Key actors in driving behavioural change in relation to on-farm biosecurity; a Northern Ireland perspective
ConclusionsThis workshop provided a unique and invaluable insight into key issues regarding farm level biosecurity activities. From a policy perspective, delivering improved on-farm biosecurity must be addressed via a multidisciplinary approach. This can only be achieved with active involvement, commitment and support of a number of key industry and government stakeholders. (Source: Irish Veterinary Journal)
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - June 14, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Comparison of three commercial serological tests for the detection of Chlamydia abortus infection in ewes
ConclusionsThe LSI assay was the most sensitive out of the three kits tested in this study, when sera were tested at three weeks post lambing. As the LPS used in this kit is cross-reactive with all chlamydia, it is good for identifying flocks infected with any chlamydial species, but it is not considered specific forC. abortus. Furthermore, antibody levels were higher in ewes that aborted compared to ewes that had live lambs, at both 35 days post challenge and at three weeks post lambing. Future work should include evaluation of a larger number of sera at a wider range of time-points as well as an estimation of the speci...
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - May 29, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Towards the development of day one competences in veterinary behaviour medicine: survey of veterinary professionals experience in companion animal practice in Ireland
ConclusionsBehavioural problems in companion animals can affect the quality of life of pets and their owners. Our survey findings indicate that many veterinary professionals frequently encounter behavioural problems and identify an opportunity for improved provision in behaviour medicine in veterinary education. (Source: Irish Veterinary Journal)
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - May 12, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Effect of pre-milking teat disinfection on new mastitis infection rates of dairy cows
ConclusionSCC and new infection rates were similar in non-disinfected teats and disinfected (pre-milking) teats. The routine application of pre-milking teat disinfectant in pasture-grazed herds is unlikely to be of benefit where herd SCC is below 200 × 103 cells/mL. (Source: Irish Veterinary Journal)
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - April 18, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Prevalence of welfare outcomes in the weaner and finisher stages of the production cycle on 31 Irish pig farms
ConclusionsA large variation was observed for the recorded welfare outcomes corresponding to the different challenges pigs experience during the different stages of production on commercial pig farms. The prevalence of pigs affected by lesions caused by injurious behavior is a cause for concern and requires a collaborative approach to identify appropriate intervention strategies. This information could be used to further investigate appropriate benchmark values for different welfare outcomes that would assist the pig industry to develop appropriate health and welfare management plans to minimise welfare problems. At herd l...
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - March 27, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Partial avulsion of the ulnaris lateralis and enthesiopathy of the lateral epicondyle of the humerus in a thoroughbred race horse
ConclusionThis is the first report of partial avulsion of the ulnaris lateralis and enthesiopathy of the lateral humeral epicondyle in the horse. In contrast to other reported soft tissue conditions of the elbow, this horse had a successful return to work. This case highlights the value of ultrasonography in assessing peri-articular soft tissues, and the importance of pain relief as treatment in some soft tissue injuries. (Source: Irish Veterinary Journal)
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - March 27, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Prevalence of welfare outcomes in the weaner and finisher stages of the production cycle on 31 Irish pig farms
ConclusionsA large variation was observed for the recorded welfare outcomes corresponding to the different challenges pigs experience during the different stages of production on commercial pig farms. The prevalence of pigs affected by lesions caused by injurious behavior is a cause for concern and requires a collaborative approach to identify appropriate intervention strategies. This information could be used to further investigate appropriate benchmark values for different welfare outcomes that would assist the pig industry to develop appropriate health and welfare management plans to minimise welfare problems. At herd l...
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - March 27, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Identifying physiological measures of lifetime welfare status in pigs: exploring the usefulness of haptoglobin, C- reactive protein and hair cortisol sampled at the time of slaughter
ConclusionThis research should be repeated on a larger scale, but the results suggest that hair cortisol measured at slaughter could provide insight into the welfare status of pigs during their lifetime. Hp may be a useful indicator of tail lesions in pigs. However, further research utilising a greater proportion of severely bitten pigs is required before conclusions can be drawn. (Source: Irish Veterinary Journal)
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - March 2, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
A comparison of a novel time-based summary measure of dairy cow health against cumulative disease frequency
ConclusionsThe DALact provides a time-based method for assessing the overall burden of disease on dairies. It is important to emphasize that a summary measure of dairy health goes beyond simply linking morbidity to culling and mortality in a standardized fashion. A summary measure speaks to the burden of disease on both the well-being and productivity of individuals and populations. When framed as lost days, years, or lactations the various health issues on a farm are more comprehensible than they may be by frequency measures alone. Such an alternative accounting of disease highlights the lost opportunity costs of producti...
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - March 2, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
