Open Access
Research
(Published
online: 01-09-2016)
1.
Impacts of self- and cross-sucking on
cattle health and performance -
Motamed Elsayed Mahmoud, Fatma Ali Mahmoud and Adel Elsayed
Ahmed
Veterinary World, 9(9): 922-928
doi:
10.14202/vetworld.2016.922-928
Motamed Elsayed Mahmoud:
Department of Animal Behavior and Husbandry, Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, Egypt;
motamed71111@gmail.com
Fatma Ali Mahmoud:
Department of Animal Behavior and Husbandry, Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, Egypt;
ftm_abushanief@yahoo.com
Adel Elsayed Ahmed:
Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,
South Valley University, Qena, Egypt; adelqena@lycos.com
Received: 20-04-2016, Accepted: 26-07-2016, Published online:
01-09-2016
Corresponding author:
Motamed Elsayed Mahmoud, e-mail: motamed71111@gmail.com
Citation:
Mahmoud ME, Mahmoud FA, Ahmed AE (2016) Impacts of self- and
cross-sucking on cattle health and performance,
Veterinary World, 9(9):
922-928.
Abstract
Background:
Improvement of dairy farms economics requires intensification,
automatic milking, and artificial rearing methods. The ability
to express normal behavior is one of the five freedoms to
achieve animal welfare, whereas the display of abnormal
behaviors is considered as an indicator of poor welfare.
Cross-sucking is defined as sucking any body parts of pen-mate
calves, whereas inter-sucking in cows is defined as sucking the
udder or udder area. Previous studies showed that self- and
cross-sucking during the calf-hood period could be a causal
factor of milk sucking in adulthood.
Aim:
To investigate the effects of cross-sucking among calves and
inter-sucking in cows on animal health status and performance.
Materials and Methods:
Gathering information from customized questionnaires, the study
of the breeding records, recording of self- and cross-sucking
behaviors, and health status of calves till weaning, and dairy
cows before milking were performed in two governmental farms
under the same managemental conditions in Sohag and Qena
governorates.
Results:
Cross-sucking appeared in calves at the 2nd week of age followed
by abscesses at ears and navels that were observed within
cross-sucker calves. Milk sucking was higher in primiparous than
multiparous cows during the second lactation period, as
primiparous cows start to suck mostly around the 4th month of
milking. Mastitis and elongation of the front teats were
observed in sucker cows. Suffered animals had body condition
scoring 3.5 or less. Interestingly, most of the cows displaying
self-sucking were sucking another cow and were experienced self-
or cross-sucking in their calf-hood. The use of pronged
nose-rings was ineffective in preventing milk sucking and all
cows were ultimately culled at the end of the season.
Conclusion:
The results of this study demonstrate the health problems of
abnormal oral behaviors in terms of developed ears and navels
abscesses in cross-sucker calves, and mastitis and teat
deformities in milk-sucker cows. Furthermore, indexes that lead
to oral satisfaction should be taken in priorities of farm
managers to effectively reduce or prevent crosssucking in
calves. Culling of cows and heifers suffering from sucking would
be the ultimate uneconomic alternative in case of persistent
suckers.
Keywords:
animal welfare, culling, inter-sucking in cows, self-sucking in
calves, teat deformity.
References
1. Johnsen, J.F., de Passille, A.M., Mejdell, C.M., Bře, K.E.,
Grřndahl, A.M., Beaver, A., Rushen, J. and Weary, D.M.
(2015) The effect of nursing on the cow - Calf bond. Appl.
Anim. Behav. Sci., 163; 50-57.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2014.12.003 |
|
|
2. Khan, M.A., Weary, D.M. and von Keyserlingk, M.A.G.
(2011) Invited review: Effects of milk ration on solid feed
intake, weaning, and performance in dairy heifers. J. Dairy
Sci., 94: 1071-1081.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2010-3733 |
|
|
3. Soberon, F., Raffrenato, E., Everett, R.W. and Van
Amburgh, M.E. (2012) Preweaning milk replacer intake and
effects on long-term productivity of dairy calves. J. Dairy
Sci., 95: 783-793.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2011-4391
PMid:22281343 |
|
|
4. David, I., Bouvier, F., Ricard, E., Ruesche, J. and
Weisbecker, J.L. (2014) Feeding behaviour of artificially
reared Romane lambs. Animal, 8: 982-990.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1751731114000603
PMid:24666599 PMCid:PMC4023569 |
|
|
5. Wagner, K., Barth, K., Palme, R., Futschik, A. and
Waiblinger, S. (2012) Integration into the dairy cow herd:
Long-term effects of mother contact during the first twelve
weeks of life. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 141: 117-129.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2012.08.011 |
|
|
6. Webb, L.E., van Reenen, C.G., Berends, H., Engel, B., de
Boer, I.J., Gerrits, W.J. and Bokkers, E.A. (2015) The role
of solid feed amount and composition and of milk replacer
supply in veal calf welfare. J. Dairy Sci., 98: 5467-5481.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2014-8547
PMid:26004839 |
|
|
7. Pempek, J.A., Eastridge, M.L., Botheras, N.A., Croney,
C.C. and Yoho, W.S.B. (2011) Effects of alternative housing
and feeding systems on the behavior and performance of dairy
heifer calves. Prof. Anim. Sci., 29: 278-287.
