MATTERS. Inside this issue:

Transcription

1 Livestock MATTERS WORKING TOGETHER FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE Inside this issue: Beef Data and Genomics Programme We explain BDGP, which will deliver approximately 300M to 30,000 suckler farmers over next six years Lameness in Sheep Advice on assessing lameness and main causes of lameness in adult sheep 1

2 CCONTENTS ONTENTS EXCELLENCE IN PRACTICE VOLUME 4 EDITION 2 is a novel and exciting initiative - We Excel The members of have worked hard to create what y see as a model of how practices can work toger, sharing latest ideas and passing on savings and joint expertise to clients. pay For for Disease Invest in Health Don t Pay Disease Ireland The group comprises of a number of foremost farm practices in Ireland. With many years of combined experience, it is able to give expert advice on all areas of farm livestock, health and production. Member Practices Ireland Member Practices member practices are dedicated to providing a high quality, cost effective service to ir clients, to support long-term growth and future prosperity within Irish livestock industry. Castle Church St, Castleisland, Co. Kerry Telephone: O Connor Julian Julian Vets Vets O Connor Cashel, Telephone: Galway, Co.Galway Telephone: Adare Adare Surgery Surgery Gortlandroe Gortlandroe Nenagh, Telephone: All All Creatures Creatures Geraghty & & Neary Neary Geraghty Kilcoyne Kilcoyne Roscommon Town, Co.Roscommon Telephone: Mountbellew, Co Galway Telephone: Tubbercurry, Co.Sligo Telephone: s s Glasslyn Glasslyn Killenaule Killenaule Vets Vets Arklow, Co.Wicklow Telephone: Donal Donal Lynch Lynch Tullamore, Co.Offaly Telephone: Adare, Co.Limerick Telephone: Old Old Church Church Ballyshannon, Co.Donegal Telephone: Ormonde Ormonde Kilkenny, Co.Kilkenny Telephone: Riverview Group Group Riverview Bandon, Co.Cork Telephone: Sliabh Sliabh Luachra Luachra Bandon, Co Cork Telephone: Thurles, Telephone: Rathmore, Co.Kerry Telephone: Clerkin Vets Vets Clerkin Glen s s Glen Longford Animal Animal Health Health Longford Southview Southview Cootehill, Co.Cavan Telephone: Tipperary Town, Telephone: Shroid, Co.Longford Telephone: Clonmel, Telephone: Comeragh Comeragh Glenbower Group Group Glenbower Mulcair Mulcair s s The The Kilmacthomas, Co.Waterford Telephone: Killeagh, Co.Cork Telephone: Cappamore, Co.Limerick Telephone: conceived from within veterinary is a novel and exciting initiative profession. all independently owned, conceived We fromare within veterinary profession. progressive practices located We are allveterinary independently owned, progressive throughout Ireland committed to working veterinary practices located throughout Ireland toger forto benefit of ourfor clients. committed working toger benefit of our clients. Gorey, Co.Wexford Telephone: Adare Surgery Curraghbeg, Adare, Surgery Co.Limerick Adare Station Adare, Co.Limerick All Creatures Lanesboro Street, Roscommon Town, All Creatures Co.Roscommon Lanesboro Street, Roscommon Town, Co.Roscommon s Ferrybank, Co.Wicklow Arklow, s Castle Ferrybank, Arklow, Co.Wicklow Church St, Castleisland, Co. Kerry Clerkin Vets Clerkin VetsStreet, Cootehill, Co.Cavan 90 Bridge 90 Bridge Street, Cootehill, Co.Cavan Comeragh Comeragh Main Street, Kilmacthomas, Co.Waterford Main Street, Kilmacthomas, Co.Waterford DonalLynch Lynch Donal Killurin Cross, Killeagh,Tullamore TullamoreCo.Offaly Co.Offaly Killurin Cross, Killeagh, Geraghty&&Neary Neary Geraghty College Mountbellew, Galway College Mountbellew, CoCo Galway Glasslyn Glasslyn Glasslyn Bandon, Cork Glasslyn Bandon, CoCo Cork Glen Glen s s Blind BlindStreet, Street,Tipperary TipperaryTown, Town, Glenbower Glenbower Group Group Clashdermot ClashdermotEast, East,Killeagh, Killeagh,Co.Cork Co.Cork 11 Heights, Galway, Co.Galway Heights, Galway, Co.Galway Gortlandroe StGortlandroe Conlon s Nenagh, St Conlon s Nenagh, Kilcoyne Kilcoyne Mountain Tubbercurry, Co Sligo Mountain Tubbercurry, Co Sligo Killenaule Vets KillenauleThurles, Vets Killenaule, Killenaule,Animal Thurles,Health Longford Cooleeney, Shroid, Co Longford Longford Animal Health Cooleeney, Shroid, s Co Longford Mulcair Dromsally, Cappamore, Co.Limerick Mulcair s Dromsally,Julian Cappamore, O Connor Vets Co.Limerick 67O Connor Main Street, Cashel, Julian Vets Old 67Church Main Street, Cashel, The Mall, Ballyshannon, Co.Donegal Old Church Ormonde The Mall, Ballyshannon, Co.Donegal 14 Barrack Street, Kilkenny, Co.Kilkenny Ormonde Riverview Group 14 Barrack Street, Kilkenny, Co.Kilkenny Distillery Bandon, Co.Cork Riverview Group Sliabh Luachra Distillery Bandon, Co.Cork West End, Rathmore, Co.Kerry Sliabh Luachra Southview West End, Rathmore, Co.Kerry Irishtown, Clonmel, Southview The Irishtown, Clonmel, Arklow Gorey, Co.Wexford The Arklow Gorey, Co.Wexford XLVet Ireland Ltd Registered Office at: XLVet Ireland Ltd Registered Office at: Dromsally Dromsally Cappamore Cappamore County Limerick County Limerick Tel: Tel: XLVet Ireland XLVet No part of Ireland this publication may be reproduced No partprior of this publicationofmay reproduced without permission be publisher. 04 Breeding replacements: Conor Geraghty, & Neary 03 Geraghty celebrates 03 Glasslyn provides a detailed summary of 100 years of service: beef data and genomics programme Kevin O Sullivan, Sullivan,Glasslyn Glasslyn that was launched in gives gives us usaa brief briefinsight insightinto intothis this practice s history. history. 06 Calving & cow 04 controls and management: vaccination: 04 IBR Tadhg Murphy, Adare Tommy Heffernan, describes three stages of calf s looks looksat at control controland andvaccination vaccination rearing process. of IBR IBR disease. disease. 