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Simple Summary: Castration is commonly performed in young dairy calves and results in pain and discomfort. This study aimed to assess the effective tissue concentrations of the current standard of care for pain mitigation in calves during castration (injectable lidocaine) and to assess the ability of lidocaine-loaded bands (LLBs) to deliver effective concentrations into the scrotal tissue over time. The injectable lidocaine provided effective anesthesia for up to 60 min, highlighting the importance of finding additional strategies to manage long-term pain. A ligation band impregnated with lidocaine could provide a suitable alternative, as it appears to deliver effective lidocaine concentrations starting as early as 2 h following application and lasting at least 28 days after application. Further studies are warranted to compare the use of LLBs to injectable local anesthetics. This study aimed to assess the effective tissue concentrations of the current standard of care for pain mitigation in calves during castration (injectable lidocaine) and to assess the ability of a lidocaine-loaded elastration band (LLB) to deliver effective concentrations into the scrotal tissue over time. This study comprised two different trials: (1) effective concentrations of injectable lidocaine in the scrotal tissue; and (2) the in vivo delivery of effective concentrations of lidocaine from LLBs placed on the calf scrotums. Sensation in the scrotal tissue was assessed by electrocutaneous stimulation. Injectable lidocaine allowed for short-term anesthesia for up to 60 min, highlighting the importance of finding additional strategies to mitigate long-term pain. An elastomeric ligation band impregnated with lidocaine could provide a suitable alternative, as it yielded tissue levels of lidocaine that approached EC50 and exceeded EC95 at 2 and 72 h following application, respectively, and remained above those levels for at least 28 days after application. Further studies are warranted to compare the use of LLBs to injectable local anesthetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Tail docking and castration in lambs are common husbandry practices, both of which cause pain and discomfort, for which many industries recommend or require pain management. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of the current standard-of-care for pain mitigation in lambs (injectable lidocaine) and assess the ability of a lidocaine-impregnated elastration ligation band to deliver the drug into the contacted tissues over time. The use of injectable lidocaine provides effective short-term anesthesia for 120 to 180 min following the injection; however, additional strategies are needed to manage long-term pain. The use of a ligation band impregnated with lidocaine could provide a useful alternative, as it appears to offer local anesthesia for at least 3 days when compared to a control band. Further studies are needed to compare the use of an injectable local anesthetic to the Lidocaine-Loaded Bands (LLBs). The objectives of this study were to assess the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the current standard-of-care for pain mitigation in lambs during castration and tail docking (injectable lidocaine) and assess the ability of Lidocaine-Loaded Bands (LLBs) to deliver therapeutic concentrations into the contacted tissues over time. The study was comprised of four different trials: (1) investigation of in vitro release of lidocaine from LLBs; (2) pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of injectable lidocaine in scrotal and tail tissue; (3) pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of in vivo delivery of lidocaine with LLBs placed on the tail and scrotum of lambs; and (4) a "proof-of-concept" study comparing the sensation of control- versus LLB-banded tail tissue over time. The use of injectable lidocaine provides effective short-term anesthesia for 120 to 180 min following the injection; however, additional strategies are needed to manage long-term pain. The use of an LLB could provide an alternative where tissue lidocaine concentrations meet or exceed the EC50 for at least 21–28 days and, based on electrostimulation data, provides local anesthesia for at least 3 days when compared to a control band. Further studies are needed to compare the use of an injectable local anesthetic to the LLBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depending on the year, during the winter months, cattle begin to rub bare patches on their skin due to pruritus which leads to concern from cattle producers, especially the purebred breeders. Upon further investigation by veterinarians, the cause is not always caused by lice, as many may think. This study aimed to provide insight into the cause and potential prevention/treatment of pruritic beef cattle in western Canada by examining herds that met the study's criteria of having more than 30% of the