IYF February

1 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

AVAILNAOBWLE! Problem with scouring calves? &• Meloxicam based NSAID • Reduce clinical signs associated with diarrhoea in combination with oral rehydration • Can be used from one week of age • 1.25ml per 50kg bodyweight • 26 hour half-life in young cattle • Rapid rehydration following onset of diarrhoea is crucial to calf recovery • Contains optimal levels of readily available energy and electrolytes • Mixes with water or milk Aiding rapid recovery for scouring calves USE MEDICINES RESPONSIBLY. Loxicom® 20mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cattle, Pigs and Horses contains meloxicam 20mg/ml and ethanol 150mg/ml. Legal Category: Manufactured in NI by: Norbrook Laboratories Ltd, Station Works, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 6JP. For further details on this product including the dosage regimens, side effects, Lpirefeca-Autiido®n2sX, twr|aar(nIninotgt’sasavnedtYecroionnatrruyaimnrdeidcFaictiinioene)s cploldenatasien-sseseSotdhipuemsrucmiitnmrataegrydiohf2ypdrro3adteu,cstocdhiaurmacatecreitsatitcest(rSihPyCd)raatvea,ilsaobdlieuamt www.hpra.ie/homepage/veterinary/veterinary-medicines-information/find-a-medicine/ propionate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, glucose (anhydrous), silica colloidal anhydrous. | Distributed in ROI by: Norbrook Laboratories (Ireland) Ltd, Rossmore Industrial Estate, Monaghan, County Monaghan. | 5717-LA(C)-v1a-ROI-20/01/23

Spring the season of ContentsSpring 2023 / ISSUE 48 expectation! It is 10 years ago since the agri-food your clients. Farmers need to be made industry was reeling from the horse aware by their nutritionists, advisors meat scandal. Ten years ago, the agri- and vets that milk fever can predispose food and drink exports reached a record to other transition diseases such as €9.9bn. Our food and drink exports for retained placentas, left displaced 2022 reached a new record of €16.7bn. abomasum, mastitis and lameness. Agriculture production prospects for There are some concerns in relation 2023 look positive but those of us long to the availability of some medicine enough around will know that nothing which is referred to in the HPRA article is certain in this life except taxes and “Challenges in availability of veterinary death. medicines Ireland”. Team LM provides the first training Herd health involves a combination module “Maximising lamb immunity of farming practices such as nutrition, and minimising disease challenge vaccination, biosecurity protocols, through good colostrum management hygiene, improved animal husbandry and hygiene”. which includes reducing stress – herd Dr Orla Keane Teagasc, and Dr Wesley health is not just treating sick animals. Power Elanco looks at worm treatment options in sheep. Fionnuala Malone, Through the WHO’s One Health initiative Senior Milk Quality Advisor and Jores Only 1 in 10 neonatal calves are fully vaccinated 4 to reduce antimicrobial resistance and Somers, Veterinary Advisor with Tirlán against pneumonia viruses. updated EU legislation it is no longer focuses on “Avoiding residue positives permitted to use antibiotics to prevent from antiparasitics treatments in Coccidiosis Condensed. 6 disease. There is steady growth in the spring”” something which will be use of vaccines and probiotics (but there expanded on in a future publication. is still a bit to go) and a corresponding Kath Aplin of BIAH focuses on mastitis decline in the use of antibiotics which is “Reviewing mastitis protocols – make encouraging. it an annual event!” Kath advocates prevention and when treatment is Responsible Person and veterinary necessary to use a narrow spectrum HPRA Affairs. 8 pharmacists are playing a key role in product (category D) as first choice “converting” farmers to strategic and wherever possible. By having a cautious Benefits of Seeding the Neonatal Gut Microbiome 9 tactical use of antiparasiticides and and responsible approach to prescribing of Calves & Lambs. away from blanket treatment. It is a you, the professional/consultant are team effort and in this edition of Its creating an awareness among farmers with Probiotics –An Opportunity Not to be Missed. 10-12 Your Field we have a great team of that intramammary preparations are contributors. precious resources, not available Practical Advice for Milk Fever in Dairy Cattle. 14 on demand and are not commodity The calving season is about to go into products. Is it time to consider that a Reviewing mastitis protocols – make it an annual 16 overdrive and we have many interesting veterinary practitioner should be the event. articles beginning with Aurelie Moralis only professional person to administer from Zoetis where Aurelie focuses an intramammary? Quarantine wormer dosing essential for incoming 18 on “Vaccination against pneumonia Kate Ingram, Virbac Animal Health sheep. viruses”. Chanelle Pharma technical highlights “The importance of trace advisor, Ciaran Lenehan poses a number element supplementation post calving”. Training Module I. 20-21 of questions and provides the answer Eilidh Thomson BVMS, UCD article on the disease “Coccidiosis in calves”. focuses on “Post-partum anoestrus in dairy and beef cows”. HIPRA’s Ryan Duffy refresher “BRD101” Associate Professor Eoin Ryan, UCD vet Developing a decision support tool to help slow the 22 takes a practical look at the complex college provides the second training further development of anthelmintic resistance on disease that is BRD. Director and module and as usual Eoin takes a sheep farms. engineer with Magdek, El Lewis looks practical approach to “Controlling at the importance of ventilation in calf Lameness in the Spring Calving Dairy Why are Positive Pressure Tube Ventilation systems 24 rearing in her article “Positive Pressure Herd”. so important for successful calf rearing?. Tube Ventilation systems”. Rebecca Watson, equine specialist responded to requests for information on Provita Animal Health are the only “Lymphangitis in horses” which I am sure Avoid residue positives from antiparasitic treat- 26 company with a probiotic which has a you will find useful. Oonagh Fitzgibbon, ments in spring. medicinal claim and their veterinary Companion Animal Veterinary Manager consultant Dr Tom Barragry has a with MSD Animal Health discusses the Back to the Basics of the Bó. 28 thought-provoking article “Benefits of risks which ectoparasites pose to both Seeding the Neonatal Gut Microbiome pet and human alike and the year-round Post-partum anoestrus in dairy and beef cows. 30 of calves and lambs with Probiotics”. approach needed for prevention. Melanie O’Donoghue from Vet Assist is Transition cow management is a huge the expert in practice design and layout. topic of conversation with farmers at Melanie poses the question “Is your this time of year. Dr Elaine Brady, Tirlán practice fit for purpose”? Post Calving trace mineral deficiency is a reality! 34 I hope there is something in there for explains why and how “Negative Energy everyone as we get dug into the spring AHI. 36 Balance” occurs. Hypocalcaemia, work – spring the season of expectation! clinical or subclinical is a fact of life on dairy farms however, it’s prevalence Training Module II. 38-40 can be significantly reduced through good management. Maura Langan of Negative Energy Balance. 42-44 Norbrook provides an article “Practical advice on how to be proactive on The risks which ectoparasites pose to both pet and preventing and treating milk fever in human alike and the year-round approach needed dairy cattle”. It should provide the for prevention. perfect conversation on this topic with 46 Editor: [email protected] Lymphangitis in horses. 48-49 Sales/Marketing: [email protected] Advertising Enquiries: [email protected] Is your practice fit for purpose?. 50-51 Tehcnical Editor: Dr Theo De Waal, UCD. It's your field, Unit 5 Kikerrin Park, Liosbaun Ind Estate Tuam Road, Galway. Tel 091 773734 FAQ’s. 52 Disclaimer: It's your field. All rights reserved. Reprodcution in whole or part is forbidden except with Product Focus. 53 prior permission in writing from It's Your Field. The opinions expressed in this journal are those of People on the Move. 54 the writers and services offered by advertisers are not endorsed by It's Your Field. While every effort is made 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 correspondence or phone calls, and ccalan3rnit|oytIotg’russapYraaocnuete.rLeFeatitepeelrdsrsno-onStapilnrrteiepnnlgdy.e2Idt'3sfoYropuurbFliiecladtiroensesrhvoeusldthbeericglehat rtloy cut or edit letters for reason of marked. 3 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

Aurelie Moralis DVM Cert DHH MRCVS | Marketing and Technical Manager Zoetis Only 1 in 10 neonatal calves are fully vaccinated against pneumonia viruses. The causes of calf pneumonia are multifactorial and will occur but not RSV and Pi3, which are more common in young calves. when the infection challenge overwhelms the immune defences of Mycoplasma bovis was also present on the unit. the animal. Most pneumonia outbreaks start with a virus with key From December 2015 to April 2016, the farmer used 130 bottles respiratory viruses in young dairy calves being RSV and Pi3. These of antibiotics to treat sick calves. At this point no RSV and Pi3 viruses cause significant lung and airway damage and reduce the vaccination protocol was in place. The following year, calves were animal’s ability to cope with secondary bacterial infections. vaccinated with Rispoval RS+Pi3 IntraNasal at 10 to 14 days of age, In Ireland, only 1 in 10 young calves were vaccinated with an and the number of bottles of antibiotics used was reduced to 48 intranasal RSV and Pi3 vaccine last spring, between February and in the same time frame. This was a 63% reduction in volume of April 20221. The only way to ensure full vaccination for RSV and antibiotics used. Pi3 in the first 2-3 weeks of life is by using a live intranasal vaccine The New Veterinary Medicine Regulations, which were implemented such as Rispoval RS+Pi3 IntraNasal. Inactivated injectable vaccines on 28 January 2022, prohibit the use of antibiotics to prevent require 2 injections 4 weeks apart and therefore don’t allow full disease (prophylaxis) in an effort to combat the development of protection before 8 weeks of age. antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, we must ensure animal health, welfare and productivity are not compromised following a reduction in antibiotic usage in young calves. The only way we can achieve this is by increasing the focus on disease prevention and therefore the use of intranasal RSV and Pi3 vaccination. Encouraging farmers to vaccinate One way to encourage more farmers to ensure adequate protection for RSV and Pi3 in young calves is by demonstrating the ease of use of an intranasal vaccine. The following video was filmed in the autumn on dairy bred weanlings, however it should help to alleviate fears around vaccinating up the nose. For more information on vaccination please scan QR code below. Cost of disease The other advantage of using Rispoval RS+Pi3 IntraNasal is that it is a single dose vaccine which protects calves for RSV and Pi3 Pneumonia is a costly disease and the most common cause of calf for up to 12 weeks compared to 2 doses of injectable inactivated mortality in calves from 1 to 6 months of age in Ireland2. Pneumonia vaccines. also has the most detrimental impact on future productivity in We all have a role to play in reducing anti-microbial resistance and young dairy calves if affected under 3 months of age3. encouraging good practice to protect animal health and welfare For a dairy calf the immediate cost of disease has been estimated at and can make some headway by advising our farmers to use an €494. This includes the cost of weight loss during and immediately intranasal RSV and Pi3 vaccine in their young calves. With 90% of after the disease outbreak. The long-term effects on productivity neonatal calves unprotected for key respiratory viruses, we have are the result of an increased age at first calving3, a reduction in a huge opportunity to effect change. Let’s do this and make real a lactation yields5 and a reduced longevity in the herd of up to 25 difference! days for a single case of pneumonia6. Therefore, the benefit of preventing a single case of pneumonia in a dairy calf could be worth up to €3457. Reducing antibiotic usage whilst maintaining References welfare standards 1. Kynetec (Nov 2022) The following case study highlights how vaccination can reduce 2. AIDSR (2019) the need for antibiotic usage. The herd in question is a 1,200-cow 3. Van der Fels-Klerx et al Livestock Production Science 75 Holstein Friesian dairy herd in south-west Scotland. The calves were group housed and machine fed. Overall, good calf management (2002) 157-166 was in place with measures including pasteurising colostrum, 4. Andrews A.H. (2000) Cattle Practice 8(2), 109-114 but despite all the good intentions, the herd was experiencing 5. Morrison S., (2011) Zoetis Conference Rhodes (www.afbini. pneumonia issues in post-weaned calves when moved to the rearing unit at 8 weeks of age. The calves were vaccinated for IBR, gov.uk) 6. Bach A., (2011) J Dairy Sci 94(2), 1052-1057 7. 1st lactation yield 5,000L, 2nd lactation yield 5,800L, Net margin 22 c/L (Teagasc 2022) 4 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

VACCINATE FOR HEALTH RISPOVAL Your partner in protection against RSV and Pi3 infection RSV and Pi3 are Common Causes of Pneumonia in Ireland 1 1 All-Island Animal Disease Surveillance Report (2019). Rispoval® R5S+P|i3IItn’tsraNYaosaul PrOMF(Ei)e. Flodr fu-rtShepr irnifonrmgat2io3n please see SPC or contact Zoetis on (01)2569800 or www.zoetis.ie. Use medicines responsibly. See www.apha.ie MM-18116 (Jan 2023).