12 Why do cows not get pregnant Part 2: To follow 11 Calf 11 rearingon to from beef: previous editions article, Robert Zobel, Old Conor Geraghty, Geraghty, Geraghty Geraghty&& Neary Neary Church looks at explains challenges challengesof ofanimal animalhealth health infertility and sterility. in calf rearing to beef. beef. 13 Beef herd health planning: 13 Lameness in sheep: Tommy Heffernan, Padraig Duggan, Killenaule ofofany s discusses discusseshow how basis basisvets anyherd herd explains to assess rar lameness, planhow is health is prevention prevention rartan tancure. cure. causes of this disease and how to control it. 16 problems around lambing time: 16 Common Why do cows not get pregnant?: 05 Foal Management: Zobel,Old OldChurch Church Zobel, Robert Rita Carlone, Vets associated discusses describes issues issues associated describes difficulties that can occur during with subfertility. subfertility. foaling, article also looks at and conditions safety at calving time: 07 Health maternal along with neonatal conditions. Harold Ferguson, Ferguson,Longford LongfordAnimal AnimalHealth Health 08 Conor Kilcoyne, Kilcoyne,Kilcoyne Kilcoyne Surgeons describes common commonproblems problems Surgeons describes that can be encountered during encountered during lambing season. season. How training can benefit benefit your your farming business: Denise Duggan, Duggan, Training TrainingManager Manager examines examines potential potentialrisks risksand and provides providesmember aa brief brief overview overview ofofgroup, Skillnet Skillnet dangers at calving time. to welcome our newest calving time. are delighted to and benefits benefits to to farmers. farmers Dry cow management: Parasite control: Kieran O Mahony, Glen Glen Donal Lynch, DonalLynch Lynch Lynch, Donal describes describes three threeperiods periodsofof drying drying explains how howparasite parasitecontrol controlbecomes becomes off off process process to avoid avoid problems problemsduring during We will hear more about practice in our Summer edition. topical enter housingperiod. period. as we enter housing lactation season. Castle, Castleisland, Co Kerry. Prac basedtical, farm train del improivered by veing, ve y ts t and bouur livestooc k perfor siness mance... LVets: Contact X05 and xlvets.ie office@ Training is a vital part of jigsaw that makes up modern farm business success. But finding training that s right for you needn t be a puzzle. courses are aredesigned designedtoto FarmSkills courses put farmer farmerfirst; first; finding put finding outout whatwhat you you know now and and what what you d like like to know to to improve yourbusiness. business. improve your Courses are available availableacross acrossireland Ireland and and areare open to toeveryone. everyone.topics Topicscatered catered include forfor include cattle lameness, lameness,mastitis mastitis and andcell cellcount, coun t, calf calf rearing andfertility fertility management. rearing and management. without prior permission of publisher. Disclaimer: Disclaimer: necessarilyshare share views does does not not necessarily views of of contributors. responsibilitycan canbebeaccepted accepted contributors. No responsibility opinions expressed expressed by or or claims forforopinions by contributors, contributors, claims madeby byadvertisers advertisers within within this publication. made this publication. Skillnet is funded by member companies and Training Networks Programme, an initiative of Skillnets Ltd. funded from National Training Fund through Department of Education and Skills. 3

3 BREEDING BREEDING CONOR GERAGHTY, MVB Figure 1: Terminal Index Figure 2: Replacement Index Figure 3: A vasectomised bull with a chin-ball harness The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) was launched in 2015 and will deliver approximately 300M to 30,000 suckler farmers over six years. Breeding Replacements for Beef Data and Genomics Programme Surgeon Conor Geraghty Practice Geraghty & Neary, Co. Galway It is an agri-environment scheme and part of Ireland s Rural Development Plan (RDP). The aim of scheme is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Irish suckler beef herd using modern scientific advances to increase genetic merit and consequently efficiency of suckler cow herd. Currently we produce 80 calves for every 100 cows with a calving interval of approximately 400 days. If we produced 95 calves for every 100 cows with a calving interval of 365 days not alone would every kg of beef have a significantly smaller carbon footprint but profits of suckler farmers would increase. Table 1. Results from Teagasc Profit Monitor 2014 Is BDGP answer? Reliability While no scheme is perfect, 300M is being invested into Irish suckler cow herd which has to be viewed as a positive development. The opportunity now exists for every suckler farmer to improve maternal genetics of his/her suckler cows and increase profitability as a result. Farmers will now have to plan where ir replacements are coming from. Breeding our best cows to maternal AI bulls represents a unique opportunity for suckler farmers. Some bulls have very high maternal values but low reliability. This simply means y are young bulls which are unproven. Some of se bulls will turn out as expected while ors will not and ir uro-star values will fall. Putting all your eggs into one basket is not advisable. Ideally use bulls with a reliability of. If this is not an option spread risk by using a team of bulls. This increases reliability of team. See table 3 for details. Aim for team reliability of. Where to start Table 3: Managing low reliability Examine your cow herd. Which are best cows? A profitable suckler cow Calves every 365 days Has ability to calve Has enough milk to rear calf Remains in herd for at least 5 years Is quiet Is easy to maintain Analysis shows that profitability is dependent on stocking rate and output, but table 2 outlines that most profitable farmers reach fertility targets, which drives output. Why do we have a fertility problem in our beef herd? Irish farmers have responded to a market driven call for continental type animals. Suckler farmers in particular, have dedicated twenty five years to breeding animals for live export market. This has resulted in our cow herd losing some of maternal traits of milk and fertility and becoming more terminal.the pendulum has swung too far in this direction and our reproductive efficiency and profitability has suffered as a result. Table 2: Calving statistics from top 15% of herds uro-star Index The uro-star index is a ranking system for bulls and cows designed and managed by ICBF. It measures suckler beef values in s. 1 star animals represent bottom 10% of population while 5 star animals constitute top 10%. When launched in 2007, index concentrated on terminal traits but a maternal index is now also in existence. The differences between both indices are best illustrated by figures 1 and 2. There is a requirement for herds participating in BDGP to increase proportion of females ranked 4 star or greater on maternal index gradually up to 50% of herd by These are animals that replacements should be kept from. Look