Source: UNIV OF MINNESOTA submitted to
ENHANCING ANIMAL CARE STRATEGIES ON ORGANIC DAIRY FARMS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1010693
Grant No.
2016-51300-25734
Cumulative Award Amt.
$1,400,940.00
Proposal No.
2016-04461
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2016
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2021
Grant Year
2016
Program Code
[113.A]- Organic Agriculture Research & Extension Initiative
Recipient Organization
UNIV OF MINNESOTA
(N/A)
ST PAUL,MN 55108
Performing Department
WCROC
Non Technical Summary
The safeguarding of animal health and welfare is a core value of organic dairy production and the main driver for the success of dairy farming. Impactful and cost-effective prevention and treatment approaches are needed to provide optimal care to animals. Over the past decade organic dairy producers and their veterinarians from across the United States, have repeatedly expressed their need for more evidence-based preventive and curative animal care practices. Most commonly, organic dairy producers identified mastitis, lameness, reproductive and calf health as the health challenges for which they need more evidence-based data for treatment and control. The proposed work will evaluate innovative preventive and curative approaches for mastitis, digital dermatitis (lameness), reproductive disorders, calf health and fly management under field conditions on organic dairies across the Nation. Results of these studies, including economic analysis, will be shared with organic dairy producers. Furthermore, an online resource and short courses about effective prevention and treatment approaches will be developed for veterinarians so that they can advise their clients within a valid veterinary-client-patient-relationship.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
30734991060100%
Knowledge Area
307 - Animal Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
3499 - Dairy cattle, general/other;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems);
Goals / Objectives
The safeguarding of animal health and welfare is a core value of organic dairy production and the main driver for the success of dairy farming. Impactful and cost-effective prevention and treatment approaches are needed to provide optimal care to animals. The proposed work will evaluate innovative preventive and curative approaches for mastitis, digital dermatitis (lameness), reproductive disorders, calf health and fly management under field conditions on organic dairies across the Nation. Results of these studies, including economic analysis, will be shared with organic dairy producers. Furthermore, an online resource and short courses about effective prevention and treatment approaches will be developed for veterinarians so that they can advise their clients within a valid veterinary-client-patient-relationship. The long term goal of this proposal is to improve the profitability of organic dairy farms by providing evidence-based and economically sound animal care solutions to producers and their veterinarians. The ultimate long term goal of this research and our outreach activities is to improve the profitability of organic dairy farms by providing evidence-based and economically sound animal care solutions to producers.
Project Methods
We will explore preventive and therapeutic methodologies focused on improving overall health and cow wellbeing and we will additionally assess the economic impact of these procedures through cost-benefit analysis. The field trials focus on diseases that were identified by producers as important to them. The selected interventions were based on a) currently used, but unevaluated, management practices and b) modifications of practices that were used successfully in other areas (e.g. fly leg wraps for horses) and could be used on organic dairy farms as well. The majority of the work will be conducted on large organic dairy herds to simplify the logistical access to the large number of animals needed for this kind of research and to allow for a standardization of management practices. Demonstration projects on smaller stakeholder farms will add to information about the feasibility of methods for smaller farms without burdening small farms with the intense required sampling. Results of these studies will be incorporated in the developed outreach efforts.

Progress 09/01/16 to 08/31/21

Outputs
Target Audience:We have reached organic dairy farmers, veterinarians, and organic dairy industry representatives across the Upper Midwest region.We delivered a successful organic field day in August 2021 at the West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris, MN that provided information on enhancing animal welfare of dairy cattle.Through this project we reached over 2,000 organic dairy farmers.The field days were conducted for organic dairy producers, extension educators, veterinarians, and organic industry personnel. We educated 15 undergraduate college students through internships that focused on organicfly control, alternative treatments for dairy cattle, calf rearing strategies to improve animal health and milking procedures to improve animal health of first-lactation heifers at the WCROC. The project also educated and trained 7graduate students with this project. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has trained organic dairy producers on the control of animal health for organic dairy cattle. Many extension educators and organic industry representatives were informed on organic dairy management practices at field days and conferences. We havetrained 12 undergraduate students on how to conduct research and outreach in an organic situation. Graduate students from Minnesota and Colorado presented research on organic animal health at the 2021 Virtual American Dairy Science Association meeting. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Weoffered an organic dairy day at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center to provide farmers and other industry personnel tools to enhance animal care on organic dairy farms. During the last year, over 50 people have attended the field days at the WCROC. Over 250 people have attended presentations related to the objective research in the project. Results are also disseminated to academic and veterinary audiences through peer-reviewed publications and abstracts presented at conferences. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Phillips, H.N. and B. J. Heins. 2021. Evaluation of an herbal therapy to alleviate acute pain and stress of disbudded dairy calves under organic management, Translational Animal Science, Volume 5, Issue 2, April 2021, txab044, https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab044
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Phillips, H.N.; Heins, B.J. Effects of Outdoor Stocking Density on Growth, Feather Damage and Behavior of Slow-Growing Free-Range Broilers. Animals 2021, 11, 688. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030688
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Phillips, H.N.; Sorge, U.S.; Heins, B.J. Effects of Pre-Parturient Iodine Teat Dip Applications on Modulating Aversive Behaviors and Mastitis in Primiparous Cows. Animals 2021, 11, 1623. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061623
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Heins, Brad. 2021. Milk Price, somatic cell count, for the WCROC dairy farm. Dairy Star. January 16, 2021
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Pinedo, P., Manr�quez, D., Marotta, N. et al. Effect of oral calcium administration on metabolic status and uterine health of dairy cows with reduced postpartum rumination and eating time. BMC Vet Res 17, 178 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-021-02881-2
