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Grassland is grouped into temporary, permanent, and rough grazing types in the United Kingdom (UK), making up more than 60% of the national agricultural land area. It provides avenues for grazed fodder or ensiled forage contributing a large proportion of the diets consumed by cattle and sheep. The official agricultural census data in 2011 to 2020 showed that, on average, UK cattle and sheep farming can produce meat to satisfy 83.3 and 100.8% of domestic cattle beef and sheep meat consumption levels, respectively. Out of the large agricultural census datasets, we used the populations of cattle and sheep, as well as the UK definition of a standard livestock unit (SLU), to normalise the respective herd populations into a total standard livestock unit (TSLU). We then used the annual domestic meat production in dressed carcass weight to calculate cattle and sheep meat productivity per SLU. Using the potential herbal dry matter yields per year and areas of the different grassland types across the UK, the potential total available pasture feed was calculated. This potential production of herbal biomass was translated into the potential carrying capacity expressed in a TSLU. This total potential carrying capacity was partitioned into cattle and sheep sectors so that the routes of pasture-based-only options with which to produce ruminant meat to meet the current UK domestic consumption demands were assessed. The estimated mean potential annual pasture forage feed in 2011–2020 was approximately 82.0 million (M) metric tonnes (t), which can be translated into a potential carrying capacity of 17.9 M SLUs compared with the current mean 9.36 M SLUs in the survey data of the UK. With the ratio of sheep to cattle at 8.2:25 in the national TSLU, the UK national demands at present consumption levels of cattle and sheep meat can be arithmetically met with pasture grass utilisation rates at or above 65% and 50% by cattle and sheep farming systems, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Selective dry cow therapy involves giving local antibiotic treatment into the udder only to those cows which are likely to be infected with a mastitis-causing organism, while uninfected cows receive an internal teat sealant only, a physical barrier inserted into the teat to prevent infections entering the udder via the teat canal. The application of teat sealant only without antibiotics can induce infections into the udder if not done hygienically, and veterinarians should be training farmers in hygienic application. Therefore, veterinary students have to be trained in the technique themselves, and farmers may be concerned about allowing students to practice on their cows. This study follows up cows dried off by farm staff and students on a single dairy farm and compares several parameters indicative of mastitis and also looks into the survival of cows in the herd. There is no indication that cows perform worse when dried off by students under close supervision, and the risk of culling within twelve months was lower in cows dried off by students. (1) Background: Selective dry cow therapy is widely promoted in many countries worldwide, however, concerns have been raised about the consequences of the unhygienic application of preparations by untrained operators, especially if no antimicrobials are being used, risking deteriorating mastitis outcomes. (2) Method: This study follows up on cows being dried off by farm staff and those dried off by final-year veterinary students and first-year graduate interns in a supervised training session. Subsequent mastitis parameters and culling data in a single herd with a low somatic cell count were evaluated. (3) Results: A total of 316 dry periods were enrolled in the study. There was no significant difference in the percentage of cows showing at least one high SCC reading within 90 days of the following lactation or cows with at least one case of clinical mastitis within the same period, neither in the total nor in the subset of cows dried off without an antimicrobial. Dry period cure rates and dry period new infection rates were similar too, as was the percentage of cows surviving in the herd after six months. The risk of culling within twelve months post-drying off was lower in cows dried off by students, the difference in survival manifesting itself from 150 days post-drying off, which is an unexplained finding. (4) Conclusion: Well-supervised practical training sessions on drying off routine can be responsibly implemented on well-managed commercial dairy herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis as a disruptor to Britain's beef and sheep supply chains. The assessment of COVID-19 impacts is based on the triangulation of farming and industry news reports, submissions to a government COVID-19 enquiry and interviews with industry experts. We find that livestock farming and farm services were least affected compared to processing, retailing, foodservice, or consumers. Primary and secondary processors continued to operate during the first COVID-19 lockdown but had to quickly become 'COVID secure'. The most dramatic effect was the overnight closure of hospitality and catering and the redirection of supplies to the