Ciarán Lenehan, BAgr.Sc, MAgr.Sc,Commercial Manager – Realoch Coccidiosis Condensed Diseases like coccidiosis can be difficult to understand, manage immune system will be pulling huge amounts of energy in an effort and prevent. Here, we answer the most frequently asked questions to battle the parasite and develop natural protection. In the vast around the disease. majority (~96%) of cases, there will be no obvious symptoms. However, this ‘pulling of energy’ will have caused a significant 1. What causes coccidiosis? reduction in growth rate. Recent research studies across Western Europe demonstrate this reduction in growth rate to be around The disease is caused by microscopic parasites called coccidia. 19%. They are extremely resilient and phenomenal reproducers – one In the 4% of infections that show symptoms, farmers will see infective oocyst can lead to millions more in a matter of weeks. animals straining, hunched and with black, often bloody diarrhoea. They are very difficult to kill and survive in the environment for in Clinically ill animals are generally the weakest or most stressed, excess of 12 months. whose immune systems quickly succumbed to the parasite. 2. Where do my animals pick up coccidia? 5. I have a case, what do I do now? Coccidia can be present indoors or outdoors – basically anywhere Beyond a certain point, the damage caused to the animal’s gut by in the animal’s environment. They are spread by already-infected coccidiosis cannot be cured. Prevention is always best. However, animals, who will shed millions of new oocysts via their faeces. In if there is one or more calves or lambs in a larger group with extremes of warm or cold weather, oocysts in the environment will confirmed coccidiosis, all animals in that group should be treated not be dangerous. They need mild weather and moisture (typical with an anti-coccidial. There are two drench active ingredients on Irish spring) in order to ‘switch on’ and become infective. Animals the market currently, diclazuril and toltrazuril. The reason for the ingest infective oocysts by grazing, suckling their dams, interacting full group treatment is that the parasite will inevitably be present with other animals, visiting contaminated troughs, nibbling in all animals and negatively affecting group thrive. Clinically bedding or investigating their environment. ill animals should receive additional rehydration therapy and anecdotal evidence suggests that supplementation with cobalt can help with recovery. 6. What are the long term affects? In cases where the gut is badly damaged, animals that recover can exhibit reduced feed efficiency throughout their lives. 7. How do I prevent it in future - treatments? Anti-coccidial drenches are actually formulated to use before symptoms appear. Given the seasonality of Irish farms, coccidiosis generally occurs at a single given point in a year. Best practice would be for farmers to drench with an anti-coccidial approximately one week in advance of expected symptoms, based on farm history. 3. What animals are at risk? 8. How do I prevent it in future - other factors? All ruminants will experience coccidia in their environment at some Indoors, young calves’ beds should always be dry and refreshed point. It is not uncommon for mature animals to return high faecal frequently. Avoid mixing old and young calves. Feed and water coccidia oocyst counts, yet be in perfect health and require no troughs should be located outside feed barriers. Offer animals interventions. There are two reasons for this: good quality long fibre to avoid bed-eating (mixing chopped straw Not all species of coccidia are pathogenic and a simple oocyst count through concentrate can help). Ensure temperature, ventilation and will not differentiate between dangerous and harmless species. draught protection are optimised. Use oocyst-killing disinfectants They have developed a strong natural immunity against the parasite prior to the season and dilute correctly. Remove clinically ill and can tolerate it. animals to an isolation pen as soon as possible. Developing immunity is key in managing coccidiosis. Young Clip cows’ tails in advance of calving and remove calves as soon animals will not have any immunity against coccidia, having never aspossible after birth on problem farms (farms with coccidiosis experienced it. So, if they are exposed to significant burdens of outbreaks before 5 weeks of age). Feed cows 300-400g of soya infective oocysts in their environment, symptoms and reduction bean meal for 2-3 weeks pre-calving and ensure colostrum intake is in thrive can follow. Older animals, with a developed natural optimized immediately after birth. Vaccination against other scour- immunity, can also see relapses after stressful episodes such as causing agents helps to reduce overall pressure on the immune transport, environmental extremes, improper weaning or excessive system. handling. Outdoors, rotation of pastures between sheep and cattle can help reduce burdens. Ideally, do not graze calves on pastures 4. What will I see? where mature cattle have grazed within one year previous. Fence off mucky areas and watercourses. Move feed and water troughs Ingested coccidia oocysts arrive in the gut and proliferate through around so as to avoid poaching. Move new-born animals off an 18-24 day lifecycle. Towards the end of this lifecycle there will ‘maternity paddocks’ and onto clean grazing ground as quickly be damage to the lining of the intestine, as coccidia multiplication as possible. Avoid too many stressors on one given day – e.g. causes cells there to rupture. During this period the animal’s dehorning, vaccination, transport, weighing. References available on request 6 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

IT’S A NUMBERS GAME 4% of animals infected with harmful coccidia will display scour symptoms1 19% reduction in thrive across full groups of infected animals1 DreInncchluindgedG*un Use Dycoxan drench across full groups of lambs or calves to prevent coccidiosis Find your local supplier at farmhealthfirst.com/dycoxan Use medicines responsibly *Free gun (while stocks last) with every 2.5L. 1. Literature review at cocci.news/research. DYCOXAN® 2.5 mg/ml Oral Suspension for sheep and cattle. Contains diclazuril for the prevention of clinical signs of coccidiosis. Refer to product packaging and leaflets for full indications, side effects, precautions, warnings, contra-indications and meat withdrawal. Advice should be sought from Medicine Prescriber. Further information can be found on the datasheet, SPC or at www.farmhealthf irst.com. DISTRIBUTED BY: Chanelle Veterinary (Ireland) and Chanelle Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Ltd (UK), Dublin Road, Loughrea, County Galway. IE: POM: VPA10987/122/001. UK: POM-VPS VM: 08749/4085. ©Chanelle 2022 All rights reserved. 7 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23 FB566 Dycoxan 2022 Campaign_Portrait_A4_ART.indd 1 10/01/2022 16:04

Challenges in availability of veterinary medicines in Ireland Introduction The market for veterinary medicines in Ireland is relatively small compared to the UK and EU countries such as France and the Netherlands. To improve availability, over recent decades the HPRA has worked diligently with the UK to the point where 50% of all veterinary medicinal products on the market in Ireland share a common UK/Ireland label. However, recent legislative changes in the EU, together with planned legislative changes in the UK, suggest that this outcome will become more challenging in the future. Drivers of Change Visibility over what medicines were authorised in other Member States has been an issue up to recently. However, with the recent In the recent past, several well-known veterinary medicines were completion of the upload of national product data to the EMA’s discontinued in Ireland at the behest of the companies involved. Union Product Database (UPD) by each Member State this will While the reasons for their discontinuation are not known, change. Additionally, under the new legislation each marketing regulatory requirements did not play a part, and so we conclude authorisation holder has an obligation to record in the UPD when that they fell victim to economics or manufacturing issues, or other their products are placed on the market as well as information extraneous reasons. The pressure of economics means companies on the availability for each product in each Member State. As regularly review their portfolio of medicines and cull those products the UPD has had a relatively difficult naissance and the recently not yielding sufficient return. This assessment is undertaken both uploaded data must undergo further quality control checks, the full at national and at global level, meaning that the status of a product information might not yet be available. It will be some months yet in Ireland alone is unlikely to be sufficient to guarantee its future before its true value can be realised as a fully functional tool and availability. dependable to identify suitable medicines. Manufacturing and supply chain challenges for veterinary medicinal products have become more prevalent since Covid. The The HPRA is aware of challenges in relation to medicines often global and lean nature of modern manufacture renders it availability, both nationally and globally. At national level, the vulnerable to such challenges. New labelling requirements required Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) plays a key by Regulation 2019/6, as well as generally evolving regulatory role in managing shortages through the special import licensing requirements also impact on production plans, as companies system. At EU level, the HPRA plays a role in managing strategic do not wish to risk that they would have to write-off or re-label availability issues to create the environment to promote availability. stock. Political and societal pressures to continue to reduce usage Regulation 2019/6 includes several specific provisions designed of antibiotics and antiparasitic veterinary medicines are expected to promote new product development and facilitate continued to continue, which will drive further product rationalisation in the availability of existing products. In so far as it can the HPRA will future. look to maximise the opportunities in the new legislation to ensure Nearer home, Brexit challenges continue to affect availability of that an adequate range of products is available on the Irish market. veterinary medicines on the island of Ireland. To comply with the While the HPRA focussed on maximising the opportunities for EU legislation, companies marketing a medicine in the EU must bringing new products to the Irish market, any shortages that might be based in an EU country or in Northern Ireland (NI). While it be encountered with current stock should be reported to DAFM. was allowed during the transition period set by the EU for animal health companies based in the UK to supply veterinary medicines that were already authorised in a Member State, this will have to change once the transition period ends. This means that quality control release of production batches must take place from the EU or NI, while the marketing authorisation holder must also be based in the EU. The concerned companies must either comply with the regulatory requirements or cease supplying the products concerned. The HPRA continues to work with the Animal Health companies involved to ensure availability. The Future The labelling of existing veterinary medicines must be adapted in all Member States and in NI to meet the requirements of Regulation 2019/6 before 28 January 2027. This development is expected to provoke a further economic analysis of individual products, and potentially further rationalisation. Furthermore, awaited new UK legislation on veterinary medicines is expected by 2024. Common UK/Ireland labelling might no longer be possible if the regulatory standards and requirements diverge. That said, rationalisation of existing labelling text which is required by Regulation 2019/6 is expected to lead over time to new possibilities for the development of joint multi-lingual packages between Ireland and other EU countries. 8 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

MSD ANIMAL HEALTH Total Calf Health Solutions COMPANY CONTROL Bovilis® Vecoxan® Rotavec Corona TREATME Bovilis® Halocur® NT IBR Marker Licensed product for the Live prevention1 and treatment Bovilis® Bovilis® of cryptosporidiosis INtranasal RSPTM Live Bovipast RSP MSD Animal Health has a wide range of calf health products for farmers this spring FLEXIBLE 12 WEEK HEALTH PROTOCOL FOR CALVES THIS SPRING Birth PRODUCT BIRTH 1 WEEK 2 WEEKS 3 WEEKS 4 WEEKS 5 WEEKS 6 WEEKS 7 WEEKS 8 WEEKS 9 WEEKS 10 WEEKS 11 WEEKS 12 WEEKS Halocur® Administration2 Bovilis® Intranasal INtranasal RSPTM 1st shot 4 WEEKS APART Booster shot Live subcutaneous subcutaneous Bovilis® Intranasal 1st shot Bovipast RSP Intramuscular 4 WEEKS APART Bovilis® IBR 1st shot Marker Live Same day Booster shot Intramuscular Administration3 Bovipast RSP Bovilis® IBR Bovilis IBR Optional Marker Live Marker Live Protocol4 Bovilis® Administer to calves greater Bovipast® RSP than 3 weeks of age5 Vecoxan® Ask your MSD Animal Health Territory Manager about our calf health product range Bovilis® Rotavec Corona Emulsion for injection for cattle contains (per 2ml dose): Bovine rotavirus, strain UK-Compton, serotype G6 P5 (inactivated) - a 1/4 dose of vaccine stimulates a virus neutralising antibody titre: ≥ 7.7 log2/ml (guinea pigs). Bovine coronavirus, strain Mebus (inactivated) - a 1/20 dose of vaccine stimulates an ELISA antibody titre: ≥ 3.41 log10/ml (guinea pigs). E. coli adhesions F5 (K99) and F41 - 1/20 dose of vaccine stimulates an ELISA antibody (OD492): >0.64 (guinea pigs). Light Mineral Oil/emulsifier and Aluminium hydroxide are added as adjuvants and Thiomersal and Formaldehyde are included as excipients. Withdrawal period: zero days. Legal Category: ROI POM POM NI POM-VPS Halocur® contains 0.5mg/ml halofuginone lactate in an aqueous excipient. Withdrawal period: Meat and offal: 13 days. Legal categories: ROI POM NI POM-V Bovilis® INtranasal RSPTM Live: contains live, bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), strain Jencine-2013, live bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (PI3), strain INT2-2013. Withdrawal periods: Zero days. Legal Categories: ROI POM(E) NI POM-V Bovilis Bovipast® RSP contains inact. BRS Virus strain EV908, Pi-3 Virus strain SF-4 Reisinger and Mannheimia haemolytica A1 strain M4/1. Withdrawal periods: zero days. Legal Categories: ROI POM(E) NI POM-V Bovilis® IBR Marker Live contains live BHV-1 strain GK/D (gE_ ). For the active immunisation of cattle against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus. MSD Animal Health Ireland - Cattle & Sheep Withdrawal periods: zero days. Legal Categories: ROI POM(E) NI POM-V MSD Animal Health Ireland @msd_ah Vecoxan® 2.5mg/ml Oral Suspension for lambs and calves. It is indicated for the prevention of coccidiosis caused by Eimeria crandallis and Eimeria ovinoidalis in lambs and Eimeria bovis and Eimeria zuernii in calves. Legal categories: ROI LM NI POM-VPS Use medicines responsibly IE-HAC-221000002, OCT 2022 For further information see SPC, contact prescriber or MSD Animal Health, Red Oak North, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland. Tel: +353(0)1 2970220. E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.msd-animal-health.ie 1. Due to diagnosed Cryptosporidium parvum, in farms with history of cryptosporidiosis. 2. Commence oral treatment in the first 24-48hr after birth for 7 consecutive days. 3. Bovilis Bovipast® RSP and Bovilis® IBR Marker Live can be administered on the same day but not mixed. Can be given from three weeks of age. 4. Vaccination protocol for farmers who intend to vaccinate calves with Bovilis® Bovipast RSP and with Bovilis IBR Marker Live. 5. Vecoxan can be used in calves at any age, but usually disease occurs from 3 weeks of age. TCHSC IYF A4 10-22.indd 1 20/01/2023 17:04

