Its Your Field 2022 Winter

WINTER 2022 IT’S YOUR FIELD ANIMAL HEALTH & AGRI TRADE JOURNAL Residue testing shows continued Second Veterinary School high levels of compliance. takes a step closer! The Department of Agriculture Food and onwards the NRCP will be complimented by the Marine (DAFM) has recently published two additional plans: The government has invited expressions of the results of testing carried out under the • Firstly, a national randomised Surveillance interest from educational institutions that want National Residue Control Plan (NRCP) in Plan which is an EU wide initiative to provide to expand or create a new veterinary course for respect of 2021. The NRCP covers testing additional controls for substances not already academic year 2024-2025 or 2025-2026. for banned substances, approved veterinary tested for in the NRCP. Simon Harris, Minister for Education pictured medicines, approved animal feed additives and • Secondly, a specific national risk-based above with a group of vets in their campaign for environmental contaminants and in Ireland control plan regarding the entry into the the establishment of a second veterinary school implementation of EU regulations whereby European Union of consignments of food said “Ensuring the supply of qualified vets to annual residues monitoring programmes are producing animals and certain goods for human meet demand of the sector is a priority for my required to be submitted to implement and consumption. Department” manage this testing. This is welcome news for the animal health This monitoring programme helps to protect Where are we going to get vets? industry. consumers and animals by ensuring a high degree of compliance with EU regulations The fact that the UK now is a third country and provides the industry with a strong trading partner will mean higher volumes degree of confidence when working with our of checks on certain imported goods will be international trading partners. carried out by the DAFM Border Control staff from 2023. The recent outbreak of Avian flu in 2021 NRCP overall result the Monaghan area highlights the importance of co-operation both sides of the border and an all island approach to disease prevention and animal health. We already have a scarcity of large animal veterinary practitioners in this country. If vets are required for carry out checks on certain imported goods who will be left to discuss, prescribe and advise on parasite control for food producing animals? The DAFM ought to take into account that this high level of compliance did not happen by chance and may be jeopardised if there were to be two different sets of rules for the supply of antiparasiticides in the island of Ireland. The Minister and his department could better serve the important agri-food production enterprises by adopting an inclusive approach to the prescribing of antiparasiticides by all qualified persons which include veterinary practitioners, Responsible Persons, veterinary pharmacists and veterinary nurses. The high level of compliance has been consistent going back to 2013 and is an indicator of the responsible approach adopted by the vast majority of farmers, their advisors, Responsible Persons, veterinary pharmacists and veterinary practitioners. In 2020 results showed that over all 99.88% Residues are at an all time low having two Training Module 1: of samples tested negative for illegal residues different prescribing systems on the island and this is a continuation of the trend over the of Ireland will open the border to an influx of Drying off the last decade of a general absence of residues in animal remedies that maybe unlicensed and Dairy Cow Irish food products. in some cases of dubious origin. Residues of It is no coincidence that the QQI Level 6 animal remedies in food is unacceptable and Training Module 2: upskilling of Responsible Persons coincided residues of unlicensed ,unregulated medicines with this positive trend of less and less would simply destroy our agri-food industry. Managing the dry cow residues of animal remedies detected in Irish The high level of compliance and the high from start to finish food produced for human consumption. standards that Irish Agri-food producers A spokesperson for the DAFM confirmed that operate to which allows Ireland to export Essential Reading for the Responsible Person the results of 2021 NRCP reports shows an agri-food products to markets throughout the overall rate of compliance of 99.90% for world and offers confidence to Irish agri-food samples tested across all 8 food producing products at home and abroad. The Minister species as well as milk, eggs and honey with EU should postpone the implementation of the regulations. already postponed legislation until December All positive results that do occur are 2023.The animal health industry, farmers and investigated which may include a follow up the DAFM have managed to ensure high levels investigation at the farm of origin co-ordinated of compliance - it is a multi-stakeholder effort. by the DAFM officials. New EU Regulations In addition, Official Controls Regulations (OCT’s) are being updated following the introduction of Regulation EU 2017/625 of the European Parliament which means from 2023 IN THIS ISSUE FLEAS & TICKS CALF SCOUR: ALTERNATIVES ACTIONS SPEAK CARE FOR MANAGEMENT TO ANTIBIOTICS AREALWAYSNEAR & PREVENTION LOUDER THAN MY PONY WORDS 1 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

CRAFTED FOR SUCCESS YOUR BRAND OF GREATNESS Ivomec® Classic Injection for Cattle and Sheep 10 mg/ml and Ivomec® Classic Pour-On for Cattle 5 mg/ml contain ivermectin. Ivomec® Super Injection for Cattle contains ivermectin and clorsulon. POM. Further information available in the SPCs or from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd., RG12 8YS, UK.Tel: 01 291 3985 (all queries). Email: ve2te|nqItu’isrieYso@ubroFeiherlindge|rW-ingineltheerim2.c2om. IVOMEC® and the steerhead logo are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health France SCS, used under licence. ©2022 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd.All rights reserved. Date of preparation:Aug 2022. UI-MSP-0066-2022. Use Medicines Responsibly.

ContentsWinter 2022 / ISSUE 48 Welcome to the Winter Edition of It’s Your Field This is the final issue of Its Your Field for 2022 Global Trends in the Animal Health Sector is an Regardless of the season Spring, Summer, Autumn, and before I take a look at what is inside I interesting topic supplied by APHA. Professor Winter – ticks are near would like to thank you the readership for your Finbar Mulligan from UCD provides a guide continued support which ultimately influences on “How to reduce the risk of ketosis through the content. To all our regular contributors effective transition” and body condition and authors from within the industry; from the scoring. worlds of academia and research, the wider “The importance of mineral supplementation agricultural and animal health communities in the dry period for a smooth transition is the thank you for sharing your knowledge and focus of Callum Harvey from Agrimin. expertise. Thank you to Dr Theo de Waal “Protect post calving good health this winter UCD, technical editor for overseeing and for pregnant cows and heifers” is thought checking the content. Sincere thank you to our provoking article by Dr Elizabeth Berry from advertisers and their agencies, without you this Animax. publication would not be possible. Sustainability is the “buzz” word in A special thank you to Martina Grealish agricultural production and Dr Paul Crosson from Coyle Veterinary Distributors Ltd for senior researcher, Teagasc, Grange looks at her dedication and patience to ensure the “Perspectives on sustainability of Irish beef publication represents what the readership production systems”. looks for - topical, seasonal, factual information which helps you in the course of your work. We are living in a very unstable world right Did you know that our knowledge of calf 4 now with war, climate change, a growing scour constantly needs refreshing? You can population, concerns over food security and find out why in the topic supplied by Dr Ailsa New Legislation: What does it mean 6 an energy crisis. From an agricultural and Milnes from BIAH “Calf scour management and for selective dry cow therapy this winter? animal health perspective we all need to focus prevention” while Kate Ingram from Virbac on how we can continue to sustainably grow focuses on “Controlling calf scour in early Optimise dry off for a successful lactation 8 agricultural output without compromising on spring”. animal welfare and negatively impacting on Both authors highlight the benefits and Actions speak louder than words! 10 the environment and human health. In order to importance of vaccinating the dam and meet our obligations, we will need to continue colostrum management. Training Module I 12-13 to improve on good husbandry practices which Provita Animal Health were one on the means a proactive approach to herd health first companies to recognise the benefits Apha Affairs 14 including the timely use of vaccines. of probiotics in animal health. Consultant Management of the dairy cow in the dry period to Provita Animal Health, Dr Tom Barragry Protect post calving good health 16 and the timely use of vaccines in herd health supplies an informative article on “Alternatives this winter for pregnant cows & heifers on straw, leads the way in the topics covered in this to Antibiotics – Probiotics”. hay or low D-value silage diets edition of Its Your Field. Housing and drying Lauren Popiolek from Interchem focuses on off is only starting now thanks to favourable “Liver flukes are prevalent and economically How to reduce the risk of ketosis through effective weather and grass growth and we have significant in Irish cattle and sheep”. transition management 18 included topics in this area. We may have a game changer coming down The European Scientific Council Animal the track in the form of a vaccine for fluke if Dairy herd health and body condition scoring 20-22 Parasites recommends year-round treatment Professor John Pius Dalton and his programme for fleas and ticks for all dogs and cats. In her manager Dr Siobhan Gaughan from Science Time for herding imooonity 24 article “Spring Summer Autumn Winter, Fleas Foundation Ireland research comes to fruition. and Ticks are near” Oonagh Fitzgibbon, MSD Read Professor Dalton’s article “Control of Perspectives on the sustainability of 26-28 Animal Health advises on best practice on the liver fluke on farms; the future is vaccines” and Irish beef production systems treatment of fleas and ticks. watch this space! Selective Dry Cow Therapy (SDCT) is a new Haemonchus contortus was widely regarded as Calf scour; management & prevention 30 departure for most farmers. The veterinary not being a parasite of economic importance practitioner is the professional – you are the in Ireland. Seamus Fagan, Veterinary Research Mineral supplementation in the 32 prescriber not the farmer. Credit must be given Officer has first-hand experience that dry cow period for a smooth transition to the animal health industry for their proactive Haemonchus contortus is an issue and he has approach in facilitating veterinary practitioners given an insight into the diagnosis, life cycle Control of liver fluke on farms: the future is vaccines! 34 to provide educational workshops on drying off and treatment of this parasite. The HPRA techniques and and the concept of SDCT provide “Changes to withdrawals for veterinary Liver flukes are prevalent and economically significant in Irish 36 Farmers are engaging Maura Langan, Norbrook medicines” something all prescribers and cattle and sheep production in her article on dry cow therapy poses the dispensers need to highlight to the client. question “What does this new legislation mean All those interested in the equine side of Department Matters 38 for Selective Dry Cow Therapy this winter?” veterinary practices will find Rebecca Watson, Aurelie Moralis, Zoetis focuses on preventing equine specialist article “The equine fracture Training Module II 40-41 infection entering the udder in her article patient” an informative and enjoyable read. “Optimise dry off for a successful lactation”. BASF have tips on how to treat and prevent Alternatives to Antibiotics - Probiotics? 42-45 Ryan Duffy from HIPRA and his team of rodents coming indoors this winter technical representatives look at key elements I am sure you will find something in this Controlling calf scour in spring calving dairy herds 46-48 which will influence mammary gland immunity edition of Its Your Field to curb your pang for over the coming months in his article “Time for knowledge. herding immooonity”. Wishing you and your families a Happy Dr Fiona MacGillivray of MacVet Consulting Christmas and I look forward communicating provides an article that vets and advisors will with you in 2023. readily identify with “Action speaks louder than “Wisdom is not a product of schooling words”. The role of vets is changing from that but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it – of a fire brigade service to one of a consultant Albert Einstein” to farmers in all thing’s animal health. Vets need to allocate time for consultations on farm with their clients in a similar manner that we all have to make time to see our accountants. It is also a good time to issue your invoice! Editor: [email protected] The HPRA 49 Sales/Marketing: [email protected] Advertising Enquiries: [email protected] The equine fracture patient: 50-51 Technical Editor: Dr Theo De Waal, UCD. possible peri-operative complications It’s Your Field, Unit 5 Kilkerrin Park, Liosbaun Ind Estate Tuam Road, Galway. Tel 091 773734 Care of my ponies while living by the beach 52 Disclaimer: It’s Your Field. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part Prevent costly rodent damage and control infestations 54 is forbidden except with prior permission in writing from It’s Your Field. The in as few as seven days opinions expressed in this journal are those of the writers and services offered by advertisers are not endorsed by It’s Your Field. While every effort is made AHI 56 to ensure accuracy, It’s Your Field accepts no responsibilty for any effects from errors or omissions. It’s Your Field is not able to provide instant replies to corre- People on the move 57 spondence or phone calls, and cannot guarantee a personal reply. It’s Your Field reserves the right to cut or edit letters for reason of clarity or space.Letters not FAQ 58 intended for publication should be clearly marked. 3 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

Regardless of the season: Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter, Fleas and Ticks are near. Oonagh Fitzgibbon MVB MRCVS, Companion Animal Veterinary Manager, MSD Animal Health, discusses the risks which these ectoparasites pose to both pet and human alike and the year-round approach needed for prevention. Routine ectoparasite control forms an integral part of a preventative health As with fleas, tick bites can result in local reactions such erythema, pruritus, protocol for all dogs and cats. One of the major challenges we face is alopecia and even localised infection educating owners on the associated health risks and the need for on-going at the bite site. However, far more year-round prevention. Owners often only perceive there to be an issue serious are Tick-borne diseases, a when their pet is physically itching or when they find a flea or tick, but both range of bacterial, rickettsial, viral fleas and ticks pose far greater risk to our patients and their owners than just and protozoal infections spread via pruritus. tick feeding activity. These pose the There are over 2000 species of fleas worldwide, but only one species of greatest threat to human and animal major clinical significance Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea. In Ireland health alike. Lyme disease is the most however, the most commonly encountered flea was shown, in one study1, commonly diagnosed Tick-borne to be the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis). It is possible for our pets to disease. It is caused by the bacteria encounter other flea species such as Spilopsyllus cuniculi (rabbit flea), or Borrelia burgdorferi and causes clinical Archaeopsylla erinacei (hedgehog flea). Most of the life cycle is completed in disease in animals (such as dogs and the environment, but adult fleas spend almost all their time on a host. Our horses) and even in people. Clinical warm centrally heated homes, filled with people and pets provide the ideal signs seen in dogs include pyrexia, habitat for fleas. lymphadenopathy, joint effusions and “shifting” lameness. Lyme disease in people has many serious and life altering health implications. It is imperative we educate our clients on how to protect against ticks, not only to protect their pets but also in order to protect themselves and their families. One major and important difference when you compare flea and tick life cycles is that most of the flea life cycle is completed off the host in the environment, often inside a house. All stages of the tick life cycle require hosts in order to complete and generally occur outdoors. These differences pose challenges when implementing a preventative strategy. In the case of fleas, it is vital that we acknowledge and tackle the environmental burden within the house. It is also crucial to choose a product with a fast speed of kill to ensure adult female fleas are killed before more eggs can be laid. At least 12 weeks of continuous treatment must be completed to break the life cycle. Treat the house with an appropriate household spray in order to eliminate eggs and larvae from the environment. Frequent vacuuming will encourage the emergence of the fleas from the cocoons. The vacuum bag can then be treated with the same household spray. All in contact animals must be treated simultaneously. Many owners do not realise that the adult fleas visible on their pets are the Missed doses during this time will allow the infestation to persist and future tip of the iceberg, only accounting for approximately 5% of the population missed doses will allow re-infestation. and with the remaining 95% of the infestation being in the environment. Understanding this key aspect of the life cycle is vital when tackling an As it is impossible to eliminate the environmental reservoir of ticks, all dogs infestation, with the environment acting as a reservoir for infestation. and cats who spend time outdoors should be treated with tick preventatives The life cycle from eggs to adult flea emerging normally takes 3-8 weeks. year-round. There are several other steps which can be taken to protect pets However, it can also extend for many months, as pre-emerged adult fleas and thereby the owner as well. Perform regular tick searches after being in cocoons, can survive for up to one year once they are protected from outside and promptly remove any ticks found to reduce the risk of tick-borne desiccation. Persistent infestations can easily establish in a household. After disease. Choose a product to give long-lasting protection and reduce the risk the commencement of feeding adult female fleas begin laying eggs within posed when monthly doses are missed but also choose a fast-acting product 24 hours, with each producing 40-50 eggs a day, quickly leading to many which kill ticks swiftly to reduce the risk of Tick-borne disease. hundreds and even thousands in the surrounding environment. Clinical signs seen are hugely variable, ranging from pruritus, alopecia, Given the risks which fleas and ticks pose to both pets and humans dermatitis to severe anaemia. We must also not forget that fleas also can alike ESCCAP, European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites, act as vectors for a variety of infections including Dipylidium caninum recommend year-round treatment for flea and ticks for all dogs and cats. (tapeworm), Mycoplasma haemofelis, the causative agent of feline infectious Bear in mind the ease and speed at which flea infestations can establish anaemia and Bartonella henselae, the causative agent of cat scratch fever, an in a household, and the fact the great outdoors acts as an impossible to important zoonotic disease. manage reservoir of ticks, owner compliance is vital in eliminating and It is interesting that the market-leading long-acting flea control product treating infestations. They are essential in preventing future infestations and has recently been licensed for the reduction of the risk of infection with therefore serious health issues associated with infestations. Dipylidium caninum (flea tapeworm) via transmission by fleas. Lack of awareness regarding the need for year-round treatment, missed Ticks. doses and failure to treat all in-contact animals simultaneously are amongst the most common reasons for infestations to persist and While there are over 900 species of ticks found worldwide, only a small reinfestations to occur. number are found here on the island of Ireland. With Ixodes ricinus, the castor bean(sheep/deer) tick, being the most common. Ireland has the References: perfect conditions for Ixodes ricinus; endless habitats from woodland and pastures to urban parks and back gardens and near perfect temperatures and E1nWtoamlloRl,. S1h9a9w7;S1,1P(e4n):a4l0ig4g–o6n. J. The prevalence of flea species on cats and dogs in Ireland. Med Vet humidity year-round. It is rarely too cold to prevent tick activity. With the climate crisis bringing warmer and wetter winters, the year-round activity is set to continue. There are many differences when you compare the life cycle to that of the flea as discussed above. All stages require a host, and without access to a host the life cycle will pause. Adults can survive for >1 year waiting for a host. Smaller mammals and birds act as host for the larval and nymphal stages and adult ticks prefer to feed on larger animals such as deer, cattle, sheep, dogs, cats and even people. 4 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

NEW CLAIMS Pets become infected with Dipylidium caninum tapeworms when they ingest infected fleas during JUST ONE DOSE REDUCES self-grooming or grooming another pet. Therefore, it THE RISK OF TRANSMISSION is important to treat and protect all pets in the house. OF FLEA TAPEWORM AND BABESIA CANIS FOR UP TO 12 WEEKS Fleas on pets may be Adult flea tapeworms can infected and ingested reach 70 cm in length. They attach to the small intestine of dogs and release lots of small egg packets. These appear as small segments which can be seen crawling near the anus or over faeces ANAEMIA Babesiosis is a serious disease transmitted to dogs by tick bites. Ticks need BLOOD CELL BREAKDOWN to feed on the dog for more than a day for transmission to occur. DISCOMFORT WEIGHT LOSS WEAKNESS Babesia protozoa infect red blood ‘SCOOTING’ BEHAVIOUR  cells, causing their rupture 1 EXTENDED BRAVECTO® CHEW DOSE PROTECTION A single treatment prevented the transmission of tapeworm by infected fleas over a 12-week period and prevented transmission of Babesia1,2 ELIMINATE FLEAS AND TICKS WITH BRAVECTO Reduce the risk of transmission of Dipylidium caninum and Babesia canis while providing your pet with extended duration protection against fleas and ticks in a single dose. NOW ALSO LICENSED AGAINST IXODES HEXAGONUS AND TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INFECTION WITH DIPYLIDIUM CANINUM 1. Gopinath D et al. Parasites & Vectors 2018; 11:557. 2. Taenzler et al. Parasites & Vectors (305) 2015 BRAVECTO® Chew contains fluralaner and is indicated for the treatment of flea and tick infestations in dogs, the treatment of demodicosis caused by Demodex canis and for the treatment of sarcoptic mange SA-22-37 IE-BRV-220900008 SEPT 2022 (Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis) infestation. BRAVECTO® Chew provides 12-week immediate and persistent killing activity against fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), 12-week immediate and persistent killing activity against the ticks Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and D. variabilis, 8-week immediate and persistent killing activity against Rhipicephalus sanguineus and persistent tick killing activity from seven days to 12 weeks after treatment for Ixodes hexagonus. BRAVECTO® can also be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). For reduction of the risk of infection with Dipylidium caninum via transmission by Ctenocephalides felis for up to 12 weeks. The effect is indirect due to the product’s activity against the vector. For reduction of the risk of infection with Babesia canis canis via transmission by Dermacentor reticulatus for up to 12 weeks. ROI: POM NI: POM-V For further information about side effects, precautions, warnings and contra-indications please consult the product SPC, packaging leaflets or: MSD Animal Health, Red Oak North, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland. Tel: +353 (0)1 2970220. Email: [email protected] Web: www.msd-animal-health.ie www.bravopets.ie USE MEDICINES RESPONSIBLY 5 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

