| 1. |
- Ahmed, Haseeb, et al.
(författare)
-
Animal welfare efforts and farm economic outcomes: Evidence from Swedish beef production
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Agricultural and Resource Economics Review. - 1068-2805. ; 52, s. 498-519
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We estimate the relationship between farm animal welfare (FAW) efforts taken by beef farmers and the economic performance of beef farms by using farm accounting data from the Swedish Farm Economic Survey matched with survey data on farm management practices. To this end, we perform a two-step analysis. First, an item response theory (IRT) model estimates the latent FAW effort on farms. FAW effort likely depends on a host of complementary FAW-improving strategies, and the IRT model combines the considered strategies into a unidimensional scale. We take this to represent on-farm FAW effort. Second, we use instrumental variable regressions to estimate the relationship between FAW effort and multiple measures of farm economic performance. We find that higher FAW effort scores have no effect on margins and costs. However, higher FAW effort scores are associated with lower farm sales. Findings suggest that policies (such as targeted label for high FAW) that increase farm revenue as well as incentivize the uptake of FAW-improvement practices may be able to compensate farmers for their FAW effort.
|
|
| 2. |
- Ahmed, Haseeb, et al.
(författare)
-
Assessing Animal Welfare and Farm Profitability in Cow-Calf Operations with Stochastic Partial Budgeting
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Animals. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-2615. ; 11
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Simple SummaryThe increased consumer demand for high levels of farm animal welfare (FAW) have prompted debates about the costs of achieving higher FAW. Yet, little is known about the economic consequences of improvements in FAW, especially in cow-calf operations. This study contributes to the literature by investigating the relationship between farm profitability and improved FAW measure in terms of increased space allowance in Swedish cow-calf operations. We found that a 0.5 m(2) increase in space allowance per calf (achieved by a corresponding reduction of herd size) was associated with a 6.9 to 18.7% reduction in farm-level contribution margins in the short term. Our results suggest that FAW improvements can be costly for farms and these costs should be considered while taking policy decisions regarding improvements in FAW standards.The societal demand for good farm animal welfare (FAW) has increased over time. Yet, very little is known about the economic consequences of improvements in FAW in cow-calf operations. This study investigates on-farm economic consequences of improved FAW measures in cow-calf operations. It uses a stochastic partial budgeting approach to examine the relationship between contribution margins and improvements in FAW in terms of increased space allowance for a typical Swedish cow-calf operation, as compared to current practices. In the current practice, a cow should be given at least 5 m(2) and the calf 2.2 m(2). We found that a 0.5 m(2) increase in space allowance per calf (achieved by a corresponding reduction of herd size) was associated with a 6.9 to 18.7% reduction in contribution margins in the short term. Our analysis does not include possible indirect gains like decrease in disease incidence and enhanced non-use or 'soft' values associated with increased FAW. However, our analysis indicates that high FAW standards can be costly and careful cost-benefit analysis should be a part of decision-making processes regarding FAW standards. Our results also suggest a need for government support payments and/or the development of market mechanisms to stimulate farmers to continue producing livestock-based foods with high FAW.
|
|
| 3. |
|
|
| 4. |
- Ahmed, Haseeb, et al.