http://dx.doi.org/10.15232/S1080-7446(15)30234-5 |
|
|
8. Keil, N.M. and Langhans, W. (2001) Development of
intersucking among dairy calves around weaning. Appl. Anim.
Behav. Sci., 72: 295-230.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(00)00207-0 |
|
|
9. Leruste, H., Brscic, M., Cozzi, G., Kemp, B.,
Wolthuis-Fillerup, M., Lensink, B.J., Bokkers, E.A. and van
Reenen, C.G. (2014) Prevalence and potential influencing
factors of non-nutritive oral behaviors of veal calves on
commercial farms. J. Dairy Sci., 97: 7021-7030.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2014-7917
PMid:25218744 |
|
|
10. Roth, B.A., Barth, K., Gygax, L. and Hillmann, E. (2009)
Influence of artificial vs. mother-bonded rearing on sucking
behavior, health and weight gain in calves. Appl. Anim.
Behav. Sci., 119: 143-150.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2009.03.004 |
|
|
11. Roth, B.A., Hillmann, E., Stauffacher, M. and Keil, N.M.
(2008) Improved weaning reduces cross-sucking and may
improve weight gain in dairy calves. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.,
111: 251-261.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2007.06.007 |
|
|
12. de Passillé, A.M. and Rushen, J. (2012) Adjusting the
weaning age of calves fed by automated feeders according to
individual intakes of solid feed. J. Dairy Sci., 95:
5292-5298.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2012-5521
PMid:22916934 |
|
|
13. Fröberg, S., Aspegren-Güldorff, A., Olsson, I., Marin,
B., Berg, C., Hernández, C., Galina, C.S., Lidfors, L. and
Svennersten-Sjaunja, K. (2007) Effect of restricted suckling
on milk yield, milk composition and udder health in cows and
behaviour and weight gain in calves, in dual-purpose cattle
in the tropics. Trop. Anim. Health Prod., 39: 71-81.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11250-006-4418-0
PMid:17941489 |
|
|
14. Appleby, M.C., Weary, D.M. and Chua, B. (2001)
Performance and feeding behaviour of calves on ad libitum
milk from artificial teats. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 74:
191-201.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(01)00171-X |
|
|
15. de Passillé, A.M. (2001) Sucking motivation and related
problems in calves. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 72: 175-187.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(01)00108-3 |
|
|
16. Keil, N.M., Audigé, L. and Langhans, W. (2000) Factors
associated with intersucking in Swiss dairy heifers. Prev.
Vet. Med., 45: 305-323.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0167-5877(00)00127-6 |
|
|
17. Svensson, C. and Jensen, M.B. (2007) Short
communication: Identification of diseased calves by use of
data from automatic milk feeders. J. Dairy Sci., 90:
994-997.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(07)71584-9 |
|
|
|
18. Gransworthy, P.C. (2005) In: Calf and Heifer Rearing -
Principles of rearing modern Dairy Heifer from Calve to
Calving. Modern Calves and Heifers: Challenges for Rearing
Systems. 1st ed. Ch. 1. Nottingham University Press,
Nottingham, England. p1-33. |
|
|
19. Mitlöhner, F.M., Morrow-Tesch, J.L., Wilson, S.C.,
Dailey, J.W. and McGlone, J.J. (2001) Behavioral sampling
techniques for feedlot cattle. J. Anim. Sci., 79: 1189-1193.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2527/2001.7951189x
PMid:11374538 |
|
|
|
20. Mahmoud, M.E. and Salman, D. (2015) Low body condition
scoring as a detrimental factor to reproductive performance
and behavior in dairy cattle and Seidi buffaloes. Assiut
Vet. Med. J., 61: 112-118. |
|
|
|
21. Food Safety Inspection Service, (FSIS). (2013) Using
Dentition to Age Cattle. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Washington, DC. Available from:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/ofo/tsc/bse_information.htm.