New legislation: what does this mean for selective dry cow therapy Maura Langan, Norbrook Veterinary Adviser The new Veterinary Medicines Regulations (NVR) 2019/6 came in to force in January 2022. The challenge of antimicrobial resistance is at the core of this new legislation, as well as the way in which antibiotics are used in animals with the aim to secure public health, animal welfare and environmental protection. The new regulations strengthen the prudent use of antimicrobials and require that antimicrobials are not used routinely or to compensate for poor hygiene, inadequate animal husbandry or poor farm management. The legislation restricts the use in animals of antimicrobials that are of critical importance in humans, as well as tightening the rules on prescribing antibiotics for prophylactic and metaphylactic use. ‘Prophylaxis’ means the administration of a medicinal product to Category C covers products that should be used with caution. an animal or group of animals before clinical signs of a disease, in This group should be considered when there are no antibiotics in order to prevent the occurrence of disease or infection. It is only Category D that could be clinically effective. permitted in exceptional cases and under strict conditions. ‘Metaphylaxis’ means the administration of a medicinal product Vets are obliged to provide further justification for the use of these to a group of animals after a diagnosis of clinical disease in part products. Included in this category are many commonly prescribed of the group has been established, with the aim of treating the products containing aminoglycosides and 1st and 2nd generation clinically sick animals and controlling the spread of the disease cephalosporins. to animals in close contact and at risk and which may already be subclinically infected. It is only permitted after diagnosis For some farms these changes will mean a substantial shift from of infection, where risk is high and no other alternatives are the approach taken previously and may involve a move away from familiar brands. It is important that vets and the wider industry take Savealielacbtliev.e Dry Cow Therapy (SDCT) time to explain the need for the new legislation and engage with farmers to explain their treatment choices and outline management recommendations for the forthcoming lactation. The importance of Teat Seal One part of the drying off process that remains unchanged is the use of teat seal. Dry Cow therapy treats existing infection, but teat seal prevents future infection. Teat seal provides a physical seal between the udder and the environment, thus preventing bacteria entering the mammary gland via the teat canal. Blanket treatment with Dry Cow Intramammary preparations Up to 60% of new intramammary infections are picked up during would, therefore, be classed as prophylactic use. Treatment the dry period, leading to clinical cases of mastitis in the days of individual animals is allowed but justification following an immediately around calving or the first weeks of lactation. It is assessment of the infection status of the herd and individual important that sealer products are used in all cows whether they animals by a veterinary practitioner is required. This will ideally are treated with antibiotics or not, as part of a mastitis management be from routine milk recording, or a one-off milk recording, plan for the coming lactation. California Mastitis Test or milk culture. Vets will also consider their The correct technique must be used when applying teat seal, to knowledge of the farm, including the history of mastitis in the ensure that it forms an effective barrier and also to prevent the herd, culture and sensitivity results and information relating to introduction of bacteria to the udder. Proper teat preparation SCC or milk quality. More information is available at CellCheck - particularly cleaning and disinfection should be carried out prior to Animal Health Ireland. the infusion of any intramammary product. It’s important that farmers engage with their vets well in advance Internal teat sealants are administered differently to dry cow of their planned drying off. This will allow enough time for antibiotic tubes. The antibiotic dry cow is massaged into the udder analysis of the data and any additional testing. after administration, but internal teat sealants are designed to reside in the teat canal for the duration of the dry period. When Treatment choices inserting the teat seal, the teat should be pinched at the base so as to ensure the seal remains in the teat canal where it is required. Under the legislation, all antimicrobials, must be prescribed by a vet within a client-patient-practice-relationship and prescriptions are valid for 5 days from date of issue and must be filled within this timeframe. In 2016 The Antimicrobial Advice Ad Hoc Expert Group (AMEG) Conclusion categorised antibiotics into four groups by considering both the risk that their use in animals poses to public health through the Whilst much has been written about Selective Dry Cow Therapy in possible development of antimicrobial resistance, and the need recent years, this autumn may still come as something of a shock on for their use in veterinary medicine. dairy farms up and down the country. As practitioners, the products The categorisation is intended as a tool to support decision and tools available to us for the control of mastitis haven’t changed, making and prudent prescribing by veterinarians. The most but the way we can use them has. commonly prescribed DC products fall into one of two categories: As an industry we must endeavour to reassure farmers that these Category D or the Prudence category is the go-to group for changes are the appropriate response to the threat of antimicrobial use as first line treatments, whenever possible, and only when resistance. By engaging with their vets and milk suppliers and medically needed. There are a wide range of Dry Cow products adopting a range of mastitis management protocols, dairy farmers that contain Category D antibiotics like amoxicillins, cloxacillins can protect their livelihoods in a sustainable and profitable way. and penicillins. 6 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

For proven protection when it matters most. Internal teat seal for the prevention of ascending intramammary infections throughout the dry period. USE MEDICINES RESPONSIBLY. Manufactured in NI by: Norbrook Laboratories Ltd, StationWorks, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 6JP. Distributed in ROI by: Norbrook Laboratories (Ireland) Ltd, 7 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22 Rossmore Industrial Estate, Monaghan, County Monaghan. Legal Category: SureSeal® contains bismuth subnitrate. For further details on this product including the dosage regimens, side effects, precautions, warnings and contraindications please see the summary of product characteristics (SPC) available at: www.hpra.ie/homepage/veterinary/veterinary-medicines-information/find-a-medicine/ Advice on the use of this product should be sought from the medicine prescriber. | 5076-LA(C)-v2a-ROI-14/10/22

Optimise dry off for a successful lactation Aurelie Moralis DVM Cert DHH MRCVS | Marketing and Technical Manager Zoetis Ireland Research has clearly demonstrated the link between infection during the dry cow period and subsequent clinical mastitis and elevated somatic cell counts (SCC) in early lactation. Up to 70% of cases of new intra-mammary infections that occur during lactation originate from the previous dry period¹. The dry period is the main time at which mastitis infections are acquired on many Irish farms with infections entering the udder via the teat end. Although the infection is acquired during the dry period, it does not manifest itself as a case of mastitis (or subclinical mastitis) until lactation begins. We therefore can attribute many early lactation infections to infection acquired during the dry period. During the dry period, a keratin plug forms in the teat canal2 and acts Key monitoring points: as a natural defence mechanism to protect against bacterial infections. However, this natural protective mechanism is not always effective. 1. Milk recording within 1 month of dry off Roughly a quarter of lower yielding dairy cows may fail to develop a 2. Milk recording within 2 months of calving complete keratin plug in the dry period. Without this barrier there is a down greater risk of bacteria entering the udder³. The challenges at dry off are not just an Irish problem, but our grass-based SwoitmheBoofvtisheeakleayrea:dvantages of MaX10 system doesn’t make it any easier. With block spring calving herds, farmers may be faced with a large number of cows to dry off on a given day. Our grass-based diet generally leads to looser dung consistency with a dung pat ending as a ‘splat’ rather than a ‘plop’. The recent implementation of the new veterinary regulations has also meant that the antibiotic safety blanket which was frequently used in all cows will be taken away. This blanket Antibiotic Dry Cow Therapy often covered up for a less than ideal drying off technique and there will therefore be absolutely no room for complacency or poor habits at dry off moving forward. Achieving a successful dry period requires a holistic approach to dry cow • Healthier cows: Better dry period control => management. MaX10 with Boviseal, a programme recently developed by Less mastitis Zoetis in Ireland, supports vets and farmers to ensure all aspects of the dry • Reduced vet costs: Less mastitis => Fewer period are considered to minimise environmental challenge and optimise antibiotic treatment the udder’s defences. • Increased production: Fewer antibiotic treatments => Less wasted milk The objective of MaX10 with Boviseal is to achieve a successful dry period • Happier Farmers: Less wasted milk => where uninfected cows do not acquire new infections and where most Increased profitability infected cows are cured. For more information or to request the MaX10 with Boviseal checklist, vets should contact their Zoetis Account Manager. In other words, the aim is to: For more information on optimum dry off technique with 1. Maximise prevention Boviseal, scan the QR code below. Nduorminogrtehtehdarnyopfe1r0io%d. of uninfected cows acquire a new infection - Less than 10% of cows with a SCC at dry off below 200,000 cells/ ml become cows with a SCC above 200,000 cells/ ml at first recording after calving. 2. Optimise cure rates More than 85% of cows with an infection are cured during the dry period. -mGl raetadteryr othffanha8v5e%a SoCf Ccobweslowwit2h0a0S,0C0C0acbeolvlse/ 2m0l0a,t0t0h0ecfeirlslst/ recording after calving. To enable farmers to join the programme, they must be milk recording with results uploaded on the ICBF website. 8 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

BOVISEAL THE NUMBER 1 TEAT SEALANT IN IRELAND1 ONLY BOVISEAL IS PROVENMADE IN IR TO PREVENT 1 IN 3 CASES OF MASTITIS2 ELAND ® 1Kynetec Report ROI July 2022 – Boviseal is Market Leader 2Rabiee AR & Lean IJ (2013). The effect of teat sealant products (Teatseal and OrbeSeal®)* on intramammary infection, 9 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22 clinical mastitis, and somatic cell counts in lactating dairy cows: A meta-analysis. J Dairy Sci 96:1-17. Boviseal is marketed as Teatseal/ OrbeSeal in other countries. Boviseal® Dry Cow Intramammary Infusion contains 2.6 g Bismuth subnitrate per syringe. Legal Category: LM. For further information please contact your veterinary surgeon or Zoetis, 2nd Floor, Building 10, Cherrywood Business Park, Loughlinstown, Co. Dublin D18 T3Y1. (01) 2569800 or www.zoetis.ie. Use medicines responsibly (www.apha.ie). MM-22081 (Sep 2022).

Actions speak louder than words Dr Fiona MacGillivray BVetMed MRes MRCVS How many times have you said this to yourself? It could be in relation to politicians who try to convince you they will deliver on the promises made in their manifesto, or when your spouse assures you that they’ll empty the dishwasher next time it’s been on. What this proverb generally means is that things that are done count for more than things that are said. People take actions because of the values and beliefs they hold. When I worked in practice, providing advice to my farmers was one of the fundamental ways I’d try to improve animal health and welfare on farms. However, there were times I gave my advice, only to return to the farm and find that the changes I had hoped would have been made had not. This was despite getting verbal agreement to make those proposed changes. I’d end up chatting to colleagues about this and we’d agree that having someone say yes to something didn’t always mean it would happen! Let’s start by considering why people say yes when they really mean maybe, no or I’m not convinced. Let’s say that your goal might be to reduce the incidence of lameness or mastitis in the herd. It’s likely that you have a good relationship with your farmer, and they don’t want to go against what you’re telling them, so they agree with your proposed plan. Or do they? It’s possible to pick up signs of inner conflict – saying yes but not meaning yes - if you know what to look for. It’s easier to say aloud ‘yes I’ll do that’ than it is to hide feelings of unease, uncertainty or disagreement, communicated through silent messages, commonly termed body language. What you should be looking out for during your conversations are any signs of discomfort, arising because of the topic of discussion, and those signs come about as a physical manifestation of negative emotions that occur subconsciously. During a conversation, which may be about planning or Creating a sense of trust can be done through your own management changes, signs of their discomfort might be body language. Making eye contact when you ask questions avoiding eye contact, starting to close off or ‘protect’ their shows you are engaged in the conversation, nodding as they body from you (eg, crossing arms or legs, angling the body reply encourages more talk, raising your eyebrows shows away) or increased frequency of touching or rubbing the you are interested to hear their thoughts and ideas. Without face, hair or arm. uncovering concerns and uncertainties, it’s highly likely that If these silent messages of how the person is feeling go your excellent advice will not be taken. And how does that undetected, you miss out on the opportunity to check what make you feel? Probably a little bit frustrated! might be causing those feelings of anxiety and discomfort. Another way our actions can speak louder than words, or For example, you might suggest that, to reduce calf scours perhaps without the need for words, is in their ability to on farm, the farmer should increase the amount of bedding influence farmer behaviour. When we go on farm, the way per pen, reduce the stocking density, and improve the we do things can help demonstrate what best practice looks ventilation in the shed. The farmer might feel overwhelmed like. For example, how you inject an animal (clean needle, with the idea of making these changes, worried that there’s maybe giving a couple of taps with the back of your hand not enough available space and the price of bedding is before stabbing the needle in, to try and avoid startling the prohibitive. animal), how you administer an intramammary tube (put on Although you’d hope these fears would be expressed openly, gloves, swab the teat with spirit before applying the tube). it’s possible that you need to encourage the farmer to speak, Being able to recognise the silent messages being by creating a sense of comfort and trust. communicated during conversations offers you the chance Asking what concerns they might have, how they feel about to have a deeper understanding of others, as actions reflect the situation, checking their understanding of what we have emotions arising from the way people think about things. said (maybe use the word prevention rather than prophylaxis Pretty much everyone communicates nonverbally (watch – keep your language simple and easy to understand), out for successful poker players though!) so you can develop what ideas they have about what could be done – open your skills reading the silent messages of friends and family questions give the chance for the farmer to provide you with members, particularly when it comes to checking those information you otherwise wouldn’t have. weren’t empty words about emptying the dishwasher! 10 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

CEPRADRY UDDER HEALTH RANGE 36 cow bucket (144 syringes) ™ 6 cow box (24 syringes) 50 cow bucket (200 syringes) ORDER TODAY CepraShort® 36 cow bucket (144 syringes) and 5 cow box (20 syringes) Talk to your MSD Animal Health Account Manager about our udder health range Use Medicines Responsibly MSD Animal Health Ireland - Cattle & Sheep Cepralock 2.6 g intramammary suspension for Dry Cows is indicated for the prevention of new intramammary infections throughout the dry period. @msd_ah MSD Animal Health Ireland Legal category: RoI LM . Withdrawal period: Zero days. IE-CPL-220800002 AUG 2022 CepraShort is indicated for the treatment of subclinical mastitis at drying-off caused by Staph. aureus, coagulase-negative staph., Strep. agalactiae, S trep. dysgalactiae and Strep. uberis susceptible to cefapirin. Legal category: ROI POM NI POM-V . Withdrawal period: 32 days plus 24 hours. Cepravin contains Cephalonium 250 mg per syringe. Legal category: ROI POM NI POM-V . Withdrawal period: 54 days plus 96 hours after treatment For further information see the individual product SPCs or contact MSD Animal Health, Red Oak North, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland. Tel: +353(1) 2970220. E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.msd-animal-health.ie 11 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

IT’S YOUR FIELD // TRAINING MODULE 1 Dcorwying off the dairy Veterinary Regulation EU2019/6 changes how veterinary practitioners approach prescribing antimicrobial dry cow therapy. Picture courtesy of TEAM LM ,Responsible Persons Animal Remedies Course A blanket approach to drying off is no longer permitted and veterinary practitioners must adopt a selective approach to dry ii. Do not use water with or without disinfectant to clean cow therapy when prescribing dry cow mastitis tubes. teat and ensure teats are clean and dry before tubing. iii. Pre dip (with proprietary pre dip solution) allowing 30 What is selective approach to Dry Cow Therapy seconds contact time. (DCT)? iv. Wipe Dry with clean paper towel v. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the whole teat by A selective approach to DCT is holistic in the responsible use scrubbing with cotton wool soaked in 70% alcohol of antimicrobials to DCT is holistic in the responsible use of (methylated spirits). antimicrobials. It endeavours to reduce the use of antimicrobials vi. Scrub the teat furthest away from you, then the near by identifying as many suitable cows as possible to receive an teat to reduce the risk of contamination, administer the dry internal teat sealant only and no antimicrobial treatment at drying cow therapy (starting with the near teat) and massage into off. It is the veterinary practitioner following consultation with the quarter to disperse the antibiotic. After administering the farmer that will determine if a dry cow tube is needed at the dry cow therapy the disinfection procedure must be drying off. A selective approach involves doing a risk assessment repeated before inserting the teat seal. Then administer at the individual animal level to determine which cow will need the sealer which should be left to sit in the canal of the antimicrobial treatment over the dry period. Dry cow tubes will be teat. Allow at least thirty seconds per teat. Use methylated prescribed but on an individual cow basis where there is evidence spirits and cotton wool/wipes until the wipes come away of a risk of infection in that cow. clean. Avoid nozzle contamination. For all dairy herds it is the start of the next lactation and vii. Spray or dip teat after tube insertion subsequent fertility performance. All cows should receive a viii. Mark cows suitably to display cow has been minimum of 8 weeks dry with thin cows and high SCC cows successfully dried off and remove from herd. receiving 12 to 14 weeks dry. Selective dry cow therapy is a very ix. Allow cow to stand in a clean environment for 30 laudable aspiration to minimise antimicrobial use over the dry minutes. period, but significant information is required to ensure success. x. Record all treatments, cow ID and date tube used for Milk recording results is essential with a minimum of 6 recordings residue withdrawal. carried during the lactation. Milk recording is a vital tool to 2. Administration of dry cow therapy should not be a identify cows suitable for selective dry cow therapy. It is important rushed procedure. When drying off cows select out (mark to have guidelines as to what cows are suitable for selective dry cows) small groups and dry 10 cows per operator. This will cow, to be safe I would set the threshold at any cows with an SCC ensure greater attention to detail. Dry off after morning count of 100,000 with no count >200,000 during the lactation. milking. This can be seen in the mastitis problem cow report, as once a 3. Observe cow’s after drying off and move them away from cow registers a cell count > 200,000 she stays on this report even the milk supply. though her SCC may drop under 100,000. Herds with a bulk tank SCC of greater than 200,000 should not consider selective dry 4. In calf heifers have no antibiotic protection and can be cow unless multiple years of milk recording is available. prone to severe cases of mastitis at calving – in calf heifers Another criteria is the final milk recording should not be carried require regular observation. out more than 4 weeks from dry off date, e.g. if drying off mid- November, your last milk recording should not be prior to mid- Anyone administering antibiotics should adhere fully to the October. dose rate, the instructions on the prescription and on the An accurate culture and sensitivity should be carried, to identify manufacturer’s label what bacteria are prevalent in your herd, if Strep agalactiae is isolated in your herd you should not consider selective dry cow even in low cell count cows/herds, this is a highly contagious bacterium that needs blanket treatment and you should consult your Vet for advice. Hygiene at drying off is imperative at both selective and blanket dry cow systems, if bacteria are introduced at the drying off process it can have detrimental impact on cow performance especially in selective dry off. Clipping of tails 2 to 3 weeks prior to drying off is a huge help, to maintain a clean environment. Access to fibre e.g. straw or hay is very good to maintain good dry dungs which ensure a cleaner environment post drying off. Liming of cubicles twice per day for the first 3 weeks post dry off is crucial. The person who is preparing to administer the dry cow therapy should: i. When starting the drying off procedure the operator should wear a head torch. Wear a clean pair of gloves for each animal. Clean grossly contaminated teats. Wipe dry with clean paper towel. 12 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