at uro-star ratings are se cows >4 star animals? The majority will be unless sires are not recorded etc. Decide how many replacements are needed. Seven replacements require on average twenty pregnancies. The uro-star report from ICBF will indicate how many animals in herd are 4 and 5 star (with a uro-star value > 74). Write down Euro-star value in for each cow chosen. This value is added to bull s maternal valve and divided by two to get likely value of calf. For example Cow 89 + Bull 145 = /2 = Calf 117 Aim to have calves values above The reason for this is animals euro-star values will increase or decrease with genotyping, as process identifies animals with desirable/undesirable DNA sequences. Picking bulls to suit selected cows is critical. Do calculations before inseminating cow! Number of Bulls Individual Bull Team Reliability Reliability 70% 55% 40% 30% Successful AI in suckler herds Fertility with AI depends on submission rate ( number of eligible cows presented for insemination) and also conception rate ( number of cows inseminated that get pregnant). Submission rate depends on cows actually showing signs of heat and farmer seeing cows in heat. Cows that calve down in poor body condition will be slow to return to normal heat cycles. Suckler cows are also slow to resume cycling after calving due to effect of suckling and maternal bond. The best way to get cows cycling after calving is to separate calves from cows eir in creep area of shed or by turning m onto a paddock outside to graze by day. This can be done from 21 days after calving and cows will start cycling from 10 days after bond is broken. The next issue is to see cow in standing oestrus. Cows may only mount 2-3 times when on slats and farmers cannot stay in shed 24 hours a day! There are a number of heat detection aids available: Vasectomised bull with a chin-ball harness Scratch cards Tail paint Technological solutions e.g. MooMonitor A vasectomised bull is best way to detect cows in heat as he works 24 hours a day 7 days a week. In addition, presence of bull will induce cows into heat. Choose your candidate wisely a well grown, active aggressive dairy bull is best. Get your vet to insert a nose ring when doing vasectomy it makes topping up paint easier! The use of synchronisation and fixed-time AI is anor option for farmers. Modern methods of synchronisation are giving fertility rates of >60% without need for heat detection. Having a teaser bull to pick up repeats significantly increases success rate. Contact your vet for best advice. Animals in standing heat should be inseminated twelve hours later to achieve best conception rates. Using maternal AI bulls on selected cows and heifers early in season before turnout will ensure a steady supply of 4 and 5 star replacement animals which can be bred or sold. The main herd can be still bred with terminal stock bull or terminal AI. Figure 4: Synchronisation techniques allow fixed-time AI Summary Pick out your best cows to breed replacements from From se identify cows with highest uro-star values Choose bulls with a maternal uro-star value that will give offspring a value of > (Add bull to cow and divide by 2) Use high reliability bulls or a team of bulls Separate calves from cows to break maternal bond Review vaccination status and mineral status Use a vasectomised bull to pick up cows in heat Contact your vet for advice and assistance 5

4 CALF MANAGEMENT CALF MANAGEMENT 3. Post Calving Period TADHG MURPHY MVB The key criteria here are The process of successful calf rearing begins long before calf is born. In fact, whole process can be separated into 3 stages: 1. Pre-calving period, 2. Calving period, 3. Post-calving period Calving and Calf Management 1. Pre-calving period Surgeon Tadhg Murphy Practice Adave Co. Limerick Managing your cow during dry cow period is first step towards producing a healthy calf. A healthy, well-nourished, fit but not fat, cow at calving should be your goal. The key criteria here are: Body condition score (B.C.S) Mineral status Health status Body Condition Score The dry period is crucial for setting cow up for year ahead. A B.C.S of should be aimed for. Underconditioned cows can produce small, weak calves as well as poor quality colostrum whereas over-conditioned cows can be prone to milk-fever and over-sized calves with resultant calving difficulties and potential stress on calves and increased calf mortality. Cows should be batched in dry period to allow for different feeding levels with aim of achieving optimum B.C.S at calving in as many cows as possible. Forage analysis is a useful tool here to help in determine feeding levels and wher supplementary meal feeding is required. Mineral Status The process of successful calf rearing begins long before calf is born. In fact, whole process can be separated into 3 stages 1. Pre-calving period 2. Calving period 3. Post-calving period 6 The mineral status of your herd is not only crucial in maximising production but also plays an important role in ensuring a healthy, viable calf is born. Imbalances in Calcium and Magnesium levels can cause milk fever which prolong calving period and put an extra stress on calf, whilst deficiencies in trace elements such as Selenium, Copper and Iodine can also have this effect as well as impairing immune defences of calf. Forage and soil analysis in conjunction with blood samples taken from a representative sample of cows can give an accurate assessment of mineral status of herd. This information n allows mineral supplements to be administered as necessary. The dry period is most opportune time to do this. General Health Status The general health of cow is anor factor which affects health and viability of newborn calf. Fluke, stomach worms and lice treatments need to be administered during dry period. Vaccination regimes play an important role not only in maintaining health of your cows but also in protecting newborn calf. Vaccines against diseases such as B.V.D., I.B.R. and Salmonella stimulate an immunity in adult but also reduce shedding of se bugs thus ensuring a cleaner environment for calf. Colostrum Housing Feeding Colostrum Possibly most important factor in preventing disease in young calves is ensuring y receive enough colostrum as soon as possible after birth. A normal sized calf should receive 3 Litres of good quality colostrum within 3 hours of birth. The ability of calf to absorb important