(författare)
-
Assessing economic consequences of improved animal welfare in Swedish cattle fattening operations using a stochastic partial budgeting approach
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Livestock Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 1871-1413 .- 1878-0490. ; 232
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- There is an increased concern among many stakeholders in society that livestock production systems provide a low-quality life to the animals and therefore advocate improved farm animal welfare (FAW). On the other hand, producers are concerned that stricter welfare regulations would decrease their profits and hence their competitiveness. Given the relevance of the debate surrounding FAW especially in Sweden, and the lack of studies related to the beef sector, this study examined the impact of changes in FAW practices on economic performance of Swedish beef fattening operations. We modelled a herd of 50 cattle of either beef or dairy breed reared for meat production to examine the impact of increased space allowance, including a corresponding decrease in herd size, and increased forage-to-concentrate (FC) ratio. We found that a 1-m(2)/animal increase in space allowance was associated with a decrease of 18.9 and 10.8% in short-run, per animal profits in beef and dairy breeds, respectively. Sensitivity analysis suggested that an increase in weight gain and short-run loss in herd size due to increased space allowance were the most important factors. We estimated that an increase in the FC ratio from 40:60 to 65:35 was associated with a reduction in per animal profits of about 21 to 34% in beef breeds and 17 to 53% in dairy breeds, respectively. Sensitivity analysis indicated that reduced growth due to increased FC ratio was the most important factor. Our results suggest that an increase in space allowance or FC ratio in Swedish beef fattening operations may reduce farm profitability. They also imply that consequences of any policy instrument should be carefully examined to reach the goal of improved FAW along with improved profitability and sustainability for the farmer.
|
|
| 5. |
- Ahmed, Haseeb, et al.
(författare)
-
Costs and benefits of good animal welfare - for animals, farmers and society
- 2022
-
Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Society’s demand for good animal welfare has led to discussions about the costs of achieving and maintaining one. This is relevant to Swedish animalbased food production, because producers in Sweden in many respects have stricter requirements than farmers in other countries. They therefore face competition from imported foods produced under less strict animal welfare regulations. At the same time, good animal welfare can have a value in itself and can provide benefits for animals, farmers and society.
|
|
| 6. |
- Ahmed, Haseeb, et al.
(författare)
-
Kostnader och vinster med gott djurskydd : för djur, lantbrukare och samhälle
- 2022
-
Annan publikation (populärvet., debatt m.m.)abstract
- Samhällets krav på god djurvälfärd har lett till diskussioner om kostnaderna för att uppnå och upprätthålla en sådan. Detta är relevant för svensk djurbaserad livsmedelsproduktion, eftersom producenter i Sverige i många avseenden har hårdare krav än i andra länder. De möter därför konkurrens från importerade livsmedel som producerats med mindre strikta djurskyddsbestämmelser. Samtidigt kan gott djurskydd ha ett värde i sig och ge fördelar för djur, lantbrukare och samhälle.
|
|
| 7. |
|
|
| 8. |
- Ahmed, Haseeb, et al.
(författare)
-
Temperature, productivity, and heat tolerance: Evidence from Swedish dairy production
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Climatic Change. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0165-0009 .- 1573-1480. ; 175
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study aims to identify the effects of temperature on dairy production and the heat tolerance of different dairy breeds under heat stress. Using farm and animal-level data from 1435 dairy farms throughout Sweden for 4 years (from 2016 to 2019), we find that a 7-day average of daily maximum temperatures above similar to 20 degrees C is associated with sharp declines in milk production. We then estimate the farm-level loss in contribution margin for a typical Swedish dairy farm for the year 2018, which consisted of long-lasting heatwaves and extended summer temperatures. We also estimate that, on average, there are no differences in the impact of heatwaves on milk losses for different dairy breeds but that there exists a trade-off between genetic milk production potential and heat tolerance of a dairy cow. The magnitude of this productivity-tolerance trade-off may differ across breeds, suggesting that the high-production potential animals of certain breeds may be less sensitive to heat stress. These findings have important implications in terms of adapting to heat stress, investing in mitigation measures, and development of future breeds that can ameliorate the current trade-off between production capacity of a cow and its heat tolerance.
|
|
| 9. |
- Alvåsen, Karin, et al.
