality and health treatment rates of preweaned dairy calves housed in groups with automated feeding systems. Farm records were collected for health treatments and mortality on 26 farms in the Upper Midwest of the United States.

Factors associated with dairy calf health in automated feeding systems in the Upper Midwest United States.

Automated calf feeding systems are becoming more common on US dairy farms. The objective of this study was to evaluate calf health in these systems and to identify risk factors associated with adverse health outcomes on farms in the Upper Midwest United States. Over an 18-mo period on bimonthly farm visits to 38 farms, calves (n = 10,179) were scored for attitude, ear, eye, and nasal health, as well as evidence of diarrhea (hide dirtiness score of perianal region, underside of the tail, and tailhead).

Effects of repeated transport on Holstein calf post-transport behavior and feed intake.

Previous studies have determined that stress causes decreases in feed intake and efficiency in livestock, but the effect of repeated transport on these parameters has not been well studied. This study determined how repeated transport affected calf post-transport behavior, feed intake, ADG, and feed conversion. Thirty-six 4-mo-old Holstein steer calves were housed in groups of 6 with each group randomly assigned to either transport or control treatments.