immunoglobulins present in colostrum declines quickly so speed is of essence. Not only is quantity important but so is quality. Figure 2: Colostrum Container A store of good quality colostrum should always be kept in freezer. Specialised containers for storage and feeding of colostrum are available. See Figure 2 Housing Calves should be quickly removed from calving area into a dedicated calf rearing facility. A key factor in keeping calves healthy is minimising infections by pathogens excreted by adult animals. To this end this area should be well bedded, well drained, not overstocked, well ventilated and with its own airspace. Individual calf pens are best to begin with to allow easy monitoring of feed intake. Calves should n be batched according to age and se batches should not be mixed. Feeding Consistency is key here. Feeding should be done regularly with equal feeding intervals. Any inconsistencies here can lead to digestive upsets. Hygiene measures are best defence against calf scours. Vaccination of cow prior to calving can also protect calf against E.coli, Rotavirus and Coronavirus. These calf pathogens make calf rearing very difficult and can result in high levels of mortality, poor thrift and a greatly increased workload for farmer. Many of se pathogens are ubiquitous on farms and reducing exposure of calves to bugs present in anor animal s faeces is very important, refore feeding buckets and troughs should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Figure 1: Example of suitable calving gates 2. The Calving Period Having a dedicated calving facility including calving gates and sufficient calving pens minimises stress on cow, calf and farmer at this difficult time of year. Being able to quickly and easily stall up a cow allows for appropriate intervention in calving process when necessary. Adequate bedding and low stocking rates in this area helps to ensure that calf is born into a clean, healthy environment. Individual calving pens reduce mismoring and resultant stress. Calving implements such as ropes and jack need to be kept clean and arm length gloves should always be worn. The calf s navel should be dipped immediately in an iodinebased or chlorhexidine solution to prevent infection. See Figure 1 Many factors affect quality of colostrum. These include; Breed and age of cow Health of cow Milk Yield Cow leaking milk before calving A refractometer is a very useful tool for measuring quality of colostrum. This is a simple, inexpensive tool which instantly gives an indication if colostrum is of poor quality. Laboratory testing can also be carried out on blood samples taken from calves to determine if y have received adequate levels of good quality colostrum. 7

5 EQUINE PRACTICE EQUINE PRACTICE RITA CARLONE D.V.M. When mare is foaling foal should present with both forelimbs extended, one slightly in front of or, followed by head, after placenta ruptures and mare expels a large volume of fluid. Surgeon Rita Carlone Practice Vets Galway Foal management. An overview of most common diseases & disorders. Delivery should progress rapidly and foal should be born within 30 minutes. If mare experiences prolonged labour without delivery or if foal appears to be in an abnormal position, re is a real emergency that requires immediate intervention. All conditions associated with high risk are conveniently classified into three categories: It is recommended that all newborn foals receive a routine neonatal examination by a veterinarian within first 24 hours to detect presence of early signs of illness. The routine check of newborn includes examination of mare s udder. At this time, colostrum specific gravity can be evaluated using a Colostrometer or a simple refractometer. Good quality colostrum is generally thick and sticks between fingers. When specific gravity is low, less than 1.065, foal should receive a supplement from a suitable donor using a bottle or a nasogastric tube. The mare should stand quiet for foal to nurse. 2. Foaling complications may be result of foal size, abnormalities of birth canal, prolonged labour, dystocia, premature placental separation or red bag presentation and abnormal rupture of umbilical cord. 1. Maternal conditions. Placentitis, fever, infections in general are deleterious to foetus. History of previous caesarean sections, neonatal isoerythrolysis and premature lactation all alert clinician to potential neonatal difficulties. 3. Neonatal conditions. Trauma during delivery, abnormal behaviour, limb abnormalities, inability to stand and nurse from mare cause lack of colostrum intake and failure of passive immunity transfer. Newborn Foal Check List: Healthy newborn and normal maternal behaviour. Dip navel 1 to 2 hours to stand 2 hours to suck 4 to 8 hours to urinate 4 to 12 hours to pass meconium or administer enema. Administer enema to all colt foals regardless Administer tetanus antitoxin within 24 hours from birth unless mare received a booster injection within 30 days from foaling Foal IgG level, vet check at 24 hours 8 The first few hours of life are critical. If foal fails to achieve following goals within normal timing re may be a problem that should be promptly investigated: Standing. A foal should stand within one or two hours from birth. Compromised neonates tend to remain recumbent, exposing mselves to pathogens. Suckling: foal should nurse from mare within two hours from foaling. Urination. The first urination occurs between four and eight hours. If foal does not urinate normally bladder may be ruptured. Colt foals are more likely to rupture ir bladder during foaling. Pass meconium. All foals should pass meconium after ingesting colostrum and within 12 hours from foaling. Colostrum intake stimulates bowel motility. Failure of Passive transfer (FPT) Foals are born with a naive immune system and require ingestion and absorption of maternal colostrum as a source of protective antibodies. The primary colostral immunoglobulin is IgG. The IgG is a rar large protein that would normally be digested in stomach and small bowel but for about 12 hours after birth, intestinal walls of foal absorb m intact. This process of production, secretion, ingestion, and absorption is called passive transfer. A 50 kg foal should receive 1-2 litres of colostrum, depending on colostrum quality, within 12 ours from birth. The ingestion of poor quantity or quality colostrum and foal inability to suck or to absorb