Dr T.B Barragry PhD, MSc, MVB, MRCVS Dip ECVPT. (Veterinary pharmacologist). Benefits of Seeding the Neonatal Gut Microbiome of Calves & Lambs with Probiotics –An Opportunity Not to be Missed Neonatal Gut Microbiome microbiological researchers as to whether the gut microbiome is seeded with commensals prior to birth. Birth exposes the The immediate neonatal period in calves and lambs provides newborn to the vaginal and faecal flora of the mother and of the a once-off window of opportunity for establishing a healthy environment, setting in motion the initial bacterial colonisation and populous gut microbiome, which will then play a of the gastrointestinal tract. It has been suggested that practices unique role in kick starting immune health and gut health. such as caesarean delivery, antibiotic exposure, and other maternal A neonatal gut microbiome infused with early commensal-rich factors, have the potential to negatively impact infant microbiome probiotics has been shown to reduce the subsequent incidence development. Aberrant microbiome development in the newborn of scour and respiratory disease and to propel the young animal calf or lamb may be a key factor in the increased susceptibility immediately up to a higher level of better health and productivity. to gut-related disease and subsequent loss of productivity. So, The gut microbiome, fully populated with commensals (i.e., the moral of the story is to boost the gut microbiome early. The good bacteria) is now known to be the largest immune organ gut microbiota, the largest symbiotic ecosystem within the host, in the body. This gut microbiota contains more cells than the has been shown to play important roles in maintaining immunity entire number of somatic cells in the body and this repository of and intestinal homeostasis. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome is gut-derived DNA is now established as a key driver of immune caused by the imbalance between the commensal and pathogenic health not only in the gut but elsewhere in the body. The gut microbiomes. The commensal microbiome regulates the maturation microbiota is involved in the programming and maturation of the mucosal immune system, while the pathogenic microbiome of the immune system as well as locally protecting the gut. causes immunity dysfunction, resulting in disease development At birth, the gut microbiome is underdeveloped, and so it Therefore, even when used to target susceptible pathogens, is no surprise that neonatal animals and human infants are treatment with oral broad-spectrum antibiotics that affect a large immunologically vulnerable and are most susceptible to proportion of the gut microbiome may be detrimental to long term diseases immediately after birth. A clear immunological link host health, via impedance of the immune system or indeed AMR exists therefore between the gut microbiota, the immune development. In effect oral antibiotics can “asset strip” the gut of system and the presence or absence of neonatal disease. some of its beneficial commensals. Several seminal studies in neonatal germ-free animals have unambiguously demonstrated that the absence of microbial Probiotics and Gut Immunity colonization in the neonatal gut results in sub optimal immune functioning, altered gut epithelialization, poorer growth, and Probiotics are non-antibiotic products which can act as highly more frequent disease occurrence. Thus, the gut microbiome effective protective and immunological agents, if given routinely to and the immune system are connected. However, this system can all newborn animals quickly after birth. Probiotics are of little use only work if it is attended to prophylactically and immediately once a severe infection has taken hold. Thus, prevention is better after birth. Waiting for disease to occur and then endeavouring than cure, and all newborn animals can benefit from receiving to deal with it by antibiotic “firefighting” is a waste of time, quality, proven and authorised probiotics early in life. money and of the animal’s health and long-term productivity. Hence, knowledge of early bacterial colonisation of the gut and Microbiological effects the possible ways of bringing his about may help to improve calf and lamb health during the first days of life. This short period is Probiotics of the Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus faecium genera act by populating the gut and excluding pathogens by way of competitive inhibition. In addition, these infused gut organisms can prevent adhesion of E. coli to the intestine, and block the subsequent release of toxins, via the secretion of their own natural antibiotics called bacteriocins. These bacteriocins also have a killing effect on some pathogenic bacteria. Probiotics produce lactic acid and thus lower the gut pH creating a microenvironment hostile to the growth of pathogens. a critical time window of opportunity for the neonatal gut to be Direct Gut Effects progressively populated with different bacterial species that will collectively promote gut maturation, gut protection, and immunity. Probiotics also have non -microbiological actions by directly acting on the gut barrier itself. This gut barrier with its sealed The Gut at Birth tight junctions is the very first line of defence against harmful microbes. Factors such as stress, or pathogens such as E coli, Rota A number of studies have reported that the uterus is sterile and virus or Cryptosporidium can open the tight junctions leading to that mammals are exposed to exogenous gut microorganisms for establishment of infections with a resulting diarrhoea, dehydration, the first time only at birth. Over the last decade new data have and leaky gut syndrome. Tight junctions are a critical structure in emerged to challenge this dogma. However, these ideas are still restricting trans-epithelial permeability of pathogens. Chemical controversial and there is disagreement amongst perinatal and 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. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and Dendritic cells sense microbial signals during infection to elicit a protective immune response. TLRs are involved in host defence against pathogens, regulating the commensal population and maintaining tissue integrity. Many scientific publications have shown that in various species both Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Enterococcus Faecium (microbial components of Probiotics) can 10 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

Benefits of Seeding the Neonatal Gut Micro- biome of Calves & Lambs with Probiotics –An Opportunity Not to be Missed seal the tight junctions of the gut, thereby restricting pathogen induced microbial and metabolic changes. Probiotics create a entry. more favourable gut population due to a shift in the balance of beneficial and harmful organisms. A healthier gut microbiome is Studies have shown that probiotics and the gut microbiota are associated with enhanced animal performance reflecting more also important in the development of gut associated lymphoid efficient digestion, enhanced immunity and less clinical and sub tissue, (also known as GALT) and in dendritic cell activation, which clinical disease. The reduction of pathogenic microorganisms together have potent local immunological protective functions in the gut is also attributable to the production of antimicrobial on the gut. In addition, the gut commensals (good bacteria from substances by the probiotic. It is not simply a “crowding out “effect. the probiotics) release chemical agents such as short chain fatty For instance, Lactobacillus acidophilus produces bacteriocins, such acids and butyrate which communicate immunologically with as nicin, which inhibit cell wall synthesis in pathogens. Probiotics other body compartments, and which can increase the amounts of tend to give the greatest benefits in newborn animals which have immunoglobulin and IGA in other tissues. an underdeveloped gut microbiome. A number of publications are available showing demonstrable productivity effects in calves and Probiotics and Lung Immunity lambs following probiotic administration. Amongst the various general finding have been: - SCFA (short chain fatty acids) from the commensals of the gut microbiome can translocate to the lung and shape the pulmonary (A) Calves immunological landscape and upregulate immune function. In this regard, it is known that the functioning gut microbiome Clinical field trials with one particular licensed product (eubiosis) can protect the lungs and reduce the incidence of demonstrated: -10% growth rate improvement to weaning, 80% respiratory infection. This is known as the gut-lung “crosstalk”. less incidence of scour compared to negative controls and 70% less incidence of pneumonia compared to negative controls. ProbioticEffectsinCalfFieldTrials(Lactobacillus Acidophilus + Enterococcus Faecium) Results from calf field trials for product registration for Provita Protect: 83% less incidence of calf scour 70% less incidence of calf respiratory disease 78% less incidence of scour and pneumonia +31% increase in Average Daily Gain (ADG) +10% higher weights at weaning In field trials with one proven and authorized probiotic, not only was calf scour reduced by 80%, but respiratory disease incidence was also reduced by up to 70%. This is a significant beneficial effect. In animals, it is established that calves which have had scour, are approximately twenty times more likely to develop respiratory disease problems. In human medicine, it has been repeatedly demonstrated that a dysfunctional gut microbiome (dysbiosis) is associated with respiratory problems. This is evidenced by the fact that when gut disorders such as Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), or Coeliac disease exist in man, they are commonly associated with concurrent respiratory infections and related asthmatic -like conditions. Thus, a healthy gut microbiome not only protects the gut itself, but via translocated immunological activity it can also protect the respiratory tract. Evidence for Probiotic benefits In a variety of animal models, treatment with probiotics, containing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been reported to modulate the gut microbiota, SCFA production and inflammatory responses. They do this by effectively seeding the gut with commensal organisms, restoring microbiome balance, and restoring optimum microbiological and immunological flux. Thus, eubiosis rather than dysbiosis is established. Increases in local SCFA production, concurrent with immune homeostasis is connected to probiotic- 11 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

Benefits of Seeding the Neonatal Gut Micro- biome of Calves & Lambs with Probiotics –An Opportunity Not to be Missed (B) Lambs Varius Types of Passive Immunity Antibodies Publications reported improved antibody response, enhanced Passive immunity can be provided to animals by several sources of response to vaccination, increased weight gains and reduced antibodies, including IGG from colostrum, IgY from avian eggs, and incidence of E coli diarrhoea (watery mouth). from monoclonal sources. Lactobacillus Casei + Inulin Probiotic Effects in Lambs:- Egg antibodies / IgY antibodies are harvested from the yolk of hyperimmunized chickens. These IgY antibodies are quite different to the generic IgG antibodies of ruminant colostrum. Due to the evolutionary differences, chicken IgY will react with more epitopes on a mammalian antigen, which will give an amplification of the immune signal. In birds, passive transfer of immunity occurs through the egg. By hyper immunizing chickens over a period with inactivated multivalent bacterial or viral vaccines, this procedure results in the production of polyclonal immunoglobulins of the IgY class (specific to avians) directed against the stimulating organisms. Hens passively transfer protection to their young by secreting immunoglobulin and other immune factors into their eggs for use by the hatching chick. The transfer of chicken immunoglobulins from the hen’s serum to the yolk and from the yolk to the chick is analogous to cross-placental transfer of IgG from the mammalian mother to its offspring. The principal immunoglobulin found in eggs is IgY which is found in the yolk (Y stands for yolk). However, immunoglobulin levels in eggs can be significantly higher than levels found in serum or milk. A small number of colostrum supplements contain not only bovine IGG but also IGY and probiotic. This provides a unique three- way protection. Augmented Colostrum Substitute:- Augmented Colostrum Supplements Conclusion Despite widespread knowledge of the importance and role of Probiotics can play a key role in disease avoidance, but only if given proper colostrum feeding, various surveys have shown that failure on a prophylactic basis, ideally from birth. Acting as a pre-emptive of passive transfer (FTP) occurs in at least 33% of newborn calves. strike to seed the gut with beneficial commensals, effective Thus, a huge vulnerability gap exists in most newborn animals. probiotics can tilt the balance away from a likely pathogenic Although many microbial agents can cause diarrhoea in calves, infection. Additionally, by augmenting the animal’s general Enterotoxigenic E. coli is usually the prime offender early on in immunity it provides not only for gut health, but also protection from calves, causing hypersecretory diarrhoea in the first five days of infection in other tissues such as the respiratory tract. Probiotics are life. Each calf can affect five other calves, and so calf scour is a herd not therapeutic agents and will not replace therapeutic antibiotics. problem, and should be seen and treated as such. They can however act as suitable non antibiotic prophylactics to In lambs, almost half of total lamb losses occur at lambing (0- prevent disease, when given to neonatal animals, they can usefully 48hrs), with a further 11% occurring 2-14 days post-lambing. be combined with IGG colostral antibodies and IGY egg antibodies. Prevention of infection from day one of life by supplying antibodies and probiotics, is a solid and scientific, evidence –based, alternative approach to antibiotic usage. There is also a beneficial and synergistic immunological effect between colostral antibodies (IgG), egg antibodies (IgY), and licensed probiotics. 12 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

N Spectam? No Prob-lamb! ...with Provita Lamb Response TSRhePepElNaCcaeTtmuAerManlt Distributed by Phone: (01) 4688900 Email: [email protected] CONTACT US [email protected] 13 | It’s You+r4F4ie2ld8 -8S2p2ri5ng232532 www.provita.co.uk