Abrupt drying off is key, irrespective of milk yield, there is no problem drying cows off milking 20 litres, just watch if they leak on cubicles, I would put these cows out plus free milking cows out on a sacrifice paddock for 1 week and it really does a good job drying them up, they may need to be re sealed. Proper procedure at drying off is paramount to a successful outcome. Preparation is very important, clipping of tails prior to drying off is essential plus a milk recording carried out no more than 3 weeks prior to drying off. Once this has been carried out group sizes for drying off should be no more than 10 cows per operator, remember if using sealer in conjunction with dry cow tubes 80 tubes will be administered for every 10 cows. Ideally dry off a herd of cows over a number of days. When starting the drying off procedure, operator should have a head torch, a new pair of disposable gloves and turn off the phone. If weather is cold, the sealer tubes container can be immersed in to a bucket of lukewarm water never put the sealer tubes directly into water as this may contaminate the tubes. Lay out what tubes are to be used on the opposite milk stand; this will help ensure tubes are administer in the correct order. All cows should be pre sprayed and teat ends disinfected with methylated spirits and cotton wool, always start with the same teat i.e. front left teat and work clockwise around the udder. Administer dry cow preparation first and massage contents up into This is a slow and tedious job, but it is very important to give this the udder, follow immediately with sealer pinch the teat where it procedure the respect it deserves, significant rewards can be joins the udder and in fuse the sealer tube into teat canal, squeeze achieved in subsequent lactation. out any excess before releasing the teat. Do not massage the With the improved milk price the temptation will be to milk on sealer up into the quarter, leave the contents sit as a plug in the and extend lactation to help cash flow and profitability, caution is teat canal, move then to front right teat, back right teat and finish needed here, you need to watch condition score of cows and know with back left teat. Once finished, post spray all teats and gloves what quality your winter feed is, too often cows loose too much to kill any bacteria which may have come in contact with teat condition prior to drying off and thus have a significant impact on ends. subsequent lactation. TRAINING 1 // ASSESSMENT 95 Q1. The dry cow period is the start of the next lactation. Q4. Which of the following would you recommend? What should be the minimum dry period for? a) Massage antibiotic thoroughly up into the udder a) Thin cows and high SCC cows _______________ weeks b) Massage sealant up into the udder b) All other cows ________________ weeks Q5. Would you recommend abrupt drying off irrespective Q2. What is the difference between selective dry cow of milk yield? therapy and blanket dry cow therapy? ____________________________________________________ Yes No ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Full Name: ________________________________________________ Company: Q3. If Strep agalactiae is identified in the herd would you Email: recommend blanket treatment? ____________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Registration No. ________________________________________________ Send completed answers to: It’s Your Field, Unit 5 Kilkerrin Park, Liosbaun Industrial Estate, Tuam Road, Galway or [email protected]. 13 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

APHA AFFAIRS Growing Demand for Animal Health Products Sustainably Meeting Rising Animal Protein Needs The OECD and United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) The value of the global animal health sector increased by 12% to $38.3 estimate that livestock and fish pro- duction will increase 14% from billion in 2021 with sales increasing across all geographies. Companies 2020–2030. A large share of this increase will need to be achieved are supplying more disease prevention products than ever before, while though productivity improvements in existing herds to meet sustainable increasing R&D in areas like diagnostics and digital technologies. production goals. Better health management to reduce livestock losses The sector is providing tools necessary for a sustainable relationship with and improve efficiency will be an essential part of this sustainable animals, allowing companies to grow and invest in the next generation of approach. innovation that will build on today’s progress. Projected Increase in Livestock Commodity Production (2020–30) Global Animal Health Sector Portfolio (2021) Better health management to reduce livestock losses and improve Sales per product category (%) (2013–2021) efficiency will be an essential part of this sustainable approach. Since 2013, Vaccines and parasiticides have grown from 56.7% to 62.6% Bridging the Gaps in Care of the product portfolio, while antimicrobials fell from 20.9% to 15.2% (a relative reduction of 28%), demonstrating a continued push for disease Too many animals fall sick to preventable disease each year and prevention as the foundation for animal health and well-being. opportunities exist to increase the level and quality of their care. Filling this gap would mean more animals receive the necessary vaccinations, diagnostic testing, treatments, and overall wellness care that protect them against ill health. The result is a healthier, more sustainable connection between animals and people. Disease Pressures & Public Support Diagnostics Incidence of animal disease creates significant economic and societal Veterinary diagnostics is a rapidly growing market. Trends towards greater costs, which is spurring greater investment in and public support for ‘wellness care’, particularly in pets, is leading to increased diagnostics animal health. Animals will be crucial pathway to delivering the 2030 testing to track an animal’s health trends over time and detect hidden global Sustainable Development Goals. issues before they worsen. Recognition of diagnostics as a key tool for prevention, not simply diagnosis of an acute issue, will drive better overall Economic & Social Costs of Disease Examples health for animals. Digital Digital technology adoption across livestock and pet health is increasing exponentially. Predictive software and monitoring tech such as smart tags, wearables, and sound detection tools enable precision care across thousands of animals. Digital diagnostics are aggregating data from countless animals to find new, subtle warning signs for disease. The benefit is better traceability, sustainability, productivity and disease management on the farm, alongside improved wellness for pets. Furthermore, in the wake of Covid, governments are formally recognizing Looking Ahead the “One Health approach that connects the health of humans, animals and our planet”, as stated in a recent declaration from 26 heads of state. Providing for the health needs of billions of animals across the Greater adoption of One Health principles enables more public awareness world is both a significant challenge and opportunity. Success means and investment in animal health, facilitates more efficient regulatory more sustainable food systems, improved public health, continued routes to market and supports increased disease prevention. The result is companionship from our pets and more. Failure risks a less safe world for better health across all three domains – animals, people, and environment. all. The Animal Health sector believes health for animals improves health Global Growth for all. HealthforAnimals Members will work to deliver new medicines and technologies that build a better world for animals, people, and Animal health companies have long recognized the challenges associated environment. For more information on the Animal Health sector, visit with raising animals in a rapidly changing world. It is why sector growth HealthforAnimals.org. has been resilient over the past decade as industry fundamentals evolve. 14 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

INTRODUCING ® THE TEAT SEALANT THAT TAKES THE GUESSWORK OUT OF THE DRY PERIOD THE UNIQUE BLUE COLOUR HELPS SUPPORT BEST PRACTICE AT ADMINISTRATION AND REMOVAL Speak to your Ruminant Specialist or email [email protected] to nd out more Ubroseal® Dry Cow 2.6 g Intramammary Suspension for Cattle contains bismuth subnitrate. UK: POM-V. 15 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22 IE: POM. Further information available in the SPCs or from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd., RG12 8YS, UK. UKTel: 01344 746960 (sales) or 01344 746957 (technical), IE Tel: 01 291 3985 (all queries). Email: [email protected]. Ubroseal® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under licence. ©2020 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd. All rights reserved. Date of preparation: Dec 2020. BOV-0266-2020. Use Medicines Responsibly.

Protect post-calving good health this winter for pregnant cows and heifers on straw, hay or low D-value silage diets Out of necessity, low forage stocks mean that many more late pregnancy dairy and beef cows, and in-calf heifers, than usual will be fed diets based on straw, hay or low D-value silage this winter. Providing that essential micro- as well as macro-nutrient requirements are met, this need not be a bad thing, explains vet Dr Elizabeth Berry from Animax. “Even at the best of times,” she says, “all types of straw and Covering even minor trace element much of Ireland’s grassland, and therefore silage, hay and deficiencies can improve performance by other forages, are deficient in essential trace elements. eliminating negative effects on energy “A serious risk for farmers arises from not taking this into metabolism, critical enzymes and hormones, account, just when cattle in late pregnancy have the metabolic and aspects of immune function. and nutritional demands of preparing to give birth. Then when Making this as easy as possible for busy it’s already too late, retained foetal membranes (RFM) – also farmers is the new Tracesure Cattle XL bolus, known as cleansings or afterbirth – may be a problem. supplementing selenium, iodine and cobalt, “Worse still, cows with RFM are also three-times more likely with or without copper, for six-months. to get clinical mastitis and at significantly higher risk of This observes a golden rule for high metritis (reproductive tract infection), ketosis (slow fever) and livestock productivity, according to displaced abomasum (slipped stomach). Elizabeth Berry. “Using the right product to supply the right levels of supplementation has never been more relevant than today when livestock farmers are coping with all-time high prices for feed, fuel and fertiliser,” she says. “For many dairy and beef farmers alike, ensuring an essential daily trace element supply is critical for peak productivity in any management system.” The consistent release, leaching technology used in Tracesure boluses was developed by and is unique to Animax. It supplies trace elements at a consistent rate, compatible with animals’ daily needs. To minimise labour requirement, boluses can be given when cattle are already gathered for other management tasks. For information about using Tracesure boluses, specialists are available nationwide. Secret ‘flute’ mechanism revealed for consistent daily trace element release “However, by acting at the right time, this can be minimised.” Unlike other boluses that dissolve or disintegrate, which can Published work has demonstrated that the incidence make for uneven trace element release, Tracesure Cattle XL of retained foetal membranes (RFM) can be reduced by keeps its size and shape. It also has the highest selenium supplementation during late pregnancy and early lactation concentration of all bolus types. with iodine, selenium and cobalt1 A unique feature is the set of wax-coated flutes that run the Specifically, the trials found that length of each bolus. During the early weeks, this wax coating unsupplemented cows had an RFM regulates the release of trace elements, while at the same time incidence 2.5-times higher than gradually eroding from the grooves. The resulting increase in supplemented herd mates. surface area maintains the steady release of trace elements as In good time for autumn and winter they leach from deeper inside the bolus. calvings, Animax has launched a new This is how steady and safe trace element release over such trace element bolus, purpose designed a long period – six months – is achieved and can be promised for this need. with justification and confidence. Cattle 500kg+ deserve and reward trace element supplementation too From Allsure to Tracesure • New Tracesure Cattle XL bolus: Secret mechanism Animax trace element boluses that Irish farmers have known revealed and trusted for a number of years as Allsure are now known as • Six-months, start to finish, consistent daily supply Tracesure. • The right sized bolus for the right sized animal Other than new product name, the boluses are exactly the • Superior individual supply to other forms of trace same except that the range has been expanded to cover the elements full age spectrum of cattle and sheep. Cattle over 500kg liveweight are just as dependent on adequate trace element nutrition as younger or smaller stock References for peak productivity. There is a strong financial case that the resulting gains (or 1: COOK, J.G., GREEN, M.J. (2007) Reduced Incidence losses) can be much higher in larger animals. of Retained Fetal Membranes in Dairy Herds Supplemented with Iodine, Selenium and Cobalt. The Veterinary Record 161: 625–626 16 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

17 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

How to reduce the risk of ketosis through effective transition management Irrespective of milk yield, herd size or system type, all dairy herds are at risk of ketosis which can have a serious impact on cow health, fertility and production. Finbar Mulligan, professor of animal nutrition at University College Dublin says minimising the prevalence of the disease relies on a holistic approach and a close working relationship between the farmer, vet and nutritionist. “Ketosis occurs around calving due to a negative energy gap, “A surplus level of ketones will predispose cows to a wide variety caused by reduced feed intake coinciding with a period of high of health issues, as well as increase the recovery time post- energy demand for foetal growth and milk production. calving, lower fertility and reduce milk yield. Therefore, good herd “When this gap becomes excessive, ketones build up in the blood, nutrition and management strategies should be used to minimise milk and urine as the cow breaks down body fat to fill the shortfall risk for the majority of cows in a herd and individual at risk cows in energy. should be prioritised for preventative treatment.” “While the gap can’t be completely bridged, it’s possible to prevent it becoming problematic through a combination of Nutritional management good management, housing, nutrition and preventative ketosis treatment where appropriate.” “All cows should receive a dry cow specific ration prior to calving as this will help reduce the negative energy gap which occurs in all cows around this time. Identifying cows at risk “For cows with a BCS that falls outside of the target at drying off, you may need to adjust their plane of nutrition, in order to help “The majority of dairy farms across the country will be aware of achieve the ideal BCS at the point of calving,” notes Dr Mulligan. clinical ketosis and the symptoms of this. The subclinical form of “A transition specific diet should be assessed for its levels of the disease however, often goes undiagnosed, despite supressing DCAD, magnesium phosphorus and potassium in addition to cow health, fertility and production and triggering a domino effect vitamin D, E and A, as well as important trace elements. If these on other transition related diseases,” explains Dr Mulligan. nutrients are not appropriately available, it may have a significant He says identifying those at heightened risk of the disease is negative impact on a cows transition period and lead to a cascade therefore a crucial part of transition management. of issues such as hypocalcaemia and ketosis, as well as a broad “There will always be a proportion of cows within the herd that range of other health problems within the first-60 days post are at higher risk of ketosis, and they tend to fall into the SOFT calving.” category, which includes sick, old, fat, thin or twin-bearing cows,” With most Irish herds working on a predominantly grass silage he explains. based system, Dr Mulligan recommends farmers work with their A recent study conducted across Irish dairy herds found that the nutritionist to assess the mineral profile of their forage and adjust average level of ketosis in a herd is 27%, with the range going up dietary minerals accordingly. to 36% on some farms1. Monensin bolus for high-risk cows “For at risk cows, particularly those with high BCS and twin- bearing, I would recommend also using a monensin bolus three to four weeks pre-calving. The active ingredient, monensin, is released into the rumen over 95 days, stimulating glucose production, to decrease the energy gap that leads to ketosis,” explains Dr Mulligan. “Cows should be body condition scored at drying off with a target Trial work shows that administering the monensin bolus ahead of BCS of between 2.75 and 3, and again at calving where you are calving, can reduce the incidence of ketosis within the herd by up looking to achieve a target BCS of 3 to 3.25.” to 74%. Dr Mulligan says cows falling outside of these parameters, as well as those that are carrying twins or have previously suffered from Ketosis management top tips a metabolic disease, should be identified as at risk of transition related issues and pinpointed to receive priority treatment. 1. Nutrition – Ensure an appropriate diet is fed to satisfy To further help identify cows which may need early intervention, nutrient requirements and prevent an excessive energy gap Dr Mulligan also recommends blood sampling pre-calving. 2. Herd environment – Avoid overcrowding or changing “Blood tests should be for non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and groups during the transition period will identify if ketones are present in the blood. 3. Prevent cows from getting fat - Fat cows are less inclined to eat pre and during calving, resulting in increased fat mobilisation, speeding up the risk of ketosis 4. Know your herd status - Regularly monitor your herd throughout the year by conducting regular BCS assessments and address any issues or symptoms immediately 5. Treat those at risk - Administering a monensin bolus ahead of calving can reduce the incidence of ketosis and therefore cases of sick cows within the crucial 60-days post calving For more information on ketosis and its management, please visit www.myelanco. co.uk/web/ireland-ketosis-farmer or speak to your vet about identifying and bolusing at-risk dairy cows and heifers. References: 1. Elanco clinical trial AA9CEU0801 2022 (v1.0) 18 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

Cosecure Cattle is Ireland’s only medicinal Legal category: LM medicine multiple trace element bolus which was PROVEN to improve fertility in an independent trial.+ Cosecure provides ionic copper ionic cobalt selenium FOR UP TO 6 MONTHS Also need Iodine? Try our CoseIcure Cattle Boluses. They provide ionic copper, iodine, ionic cobalt and selenium for up to 6 months! Legal category: Complementary dietetic feedstuff cosecureboluses.com Call 01 466 7941 or call General Manager Andrew Glynn on 087 252 5110 Global Excellence in Animal Health Date advert designed: October 2022. Cosecure Cattle is a LM medicine which contains copper, cobalt and selenium. CoseIcure Cattle is a complementary dietetic feedstuff which contains copper, cobalt, selenium and iodine. Nutritional supplementation should only ever be given on the advice of a veterinarian, nutritionist or animal health adviser, where appropriate diagnostics have taken place and a need for supplementation has been imdeanntyificeadu.sWesh. eWreheorveerd1-esuf9ipcpiel|niecIdite, s’trsaincYecooeplepumerre,ncFtosibceaalntl,droers|usletWleinniituonmxticeeixtyirs;tp,2aorr2tiwcuhlearrely copper and selenium. Bimeda can be contacted at 2, 3 & 4 Airton Close, Airton Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24. Ireland, Tel: +353 (0) 1 4667941. *Infertility is a complex issue with molybdenum toxicity occurs, these can contribute to infertility and Cosecure could be a useful aid to address these issues. + Mackenzie, A.M., Moeini, M.M., Telfer, S.B. 2001., The effect of Cosecure on the conception rate and trace element status of dairy cattle. British Society of Animal Production Occasional Publication, 26 (2), 423 – 427. MCR1325.

Dairy herd health and body condition scoring. The number one priority for a good transition period. Assoc Prof Finbar Mulligan, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin There are very few things that are as significant to dairy herd health as a BCS 250 DIM (50 days pre dry-off) good body condition score (BCS) profile. All around the world across very different production systems cattle vets have come to this realisation. • Low BCS 2.5 or less: extra feed, once a day milking This fact is also not lost on big business with an ever increasing number of (OAD) and health check technology companies coming up with the latest innovation to estimate • Low BCS 2.0 or less: extra feed OAD list for priority BCS at cow level. From calving difficulty to fatty liver and ketosis to poor monitoring and health check, dry off early if needed fertility and finally lameness, cow BCS has been proven to be a significant • High BCS 3.5: reduce feed risk factor for all. Thus for cattle vets it is extremely important to have the • High BCS 4.0: reduce feed list for priority monitoring ability to call out inappropriate BCS in the dairy cow, be it too high or too low, to explain the significance for animal health and welfare and to advise BCS at dry off on appropriate strategies for its correction. In reality there are times when cattle vets will have an opportunity to • Low 2.5 and less: silage ad-lib or feed for BCS assess the BCS of dairy cows with farmers and then effectively calibrate improvement for entire dry period the farmers perception of BCS to ensure that BCS records for cows are • Low 2.75: silage ad-lib or feed for BCS improvement available if required or that cows in different BCS states are managed if calving within 2 months, maintenance diet if effectively following proper recognition by the vet or farmer. calving late (same as 3,0 and 3,25) Its also a good idea to have agreed actions for farms on what happens to cows that are over-conditioned or under-conditioned at different stages of the lactation cycle. The times that cattle vets have the opportunity to BCS dairy herds or a portion of the herd are at end of season fertility scans, at pre-breed exams and also at mid-breeding season exams for example for cows that have not shown heat. However, BCS can also be discussed at individual sick cow visits, for example the high BCS cow that has had a difficult calving or the thin cow that has had an issue rumbling on with lameness. Where BCS records are collected for dairy herds at appropriate times, the • High 3.5 and above: restriction diet for first 5 next step is to be able to analyse BCS records well. Where cows score weeks of dry period then close up diet (feed access outside of the desired range this should be counted as an inappropriate must be a priority if a restriction used), BCS must be score be it on the high or the low side of the BCS range. rechecked If 10% to 20% score outside of the desired range, this should be seen as an amber warning issue and appropriate control strategies should be BCS 3 weeks pre-calving initiated. It helps if these appropriate control strategies are pre-agreed with the • High 3.5 and above: Monensin bolus administered, farm. If 20% or more of the herd score outside of the desired range, this list for priority management should be viewed as a red warning issue and a herd meeting called with • Heifers with a BCS of 3.75 and above to get the owner, farm workers and nutrition advisors. Monensin bolus • Low BCS 2.75 and below: list for priority BCS targets (scale 1 to 5) for dairy cows are as management (close observation) follows: BCS at calving Drying off 2.75 to 3.25 Moving to calving pen 3.0 to 3.25 • High 3.5 and above: calcium bolus and next day BCS at calving 3.0 to 3.25 BCS at pre-breeding exam 2.75 to 3.25 BCS at 1st AI 2.75 to 3.25 BCS at 150 DIM 2.75-3.25 BCS at 200 DIM 2.75-3.25 BCS at 250 DIM 2.75-3.25 The target is for 90% of cows in the herd to be in the • Low 2.75 and below: calcium bolus and next day, desired range. OAD for first 2 weeks of lactation try and put low BCS cows on OAD as early as possible in lactation (before BSoCmS ecoowfsthuesepdrea-taLgyreoends faacrtmionarsefoars ifnoallpopwros:priate peak) BCS 200 days in milk (100 days pre dry off at end of season BCS at pre-breed exam: around March 30th fertility scan) • Low 2.5 and below: OAD, review feed level, use • Low BCS 2.5 or less: extra feed and health check by vet lowest protein nut on farm, health check by vet • Low BCS 2.0 or less: extra feed plus OAD list for • High: review feed level, don’t reduce feed pre- priority monitoring and health check, dry off early if breeding needed BCS at 1st AI • High BCS 3.5: reduce feed • Low 2.5 and below: OAD, review feed level, lowest • High BCS 4.0 or more: reduce feed list for priority protein nut on farm, health check by vet monitoring • High BCS: no don’t reduce feed pre-breeding or for first six weeks of breeding season, then review 20 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