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Gilberto Solano-Su�rez, Luciano S Caixeta, Alexander Masic, Diego Manr�quez, Luciana Hatamoto-Zervoudakis, Sushil Paudyal, Ana Velasquez-Munoz, Juan Velez, Pablo J Pinedo, Effect of peripartal administration of mycobacterium cell wall fraction on health and fertility of Holstein cows under organic-certified management, Journal of Animal Science, Volume 99, Issue 9, September 2021, skab191, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab191
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: S. Paudyal, J.E. Lombard, P. Melendez, I.N. Roman-Muniz, R.J. Callan, F. Maunsell, P. Pinedo, Lying and stepping behaviors around corrective or therapeutic claw trimming, JDS Communications,Volume 2, Issue 5,2021,Pages 282-288,ISSN 2666-9102, https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2020-0044.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: P.J. Pinedo, L.S. Caixeta, E.A. Barrell, J. Velez, D. Manriquez, J. Herman, T. Holt,A randomized controlled clinical trial on the effect of acupuncture therapy in dairy cows affected by pyometra,Research in Veterinary Science,Volume 133, 2020,Pages 12-16,ISSN 0034-5288,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.08.011.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Manr�quez, D., J. Velez, and P.J. Pinedo. 2020. Incidence and risk factors for reproductive disorders in organic certified dairies. Journal of Dairy Science 103:1079710808. doi:10.3168/jds.2020-18592.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Phillips, H.N.; Moon, R.D.; Sorge, U.S.; Heins, B.J. Efficacy of Broilers as a Method of Face Fly (Musca autumnalis De Geer) Larva Control for Organic Dairy Production. Animals 2020, 10, 2429. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122429


Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/20

Outputs
Target Audience:We have reached organic dairy farmers and organic dairy industry representatives across the United States. We delivered a virtual organic field day in August 2020 at the West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris, MN that provided information on animal health care strategies and animal welfare for dairy calves and cows. Through this project we reached over 500 organic dairy farmers, and have worked with organic farmers through workshops, field days, and conference presentations. We have also presented research at the Virtual 2020 American Dairy Science Association Meeting and the American Societyof Animal Scinence Meeting that reached academic colleagues. We educated 3undergraduate college students through internships that focused on organic fly control and animal health at the WCROC. The project also educated and trained 2 graduate students and 1 post-doc. Changes/Problems:COVID 19 has delayed some graduate students with finishing their degrees. However, those students will be finishing those degrees this upcoming year. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has trained organic dairy producers on the control of animal health for organic dairy cattle. Many extension educators and organic industry representatives were informed on organic dairy management practices at field days and conferences. We have trained 3 undergraduate students on how to conduct research and outreach in an organic situation. Graduate students from Minnesota and Colorado presented research on organic animal health at the 2020 VirtualAmerican Dairy Science Association meeting and American Animal Science Socity Meeting. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We continue to offer an organic dairy day at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center to provide farmers and other industry personnel tools to enhance animal care on organic dairy farms. During the last year, over 100 people have attended the field days at the WCROC. Over 250 people have attended presentations related to the objective research in the project. Results are also disseminated to academic and veterinary audiences through peer-reviewed publications and abstracts presented at conferences. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The investigators on the project will have a conference call to review the objectives and accomplishments of the project. We will continue to work collaboratively to meet the project objectives. We will continue with data analysis of all project objectives. We will finalyze publications on an reproductive disorders, pyometra, and uterine health.We will finalize the oneline resources for for veterinarians and literature review ofavailable treatments of animals on organic dairy farms. Information will continue to be disseminated at workshops, conferences, field days, and scientific conferences.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The effects of teat dipping preparturient primiparous cows on postparturient udder health and subjective parlor behavior.Primiparous cows and human handlers are at risk for decreased welfare during the postparturient transition period due to increased animal stress and aversive behaviors that can jeopardize handler safety. This study investigated teat dipping preparturient primiparous cows as a method to reduce postparturient udder infections and aversive parlor behaviors over 2 calving seasons at the University of Minnesota, USA. Three weeks prior to calving, primiparous cows were randomly assigned to receive either: 1) a weekly teat dip in the parlor (n = 41) or 2) no treatment (control; n = 34). Quarter milk samples were collected and analyzed for bacteria following calving. For the first 3 days of lactation, cows were milked twice daily in a swing-9 parabone parlor and were scored by treatment-blinded handlers at each session for parlor entry ease on a 1 to 4 scale (1 = willing; 4 = requiring handler intervention) and milking ease on a 1 to 5 scale (1 = manageable and calm; 5 = unmanageable and hostile). Score maximums and milk sample means for each cow were analyzed in linear mixed models in R with fixed factors of treatment and calving season, and a random intercept for breed (6 levels). The proportion of quarters with bacteria was similar for cows in teat dip (mean ± SE; 0.64 ± 0.09) and control (0.65 ± 0.10) groups (p = 0.9). The maximum parlor entry score was similar for cows in teat dip (2.8 ± 0.2) and control (2.9 ± 0.2) groups (p = 0.7). However, the maximum milking score was 0.51 ± 0.2 greater for cows in the control group compared to the teat dip group (p = 0.04). Results from this study indicate that teat dipping primiparous cows prior to calving may alleviate aversive cow behaviors perceived by human handlers during milking procedures. The effect of outdoor stocking density and weather on the behavior of broiler chickens raised in mobile shelters on pasture.The aim of this study was to examine the behavior, and the relationship between weather and behavior, of broilers raised in mobile shelters with two stocking densities of pasture access. Fifty straight-run Freedom Rangers were used in three replicates (N = 150) at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center (Morris, MN) in the summer of 2018. From 4 to 11 weeks of age, birds were housed in a floorless mobile shelter divided into two equal-sized pens with daily access to pasture. Birds were allocated to one of the two pens corresponding to the treatment groups: 1) high (0.46 m2 per bird) and 2) low (2.5 m2 per bird) density outdoor pasture allowance. Ten focal birds per pen were randomly designated for behavior observations