Maura Langan, Norbrook Veterinary Advis­ or PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR MILK FEVER IN DAIRY With the new calving season upon us, the incidence of milk fever in In the past, IV calcium infusion was often followed with a dairy cattle increases. Maura Langan, Norbrook Veterinary Advisor subcutaneous injection, however absorption from a peripheral site gives advice about dispensaing the right calcium products to in a cow already down with clinical milk fever is poor. It is more ensure the best outcomes. effective to follow-up IV treatment with an oral calcium supplement to ensure she has a continued calcium supply post-treatment. This will give high levels of easily absorbed calcium that will not interfere with the cows’ natural metabolic processes. Studies suggest that 5-10% of cows within a herd are likely to suffer clinical milk fever. Farmers with high levels of milk fever should be encouraged to speak with their vet about how best to manage the problem. Milk fever has been found to increase the risk of other transition cow diseases including retained placenta, left displaced abomasum, mastitis and lameness. The impact of clinical cases, reduced milk yield and sub-optimal fertility also has significant financial implications. Milk fever or hypocalcaemia occurs when the cow is unable to Oral Calcium Supplements (Calcitrace D3 mobilise her own calcium reserves quickly enough to match the bolus, Calcitrace P liquid) increased demand created by the production of colostrum and the onset of lactation. Oral supplements are ideal to reduce the risk of milk fever as they Many farmers will instantly recognise clinical hypocalcaemia (milk help address the natural drop in blood calcium levels experienced fever) as a downer cow. Hypocalcaemia result in a loss of appetite, by all cows in early lactation. Calcium supplements can be found in low body temperature, muscle weakness causing her to go down a range of products suitable for administration by the farmer, and and a slowing of her heart rate. Farmers seeing cases of clinical which suit them and their herd. Whichever product they choose, milk fever should be aware that many more cows within the herd attention should be paid to the amount of calcium being supplied are likely to have low calcium levels but without showing obvious and in what form. Dietary calcium is supplied in the form of calcium signs. salts and care should be taken to avoid calcium chloride which is When discussing a farmer’s requirements for the treatment and caustic in nature and an irritant to the oesophagus and rumen as prevention of milk fever, it is important to discuss how and when well as being very unpalatable. each product should be administered. In many Irish dairy herds, an oral calcium supplement like Calcitrace D3 bolus or Calcitrace P liquid may be given to every cow shortly Liquid Calcium injection (Calciject40) after calving. This will provide high levels of both fast and slow- release calcium. Providing both forms of calcium ensures that In clinical cases of hypocalcaemia, prompt veterinary treatment blood calcium levels start to improve shortly after administration with intravenous calcium (Calciject40) is a lifesaving treatment, as well as helping to provide a sustained increase in calcium levels. delivering high levels of calcium (11.88 g) very quickly to get a This complements the cows’ natural processes and bridges the gap downer cow back on her feet. IV administration of all products is until she can mobilise her own calcium reserves. restricted to vets only. However, some cows struggle to adapt to the increased need for Sometimes downer cows can be slow to recover from clinical milk calcium more than others. Cows particularly at risk of milk fever fever, these refractory cases of hypocalcaemia often occur as a include those that are over-conditioned (BCS 3.5 or more), under- result of low phosphorus levels (hypophosphataemia) and such conditioned (BCS 2.5 or less), older cows (third lactation plus), cases will benefit from additional phosphorus supplements. All those with a history of milk fever, high-producing dairy cows and cows in receipt of treatment will require a follow-up of additional breeds such as Jersey. For these ‘at risk’ cows the initial calcium calcium to bridge the gap until she can mobilise her own calcium treatment should be followed up with a second dose after around reserves. 12 hours. This will ensure high levels of easily absorbed calcium that will not interfere with the cows’ natural metabolic processes. TREATMENT: CLINICAL MILK FEVER (HYPOCALCAEMIA) STEP ONE STEP TWO Clinical cases of milk fever (downer cow) Slow intravenous injection (VET ONLY) 1 x Calcitrace D3 bolus* OR 150-400ml Calciject 40 1 x Calcitrace P liquid PREVENTION: FOR THE REDUCTION OF RISK OF MILK FEVER (CLINICAL AND SUBCLINICAL) STEP ONE STEP TWO For ‘at risk’ cows (see above) 1 x Calcitrace D3 bolus 1 x Calcitrace D3 bolus (if nec.) Given shortly after calving* Given around 12 hours later* For ‘at risk’ cows (in need of additional phospho- 1 x Calcitrace P liquid OR 1 x Calcitrace P liquid OR rus) 1 x Calcium D3 bolus AND 1 x Calcium D3 bolus AND 1 x Norophos+ bolus 1 x Norophos+ bolus (if nec. Given shortly after calving* Given around 12 hours later * *MUST HAVE SWALLOWING REFLEX For more information about the Norbrook range of Transition Cow products speak to your local territory manager or visit Norbrook.com. Scan the QR code to see a range of training materials and videos about milk fever and other metabolic diseases affecting dairy cows. 14 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

SCAN TO WATCH THE VIDEO MANAGING MILK FEVER in dairy cows Clinical Subclinical Subclinical Licensed for the treatment (New formulation) Each 500ml bottle contains 59g of hypocalcaemia in cattle calcium and 45g phosphorus Each 175g bolus contains 45g calcium and 40,000 iu vitamin D3 Milk fever is a common metabolic disorder of dairy cows and impacts their welfare and productivity. Readily available forms of calcium can be given orally around the time of calving to reduce the risk of clinical and subclinical milk fever, or as a supportive therapy following intravenous infusion of calcium. USE MEDICINES RESPONSIBLY. Calciject® 40 manufactured in NI by: Norbrook Laboratories Limited, StationWorks, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 6JP. Legal Category: Each 400ml contains: 11.8g calcium (provided by calcium borogluconate), 6.5% w/v boric acid. For further details on this product including the dosage regimens, side effects, precautions, warnings and contraindications please see the summary of product characteristics 1((dS5PaiCr)y|acvoaIwiltsa)b’.lCseaaltcYwitwroawcue.h®prPra:.iDFei/ehitoeetmicelcpodamgep/l-evmetSeernintpaarryyr/fevieendte(rdignaairryy2-cmow3eds)ic.iDneisst-rinibfourmteadtiionn/RfiOnIdb-ay-:mNeodrbicrionoek/LAadbvoicraetoornietsh(eIrueslaenodf)thLtisd,pRroodsusmctosrheoIunlddubsterisaoluEgsthattefr,oMmotnhaegmhaend,icCionuenptryeMscorinbaegr.h|anC.a|lc5i5tr2a2c-eL®A(DC3)-:vD2iae-tRetOicI-m18in/0e1ra/l2f3eed

Ruminant vet Kath Aplin, of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Reviewing mastitis protocols – make it an annual event Ruminant vet Kath Aplin says that conversations with farmers ○ Penicillin degrades quickly in the environment, so there’s about mastitis treatment protocols can be an ideal opportunity for limited risk for accumulation in the environment and vets to get more involved with mastitis treatment as well as to work development of resistance outside of the organism.5 on preventing new cases. Prevention should always be the main focus, but there will always ○ Ubropen® provides the flexibility of 3-5 days treatment, once be cases that require treatment – even on the best managed units, a day. For some herds this could enable cases to be treated for and treatment is often what producers will ask vets for help with. the optimal number of days, without going off label. Here we look at some of the points to cover in a mastitis treatment review – if carried out annually it’s a great way to ensure treatments ○ Switching from broad to narrow spectrum could bring concerns are being used optimally. It can also help prevent “protocol drift” about cases of mastitis caused by pathogens which are not – where what happens in practice can drift away from previously susceptible to penicillin, such as E. coli and penicillinase- agreed protocols over time. producing Staph aureus: Early detection ○ In herds with predominantly gram positive mastitis, there may still be occasional cases caused by E. coli. Unless they are Effective mastitis treatment begins with prompt and early detection. associated with systemic illness (in which case swift systemic Herds that are not forestripping are likely treatment is required), self-cure rates for mild-to-moderate to miss mild cases of mastitis, where cases of E. coli mastitis are high6, so routine use of penicillin as clots are present without heat or swelling a first line treatment is still appropriate, even in the absence of in the udder. This may not be too much routine bacteriology. of a problem in herds with a very low incidence, but if there’s a significant ○ If Staph. aureus is identified on bacteriology of mastitis cases, problem with mastitis and cure rates checking penicillin sensitivity is recommended. In cases of are low, time in the parlour spent mastitis caused by penicillinase-producing Staph. aureus, forestripping cows to detect mastitis penicillin resistance is linked to other virulence factors such early will be a sound investment. This as biofilm formation, reducing the chances of bacteriological will enable the producer to start treating cure. To reduce the risk of spread of penicillin resistant Staph. cases earlier in the course of disease and will help to improve cure aureus in the herd, culling of affected cattle may be the most rates. appropriate course of action. For mastitis caused by penicillin- sensitive Staph. aureus, penicillin for 3-5 days is an effective Prompt treatment treatment. One of the pillars of the five-point plan is to treat cases of mastitis Treatment duration promptly. For most herds, this will include prompt insertion of an antibiotic intramammary tube, as the majority of mastitis in Ireland It’s important to ensure that producers stick to data sheet is caused by gram positive bacteria.1 Herds with predominantly recommendations when it comes to duration of treatment. For farms e coli mastitis may opt to delay antibiotic treatment pending with a predominantly contagious mastitis pattern (for example a the result of on-farm culture, but for typical herds with a high herd with a relatively high cell count and a lot of repeat cases or proportion of gram negative cases, treatment should be started as chronic cows), using a tube with the option for 5 days treatment on soon as mastitis is detected, as any delay in treatment could reduce label, such as Ubropen® would be appropriate. Herds with a more the chance of cure. environmental pattern might opt for a shorter treatment duration as their standard therapy for a cow’s first case of clinical mastitis in NSAIDs a lactation. Thereareplentyofopportunitiestomakeapositiveimpactonmastitis It’s now widely accepted that an important part of an effective cure rates and to work on mastitis prevention. For more information mastitis treatment protocol is administering an anti-inflammatory, on Boehringer products and tools to help you and your clients or NSAID, such as Metacam®. Mastitis is a painful condition – control mastitis effectively, contact your local Ruminant Specialist. even mild cases are painful. This is a good enough reason alone to provide pain relief, but there’s also evidence to show that using Metacam® alongside antibiotic treatment can improve cure rates2, improve fertility2 and reduce culling3. References Broad or narrow spectrum? 1. All Island Disease Surveillance report 2021. Available at: Animal disease surveillance reports 2021 | Agri-Food and The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommends a category D Biosciences Institute (afbini.gov.uk) Accessed Dec 2022 antibiotic should always be the first choice whenever possible4. For many Irish herds it will be appropriate to switch to a narrow 2. McDougall et al. (2016) Addition of meloxicam to the spectrum, category D antibiotic such as Ubropen® as a routine treatment of clinical mastitis improves subsequent treatment for mastitis. When broad spectrum treatment has been reproductive performance. J Dairy Sci: 99(3):2026-42. the norm for many years, producers may ask what advantages a narrow spectrum tube might bring - there are several possible 3. McDougall et al. (2009) Effect of treatment with the reasons for recommending narrow spectrum treatment: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory meloxicam on milk production, somatic cell count, probability of retreatment, ○ Targeting antibiotics where they’re needed. Penicillin targets and culling of dairy cows with mild clinical mastitis. J Dairy gram positive bacteria, including strepotococci and most Sci 92: 4421–4431 staphylococci – the most common causes of mastitis in Ireland. Penicillin does not impact Gram-negative bacteria, so doesn’t 4. EMA (2020) categorisation of antibiotics for use in animals. induce ESBL E. coli resistance. Available at https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/ report/infographic-categorisation-antibiotics-use-animals- prudent-responsible-use_en.pdf (accessed March 2022) 5. Thiele-Bruhn S (2003). Pharmaceutical antibiotic compounds in soils—a review. J Plant Nutr Soil Sci. 166(2);145–167. 6. Fuenzalida, M.J. & Ruegg, P.L. (2019) Negatively controlled, randomized clinical trial to evaluate intramammary treatment of nonsevere, gram-negative clinical mastitis. J. Dairy Sci. 102, 5438-5457. 16 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

When intramammary penicillin is the treatment of choice IS YOUR WAY FORWARD - Once-daily dosing - The flexibility of 3 to 5 days of treatment - No need for refrigeration - Optimised composition for excellent distribution Ubropen is a convenient and e ective choice for penicillin-sensitive Gram-positive mastitis. Ubropen® 600 mg intramammary suspension for lactating cows contains Benzylpenicillin procaine monohydrate. POM-V. IE: POM. Further information available in the SPC or from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd., RG12 8YS, UK. Tel: 01344 746960 (sales) or 01344 746957 (technical). IE Tel: 01 291 3985 (all queries). Email:[email protected]. Ubropen® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under licence. © 2020 B1o7eh| rItin’sgYeoruInrgFeielhldei-mSAprniinmga2l 3Health UK Ltd. All rights reserved. Date of preparation: Feb 2020. BIAH BOV-0040-2020. Use Medicines Responsibly.





