Browsing by Author "Pajor, Edmond A."

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    An experimental model to induce digital dermatitis in beef calves
    (2022-06-23) Thomas, Anice D.; Pajor, Edmond A.; Caddey, Benjamin; Goldhawk, Christy; Martins, Larissa; Orsel, Karin
    Abstract Background Digital dermatitis (DD) is a multifactorial infectious disease affecting the skin on feet of cattle causing erosion and inflammation above the heel bulbs. Some cases of DD cause lameness and significantly impact animal welfare and productivity. While DD has emerged as a concern for the beef industry, key information regarding early detection and its impact on cattle behaviour is lacking. The primary objective of this study was to determine if an established DD experimental model for dairy calves could be used to induce DD lesions in beef calves. A secondary objective was to describe changes in behaviour and pain associated with induction of DD lesions. Eight beef calves acquired from a single cow-calf operator were enrolled in the study. Upon enrolment, calves were evaluated and determined to be free of foot lesions. Within the experimental environment, calves were housed in individual pens and assigned to two groups (mock-inoculated and inoculated). Both hind feet of each calf were enrolled. Within calf, inoculation protocol was consistent, and a 28-day experimental protocol was employed. Two days prior to inoculation, both hind feet of each calf were abraded (area above the heel bulbs and below the dewclaws), moistened, and wrapped to facilitate an anaerobic condition. Feet were inoculated with macerated DD lesion material or mock inoculum and remained wrapped until clinical signs of DD or protocol endpoint. Results After a period of 14 to 18 days post inoculation, three of five inoculated calves developed clinical signs (lameness), and upon close inspection, DD lesions were present on at least one hind foot. Two of five inoculated calves did not develop lesions within 28 days. Zero of three mock-inoculated calves developed DD. Treponema spp. were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction from biopsies of induced lesions. Measurements of behaviour prior to disease induction were numerically different between DD affected and mock-inoculated calves. Conclusions An experimental infection model established for dairy cattle was used to successfully induce acute DD lesions in three of five inoculated beef calves. This model can provide a framework to study intervention protocols and to evaluate the impact of DD on behaviour and pain.
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    Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of Cow Comfort After Facility Changes on Dairy Farms
    (2017) Morabito, Emily Ann; Orsel, Karin; Barkema, Herman W.; Pajor, Edmond A.
    A cow comfort assessment was conducted on 60 Holstein-Friesian cows per farm on three categories of farms: 15 that changed the freestall area (CHANGE) after a previous assessment; 15 that did not change the freestall area (NOCHANGE) after a previous assessment; and 14 that were never evaluated (NEW). The CHANGE group had decreased lameness prevalence and increased lying time compared to the NOCHANGE group, the NEW group, and data from previous cow comfort assessments. Additionally, farmers in CHANGE and NOCHANGE groups more frequently identified the importance of risk factors associated with cow comfort than in their previous assessment. In conclusion, the CHANGE group improved in outcome measures of cow comfort, and farms in both CHANGE and NOCHANGE groups became more aware of risk factors regarding cow comfort than during a previous assessment.