performed eight times weekly from 5 to 10 weeks of age. Counts of the number of birds outside were recorded during each observation. Behaviors were recorded continuously for 1-minute durations (Animal Behaviour Pro© app) on each focal bird. The means averaged for each observation were analyzed in linear mixed models with fixed (treatment), random (pen and replicate), and repeated (observation) effects. Models included age, heat index, solar radiation, and their interactions with treatment based on a backward stepwise selection. The temperature range recorded during the study was 7 to 32 ?C. No behavioral differences between treatments were observed. Standing decreased (P <0.05) as heat index increased. Pasture use declined (P <0.05) when heat index was greater than 26 ?C. Foraging decreased (P <0.05) and pasture use increased (P <0.05) as age increased. The results of this study indicate similar behaviors of broilers raised with two levels of pasture allowance and suggests that hot weather negatively affects the use of pasture space. Thus, providing shade in pasture might be a method to increasing ranging in broilers. Population approach for determining behavioral thresholds associated with health status during transition. Monitoring of behavioral variables has been used to assess individual health and estrus presentation in dairy cows. The objective was to evaluate population dynamics of behavioral variables during postpartum to determine cut-off values associated with the subsequent occurrence of health events up to 21 DIM. Cows (n = 1,350) in an organic certified herd in CO, were affixed with CowManager tags (AABV, the Netherlands) for monitoring of rumination, eating, and active times (min/d). Health events were retrieved from on-farm software (PCDart, Raleigh, NC). Cows were categorized as healthy (HT) or diagnosed with at least one health event (DZ) within 21 DIM. Explanatory variables included behavioral variables summarized in 20 min intervals at 0, 1, and 2 DIM. Logistic regression and ROC curves analysis were used to calculate cutoff values maximizing sensitivity (Se, %) and specificity (Sp, %). Calving season, parity, and dystocia were included in the models as controlling variables when P < 0.1. Overall, 17.2% of the cows were in the DZ category. Increments of the behavioral variables were associated with lower odds of disease presentation. For each 20 min/d increment in rumination at 0, 1, 2 DIM the odds of DZ decreased by 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92-0.98), 0.92 (0.9-0.95), and 0.90 (0.87-0.92), respectively. For each 20 min/d increment in eating time at 0, 1, 2 DIM the odds of DZ decreased by 0.89 (0.86-0.92), 0.85 (0.82-0.89), and 0.84 (0.8-0.88), respectively. For active time, the odds of DZ decreased by 0.96 (0.93-0.99), 0.94 (0.91-0.96), 0.95 (0.92-0.98), respectively. Eating time at 1 DIM had the greatest area under curve (AUC = 0.69), followed by eating (AUC = 0.68) and rumination time (AU = 0.64) at 2 DIM. The cut-off values that optimized Se and Sp at these points were 233.5 (Se = 65; Sp = 61), 285.9 (Se = 63.2; Sp = 61.3), and 438 (Se = 61.3; Sp = 52) min/d, respectively. AUC for active time was < 0.6 and Se and Sp < 50%. This study suggests that rumination time and eating time have discriminative value at early lactation for cows at risk of health disorders and these assessment points could be used for developing targeted prophylaxis after calving. ?

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: R.K. Perttu, B.J. Heins, H.N. Phillips, M.I. Endres, R.D. Moon, U.S. Sorge, Short communication: Effects of mesh leggings on fly pressure and fly avoidance behaviors of pastured dairy cows,mJournal of Dairy Science, Volume 103, Issue 1, 2020, Pages 846-851,ISSN 0022-0302, https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-17267.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Group Feeding Calves for Dairy Production Systems. January 2020 Dairy Star
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: G.M. Pereira, B.J. Heins, B. O'Brien, A. McDonagh, L. Lidauer, F. Kickinger, Validation of an ear tagbased accelerometer system for detecting grazing behavior of dairy cows, Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 103, Issue 4, 2020,Pages 3529-3544, ISSN 0022-0302, https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-17269.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Diego Manriquez, Ana Velasquez-Munoz, Pablo Pinedo, Case Study: Intrauterine infusion of oregano essential oils leads to carvacrol in milk of dairy cows, Applied Animal Science, Volume 36, Issue 3, 2020, Pages 335-340, ISSN 2590-2865, https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2019-01979.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Paudyal, S., Melendez, P., Manriquez, D., Velasquez-Munoz, A., Pena, G., Roman-Muniz, I., & Pinedo, P. (2020). Use of milk electrical conductivity for the differentiation of mastitis causing pathogens in Holstein cows. Animal, 14(3), 588-596. doi:10.1017/S1751731119002210
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: S. Paudyal, D. Manriquez, A. Velasquez, J.K. Shearer, P.J. Plummer, P. Melendez, R.J. Callan, U.S. Sorge, H. Bothe, J. Velez, P.J. Pinedo, Efficacy of non-antibiotic treatment options for digital dermatitis on an organic dairy farm, The Veterinary Journal, Volume 255,2020, 105417, ISSN 1090-0233, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.105417.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Population approach for determining behavioral thresholds associated with health status during transition. D. Manriquez and P. Pinedo, 2020. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO. J. Dairy Sci. 103 (Suppl. 1)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Estrus prediction of cows and heifers with an activity and rumination monitoring system in an organic grazing and a low-input conventional dairy herd. 2020. B. J. Heins and K. Minegishi, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN. J. Dairy Sci. 103 (Suppl. 1)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Evaluation of calf body weight with a partial-weigh scale on an automatic calf feeder. 2020. B. J. Heins and K. T. Sharpe, University of Minnesota, Morris, MN. J. Dairy Sci. 103 (Suppl. 1)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: University of Minnesota Organic Dairy E Research News. May 2020
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: PSVIII-32 - Late-Breaking Abstract: The effect of outdoor stocking density and weather on the behavior of broiler chickens raised in mobile shelters on pasture. 2020 B.J. Heins and H.N. Phillips. 2020 ASAS Virtual Meeting Abstract.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: B.J. Heins. Setting Your Herd up for Success: Tips in genetics, breeding, and raising youngstock. 2020 Vermont Organic Dairy Producers Day. Randolph, VT. March 11, 2020
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: B. J. Heins and H. N. Phillips. Enhancing Livestock Health on Organic Dairy Farms. 2020 Minnesota Organic Conference, St. Cloud, MN, January 2020


Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/19

Outputs