TERREXINE DC 250mg New from Univet Celalonium TERREXINE DC Cefalonium 250mg Intramammary Suspension for Dry Cows TERREXINE DC Contains :Cefalonium A proven antibiotic for long acting Dry Cow Therapy ( DCT) TERREXINE DC is AVAILABLE FROM Tel: 00 353 (0)61 509800 For further information contact UNIVET 049 555 3203 www.univet.ie 21 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

It helps if there is input from the farm owner, nutrition advisor Characteristics of a high BCS cow and farm workers on pre-agreed actions, this may help with buy in for those doing the work. Once-a-day milking is often used - There is obvious fat in the tail head cavity at UCD Lyons farm to help low BCS cows. that is easily felt This should always be done with input from the farm vet and - The hook bones are rounded and well bearing the cell count and mastitis history of the farm and the covered with soft tissue easily felt on them individual cow in mind. Finally, the thin cow group should have - There is a lot of soft tissue behind the a health check, we often find issues in this group such as a long- hook bone in the pelvis area making it look standing chronic respiratory issue, a previously undiagnosed flat wire in the reticulum, lameness issues etc. - There is easily felt soft tissue on top of the From a nutritional point of view to feed for BCS improvement sacral ligament means feeding more UFL than the cow requires daily. To feed - The area of the short ribs rises up with soft for BCS reduction for example in high BCS cows pre-dry-off, it tissue cover often as a unit may be appropriate to feed less UFL. - The ribs are covered with fat and difficult If feed restriction is needed, then be sure that all cows can eat to see at the same time. Finally remember when cows are on Once- - The spine is well rounded or maybe flat a-day milking due to low BCS it is important to feed them concentrate twice daily (as if they were milked twice daily) to improve BCS which means they enter the parlour twice as well. This is also a chance to monitor these cows in case of mastitis issues arising. For actually BCS scoring dairy cows there are several groups that have made good scales videos etc. UCD Herd Health group, Teagasc, AHDB in the UK, Dairy NZ, Penn State University in the US, have all produced materials that can be used. For the cattle vet a useful approach might be to concentrate on what is certainly too low in BCS and certainly too high. Below you will find characteristics of a low BCS cow and characteristics of a high BCS cow that should prove useful. It must be stressed that the most accurate assessment of BCS involves handling the cow in a crush or headgate, preferably when the cow stands with a flat back. Characteristics of a low BCS cow In simple terms, if 10 to 20% of cows in the herd meet the description for low or high BCS it should be seen as an - There is no (or very little) fat beneath the amber warning issue, if 20% or more of cows in the herd skin when pinched on the inside of the pin meet the descriptions it should be seen as a red warning bone issue. - Hollows are obviously visible between the short ribs - The sacral ligament is hard all the way to the spine (no soft tissue covering) and it can be felt as ridge very close to the spine - The hook bones are angular looking and have no soft tissue cover - The thigh area has an obvious V shape - The true ribs are visible very close to the spine - The spine itself is a tight line (not rounded) with individual processes evident 22 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

Take the next step with Mastitis Vaccination Visit mastitisvaccination.com 1O4th,8e%rs 30,4% 1,8% Staphylococcus aureus Trueperella pyogenes 2,5% Bacillus spp. 5,7% Streptococcus dysgalactiae 23% 21,8% Streptococcus uberis Escherichia coli Froehlick-Kelly., R. 2020. Bovine mastitis. All-Island Animal Disease Surveillance, p.31. STARTVAC® Inactivated vaccine, Bovine mastitis, in injectable emulsion. COMPOSITION PER DOSE (2 ML): Inactivated Escherichia coli (J5) 50 RED60*; Inactivated Staphylococcus aureus (CP8) SP 140strain expressing SAAC** 50 RED80***. Adjuvant. * RED60: Rabbit effective dose in 60% of the animals (serology). **SAAC: Slime Associated Antigenic Complex. ***RED80: Rabbit effective dose in 80% of the animals (serology). INDICATIONS: Cows and Heifers: To prevent Mastitis. For herd immunisation of healthy cows and heifers, in dairy cattle herds with recurring mastitis problems, to reduce the incidence of sub-clinical mastitis and the incidence and the severity of the clinical signs of clinical mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus, coliforms and coagulasenegative staphylococci.The full immunisation scheme induces immunity from aproximately day 13 after the first injection until approximately day 78 after the third injection (equivalent to 130 days post-parturition). Further information available from the SPC or on www.hipra.com. For more information about side-effects, precautions, warnings and contra-indications please refer to the SPC, the packaging or product leaflet. LEGAL CATEGORY: POM - Veterinary medicinal product under veterinary prescription. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER: Laboratorios Hipra, S.A. la Selva, 135, 17170-AMER (Girona) SPAIN. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBERS: EU/2/08/092/003-6. Use Medicines Responsibly. UBAC®, emulsion for injection for cattle. COMPOSITION PER DOSE: Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) from Biofilm Adhesion Component (BAC) of Streptococcus uberis, strain 5616 ≥ 1 RPU. Montanide ISA 907.1 mg. Monophosphoryl Lipid A (MPLA). INDICATIONS: For active immunisation of healthy cows and heifers to reduce the incidence of clinical intramammary infections caused by Streptococcus uberis, to reduce the somatic cell count in Streptococcus uberis positive quarter milk samples and to reduce milk production losses caused by Streptococcus uberis intramammary infections. Further information available from the SPC or on www.hipra.com. For more information about side-effects, precautions, warnings and contra-indications please refer to the SPC, the packaging or product leaflet. LEGAL CATEGORY: POM - Veterinary medicinal product under veterinary prescription. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER: LABORATORIOS HIPRA S.A. Avda. la Selva 135. 17170 Amer (Girona) Spain. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBERS: EU/2/18/227/001-004. Use Medicines Responsibly. These products are not licensed for concurrent use. A decision to use either of these vaccines before or after any other veterinary medicinal product therefore needs to be made on a case-by-case basis. HIPRA UK and IRELAND Foxhall Business Centre,TFeol.x:h(+a4ll4L)o0d1g1e5,8F4o5xh6a4l8l6Ro· ua2kd3a, nN|doiItrttei’nlsagnYhdao@muh,riNpFGria7e.c6lodLmH|.·UWwnwiitnwetd.heKirpinr2ag.2dcoomm

hTiemrdeinfogrimoonity? Ryan Duffy, Hipra Tech Services Herd immunity. Where have I ‘herd’ that before? “Moving towards SDCT to minimise AMR has understandably created significant anxiety within the dairy industry, but it reinforces the need to optimise the cow’s immune Don’t worry, I won’t mention the “virus that shall not be named”. No, instead this system, which can be supported with a bovine mastitis vaccination program” article will focus on the world of bacterial infection, specifically bovine mastitis. As Orla Heffernan, HIPRA Sales Representative members of the agricultural sector the concept of building a herd’s immunity was, There are two major risk periods for picking up new dry cow intramammary infections and is, nothing new – at least in a bovine context. There is a general appreciation – within the first few days and the last few days of the dry period [20]. What are the that the intensive management of the Irish dairy cow of 2022 can profoundly affect chances of infection in the first few days if teat end damage has blown the gate off its her immune defences and resistance of her mammary gland [1]. The individual cow’s hinges? And the odds if periparturient metabolic issues leave the repaired gate wide immune system gets a tough wake-up call on the day of calving, with such a shock to open around calving? Over 50% of clinical coliform mastitis cases occurring within the system (in combination with management or environmental deficiencies) often the first 100 days in milk originated in the dry period [21]. ending in subpar animal health and welfare. This periparturient immunosuppression ‘Building Immunity For A Healthier World’ is HIPRA’s ultimate goal. It is therefore has massive implications with this delicate transition period containing the highest unsurprising that HIPRA has continued to invest in considerable research and incidence of disease [2]. development (R&D) to support veterinary practitioners globally resulting in With this in mind it is clear that the veterinary advice we dish out in the next few enhanced immunological defences of the mammary gland with mastitis vaccines weeks to optimise overall herd immunity will determine several critical outcomes such as STARTVAC and UBAC. As opposed to the cattle drivers of old using a on our clients’ farms in 2023. With contributions from my colleagues within the Irish stick as their main utensil of herding, these vaccines allow you to start herding HIPRA team, we will focus on key elements which will influence mammary gland a comprehensive mammary gland immunity with a syringe. Attempts to improve immunity over the coming months. the cow’s immune system during periods of immunosuppression, such as during the periparturient period, would greatly assist the ability of the cow to resist Hypocalcaemia intramammary infection, reduce our antimicrobial use in food producing animals, and mitigate the development of AMR. This has been widely recognised as the most important metabolic disorder “Dairy farming has never seen such an injection of capital as it has over the last experienced by the modern peripartum dairy cow due to unprepared calcium decade with the expansion of the national herd. Despite this investment the national homeostasis [3]. Ultimately, this has significant pathophysiological effects on milk quality (as deemed by bulk tank SCC) has stagnated since the 2015 milk quota neuromuscular [3, 4] and immune functions [5] in an animal already sitting on the abolition. Following new legislation farmers need the support of companies such as brink of metabolic, anti-oxidative, and nutritional bankruptcy – a ‘ticking time bomb’. HIPRA to produce functional alternatives to antibiotic use like mastitis vaccines.” Therefore, it dramatically influences the likelihood of intramammary infections Mossie Quaid, National Sales Manager by means of poor teat sphincter contraction and generalised immunosuppression. You can use this QR code to access HIPRA’s newly published reference book on For example, elevated plasma cortisol has been demonstrated in hypocalcaemic ‘Bovine Immunity’, which has chapter contributions from global opinion leaders and animals [6], while a reduced phagocytotic activity and killing of polymorphonuclear is therefore an invaluable resource for bovine immunology tips. leukocytes [7, 8, 9] and reduced mononuclear antigenic responsiveness [5] has also been appreciated. All these factors increase the likelihood of severe (potentially C fatal) coliform mastitis and other infectious diseases in the highly demanding M postpartum period. Hence hypocalcaemia is often referred to as a ‘gateway disease’ Y [10]. From a mastitis standpoint, the critical gateway that has been left opened is the CM teat sphincter muscle, ‘the most important 10mm in the cow’. MY “Despite the improvements of milking facilities on a lot of farms many milking routines CY have not kept up with the times. Further discussion on best practices engrained in the CMY 7-point mastitis control plan and avoiding environmental bottlenecks will be key to K reduce issues with the bugs that have caused mastitis in Irish herds for generations”. References: Kevin Hartigan, HIPRA Sales Representative 1. Sordillo, L.M., Shafer-Weaver, K. and DeRosa, D., 1997. Immunobiology of the mammary gland. Journal of Ketosis dairy science, 80(8), pp.1851-1865. 2. Ingvartsen, K.L., Dewhurst, R.J. and Friggens, N.C., 2003. On the relationship between lactational performance Another extremely common metabolic derangement of high producing dairy cows in and health: is it yield or metabolic imbalance that cause production diseases in dairy cattle? A position paper. early lactation is ketosis and therefore it is always included in the suspect line-up. Livestock production science, 83(2-3), pp.277-308. The elevated concentration of ketone bodies that characterises ketosis [11] induces a 3. Mulligan, F., O’Grady, L., Rice, D. and Doherty, M., 2005. Production diseases of the transition cow: Milk fever state of immune dysfunction [12, 13], predisposing to a high incidence of infections, and subclinical hypocalcaemia. Focus, 58, p.4. such as mastitis [14, 15, 16, 17]. For example, beta-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB) has 4. Han, P., Trinidad, B.J. and Shi, J., 2015. Hypocalcemia-induced seizure: demystifying the calcium paradox. Asn been shown to inhibit polymorphonuclear cell phagocytosis [12] and the release of Neuro, 7(2), p.1759091415578050. neutrophil extracellular traps (NET), which ‘entangle pathogens like a spider’s web‘ to 5. Kimura, K.A.Y.O.K.O., Reinhardt, T.A. and Goff, J.P., 2006. Parturition and hypocalcemia blunts calcium signals in neutralise them [13, 18], while suppressing the cow’s antioxidant status by affecting immune cells of dairy cattle. Journal of dairy science, 89(7), pp.2588-2595. the concentrations of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) [13]. 6. Horst, R.L. and Jorgensen, N.A., 1982. Elevated plasma cortisol during induced and spontaneous hypocalcemia The end result? A dairy cow which is target practice for the smorgasbord of in ruminants. Journal of dairy science, 65(12), pp.2332-2337. pathogens in her immediate environment. Remember, this is all occurring during a 7. Cohen, M.S., 1994. Molecular events in the activation of human neutrophils for microbial killing. Clinical period when she is subject to a plethora of challenges, such as increased six-week infectious diseases, 18(Supplement_2), pp.S170-S179. calving rates putting pressure on calving pens, potentially a lack of cubicles (+/- 8. Ducusin, R.J.T., Uzuka, Y., Satoh, E., Otani, M., Nishimura, M., Tanabe, S. and Sarashina, T., 2003. Effects of occupancy), inadequate feed space amplifying declining intakes, dietary changes, extracellular Ca2+ on phagocytosis and intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in polymorphonuclear leukocytes of forage variability, and a move to selective dry cow therapy, to name a few. postpartum dairy cows. Research in Veterinary Science, 75(1), pp.27-32. “Tighter calving windows are now the norm in order to marry grass growth and 9. Martinez, N., Risco, C.A., Lima, F.S., Bisinotto, R.S., Greco, L.F., Ribeiro, E.S., Maunsell, F., Galvão, K. and Santos, increasing milk yields. The end result is increased stress on animals and farmers J.E.P., 2012. Evaluation of peripartal calcium status, energetic profile, and neutrophil function in dairy cows at in spring, overcrowded calving pens, and hygiene deficiencies predisposing to low or high risk of developing uterine disease. Journal of dairy science, 95(12), pp.7158-7172. environmental mastitis outbreaks”. 10. Goff, J.P., 2008. The monitoring, prevention, and treatment of milk fever and subclinical hypocalcemia in Ciaran Corr, HIPRA Sales Representative dairy cows. The veterinary journal, 176(1), pp.50-57. 11. Herdt, T.H., 2019. Overview of ketosis in cattle. MERCK Veterinary Manual, 12. Teat Tissue Injuries 12. Grinberg, N., Elazar, S., Rosenshine, I. and Shpigel, N.Y., 2008. β-hydroxybutyrate abrogates formation of bovine neutrophil extracellular traps and bactericidal activity against mammary pathogenic Escherichia coli. It is clear to us within the Irish HIPRA team that gross over-milking is a widespread Infection and immunity, 76(6), pp.2802-2807. issue within many Irish dairy herds, often resulting in significant teat tissue 13. Liu, Siyuan, Xiaobing Li, Xiaohan Zhou, Juan J. Loor, Qianming Jiang, Xiancheng Feng, Yuchen Yang injuries. Overmilking is the result of bi-phasic milk let-down and cluster removal et al. “β-Hydroxybutyrate impairs the release of bovine neutrophil extracellular traps through inhibiting at inappropriate milk flow thresholds [19]. Although the coming dry period is the phosphoinositide 3-kinase–mediated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase reactive oxygen best chance to correct the long-term teat tissue injuries it is important to note that species production.” Journal of Dairy Science 105, no. 4 (2022): 3405-3415. these injuries are on display when cows are dried off. Consequently, if herds are 14. Galvão, K.N., Flaminio, M.J.B.F., Brittin, S.B., Sper, R., Fraga, M., Caixeta, L., Ricci, A., Guard, C.L., Butler, W.R. and experiencing significant teat end hyperkeratosis, how can we in good conscience Gilbert, R.O., 2010. Association between uterine disease and indicators of neutrophil and systemic energy status expect good results from selective dry cow therapy? After all this is ‘the most in lactating Holstein cows. Journal of dairy science, 93(7), pp.2926-2937. important 10mm in the cow’. 15. Berge, A.C. and Vertenten, G., 2014. A field study to determine the prevalence, dairy herd management systems, and fresh cow clinical conditions associated with ketosis in western European dairy herds. Journal of dairy science, 97(4), pp.2145-2154. 16. Raboisson, D., Mounié, M. and Maigné, É., 2014. Diseases, reproductive performance, and changes in milk production associated with subclinical ketosis in dairy cows: A meta-analysis and review. Journal of dairy science, 97(12), pp.7547-7563. 17. Dervishi, E., Zhang, G., Hailemariam, D., Goldansaz, S.A., Deng, Q., Dunn, S.M. and Ametaj, B.N., 2016. Alterations in innate immunity reactants and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism precede occurrence of metritis in transition dairy cows. Research in Veterinary Science, 104, pp.30-39. 18. Tackenberg, H., Möller, S., Filippi, M.D. and Laskay, T., 2021. The small GTPase Cdc42 negatively regulates the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps by engaging mitochondria. Frontiers in immunology, 12, p.564720. 19: International Dairy Federation. 2019. Teat cup and cluster removal strategies for cattle and small ruminants. Bulletin of the International Dairy Federation. 20: Dingwell, R.T., Kelton, D.F. and Leslie, K.E., 2003. Management of the dry cow in control of peripartum disease and mastitis. Veterinary Clinics: Food Animal Practice, 19(1), pp.235-265. 24 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