herd exhibiting pruritus. Seven herds were examined in the winter of 2023: one from Manitoba, two from Saskatchewan, and four from Alberta. Producers from each herd completed a detailed survey on treatments, nutrition, and environmental conditions and provided feed, water, and bedding samples. Within each herd, five cattle considered non-pruritic, and ten cattle considered pruritic by visual appraisal were enrolled for standard data collection consisting of documentation and photos of skin lesions localized to pruritic areas, general health clinical exam, lice exam/collection, mite exam/collection of hairs, skin hydration (corneometer), blood chemistry and vitamin/minerals, and kidney/liver enzymes for mycotoxins. A subset of the group (1 non-pruritic and 4 pruritic) was selected for advanced data collection, including dermal hypersensitivity (grass, alfalfa, grain, weeds, and molds) measured by swelling score and infrared camera temperature measurement compared with positive and negative controls, skin punch biopsies for eosinophils (IgE) and liver biopsies for copper levels. Only 21/101 cattle had lice (18 animals < 10 lice per 6.5 cm²). No significant correlation was observed between cattle with lice and being pruritic (P > 0.05). Dermal hypersensitivity was very low across both pruritic and non-pruritic cattle and was not different (P > 0.05). Skin hydration readings within animals comparing pruritic and non-pruritic areas on their body showed only one herd having significantly (P < 0.05) drier skin on pruritic locations compared with normal locations. Vitamin A, E, and copper blood analysis showed no significant difference between pruritic and non-pruritic cattle. However, liver biopsy copper levels were (P = 0.01) less in pruritic than non-pruritic cattle. Results suggest that the cause of pruritic cattle is not necessarily a result of intense lice infestations but rather multifactorial in nature, and a decision tree for producers and veterinarians should be developed to aid in determining the correct course of action to alleviate pruritic cattle in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vivo release concentrations of lidocaine into scrotal neck tissues and tail tissues following the application of lidocaine-loaded elastrator bands (LLBs) at acute time points (0.5, 1, 2, 24, and 72 hours) and chronic time points (14, 21, 28, and 35 days). To correlate the reaction of an animal to peripheral variable nerve stimulation with scrotal tissue lidocaine concentration. To correlate cortisol and substance P concentrations in treated animals at baseline (time 0) and 24, 72, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days to a control group. Fifty lambs were divided into ten groups consisting of Acute Pain Groups: Group A: 5 intact males. After baseline body weights, blood samples, and electro-cutaneous responses were collected, animals were band-castrated and tail-docked via LLBs on day 0, time (T) = 0. At T = 0.5 hr, the band was removed, and an electro-cutaneous response was measured at the tissue at the band sites. Punch tissue biopsies (including skin and subcutaneous tissue) were collected from the areas in direct contact with the band at each site for a total of 4 biopsies per animal. Group B: repeat of group A with the band removed and animal tested at T = 1 hr, Group C: T = 2 hr, Group D: T = 24 hr, Group E: T = 72 hr, Chronic Pain Groups: Group F: T = 14 d, Group G: T = 21 d, Group H: T = 28 d, Group I: T = 35 d, Control Group: Group J: repeat of group A except animals were band castrated and tail-docking with control bands (i.e., no lidocaine) on day 0. Body weight was recorded at T = 0 and 14, 21, and 28 d. A blood sample was collected at T = 0, 24, 72 hr, then T = 8, 21, 28, and 35 d. LLBs yielded decreased stimulation scores by 1 hr (60 min) post-banding with the tails and by 2 hr (120 min) for the scrotums. There were no adverse events or device failures (i.e., band breakage or failure to castrate/taildock) observed during this study. Lidocaine-infused bands hold promise for reducing pain associated with castration and tail docking in lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate an easy to administer and economical oral nutritional supplement for neonatal calves. Neonates are at risk of nutrient deficiencies because of maternal deficiencies, low body stores at birth and low nutritional intake. The pre-ruminating calf relies solely on milk for adequate immunity and nutrition until they begin ingesting forage. Insufficiencies can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. However, deficiencies in the cow are common due to variation in management, feeding and health protocols. A total of 21 beef calves in year 1 and 40 in year 2 were enrolled in the study. The calves were divided into experimental and control groups which received a vitamin-mineral supplement (VitaFerst-Care) and a saline solution at 1-3 days of age, respectively. Blood samples