Target Audience:We have reached organic dairy farmers,veterinarians, and organic dairy industry representatives across the United States. We delivered a successful organic field day in August 2019 at the West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris, MN that provided information on animal health care strategies and animal welfare for organic dairy cows. Through this project we reached over 2,500 organic dairy farmers, and have worked with beginning organic farmers through workshops, field days, and conference presentations. The field days were conducted for organic dairy producers, veterinarians, extension educators, andorganic industry.We have also presented research at the American Dairy Science Association Meetings that reached academic colleagues, as well as veterinarians that work with organic farmers. We educated 15undergraduate college students through internships that focused on organic fly control and animal health at the WCROC. The project also educated and trained 5 graduate students and 1 post-doc. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has trained organic dairy producers on the control of digital dermatitis for organic dairy cattle. Dairy producers were also educated on the use of various fly control methods fororganic dairy herds. Many extension educators and organic industry representatives were informed on organic dairy management practices at field days and conferences. We have trained 6 undergraduate students on how to conduct research and outreach in an organic situation. Graduate students from Minnesota and Colorado presented research on organic animal health at the 2019 American Dairy Science Association meetings in Cincinnati, OH. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We continue to offer an organic dairy day at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center to provide farmers and other industry personnel tools to enhance animal care on organic dairy farms. During the last year, over 400 people have attended the field days at the WCROC. Over 1,000 people have attended presentations related to the objective research in the project. Results are also disseminated to academic and veterinary audiences through peer-reviewed publications and abstracts presented at conferences. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The investigators on the project will have a conference call to review the objectives and accomplishments of the project. We will continue to work collaboratively to meet the project objectives. We will continue with data analysis of all project objectives. We will also analyze the data on mastitis in dairy heifers, as well as assess the effect of acupuncture on uterine disease. We will finalyze publications on an incidence risk factor study for reproductive performance in organic dairy cows and the dynamics of therapeutic hoof trimming. We will finalize the oneline resources for for veterinarians and literature review of available treatments of animals onorganic dairy farms. Information will continue to be disseminated at workshops, conferences, field days, and scientific conferences.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Organic dairy farms have increased adoption of alternative animal health management strategies in the United States through this project exceeding 75,000 cows in the United States. Organic dairy farmers have started to implement these strategies for calf raising and for health monitoring of cows. This has resulted in improved labor efficiency by 10% on farm, as well as improved health and fertility of organic dairy cows. This research has been focused on organic dairy farming systems andimproving the profitability of organic farms. Effects of mesh leggings on fly pressure and fly avoidance behaviors of pastured dairy cows.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of mesh Shoofly Leggins (Stone Manufacturing & Supply, Kansas City, MO) on fly avoidance behaviors and numbers of flies attacking pastured dairy cows. In a crossover design, lactating dairy cows (n = 80) were randomly assigned to groups with and without leggings (Shoofly Leggins worn on all legs).The number of horn flies per cow was greater on cows in with leggings (26.4 flies/side) compared with cows without leggings (24.1 flies/side). Stable fly numbers were similar for cows with and without leggings (12.8 flies/leg). A random subset of 20 focal cows per group was observed during 5-min intervals to record frequencies of 4 behaviors: leg stomps, head tosses, skin twitches, and tail swishes. Counts of head tosses (2.6 vs. 3.1), skin twitches (20.9 vs. 19.6), and tail swishes (21.3 vs. 19.3) were similar for cows without leggings versus cows with leggings, respectively. However, foot stomps were 39% lower for cows with leggings compared with cows without leggings, and leg stomps were 26% higher in the afternoon than in the morning (2.9 vs. 2.4, respectively). A positive correlation was observed between stable and horn flies and all insect avoidance behaviors. Numbers of stable flies were 1.5 times greater in the afternoon than in the morning. The results of this study indicated that flies were associated with cow fly avoidance behaviors regardless of the use of leggings, but leggings effectively reduced foot stomps by 39%, so their use may provide some relief from stable fly injury to pastured dairy cows. Efficacy of non-antibiotic treatment options for digital dermatitis on an organic dairy farm.The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two non-antibiotic treatment options for digital dermatitis (DD) on an organic certified dairy farm. A randomized clinical trial was conducted using 70 multiparous Holstein cows with an early DD lesion at a USDA certified organic dairy farm in Northern Colorado, USA. Cows were enrolled in the study based on the presence of early DD lesions (scores M1 and M2) and randomly assigned to one of three treatments: (1) topical application of copper sulfate and iodine (CUI); (2) topical application of honey and iodine (HOI); and (3) control subject to no treatment (CON). Cows were evaluated at enrolment and on days 3, 12, 28, and 120 post treatment for pain and lesion size and received a locomotion and a lesion score. Cure was defined as the transition from active to non-active stages (M1/M2 to M0 or M4). The formulations had variable effects on the treatment of DD. The cure rate was numerically higher for CUI on all follow up days. The proportion of cows experiencing pain on d3 after treatment was greater in CON, followed by HOI and CUI. However, this proportion increased in HOI during the follow up period. The CUI group had a greater reduction in lesion size and larger lesions persisted in HOI. Non-antibiotic treatment formulations were partially effective in the treatment of DD in organic dairy cows: The two non-antibiotic formulations resulted in an earlier transition to mature lesions compared with the control group. The CUI combination was the most effective treatment in reducing lesion size, pain, and lameness in affected cows. However, this combination had short-term efficacy, which did not persist throughout the duration of the study. The HOI combination produced only transient reduction in lesion size. Use of milk electrical conductivity for the differentiation of mastitis causing pathogens in organicHolstein cows.The objective was to characterize the pattern of electrical conductivity (EC) in milk during intramammary infection, considering specific mastitis-causing pathogen groups involvement. Cows (n = 200) identified by an in-line mastitis detection system with a positive deviation ≥15% in the manufacturer's proprietary algorithm for EC (high electrical conductivity (HEC)) were considered cases and enrolled in the study at the subsequent milking. One control (CON) cow, within normal ranges for EC, was matched to each case. A composite milk sample was collected aseptically from each cow for bacteriological culture. Milk yield (MY) and EC were recorded for each milking during ±7 days relative to enrollment. Milk cultures were categorized into gram positive (GP), gram negative (GN), other (OTH) and no growth (NOG). Data were submitted for repeated-measures analysis with EC as the dependent variable and EC status at day −1, bacteriological culture category, parity number, stage of lactation and days relative to sampling as main independent variables. Average (± standard error (SE)) EC was greater in HEC than in CON cows (12.5 ± 0.5 v. 10.8 ± 0.5 mS/cm) on the day of identification (day −1). Milk yield on day −1 was greater in CON than in HEC (37.6 ± 5.1 v. 33.5 ± 5.2 kg). For practical management purposes, average EC on day −1 was similar for the different bacteriological culture categories: 11.4 ± 0.6, 11.7 ± 0.5, 12.3 ± 0.8 and 11.7 ± 0.5 mS/cm in GN, GP, OTH and NOG, respectively. Parity number was only associated with day −1 EC in HEC group, with the greatest EC values in parity 3 (12.3 ± 0.3 mS/cm), followed by parity 2 (11.9 ± 0.2 mS/cm), parity >3 (11.6 ± 0.5 mS/cm) and primiparous cows (11.2 ± 0.2 mS/cm). An effect on EC for the interaction of day relative to identification by pathogen gram category was observed. The same interaction effect was observed on daily MY. Overall, the level of variation for MY and EC between- and within-cows was substantial, and as indicated by the model diagnostic procedures, the magnitude of the variance in the cows in the CON group resulted in deviations from normality in the residuals. We concluded that characteristic temporal patterns in EC and MY in particular pathogen groups may provide indications for differentiation of groups of mastitis-causing pathogens. Effect of prebiotic supplementation with stabilized rice bran in milk of pre-weaned organic Holstein calves.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of prebiotic supplementation with stabilized rice bran (SRB) in milk on health, immunity, and performance of pre-weaned organic dairy calves. Overall, weight gain and fecal IgA concentrations were not affected by the dietary addition of SRB. The total number of calf-days classified as healthy or sick were not different between treatment groups. Similarly, the number of calf-days categorized as slightly affected, moderately sick, or severely sick did not differ between treatment groups. Time to event analyses indicated a tendency for a treatment effect in the time to the first moderate case of diarrhea (P = 0.08), as well as in the time to recovery from diarrhea (P = 0.052), favoring control calves. These results indicated that the dietary addition of SRB in milk did not have an effect in health, immunity or performance of pre-weaned dairy calves.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Perttu, R.K., B.J. Heins, H.N. Phillips, M.I. Endres, R.D. Moon, and U.S. Sorge. 2019. Short communication: Effects of mesh leggings on fly pressure and fly avoidance behaviors of pastured dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science. doi:10.3168/jds.2019-17267.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Velasquez-Munoz, A., Manriquez, D., Paudyal, S. et al. Effect of a mechanical grooming brush on the behavior and health of recently weaned heifer calves. BMC Vet Res 15, 284 (2019) doi:10.1186/s12917-019-2033-3
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Velasquez-Munoz, A., Manriquez, D., Paudyal, S. et al. Effect of prebiotic supplementation with stabilized rice bran in milk of pre-weaned organic Holstein calves. BMC Vet Res 15, 53 (2019) doi:10.1186/s12917-019-1802-3
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Paudyal, S., D. Manriquez, A. Velasquez, J.K. Shearer, P.J. Plummer, P. Melendez, R.J. Callan, U.S. Sorge, H. Bothe, J. Velez, and P.J. Pinedo. 2019. Efficacy of non-antibiotic treatment options for digital dermatitis on an organic dairy farm. The Veterinary Journal 105417. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.105417.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Pinedo, P.J., and J. Velez. 2019. Invited Review: Unique reproductive challenges for certified organic dairy herds. Applied Animal Science 35:416425. doi:10.15232/aas.2019-01863.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Paudyal, S., Melendez, P., Manriquez, D., Velasquez-Munoz, A., Pena, G., Roman-Muniz, I., & Pinedo, P. (n.d.). Use of milk electrical conductivity for the differentiation of mastitis causing pathogens in Holstein cows. Animal, 1-9. doi:10.1017/S1751731119002210
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Perttu,R., H. Phillips, M. Endres, B. Heins, U. Sorge. 2019. The effect of mesh fly leggings on number of flies and aversive behaviors of dairy cows housed on pasture. ISAE. Bergen, Norway 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Phillips, H., B. Heins, U. Sorge. 2019.The effect of outdoor stocking density and weather on the behavior of broiler chickens raised in mobile shelters on pasture. ISAE. Bergen, Norway 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Perttu, R., M. Endres, B. Heins, and U. Sorge. 2019. Are fly avoidance behaviors of dairy cows housed on pasture influenced by the use of mesh fly leggings. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 102, Suppl. 1
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: S. Paudyal, P. Pinedo1. Activity before artificial insemination and conception in dairy cows in grazing and nongrazing conditions. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 102, Suppl. 1
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: D. Manriquez,J. Velez, and P. Pinedo. 2019 Epidemiology of reproductive disorders in large certified organic dairy farms in northern Colorado. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 102, Suppl. 1
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: P. Pinedo, L. Caixeta, E. Barrell, J. Herman, J. Velez, D. Manriquez, and T. Holt. 2019. Effect of acupuncture therapy in dairy cows affected by pyometra: A randomized controlled clinical trial. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 102, Suppl. 1
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: A. Velasquez-Munoz, D. Manriquez,and P. Pinedo. 2019. Climatic conditions at birth associate with serum total proteins and diarrhea occurrence in pre-weaned organic dairy heifers in northern Colorado. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 102, Suppl. 1
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: S. Paudyal, G. Solano, P. Melendez, I. Roman-Muniz, R. Callan, F. Maunsell, J. Velez, and P. Pinedo. 2019. Automated detection of lameness using activity monitoring. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 102, Suppl. 1
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: S. Paudyal, G. Solano, P. Melendez, I. Roman-Muniz, R. Callan, F. Maunsell, J. Velez, and P. Pinedo. Dynamics of activity around corrective and therapeutic hoof trimming. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 102, Suppl. 1
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: H. Phillips. The role of antibiotics on animal welfare in US organic dairy herds. Danish Veterinarian Association Conference, Copenhagen, DK September 2019.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: H. Phillips, B. Heins, R. Moon, and U. Sorge. Researchers evaluate pastured broilers as means to reduce flies in organic dairy pastures. MOSES Organic Broadcaster May 2019. https://mosesorganic.org/publications/broadcaster-newspaper/research-flies/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: B. Heins and H. Phillips. Chickens and Cows: Best Management Practices for Herd Health. Iowa Organic Conference. November 2019.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: WCROC Organic Dairy Cattle Health Update. WCROC Organic Dairy Dary. MOrris, MN August 13, 2019.


Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/18

Outputs
Target Audience:We have reached organic dairy farmers,veterinarians,and organic dairy industry representatives across the United States. We delivered a successful organic field day in August 2018 at the West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris, MN that provided information on animal health care strategies for organic dairy cows, as well as controlling pasture flies with poultry in a grazing project.So far, through this project we reached over 1,000 organic dairy farmers, and have worked with beginning organic farmers through workshops, field days, and conference presentations.The field days were conducted for organic dairy producers, extension educators, organic industry and NRCS personnel. We have also presented research at the American Dairy Science Association Meetings that reached academic colleagues, as well as veterinarians that work with organic farmers. We educated 10 undergraduate college students through internships that focused on organic fly control and animal health at the WCROC. The project also educated and trained 5 graduate students. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has trained organic dairy producers on the efficacy of utilizing iodine/sugar wraps against digital dermatitis fororganic dairy cattle. Dairy producers were also educated on the use of poultry to control flies in organic dairy herds.Many extension educators and organic industry representatives were informed on organic dairy management practices at field days and conferences. We have trained 4 undergraduate students on how to conduct research and outreach in an organic situation. Graduate students from Minnesota and Colorado presented research on organic animal health at the 2018 American Dairy Science Association meetings in Knoxville, TN. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We continue to offer an organic dairy day at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center to provide farmers and other industry personnel tools to enhance animal care on organic dairy farms. During the last year, over 300 people have attended the field daysat the WCROC. Over 1,000 people have attended presentations related to the objective research in the project. Results are also disseminated to academic and veterinary audiences through peer-reviewed publications and abstracts presented at conferences. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The investigators on the project will have a conference call to review the objectives and accomplishments of the project. We will continue to work collaboratively to meet the project objectives. We will continue with data analysis of all project objectives. We will also analyze the dataon mastitis in dairy heifers, as well as assess the effect of acupuncture on uterine disease. The study on the effect of calcium levels and immune status is in progress. We will also analyze the fly wrap data and finalize the fly management data for publication.Information will continue to be disseminated at workshops, conferences, field days, and scientific conferences.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Organic dairy farms have increased adoption of alternative animal health management strategiesin the United States through this project exceeding 75,000 cows in the United States. Organic dairy farmers have started to implement these strategies for calf raising and for health monitoring of cows. This has resulted in improved labor efficiency by 10% on farm, as well as improved health and fertility of organic dairy cows.This researchhas been focused on organic dairy farming systems and improving the profitability of organic farms. Evaluation of using chickens to reduce flies from cow manure pats in organic dairy pastures.For this study, face fly maggots were reared in four different environmental conditions: in a greenhouse (environmental control), on pasture without chickens (control), on pasture with chickens at a low density (25 ft2/bird), and on pasture with chickens at a high density (5 ft2/bird). Thirty-three 1-liter cow manure patties planted with 100 face fly maggots each were randomly assigned to pasture treatments (control, low density, and high density; 10 each). The remaining three manure patties were assigned to the environmental control group and were reared in a greenhouse. Manure patties were exposed to environmental treatment conditions for an average of 3.7 days (until maggots reached third stage). The experiment was repeated 3 times with different groups chickens (Freedom Ranger, 5 weeks old). The average number of pupa in each group were used for analysis. For the statistical analysis, treatment was a fixed effect and replication was a random effect. There were more recovered pupa from the greenhouse (environmental control; 54 ± 8.7) group than the no chicken (5.4 ± 8.7) and high-density groups (5.5 ± 8.7). The low-density group (13.5 ± 8.7) did not differ from the other groups. These results indicates other potential environmental impacts on pasture, which resulted in lower fly pupa counts. Potential sources of fly reduction on pasture include natural predation from other insects and weather variation Physiological and behavior response of dairy calves disbudded with oral administration of an herbal tincture as a method to reduce pain and stress.Thestudy investigated the effects of Dull It, an herbal tincture made with white willow bark, St. John's wort, chamomile, arnica, and fennel, on blood cortisol levels and calf behaviors during and after hot iron disbudding.Calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: 1) Dull It (2 mL) under the tongue before disbudding with a second dose immediately following (D; n = 18), 2) Lidocaine (5 mL/ bud) cornual nerve block before disbudding (L; n = 19), or 3) Sham disbudded with a cold hot iron (S; n = 17).At 30 and 90 min after disbudding, the D (28.2 ± 0.28 and 8.4 ± 0.09 ng/mL, respectively) calves had greater (P < 0.01) cortisol than S (9.3 ± 0.09 and 3.3 ± 0.04 ng/mL, respectively) calves. The D and L calves had similar cortisol across all time points after disbudding. Calves had similarbehavior frequencies at disbudding. The L (11.1 ± 0.16) calves had greaterhead jerks 1 to 2 h after disbudding compared with D (2.8 ± 0.16) calves. The D and L calves had similar ear flicks at all time points. The D and L calves had greater cortisol and pain behaviors after disbudding compared with S calves. In summary, Dull It may be an effective alternative to