IT’S YOUR FIELD // TRAINING MODULE 1 Maximising lamb immunity and minimising disease challenge through good colostrum management and hygiene Courtesy of Team LM protein and mineral content of sheep milk increases while lactose content decreases. This training module focuses on the importance of colostrum as an Colostrum has high antibody levels which protects (if absorbed) aid in maximising the lamb’s immunity and management factors to the newborn lamb for its first few weeks of life. minimise the disease challenge it faces in the environment. Colostrum has high energy levels to encourage the lamb to get up and suckle its mother and also help protect against hypothermia. Lambs are born with a naïve Colostrum contains laxative for the excretion of meconium – the immune system and therefore first faecal discharge of a new born lamb. depend almost entirely on Colostrum contains nutrients – high levels of fat, protein (7-8 times absorption of immunoglobulins higher than the concentration in normal ewe milk) from colostrum after birth for Colostrum contains a number of specific elements which enhance protection, the passive transfer the lamb’s defence against diseases and aids in suppressing the of immunity. Unfortunately, establishment of harmful bugs. the rates of successful passive transfer vary across farms for The “3 Q’s” every farmer should know them! both sheep and cattle enterprises. Many of the pathogens that cause disease in the new-born lamb Quantity are ubiquitous on farm. The shepherd must in so far as possible reduce the infection pressure, we cannot eliminate them from the Even in the best managed flocks there will be a wide variation environment. Therefore, any control strategy must ensure lambs between ewes in the amount of colostrum produced. The target have as much immunity as possible in addition to focusing on intake of quality colostrum for newborn lambs is 50ml per kg reducing the exposure of the lamb to infectious agents. There are a bodyweight every 6 hours for the first 24 hours. So for a 5kg lamb number of steps that can be taken to maximise the lamb’s immunity this will mean 4 feeds of 250ml colostrum which may be given by and minimise the disease challenges it faces. The importance of stomach tube. feeding good quality colostrum in a timely manner and in sufficient quantity cannot be overstated. Quality Vital importance of colostrum to the new-born lamb Management and nutrition of the ewe pre-lambing will have a major influence on the ewe’s ability to produce quality colostrum Every knows that colostrum is of vital importance to all species; it for their lambs. Vaccination of the dam at the appropriate time will is particularly important in the case of ruminants as their placenta influence the quality and quantity of antibodies in the colostrum. acts as a barrier and does not allow the transfer of immunity from Quality colostrum comes from a healthy vaccinated stress free mother to offspring. Thus, colostrum must be ingested as soon adequately nourished ewe. as it is possible. The lamb is born completely vulnerable to the multitude of pathogens that it will encounters once it enters the Quickly birth canal and the environment it is born into. All new-born lambs should receive their first feed of quality What is Colostrum? colostrum as soon as possible after birth ideally within the first two hours but no later than six hours. Colostrum is a form of milk produced in the mammary glands of ewes (and all mammals) in late pregnancy. Sheep will generate Adequate and timely consumption. colostrum just prior to giving birth so it is very important to have sheep in their lambing environment at least two weeks prior to Adequate and timely consumption of colostrum by the lamb is the parturition. The colostrum produced by animals already exposed key factor that limits early lambhood diseases. Losses of new born to and thus making antibodies to pathogens occurring in the lambs nationwide can be up to 15% with most losses occurring environment where the lamb is born into is considered to be soon after birth. Research has shown that lamb mortality tends superior colostrum. Many farmers refer to colostrum as first milk to occur within the first three days of life, often resulting from but such is the difference in composition of the ewe’s milk and ewe hypothermia, lack of energy and infectious scours caused by E. coli. colostrum it should really be referred to as foremilk. See Fig 1 Adequate intake of colostrum within the first 6 hours after birth is crucial in helping to prevent these diseases in new-born lambs. Colostrum Milk Recent research from Great Britain has found that ewes vary greatly in the quantity and quality of colostrum they produce. Younger Fat (%) 13.2 7.9 ewes generally will produce less colostrum and also produce less milk. Farmers should be advised to check at lambing (by Solids - non fat (%) 23.5 12 stripping out teats) for quantity and quality of colostrum. Ewes with small udders and slow colostrum flow at stripping may not Lactose (%) - 4.9 have adequate colostrum especially for multiple lambs. Sufficient protein, minerals and more importantly energy is required to Protein (%) 20.3 6.2 ensure that the maximum amount of colostrum is secreted. The quality of the colostrum produced is also a key factor. Adequate Caesin (%) - 4.2 nutrition in the last few months of pregnancy is a key to produce high quality colostrum. Good quality colostrum can provide a Albumin, globulin (%) 10-12% (lgG) 1 Non-protein N (%) - 0.8 Ash (%) 0.96 0.9 - 105 Figure 1 Courtesy of Dr Tommy Boland, University College Dublin Content of lgG in colostrum will decline rapidly in the 24 hours after birth with concentrations at 10hrs and 18hrs being roughly 2/3 and 1/3 respectively of what it was at birth. As lactation progresses fat, 20 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

natural and efficient source of protection against many intestinal, which needs to be thawed (not “microwaved”) or a high-quality respiratory and other diseases. Vaccinating ewes for diseases colostrum substitute. Many farmers now use high quality colostrum such as enterotoxaemia and tetanus prior to lambing is vital since substitutes as it is more convenient than thawing frozen colostrum. antibodies against these diseases will then be contained in the Farmers recognise the importance of colostrum for the SURVIVAL of colostrum. Colostrum quantity or quality from the ewe herself lambs, however the management of colostrum in terms of ensuring may be affected by difficult births, ewes lambing for the first the ewes are vaccinated at the right time, well fed, kept healthy and time, multiple births and death of the ewe at birth. When these stress free are all crucial as is the quality and quantity of colostrum situations arise ensuring the SURVIVAL of the lamb will require a the vulnerable new born lamb requires. replacement high quality colostrum substitute. Minimising disease challenge When is it fed? Although much can be done (and is being done) to ensure Maturation of the intestine begins shortly after birth and by 24 adequate immunoglobulin transfer, it can all be a waste of time if hours the intestine becomes impermeable to large protein or intact the environment and other management protocols are less than macro molecules. satisfactory, As previously stated many of the pathogens the lamb Absorption of the immunoglobulin’s and these immunoglobulin’s encounters are ubiquitous on farms and while we can reduce the entering into the blood declines rapidly after the first 6 hours of infection pressure we cannot eliminate these pathogens from the life (see Figure 2) therefore it is vital that the new-born lamb gets environment. as much colostrum as it will consume within the first few hours of The aim must be to reduce the infection pressure or number of life. This allows maximum uptake of immunity from the gut into thTheeseapimatmhougsetnbseintothreedluacmebt’hseeninvfieroctnimonenptretossaurpeooinrtntuhmatbtehreoyfcan the blood before the gut becomes impermeable to the intact tothlersaetepawthitohgoeuntscainusthinegladmiseba’sse.nvironment to a point that they immunoglobulins (colostral antibodies). In addition, the quality of can tolerate without causing disease. the ewe’s colostrum also declines after the first 6 hours. Lambing area % Immunoglobulins reaching blood 25 20 Clean out and disinfect lambing pens if used on a regular basis. 15 4 Ensure lambing pens are made from materials that can be 10 effectively cleaned. 5 Disinfection and Hygiene 0 Follow the instructions on the label. Different disinfectants require 0 different mixing rates and contact time. Advise the farmer to only use freshly prepared disinfectant. The 8 of first 12 16 20 24 pre-clean before using disinfectant needs to emphasised Use only stomach tubes that fit for purpose Time feeding (hours) Advise client of the necessity to re-apply navel disinfectant 4-6 hours after initial application Fig 2 Rapid decline in absorption of antibodies in first 24 hours Managing the environmental conditions will also help to reduce Courtesy of Provita Animal Health the build up of pathogens and disease challenge Encourage your clients to use plenty of straw in a well ventilated How much colostrum should the lamb receive? but draught free conditions. The main crop of lambs will be arriving in 3-4 weeks’ time, thus Lambs should be allowed to nurse the ewe as soon as possible. preplanning and the creation of protocols and SOPs will help Lambs have an extremely strong sucking reflex after birth. Many maximise immunity and reduce the disease challenge. Maximising sheep farmers assist the lamb to nurse even before the ewe gets immunity whilst simultaneously minimising disease challenge will up. It is recommended that lambs receive 10% of their weight prevent unnecessary losses during the lambing season. in colostrum by 24 hours after birth and ideally 50% of this should be given as soon after birth as possible. Where there is inadequate volume or quality of ewe colostrum available some form of supplementation (or substitute) will be necessary. This can be achieved by either the farmer using some stored colostrum TRAINING 1 // ASSESMENT 97 Q1. Which of the following statement do you agree with? Q4. Which of the following are true? a) In ruminants the placenta acts as a barrier and does not allow a) New-born lambs should receive colostrum as soon after birth as the transfer of immunity from mother to off spring possible b) Colostrum is also known as beestings b) There is a wide variation in the quality and quantity of c) It is prudent to have sheep in their lambing environment at least colostrum’s ewes produce two weeks before lambing c) Absorption of immunoglobulins entering into the bloodstream Q2. What are the 3Q’s in colostrum management declines rapidly after the first 6 hours 1.___________________________________________________________ Q5. a) In relation to colostrum what % of the lamb’s body weight 2.___________________________________________________________ should a lamb receive in colostrum 3.___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Q3. A high percentage of lamb mortality tends to occur within the first 3 days of life often resulting from b) When should Colostrum substitute or supplement be given _____________________________________________________________ to lambs? _____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Send completed answers to: It’s Your Field, Unit 5 Kilkerrin Park, Liosbaun Industrial Estate, Taum Road, Galway or [email protected]. 21 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

Orla M. Keane - Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath Developing a decision support tool to help slow the further development of anthelmintic resistance on sheep farms Anthelmintic resistance is the genetic ability of worms to survive treatment how effective the products currently being used on farm are. The over-use with an anthelmintic that would normally kill worms of the same species of anthelmintics contributes to the development of resistance so faecal and stage. In our grass-based production system, we are currently heavily egg counting should also be used from weaning onward to determine the dependent on the use of these drugs to control worms. Worryingly, anthel- need for anthelmintic treatment of lambs. mintic resistance is now widespread on sheep farms In Ireland. This rep- resents a major threat to the sustainability of the sheep industry. In order to slow the further development of resistance we need to reduce the selec- tion pressure for resistance development. For a number of years now Tea- gasc, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, UCD and veter- inary representatives, supported by Chanelle, Elanco, Norbrook and Zoetis have been promoting 4 key actions to sheep farmers to help them slow the development of anthelmintic resistance on their farms. These actions are: 1. Do not treat mature ewes for stomach worms unless there is a In order to prevent importing resistant GIN onto the farm, a strong biose- demonstrated need. curity protocol should be in place. Purchased sheep should receive a quar- antine treatment on arrival onto the farm using an active known to kill the 2. Use faecal egg counting to know when to treat lambs for stom- worms being carried by the sheep. Given that the resistance status of the ach worms and to check that the wormer you are using is ef- worms in sheep being bought in is rarely known, the quarantine treatment fective. should include one of the new, prescription-only, anthelmintic groups (4- AD or 5-SI). These can be used in combination with another product to 3. Use an effective anthelmintic as a quarantine treatment to pre- protect the new active. The purchased sheep should be housed for 48 vent bringing resistant worms onto the farm when buying in hours after the quarantine treatment to ensure any eggs already in the sheep. gastrointestinal tract have been passed. The purchased sheep should then be turned out to dirty pasture (i.e. ground grazed frequently by sheep). 4. Use a white wormer (1-BZ) to control Nematodirus. Mature ewes have generally developed good immunity to stomach worms and should not need routine treatment. Mature ewes also act as a source of refugia if they are grazed over the same pasture as the lambs. Refugia refers to worms that are not exposed to anthelmintic and so are not under selection pressure to develop resistance; these remain a source of drug susceptible worms on the farm. Mature ewes may however, require treat- ment for other parasites such as fluke or scab. When treating such cases avoid, where possible, the use of wormers i.e. do not use a wormer/flu- kicide combination when targeting fluke and use dipping to control scab. Due to the lifecycle of Nematodirus, anthelmintic resistance is much slower to arise in this worm than in other species. Given the high level of resistance among other worms to group 1-BZ products in Ireland, these products are rarely a suitable choice for later in the season. Group 1-BZ products can effectively treat Nematodirus in lambs and are therefore the product of choice for this GIN, preserving the other products that are more widely effective for later in the season. Once anthelmintic resistance arises, development accelerates rapidly if Options for the sustainable control of worms on sheep farms have been further selection pressure for resistance is applied by continued use of the summarised in the attached decision support tool. This sheet can be kept ineffective anthelmintic. Therefore, it is important to use an anthelmintic in a convenient location and referred to for information on stomach worm known to be effective. Use a faecal egg count reduction test (individual control on sheep farms. Further information on anthelmintic resistance in animal samples) or a drench test (composite faecal sample), to find out sheep and on the 4 key actions to slow the development of resistance can be found at: 22 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23 https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/flock-health/anthelmintic-resis- tance/

REBOOT For scouring calves Contains: • Buffering agent to reverse acidosis • Glycine to aid in glucose absorption • High energy source • V&itVaimtaimniBn1C, B2, B6, B12, • Probiotics beneficial bacteria Benefits: • Economical • Easy to mix • Palatable • Leave calf on milk or milk replacer • Can be mixed with milk or milk replacer • Most scouring calves that die do so in the first month of life from either STARVATION or DEHYDRATION • ELECTROLYTES should be fed between normal milk feedings for best results Nurse scouring calves back to health with REBOOT Distributed by: Coyle Veterinary Distributors Ltd, Unit 5, Kilkerrin Park, Liosbaun Industrial Estate, Tuam Road, Galway H91 V96T. Tel: 091 75337523 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23 email:[email protected]