(författare)
-
A field survey on parasites and antibodies against selected pathogens in owned dogs in Lilongwe, Malawi
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Journal of the South African Veterinary Association / Tydkrif van die Suid-Afrikaanse Veterinere. - : Medpharm Publications. - 1019-9128. ; 87
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this study was to screen for selected parasites and antibody levels against vector-borne pathogens in owned dogs in Lilongwe, Malawi. The study population consisted of 100 dogs; 80 participating in vaccination-spaying campaigns and 20 visiting a veterinary clinic as paying clients. All dogs went through a general physical examination including visual examination for signs of ectoparasites. A total of 100 blood samples were analysed using commercial snap tests and 40 faecal samples by egg flotation in saturated sodium chloride. The sampled dogs had a seroprevalence of 12% for Anaplasma spp., 22% for Ehrlichia spp., 4% for Dirofilaria immitis and 1% for Leishmania spp. Eggs from Ancylostoma spp. were found in 80% of the faecal samples, whereas eggs of Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina were only present in 3%, 8% and 13% of the samples, respectively. Ectoparasites such as Ctenocephalides sp., Trichodectes sp. and ticks were present on 98%, 25% and 11%, respectively, of the campaign dogs. Among client dogs, 35% had Ctenocephalides fleas, 10% had Trichodectes lice and none had ticks. Public education and prophylactic treatment could be used to improve the animal welfare of dogs; this would most likely also have positive impact on public health.
|
|
| 10. |
- Alvåsen, Karin, et al.
(författare)
-
Accuracy of the “index finger test” to determine type of death of dairy cows at destruction plants
- 2012
-
Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Dead cows are routinely brought to destruction plants and monitoring the influx may be useful for early detection of emerging (infectious) diseases. A prerequisite is that it can be determined if the cow was euthanized or died unassisted, because a sudden increase in the latter may be indicative of an outbreak. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of visual inspection at the destruction plant as a means to distinguish between the two types of deaths. The two main destruction plants in Sweden were visited 3 times, 3 days each, in spring, summer and autumn during 2011. The identity, and whether the cow was shot in the forehead or not, was recorded for all dairy cows entering the destruction plants during these days. We phoned the owner of the cow within 3 weeks after the cow was examined and asked whether the cow died unassisted or was euthanized. A total of 468 cows examined, also had information from the farmers. The comparison demonstrated that there were discrepancies between the observations. According to the farmers (gold standard) the proportion of cows that died unassisted was 30%, while the visual inspection (test) found that the proportion was 40%. Three cows were euthanized by an overdose of an anesthetic, which explained some of the discrepancy. The sensitivity and the specificity of the visual examination were 93% and 83%, respectively. The positive predictive value was 70% and the negative predicted value was 97%. This study showed that visual inspection of dairy cows at destruction plants overestimate the proportion of cows that died unassisted. The accuracy of the method is however judged to be sufficient to monitor the proportion of unassisted death.
|
|
| 11. |
- Alvåsen, Karin, et al.
(författare)
-
Animal Welfare and Economic Aspects of Using Nurse Sows in Swedish Pig Production
- 2017
-
Ingår i: Frontiers in Veterinary Science. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2297-1769. ; 4
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The number of born piglets per litter has increased in Swedish pig industry, and farmers are struggling to improve piglet survival. A common practice is to make litters more equally sized by moving piglets from large litters to smaller to make sure that all piglets get an own teat to suckle. Litter equalization is not always enough, as many sows have large litters and/or damaged teats, which results in an insufficient number of available teats. One way to solve this problem is to use nurse sows. A nurse sow raises, and weans, her own piglets before receiving a foster litter. The objectives of this study were to address how the use of nurse sows affects the welfare of sows and piglets and to explore how it impacts the contribution margin of pig production in Sweden. A literature search was made to investigate welfare aspects on sows and piglets. As there were few published studies on nurse sows, an expert group meeting was organized. In order to explore the impact on the contribution margin of pig production, a partial budgeting approach with stochastic elements was used for a fictive pig farm. Standard templates for calculating costs and benefits were supplemented with figures from existing literature and the gathered expert opinions. In Sweden, the minimum suckling period is 28 days while published studies involving nurse sows, all from outside of Sweden, weaned the piglets at 21 days. A Swedish nurse sow will thus get longer lactation period which might increase the risk of poor body condition, damaged teats, and shoulder ulcers. This indicates a reduced welfare of the sow and may lead to impaired fertility and increased culling risk. On the other hand, the piglet mortality could be reduced with the use of nurse sows, but the separation and mixing of piglets could be stressful. The partial budgeting suggested that the nurse sow system is slightly more profitable (+6,838 Swedish krona) per farrowing group during one dry and one lactation period compared to the conventional system. The result is, however, highly dependent on the input values, and welfare aspects were not considered in the calculations.