lidocaine to mitigate pain and stress during and after hot iron disbudding in organic dairy calves. Effect of a mechanical calf brush on the behavior and performance of recently weaned heifer calves.The objective was to evaluate the effect of a mechanical brush on the performance and behavior of recently weaned organic calves. Organic Holstein heifer calves (94 ± 7 d old) were each monitored for 3 wk. Four cohorts were enrolled sequentially considering one CON and one TRT group (1 brush/pen, n = 19-20 calves/pen).Significant differences were found for the interaction time and treatment group, indicating greater values for CON calves on the time spent not-active (22.8 ± 0.82 vs. 21.7 ± 0.82 min/h) and lower values for the time eating (6.43 ± 0.40 vs 7.01 ± 0.40 min/h)Differences in daily eating time were found for Period 1 in favor of CON (8.3 ± 0.51 vs 8.0 ± 0.51 min/h) and Period 2 in favor of TRT group (6.44 ± 0.54 vs 5.48 ± 0.54 min/h). Efficacy of novel treatment options for digital dermatitis in organic dairy systems.The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment of digital dermatitisusing different combinations of copper sulfate, honey, and iodine. Cows at early stages of digital dermatitis(M1 = early stage, skin defect < 2 cm diameter; and M2 = acute active ulcerative lesion) were identified and enrolled. Study cows (n = 70) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 topical treatment options: (1) Copper sulfate and iodine (CS-I); (2) honey and iodine (HO-I); and (3) nontreated controls (CON).Early erosive lesions (M1/M2) progressed into papillomatous mature forms (M4), irrespective of the treatment group. On d 3 and d 12, lesion size differed and was smaller for HO-I group. Treatment effect changed in subsequent evaluations (d120), with smaller lesions for CS-I and CON groups vs. HO-I. The interaction between time and treatment was significant for pain reaction. The odds (95% CI) of pain for cows in the CON group at d 3 and at d 12 were 7.69 (1.70-3.33) and 4.00 (1.01-16.7) times the odds of pain for animals in CS-I group, respectively. However, at d 120 the odds of pain for cows in the HO-I group were 15.2 (1.60-147) times the odds of pain for animals in CON group. The odds of lameness score > 1 decreased until d 28 and again increased on d 120 for all the treatment groups, with the highest incidence in HO-I group. Non-antibiotic treatment options were effective in controlling DD early after treatment. The CS-I combination was superior to both treatment with HO-I and no-treatment in CON group. Stabilized rice bran addition in milk of non-weaned organic Holstein calves.T he objective was to evaluate the effect of stabilized rice bran (SRB) addition into milk on health and performance of non-weaned organic dairy calves. Overall, average daily weight gain was not affected by treatment. The total number of calf-days classified as healthy or sick were not different between treatment groups. Similarly, the number of calf-days categorized as slightly affected, moderately sick, or very sick did not differ between treatment groups. The survival analyses indicated no differences in time to first moderate case of disease by treatment group and by health status at enrollment. Our results indicated that the addition of SRB in milk did not have an effect in the performance and health of non-weaned dairy calves.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Glenda M. Pereira, Bradley J. Heins, Marcia Endres, Kota Minegishi, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN. Estrus detection with an activity and rumination monitoring system in an organic grazing and in a low-input conventional herd. 2018. J. Dairy Sci. Vol 101, Suppl 2. Abstract #97.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Glenda M. Pereira, Bradley J. Heins, University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris, MN. Activity and rumination of Holstein versus crossbred cows in an organic grazing and low-input conventional herd. 2018. J. Dairy Sci. Vol 101, Suppl 2. Abstract #390.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Hannah N. Phillips, Brad J. Heins, University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris, MN. Physiological and behavior response of dairy calves disbudded with oral administration of an herbal tincture as a method to reduce pain and stress.2018. J. Dairy Sci. Vol 101, Suppl 2. Abstract #371.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Ana Velasquez, Diego Manriquez, Sushil Paudyal, Gilberto Solano, Hyungchul Han, Robert Callan, Juan Velez, Pablo Pinedo, Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, Aurora Organic Dairy, Boulder, CO. Effect of a mechanical calf brush on the behavior and performance of recently weaned heifer calves. 2018. J. Dairy Sci. Vol 101, Suppl 2. Abstract #142.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Ana Velasquez, Diego Manriquez, Sushil Paudyal, Gilberto Solano, Hyungchul Han, Robert Callan, Juan Velez, Pablo Pinedo, Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 2018. Stabilized rice bran addition in milk of non-weaned organic Holstein calves. 2018. J. Dairy Sci. Vol 101, Suppl 2. Abstract #T32.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Sushil Paudyal, Diego Manriquez, Ana Velasquez, Jan Shearer, Paul Plummer, Hans Bothe, Juan Velez, Pablo Pinedo, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, Aurora Organic Dairy, Boulder, CO, Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Efficacy of novel treatment options for digital dermatitis in organic dairy systems. 2018. J. Dairy Sci. Vol 101, Suppl 2. Abstract #380.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Brad Heins. Alternative Management Strategies for Dairy Cattle Production. Minnesota DHIA Regional Meetings. Feb 2018.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Brad Heins. Organic Dairy Research 2018. WCROC Organic Dairy Day. Morris, MN August 14, 2018
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Brad Heins. Cattle Pest Management. 2018 Iowa Organic Conference. Iowa City, Iowa. November 19, 2018
  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Glenda Pereira and Brad Heins. Pasture-based dairy cattle have daily schedules too! Dairy Star September 2018.
  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: A. Velasquez, D. Manriquez, S. Paudyal, G. Solano, H. Han, R. Callan, J. Velez, and P. Pinedo. Effect of a mechanical calf brush on the behavior and performance of recently weaned heifer calves. 2018 Colorado State University Showcase.


