Effect of a pre-calving injectable trace mineral supplement on white blood cell function in seasonally calving pastoral dairy cows.

Aims: To investigate the effect of injection of trace mineral supplement (TMS) 14-28 days before calving on white blood cell count (WBCC) and function, serum antioxidant capacity (SAC) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in pasture-fed cattle after calving.

Methods: On each of two South Island, seasonally calving, pastoral dairy farms,1 month before dry-off, a random sample of 150 multiparous cows predicted to calve within 7 days of the herd's planned start of calving (PSC) were stratified on individual somatic cell count, age, breed and expected calving date. On each farm, 14-24 days before PSC, 60 selected cows were randomly assigned for TMS (Zn, Mn, Se, Cu) injection, and 60 were controls.

Repeatability of whole herd lameness scoring: an analysis of a New Zealand dataset.

Aims: To assess whether a whole-herd lameness score on a New Zealand dairy farm in spring could predict lameness prevalence on the same farm in summer (and vice versa) and whether a single-herd lameness score could be used to determine whether herd lameness prevalence was < 5% in both spring and summer.

Methods: Prevalence data (proportion of the herd with lameness score ≥ 2 and with score 3; 0-3 scale) from a study where 120 dairy farms across New Zealand were scored in spring and in the following summer were analysed using limits-of-agreement analysis. In addition, farms were categorised as having either acceptable welfare (lameness prevalence < 5% in both spring and summer) or not (lameness prevalence ≥ 5% in either spring or summer or both).

The effect of three different preservatives on the numbers and types of bacteria, Brix percentage, pH and nutritional composition of bovine colostrum sourced from New Zealand dairy farms.

Aims: To investigate the effect of preservation by addition of yoghurt starter, potassium sorbate and citric acid on counts of aerobic bacteria, spp., and coliforms, Brix percentage, pH, protein, fat and anhydrous lactose concentrations at 0, 7 and 14 days after collection for colostrum stored at ambient temperature.

Method: Approximately 2 L of first milking colostrum was collected from 10 farms in the Waikato region.

Dairy farmer, engagement and understanding of One Health and antimicrobial resistance - a pilot survey from the lower north island of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Background: Reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) requires a multidisciplinary One Health approach, which necessitates buy-in from all stakeholders. In Aotearoa New Zealand, where the dairy industry is one of the largest users of antimicrobials, there are ongoing efforts to optimise antimicrobial usage (AMU) to minimise the development of AMR. These include regulations around the veterinary authorisation of the use of antibiotics by farmers without the need for a specific prescription ("the RVM process") and programmes such as the New Zealand Veterinary Association's antibiotic 'Traffic Light System'.

Measuring hoof horn haemorrhage in heifers: A history.

Understanding the aetiology and pathogenesis of claw-horn disease (CHD) is essential for developing prevention/treatment programmes. Haemorrhages in the hoof horn (i.e.