El Lewis BA(Hons), MSc Environmental Conservation Management, Director,Magdek Thermal Systems Ltd Why are Positive Pressure Tube Ventilation systems so important for What’s a positive pressure system? Why a tube? How effective is should be consuming top end about 6 watts of fan energy per calf, it? Can it be used to give a datum for veterinary assessment? (say 7C per day at a rate of around 50C/KWhr). So a given fan will Calf housing comes in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes a dedicated not suit all spaces and even a matched fan will need adjustment design which gives easy access, segregation, comfort and considered with air quality conditions. A good specialist ventilation company environmental protection. Sometimes it’s just an adapted space would select from 54 permutations of fan/ tube design- before we that will take a few temporary barriers and a scattering of straw. No even look at custom punching of the delivery tube! chance of discounting environmental impacts- wind-blown slurry An automatic control guarantees performance. A manual control drift, draughts, temperature, humidity to name a few. loses the consistency. That may mean days or years of wrong air The farm business model also has an influence. Batch or continuous changes. Automatic control always returns operation of the system calving, minimum input or long term investment, automated or to the levels found to give best outcome. The settings again should manual, bred replacement strategy or a flying herd- all contribute be part of the design package from the manufacturer. to the priority of and thence variability of funding for calf rearing. Recommendations? Whats all this got to do with positive pressure tube ventilation, (PPTV). ○ There are no buildings where outcomes are not improved by ○ Professionally designed, PPTV delivers a predictable rate of fresh air change 24 hours a day. ○ PPTV is inherently the cheapest method of ventilating any space, both evenly and with controlled air velocity. Its well worth emphasising to a farmer considering other homes for his hard earned, that housing returns are measured by average calf performance and the variability from that mean. The greater the variability in performance the more time-consuming calf rearing will be and the less predictable the ROI in terms of calf value, feed conversion, veterinary support, lifetime productivity and even carcass value. Fresh air change in a space creates a dilution of challenges. The effectiveness of “freshness” is demonstrated by this graph used regularly be LMS and Jamie Robertson. Greater refreshment gives lower lifespan and reduced viability for airborne pathogens. The USDA in the 80’s evaluated the effectiveness of the number of fresh air change rates in comparable PPTV calf spaces through weaning. The results showed challenges ○ Insist on a PPTV system customised to each shed- there is no registering to some degree in 100% of calf lungs but recovered completely at higher air change rates. standard unit, they don’t exist. Is there a limit to how much air change can we use? ○ Pay for up front tube design. The tube is a dispensing device The following table shows the effects of air speeds on a calf’s comfort and its sensitivity to chill stress. Take a 100kg heifer with and should be seen as such. Air speeds at calf level should not an average weight gain of 0.5kg/day. exceed 0.2m/s. Replace it every 5 years. At 0.5m/s wind speed the Lower Critical Temperature (LCT) is 10C. ○ As part of the design PPTV should complement the operation At 2.0m/s airspeed, the LCT rises to 19C. of the building- not interfere with it. If tractor access is In both scenarios the calf will reduce feed conversion and weight needed there’s no reason why the PPTV cant be designed to gain as soon as the dry bulb temperature falls below the LCT. accommodate. So first eliminate unpredictable draughts and then use a PPVT ○ Exclude storm winds. Tubes last but are sacrificial to storm system to give air speeds at calf level of the order of 0.1m/s to 0.2 or accidental damage to protect the suspension system m/s. and housing. Replacement is cheap, the design time is the Because energy cost is a consideration on all farms nowadays investment. design of the PPTV to match the space is hugely important. A typical ○ Automatic control is a must. No one person can predict the shed for calves up to 12 weeks old with correct air change rates weather and its effects. ○ Housings and fans are robust, expect 20 Years from their 24 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23 operation.

IS BRD BOTHERING YOU? ® NASYM ® HIPRABOVIS SOMNI/Lkt BREATHE EASY NASYM\" : lyophilisate and solvent for suspension for injection or nasal spray for cattle. Each 2ml dose contains: Live attenuated bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), strain Lym-56 10 4.7 - 6.5 CCIDS0. INDICATIONS: Active immunisation of cattle to reduce virus shedding and respiratory clinical signs caused by bovine respiratory syncytial virus. For more information about side-effects, precautions, warnings and contra-indications please refer to the packaging or product leaflet. Further information available from SPC or on www.hipra.com. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBERS: EU/2/19/241/001-2. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER: Laboratories Hipra, S.A. Amer (Girona), SPAIN. LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE: HIPRA UK&IRELAND, Foxhall Lodge, Foxhall Road, NG7 6LH, Nottingham, United Kingdom, Tel.: (+44) 0115 845 6486, [email protected], www.hipra.com. LEGAL CATEGORY: POM. Veterinary medicinal product subject to veterinary prescription. Use medicines responsibly. Under veterinary prescription, advice should be sought from veterinary prescriber. HIPRABov1s·�: Inactivated vaccine with Histophi/us somni and Mannheimia haemolytica leukotoxoid in injectable emulsion for cattle. INDICATIONS: For the reduction of clinical signs and lung lesions caused by Mannheimia haemolytica serotype Al and Histophilus somni in calves from 2 months of age. For more information about side-effects, precautions, warnings and contra-indications please refer to the packaging or product leaflet. Further information available from SPC or on www.hipra.com. MARKETING AUTHORIZATION NUMBER: VPA N-10846/005/001. MARKETING AUTHORIZATION HOLDER: LABORATORIOS HIPRA, S.A. Avda. La Selva, 135. 17170Amer (Girona) Spain. Tel. (972) 430660 - Fax (972) 430661. LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE: HIPRA UK&IRELAND, Ltd. Foxhall Business Centre, Foxhall Lodge, Foxhall Road, Nottingham - NG7 6LH - UNITED KINGDOM. LEGAL CATEGORY: POM. Use medicines responsibly. Under veterinary prescription, consult your veterinary prescriber for further advice. Safety and efficacy of these products together have not been evaluated. 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. The Reference HIPRA UK AND IRELAND Foxhall Lodge, Foxhall Road, NG7 6LH, Nottingham, United Kingdom in Prevention Tel (+44) 0115 845 6486 · [email protected] · www.hipra.com for Animal Health 25 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

Fionnuala Malone Senior Milk Quality Manager and Joris Somers Veterinary Advisor (Tirlán) Avoid residue positives from antiparasitic treatments in spring Prevention is always better than cure and the supply chain The impact of treatment choice on milk quality control measures that are in place for milk from farm to factory are key to avoiding mistakes and minimizing the possibility Prudent use of medicinal products is a core part of dairy herd of any residue findings. There are strict testing programmes management. This includes a good understanding of the product in place that are regularly risk assessed, audited and updated used in terms of target animal cohort, withdrawal times and to ensure the control measures are effective at preventing treatment advice provided. Particular care must be given when problems. There are different frequencies of testing based on dosing dry cows and pregnant dairy replacement heifers, ensuring the potential risk being assessed (microbiological contamination, product suitability and taking into account expected calving dates antibiotics, anthelmintics, pesticides, heavy metals, dioxins, before administering treatments. aflatoxins and adulterants such as melamine). The results from the DAFM National Residues Control Plan (referenced in the Withdrawal times are not just about anthelmintic or antibiotic last edition of ‘It’s Your Field’) also guides the process of risk residue prevention. All milk from the first eight milkings (Transition milk) must be kept out of the bulk tank. This will be assessing monitoring frequency for different residue types. especially key this spring with an increased number of herds having implemented Selective Dry Cow Therapy and maybe not realising the need to hold milk despite the lack of antibiotic dry cow treatments. Transition milk has very high milk solids content and large volumes of immunoglobulins, making this milk unsuitable for processing. It is however an excellent source of nutrition and health support for young calves. Spring reminders Spring can be a challenging time on many farms due to the sheer volume of day-to-day tasks. Having a good system in place for managing the exclusion of any milk until it is suitable for inclusion in the bulk tank is key and starts with communication. Antiparasitcs Guide available online ○ Communication and product knowledge are essential for anyone dealing with animal remedies. Always check that Communicating to milk suppliers and industry about risks and how your clients understand correct treatment application and to prevent mistakes is a key part of the milk quality programmes withdrawal times. within Tirlán. ○ Marking of treated cows is key to avoid mistakes. We Routine testing outcomes recommend marking a cow before treating her. Better still to double marking cows, with To avoid residue risk, milk must be withheld from the bulk tank tape, spray, or on ID tags linked to for the appropriate withdrawal time following all treatments. the herd management software. Milk from individual farms supplied to Tirlan is routinely sampled A practical method used by many throughout the year to verify that there are no anthelmintic or farmers is trimming the tails of fresh antibiotic residues present. In the event a positive bulk tank result cows once their milk can be included is detected, as a standard protocol, milk supply is suspended, in the bulk tank after calving. That fresh milk is sampled and tested, root cause of the contamination way it is easy to spot cows whose is established and negative test results are needed before milk milk still needs to be excluded for the time being. from that herd is allowed back on collection. In addition, positive occurrences are notified to DAFM immediately, who may follow up ○ Good records are imperative – using daily updated whiteboards on-farm with an extended residue-testing programme and an audit in the parlour allows all milkers to verify when a cow’s milk of animal remedies usage records. can be included in the bulk tank. Recording medicine use in medicine record books or on herd management apps is required for Bord Bia audits and regulatory compliance. ○ Testing milk samples from individual cows before they contribute to the bulk tank is recommended. CHARM and Delvo kits are available for on-farm testing of milk samples for traces of antibiotic residues and can avoid the stress and headache a simple mistake causes for farmers. 26 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

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Ryan Duffy, MVB, MRCVS, CertDHH, HIPRA Technical Veterinary Surgeon (IE) BACK TO THE BASICS OF THE BÓ It will come as no surprise to many of the readership of ‘IT’S YOUR (>10-12 animals) consisting of varying ages (>10 days) – especially FIELD’ that pneumonia is, and has been, the leading cause of stock bought from multiple sources! Remember there are 12 mortality in Irish cattle aged over one month of age. Yet despite the serotypes of Mannheimia Haemolytica and 10 subgroups of BRSV. impact of fatalities, the negative connotations on the production That’s a lot to share around… cycle (reduced feed conversion efficiencies, poorer liveweight gain, ill-thrift, excessive antimicrobial use, inefficient labour use, TEMPERATURE to name but a few) are often quoted as resulting in the greatest financial losses. Through this frustration the term “SCREW CALVES” During Irish springs it is often very difficult to maintain a calf in its has been coined for affected livestock. For this reason, this ‘BRD thermoneutral zone (10-26°C) without the use of ample amounts 101’ refresher might be of benefit to anyone burning the midnight of high DM% material such as straw (30cm) to provide a Nesting oil over this magazine in spring. Score of 3 and an appropriate nutrient supply, while minimising The fundamental question is how do these microbes get an moisture build up and draughts. Many respiratory pathogens opportunity time and time again to inflict BRD? Is it that every replicate efficiently in cold sheds. If the temperature is too low spring our calves are housed in a pressure cooker of infectious and your ‘HAIRY ZONE’ will beat slower, too high and it will become disease? Or is it that the impact of pneumonia on cattle is so dehydrated and uncoordinated! extreme due to their lack of pulmonary reserve? Or, as proponents of the complexity of BRD suggest: both? AIR A: THE HOST Most sheds are completely dependent on natural ventilation, and thermal buoyancy (‘Stack Effect’) cannot be considered effective in The Irish agricultural community should be commended for how youngstock. Uniform air distribution at calf level will ensure dusts, they have addressed the enormous issue of ‘Failure of Passive gases, excess heat, moisture, and pathogens are thrown out of Transfer’ over the last decade. Did you know 66.5% of ZST tests these sheds. However, draughts >0.5m/s at calf level can become in 2011 were deemed as inadequate? In contrast, 88% were troublesome with temperature. Check for cobwebs, dripping satisfactory in 2020! Simply put, this is the single most important purloins, and the smell of ammonia – as the ad states “Don’t Go determinant of health, survival, and productivity. Nose Blind” FIRST MILK. WITHIN 2 HOURS. THREE LITRES. QUICK. QUALITY. QUANTITY. QUIETLY. NUTRITION Despite this progress we still encounter pneumonia too frequently. What is the next step? Just like our household bills a calf’s maintenance requirements go up Here we must focus on the importance of the most critical barrier during cold spells just to “keep the lights on” so moving from 125g to respiratory pathogens - the “MUCOSAL FIREWALL” which is milk powder in 875ml of clean, warm water to 150g in 850ml may consisted of 3 layers: be necessary to fuel immunocompetence and production. Water should always be supplied, and sources of fibre and concentrates 1. The “HAIRY ZONE” - Cunningly Ciliated Cells Acting As Waving at appropriate levels to stimulate rumen development. The heat Seaweed Entrapping Pathogens & Removing them. of fibre fermentation in a sufficiently developing rumen acts like a much-needed hot water bottle for the calf. 2. The “STICKY ZONE” - Glorious Goblet Cells Pumping Protective Mucus To Entrap Intruders [Respiratory Quick Sand] DRY 3. The “KILL ZONE” - Antimicrobial Peptides & Secretory Maintaining a dry calf is a major challenge on many farms. 30cm Immunoglobulin A. of a high DM% material bedding will provide heat, comfort, and a dry calf. This can be aided in shed with a 1:20 base floor slope. We have all heard that “Defence is the Best Offence”, right? Well Alternatively, the use of jackets, more straw, and more frequent did you know that administering a live intranasal vaccine like cleaning can compensate. Leaking water troughs and poorly NASYM, HIPRA’s live BRSV vaccine that provides heterologous positioned automated feeders should be corrected. Did you know strain protection, will stimulate specific immunity while enhancing it can take 4 times as much thermal energy to warm up a damp the ‘KILL ZONE’ by increasing the production of secretory calf? immunoglobulin A? Under natural circumstances, IgA only makes up 5% of colostral antibodies, the main immunoglobulin on C: THE PATHOGENS mucosal surfaces, such as the entrance to the respiratory tree, but only has a half-life of 1-2 days! Essentially unless we address The 6 pathogens most frequently isolated from fatal cases of BRD this shortcoming, the A Team is without Mr. T by the time the calf in Irish cattle are: is being prepared for weaning, transport, comingling, castration, disbudding etc. 1. Dictyocaulus viviparus 2. Mannheimia haemolytica (HIPRABOVIS SOMNI/LKT) B: THE ENVIRONMENT 3. Pasteurella multocida 4. Mycoplasma bovis This is a bit like trying to get Goldilocks’ porridge just right. It is not 5. Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (NASYM) simple, but when you are faced with a BRD outbreak just remember: 6. Histophilus Somni (HIPRABOVIS SOMNI/LKT) These guys are ‘surviving and thriving’ in many of the calf sheds SPACE in Ireland in spring so we must tilt the scales in our favour. BRD vaccines are certainly well worth options in concert with the above Without adequate space the expression of natural behaviours recommendations. plummets due to competition with subsequent decreases in Branch out for more information on HIPRA’s pneumonia protection intakes. This is only amplified by large and dynamic calf groups portfolio of HIPRABOVIS SOMNI/LKT and NASYM. 28 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