Progress 09/01/16 to 08/31/17

Outputs
Target Audience:We have reached organic dairy farmers and organic dairy industry representatives across the Upper Midwest region, as well in the the Mountain West. We have delivered a successful organic field day at the West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris, MN that provided information on animal health alternatives with dairy producers, as well as discussing fly management practices for organic dairies. We were able to reach over 100 new and beginning organic farmers through our workshops, field days, and conference presentations. The field days were conducted for organic dairy producers, extension educators, veterinarians, and organic industry personnel. We have also educated organic farmers at two conferences about organic fly management. Furthermore, we have educated3 undergraduate college students through internships that focus on organic fly management at the WCROC. We have also educated and trained graduate students with this project. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has trained organic dairy producers on the use of and impact of utilizing fly wraps on cow legs for the control of stable flies on organic dairy cattle. Many extension educators and organic industry representatives were informned on organic dairy management practices at field days and conferences. We have trainted 3 undergraduate students on how to conduct research and outreach in an organic situation. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We continue to offer an organic dairy day at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) to provide farmers and other industry personnel tools to enhance animal care on organic dairy farms. During the last year, over 150 people have attended the field days on at the WCROC. Over 1,000 people have attended presentations related to the objective research in the project. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The investigators on the project will meet this winter to review the objectives and accomplishments of the project. We will continue to work collaboratively to meet the project objectives. We will continue with data analysis of all project objectives. We will also begin the projects that focus on mastitis in dairy heifers, as well as continue our investigations of fly control for organic dairy farms. Calf studies will also begin. Information will continue to be disseminated at workshops, conferences, field days, and scientific conferences.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Evaluate the efficacy of iodine/sugar wraps against clinical digital dermatitis: The study was focused on testing the efficacy of different preparations that could be topically applied in organic systems for treatment of digital dermatitis. A secondary objective was to investigate the microbial dynamics of lesions after applicationof the proposed treatment. Cows with visible pain response to touch in their rear eg were identified. Cows with only active (M1 & M2) lesions were enrolled at the trimming chute. Treatment groups included: i) Honey + Iodine solution; ii) Copper sulfate + Iodine solution; and ii) non-treated control. After topic application, lesions were bandaged for 3 days following treatment. Follow up for recovery was conducted for 70 cows on d3, d12, & d28. A subsample of 45 cows were followed until d120 after intervention. In addition, tissue samples were collected on d3, d28 and d120 to investigate dynamics of microbial communities (metagenomics analysis). On day 0, prior to treatment, all cows were locomotion scored and evaluated for pain and lesion size and stage. Cows were reexamined on d 3, 12, 28, and 120 after treatment by one of the authors blinded to treatment group. The evaluation included assessment of pain; lesion size scoring; lesion stage (early vs. mature); and locomotion scoring. All cows were maintained under the same management and housing conditions throughout the study and were fed the same ration. Control cows were subject to early escape (prompt removal) if their clinical status worsens to a defined level (increasing 1 point in lameness score at d 12 examination). Rescue treatment considered application of therapy corresponding to Copper sulfate + Iodine solution group. Repeated measures analyses was used to determine treatment effects (PROC MIXED and PROC GENMOD; SAS).The field activities have been completed and the tissue samples are under analysis for microbiome determination. Preliminary results indicate significant treatment and time effects for lesion size and pain response. Acupuncture procedures on the cure of Pyometra: Pyometra (PYO), defined as an intrauterine accumulation of purulent material in the presence of a persistent corpus luteum (CL) and a closed cervix, is a significant problem in organic dairy farms where the product (PG2α) that results in CL lysis and successful treatment can't be applied. The use of acupuncture on the treatment of reproductive disorders, including persistence of a CL, has been reported with variable success. We proposed to explore this non-traditional therapy in cows with a persistent CL with and without concomitant pyometra.The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture procedures on the treatment of persistent CL in cows affected by pyometra (defined as an intrauterine accumulation of purulent material in the presence of a persistent corpus luteum (CL) and a closed cervix), as indicated by corpus luteum lysis and resumption of ovarian cyclicity.The study included 45 Holstein cows affected by pyometra, maintained in an organic dairy farm located in Colorado. Cows were divided into 3 treatment groups. i) Control Pyometra: Cows that did not receive any treatment; ii) Treatment Pyometra Acupuncture: Cows that were subject to traditional (needle) acupuncture treatment; iii) Treatment Pyometra Laser: Cows that were subject to laser treatment. Cows were in the needle and laser groups received 3 acupuncture sessions of 20 m every other day for 3 times.Blood samples for determination of serum progesterone concentration were collected at the time of enrollment and 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21d after treatment completion. The ovaries and the uterine horns were scanned at the same time points to determine ovarian structures and uterine content (presence of pus). Logistic regression (PROC GLIMMIX, SAS) was used for the analysis of binary outcome variables. Serum progesterone levels and CL size variation were compared through repeated measures analyses and ANOVA (PROC MIXED and PROC GENMOD; SAS). Management practices for control of flies on organic dairy farms: We wanted to assess the impact of fly wraps on cow legs to decrease the negative impact of biting stable flies on cow wellbeing, production and behavior on pasture. Eighty organic cows from the West Central Outreach and Research Center organic dairy in Morris, MN were used for the study during the summer of 2017. There were 40 cows with Shoofly leg wraps and 40 cows without Shoofly leg wraps during the grazing season. Every 2 weeks the cows switched between having the wraps and those that did not. Three times a week for 2 times a day (6 observations per week), cows were observed and fly counts were made for stable flies, horn flies, and face flies. Flies were counted on all the cows in the herd. Fly identification and counting methods were similar to those used by Denning et al. (2014). Observers distinguished horn flies from face flies and stable flies. Horn flies were counted individually or in groups of 10 on one side of each cow. Face flies were counted on the animals' faces viewed head on, from poll to jawline and muzzle. Stable flies were counted on the visible faces of front and rear legs separately. For stable flies, the front leg and back leg counts were added together for analysis Counts were made from a distance of 2 to 4 m. Furthermore, fly avoidance behaviors were recorded on 40 cows (20 cows per week). Fly counts were taken before and after behavior observation. Skin twitches, front leg stomps, back leg stomps, head toss & tail swishes were recorded for 5 minutes of observation. Preliminary results indicate that the Shoofly leggings on cows reduced the number of stable flies per cow by 25%. Horn fly and Face Fly numbers were similar for cows with and without leggings.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Enhancing Animal Care Strategies on Organic Dairy Farms. 2017 USDA-NIFA Organic Grant PD Workshop, Washington, D.C.