IBR MARKER LIVE Live IBR marker vaccine for cattle IBR MARKER LIVE Lyophilisate and solvent for suspension for injection for cattle. COMPOSITION PER DOSE: Each dose of 2 ml contains: Lyophilisate: Live gE- tk- double-gene deleted BVioruvisnetyHpeer1pe(sBoViHruVs-1t)yptoe r1e(dBuocHeVt-h1e), cstlirnaiicnaCl EsiDgDnEsLo:f1i0n6f.3e–ct1io0u7.3sCbCoIDv5i0n.eSorhlvineonttr:aPchhoesiptihsa(tIBeRb)uaffnedr sfoieluldtiovinr.uIsNeDxIcCrAeTtiIoOnN. SR:OFUoTr EthOeFacAtDivMe IiNmImSTuRnAisTaItOioNn: oInf tcraatmtleusfrcoumlar3. months OofFaIgMeMagUaNinITsYt :B2o1vindeayHsearpfteesr ONSET completion of the basic vaccination scheme. DURATION OF IMMUNITY: 6 months after completion of the basic vaccination scheme. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: Vaccinate healthy animals only. ADVERSE REACTIONS: A slight increase in body temperature up to 1 °C is common within 4 days following vaccination. Occasionally, an increase in rectal temperature up to 1.63 ºC in adult cows and up to 2.18 ºC in calves may be observed. This transient rise in temperature is spontaneously resolved within 48 hours without treatment and it is not related to a febrile process. A transient inflammation at the inoculation site is common in cattle within 72 hours post-vaccination. This slight swelling lasts for less than 24 hours in most cases. Vaccination might exceptionally cause hypersensitivity reactions. In such cases, an appropriate symptomatic treatment should be administered. USE DURING PREGNANCY OR LACTATION: Can be used during pregnancy and lactation. RECOMMENDED VACCINATION PROGRAMME: Cattle: from the age of 3 months onwards. The recommended initial dose is 1 injection of 2 ml of the reconstituted vaccine per animal. The animal should be revaccinated 3 weeks later with the same dose. Thereafter a single booster dose of 2 ml should be administered every six months. The method of administration is by intramuscular route, in the neck muscles. Reconstitute the lyophilized tablet with the entire contents of the enclosed solvent to obtain a suspension for injection. The solvent should be allowed to warm to a temperature between 15 ºC to 20ºC before reconstitution of the lyophilised tablet. OVERDOSE: No adverse reactions except those mentioned above were observed after the administration of a 10-fold vaccine dose. WITHDRAWAL PERIOD: Zero days. INCOMPATIBILITIES: D o not mix with any other veterinary medicinal product, except the solvent supplied for use with the veterinary medicinal product. SHELF LIFE: Shelf life of the lyophilisate as packaged for sale: 2 years. Shelf life after reconstitution: 6 hours. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR STORAGE: Store and transport refrigerated (2°C - 8°C). Do not freeze. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Keep the bottles in the outer carton in order to protect from light. For veterinary use. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBERS: 5 doses: EU/2/10/114/001; 25 doses: EU/2/10/114/002. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER: Laboratorios Hipra, S.A., Amer (Girona), SPAIN. LEGAL CATEGORIES: ROI: POM and Prescription only veterinary medicine for further information contact your veterinary medicine prescriber. Foxhall Lodge · Foxhall Road2· N5G|7 I6tL’Hs ·YNoouttrinHFgIiPheaRlmAdU·|UKWnAitNienDdtIKeRinrEgL2dA2oNmD Tel (+44) 0115 845 6486 · [email protected] · www.hipra.com

Perspectives on the sustainability of Irish beef production systems Paul Crosson Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath. Although now more associated with environmental issues, the Environmental sustainability broader interpretation of sustainability includes economic viability and socially acceptable methods of production. Indeed, from the The environmental performance of beef cattle production is under perspective of beef cattle farming, economic viability has for some increasing scrutiny and, although this encompasses issues such as time been the predominant sustainability challenge. Although the biodiversity, nutrient surpluses, water quality and ammonia emissions, Teagasc National Farm Survey figures for 2021 (Dillon et al., 2022) GHG emissions are of particular interest at present. In Ireland legally show large percentage increases in beef farm margins, incomes binding targets have been set to reduce national emissions by 51% remain very low at €10,865 for suckler farms and €17,233 for non- by 2030. The beef sector can contribute to meeting these emission suckling beef farms. Of course, sustainability also means continuing targets by increasing the biological efficiency of production systems to reduce the environmental footprint of our beef farms. With our and adopting GHG mitigation technologies. Research has primarily pasture-based production systems, we have a strong starting point as focussed on measures that reduce GHG emissions and concurrently regards the environmental sustainability of our beef farms and this improves profitability. stands us in good stead from a marketing and reputational point of view. Where key animal performance targets are not met, this can have However, we must continue to demonstrate and verify these large negative ramifications for the economic and environmental credentials whilst striving to further reduce the environmental performance of beef production systems (Taylor et al., 2020). For footprint of beef farming. Socially sustainable food production can example, on individual farms, increasing age at first-calving from 24 be defined as producing food in an ethical manner. In the context of to 36 months of age reduces profitability by over 70% and increases beef systems, this incorporates societal expectations for high levels of GHG emissions per kg beef by almost 15% (McGee et al., 2022). animal welfare and minimising food-feed competition. Slaughter age in particular has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by reducing the total output of methane gas by a beef animal over Financial sustainability its lifetime. In recognition of this, the Irish Government included a slaughter age reduction target of three months as part of a set of Beef production in Ireland is characterised by having an array of actions to meet national climate reduction targets. different systems and indeed farms often move between systems depending on the market conditions from one year to the next. Although research has shown the importance of output (i.e. number of animals sold) for profitability (e.g. Taylor et al., 2018), most beef farmers have full-time off-farm employment and, whilst this makes a crucial contribution to farm family incomes, it limits labour availability for farming activities. Due to the considerably lower comparative cost of grazed grass, a key objective for profitable beef production is to increase its contribution to the lifetime intake of feed. The grass-forage component of the feed budget for contrasting grass-based suckler- and dairy-beef steer research systems ranges from 82-96% for suckler-beef and 77-88% for dairy-beef systems (Figure 1). Clover has an important role in further reducing the cost of grazing swards given its ability to ‘fix’ atmospheric N, thereby improving farm gate nitrogen balance and reducing costs. The provision of sufficient grass silage of appropriate digestibility for the indoor winter period is also a crucial component of grassland management and feed self-sufficiency in beef production systems. Consequently, the ability of a beef animal to meet the production targets is a function of genetic merit, health and management. Genetic indexes (Terminal Index, Replacement Index and Commercial Beef Value) are an important tool that have allowed Irish cattle breeders to make more informed breeding decisions and improve farm efficiency. For example, the commercial beef value (CBV) is a new genetic index, expressed in euros, for ‘non-breeding’ beef cattle, focused on identifying animals with superior carcass traits and feed efficiency. Based on analysis from the Grange dairy-beef research herd over the last three years, five-star (top 20%) CBV beef × dairy steers produced a 22 kg heavier carcass at a younger slaughter age (four days) compared to one-star (bottom 20%) animals. Herd health plays an important role in performance on beef cattle farms and is crucial to fertility, productivity and profitability. A herd health plan that includes bio-security, vaccinations and the culling of ‘carrier’ animals, drawn up in consultation with the farm’s veterinary practitioner, is the best way to manage disease problems. Figure 1. Typical feed budget composition for spring-born, grass-based, suckler calf-weanling plus weanling-to-beef, and dairy calf-to-beef research systems, with slaughter at different ages (20-month = end of ‘first’ grazing season; 22- & 24 months = during & end of ‘second’ winter, respectively; 26- and 28-month = during ‘third’ grazing season. (Source: McGee et al., 2022) 26 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

A top referee is always in control and, when necessary, trouble-makers are sent off the field. Closamectin Pour On® combines ivermectin with closantel to provide broad-spectrum efficacy against the majority of economically important stages of internal and external parasites in cattle. USE MEDICINES RESPONSIBLY. Manufactured in NI by: Norbrook Laboratories Ltd, StationWorks, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 6JP. Distributed in ROI by: Norbrook Laboratories (Ireland) Ltd, 27 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22 Rossmore Industrial Estate, Monaghan, County Monaghan. Legal Category: Closamectin® Pour-on Solution for Cattle contains 200mg/ml closantel and 5mg/ml ivermectin. For further details on this product including the dosage regimens, side effects, precautions, warnings and contraindications please see the summary of product characteristics (SPC) available at: www.hpra.ie/homepage/veterinary/ veterinary-medicines-information/find-a-medicine/ | Advice on the use of this product should be sought from the medicine prescriber. | 5078-LA(C)-v3a-ROI-14/10/22

In general, reducing slaughter age also leads to improved profitability, particularly where this reduction in slaughter age is achieved via improved animal health, high quality forage and high merit genetics. Research at Grange is presently exploring the optimum point of slaughter given the overall effects on lifetime output of methane gas and other cattle production-related greenhouse gases. Additional measures to reduce GHG emissions from beef cattle including dietary supplementation with methane supressing compounds and the breeding of low methane emitting animals are currently being investigated by Teagasc. Social sustainability A number of studies at Teagasc Grange have evaluated contrasting beef cattle production systems in terms of the ratio of human- Society increasingly expects food to be produced in a manner that, edible protein and energy produced (i.e. meat) to human- not only minimizes environmental burdens, but also optimizes edible protein and energy fed to livestock (i.e. mainly cereal animal welfare and minimizes competition with human food. grains). Reducing concentrate feed requirements remains an The pasture-based nature of Irish beef farming is associated with important objective; apart from improving food-feed ratios, this high levels of animal welfare when compared to confinement- is particularly pertinent given the rapid escalation in feed prices based systems. However, practices such as castration, disbudding in recent years. Where concentrate feeding is deemed necessary, and housing on concrete floor slats are standard on Irish cattle the constituent ingredients in feed rations also has implications farms and therefore, research in relation to the implications of for food-feed ratios with the use of ‘by-products’, e.g. from the these practices on animal welfare status has been carried out brewing, distilling and food industries, in animal rations instead of at Teagasc Grange. Castration is performed to prevent sexual cereal grains, reducing human food competition. behaviour, reduce aggression, and increase handling safety. Research at Teagasc Grange (Earley et al., 2022) has shown References that burdizzo castration leads to increased abnormal postures, prolonged plasma cortisol response, and greater increase in Dillon, E., Donnellan, T., Moran, B. and Lennon, J. 2022. Teagasc National scrotal circumference in older calves (>5-month old) when Farm Survey 2021 Final Results, Agricultural Economics and Farm compared to younger calves (2.5 months of age). No impact on Surveys Department, Rural Economy Development Programme, Teagasc growth performance was observed. Similarly Teagasc research has Athenry, Galway. Available at : https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/ underpinned the development of best-practice around disbudding publications/2022/Teagasc-National-Farm-Survey-2021.pdf (accessed 23 and housing. September 2022) Research at Grange is also evaluating factors related to food-feed Earley, B., McGee, G. and Marquette, G.A. 2022. Effect of age of suckler competition. Beef cattle consume human-inedible forages and beef calves on stress indicators and growth performance in response to by-product feedstuffs and convert them into high value human Burdizzo castration. In: BEEF 2022 – Supporting Sustainable Beef Farming. food in the form of beef meat. In doing so, they make a critical Proceedings of the Teagasc Beef Open Day, Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, Co. contribution to human food security. Meath. However, human-edible cereal grains are also often fed to beef McGee, M., Harrington, M., Byrne, N. and Crosson, P. 2022. Performance cattle as animal feed and this diminishes the contribution of targets for resilient beef production. In: BEEF 2022 – Supporting Sustainable livestock to net human food production. Beef Farming. Proceedings of the Teagasc Beef Open Day, Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath. Taylor R. F., McGee M., Kelly A. K. and Crosson P. 2020.Bioeconomic and greenhouse gas emissions modelling of the factors influencing technical efficiency of temperate grassland-based suckler calf-to-beef production systems. Agricultural Systems Volume 183, 102860 Taylor R.F., McGee M., Kelly A.K., Grant J. and Crosson P. 2018. A comparison of production systems and identification of profit drivers for Irish suckler beef farms. International Journal of Agricultural Management. Volume 6, Numbers 3-4, 1 January 2018, pp. 100-110(11) 28 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

YOUR PARTNER INCATTLE PARASITE CONTROL 29 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22 SHEEP DAIRY, BEEF AND SHEEP FARMERS ZOETIS HAS A SOLUTION FOR YOU All Cydectin® products contain moxidectin. Cydectin® TriclaMox Pour-On Solution for Cattle contains 5 mg/ml moxidectin and 200 mg/ml triclabendazole. All Dectomax® products contain doramectin. Fly and Lice Spot On™ Insecticide contains deltamethrin 1% w/v. For further information please check the SPC or contact Zoetis (01) 2569800. www.zoetis.ie. Legal category LM. Use medicines responsibly. www.apha.ie. MM-13095 (Mar 2021)

Calf Scour: Management and Prevention Dr Ailsa Milnes, Brand Manager, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd Neonatal diarrhoea (calf scour) is a common problem found on most cattle farms in Ireland. A variable prevalence of 24.1–74.4% was reported in a recent cohort study of 11 dairy farms.1 Calf scour can result in poor animal welfare, as affected calves show Colostrum quality can be boosted through good dry cow management. This increased susceptibility to other diseases, delayed development and means ensuring that cows undergo the optimum transition cow period, increased mortality. Inevitably, calf scour is also a major cause of as colostrogenesis occurs several weeks before parturition and ceases economic losses for farmers, with costs of investigations, diagnosis and abruptly immediately before parturition. treatment adding to decreased calf growth rate, reduced production in the Vaccination of the dam during the dry period boosts colostrum antibodies first lactation and increased age at first calving. to enteric pathogens. This promotes the production of antibodies against rotavirus, E. coli and coronavirus. Vaccination of the dam, rather than the calf, is required because calves during the risk period (<3 weeks of age) have an immature immune system, with interference from maternally derived antibodies.4,5 Scour outbreaks in calves are most commonly caused by infectious Vaccination must be accompanied by appropriate colostrum management agents or nutritional disturbances. The main infectious agents are to ensure that the antibodies produced by the cow are transferred to the rotavirus, coronavirus, enterotoxigenic E. coli, Salmonella species, and calf. Cryptosporidium parvum. Outbreaks are often due to multiple pathogens and involve multiple risk factors, so it is worth considering the impact of Uptake of vaccines for calf scour is known to be the lowest among all the determining the pathogen(s) involved in an outbreak in terms of changes categories of cattle vaccines.6 to treatment and prevention protocols2. Preventing Scour with FENCOVIS Treating Scour FENCOVIS is part of the well-established Boehringer Ingelheim cattle Ensuring a correct treatment protocol is in place is important for improving vaccine range. It is licensed for the protection of calves against bovine the success of treatment, reducing the degree of short- and long-term rotavirus (BRV), bovine coronavirus (BCV) and E. coli K99, with efficacy production effects and reducing overall mortality and morbidity. There demonstrated by extensive European challenge studies and field trials. are three main treatment categories: rehydration, antimicrobials and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). Rehydration with oral or FENCOVIS combines killed antigen with an oil-free adjuvant to deliver intravenous fluid therapy aims to reduce the impact of diarrhoea by optimal safety and efficacy. A 2 ml single-dose intramuscular injection providing water and ions, as well as decreasing acidosis. Continued milk administered to the dam 12 to 3 weeks before calving prevents diarrhoea feeding is recommended to provide energy and support intestinal repair. caused by BRV and E. coli K99, while reducing the incidence and severity of disease caused by BCV. FENCOVIS also reduces shedding of BRV and NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) help to decrease BCV and increases antibodies to BRV, BCV and E. coli K99 in calves from inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and ameliorate the effects of vaccinated dams. It comes as a ready-to-use injection available in 1, 5 and endotoxaemia and septicaemia secondary to translocation of enteric 25 dose packs, FENCOVIS is flexible for use on farm. bacteria across damaged intestinal epithelium. As diarrhoea may be accompanied by intestinal cramping and abdominal pain, administration Talk to your Boehringer Ingelheim representative for more of an analgesic may help to alleviate the pain. NSAIDs can also decrease information on the prevention of calf scour with FENCOVIS. pyrexia, increasing the likelihood of the calf consuming more milk and therefore more fluids and energy. References: Antimicrobials should not be used routinely, but are indicated for calves 1. Johnson KE, Chancellor N, Burn CC, Wathes DC. Prospective cohort study to assess rates of with diarrhoea that exhibit systemic signs of illness (e.g. pyrexia, very contagious disease in pre-weaned UK dairy heifers: management practices, passive transfer of dull); or have blood or mucosal shreds in their stool; this indicates immunity and associated calf health. Vet Rec Open. 2017;4:e000226. breakdown of the blood–gut barrier with a potential increased risk of 2. Sherwin G. A guide to reducing the prevalence of neonatal diarrhoea in calves. Livestock 2022. bacteraemia. 3. Raboisson D, Trillat P, Cahuzac C. Failure of Passive Immune Transfer in Calves: A Meta-Analysis on the Consequences and Assessment of the Economic Impact. PLOS ONE. 2016;11:e0150452. Preventing Scour 4. Chase CC, Hurley DJ, Reber AJ. Neonatal immune development in the calf and its impact on vaccine response. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2008;24:87–104. Due to the early onset of scour in a calf’s life, preventative measures 5. Cortese VS. Neonatal immunology. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2009;25:221–227. are vital. The role of the veterinarian is to take an accurate history and 6. AHDB Calf enteritis vaccines (online) Available at https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/calf- investigate risk factors thoroughly to determine the most effective enteritis-vaccines-cattle. recommendations to reduce the risk and prevalence of calf scour. Preventative measures include hygiene and biosecurity, colostrum management, and vaccination. Hygiene and biosecurity can help prevent the spread of disease, with detailed protocols required around preventing exposure to pathogens in the calving yard and in calf housing. Colostrum management is hugely important for calves as they do not receive any maternal antibodies in utero from the dam. Colostral immunoglobulins absorbed by the calf provide essential protection against pathogen challenge early in life. A failure to receive sufficient colostral antibodies has been reported to increase the chance of mortality, bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and diarrhoea by 2.16, 1.75 and 1.51 times respectively.3 30 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

HELPING END THE NIGHTMARE OF CALF SCOUR FOR A FAIRYTALE START INTRODUCING FENCOVIS® ADVANCING PROTECTION AGAINST CALF SCOUR Fencovis® is a new vaccine that stimulates immunity against key scour pathogens in pregnant heifers and cows, so that calves receive added protection via the colostrum. Fencovis® prevents diarrhoea caused by bovine rotavirus and E. coli K99 while also reducing the incidence and severity of that caused by bovine coronavirus. Fencovis® suspension for injection contains inactivated E. coli expressing F5 (K99) adhesin, strain O8:K35;, inactivated bovine rotavirus, serotype G6P1, strain TM-91; inactivated bovine coronavirus, strain C-197. Further information available in the SPC or from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd, RG12 8YS, UK. UK Tel: 01344 746957, IE Tel: 01 291 3985. Email: vetenquiries@ boehringer-ingelheim.com. Fencovis® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under licence. ©2022 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd. All rights reserved. Date of preparation: September 2022. BOV-0110-2022. Use Medicines Responsibly. 31 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