retail sector. This picture of a resilient British beef and sheep industry may also be conceptualised as relatively locked in and resistant to change. Red meat production is tied to the land it farms on and operates on 12–36-month production cycles, making it difficult to change trajectory if disruptions do not directly affect farming. Emerging changes in agricultural payments, trade post-Brexit, and societal and environmental pressures may well be the disruptors that have far-reaching impacts on the beef and sheep supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study investigated the association of copper levels and the appearance of blood monocytes, a white blood cell. One type of monocytes (M1) supports cellular immunity and the M2 monocyte helps the immune system through antibodies. Five samples of cow monocytes (PBMCs) were incubated in different levels of copper; 0, 4, 8 and 16 μM. After stimulation under three different conditions, we stained them for CD14 and CD16 to allow typing of the monocytes (M1 and M2). M1 function was also measured through nitric oxide (NO) production. The results showed a significant reduction in viability of the monocytes with increased copper (p < 0.001). Increasing copper resulted in more M1 type monocytes in cows older than 4 years (p = 0.001). CD14 expression affected both CD16 (M2) expression and NO production. For CD16 expression, there was a further significant negative effect of copper levels in cows older than 4 years, whereas NO was not affected by the varying copper levels. In our small sample, monocytes incubating in a higher copper environment showed a stronger M1 support for better cellular immunity containing intracellular infections more effectively. In the live animal low copper levels could possibly affect progression of a bacterial infection to clinical disease. This study investigated the association of copper levels and monocyte plasticity between M1 (CD14+ CD16−) and M2 (CD14− CD16++) phenotypes. Five samples of female bovine PBMCs were incubated in 0, 4, 8 and 16 μM copper and stimulated (PPD-A, TLR- 2 ligand (Pam3CSK4), or media alone) before they were washed and stained for cell surface expression analysis by flow cytometry. M1 function was measured through nitric oxide production using a Griess assay. Flow cytometry analysis showed a significant reduction in viability with increased copper (p < 0.001). Increasing copper had a significant impact on CD14 expression (p = 0.026) and in cows older than 4 years copper levels positively affected CD14 expression (p = 0.001), whereas in animals of four years or younger, Cu did not affect the CD14 expression (p = 0.701 and 0.939, respectively). CD14 expression affected both CD16 expression and NO production. For CD16 expression, there was a further significant negative effect of copper levels in cows older than 4 years, NO was not affected by varying copper levels. In our small sample, monocytes in the presence of a higher copper environment showed a stronger M1 support for better cellular immunity which might contain intracellular infections more effectively. To test this, a randomised clinical trial will be required to determine whether copper supplementation could prevent progression to Johne's disease in MAP infected cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Biosecurity advice is an important way veterinarians can help farmers to reduce disease burdens on their farms. Many different factors are at play when delivering this advice, one being veterinary competence and their communication skills. This study looked at the private veterinary practitioners' perceptions of their own competence to deliver biosecurity advice as part of a longitudinal biosecurity project spanning two years. Their responses were collected in the form of a telephone questionnaire. The results showed that as the project progressed the private veterinary practitioners felt more comfortable, better capable, and more consistent in giving their advice. In addition, they felt the uptake of their advice by the famers had improved throughout the study period. The mean average time spent delivering biosecurity advice increased and dropped subsequently, suggesting an initially more thorough process, and later a more efficient process. The results suggest development of the participating veterinarians following the conscious-competence learning model, showing a need to improve the knowledge and training of future generations of vets in the area of biosecurity with an increased focus on the importance of the veterinarian-farmer relationship in particular. Biosecurity advice is an important way veterinarians can help farmers to reduce disease burdens on their farms. Many different factors are at play when delivering this advice, one being veterinary competence and their communication skills. This study looked at the private veterinary practitioners' perceptions of their own competence to deliver biosecurity advice as part of a longitudinal biosecurity project. Their responses were collected in the form of a telephone questionnaire. The results showed significant increases in private veterinary practitioners' responses to comfort (p = 0.022), capability (p = 0.002), and consistency (p = 0.006) as well as an increase