IgG are all causes of FPT. Any foal at 24 hours of age should have serum IgG concentrations over 800 mg/ dl. Foals with IgG levels between 800 mg/dl and 400 mg/dl have partial FPT while foals with IgG concentration less than 400 mg/dl have complete FPT. Foals with IgG concentration less than 400 mg/dl are at high risk of death and may develop septicaemia, joint ill or or serious bacterial and viral infections during first few months of life. Early detection of FPT in foals is essential. FPT is normally treated by administering a plasma transfusion; one litre of good quality plasma from a suitable donor should be sufficient to achieve adequate IgG level in foal. To test for IgG I use Glutaraldehyde coagulation test and I find it to be easy to use, accurate and inexpensive. Normal mucous membranes. Contracted flexor tendons. The approach depends on degree of contraction. Most cases generally improve with minimal intervention over a few days while if contraction is particularly severe or when foal stands on dorsal surface of hoof, treatment must be more aggressive in form of splints, casts and administration of oxytetracycline. Severe jaundice in a foal with NI. Septicaemia Septicaemia is defined as systemic reaction caused by presence of microorganisms or ir toxins in blood; it is most frequent cause of death in neonatal period. A foal may develop septicaemia within a few hours from birth. Affected foals often present recumbent, hypormic and have pale mucous membranes. Neonatal septicaemia is often a consequence of Failure of Passive Transfer. Many cases of septicaemia are associated with bacterial placentitis and most common pathogens involved are Salmonella sp., E. coli and Actinobacillus equuli. Severe jaundice in a foal with NI. Dummy Foal, Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome or Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (NI) This condition occurs when foal inherits sire s blood group and sire and dam have incompatible blood types. The mare is exposed to foal s blood during gestation and, as a result, her immune system produces antibodies against it and stores m in her colostrum. When colostrum is absorbed, se antibodies destroy red blood cells of foal. al signs of NI include depression, hypormia and haemolytic anaemia with jaundice within hours from birth. Early diagnosis and veterinary intervention are vital in all cases of NI. The treatment of this condition is based on supportive care and blood transfusions. Foals considered to be at risk of NI should be bottle-fed with approximately 350 ml of compatible colostrum or plasma hourly for first 8 hours and n with milk-replacer until y are 24 hours old. Every foal at risk should be muzzled for first 24 hours while mare should be fully milked and her colostrum discarded. If this condition is diagnosed early, chances of survival are high and prognosis is good. Musculoskeletal abnormalities Weakness or laxity of flexor tendons. It is very common in premature foals but may also occur in term foals. Most cases usually improve with box rest for a few days while some ors may require heel extensions. Angular limb deviations are very common conditions in all breeds. The rapeutic approach depends on age of foal, genetics and intended use: sales as weanling, sales as yearling or racing. Less severe cases may be treated conservatively with box rest for at least two weeks and hoof trimming while more severe deformities require surgical intervention at four to six weeks of age. Periosteal stripping and stapling are two most common surgical techniques performed to correct limb deviations. The prognosis is generally excellent. Windswept foals have a peculiar conformational abnormality where both hind limbs are slanted in one direction with a valgus deformity in one limb and a varus deformity in or. This condition is thought to occur secondary to foetal positioning during last few weeks of gestation. Most foals improve with box during first month of life. Angular deviation in a foal. This common syndrome is caused by lack of foetal cerebral oxygen during late gestation or at foaling. It is usually result of placentitis, premature placental separation or dystocia. The clinical signs can be more or less severe, affected foals usually lose affinity for mare, wander aimlessly and do not nurse properly. Facial spasms, stargazing, head pressing, lip curling or abnormal respiratory patterns may also occur. al signs may vary but generally appear within 48 to 72 hours from foaling. The treatment of this condition is supportive and symptomatic. 9

6 EQUINE PRACTICE Surgical correction of a severe carpal deviation using a staple to block growth plate. Philip McManus, Vets. EQUINE PRACTICE than normal and a good preoperative management should include fluid rapy aimed to reduce it to normal range. The treatment of this condition is surgical. If problem is diagnosed early, prognosis is usually very good. Eye abnormalities Entropion is most common ophthalmic abnormality. In entropion lower eyelid is inverted causing corneal damage when foal blinks and eyelashes scratch eye. This condition is normally treated with a sub-cutaneous injection of 3 ml of procaine penicillin G in affected eyelid to lift it into normal position. More severe cases require surgical intervention under sedation and local anaessia. Premature Foals Meconium impaction Meconium impaction is most common cause of colic in neonate. Meconium is dark-brown in appearance and is residual material left from swallowed amniotic fluid, intestinal cells and secretions during gestation. Most foals will pass it completely within 4 to 12 hours post-partum, with milky faeces appearing after that. Impacted foals display a wide variety of signs of abdominal discomfort including depression, forcing, rolling and abdominal distension. Overdue colts are more at risk than fillies of retaining meconium because ir pelvis is narrower. To treat this condition, I usually administer painkillers and an enema to foal; although warm soapy water usually works, a mixture of 8g acetylcystein, 20g of Sodium Bicarbonate and 200 ml lukewarm water is more effective to break down impaction. Ruptured bladder Foals are considered to be premature if born before 320 days of gestation; however, gestational length of normal duration may not be an accurate indicator of individual maturity. Normal duration is considered to be between 325 and 345 days. The main