IBR MARKER LIVE Live IBR marker vaccine for cattle C M Y CM MY CY CMY K 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. HIPRA UK AND IRELAND Foxhall Lodge · Foxhall Road · NG7 6LH · Nottingham · United Kingdom Tel (+44) 0115 845 6486 · [email protected] · www.hipra.com 29 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

Eilidh Thomson BVMS, Resident in European College of Animal Reproduction (ECAR), UCD Post-partum anoestrus in dairy and beef cows One of the most important challenges in both dairy and beef lame cows have lower tendency to express obvious oestrus signs. enterprises, is getting cows back into calf quickly. This is especially Lameness monitoring and regular hoof trimming should be carried true of seasonal systems where the breeding season is so restricted. out at herd level to both identify and prevent these cows. Lastly, A major hurdle to enabling cows to conceive is post-partum it is important to note that cows suffering BCS loss or concurrent anoestrus (i.e., the period of ovarian inactivity after calving), which disease, are much less likely to have a favourable response to can generally be split into three main causes: apparent anoestrus, typical hormonal treatment protocols used for anoestrus [2] and anovulatory anoestrus and ovarian disorders (see Table 1). The thus rectifying these conditions is always beneficial to optimise aim of this article is to look at the appropriate management and treatment response. treatment protocols for each. Firstly, it is important to rule out For beef cows, as well as all the aforementioned diseases and BCS apparent anoestrus, which is generally due to a failure of oestrus loss, suckling inhibition plays a significant role in post-partum detection. On farms that use stock bulls, this is not a major issue. However, on dairy and beef farms using artificial insemination (AI), adequate time is not often dedicated or available for heat detection. The use of aids such as tail paint, activity monitors or vasectomised bulls with chin balls can help overcome this problem. Anovulatory anoestrus occurs due to inadequate luteinising hormone (LH) pulse frequency which results in failure of ovulation of dominant follicle/s. While follicular growth resumes 7 to 10 days following parturition, the first ovulation (which is generally accompanied by a silent oestrus i.e., there is an absence of oestrus signs) occurs approximately at 15 to 25 days in dairy breeds and anywhere from 25 to 120 days in beef breeds [1]. In dairy cows, the most important strategy to reduce time to first ovulation is to ensure that cows are in optimal body condition score (BCS) at calving (3-3.25). Drying off cows in an appropriate BCS and managing BCS over the dry period is key to achieving this target at calving. Management of the transition period and early lactational diet in terms of energy and minerals is key to the prevention of excessive BCS (>0.5) points loss in early lactation and a resulting prolonged post-partum anoestrus. Additionally, particular attention should be paid to high yielding dairy cows, who are more at risk of going into negative energy balance due to an overall higher energy demand. In cases of these higher yielding cows or those that appear to be mobilising excessive BCS, a simple strategy to reduce energy demand is to reduce milking frequency from twice a day to once a day for a 6-8 week period in early lactation. Stress is another element that must not be overlooked as the release of glucocorticoids can cause decreased gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) and therefore LH pulse frequency. Any major transition diseases in dairy cows (e.g., metritis and mastitis) can thus contribute to anovulatory anoestrus. Lameness can contribute to post-partum anoestrus either through the pain and stress reducing LH pulse frequency by a similar mechanism or the fact that Table 1 Definition Diagnosis Treatment Region Oestrus events are unobserved • Some evidence of poor oestrus • At herd level, improved oestrus Apparent Anoestrus either due to poor oestrus detection protocols detection aids expression or a lack of adequate • Individual level if luteal oestrus detection • Transrectal ultrasonography tissue is detected a single PGF2α showing cyclic activity (i.e., presence injection may be appropriate Anovulatory Failure of ovulation due to of CL) • P4 synch + GnRH/eCG program Anoestrus inadequate LH pulse frequency • History rather than a failure in follicular • Follicular cyst: P4 synch or a growth • Transrectal ultrasonography may single GnRH injection illustrate an absence of luteal tissue • Luteal cyst: A single PGF2α Cystic Ovarian Disease Failure of ovulation/luteinisation but not follicular turnover injection may be appropriate of the dominant follicle • Transrectal ultrasonography of the • Intrauterine antibiotics ovaries may show a large follicle • +/- single PGF22α if luteal (>20-25mm) with/without luteal tissue is detected tissue (>3mm wall) Persistent CL Uterine disease interfering with • Metricheck PGF2α release and thus luteolysis • Transrectal ultrasonography of the uterus and ovaries 30 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

GET COWS IN CALF WITH ® • Device with highest dose of progesterone on Irish market (1.55g) • Higher circulating progesterone before AI is associated with:  Improved quality of pre-ovulatory follicles1,2  Predictable ovulation3,4  Enhanced endometrial function5  Optimal embryo quality and improved embryo survival1,6 • Interchem fertility range used in Teagasc fertility trials using conventional and sexed semen achieving optimal conception rates.7 • Market confidence - Irish vets have been using Prid successfully since 2014 • Added value services - education, technical, farm workshops. Ask your local Interchem Territory Manager about our complete fertility portfolio, vet to farmer training, technical an marketing support. Check out our farmer toolbox on www.cowsincalf.ie 1. Lonergan P. Influence of progesterone on oocyte quality and embryo development in cows. Theriogenology. 2011 Dec;76(9):1594-601. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.06.012 2. Wiltbank MC, Souza AH, Carvalho PD, Cunha AP, Giordano JO, Fricke PM, Baez GM, Diskin MG. Physiological and practical effects of progesterone on reproduction in dairy cattle. Animal. 2014 May;8 Suppl 1:70-81. doi: 10.1017/ S1751731114000585. 3. Bloch A, Folman Y, Kaim M, Roth Z, Braw-Tal R, Wolfenson D. Endocrine alterations associated with extended time interval between estrus and ovulation in high-yield dairy cows. J Dairy Sci. 2006 Dec;89(12):4694-702. doi: 10.3168/ jds.S0022-0302(06)72520-6. 4. Walker WL, Nebel RL, McGilliard ML. Time of ovulation relative to mounting activity in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci. 1996 Sep;79(9):1555-61. doi: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(96)76517-7. 5. Longerhan P, O’Hara L, Forde N. Role of diestrus progesterone on endometrial function and conceptus development in cattle. Anim Repro. 2013 Jul;10(3): 223-227. 6. Diskin MG, Waters SM, Parr MH, Kenny DA. Pregnancy losses in cattle: potential for improvement. Reprod Fertil Dev. 2016;28(1-2):83-93. doi: 10.1071/RD15366. 7. Drake E, Holden SA, Aublet V, Doyle RC, Millar C, Moore SG, Maicas C, Randi F, Cromie AR, Lonergan P, Butler ST. Evaluation of delayed timing of artificial insemination with sex-sorted sperm on pregnancy per artificial insemination in seasonal-calving, pasture-based lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci. 2020 Dec;103(12):12059-12068. doi: 10.3168/jds.2020-18847. PRID® E is a vaginal delivery system for cows containing progesterone. VETEGLAN® injection contains cloprostenol for the induction of oestrus in cows. OVARELIN® injection for cows contains gonadorelin for the synchronisation of oestrus and ovulation or as part of Fixed Time Artificial Insemination protocols. ENZAPROST® injection for cows contains dinoprost for oestrus synchronisation. LEGAL CATEGORY: PRID® E POM VETEGLAN® POM OVARELIN® POM ENZAPROST® POM PRID®, OVARELIN® and ENZAPROST® are registered trademarks of Ceva Animal Health, UK. VETEGLAN® is a registered trade mark of Calier Animal Health. Use medicines responsibly. Further information is available from SPC or datasheet. Tel: 01 451 8959 www.interchem.ie [email protected] Interchem (Ireland) Ltd, Unit 29, Cookstown Industrial Estate, Dublin 24.

Eilidh Thomson BVMS Post-partum anoestrus in dairy and beef cows anoestrus. This is caused by suckling stimuli and intense cow/ bring the cow back into oestrus within 3-5 days. This not only calf bonding effects which is mediated via reduction in LH pulse alleviates the immunosuppressive effects of progesterone on frequency and anovulatory anoestrus. To overcome this, there is uterine health but also improves uterine ecbolic activity thus also the option of restricted suckling; that is only allowing once assisting in clearing any uterine infection. or twice daily access of calves to cows for suckling from when the Another cause of anoestrus is cystic ovarian disease. Follicular calf is around one month old. During the remaining time, the calf cysts are the most common and are caused by failure of ovulation must be isolated and out of sight of the cows. This is obviously Figure 2 (showing follicular cyst). challenging on a herd level, especially in extensively managed beef of a dominant follicle. This is due to a lack of positive feedback farms but may be an option on certain enterprises where facilities from oestradiol and therefore failure of the pre-ovulatory LH surge. allow (i.e., autumn calving sucklers) or maybe an individual option in beef cows at risk of anovulatory anoestrus (i.e., those with >0.5 These cysts can grow to >20-25mm and are identified by transrectal point BCS loss or concurrent disease). Another important element to ultrasonography. note in beef suckler cattle is the impact of parity, with primiparous At the start of their lifespan, they are hormonally active and animals having an extended anoestrus period (80-100 days) versus therefore the cow can show signs of persistent oestrus. Once a cyst multiparous cows (50-80 days). Heifer breeding should therefore becomes inactive, a new follicular wave can emerge and the new be managed in order to have these animals calving down at least dominant follicle will either ovulate, become atretic or become 20 days prior to the multiparous cows [3]. cystic. While most cows will resolve a cyst without intervention, the The main, and simplest, pharmacological means of treating preferred method of treatment is the progesterone-synch program. anovulatory anoestrus in both dairy and beef cows is a Alternatively, a single shot of GnRH will have a 65-90% success synchronisation using an intravaginal progesterone (P4) releasing rate and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) will have a 75% device (see below). There may be many variations of this protocol success rate [1]. Luteal cysts are less common and should resolve depending on the cow type and whether oestrus detection or with an injection of prostaglandin (PGF2α). fixed-time AI (FTAI) is required so consultation with the attending In conclusion, while pharmacological methods can be useful at veterinarian is warranted. the time of pre-breeding, management prior to and post-calving Figure 1. in both dairy and beef cows is vital. Ensuring adequate nutrition The second GnRH injection can be replaced by a treatment of and therefore body condition at calving, can prevent a lengthy equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) for those cows in deep anoestrus period. Restricting calf suckling on beef farms is an option, although not often used in practice. Hormonal methods include the progesterone-synch program, GnRH/hCG/eCG and PGF22α. Individual cases will require tailored treatment plans, while herd-level problems would require an investigation looking at nutrition and oestrus detection practices. anovulatory anoestrus (i.e., low BCS and particularly in beef cows). References However, care must be taken not to induce too high an ovulation rate if used in a mix of cyclic and anoestrus beef cows. 1. M. A. Crowe, ‘Resumption of Ovarian Cyclicity in Post-partum Beef and Dairy A persistent corpus luteum (CL), another cause of anoestrus in Cows’, Reproduction in Domestic Animals, vol. 43, no. 5, pp. 20–28, 2008, doi: cattle, can be caused by several factors. Most of these are to do https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01210.x. with poor uterine health, such as endometritis or purulent vaginal discharge (PVD), interfering with the prostaglandin release from 2. J. C. McNally, M. A. Crowe, J. F. Roche, M. E. Beltman, ‘Effects of physiological and/ the endometrium and preventing luteolysis. Cows that have or disease status on the response of postpartum dairy cows to synchronization suffered dystocia or retained foetal membranes are more at risk of estrus using an intravaginal progesterone device’, Theriogenology, of developing these conditions. For the treatment of endometritis vol. 82, no. 9, pp. 1263–1272, 2014, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j. (i.e., discharges that are mucopurulent in nature), intrauterine theriogenology.2014.08.006. antibiotics are generally indicated in cows that will be intended to be breed [4]. Additionally, if there is a corpus luteum (CL) present, 3. R. L. Larson, B. J. White, ‘Reproductive Systems for North American Beef Cattle then prostaglandin can be administered to induce luteolysis and Herds’, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice, vol. 32, no. 2, pp. 249–266, 2016, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2016.01.001. 32 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23 4. S. J. LeBlanc, ‘Postpartum uterine disease and dairy herd reproductive performance: A review’, The Veterinary Journal, vol. 176, no. 1, pp. 102–114, Apr. 2008, doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.12.019.