of uptake of advice (p = 0.015) as the project progressed. The mean time spent delivering biosecurity advice increased and dropped subsequently, suggesting an initially more thorough and later on a more efficient process. The overall perceptions of the veterinarians of the study were also assessed. The results suggest development of the participating veterinarians following the conscious-competence learning model showing a need to improve the knowledge and training of future generations of private veterinary practitioners in the area of biosecurity with, in particular, an increased focus on the importance of the veterinarian–farmer relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Milk from dairy cows is screened for antibodies to the bacterium causing Johne's disease, which causes diarrhoea. The bacterium causing bovine tuberculosis has similarities in its structure with the bacterium causing Johne's disease. Bovine tuberculosis is diagnosed by injecting avian and bovine tuberculin in the skin of the neck and comparing the reactions three days later. Potentially, tuberculosis testing may interfere with Johne's disease testing. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the time interval between tuberculosis and Johne's disease testing and the number of Johne's disease-positive cows. Data were collected from 51 herds, totalling 46,738 cow observations. Analysis showed that Johne's disease testing in each 14 day interval increased the probability of detecting Johne's disease-positive cows compared to Johne's disease testing over 85 days after tuberculosis testing. The probability was 2.5-fold higher in the first 14 day interval after tuberculosis testing, increasing each two-week period to 4.0-fold higher at 57–70 days before dropping again. A previous history of tuberculosis within the herd increased the probability by 1.2 fold. This was less important compared to the timing of Johne's disease testing after tuberculosis testing. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) are used to screen cows for Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infections, informing Johne's disease (JD) management practices in dairy herds. The causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), Mycobacterium bovis, and MAP share multiple antigens. Moreover, Mycobacterium avium subspecies avium is used in the single intradermal cervical comparative tests (SICCT) that are routinely used in early detection of cows infected with bTB. Although these are different types of immune responses, potentially the SICCT may interfere with the levels of MAP antibodies. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the SICCT-MAP milk ELISA testing interval and apparent prevalence of JD risk statuses. Data from 51 herds were used, totalling 46,738 cow observations. The Poisson models showed that MAP milk ELISA testing at 14 day intervals post-SICCT statistically significantly increased the odds of detecting JD-positive cows compared to JD testing 85+ days post-SICCT. The odds ratio (OR) started at 2.5 in the first 14 day interval post-SICCT, increasing each two-week period to an OR of 4.0 at 57–70 days, to subsequently drop. Additionally, a herd history of bTB increased the odds of detecting JD-positive cows (OR = 1.2); this was relatively limited compared to the magnitude of the post-SICCT effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Over the last decades, the dairy industry has primarily been focused on constantly increasing milk yields per cow. Consequently, the incidence of metabolic disorders is rising. In this study, we investigate the effect of hyperketonemia on the longitudinal progression of four metabolic biomarkers in dairy cows and possible predictive biomarkers for hyperketonemia. Our findings provide new insights into the metabolic challenges of dairy cows, and we propose novel approaches enabling an early onset diagnosis of hyperketonemia. Currently about 30% to 50% of all dairy cows are affected by a metabolic or infectious disease during the transition period. A key factor for preventive actions is the ability to precisely predict metabolic diseases at an early stage. We report the longitudinal metabolic profile of non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), total bilirubin, and aspartate aminotransferase in hyperketonemic dairy cows. Aiming for a novel measurement regime to improve metabolic health in dairy cows, we evaluated prognostic classifiers for hyperketonemia. In the observational longitudinal study, 99 healthy adult primiparous and multiparous Simmental dairy cows were included. Every cow was monitored weekly for 14 consecutive weeks, beginning two weeks prior to the expected day of parturition until peak lactation. Cows with serum concentrations of BHB > 0.8 mmol/L were considered hyperketonemic. Biomarker profiles were fitted by the maximum likelihood method using a mixed effects natural cubic spline model. In the hyperketonemic group, the BHB profile remained significantly higher than that of the control group until the end of the study period. As a prognostic classifier, the cut-off level of 0.54 mmol/L BHB measured on the 10th day post partum had the highest area under the curve. These results provide new longitudinal insights into the metabolic biomarker progression of dairy cows and enable an early onset diagnosis of hyperketonemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Neonatal calf diarrhoea (NCD) is a complex, multifactorial disease involving pathogens but also environmental, nutritional and management factors. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), rotavirus (BoRV) and coronavirus (BoCV) are the main enteric pathogens involved. NCD is a major health challenge that impacts on farm profitability, calf welfare and antimicrobial usage. Thus, a key part of prevention is optimisation of preventive programs for NCD such as vaccinating cows to increase passive immunity transfer for their offspring during the neonatal period. In this study, it was demonstrated that dam vaccination against NCD is an excellent tool to increase specific immunity; how different vaccines differ in their specific immune response and, consequently, in the amount of specific passive transfer of antibodies to their calves. One of the most relevant findings is the importance of inducing a specific immune response for the three NCD pathogens. Neonatal calf diarrhoea (NCD) is a major health challenge with a negative impact on farm profitability, calf welfare and antimicrobial use. Neonatal calves are particularly sensitive to enteric infections. Thus, a key point for prevention is minimising infectious pressure and maximising specific immune responses. An amount of 120 dams not previously vaccinated against NCD were randomly allocated to one of three study groups: negative control versus two vaccinated groups (A and B). In the control group, the average level of antibodies was significantly low for both BoCV and ETEC (15.6 and 13.9% in the colostrum samples, respectively), demonstrating the importance of dam vaccination. Indeed, the level of specific immunity was significantly increased for BoCV and ETEC with dam vaccination using both one-shot vaccines versus the control group. Moreover, the statistical analysis revealed a significantly higher level of antibodies for BoCV and ETEC in colostrum samples in vaccine A versus vaccine B and the control group. In accordance, the calf serum demonstrated a significantly higher level and greater homogeneity of antibodies against BoCV and ETEC in the Vaccine A group versus other experimental groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrated a different specific immune response for the pathogens depending on the vaccine used to control NCD in cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In autumn calving dairy herds cattle must conceive within a restricted timeframe to maintain the seasonality of calving. Cattle not observed in estrus prior to the mating start date are frequently treated with a single prostaglandin injection even though its relative effectiveness is unknown. The perceived cost of other treatments, such as a modified Ovsynch protocol, may be a reason why they are less favored. This study compares the reproductive and economic outcomes associated with treating cows not observed in estrus prior to breeding with a modified Ovsynch protocol, in comparison to a single prostaglandin injection. The main inputs influencing profitability are identified, and differences in dry-off strategy are considered. From the analyses, cows treated with a modified Ovsynch protocol had a greater likelihood of conception at the beginning of, and throughout, the breeding season. Differences in barren rate and the amount of milk produced were the main variables affecting profitability, the latter strongly influenced by drying-off policy. Farmers and advisors should consider the relative performance of their breeding strategies as well as their own management policies to optimize reproductive and economic performance. In autumn calving dairy herds, treatment of cattle not observed in estrus prior to the breeding season is common. Routinely, a single prostaglandin or a modified Ovsynch (MOFT) protocol are used—without evidence of their relative effectiveness. This study compares the effects on conception, associated timing, and profitability of administering cows with prostaglandin or MOFT treatment. A hundred and ninety-two Holstein-Friesian cows from three herds without an observed estrus within 28-days before mating start date were randomly treated with d-cloprostenol (PGOD) or an 8-day MOFT protocol. The association of treatment and calving-breeding start-date interval (CBSI) on the risk of conception were investigated. Partial budget, sensitivity analysis, and Monte Carlo simulation was used to assess economic performance, identify critical input variables, and explore the effects of input uncertainties on model output. There was a significant association between MOFT treatment and conception during 21 and 84 days after mating start date, compared to PGOD. MOFT treatment was associated with a mean net benefit of £58.21 (sd £19.42) and £27.29 (sd £17.75) per cow for herds with a fixed or variable dry-off date, respectively. The relative profitability of an MOFT protocol is dependent on its effects on barren rate and herd dry-off strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Leptospirosis is one of the waterborne diseases whose spread could be significantly