cause of premature delivery is placentitis. Signs of prematurity in foals include low birth weight, soft, silky coat, soft hooves, floppy ears and weak limbs. Premature foals usually do not survive despite intensive care. Umbilical disorders: Patent Urachus: A patent urachus is persistence after birth of tubular connection between bladder and umbilicus. In normal foals, this structure closes soon after delivery and completely regresses to a ligament. If urachus stays opened, urine will exit umbilical area. The degree of patency is variable and in some cases only clinical sign is a wet umbilicus. This condition is commonly caused by trauma, inflammation or infection of umbilical cord. Not all neonates with a persistent patent urachus have an infected umbilicus and y may not require antibiotic treatment but must be monitored until problem resolves. If an infection is suspected, neonate is treated with a broadspectrum antimicrobial for at least five days. Occasionally, urachus can be carefully cauterized with iodine or silver nitrate sticks passed no more than 1 cm into urachus after at least three days of antibiotic treatment. Neonatal abnormalities: Foal not standing or suckling. Behavioural changes. Foals should become stronger and more active over first few days. Increased time spent lying down may be a sign of trouble. Surgical removal of urachus may be required in cases that do not respond to conservative treatment. The involvement of or umbilical structures detected through ultrasound or presence of subcutaneous swelling are both indicators for surgery. Distended abdomen and failure to pass urine within eight hours. Failure to pass meconium, straining and colic signs. Omphalophlebitis: Infections of umbilical remnant can result from failure of passive transfer, poor hygiene and environmental contamination. Weak or recumbent foals are more at risk of developing umbilical infections because of increased exposure to bedding, dust, and faecal material. The umbilical remnant contains urachus, umbilical vein and two umbilical arteries. The urachus is most commonly infected site but infection of one or all or structures is also possible. Signs of infection include external umbilical swelling, fever, discharge, lethargy, elevated white blood cell count, and secondary infections such as septic arthritis. When foal is born, umbilicus should be dipped twice daily for 3 days using 05% chlorhexidine or povidone solution to prevent infection. The most common pathogens isolated from infected navels are Beta haemolytic Streptococcus sp. and E. coli. All navel infections should be treated with antibiotics for at least seven days and sometimes require surgical excision. The prognosis is usually very good. Jaundice or pale mucous membranes. Respiratory distress. Diarrhoea combined with depression, not to be confused with normal foal-heat diarrhoea. Lameness and/or joint swelling -assume that abnormality is related to infection until that possibility is ruled out-. Umbilical and Inguinal Hernia: Hernias are easily palpated when examining neonate; however, y are more noticeable when foal is a few weeks of age and omental fat protrudes into sac. Umbilical and inguinal hernias must be monitored closely but are rarely a problem in neonate and are usually repaired at a later stage. Patent Urachus in a colt foal. Umbilical Bleeding: The umbilical vein may haemorrhage if it has failed to close properly after rupture. The amount of bleeding may be significant and stump may require ligation. The umbilicus should be observed carefully over next few weeks because se foals may develop a navel infection. The mare does not have enough milk or is aggressive towards foal. Premature foal. Recommendations In my opinion, familiarity with normal foal behaviour is essential to recognize subtle deviations from physiological patterns. Neonatal diseases are often acute but subtle in onset and progress very rapidly. A foal that looks normal at birth may be very ill just a few hours later. When re is a problem, all abnormalities must be discovered and treated appropriately and early orwise much money and effort could be wasted on foals that will not survive or will be unable to perform as athletes in future. Transabdominal ultrasound and abdominocentesis confirm diagnosis. In all cases of ruptured bladder, blood potassium concentration is higher Septic Arthritis is most commonly a complication of Omphalophlebitis but or routes of infection are also possible. A foal may develop joint ill after surviving septicaemia in cases of FPT. Bacteria from intestinal or respiratory tract may also shed into blood stream and enter joint cavities. It cannot be stressed enough that a lame foal with or without fever should be examined very closely for presence of septic arthritis. Any oedema or effusion in or around a joint should be investigated and treated aggressively with antibiotics. I have had numerous foals that had normal blood work and normal temperatures but had very high WBC counts in joint fluid. All cases must be treated with systemic antibiotic and may require joint flushing. Bilateral tarsal effusion in a foal with septic arthritis or joint ill. Umbilical hernia. If attempts to defecate are frequent or cannot be distinguished from attempts to urinate, possibility of a ruptured bladder should also be considered. Rupture of bladder occurs most frequently in colts as a foaling injury. al signs include lethargy, marked abdominal distension and anorexia at two to three days of age. 10 Septic Arthritis or Joint Ill Swelling, drainage or pain in umbilicus. 11