|
|
| 12. |
|
|
| 13. |
|
|
| 14. |
- Alvåsen, Karin, et al.
(författare)
-
Detection of unhealthy cows and actions taken by dairy farmers - differences between high and low mortality herds
- 2015
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: On-farm mortality (euthanasia or unassisted death) could in many cases be prevented with better management, especially during the transition period and in early lactation, but also if unhealthy cows were identified at an early stage of disease. The objectives of this study were to evaluate potential differences in how dairy farmers in high mortality (HM) or low mortality (LM) herds: 1) ranked the importance of disease symptoms when detecting unhealthy cows; and 2) acted when unhealthy cows had been detected. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to HM and LM herds with >35 cows. HM herds had mortality rates (deaths/100 cowyears) in the highest quartile (>7.7) and LM herds in the lowest quartile (<2.7). The questions: “How do you detect unhealthy cows?” and “What is the first thing you do when you have detected an unhealthy cow?” were followed by statements such as “alterations in milk” and “contact the vet” etc. The answers were recorded on a VAS-scale. Wilcoxon ranksum tests were used to evaluate if differences between HM and LM herds were statistically significant (P<0.05). Results: There were no significant differences in how farmers with HM (n=60) or LM (n=85) herds detected or acted when they recognized unhealthy cows. In both groups, the most important factors to detect unhealthy cows were inappetence, poor general condition, fever, changed milk, swollen udder, refused milking, increased lying behaviour, diarrhoea, vaginal discharge and nasal discharge. The most common actions taken by the farmers when noticed unhealthy cows was to measure the cow’s temperature, call the vet, move to an isolation pen, add to a surveillance list and start an own treatment. It was unlikely that the farmers would just wait. Conclusion: There was no difference in how farmers in HM and LM herds stated that they detected or how they acted when they noticed unhealthy cows. Still, the HM and LM farmers’ ability to detect unhealthy cows may differ. Relevance: High onfarm cow mortality may indicate suboptimal herd health or welfare and causes financial losses. There is a need to identify herd characteristics and management routines associated with HM and LM herds so that advice for reducing mortality can be given.
|
|
| 15. |
- Alvåsen, Karin, et al.
(författare)
-
Effect of grazing management on on-farm mortality in Swedish dairy herds
- 2014
-
Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- On-farm mortality (death and euthanasia) in dairy cows is a welfare concern which also causes economic losses for the farmer. This study investigated the association between grazing management and on-farm mortality. The results show the importance of summer grazing since low on-farm mortality was associated with access to production pasture for most of the day.
|
|
| 16. |
|
|
| 17. |
|
|
| 18. |
- Alvåsen, Karin, et al.