affected by global changes that act on the environment, both in Latin America and in other parts of the world. However, there are few studies regarding leptospirosis in cattle from Latin America, especially from Colombia. The aim of the present study was to determine the overall and within-herd seroprevalence and mapping of different Leptospira serovars in dairy cattle from farms located in some municipalities of the Colombian department of Boyacá. A high proportion (95%) of herds with at least one seropositive animal was found. Moreover, within-herd seroprevalence was very high in 20% of the herds. The frequent presence of other domestic animals on farms could be a risk factor for the spread of the infection. Human leptospirosis seroprevalence in some areas of Colombia is high. However, we found that the most common serotypes involved in human disease were the ones with the lowest seroprevalences in cattle in the investigated area. This suggests that cattle could represent a minor risk factor for the transmission of Leptospira infection to humans. Nevertheless, the need for stricter preventive measures in cattle farms has emerged. Leptospirosis in cattle has important economic effects on the infected farms. Moreover, livestock farming is considered a major occupational risk factor for the transmission of Leptospira infection to humans. A survey was performed to determine the overall and within-herd seroprevalence and mapping of different Leptospira serovars in dairy cattle from farms located in some municipalities of the Colombian department of Boyacá. Nine hundred and fifty-nine animals, from 20 unvaccinated and one vaccinated herd, were included in the study. Anti-Leptospira serum antibodies were detected by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Only one herd was seronegative. Overall seroprevalence to at least one serovar of Leptospira was 24.1% for unvaccinated animals and 62.3% for animals from the vaccinated herd. A very high within-herd seroprevalence (>60%) was present in 20% of the unvaccinated herds. The presence in the vaccinated herd of 20/398 animals showing high titers, between 1000 and 4000, to at least one serovar of Leptospira suggest that some animals could have been infected. Moreover, due to the presence of seronegative animals, a failure of vaccination immunity or the presence of unvaccinated animals in the vaccinated herd cannot be excluded. In all farms, domestic animals other than cattle were present. Considering the farming practices occurring on dairy farms in the study area, higher hygienic standards and stricter biosecurity measures are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) caused a severe cattle neoplastic disease called enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL). EBL causes significant economic losses in farming by reducing milk production, reproductive performance, and fertility, and through cattle culling or death. The BLV proviral load (PVL) represents the quantity of BLV genome that has integrated into the host's genome in BLV-infected cells. It has been reported that PVLs differ according to the genetic background of the host, and some studies of BLV-associated host factors have reported on polymorphisms within the bovine major histocompatibility complex (MHC), namely bovine MHC is bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA-DRB3). However, there is a great diversity in the PVLs associated with carrying various combinations of these alleles, especially for heterozygous alleles. Therefore, this research investigated whether heterogeneity in BoLA-DRB3 allele combinations would affect PVLs during BLV infections in different ages and breeds of cattle in Japan. This is the first report where the association between heterozygous allelic combinations and BLV PVLs phenotypes (HPLs, LPLs) was analyzed. Our findings augment current understanding about the immunological role played by BoLA heterozygosity in BLV-associated PVLs and biocontrol in BLV infections. Enzootic bovine leukosis is a lethal neoplastic disease caused by bovine leukemia virus (BLV), belongs to family Retroviridae. The BLV proviral load (PVL) represents the quantity of BLV genome that has integrated into the host's genome in BLV-infected cells. Bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA) class II allelic polymorphisms are associated with PVLs in BLV-infected cattle. We sought to identify relationships between BoLA-DRB3 allelic heterozygosity and BLV PVLs among different cattle breeds. Blood samples from 598 BLV-infected cattle were quantified to determine their PVLs by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results were confirmed by a BLV-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction identified 22 BoLA-DRB3 alleles. Multivariate negative binomial regression modeling was used to test for associations between BLV PVLs and BoLA-DRB3 alleles. BoLA-DRB3.2*3, *7, *8, *11, *22, *24, and *28 alleles were significantly associated with low PVLs. BoLA-DRB3.2*10 was significantly associated with high PVLs. Some heterozygous allele combinations were associated with low PVLs (*3/*28, *7/*8, *8/*11, *10/*11, and *11/*16); others were associated with high PVLs (*1/*41, *10/*16, *10/*41, *16/*27, and *22/*27). Interestingly, the