Factors which influence somatic cell counts in bovine milk are reviewed and guidelines for their interpretation are presented. It is suggested that the thresholds of 300 000 and 250 000 cells/ml be used to identify infected quarters and cows respectively. However, it is stressed that somatic cell co...

A computerized health and production information network (APHIN: Animal Productivity and Health Information Network) was developed in Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) to serve the livestock industries. The dairy portion of the network is designed primarily to aid in the reduction of the unit cost of pr...

A previously reported increase in Nocardia mastitis in Canada was associated with the use of neomycin-based dry cow mastitis preparations; their production and distribution ceased in 1989. Since then the frequency of Nocardia isolations has declined in most provinces, particularly in British Columbi...

This paper summarizes the results of a project carried out between 1979 and 1982. The work is reported fully in six papers which are being published in Preventive Veterinary Medicine. [For Part 1 see VB 54, 1771]..

A path analytic approach was used to study data collected on 23 traits of 226 Holstein-Friesians in a commercial dairy herd during May 1981-Oct. 1982. Rectal palpation to assess uterine involution and ovarian activity was performed at 15, 24 and 28 days post partum, and blood samples were collected ...

Information systems projects in developing countries often run into difficulties and fail to meet their full objectives. This paper looks at the commonly used and recommended methodologies to determine if they fit with the objectives set for information systems and if they are appropriate for the hu...

Three methods of assessing mastitis therapies are evaluated: (i) in vitro tests; (ii) experimental studies based on induced infections; (iii) field trials on commercial farms utilizing naturally occurring infections..

Effects of disease on the risk of removal in Holstein-Friesian cows were investigated in a two and a half year study. Records were available from 141 sold cows, 415 culled cows and 1452 comparison cows in 32 commercial dairy herds within a 50 mile radius of Guelph, Ontario. Removals were subdivided ...

Individual cow somatic cell counts (SCC) from the first 4 weeks of lactation were obtained from all cows on a cell-counting programme in Prince Edward Island for a period of 4 years. The prevalence of elevated counts (over 200 000 cells/ml) declined sharply in heifers (primiparous animals) from Day ...

Thirty-two dairy herds within 50 miles of Guelph participated in the 2.5-year study (1979-81). Most herds were in the range of 30-45 milking cows. Three were in loose housing and 29 in tethered housing. All were turned out in summer, and 21 were let out for exercise in winter. The major roughage fed...

OBJECTIVE: To document anatomic patterns of scintigraphic uptake and related orthopedic disease associated with racing activity in Standardbred horses. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 64 Standardbred horses evaluated for lameness. PROCEDURE: Medical records at the time of discharge were review...

Factors that affect somatic cell counts (SCC) in milk, interpretation of SCC, and management decisions resulting from these interpretations, are outlined. It is concluded that the SCC is an excellent tool for monitoring udder health on a herd basis, and that interpretation of individual cow SCC may ...

Five sets of data from four separate sheep flocks (1445 ewes) were used to assess the effects of subclinical maedi-visna virus infection (as determined by serological procedures) on productivity in ewes. In general, infection with maedi-visna virus lowered productivity. Infection reduced conception ...

A recent review of studies on the effect of parasite control programmes on productivity of lactating dairy cattle has reported positive, but variable, results. A conjoint analysis survey was conducted, using dairy industry professionals and practicing veterinarians, to estimate the impact of various...

A case-control study was conducted to identify herd production, housing, and hygienic and therapeutic factors associated with Nocardia mastitis in dairy herds in Nova Scotia. The data were collected by on-farm interview with owners of 54 case and 54 control herds. Logistic regression was used to stu...

Developing an understanding of interrelationships among health, production, and livestock management, particularly nutrition, requires a holistic approach to the evaluation of the farming system. For both economic and animal welfare reasons, a detailed understanding of the implications of farm manag...