Mineral supplementation in the dry cow period for a smooth Callum Harvey, Technical Manager, Agrimin During the transition period, the dairy cow goes through It is important now more than ever that cows get the trace important physiological, metabolic, and nutritional changes, elements and vitamins they require for successful calving and and it is during this period that several important metabolic lactation. disorders can occur. Recent research has shown that 30-50 % of The aim of transition management is simple: to prepare the cow dairy cattle experience metabolic disorders around calving. The for a good calving, get her calf up and going quickly, provide the transition period is also a period of significant dietary change calf with good quality colostrum, and have the cow milking and for the cow, and trace elements can often be removed from or into calve with as little input and stresses as possible. limited in the diet. How these changes are managed is key, and Agrimin recognises that not all farm systems are the same. they can be strongly linked with milk yield and fertility in early High performing dairy systems that rely on high levels of lactation. Adequate trace element provision in the transition concentrates, which come with higher oxidative stresses, require period is crucial for calf health and influences the lactating cow’s higher selenium and lower copper levels – Agrimin’s ALL- productivity moving forwards. TRACE® DRY COW is well suited here. Pasture-based systems The key trace elements and vitamins for the dry cow during tend to have more iodine issues – the ALL-TRACE® HIGH IODINE the transition period are selenium, iodine, copper, cobalt, bolus is designed to suit these needs. Organic farms are also manganese, zinc and vitamins A, D3 and E. These are the able to make use of the ALL-TRACE® ORGANIC bolus in their elements that are most likely to be in shortfall in the transition systems. diet. Agrimin boluses are a low-maintenance, cost-effective supplementation method that ensures that each cow is receiving their daily requirement of trace elements and vitamins that they need to prepare for a successful and profitable lactation. Agrimin boluses are guaranteed to provide this, with an extensive range of products to suit all production systems. The optimal time to administer an Agrimin bolus to maximise the benefits in dairy cows is 6-8 weeks before calving i.e., at drying off. Agrimin has the right solution for each transition cow in every dairy system. Ensuring sufficient trace elements for both the cow and calf during the transition period is fundamental for a healthy and profitable cow and calf. Over 70 % of the calf’s growth occurs in the final trimester during the transition period. It is therefore critical to ensure the rapidly growing calf receives sufficient trace elements via the placenta during this period to grow and to provide sufficient stores once born. For example, it is vitally important that iodine is supplemented in the last trimester to ensure sufficient supply to the calf. Providing higher levels of iodine can also help to optimise fertility, especially in heifers at 1st service, and will aid cows in holding. Supplementing iodine, selenium and vitamin E also helps to improve colostrum quality, ensuring optimal calf condition. Recent studies have found that a surprisingly high number of dry cows are underfed selenium and have a shortfall of vitamin E in the diet. This was estimated to be over 85 % of dry cows in both instances. What is the impact of this on production and profitability? During the transition period the cow is under significant oxidative stress, which can lead to cell damage, and this contributes to the problems seen around calving. Vitamin E and selenium are two high-capacity antioxidants capable of reversing these effects and improving the immune function of the cow. Conserved forages already contain 20-80 % less vitamin E than fresh grass, which can exacerbate the need for vitamin E supplementation. The dry summer of 2022 means that forage quality this winter is going to be poorer than normal, with forages further lacking in the key trace elements and vitamins. 32 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

Curafluke controls Fluke and Worms in Cattle & Sheep • Controls Immature & Mature Liver Fluke • Controls all Major Worms • Ideal Winter & Housing Dose • No Known Resistance to Rafoxanide Curafluke contains Rafoxanide & Fenbendazole Tel: (049)555 3203 www.univet.ie 33 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

Control of liver fluke on farms: the future is vaccines! Scientists at the Molecular Parasitology Laboratory (MPL), University of Galway, and Teagasc, Athenry, are developing vaccines for the future control of liver fluke disease in sheep and cattle so that we can move away from chemical treatments. Prof. John Pius Dalton, Science Foundation Ireland Professor, Molecular Parasitology Laboratory Centre for One Health, Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway Worm parasites have a huge impact on animal production globally and Control of liver fluke on farms is currently reliant on the use of a small account for more than 55% of all livestock disease. One of the most number of chemicals products. Most of these only kill the mature adult prevalent worm diseases contributing to the negative impact on sheep and liver flukes (>10 weeks old) and therefore it is necessary to treat animals cattle production is caused by the flatworm liver fluke, technically known several times over the grazing period to kill parasites as they mature. as Fasciola hepatica. The drug triclabendazole predominates as an anti-fluke treatment because Liver fluke are parasites that infect livestock after they ingest grass it kills younger flukes before they cause liver damage. However, drug- contaminated with the parasite larvae. The parasite is transmitted by resistant parasites have emerged and have spread globally, compromising aquatic mud-snails (Galba truncatula) which release the larvae onto its future use. pastures in Springtime and then again in Autumn. The development of more chemicals treatments that eventually lead to The disease caused by liver fluke, called Fasciolosis, begins when the contamination of our soil and waterways is not sustainable; therefore we parasite burrows its way out of the animal’s intestine and into the liver. must seek new ways of combatting parasites of livestock. Over the next two months the parasite feeds on the liver tissue and Vaccines are the best approach to move us away from chemical treatments grow from a microscopy organism to a flatworm of 2 cm long and 1 cm because they are safe, leave no residues in animal meat (animals could wide. During this massive feeding and growth period the parasite causes be considered chemical-free or organic), do not necessitate a withdrawal extensive damage to the liver and excessive bleeding. period before milk can be used, and have a growing acceptance by the Liver fluke causes mostly subclinical production losses (low numbers of consumer. parasites), but recent studies estimate that these infections result in a Funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), scientists at the Molecular 9% reduction in daily weight gain. However, sudden heavy infections can Parasitology Laboratory (MPL) at the University of Galway are developing be more traumatic and cause death, especially in sheep which are very vaccines against liver flukes. The scientific team, led by SFI Prof. John susceptible to infection. Dalton and Programme Manager Dr. Siobhan Gaughan, use molecular In Ireland alone, where the agri-food industry plays a vital economic role, techniques to understand how the fluke infect sheep and cattle by famers spend about €90 million each year on chemical products to protect penetrating their intestine and liver. They have found that the parasites their animals against liver fluke. secrete enzymes that degrade the tissues and make an entry tunnel for them to invade and migrate. Furthermore, to protect themselves from the host immune attack the parasites also release small molecules, called peptides, that suppress the protective functions of the host immune cells. ‘These molecules represent key targets at which we could develop vaccines that prevent these critical parasite processes associated with the disease and loss of productivity,’ says Prof. Dalton. If we could block the action of these molecules, then we could block the ability of the parasite to infect its host and to manipulate the host immune system. In other words, we could stop the parasite in its track before it gets a chance to infect its host.’ The team has now isolated all the molecules that the parasite uses to invade and control the host. Using cutting-edge Biotechnology techniques in genetics and vaccine production they are now synthetically producing these molecules in the laboratory and have created several pilot vaccine formulations which are currently been tested in sheep with Teagasc, Athenry. ‘It is exciting times,’ says Amanda McEvoy, the technical officer in charge of the trials.’ We are at the forefront of vaccine development and hoping that we can contribute to controlling a disease that is the scourge of Irish farmers.’ Technical Officer Amanda McEvoy explains all things liver fluke, including the new vaccines the University of Galway and Teagasc are developing, to farmers at the Teagasc Open Day. The team will have a good idea on how their approach is working by Spring of next year. They may not have a vaccine ready for 2023, but they are hoping that is won’t take much longer. ‘This will be a game-changer in parasite control if it works,’ says Dr. Orla Keane, Senior Researcher at Teagasc and member of the research collaboration. 34 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

SINGLE ACTIVE FLUKICIDE WEEKS POST- HOUSING The rules of the game are changing and farmers adopting a responsible approach should consider a stand-alone flukicide like Solantel® Pour-On this winter, as not all cattle will need a wormer. Using Solantel Pour-On 7 weeks post- housing will maximise the fluke kill. USE MEDICINES RESPONSIBLY. Manufactured and Distributed in NI by: Norbrook Laboratories Ltd, Station Works, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 6JP. Distributed in ROI by: Norbrook Laboratories (Ireland) Ltd, Rossmore Industrial Estate, Monaghan, County Monaghan. Legal Category: UK: ROI: Solantel® 200mg/ml Pour-On Solution for Cattle contains 200mg/ml closantel. For full details on thia product please see the summary of product characteristics (SPC) available at: UK: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/ProductInformationDatabase/search | ROI: www.hpra.ie/homepage/veterinary/ 35 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22 veterinary-medicines-information/find-a-medicine/ | Advice on the use of this product should be sought from the medicine prescriber. | 5691-LA(C)-v1a-NI/ROI-14/10/22

Liver flukes are prevalent and economically significant in Irish cattle and sheep production Lauren Popiolek, DVM Interchem veterinary technical advisor Liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica) are not host-specific and can be found in sheep, cattle, horses, and wildlife. Prevalence throughout Ireland is high with a reported 50.4% sheep and 82% of Irish dairy herds exposed with highest risks on the west coast3,4. Liver flukes are estimated to cost the Irish livestock industry €90 million in losses including 20% reduction in meat production for cattle, 30% reduction in meat production for sheep, 80 extra days for cattle to reach market weight and up to 50% livers condemned1. Liver flukes can also reduce fertility. The life cycle is indirect and involves a snail intermediate host The liver fluke has an indirect life cycle that requires the snail as an intermediate host. Eggs shed in the faeces from animals with liver flukes will develop on the pasture over 2-4 weeks in wet conditions into miracidium which will then penetrate the snail. Within the snail multiple stages of development will be completed resulting a multiplication of 500 times or more within a single snail infected. Through the snail, liver flukes can quickly contaminate a pasture with high infectious burdens. Cercaria leave the snail then encyst into metacercaria on the grass. The cycle on pasture can take as little as five weeks under optimal, wet conditions or up to a few months. Metacercaria are the infectious form the animal will then ingest while Anthelmintic resistance is a significant obstacle grazing, and they are extremely resistant to cold temperatures and can overwinter on a pasture. In the spring, the metacercaria that have Anthelmintic resistance is an ongoing challenge in herd health overwintered will be ingested, with infected animals shedding eggs in management. Several flukicides are authorized for cattle and sheep in their faeces. A heavy burden of infectious metacercaria will develop again Ireland, and resistance can exist with any product. as the snail population thrives in the wet summers. Peak pasture burdens Triclabendazole resistance is a very common finding in Ireland2. Most typically occur in the autumn in Ireland. lowland sheep flocks are exposed to high burdens, and triclabendazole resistance can be present in up to 100% of herds2. In the summer, testing Inside the animal, metacercaria will penetrate through the gut lining into for resistance with faecal egg count reduction tests or coproantigen the abdominal cavity and migrate to the liver. The early immature fluke reduction tests can help identify resistance within the herd. will then penetrate the liver and tunnel deeper, lacerating blood vessels Rotation of flukicide classes is an important strategy to limiting and destroying liver cells while it seeks bile ducts. It will develop into anthelmintic resistance1. Nitroxynil is an effective flukicide to use in larger immature flukes as it tunnels, causing more damage to the liver a triclabendazole-resistant fluke flock or herd and within a rotational and blood vessels, eventually reaching the common bile duct where the anthelmintic program. mature fluke will lay its eggs to be shed into the gut. The time, within the animal from ingesting the metacercaria until the mature fluke produces Nitroxynil is effective against immature and mature eggs is known as the prepatent period and takes 10-12 weeks. flukes Sheep can exhibit three clinical forms of disease Nitroxynil is a halogenated phenol flukicide administered as a subcutaneous injection. Nitroxynil is excreted through the liver, causing Sheep do not have the ability to acquire immunity to liver flukes and can high concentrations in the bile and strong efficacy against both immature have clinical signs at any age. Clinical signs of disease are dose-dependent and mature liver flukes, making it appropriate for the treatment of both (based on exposure burden). Notably in sheep, high liver fluke burdens on subacute and chronic fasciolosis. pasture will often result in sudden death due to blood loss. Treatment of sheep flocks should be started at the first sign of disease or ideally based on blood antibody monitoring in lambs. In cattle, treatment is usually at housing with timing based on the flukicide age efficacy to ensure all flukes are eliminated after removing from pasture. A strategic treatment in the spring before snails emerge to eliminate infection from overwintered metacercaria can help limit the rising fluke burdens into the autumn1. Limiting animal access to wet pasture and strict quarantine measures are also essential to fluke management programs. Cattle suffer subclinical infections and comorbidities are a concern References: Unlike gutworms and lungworms, acquired immunity does not exist for flukes. Cattle tolerate fluke burdens primarily due to their larger liver size 1. Animal Health Ireland. Liver Fluke - The facts. 2011. https://online.flippingbook. and ability to cope with the damage to the liver and blood vessels. com/view/128755/. Accessed 25 May 2021. Calves are most susceptible to disease with >1,000 metacercaria resulting 2. Hanna RE, McMahon C, Ellison S, Edgar HW, Kajugu PE, Gordon A, Irwin D, Barley in weight loss, anaemia and low protein and >10,000 metacercaria can JP, Malone FE, Brennan GP, Fairweather I. Fasciola hepatica: a comparative survey cause death. When infected, cattle often present with subclinical, chronic of adult fluke resistance to triclabendazole, nitroxynil and closantel on selected fasciolosis which includes weight loss, reduced feed conversion, reduced upland and lowland sheep farms in Northern Ireland using faecal egg counting, milk yield, poor milk quality, reduced fertility, and diarrhoea. Liver flukes coproantigen ELISA testing and fluke histology. Vet Parasitol. 2015 Jan 15;207(1- in cattle can predispose them to black leg (Clostridium novyi) due to liver 2):34-43. doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.11.016. Epub 2014 Nov 24. PMID: 25529143. damage creating an optimal environment for the bacteria. 3. Munita, M.P., Rea, R., Martinez-Ibeas, A.M. et al. Liver fluke in Irish sheep: Also, immune alterations caused by liver flukes can make cattle more prevalence and associations with management practices and co-infection with susceptible to Salmonella, a cause of diarrhoea. rumen fluke. Parasites Vectors 12, 525 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071- 019-3779-y 36 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22 4. Selemetas, N., de Waal, T. Detection of major climactic and environmental predictors of liver fluke exposure risk in Ireland using spatial cluster analysis. Vet Parasitol. 209(3-4): 242-253 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.02.029

Fascionix 34% Effective Fluke Control Available in 100 ml and 250 ml Licensed for: Cattle, sheep and goats Legal Category: ROI: AR16 NI: SIC Ask your local territory manager about Fascionix 34% 37 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

DEPARTMENT MATTERS There has been a large increase in the number of deaths due to a parasitic worm called Haemonchus contortus in sheep submitted to DAFM Regional Veterinary Laboratories this year. Seamus Fagan, Veterinary Research Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Athlone Regional Veterinary Laboratory Haemonchus contortus infects sheep, goats, deer, and cattle. Pale conjunctivae of ewe which died from haemonchosis submitted to Kilkenny Vet Lab Haemonchosis is a major problem in goats and sheep in tropical and sub- tropical climates, however it does occur in pockets in temperate zones and Treatment we are seeing more of it in Ireland over the last few years. Unlike other parasitc worms of ruminants that feed on tissue or intestinal contents, Treatment of haemonchosis involves the use of an effective anthelmintic. Haemonchus is a voracious blood-sucking parasite. It is often called the The choice and timing of treatment should be discussed with your vet barbers pole worm due to its resemblance to the red and white barbers to minimise the chance of selecting for resistant worms and causing pole when the spiral intestine is full following a blood meal. anthelmintic resistance. Sheep must be weighed, dosing equipment clean It has been described by Emery (2016) as the ‘nematode nemesis of and calibrated, and the correct technique employed to ensure accurate small ruminant production systems’. Sheep of all ages can be affected, dosing. and diarrhoea is not a feature of this infection. The severity of clinical In addition to the broad-spectrum wormers, closantel and nitroxynil signs depends on the number of infective larvae ingested on the pasture (narrow spectrum products more typically used against liver fluke) are which develop into the blood-sucking adults. Depending on the number also effective against Haemonchus contortus, and these are the products of larvae ingested, and the time span over which this occurs, signs may of choice where this is the target predominant parasite. This is particularly range from mild anaemia, loss of condition and bottle jaw, to emaciation, important regarding ewes where we are trying to minimise unnecessary severe anaemia, pale mucous membranes (visible in mouth, conjunctiva), treatment of other worm species. lethargy, collapse and death. There are currently no vaccines for Haemonchus licensed in Ireland. A These symptoms are associated with the blood feeding activities of the commercially available vaccine licensed in parts of Australia and South adult and developing larvae. They use a piercing lancet at their head end Africa induces high serum antibody levels to ‘hidden’ gut proteins of to cut the mucosal lining in the abomasum, enabling them to suck blood. Haemonchus and manufacture of the vaccine involves harvesting extracts Each worm can remove about 0.05ml of blood per day so small ruminants of the parasite’s gut. Vaccination results in a reduction in egg shedding with 5000 H. contortus may lose about 250ml daily (Taylor et al., 2007). and less severe disease in lambs, hoggets and ewes. Very little effective immunity develops from exposure to H. contortus, so This vaccine is being used successfully to help in the control of adult sheep & goats are at risk of disease as well as young stock. Haemonchus contortus in parts of Australia and S. Africa. Sheep require three priming doses of vaccine, followed by boosters every six weeks to Diagnosis six months depending on the local level of challenge. Targeted selective treatments (TSTs) provide a way to reduce the risk of It is important to seek veterinary advice as clinical signs suggestive of selecting for resistant worms by only treating the animals within a group disease due to Haemonchus (haemonchosis) can be very similar to those affected by worms. Performance indicators such as weight gain and FECs seen with liver fluke infection. Faecal egg counts are often very high in can be used to identify those animals which require treatment. By using patent infestations with counts greater than 10,000 eggs per gram (epg) this method it should be possible to only treat 40-60% of the group. Good not uncommon. The adult female worm can release between 5,000 and record keeping is essential for TSTs to work successfully on the farm. 10,000 eggs each per day. Postmortem examination at your local Regional Whilst there is widespread and growing resistance to group 1,2 Veterinary Laboratory will help to distinguish between acute liver fluke and 3 wormers within the strongyle worm species (Telodorsagia, disease and haemonchosis, and other causes of anaemia, such as cobalt Trichostrongylus), there is no evidence of similar trends in Nematodirus. deficiency, and to check if there are any other causes of the losses. At post Therefore group 1-BZ drenches are still considered effective for the mortem examination very large numbers of adult Haemonchus worms treatment and control of PGE in young lambs in late spring. are visible on the surface of the abomasum of untreated sheep with the If there is suspicion of treatment failure then a post-treatment faecal egg condition. count FEC (drench test), or faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) should be carried out under the instruction of your vet. Haemonchus contortus worms in abomasum of ewe submitted to Kilkenny Regional Vet Lab Key points relating to H. contortus include: Chronic Haemonchus infestations are characterised by a more general failure to thrive, with weight loss, poor body condition, sub-mandibular 1. Female worms lay lots of eggs, which develop rapidly under oedema (“bottle-jaw” or “pocán”), lethargy and weakness. optimal conditions The chronic nature of the blood loss leads to an exhaustion of iron 2. Relatively low numbers of worms can cause disease as it is reserves, and the development of a microcytic anaemia. The degree of highly pathogenic anaemia can be assessed by examination and/or the FAMACHA© test. 3. Diarrhoea is not a typical feature. Anaemia, bottle-jaw/’pocán’ The FAMACHA© is based on the evaluation of the mucous membranes of and poor thrive are key clinical signs. the conjunctivae (eyelid tissues) using a 5-colour chart score (1 – normal to 4. Adult animals develop little immunity meaning adults are at risk 5 – severe anaemia), with animals showing a score at 3 or higher selected of developing disease for treatment. 5. Control/prevention relies on regular faecal egg counts, pasture management and strategic anthelmintic use. Further reading on the FAMACHA scoring system is available on: https://www.farmanddairy.com/top-stories/famacha-scoring-to-identify- parasite-risk-in-small-ruminants/316777.html 38 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

NEW DORAMAX® protects against reinfection after use NO OTHER POUR-ON WORMER OFFERS LONGER PROTECTION Lice Stomach Worm Lungworm 5-7 weeks 5 weeks 6 weeks Less treatments and handling required (8-10 week dosing interval) www.farmhealthfirst.com ASK YOUR ANIMAL HEALTH SUPPLIER ABOUT DORAMAX® AND OUR FREE APPLICATORS Use medicines responsibly. Doramax 5mg/ml Pour-on solution for cattle. Contains:Doramectin. Target species: Cattle. Refer to product packaging and leaflets for full indications, side effects, precautions, warnings and contra-indications. Further information can be found on the datasheet, SPC or at ww w.farmhealthf i rs t.com. D istributed by: Ch3a9ne|lleItP’hsaYrmoaucreuFtiiceallds M|aWnuifnactteuPrrOin2Mg-2VLPtSd, Loughrea, Co.Galway, Ireland. UK: VM 40162/4038. Copyright ©Chanelle 2022 All rights reserved.