BoLA-DRB3.2*11 heterozygous allele was always strongly and independently associated with low PVLs. This is the first reported evidence of an association between heterozygous allelic combinations and BLV PVLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Whole milk contains low levels of iron, as such this trial examined iron deficiency anaemia in dairy calves fed whole milk. Our trial evaluated the effect of iron supplementation on growth rate and haemoglobin (Hb) levels of these calves. We enrolled 237 calves across six farms, each farm had half of its calves injected with iron and half without. Calves were weighed three times throughout the study and had haemoglobin levels measured at one and six weeks old. Iron caused an average increase in growth rate of 78 g/d (Standard Deviation (SD) 18 g/d) in injected calves compared with control calves. Iron caused a significant increase of haemoglobin levels by six weeks, and haemoglobin levels in the calves that had not received the iron, the iron dropped by an average of 12.1 g/L (SD 15.1). Calves with a higher growth rate in the first six weeks were also more likely to have low Hb levels at six weeks. There was variation in the growth rate differences and haemoglobin levels on each farm. However, overall across all farms, iron makes a difference to daily weight gain (DG) in the first six weeks but the magnitude of effect seems to be farm-specific, as there is a notable difference between farm DG variations. Anaemia caused by iron deficiency has long been reported in dairy calves. This study investigated iron deficiency anaemia on UK dairy farms feeding whole milk and evaluated the effect of iron supplementation on the daily weight gain (DG) and haemoglobin (Hb) levels of these calves. Two-hundred-and-thirty-seven calves were enrolled across six farms. At enrolment, calves were randomly allocated to either receive treatment with iron injection (INJ; n = 120) consisting of 5 mL (1 g iron) of iron dextran (Uniferon 20% Injection, Pharmacosmos) or no injection, control (CON; n = 117). Calves were blood-sampled for Hb and total proteins and weighed at weeks one, six and 12 of age. Iron had a significant effect on DG from one to six weeks, with an average 78 g/d (SD 18 g/d, n = 188, 95% Confidence interval: 44–112 g/d, p < 0.001) DG increase in the INJ calves. Iron had a significant effect on Hb concentration at six weeks between the INJ group and CON group (110.7 (SD 12.4) versus 94.9 g/L (SD 13.2), respectively). Calves with a higher growth rate from one to six weeks were more likely to have low Hb levels at six weeks. There was farm variation in both Hb levels and DG, however, despite this, there was an effect of iron across all farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This research was carried out to investigate changing stress levels in dairy cows when changing from convention milking to an automatic milking system (AMS). Elevated stress levels can cause problems with immunity and reproduction. Stress in cows can be measured using cortisol levels found in saliva and hair (among others). AMS require fewer herds people and are associated with a higher milking frequency and higher milk yields. In this study, we present short-term and long-term cortisol levels in 10 and 12 cows respectively, over a period of 3–12 months. Hair and saliva samples were obtained with minimal restraint to the cow and analysed in the laboratory. Mixed models were applied to determine the effect of various parameters on cortisol levels. These show that non-lame cows had a reduction in salivary levels after AMS installation. Lameness and pregnancy affected salivary but not hair cortisol. Hair cortisol levels increased after installation, but this effect may have been seasonal. Milk yield increased and udder health improved across the whole herd but there was no change in the poor foot health. Our results show that AMS improves production and is not associated with an increase in cow stress. We recommend that welfare, natural behaviour and foot health are considered when introducing automatic milking systems. Automatic milking systems (AMS) are a low-labour alternative to conventional parlours, with previous studies demonstrating that cows vary in their ability to cope with the change to AMS. Cortisol expression can be combined with other measures to assess stress: saliva and hair have the advantage of requiring minimally invasive sampling. No work has investigated the long-term impact of introduction of AMS. The aims of the study were to assess short-term and chronic stress associated with a change in milking system by measuring salivary and hair cortisol levels and to assess the impact on health and production parameters. Cows from one farm changing their milking system were recruited to the study and sampled for saliva (n = 10) and hair (n = 12) before and after installation. Cortisol levels were measured using a salivary cortisol enzyme immunoassay kit. Body condition, lameness and milk parameters of the whole herd were regularly assessed. Salivary cortisol showed no diurnal pattern but was affected by lameness and gestation. Non-lame cows showed a reduction in salivary cortisol after AMS introduction (p < 0.001). Hair cortisol levels increased after