(författare)
-
Farm characteristics and management routines related to cow longevity: a survey among Swedish dairy farmers
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-605X .- 1751-0147. ; 60
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Longevity is an important trait for increasing the profitability of dairy production. Long cow longevity is also essential to reduce the environmental impact of milk production, and to maintain positive consumer attitude. Genetic selection for increased longevity has been effective, but the phenotypic trend of longevity in Swedish dairy cows has not been improved. The objective of this study was to identify herd characteristics and management routines that are associated with the average cow longevity in a herd. To obtain this information, a questionnaire was developed and sent out to 661 Swedish dairy farmers.Results: The response rate was 35%. Seventeen of the 62 characteristics investigated had either a univariable association with the outcome (days from birth to culling) at P < 0.15, or were identified as confounders in the causal diagram and were therefore considered as candidates for the multivariable analysis. Multiple imputation was used to fill in the missing data from the questionnaires, and this increased the number of usable observations in the multivariable modeling from 156 to 228. Only a few of the investigated herd characteristics and management routines were associated with average cow longevity. The results demonstrated that using herd health advisory services shortened the average longevity, while using breeding advisory services prolonged the average longevity in the herd. Furthermore, having a greater interest in animal breeding (i.e. genetic selection) decreased the longevity, and calling the veterinarian when discovering an unhealthy cow increased the average longevity. Higher age of the farmer was also associated with longer average herd longevity.Conclusions: The herd average cow longevity was only associated with some of the farm characteristics and management routines studied. The results demonstrate that the use of advisory services and farmers' attitudes could be targeted for increasing the herd longevity. Further, the results indicate that other e.g. qualitative factors influencing farmers' decisions play an important role.
|
|
| 19. |
- Alvåsen, Karin, et al.
(författare)
-
Farm characteristics related to on-farm cow mortality in dairy herds: a questionnaire study
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Animal. - 1751-7311 .- 1751-732X. ; 8, s. 1735-1742
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Dairy cow mortality is an important animal welfare issue that also causes financial losses. The objective of this study was to identify farm characteristics and herd management practices associated with high on-farm cow mortality in Swedish dairy herds. A postal questionnaire was sent to farmers that had either high or low mortality rates for 3 consecutive years. The questionnaire consisted of five sections: 'About the farm', 'Milking and housing', 'Feeding', 'Routines' and 'Lame and sick cows'. A total of 145 questionnaires were returned (response rate = 33%). Ten of the 77 characteristics investigated met the inclusion criteria for multivariable analysis. The final logistic regression model included: herd size, breed, use of natural service bull, bedding improvement frequency and pasture system. Herds with Swedish Holstein as the predominant breed (odds ratio (OR) 22.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.2 to 101.8) or with mixed breeds (OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.7 to 17.5) had a greater risk of being high mortality herds than herds that were predominantly Swedish Red (OR 1). Herds larger than 100 cows (OR 19.6, 95% CI 3.5 to 110.4) and herds with 50 to 99 cows (OR 13.8, 95% CI 3.2 to 60.6) had greater risk of mortality than herds numbering 35 to 50 cows (OR 1). Being a high mortality herd was also associated with having cows on exercise lots during the summer season (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.3 to 9.9) compared with on pasture. A missing answer on the question of bedding improvement frequency was associated with high mortality herds. Overall, this study suggests that characteristics that are related to intensification of the dairy industry are also associated with high on-farm mortality of dairy cows.
|
|
| 20. |
- Alvåsen, Karin, et al.
(författare)
-
Herd-level risk factors associated with cow mortality in Swedish dairy herds
- 2012
-
Ingår i: Journal of Dairy Science. - : American Dairy Science Association. - 0022-0302 .- 1525-3198. ; 95, s. 4352-4362
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- An increase in on-farm mortality (euthanasia and death) in dairy herds has been reported in several countries in the last decade. This does not only imply possible problems with animal welfare, but it also causes economic losses to the farmer. The objective of this study was to evaluate time trends in on-farm dairy cow mortality in Sweden and identify potential herd-level risk factors. Data were retrieved on all Swedish dairy herds enrolled in the milk recording scheme between 2002 and 2010. Herds with a herd size of <20 cows or a mortality rate (MR) of >40 dead or euthanized cows per 100 cow-years were excluded. Two different models were used: 1 multiple-year analysis, which included 6,898 herds during the period 2002 to 2010 and 1 single-year analysis including 4,252 herds for the year 2010, where other variables that were not present during the entire multiple year study were analyzed. The outcome variable was the number of euthanized and dead cows per year and season. A negative binomial regression model, adjusted for clustering within herd, was applied to both models. Fixed effects in the multiple-year analysis were breed, calving interval, herd size, milk yield, region, season, pasture period, and year. The fixed effects in the single-year analysis were breed, calving interval, conventional versus organic farming, herd size, housing system, milk yield, region, and season. The results demonstrated that MR gradually increased from 5.1 to 6.6 events per 100 cow-years during the study period. Swedish MR are consequently on par with, or even greater than, MR among dairy herds in other comparable countries. Higher mortality was associated with larger herd size, longer calving intervals, and herds that had Swedish Holstein as the predominant breed. Lower mortality was observed in herds with a higher herd average milk yield, during the fall and winter, and in organically managed herds. There were regional differences in mortality. An interaction between herd size and season was found in both models. Also, an interaction between housing system and milk yield was found in the single-year analysis. This first assessment of on-farm mortality in Swedish dairy herds confirmed that the MR has increased over the last few years. The study also identified some herd-level risk factors.