Accessed on 01-03-2013. |
|
|
|
22. Georg, H. and Ude, G. (2007) Reducing cross - Sucking of
group housed calves by an environmental enriched building
design. 9. Wissenschaftstagung Ökologischer Landbau. Beitrag
archiviert unter. Available from: http://www.orgprints.
org/view/projects/wissenschaftstagung-2007.html. Last
accessed on 14-06-2016. |
|
|
23. Jung, L. and Ledfors, L. (2001) The effect of mount of
milk, milk flaw and the access to a rubber teat on
cross-sucking and non-nutritive sucking in dairy calves.
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 72: 201-213.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(01)00110-1 |
|
|
24. de Paula Vieira, A., Guesdon, V., De Passillé, A.M. and
Von Keyserlingk, M.A.G. (2008) Behavioral indicators of
hunger in dairy calves. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 109:
180-189.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2007.03.006 |
|
|
25. Nielsen, P.P., Jensen, M.B. and Ledfors, L. (2008) Milk
allowance and weaning method affect the use of computer
controlled milk feeder and development of cross-sucking in
calves. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 109: 223-237.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2007.01.015 |
|
|
26. Meale, S.J., Leal, L.N., Martín-Tereso, J. and Steelea,
M.A. (2015) Delayed weaning of Holstein bull calves fed an
elevated plane of nutrition impacts feed intake, growth and
potential markers of gastrointestinal development. Anim.
Feed Sci. Technol., 209: 268-273.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2015.08.008 |
|
|
27. Keil, N.M., Audigé, L. and Langhans, W. (2001) Is
intersucking in dairy cows the continuation of a habit
developed in early life? J. Dairy Sci., 84: 140-146.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(01)74462-1 |
|
|
28. Jensen, M.B. (2006) Computer - Controlled milk feeding
of group housed calves: The effect of milk allowance and
weaning type. J. Dairy Sci., 89: 201-206.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(06)72084-7 |
|
|
29. Rushen, J., de Passillé, A.N. and Von Keyserlingk,
M.A.G. (2008) The welfare of cattle. Introduction: What is
Animal Welfare? Springer, Dordrecht, Neitherland. p1-11.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6558-3 |
|
|
30. Vaughan, A., Miguel-Pacheco, G.G., de Passillé, A.M. and
Rushen, J. (2016) Reciprocated cross sucking between dairy
calves after weaning off milk does not appear to negatively
affect udder health or production. J. Dairy Sci., 99:
5596-5603.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2015-9504
PMid:27085413 |
|
|
31. De Vliegher, S., Fox, L.K., Piepers, S., McDougall, S.
and Barkema, H.W. (2012) Invited review: Mastitis in dairy
heifers: Nature of the disease, potential impact,
prevention, and control. J. Dairy Sci., 95: 1025-1040.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2010-4074 |
|
|
32. Piepers, S., Peeters, K., Opsomer, G., Barkema, H.W.,
Frankena, K. and De Vliegher, S. (2011) Pathogen group
specific risk factors at herd, heifer and quarter levels for
intramammary infections in early lactating dairy heifers.
Prev. Vet. Med., 99: 91-101.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2011.02.010
PMid:21411160 |
|
|
33. Loberg, J. and Lidfors, L. (2001) Effect of stage of
lactation and breed on how dairy cows accept foster calves.
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 74: 97-108.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(01)00157-5 |
|
|
34. Greenland, S. and Finkle, W.D. (1995) A critical look at
methods for handling missing covariates in epidemiologic
regression analyses. Am. J. Epidemiol., 142: 1255-1264.
PMid:7503045 |
|
|
35. Dechow, C.D., Rogers, G.W. and Clay, J.S. (2002)
Heritability and correlations among body condition score
loss, body condition score, production and reproductive
performance. J. Dairy Sci., 85: 3062-3070.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(02)74393-2 |
|
|
36. Kadarmideen, H.N. and Wegmann, S. (2003) Genetic
parameters for body condition score and its relationship
with type and production traits in Swiss Holsteins. J. Dairy
Sci., 86: 3685-3693.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(03)73974-5 |
|
|
37. Gautam, G. and Nakao, T. (2009) Prevalence of urovagina
and its effects on reproductive performance in Holstein
cows. Theriogenology, 71: 1451-1461.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.12.027
PMid:19286246 |
|