were collected, before, and again after supplementation (d 14 in yr 1 and d 3 in yrr 2) by jugular venipuncture. Iron and selenium concentrations were determined in blood serum of a subset of calves (n = 21 in yr1, n = 40 in yr2) by ICP-MS. All beef calves remained on their mothers. In yr 1, control calves had stable iron concentrations at 1.35 + 0.62 ppm (d 0) and 1.33 + 0.77ppm (d 14), with 50% of calves deficient. Iron concentrations in treatment calves increased slightly from 1.17 + 0.56 ppm to 1.43 +0.65 ppm. In yr 2, iron concentrations of control calves changed slightly from 1.69 + 0.91 ppm (d 0) to 1.98 +2.24 ppm (d 3). The iron concentrations in treatment calves further increased from 1.86 + 0.67 ppm to 2.33 + 2.16 ppm. Selenium concentrations were deficient in all calves in yr 1 (0.06 + 0.01 ppm) and year 2 (0.07 + 0.02 ppm) with no significant changes between treatment groups. This research provides insight regarding the severity and prevalence of nutrient deficiencies in newborn calves. All calves in the study were deficient in selenium, and between 30 to 50% were deficient in iron each year. Following supplementation, there was no significant increase in blood mineral concentrations between d 0 and d 14; however, between d 0 and d 3 there was a significant increase in blood iron concentration of calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the extended-term delivery of anesthesia on the physiological and behavioral signs of pain caused by band castration in 1-month-old bull calves. Forty-eight calves (37.04 ± 8.98 days of age) were homogenously assigned by age to one of three band castration protocols (n = 16/protocol); 1) regular elastrator bands (REG), 2) regular elastrator bands preceded by two 2-mL injections of lidocaine (REG+L; LIDO-2 with epinephrine, Rafter 8 Products Inc, Calgary, Canada), and 3) lidocaine elastrator bands (LBAND; Care-Ring, Chinook Contract Research Inc., Calgary, Canada). During the castration procedure, two observers scored (from 1 to 10) how much pain each animal was experiencing (visual analog score, VAS), number of body shakes and leg kicks for each calf. Calves were weighed on d -1, 0, 14, 28, 42, and 56. Hair cortisol concentration was measured on d -1, 28, and 56. Saliva cortisol concentration was measured right after castration, 60, 120, 240 minutes after castration, on d 1 and weekly thereafter until d 56. Flight speed (FS) was recorded on d -1, right after castration, 60, 120, 240 minutes after castration, d 1, and weekly thereafter until d 56. Calf behaviors in the pen indicative of pain and discomfort were recorded on d 0, 1, and weekly thereafter until d 56. The REG+L calves tended to have decreased (P = 0.09) VAS scores than REG calves. The average daily gain was greater (P < 0.01) from d 42 to 56 than from d 1 to 42, and from d 1 to 28 compared with d 28 to 42 in all treatment groups. The REG calves had decreased (P < 0.01) hair cortisol concentrations than both REG+L and LBAND calves. Saliva cortisol concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) 60 minutes after castration than any other sample time in all treatment groups. There was an interaction between treatment and time (P = 0.04), where only LBAND had a greater FS immediately after castration compared with d -1. When calves were observed in the pen there were no treatment effects (P > 0.10) but only time differences (P < 0.05) in the frequency of head turns, oral behaviors, tail flicks, and number of standing and walking bouts. The behavioral and physiological parameters assessed showed expected results on the effects of band castrating calves, while the administration of lidocaine via REG+L or LBAND did not show any pain mitigation effect compared with the standard industry banding method (REG). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the effective tissue concentrations of the current standard of care for pain mitigation in calves during castration (injectable lidocaine) and to assess the ability of a lidocaine-loaded elastration band (LLB) to deliver effective concentrations into the scrotal tissue over time. This study comprised two different trials: (1) effective concentrations of injectable lidocaine in the scrotal tissue; and (2) the in vivo delivery of effective concentrations of lidocaine from LLBs placed on the calf scrotums. Sensation in the scrotal tissue was assessed by electrocutaneous stimulation. Injectable lidocaine allowed for short-term anesthesia for up to 60 min, highlighting the importance of finding additional strategies to mitigate long-term pain. An elastomeric ligation band impregnated with lidocaine could provide a suitable alternative, as it yielded tissue levels of lidocaine that approached EC 50 and exceeded EC 95 at 2 and 72 h following application, respectively, and remained above those levels for at least 28 days after application. Further studies are warranted to compare the use of LLBs to injectable local anesthetics.