IT’S YOUR FIELD // TRAINING MODULE 1 Managing the dry cow from start to finish Dr. David Lawrence, Technical Ruminant Specialist, Brett Brothers Ltd., Co. Kilkenny. A successful dry period is the foundation to the entire subsequent Table 1 outlines a simplified overview of dietary management when lactation. There are significant consequences on animal productivity, allocating grass silage assuming an overall crude protein content of animal health, farm labour, farm finances and stress if the dry 13%. cow period is poorly managed. The period can be broken up into To prime the cow for calcium mobilisation in the immediate three sub periods. The first is the initial “drying off” process this periparturient period (48 hours before and after calving), the dry is followed by a consistent mid dry period which leads into the cow diet must remain low in calcium (below 30g of absorbable transition period (3 weeks before and after calving). In this article calcium per day) and contain adequate magnesium. Most Irish silage we intend to introduce some of the management practices which are will provide an excess to calcium requirement, so quite often the required in each of these three periods to result in a successful dry process of calcium mobilisation requires additional aid from vitamin period. D, additional magnesium, and a moderated dietary cation-anion balance. Vitamin D3 should be at least 200,000 IU/kg pre calving The cow at dry off mineral premix. Ideally cows are targeted for drying off based on one of three An animals’ store of vitamin D3 is sufficient for about 3 months, criteria, however winter forages are low in D3 and body reserves deplete (i) Days in milk (or predicted calving date). The target in Ireland is to very quickly. Vitamin D3 is required for calcium absorption in the achieve 305 days of lactation, as we have primarily seasonal calving small intestine but must first be converted to 25-Hydroxy vit D3 systems targeting a 365-day calving interval, leaving a 60 day dry in the liver, and this conversion is reliant on sufficient Magnesium. period. 25-Hydroxy vit D3 is then converted to 1-25-dehydroxy vit D3 in (ii) Parity. Primiparous cows may require a minimum period of 10 the kidneys and this reaction is reliant on parathyroid hormone. weeks with many farmers in Ireland opting for 12 weeks. Magnesium absorption can be compromised in two ways, firstly (iii) Body condition. Cows in poor body condition <2.75 should a lack of Mg intake (cows require 40g/day during the dry period) be treated like heifers and given an additional 2-4 weeks of dry and secondly an increase in potassium content of the rumen. High period. In most cases silage in Ireland will improve body condition potassium (>1.8% in silage) in the rumen reduces the transport during a longer dry period, but where feed space is restricted, or of Mg across the rumen wall and into the circulatory system. High silage quality and housing conditions are poor, cows will need to be potassium also has an alkalising effect on the cow’s blood, which supplemented with concentrates. Fat cows should be milked to the dulls the effectiveness of parathyroid hormone. Frequently an 305-day mark to minimise additional condition score gain. additional 10-20g of magnesium is allocated in the close-up period, Cow should be pulled down off-of their milk two weeks before and with higher incidences of hypocalcaemia, anionic salts such as intended dry off by reducing the concentrate level in the milking Magnesium Chloride can be offered to have an acidifying effect on parlour or introducing high fibre low energy forage. Once the the cow’s blood. appropriate dry cow treatment has been administered cows’ energy The cow’s antioxidant status and immune function can be enhanced intake should be restricted for a further 4-7 days by offering low by choosing a high quality pre calving mineral and feeding it twice DMD silage or hay, or a combination of silage and straw 50:50, while per day for the 8 week period leading up to calving. ensuring an adequate supply of clean water always exists. • Vitamin E is an important antioxidant and is crucial for calf health The mid dry cow period and immunity. Aim for at least 10,000 IU/kg of premix. • Selenium acts as an antioxidant and helps boost cow and calf Once cows are dried off, they can be grouped according to body immunity. Organic selenium yeast helps prepare the mammary condition, or predicted calving date if body condition is adequate. glands for next lactation and reduces the incidence of mastitis in Providing cows with a consistent routine, group and a well-balanced the following lactation. diet will minimise stress, and prevent excessive body condition score • Copper and Zinc are associated with the antioxidant status of the gain. The first step in determining the correct nutritional programme cow and as a result is involved with the function of the immune is to analyse the nutrient profile of the grass silage. See table 1. for system. A good quality dry cow mineral will contain increased further information. The three metabolic targets of a successful dry levels of chelated copper and zinc. cow diet are to minimise excessive body condition score gain, prime • Iodine cannot be stored by the cow, and it must be supplemented the cow for calcium mobilisation after calving and to ensure a good daily. antioxidant status resulting in adequate colostrum quality and cow • Biotin and Zinc build up hardness and health of the hoof reducing immunity at calving. the incidence of lameness in early lactation. Biotin also aids good Table 1. Recommended nutritional programme depending on silage liver function is critical in preventing the onset of ketosis. quality, BCS at drying off and the length of the dry period *Good quality silage must be restricted to cows if BCS is > 3 at dry off. It can be diluted with a lower energy feed such as straw but needs to be balanced for protein. To ensure cows are not gaining excessive condition an outside opinion is an invaluable resource. The BCS monitoring process should begin prior to dry off with a target to calve 90% of cows in the correct BCS (3.0-3.25). A slightly higher target of up to 3.50 for in-calf heifers entering the herd is considered appropriate. A single unit of Body Condition (1 BCS) is equivalent to approximately 50 kgs liveweight gain or loss. 40 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

The Transition Period Cows need 24hr access to several water points in this accommo- dation. Feed needs to be allocated fresh daily and cows should In the final 3 weeks before calving and the first 3 weeks after never be in a rush to the feed barrier in this group (feeding space calving, a cow in the correct BCS may avoid many of the potential allowance of 2.5 ft per cow). Cows should be capable of reaching diseases listed in table 2., however there are some management 3 ft for feed, so the feed barrier height should not restrict this. strategies that may elevate some potential fallouts. Cows in Immediately post calving cows should be offered 20 litres of warm excessive condition are prone to a myriad of disease following the water, and an oral calcium supplement in herds prone to milk impacts of excessive BCS loss. fever. The process can begin three weeks before calving and is tradi- Along with this, 2 kg of dairy nuts may be allocated to cows for tionally thought to be underpinned in many circumstances by a 4-5 days pre-calving to introduce some calcium supplement and reduction in voluntary intake as a response to fat mobilization. to prepare the rumen for the increased starch content of the This exacerbates the reduction of fatty tissue creating increased lactating cow diet. In some cases, the lactating cow TMR can be blood ketone levels, ketosis ensues and a cascading effect on allocated to the entire close-up group to increase the energy den- secondary illness follows including impaired calcium mobilization sity of the diet and ready the rumen for the subsequent lactating (with potential fallouts) and suppressed immunity (with potential cow diet. fallouts). The management of cow stressors will help minimise this; Ideally cows should be grouped and moved to a “close up” (1 week before and after calving) calving facility one week in advance of calving and should remain with a majority of now familiar cows in the fresh calved group for several days. The lying space in “close up” accommodation needs to be 10m2 per cow. Table 2. Potential fallout from incorrect BCS management at calving The ideal outcome of the fresh cow is a healthy cow a healthy licked calf and cleanings dropped within 12 hours (Image 2) TRAINING 2 // ASSESSMENT 96 Q1. List 3 factors that influence the timing of dry off? 2. ________________________________________________ 1. ________________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________ Q5. Name two components of a mineral premix that help 3. ________________________________________________ to reduce the incidence of lameness? Q2.. How many kgs of liveweight is a unit of Body Condi- 1. ________________________________________________ tion Score equivalent to? 2. ________________________________________________ (a) 25 kgs (b) 40 kgs Full Name: (c) 50 kgs Q3. What is the target % of cows in ideal BCS (3-3.25) Company: at calving? (a) 50% Email: (b) 75% (c) 90% Address: (d) 80% Q4. List three nutrients that are involved with calcium Registration No. mobilisation 1. ________________________________________________ Send completed answers to: It’s Your Field, Unit 5 Kilkerrin Park, Liosbaun Industrial Estate, Tuam Road, Galway or [email protected]. 41 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

Alternatives to Antibiotics - Probiotics? Dr Tom Barragry PhD, MSC, MVB, MRCVS, Dip ECVPT. Specialist in veterinary pharmacology Abstract Prevention is better than cure, and using antibiotic alternative as pre- “Reduce, Replace, and Rethink “has become the mantra of all international emptive strikes, is now seen as a viable method of reducing outbreaks of Health Authorities as regards curbing antibiotic usage, and all European clinical disease and thus minimizing the need for antibiotic intervention. countries now focus on the “One Health” initiative which underlines the Antibiotics will always be needed and will always be necessary to treat mutual interdependence of animal and human health in this regard. serious outbreaks of clinical infectious diseases. What is at stake here is reducing the frequency of their usage, and indeed, if possible, to Predictions for comparative causes of death 2050 prophylactically head off outbreaks of disease using alternative agents. Antibiotics will always have their place as the primary potent agents with which to treat clinical infectious disease. Where a change must be made however, is not only in the cessation of the prophylactic use of antibiotics and their empirical usage, but also in giving the highest priority to the prevention of disease, and hence avoiding subsequent “firefighting” with antibiotics. A key underlying strategy here is by way of improving and elevating the immune status of the animal, such that fewer infections can establish and gain establishment in the animal. . While vaccines have an obvious key role in this regard, quality proven probiotics on account of their potent gut based and immunological effects can also be key preventive agents. The extensive use of antimicrobials in human and veterinary medicine in recent years has accelerated the emergence and spread of resistant microorganisms. This situation has been worsened by the lack of investment in developing new effective antibiotics. In short there now are relatively few new antibiotics coming on stream, and the existing range of antibiotics have developed resistance problems in various species of bacteria Antibiotic Resistant pathogenic bacteria (Superbugs), currently responsible for 700,000 global deaths a year, could kill more people than cancer by 2050 at a cost of £63 trillion to the global economy (WHO). Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – the ability of microorganisms to resist antimicrobial treatments, especially antibiotics – has a direct impact on human and animal health and carries a heavy economic burden due to higher costs of treatments and reduced productivity caused by sickness. AMR is responsible for an estimated 33,000 deaths per year in the EU. It is also estimated that AMR costs the EU €1.5 billion per year in healthcare costs and productivity losses. According to WHO projections, the number of cases of resistance is expected to double in more than ten years. By 2050, the number of cases will be four times higher than today. The ‘post-antibiotic’ era is near, according to reports released by the World Health Organization. 42 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

Prevention is better than cure! Provita Protect Distributed by • The only licensed clinically proven calf (01) 4688900 [email protected] probiotic on the market 43 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22 • Scour reduced by 83% • 31% better daily weight gains • Better immunity • 50% less incidence of respiratory disease *References available on request Administer as soon as possible to newborn or bought-in calves. Suitable for use on all dairy and beef calves CONTACT US [email protected] www.provita.co.uk +44 28 8225 2352

Prudent Use of Antibiotics WHO defines prudent use as that which “maximizes therapeutic effect Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), of the antimicrobial agent while minimizing the development of sense microbial signals during infection to elicit a protective immune antimicrobial resistance.” Prudent use means in the first instance a response. TLRs are involved in host defence against pathogens, regulating reduction in the overall usage of antibiotics and preferably the use of the commensal population and maintaining tissue integrity. proven alternative such as vaccines, antibodies, immunomodulators, Toll like receptors and dendritic cells also play a role in this gut-based proven probiotics etc where the situation permits. immunity. Chemical “Cross talk “exists between the gut and other tissues Antibiotics should be used only where necessary to treat a bacterial whereby optimised gut microbiome facilitates not just local immunity in infection. Usage must be based on a clinical veterinary diagnosis and, the gut, and but also in protecting the respiratory system, the brain and whenever possible, on the results of microbiological susceptibility tests, other body compartments. and using an antimicrobial agent of as narrow-spectrum as possible, Human medical research has shown that probiotics can enhance the so that the fewest species of organisms are exposed to the drug. Oral response to influenza vaccines. administration should be avoided insofar as it is a blunt form of therapy Effective probiotics contain high colony counts of Enterococcus, which needlessly exposes all types of microorganisms in the gut to the Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacilli (LAB), which help to seed, augment, and antimicrobial agent. Oral broad-spectrum antimicrobials in effect “asset consolidate this indigenous commensal population, thereby counteracting strip” the gut microbiome of more organisms than is necessary, including pathogenic infection, while at the same time boosting commensal-based the vital beneficial ones (commensals) which play an important role in gut immunity. protection and general immunity. This indiscriminate oral antimicrobial Specifically, these probiotics when added to the gut flora, counteract, and usage can be regarded as a “subtractive approach” in terms of the “overcrowd” E coli proliferation, neutralise toxin production and prevent microbiota of the gut microbiome, whereas seeding the gut with beneficial flagellar adhesion to the intestinal mucosa. organisms such by probiotic usage can be viewed as an “additive They also produce bacteriocins such as niacin which have anti-microbial approach”. actions against pathogenic bacteria. Probiotics also enhance intestinal Preventive use of antibiotics, or their use as a substitute for good hygiene villus development, increase the villus: crypt ratio, seal tight junctions and must be avoided. Equally, selective dry cow therapy must replace blanket maximize absorptive and digestive processes. dry cow therapy. Probiotics by optimising the gut microbiome can signal and trigger active immunity throughout the body. This is widely referenced and supported Alternatives to Antibiotics in the biomedical literature. There are many publications demonstrating immunity enhancement, The EMA and EFSA published in 2017 a Joint Scientific Opinion on higher antibody levels and elevation of Interleukin-10 levels, in lambs measures to reduce the need to use antimicrobial agents in animal treated with probiotics as well as enhanced response to vaccination. husbandry in the European Union and thus to lessen the resulting In other publications, diarrhoea (E coli /watery Mouth) incidence was lower impacts on food safety (RONAFA). This opinion, which referred to these in probiotic fed lambs. other alternative agents as ATAMs (alternatives to antimicrobials) was subsequently endorsed by the CVMP, and included a listing of alternatives The Role of Probiotics in Promoting Animal such vaccination, probiotics, phyto chemicals etc and of other potential Health and in Reducing the Need for Antibiotics. alternative measures (see table). In the last ten years or so, very significant advances have been made in These alternatives may well be the future core tools of veterinary elucidating with more precision, the scientific mechanism of action of medicine. probiotics with respect to their interactions with the gut microbiome and Encouragement for the development, usage and uptake of these on the gut barrier itself. alternative agents is the keystone of current EU policy These newly uncovered mechanisms of action and the scientific findings related to them, open up a vast new range of possibilities for probiotics Gut Microbiome, Gut Health, & Immunity. and point to a very wide range of potential beneficial effects in the body. This is highly desirable in view of the global problems of AMR. Research in recent years has established that the gut microbiome and its microbiota is the largest immune system in the body. There are more cells in the gut than there are somatic cells in the body, each one with its complement of DNA. The optimised gut microbiome is now known to be the director not only of gut health, but also of general immunity in the body. Medical research has demonstrated the beneficial effects of quality probiotics on commensal population of the gut. This results in an amplification of the signalling from the gut commensals to the immune system via SCFA (short chain fatty acids and other signalling inducers). Chemical signals sent from the microbiota, e.g., via the metabolite indole, promote fortification of the epithelial barrier through upregulation of tight junctions and associated cytoskeletal protein. 44 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

These interesting new probiotic mechanisms are largely This translates into better weight gains, and this has been a threefold; - constant feature of Provita Protect use in calves, where the treated calved consistently showed higher weight gains (>>10% over (1) Positive effects within the gut on the commensal controls) at weaning. population of the microbiome Respiratory Disease. (2) Effects on the gut barrier itself, including sealing of tight junctions, increasing trans epithelial electrical Mention was made earlier of the immunological “cross talk resistance (TEER), prevention of leaky gut syndrome, and “between the gut and the lungs. In field trials for the purposes of the release of anti-viral peptides, bacteriocins and more. product registration, Protect was seen to reduce the incidence of pneumonia in treated calves. In these field trials, calves treated (3) Immunological effects in the gut, release of chemical with Protect showed not only a 78% reduction in scour incidence signalling agents leading to heightened immunity in the but also a 70% reduction in pneumonia incidence. It is established gut mucosal barrier, and other organs such as the lungs. that scouring calves are twenty times more susceptible to This immunological potential of probiotics has now come respiratory disease. centre stage and has become a primary focus of attention. However, although shown to be effective in preventing respiratory outbreaks, this is not an official licensed use of the product. Provita Protect Probiotic as an Alternative to In summary, probiotics, when administered on a prophylactic Antibiotics: basis, not only can reduce antibiotic usage (and hence reduce the spread of AMR), but it additionally can contribute to significant Provita Protect is the only authorised, licensed and proven financial benefits and better productivity returns to the end user. probiotic for calves on the UK and European market. It has been (Dr Barragry acts as independent consultant to Provita ltd.) authorised for use in E coli calf scour by the VMD and HPRA on the basis of its evidence –based field trials and its proven efficacy against E coli scour in calves. In this regard, it is a unique probiotic. Improved liveweight gains at weaning, and a significant reduction in the incidence of calf scour has been repeatedly reported for Protect in the field...These effects were originally demonstrated in the early clinical field trials with the product on E. coli farms, when the Protect dossier for marketing authorisation was being prepared. Field Trial Results with Provita Protect: Better gut health, better respiratory health, better immunity, and heavier weights at weaning are direct benefits of Provita Protect usage. In addition, the probiotic reduces the need for prophylactic antibiotics, and by reducing subsequent gut and respiratory disease outbreaks, it lessens the need for therapeutic antibiotic intervention. The probiotic has been shown to be just as effective as antibiotics in promoting animal health in calves. In addition, Provita Protect provides for a microbiologically healthier gut which will protect against pathogen invasion while at the same time enhancing nutrient absorption and metabolism. 45 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