|
|
| 21. |
- Alvåsen, Karin, et al.
(författare)
-
Herd-level risk factors for cow and calf on-farm mortality in Estonian dairy herds
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-605X .- 1751-0147. ; 62
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundOn-farm mortality (unassisted death and euthanasia) is the unwanted loss of animals, and it comes with negative economic consequences. On-farm mortality rates reflect a herd's animal welfare status. The objective of this historical longitudinal single cohort study was to identify the associations between herd characteristics, animal housing conditions and management routines and within-herd calf and cow mortality rates in participating Estonian dairy herds. All farmers enrolled in the voluntary production recording system with a herd size of 20 or greater cow-years in 2015-2017 were contacted by mail or telephone between October 2017 and March 2018. The survey included questions about management routines and housing conditions of calves up to 3 months of age and of cows. In total, 214 completed questionnaires were returned, corresponding to a 63.3% response rate. The within-herd mortality rate of calves (aged 21-90 days) and cows (cattle over 24 months of age) in years 2017-2018 were calculated and used as outcome variables. Negative binomial and linear regression models were applied for risk factor analysis in calf and cow datasets, respectively.ResultsThe median within-herd mortality rate for calves aged 21 to 90 days was 0.15 per 100 calf-months (quartiles 0.00; 0.36). The median within-herd mortality rate for cattle over 24 months of age was 4.57 per 100 cow-years (quartiles 2.44; 6.86). Factors significantly associated with increased mortality of calves were larger herd size, higher proportion of stillbirths and abortions in a herd, prophylactic administration of vitamins to all calves and housing pre-weaned calves in single pens only compared with housing in both single and group pens. Also, farmers who attended more frequent trainings had higher calf mortality rates. Calving in a group pen or in a tie-stall compared with calving in multiple systems was associated with higher calf mortality rates. Higher cow mortality rates were present in herds that had a higher proportion of stillbirths and on farms where employees handled cows. Housing cows in free-stall barns, grazing cows and more frequent hoof trimming were protective for cow on-farm mortality.ConclusionsThis study identified the importance of housing conditions for on-farm cow and calf mortality rates. Our study results suggest that providing good care might ensure better health and welfare of dairy cows and calves.
|
|
| 22. |
- Alvåsen, Karin, et al.
(författare)
-
On-farm mortality of cows in Swedish dairy herds
- 2011
-
Ingår i: Annual meeting of the European Association for Animal Production. - 1382-6077. ; 17, s. 364-364
-
Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)
|
|
| 23. |
- Alvåsen, Karin, et al.