AMS, but it was unclear if this change was seasonal. Milk yield increased by 13% and somatic cell count reduced by 28%. Body condition score was consistently good, but lameness remained high throughout the study. Production values alone do not represent high welfare. The high lameness and associated cortisol levels suggest that cow stress requires consideration when changing milking systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) caused by the bacteria Moraxella bovis is commonly seen in the summer months spread by face flies causing a painful eye disease. This trial investigated the difference in number of cases of IBK between two groups of animals that were treated with two different fly control products, one a pour-on and one an impregnated ear tag. The growth rate per day was also investigated between animals with cases and those without and between the treatment groups. The trial enrolled 197 animals. Cases of IBK and growth rate were recorded over the grazing season (April–November 2018). Fifty-four cases of IBK were recorded. There was no difference in number of cases between the two treatment groups and there was no difference in growth rate between animals that had a case and animals that had not. Animals that had white faces, which in this trial were Hereford cattle and also the animals under 12 months old were found to be more likely to get a case. Overall, there was no significant difference between the two fly control preparations in preventing IBK, younger animals and white-faced breeds are significantly more likely to suffer from IBK. Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) caused by Moraxella bovis is commonly seen in the summer months spread by face flies. This trial investigated the difference in incidence of IBK cases from natural exposure between two groups of animals, one treated with Cypermethrin pour-on preparation (PON, n = 98) and one with Cypermethrin impregnated ear tags (TAG, n = 99). Daily Live Weight Gain (DLWG) difference was investigated between animals with cases and those without and between treatment groups. A randomised positive control study, enrolled 197 animals split into two treatment groups. Cases of IBK and DLWG were recorded over the grazing season (April–November 2018). Fifty-four cases of IBK were recorded. There was no association between the two treatment groups (p = 0.362) and case status. Breed and under 12 months old were significant factors for having a case; (OR 2.3, p = 0.014 and OR 3.5, p < 0.001 respectively). There was no difference in DLWG between animals that had a case and animals that had not (p = 0.739) or between the two treatment groups (p = 0.215). Based on our results, there is no significant difference between PON or TAG preparations in the prevention of IBK. Younger animals and white-faced breeds are significantly more likely to suffer with IBK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Johne's disease (JD) is an important disease affecting cows in the UK dairy industry, as is lameness, and both cause milk production losses and cows losing weight. The aim of this work was to see if cows with JD were more likely to be lame and if so, what the order of occurrence of these two events is. We looked at the JD and lameness records of two farms and paired 98 JD cows (half of them with a high response to the test for JD) and compared them with herd mates. We evaluated the timing and the proportion of lameness in JD-positive cows compared to their controls and proportion of lameness before and after the first JD-positive test. JD cows turn lame on average three months earlier and are lame 2.7 times more often than non-JD cows. Further, high positive cows were 2.8 times more likely to develop lameness after JD diagnosis compared to medium positive cows. Results of this study suggest that there is a link between JD and lameness and that JD precedes lameness. The underlying mechanisms for this association remain unknown and were not the scope of this study. Johne's disease (JD) is an important disease affecting the UK dairy industry, as is cattle lameness. An association between JD and lameness has been suggested; however, little evidence exists to support this. The purpose of this study was to determine if cows affected by JD were more likely to be lame and if so, what the temporal association is. Retrospective dairy cow mobility and JD status (based on milk ELISA) data were obtained from two farms of 98 JD cows (49 high and 49 medium positive) and their matched controls. We evaluated the timing and the proportion of (chronic) lameness in JD-positive cows versus controls and proportion of lameness before and after the first ELISA positive test. Compared to their controls, JD cows are lame more often (Odds Ratio = 2.7 (95% Confidence Interval = 1.2–6.0) p = 0.017) and became lame on average three months earlier (p = 0.010). High positive cows were more likely to develop lameness after seroconversion (OR = 2.8 (95% CI = 1.1–7.5), p = 0.038) versus medium positive cows. Results of this study suggest that there is a link between JD and lameness and that JD precedes lameness. The underlying mechanisms for this association remain unknown and were not the scope of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]