Controlling calf scour in spring calving dairy herds Kate Ingram, BVetMed MRCVS, Ruminant Technical adviser, Virbac Animal Health The approach of spring heralds the start of the busiest time of year for Diagram 2 – graph showing reduction in absorption over time: % IgG Irish dairy herds. With the aim being to calve the herd within a 12 week absorption vs. age of calf (hours) ⁶. Nice version of this in Calf Care window, and the top 5% of herds calving 85% of their herd in the first 6 Solutions factsheet – ‘colostrum feeding timing’ weeks¹ of that window, the pressure will be on the whole team to meet In addition to immunoglobulins, colostrum contains energy & nutrients the challenges that such a system presents. that are essential for growth⁷, it is therefore vital that calves receive the With calves arriving thick and fast with the onset of calving, the calf right Quantity of good Quality colostrum, Quickly after birth – the ‘3 Qs’. rearing systems of spring calving herds experience pressure quickly – resources, space & labour can be stretched as they attempt to meet the Quality demands calves arriving 24 hours a day. The value of these calves, many of which represent the future of that herd, is significant and so these calf- • Each cow’s colostrum should be measured for quality before rearing systems need to ensure that despite the challenges, the health & feeding. Poor quality colostrum should be discarded welfare of the calves is maintained. • Good quality colostrum is classified as colostrum containing With a key feature of spring calving herds being the need for heifers >50g/L Immunoglobulin (IgG) to calve at 24 months in order to fit into the system, it is paramount to • Quality can be measured with a BRIX refractometer. 22% achieve good growth rates from birth. Prevention of disease is therefore indicates 50g/L IgG⁸ vital to ensure optimal growth rates are achieved. • An alternative is using a colostrometer however colostrum This article focuses on a small area of calf health, the prevention & control should be measured at room temperature (22⁰C) with colostrum of neonatal calf scour, however it is a significant cause of disease and measuring in the green zone considered good quality mortality in young calves, with recent studies showing that diarrhoea • Colostrum quality reduces quickly after calving so cows should affects approximately 50% of dairy calves² and that gastrointestinal be milked as soon as possible. infections were the most commonly diagnosed cause of mortality in calves < 1 month old submitted for post-mortem³. Our aim when attempting to prevent neonatal calf scours, and indeed the principle applies to many other disease areas such as Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD), is to 1. Maximise the calf’s immunity AND 2. Minimise the disease challenge it faces The challenges of the spring calving herd in terms of numbers of calves being born in such a short space of time and the pressure that puts on the system in terms of space and labour means that these 2 factors must be considered well ahead of the calving period and thought put into how best to achieve them. 1. Maximising calf immunity Diagram 1⁴ shows the most common causes of infectious diarrhoea in young calves and the age at which they generally cause disease. Many of these pathogens are ubiquitous on farms and can cause disease alone or in combination. Although we can reduce the infection pressure we cannot eliminate them from the environment therefore any control strategy must ensure calves have as much immunity as possible in addition to focusing on reducing the exposure of the calves to the infectious agents. Diagram 1: Neonatal scour pathogens in relation to age & immune status Refractometer & BRIX of calf⁴ There are multiple factors that contribute to maximising an individual Quantity & Quickly calf’s immunity but the contribution of colostrum to this cannot be overstated. • All calves should receive 10% of their bodyweight in good Calves are born with a naïve immune system and therefore depend almost quality colostrum within the first 6 hours (ideally first 2 hours) entirely on absorption of immunoglobulins from colostrum after birth⁵ after birth, and this should be repeated 12–24 hours after birth¹² for protection, the ‘passive transfer’ of immunity, until their own immune • Colostrum should be fed at body temperature system is effectively functioning. • Ensure there is a store of good quality colostrum from cows The ability of the calf to absorb these immunoglobulins decreases of know health status available should additional colostrum be quickly after birth with the gut effectively ‘closed’ to absorption by 20- needed 24 hours old. Colostrum collection & storage 46 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22 Research finds that bacterial contamination of colostrum is often considerable at the point of feeding, and that this will have a significant impact on uptake of IgG. Pre-milking teat disinfection, and disinfection of colostrum collection and feeding equipment is paramount⁹. • Colostrum must be hygienically collected & stored to reduce bacterial contamination • Colostrum should be used, pasteurised or stored within an hour of collection • Colostrum can be stored in a fridge (4⁰C) for up to 24 hours and in a freezer for up to a year • Before use, colostrum should be thawed using warm, not excessively hot, water baths (less than 50 °C) and fed at 38°C

ONE-SHOT PROTECTION for the next generation For dairy and beef production Broad spectrum calf scour protection Convenient one-shot vaccine in cows and heifers Wide and flexible vaccination window: 12 - 3 weeks pre-calving Ask your vet how Bovigen Scour can help 47 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22 protect the next generation of your herd. Bovigen® Scour emulsion for injection for cattle contains inactivated antigens: Bovine rotavirus strain TM-91, serotype G6P1, Bovine coronavirus strain C-197, Escherichia coli strain EC/17 (F5 / K99 antigens). UK: POM-VPS IE: POM Advice on the use of this medicine must be sought from your veterinary surgeon. Further information available from the package leaflet, SPC or from Virbac Ltd. Woolpit Business Park, Windmill Avenue, Woolpit, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9UP. Tel: +44 (0) 1359 243243 UK: Email [email protected] https://uk.virbac.com IE: Email [email protected] www.virbac.ie Use medicines responsibly. www.noah.co.uk/responsible www.apha.ie

Monitoring success of colostrum management Calving area Rates of successful passive transfer varies across farms but a study of 7 dairy Diarrhoea pathogens are acquired faeco-orally from older animals or the envi- UK dairy farms showed 26% of calves failed to receive adequate immunoglob- ronment. Viral and bacterial pathogens are mainly disseminated from mother to ulin transfer¹⁰. Regular testing of blood total protein (TP) or IgG levels of calves calf in the calving pen, or from older calves (particularly those recovering from < 7 days old allows the approach to colostrum management to be monitored on scours) to younger calves¹². Therefore focusing on keeping the cows as clean farms. This can be done by the farm’s vet on small numbers of calves, with the as possible and minimising the time the calves spend with their dams will help target being >85% of calves having had successful passive transfer. reduce the exposure of the calves to the pathogens, as will minimising contact with older and/or scouring calves when moved to the calf housing. Table 1: Antibody (IgG) & Total Protein (TP) blood test recommendations⁷ • Calve cows in individual calving pens where possible to reduce expo- Vaccination sure of new-born calves to calving yards • Minimise time calves spend with the cows to reduce the risk of pick- Another means of maximising calf immunity in relation to the prevention of ing up infection from their dams neonatal scour is the use of maternal vaccination. Vaccinating the cows prior to • Clean out & disinfect individual calving pens between calvings – calving increases the antibody levels of the colostrum to some of the key infec- ensure calving pens are made from materials that can be effectively tious pathogens that cause scour in the first weeks of life. Studies have shown cleaned that calves fed colostrum from vaccinated dams have less severe diarrhoea and • Don’t forget calf-transport – ensure any trailer/cart used to transport for a shorter duration than calves fed colostrum from unvaccinated dams¹¹, calf is effectively cleaned & disinfected between animals – this too can they have also been shown to shed the infectious pathogens for a shorter be a source of infection period, which will help reduce the contamination of the environment and the challenge to the group. Vaccination is another means of maximising a calf’s Disinfection & hygiene immunity, however as it is dependent on good passive transfer, the importance of achieving the 3 Qs remains. • When cleaning calving pens, calf housing, feeding equipment etc. en- sure an effective disinfectant is chosen – active against all the relevant Passive immunity via vaccination? pathogens e.g., Viruses, bacteria & protozoa (i.e. Cryptosporidia) • Hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen peroxide based products performed Other factors best against cryptosporidia in a recent study comparing commonly used on-farm disinfectants¹³ • Management & nutrition of the cows pre-calving – whilst beyond • Make sure a new batch of disinfectant is mixed fresh each time the scope of this article, it is important to consider management & • Read the instructions – different disinfectants require different mixing nutrition of cows prior to calving to ensure their ability to produce high rates & contact times quality colostrum for their calves. • Allow time for drying where possible • Take measures to prevent concurrent neonatal diseases such as BRD, • Consider the addition of steam-cleaning into the cleaning protocol which may compromise the calves’ immune systems – temperature impacts efficacy against some pathogens eg. Cryptospo- • Ensure good quality nutrition beyond colostrum feeding to meet ridia calves’ requirements for growth & maintain health • Environment – in addition to a focus on hygiene, pay attention to calf Sick pens comfort (including ambient temperature) to ensure calf’s immunity is not compromised by energy demands to maintain body heat for • Consider the use of quarantine or ‘sick pens’ for scouring calves example. where they can be managed separately from the healthy calves to • Feeding method; Calves should not be left with their dam and relied minimise the risk of spread upon to suck adequate colostrum. Calves should be fed colostrum by • Use separate equipment for the sick calves eg. Feed buckets, stomach stomach tube or by bottle (and ‘topped up’ by stomach tube if they do tubes, protective clothing not consume the full volume) to be confident the required amount has • Remember zoonoses – some pathogens that cause diarrhoea in calves been ingested. can also affect humans so ensure staff are aware of the risks, especially more vulnerable groups such as young children or the immunocompro- 2. Minimising disease challenge mised Managing environmental conditions will also help reduce the build-up of Although much can be done to maximise a calf’s immunity, in an environment pathogens and disease challenge. Calves require a clean, dry bed in well venti- of overwhelming challenge these animals can still succumb to disease. Hence, lated but draught free (<2m/sec) conditions¹⁴. Moisture and humidity provide farms must focus on both areas when working to prevent calf scour. Again, conditions favourable to pathogen survival so ensuring it is controlled where addressing this area is best done ahead of the calving season – working in col- possible will help limit the pathogens, as does regular mucking out of yards & laboration with the calf rearing person/team if there is one, prior to the start of group housing – physically removing much of the pathogen load. calving, perhaps looking back to previous years at ‘pinch points’ in the system Farms manage their calf housing in many different ways but block-calving will be useful in planning a strategy for the upcoming block. herds can find space an issue, particularly towards the end of calving. Hutch/ Key to controlling calf scour pathogens is hygiene. The pathogens that most igloo-type housing can provide additional housing which have the added ad- commonly cause infectious calf scour in young calves, rotavirus, coronavirus & vantage of being moveable, therefore the ability to re-locate them onto ‘clean’ cryptosporidia, are ubiquitous in the environment and so whilst they cannot be ground between calves. They can also be easier and quicker to effectively clean eliminated, they can be controlled. The aim is to reduce the infection pressure, between calves that calf pens within sheds. or number of these pathogens in the calf’s environment, to a point that they The intensity of the calving season makes pre-planning essential for these can tolerate without causing disease. herds. The creation of protocols & SOPs well ahead of the start of calving, One of the particular challenges of a block calving system, especially where based on risk assessments and experience of previous years will be invaluable the majority of cows are calving indoors and calves then being housed indoors, in the midst of those high pressure weeks of calving to help the whole team is the build-up of these pathogens in the environment and it is common to stay focused on the areas key to preventing calf scours – maximising immunity see outbreaks of scour, when they do occur, happening towards the end of the whilst simultaneously minimising challenge. calving block. References: 1. Block Calving Key Performance Indicators – AHDB 2. Johnson, K., Chancellor, N., Burn, C., & Wathes, D. (2018). Analysis of pre-weaning feeding policies and other risk factors influencing growth rates in calves on 11 com- mercial dairy farms. Animal, 12(7), 1413-1423. doi:10.1017/S1751731117003160 3. Conditions most frequently diagnosed on post mortem examination in neonate calves in Ireland. All-Island Animal Disease surveillance report 2016. 4. Image adapted from: Hulbert, L.E. and Moisá, S.J. (2016) Stress, immunity, and the management of calves. J. Dairy Sci. 99(4): 3199-3216 5. Godden S. (2008).Colostrum Management for Dairy Calves. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract; 24(1):19-39. doi: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2007.10.005 6. Image from: Blomquist (2009) The Importance of colostrum for calves. http://www. thebeefsite.com/articles/1850/the-importance-of-colostrum-for-calves/ 7. AHDB ‘Calf Management Guide’ 3090_200128_WEB 8. Bielmann JD et al(2010). An evaluation of Brix refractometry instruments for the measurement of colostrum quality in dairy cattle. J Dairy Science 93:3713-3721. 9. Glover, I. (2021). Transfer of Passive Immunity in Dairy Calves. Livestock. 26(5):239- 246 10. MacFarlane, J. A., Grove-White, D. H., Royal, M. D. and Smith, R. F. (2015). Identifi- cation and quantification of factors affecting neonatal immunological transfer in dairy calves in the UK. Vet Rec. 13;176 (24):625. 11. Geollot S et al. (2018) Serologic and colostral response and vaccine efficacy in calves following a single injection of Bovigen® Scour in seronegative pregnant cows. BCVA conference, Hinckley. 12. Button, E. and Scott, P. A guide to neonatal calf diarrhoea. UK-Vet Livestock. 13. Shaw, H. J. (2019). Cryptosporidiosis in calves. PhD Thesis. University of Edin- burgh. 14. NADIS Calf Housing Information Sheet. www.NADIS.org.uk 48 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

Changes to withdrawal periods for veterinary Background Changes to withdrawal periods Occasionally, withdrawal periods for individual veterinary It follows from the above that any change to the MRL value can medicines may change. This article sets out the reasons for this, also impact the withdrawal period. Such changes are rare but the implications for users, and how such changes are notified to may arise occasionally where new toxicological information end users. becomes available that requires a more conservative approach to food safety. Likewise, any change to the EMA guidance on the Residue controls conduct of residue studies or the analytical methods may lead to a marketing authorisation holder (MAH) deciding to conduct The reference point for drug residues in foodstuffs of treated a new residue study (either to confirm the adequacy of existing animals is known as the ‘maximum residue limit’ (MRL). The withdrawal periods or in support of a shorter withdrawal period). MRL is a legal limit for a drug residue that is set by the European Occasionally, the validity of an existing withdrawal period might Commission following a safety assessment by the European be questioned based on the results of national field monitoring Medicines Agency (EMA). The assessment takes into account the for drug residues, or major discrepancies between Member States nature of the residue, the toxicological risks, the occurrence of for the same or very similar medicines. In such cases, the EMA will any residues in the environment, as well as microbiological and usually conduct its own review of the available data before setting pharmacological effects of the residues. Only when a substance a harmonised withdrawal period for a medicine that will then has been considered by the EMA and a favourable decision given become valid throughout the EU. This period may be different to can a veterinary medicine containing the drug be authorised by a that previously in existence in a specific product for a national competent authority for use in food-producing species, whether market. nationally (by the Health Products Regulatory Authority) or centrally (by the EMA). Updating of product labelling and leaflet The MRLs are used both for monitoring residues in foodstuffs, as well as for setting withdrawal periods for veterinary medicines. It Even when a withdrawal period has been increased following an should be noted that notwithstanding the existence of MRLs for EU regulatory procedure, the labelling and product information these purposes, creameries and potentially other purchasers of for the veterinary medicine must be updated and revised labelling food commodities may use their own benchmarks (e.g. Delvo test printed. In order to ensure the timely introduction of revised for screening milk for residues of antibiotics) in deciding whether labelling indicating updated withdrawal period(s), the HPRA a foodstuff is acceptable or not for their own manufacturing requires marketing authorisation holders to ensure that the systems. amended product labelling and package leaflet is introduced onto the marketplace as soon as possible and depending upon the Setting withdrawal periods significance of the change, within 6 months of the approval of the change. Consequently, the change to the withdrawal period may Typically, an applicant seeking a marketing authorisation for a not be present on product livery for several months. veterinary medicine must conduct a residue study in a sufficient To address this discrepancy, the HPRA issues ‘safety advisory number of animals treated with the product. The design of the notices’ to alert users and prescribers of pending changes and study is critical and is described in EMA guidances which specify their implications and the need to follow the currently approved the number of animals, their bodyweight, the samples to be withdrawal periods indicated in the product’s summary of collected and the requirements for the method used to analyse product characteristics (SPC) as published on the HPRA website residues. The study must be carried out in accordance with a pending availability of updated product livery. Furthermore, in detailed protocol and follow strict standards of Good Laboratory certain cases where a significant increase to a withdrawal period Practice. Animals receive the precise maximum dosage, including is required for safety reasons, the HPRA will also require the any recommended repeat treatments, and respecting any dose MAH to publish a letter in veterinary journals to alert veterinary volume limitations for each injection site. healthcare professionals to the changes. For tissue residues, groups of four treated animals must then Where users seek definitive information of veterinary medicines be slaughtered at intervals, timed to ensure that the residue they should visit the HPRA website (www.hpra.ie) where the latest depletion curve can be characterised during the drug elimination information on a veterinary medicine for Ireland is available in the phase (generally, three of the four time points chosen for animal Summary of Product Characteristics. slaughter will have animals which have residues above or around It should also be noted that where purchasers of foodstuffs the MRL, with the last group of four animals slaughtered at a time impose residue controls other than those based on MRLs, the period so that residues in all animals in that group are below the withdrawal periods indicated might not be sufficient. In these MRL). cases, users should contact the organisation concerned for advice. While there are specific requirements relating to the conduct of the drug analyses too, for the purposes of this article, suffice to say that the analytical rigour is robust. From the residue concentrations for each individual animal and tissue matrix (muscle, fat, liver and kidney), the residue depletion curves are plotted in a computer model, which calculates a suitable withdrawal period taking into account any variability in the dataset, which is then rounded to the nearest whole day (e.g. 16.5 days becomes 17 days). In broad terms, the withdrawal periods are derived from mathematical computations of biological studies in the target species that follow strict protocols. While the studies conducted are rigorous, the output of the model is faithful to the precise conditions under which the withdrawal period is derived. It follows that any deviations in e.g. the dosage used, or treatment of the animal with other drugs around the same time, can affect those conditions and render the predicted withdrawal period insufficient. In such circumstances an increase in the withdrawal period might be necessary, in order to safeguard consumer safety and to pass residue monitoring tests. 49 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22

EQUINE NURSING Rebecca Watson MSc RVN Once upon a time if your horse fractured a limb, the most likely veterinary recommendation would be euthanasia on humane grounds. However, advances in veterinary medicine over the past three decades, new and improved anaesthesia drugs together with enhanced surgical techniques, mean that many equine athletes are spared this fate. Horses do not cope well on three legs. The inability to use the fractured leg, combined with the associated pain, can cause considerable anxiety. Frantic attempts to use the affected limb to right himself or balance can cause the horse to damage the fractured leg beyond repair; therefore stabilisation of the limb is of paramount importance. Proper splinting and transportation of the patient significantly improves the outcome. In some cases it may literally be a case of life and death. Sedation may be necessary to splint or cast the injured limb; care should be taken with the dose; too much may result in the horse becoming unsteady on his feet. If the fracture is open or likely to be surgically repaired, antibacterial treatment should be commenced. NSAIDs should also be administered to help control pain and reduce inflammation. When travelling a horse with a forelimb fracture, it is recommended to travel him facing backwards in the trailer so that he can use his hind end to brace when the vehicle is slowing down, conversely a horse with a fractured hindlimb should be travelled facing forwards. If possible, unload hindlimb fractures forwards and forelimb fractures backwards to allow the horse to navigate the trailer ramp safely. Although there are obvious costs incurred with a surgical Post of repair of a comminuted PI correction of a fracture, the fact remains that fractures fracture in a racehorse repaired in this fashion will heal more quickly and with less of a callus, as the bones will be better aligned. A horse that There is no need to deprive the horse of appropriate has an internally repaired fracture will be able to walk on analgesia. In the past, it was believed that the horse would the limb and return to work more quickly than a horse that cause more damage or overuse the affected limb if they do is treated conservatively with a cast. Internal fixation will not feel some level of pain. This model of thinking is out also avoid the possible complications of long term casting – dated and potentially inhumane. such as skin abrasions and pressure sores. The combination of orthopaedic implants necessary to Eliminating or reducing pain in horses post surgery will repair the fracture will depend largely on the fracture; the not only reduce stress but also the risk of gastric ulcer location, how many bones / fragments are involved, how syndrome and other GI problems, such as colitis. Poorly heavy and how old the horse is. executed pain management in horses with orthopaedic Whilst not considered the highest risk of post operative injuries can undermine even the best surgical repair. complications, recovery from general anaesthesia in horses One of the greatest benefits of pain control in the surgically treated for fractures instils anxiety in even the orthopaedic patient is the potential to control or reduce most experienced of surgical teams. Newer generation the risk of support limb laminitis, which is an important and anaesthetic agents and enhanced recovery techniques have often devastating complication associated with excessive helped minimise the risk, however, it is estimated that 2 in unilateral weight-bearing in adult horses. Unlike other every 1000 horses experience a catastrophic fracture on forms of laminitis support-limb laminitis appears to be recovery, typically near the site of the pre-existing injury or caused by a unique mechanism, it occurs exclusively in the adjacent to the orthopaedic implants. foot opposite the lame limb. Some hospitals offer standing surgery in fracture cases, but The normal architecture of the foot is designed for constant this is heavily dependent on the fracture and the individual, movement, ‘constant cycles of loading and unloading not every horse is a suitable candidate (see table). that promote blood flow to the foot’. Even horses that The amount of analgesia an individual needs will vary, are standing still are constantly shifting weight between each fracture case is different, close peri and post- all four feet. Horses that are unable to bear weight in an operative monitoring of the patient will help determine an injured limb suffer from reduced blood flow and reduced appropriate regimen. oxygen delivery to the delicate structures in the hoof. 50 | It’s Your Field | Winter 22