7 COW FERTILITY COW FERTILITY Uterus with double cervix ROBERT ZOBEL MVB, PHD Cattle are infertile when y are neir normally fertile nor completely sterile. Sterility is, on or hand, defined as an absolute inability to reproduce. A periovarian adhesion usually results from ovarian trauma or peritonitis, but may also occur when some veterinarians practice manual expression of corpus luteum and cyst rupture. In addition, rapeutic uterine irrigation with irritative fluids (e.g. Iodine) in large volumes may leak to bursa and provoke inflammatory response which, when organized, leads to adhesions. Why do cows not get pregnant? Part 2 Infertility and Sterility Practice Old Church Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal Aplastic ovaries present missing ovaries while Aplastic uterus describes missing uterus. Causes of infertility are many and can be complex. They relate to follicle development, oestrus onset, ovulation, fertilization, development of foetus etc. Anything disturbing se routines, such as hormonal disturbances, diseases, nutrition, inappropriate herd management, different hereditary and congenital factors, and so on, leads to infertility or sterility. Bovine gonadal aplasia is not easy to diagnose. In cases of bilateral ovarian aplasia heifers do not develop secondary sexual characteristics, and remain anestrous for ir whole life and thus are infertile. Where condition is unilateral (one ovary is missing one ovary is present), normal sexual activity is present. Such animals are fertile, although less so n normal ones y are subfertile. Both conditions are highly hereditary. Incidence of se conditions is found to be 0.7% for cows in India (1984), 1.1% for cows in Nigeria and only 0.2% for heifers examined in abattoirs in USA. Freemartinism A freemartin is female fetus masculinised in presence of a male co-twin that develops as a result of vascular anastomoses between adjacent male and female foetuses in uterus. These anastomoses typically develop very early, between 30 and 50 days of pregnancy. Vulva. Notice tuft of hair on bottom of vulva and enlarged clitoris in 10 months old freemartin heifer 12 Double cervix (Cervix duplex) Undeveloped uterus (Aplastic uterus) and absence of ovaries (Aplastic ovaries) in 15 months old freemartin heifer Lack of sanitary precautions in artificial breeding of cows might predispose to a variety of specific and nonspecific microorganisms. Therefore, probabilities of spreading venereal diseases such as trichomoniasis, vibriosis and or specific reproductive tract infection cannot be excluded. Factors such as twinning, dystocia, retained placenta, metabolic disorders and age of cow, play important role in uterine infections. Metritis with extension of inflammatory process to adjacent structures, such as serosa layer, results in perimetritis and adhesions to broad ligament or to rectum and bladder with consequent perimetrial granuloma. Intrauterine lesions (and metritis) act as diaphragm, thus preventing pregnancy and causing infertility. Perimetrial adhesions unable distension of gravid uterus, thus causing abortion and also infertility. Incidence of those conditions is reported to range from 3.8% for Nerlands up to 8.8% for certain parts of Africa. Peritonitis in 5 years old cow caused by intra uterine infusion of 10 litres of iodine solution 60 days following calving Urovagina Urovagina is a pathological condition characterized by urine accumulation in cranial portion of vagina resulting in vaginitis and endometritis, depending on severity of case. In cow, morphological changes in anatomy of genital tract, such as cranio-ventral displacement of vagina and uterus, cause cranial flow of urine and pooling around cervix. The aetiology of urovagina is poorly understood; however, disease has been correlated with stretching of suspensory apparatus as a result of dystocia, twinning and or successive pregnancies. This condition is considered as an important cause of subfertility in dairy cows, compromising animal health and resulting in production and economic losses. Recent studies reported significant prevalence of urovagina in Holstein dairy cows, with a 65% reduction in pregnancy rate and a considerable effect on culling rate because of subfertility. Moderate and severe cases of urovagina present a high risk of urine entering cervix and uterus reby causing infertility because of spermicidal effect of urine and chronic irritation of mucosa resulting in vaginitis, cervicitis and endometritis. Condition is highly hereditary, especially for severe forms of this condition. Incidence of this condition is reported to be from 1.87% up to 3.87% depending to author and region. In study conducted by this author, incidence of urovagina was 1.57%, 186% and 3.92% for mild, moderate and severe forms of urovagina respectively. Double external os of cervix is a developmental abnormality that is occasionally observed, and is due to failure of Mullerian ducts to fuse into one. In a typical form it is presented as a true double cervix with two cervical canals, each one opening into its respective uterine horn. Varying severity defects of genital tract can be observed in freemartin animals, and often includes suppression or lack of ovary, hypoplastic uterus and deformed vagina (extremely short, or even absent vagina). The external genitalia commonly present enlarged clitoris, small vulva and a prominent, male-like tuft of hair. As a rule of a thumb, heifers born twin to a bull have to be considered sterile and should be identified as early as possible and culled. Freemartinism is currently diagnosed by physical examination, as karyotyping or blood typing is considered an unnecessary expense. Condition is quite rare with incidence ranging from 0.43% up to 2.16% (India). Periovarian adhesions lead to blocking transport of ova from ovary through tubular tract, thus causing infertility. Aplastic ovaries and Aplastic uterus Surgeon Robert Zobel MVB, PHD Periovarian and Periuterine adhesions It seems that this condition is more common in some breeds of cattle such as Holstein-Friesian, Hereford and Guernsey. Condition is hereditary and was associated with in-breeding, thus characteristic for closed breeding herd. Urovagina in cow by vaginoscope (notice accumulation of urine at ventral portion of vagina creating lake of urine) Double cervix interferes with conception leading to repeat breeding, abortion, premature births, retained placenta and difficult calving (dystocia). Condition is very rare with incidence only 0,14% (Turkey, 2000). 13