The objectives of this study were to assess the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the current standard-of-care for pain mitigation in lambs during castration and tail docking (injectable lidocaine) and assess the ability of Lidocaine-Loaded Bands (LLBs) to deliver therapeutic concentrations into the contacted tissues over time. The study was comprised of four different trials: (1) investigation of in vitro release of lidocaine from LLBs; (2) pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of injectable lidocaine in scrotal and tail tissue; (3) pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of in vivo delivery of lidocaine with LLBs placed on the tail and scrotum of lambs; and (4) a "proof-of-concept" study comparing the sensation of control- versus LLB-banded tail tissue over time. The use of injectable lidocaine provides effective short-term anesthesia for 120 to 180 min following the injection; however, additional strategies are needed to manage long-term pain. The use of an LLB could provide an alternative where tissue lidocaine concentrations meet or exceed the EC 50 for at least 21-28 days and, based on electrostimulation data, provides local anesthesia for at least 3 days when compared to a control band. Further studies are needed to compare the use of an injectable local anesthetic to the LLBs.

Purpose: Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is a major cause of death and economic loss in the cattle industry. Although NCD is caused by a variety of nutritional factors and non-bacterial pathogens, treatment typically includes systemic antimicrobial therapy, even for non-severe cases that are more likely to have non-bacterial causes. Novel, non-antimicrobial therapies are needed to reduce antimicrobial use and optimize production efficiency., Methods: This production-level study compared the efficacy of activated charcoal to that of an antimicrobial regimen for treating mild-to-moderate cases of NCD, and identified the most common etiological agents. Calves diagnosed with non-severe diarrhea were randomly allocated into 3 treatment groups (n = 86 per group): group A received a standard antimicrobial regimen, B received both antimicrobials and activated charcoal, and C received activated charcoal only. Animals were monitored over the course of 7 days for mortality and recovery from diarrhea. Fecal samples were collected upon enrollment (day 0) and on day 7 to assess the presence of major NCD-causing pathogens., Results: Mortality was higher for groups B and C relative to A, although this difference was only statistically significant for group B vs A. No significant difference in the number of recovered animals was observed among the treatment groups, although group C was significantly slower to recover than A or B. The vast majority of day 0 samples were positive for non-bacterial organisms (mainly rotavirus and Cryptosporidium parvum ), which decreased significantly by day 7 regardless of treatment group., Conclusion: Antimicrobials only moderately improved outcomes for non-severe diarrhea cases relative to activated charcoal. Thus, systemic antimicrobial treatment is likely unnecessary for the majority of NCD cases and should be limited to severe cases., Competing Interests: SZ provides consulting services to AVL/Solvet and MO receives salary from AVL/Solvet, which markets the electrolytes, meloxicam, antimicrobials, and activated charcoal used in this study. Dr Joseph Ross reports grants from Government of Alberta, grants from Government of Canada, during the conduct of the study; non-financial support from Alberta Veterinary Laboratories Ltd., outside the submitted work. Dr Brenda Ralston reports grants from Canadian Agricultural Partnership, non-financial support from Alberta Veterinary Laboratories, during the conduct of the study; non-financial support from Alberta Veterinary Laboratories, outside the submitted work. Mr Nick Allan reports grants from Alberta Milk, during the conduct of the study; non-financial support from Alberta Veterinary Laboratories, outside the submitted work. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work., (© 2021 Ross et al.)