(författare)
-
Risk factors associated with on-farm mortality in Swedish dairy cows
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Preventive Veterinary Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5877 .- 1873-1716. ; 117, s. 110-120
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Dairy cow mortality (unassisted death and euthanasia) has increased, worldwide and in Sweden. On-farm mortality indicates suboptimal herd health or welfare and causes financial loss for the dairy producer. The objective of this study was to identify cow-level risk factors associated with on-farm cow mortality. Cows with at least one calving between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2009 from herds enrolled in the Swedish official milk recording scheme with >40 cow-years were included. Each cow was followed from the day of calving until she calved again or left the herd (died, slaughtered or sold). The effects of potential risk factors on on-farm cow mortality were analysed using a Weibull proportional hazard model with a gamma distributed frailty effect common to cows within herd. The event of interest (failure) was euthanasia or unassisted death. An observation was right censored if the cow was slaughtered, sold, calved again or had an on-going lactation at 500 days after calving. The lactations were split into seasons (January to April, May to August and September to December) and at 30 and 100 days in milk in order to evaluate seasonal effects and the effect of disease in different lactation stages. Primiparous and multiparous cows were analysed separately. The highest hazards for both primiparous and multiparous cows were found for traumatic events and diseases, both in the lactation stage in which the cow died and in the preceding stage. The hazard was higher in early lactation and lower in 2nd parity compared to higher parities. Increased age at first calving (for primiparous cows), calving between January and April, dystocia and stillbirth also increased the mortality hazard. Differences were also found between breeds, between milk production parameters at first test milking and between management types. The results from this study show the importance of good management and preventive health actions, especially around calving, to avoid mortality in dairy cows. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 24. |
- Alvåsen, Karin, et al.
(författare)
-
Risk factors for unassisted on-farm death in Swedish dairy cows
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Animal Welfare. - : Cambridge University Press (CUP). - 0962-7286 .- 2054-1538. ; 23, s. 63-70
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Increased on-farm cow mortality (ie unassisted death and euthanasia) has been demonstrated in Swedish dairy herds during the last decade. Identifying risk factors associated with type of death is needed for future work in reducing cow mortality rates. The objectives of this case-control study were to quantify the relative proportion of unassisted dead cows among cows that die on-farm, and to identify risk factors associated with unassisted death (as opposed to euthanasia). In Sweden, cadavers and animal waste products are being processed into biofuel at destruction plants. Two destruction plants were visited three times in 2011-2012. All dairy cows (n = 556) entering the plants were examined. Farmers that had sent the cows were contacted by telephone to verify type of death. Of the 433 dairy cows included in the analysis, 30% had died unassisted. A stillbirth rate above or equal to the median in the study material (7%) increased the risk for unassisted death. The proportion of unassisted dead cows was lower than that found in other countries. The results indicate that it might be possible to study euthanasia and unassisted death as one group in Swedish dairy cows, because only one factor differentiating between the two types of death was identified. However, unidentified risk factors may still differ and, possibly more importantly, welfare implications may also differ between the two types of death which implies the need to separate them in future studies.
|
|
| 25. |
- Andersson, Linda, et al.
(författare)
-
Exploration of body weight in 115 000 young adult dogs of 72 breeds
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 13
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- High body weight (BW), due to large size or excess body fat, has been associated with developmental and metabolic alterations, and degenerative diseases in dogs. Study objectives were to determine mean BW in young adult dogs of different breeds, including changes over a 10-year period. Body weight data from the official Swedish hip dysplasia screening program were used, including data from dogs screened at 1-2.5 years of age, in breeds with >= 15 individual observations/year during 2007-2016. Mean BW per breed and sex was established from 114 568 dogs representing 72 breeds. Estimates of breed BW showed significant change in 33 (45%) breeds over the 10-year period. Body weight increased in five breeds (2-14% change) and decreased in 26 breeds (1-8% change). In two breeds, BW increased in male and decreased in female dogs. This observational study provides extensive breed BW data on young adult dogs. The change in breed BW, noted in almost half of the breeds, could be due to changes either in size or in body fat mass. In certain breeds, the change in BW over time might have an impact on overall health. Studies with simultaneous evaluation of BW and body condition over time are warranted.
|
|