8 SHEEP LAMENESS SHEEP LAMENESS Assessing Lameness PADRAIG DUGGAN, MVB When investigating cause of lameness in sheep certain factors should be kept in mind Lameness is an important production limiting disease in sheep of all ages, and a single severe case in an individual ewe can be estimated to cost as much as 20 per affected sheep. 1. Is it an individual sheep or a proportion of flock that is affected? Lameness in Sheep 2. The age of individual or group affected 3. Is lameness caused by a disease of foot itself, or due to a problem with muscle, bone, joints or even nervous system? Before instigating any control programme it is refore important to establish an accurate diagnosis. Surgeon Padraig Duggan Practice The diagnosis of foot abscess, toe abscess, white line separation (overgrowth and separation of hoof wall), interdigital growths, thorn injuries, toe granulomas and even direct trauma in individual animals is relatively straightforward However, when a large proportion of flock is affected, more likely cause is scald, footrot, or CODD. Killenuale Vets, Killenaule, Co Tipperary. Lameness is an important production limiting disease in sheep of all ages, and a single severe case in an individual ewe can be estimated to cost as much as 20 per affected sheep. In a flock where incidence is 10%, it s obvious that economic consequences of lameness can become significant. In individual new-born lambs, lameness may be caused by obstetric trauma (a hard pull leading to fractures, dislocations, paralysis, tendon damage), fractures from being stood on and congenital contracted tendons. Table 1: The main causes of lameness in adult sheep In lambs over 2 days, lameness will usually involve considerable numbers of animals affected. In individual cases cause may be trauma, foreign body (thorn of splinter in a very soft hoof), abscessation in an individual toe. DISEASE CLINICAL APPEARANCE CAUSE Scald Dermatitis between digits. Fusobacterium necrophorum Footrot (mild) Interdigital dermatitis with some under-running of hoof horn at heel. Fusobacterium necrophorum and Dichelobacter nodosus (mild strains) Footrot (severe) Dermatitis, separation of horn from sole and wall of hoof, foul smell, necrosis (rotting tissue). As above, but more virulent strains of bacteria Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis (COOD) Skin ulceration at coronary bend, hairy heel warts, separation of horn capsule beginning at coronary band. None proven, but spirochaet suspected (similar to digital dermatitis in cattle) White Line Separation Shelly hoof, separation of hoof wall gets impacted with mud. None specific White Line Abscess Noticeable marks in white line leading to abscess under hoof wall. Very hot and painful. Abscess often bursts at top of hoof. Mixed infections Table 1 gives a description of some of main causes of lameness in adult sheep. As can be seen from table, certain bacteria are very commonly implicated in lameness. 3. Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) Pedal (Toe) Joint Abscess Painful swollen claw. Can have discharging abscess. Bone affected. Mixed infections but especial Fusobacterium necrphorum, and A. pyogenes Fusobacterium necrophorum is always present in environment and will always be a lameness risk. However, or factors should be kept in mind when looking at lameness in sheep. Post-dipping Lameness Feet and lower limbs hot and very painful. Large numbers in a group can be affected. Erysipelothrix rhusipathiae Dischlebacter nodosus only multiplies in diseased feet and can be eradicated it will only survive in soil for about four days. The economic losses come about through decreased productivity, decreased fertility, and increased culling, as well as more obvious cost associated with treating and managing lame animals. The welfare implications of lameness cannot be over-estimated. Lameness in sheep should always be addressed and never ignored. The three most important causes of lameness in a flock of sheep are 1. Interdigital dermatitis (scald) 2. Infectious foot rot 14 If groups are affected common causes are joint ill, possible early scald / footrot (in flocks where this is already a problem), nutritional myopathies (e.g. selenium / vitamin E deficiency) and even possibly tick pyaemia (lambs outdoors on tick-infested pastures). Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is most commonly associated with contaminated (dirty) dip and muddy handling pens basic hygiene measures when handling sheep will prevent problems (gentle handling of flock is also relevant as bug will normally enter through traumatised skin lesious). Separation of horn from underlining structure of foot Lameness Control The control and treatment of lame sheep is best discussed and planned with your vet with due regard for cause of lameness and environmental factors involved. Treatment options will include some of following 1. Foot bathing suitable solution, clean feet. 2. Foot trimming only where required 3. Antibiotic injection and sprays in conjunction with your vet Footbath 4. Vaccination as part of a programme for control of footrot. Best in dry wear and in conjunction with or control measures. Discuss with your vet. 5. Long-term selection for resistance. 6. Eradication Finally, always remember welfare implications of lameness use of a suitable anti-inflammatory must be advised where condition is very painful. Given economic consequences, a flock plan to control lameness, one which is regularly reviewed, should be given due consideration. Lame Sheep As we can see from this incomplete list, an accurate diagnosis becomes very important, and this is where advice from your vet is vital. 15

9 Committed to achieving a better future for veterinary and farming in Ireland Training with FarmSkills offer a range of practical, farm-based livestock workshops delivered by vets and industry experts. Our extensive range of workshops are held across whole of Ireland and we work hard to continually create new, innovative and bespoke training opportunities for industry. Our courses are designed to put farmer first; finding out what you know now and what you would like to know to improve your farm business. Calf Rearing - Birth to Weaning Feeding High Yielding Dairy Cow Heifer Rearing - Weaning to First Calving Herd Fertility on Dairy and Beef Farms Johne s Disease Control Locomotion and Foot Trimming Milk Quality Control Practical Lambing Preparation for Calving Safe and Effective Use of Medicines Controlling Sheep Lameness We run events nationwide. Contact your local practice for details or visit our website for furr details Skillnet has been nominated for 2016 Irish Institute of Training & Development (IITD) National Training Award in category: Best Learning & Development Organisation (Networks & Groups) *XLVet Skillnet is a not-for-profit, industry-led learning network for training companies in veterinary and animal health sector in Ireland. The XLVet Skillnet is funded by member companies and Training Network Programme, an initiative of Skillnets Ltd. Funded from National Training Fund through Department of Education and Skills. 16