It's Your Field_Animax_Dairy pre-breeding fertility ad_A4+bleed_v5_outlined_26-1-23.indd 1 26/01/2023 20:59:49

Kate Ingram BVetMed MRCVS, Ruminant Technical adviser, Virbac Animal Health Post Calving trace mineral deficiency is a reality! Injectable Mineral Supplementation- Getting cows back suffer the reduced fertility in Calf! from deficiency due to the increased demand for Adequate trace minerals nutrition is vital for reproductive minerals. performance in cattle (Paterson and Engle, 2005). A deficiency in Cu can lead to decreased conception rates, infertility, silent heats Poor Oral Mineral and foetal resorption (Hostetler et al., 2003). Zinc-deficient cows Absorption appear to display abnormal oestrus as well as experience a decrease in fertility (Underwood, 1981). Manganese deficiency will result in Despite the widespread Mineral Absorption % impaired ovulation (Wilson, 1952) and a deficiency in Se can lead use of oral mineral (NRC 2001) to cystic ovaries and erratic, weak, or silent heat periods (Hostetler supplementation, oral trace minerals are Copper 1-5% et al., 2003). Supplementing with injectable trace minerals in the poorly absorbed by cattle. Depending on the Zinc 10-20% pre breeding period could improve fertility in your herd by rapidly source of the mineral the level of absorption Manganese 0.15-1.2% raising trace mineral stores which could help to ensure a compact varies greatly. Oral supplementation alone Selenium 34% calving pattern. can take weeks to raise the mineral stores of One of the key performance indicators for dairy herd performance cattle which may lead to a prolonged calving and a major determining factor for farm profitability is a compact interval and repeat services. calving pattern. According to Teagasc, every 1% unit increase in six-week calving rate is worth €8.22 per cow in the herd. For a 100 What about Antagonism? cow herd, moving from a six-week calving rate of 60% to 90% is worth over €24,000 per year (Teagasc Chapter 40 Dairy cow The poor absorption of trace minerals from oral sources is further reproduction). deteriorated by interactions with other minerals in the rumen Poor fertility is still a major issue on Irish farms and can result in called antagonists. Some trace minerals like Iron, Sulphur and substantial losses at farm level. Molybdenum can impair the absorption of other essential trace Teagasc research, for instance, has estimated that poor fertility in minerals like copper by binding with the copper in the rumen an Irish herd is costing €100/cow in the herd. Trace minerals are a and making it insoluble and unavailable to the cow. In the graph vital component of bovine nutrition and trace mineral imbalances below you can see how increased forage levels of Sulphur and have been linked with poor fertility in Irish Dairy Herds. Molybdenum greatly deteriorated the copper absorption. All The transition period can be extremely challenging for the dairy oral minerals are subject to the harsh rumen environment so the cow and oral minerals alone may not be enough to ensure your mineral levels in the feed will not match the mineral levels being cattle are in optimal mineral status for peak fertility. The cows’ absorbed by the cow. levels of some trace minerals are affected during the transition period, especially around the time of parturition. In addition, a Oral Minerals for Maintenance – For peak Performance, INJECT! deficiency of antioxidant minerals (e.g., Se, Zn, Cu, or Fe) was found to reduce the survival and growth of embryos and foetuses (Celi, Oral mineral nutrition is essential for the maintenance diets of 2011a). cattle but at critical phases of production like pre breeding, the challenges of increased demand, variable oral intake, rumen Increased Demand antagonism & poor absorption of oral minerals, mean oral nutrition The trace mineral levels in cattle are not static; they change alone might not be enough to ensure your cattle are in adequate throughout the production cycle depending on the demands on trace mineral status to ensure your herd meets the target for a the animal. Swenson 1998 - showed the natural decline in trace compact calving interval. mineral status of cows in the last trimester of pregnancy as there is an increasing demand for trace minerals for foetal development. For Strategic Injectable Trace Mineral Supplementation, bypasses example, cows having adequate liver Cu stores pre-calving became the harsh rumen environment and antagonists, rapidly raising marginal by the time of parturition. In the pre calving period even circulating mineral levels in cattle within 8-10hr and after 24hr well supplemented cows can become mineral depleted due to the key mineral storage organs like the liver show raised mineral growing unborn calf. The foetus will increase in weight by 75% and concentrations (Pogge et al., 2012) 50% in length in the 3rd trimester and during this period the bulk of the trace mineral transfer Pre-breeding supplementation helps to raise not only the trace to the calf will occur. minerals but also the essential enzyme levels in cows rapidly and Even well fed transition effectively which could drastically assist farmers to get cows and cows can deplete their heifers back in calf in a tighter calving pattern. Several studies from own mineral reserves leading US universities have researched the potential benefits transferring minerals the of injectable trace mineral supplementation in cows in the pre growing unborn calf. breeding period, with improvements in overall pregnancy and improved calving distribution (Mundell et al, 2012). Variable Intake Ask your vet how an injectable trace mineral supplement could During the transition period, from late pregnancy to early lactation, help get your cows back in calf! (References on Request) mineral requirement that is needed for foetal growth and milk synthesis increases dramatically, exceeding the amount the cow can obtain from dietary sources but this issue is further exacerbated but falling intake levels. Prior to and following calving there is a natural fall in oral intake levels (usually decreased 30 to 35% during the final 3 weeks prepartum) which means even in well fed (orally supplemented) cows, post calving, can be in deteriorated mineral status (Grummer.,1995). Thus, oral nutrition alone might not be enough to ensure cows have the adequate minerals to get back in calf quickly Getting heifers back in calf can be particularly difficult following calving. In their first lactation heifers are recovering from their first calving, commencing lactation, trying to conceive once again and all this while they are still growing. As a results, heifers can 34 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

PreVsectrOipntlyion Prescription Trace Mineral Injection 30 29 Zn Cu High demand pe riods 25 Mn 34 Se Boost trace mineral supply and get cattle ready to perform! Unique combined trace mineral injection Fast acting, convenient and reliable1 Enables strategic top-up of cattle during Shown to improve cattle health, high demand periods performance and immunity2,3,4 References. 1. Pogge, D et al. J. Anim. Sci. 90, 2692–2698 (2012). 2. Machado VS et al. Vet. J. 197:451-6. 3. Mundell LR et al. The Profess. Anim. Sci. 28, 82–88. 4. Arthington J. et al. J. Anim. Sci 90, 1966–1971. MULTIMIN™ solution for injection for Cattle. IE: POM .Further information on the SPC available from: Virbac Ltd. Woolpit Business Park, Windmill Avenue, Woolpit, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9UP. Tel: +44 (0) 1359 243243 Email: [email protected] www.virbac.ie. Use medicines responsibly www.apha.ie 35 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23 VIR 5698.21 Multimin Ad (dairy) A4 JULY'21 AW.indd 1 26/07/2021 16:09

Michelle McGrath, Assistant CellCheck Programme Manager, Animal Health Ireland Advice and guidelines on mastitis control at calving Cows are very susceptible to mastitis around calving because Rapidly identify, treat and record clinical cases their own defence mechanisms are naturally low. New infections in freshly calved cows occur, and subclinical infections which have persisted through the dry period may also flare into clinical cases. Around calving, the Early detection and treatment of clinical mastitis cases in the calving udder is often filled with milk for relatively long periods without period reduces the risk of severe cases and chronic infections the flushing effect of being milked. Bacteria may enter the end of developing. Changes in milk can be hard to assess in the first few the teat and establish infections, particularly if high udder pressure days after calving. Sometimes, in cows that are systemically ill with opens the teat canals. High numbers of environmental mastitis severe mastitis, such as mastitis caused by E. coli, visible changes bacteria contaminate teats, especially if udders are wet and are not obvious in the milk. Comparison between quarters is often exposed to mud and manure on the ground during calving. Because helpful, checking the normal quarters first. Infected milk may of the high risk of mastitis in the first month after calving, special spread infection during this procedure, so gloves should always be care around cow management in this period will pay off. used and disinfected after handling each clinical case. It is good practice to take a milk sample in a sterile fashion from all clinical Calving area mastitis cases before treatment begins, to identify what pathogens are present on a particular farm. These samples can be labelled, The calving area and calving boxes should be kept clean, with fresh, frozen and stored for up to 4 months and submitted to laboratory dry bedding. Adequate space is important and calving on slats/in at a later stage if necessary. cubicles must be avoided to minimise the risk of mastitis occurring. The number of clinical cases that occur around calving is a good A treatment protocol should be developed following veterinary indicator of the state of the calving and housing environment. assessment/discussion, based on bacteria cultured previously and If more than 5% of cows have had mastitis in the first month of previous antibiotic responses. The effectiveness of this protocol calving you should seek help and investigate and correct any should be reviewed on a regular basis and if more than 20% of problems. cases require a second course, the protocol should be reassessed. CellCheck Farm Reports provide information on treatment Non-lactating heifers are an often-neglected group of animals effectiveness when clinical case records are entered. when it comes to mastitis management, as they are assumed to be free of mastitis. However, they too can be very susceptible to Only infected quarters should be treated but all quarters should new infections. If possible, heifers should be calved separately be checked at every milking during the full course. Systems for from the adult herd. The effect of clinical mastitis (CM) on heifers temporary identification of treated cows should be highly visible, is more severe than that in older animals. Heifers that calve with easy to apply and remove. Recording clinical cases is essential to subclinical mastitis (SCM) or CM are more likely to be culled during monitor mastitis in a herd and can be simply done in a notebook, or their first lactation, and persistence of mastitis into lactation has farm diary. A clear, easily seen record such as a whiteboard should a stronger effect on future udder health and milk production. be kept in the parlour for quick reference during milking. Incidence of mastitis at calving is a good measure of the success of drying-off, dry period and pre-calving management. Completing A herd has a significant problem if there are more than 5 clinical a milk recording within 60 days of calving shows how successful cases per 100 cows in the first month of lactation or 2 clinical cases any dry cow treatment was at curing infections and identifies cows per 100 cows in subsequent months of lactation. The CellCheck that picked up new infections during the dry period. It allows close Farm Summary Report enables monitoring of mastitis levels on attention to be paid to any cows that had a high SCC last year when farm and can quickly alert the farmer and their service providers to they calve, for any evidence of clinical mastitis. emerging problems. Pre-milking preparation of udders. How to minimise spread When freshly calved cows come into the parlour, their teats are Minimise spread of bacteria to other non-infected cows by often tender and dry with extra dirt and manure and their udders separating clinical cases and milking them last or as a separate may be swollen and uncomfortable. For heifers calving for the group. If this is not an option, alternatively use a separate, good first time, it takes about two weeks for most heifers to establish quality cluster for mastitic cows or rinse and sanitise the cluster a quiet, reliable response to milking. This initial period can be for 30 seconds, using a peracetic acid solution, after milking each made a lot easier if heifers are trained prior to calving. This is also mastitic cow. Disinfectants take time to kill bacteria, so ensure a good opportunity to teat spray heifers which will reduce the risk sufficient contact time with the solution (as per manufacturer’s of infection. If a high proportion of heifers are tight with udder recommendations). After milking, bacteria multiply on the teat skin oedema prior to calving veterinary intervention may be required and may extend to the teat canal. This spread can be minimised by and heifer nutrition should be discussed with an advisor to ensure correctly using teat spray or teat dip after every milking throughout diet doesn’t contribute to severe flagging. the lactation. It is important that cows are milked out completely as soon as possible after calving to check for mastitis- incomplete milking should not be used as a method of controlling milk fever. Both over and undermilking should be avoided as these increase the risk of mastitis. 36 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

AND YOU’RE 04:37AM ALL IN Come day or night, rain or shine, the well-being of your clients’ herds is what drives you, and you put everything into keeping them healthy and productive. METACAM® is proud to partner with cattle veterinarians to provide proven and trusted anti-inflammatory pain relief for mastitis management,* respiratory infections,* diarrhoea in young calves† and pain relief following dehorning and disbudding. You’re all in, and we are too. To learn more about METACAM®, speak to your Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health representative. *†WIn ictahlvaepsporoveprrioatneeawnetiebkiootficatgheeirnapcyo.mbination with oral rehydration therapy. Supporting cattle well-being Metacam® 20 mg/ml solution for injection for cattle, pigs and horses and Metacam® 40 mg/ml solution for injection for cattle and horses contain meloxicam. UK: POM-V ; IE: POM . Further information available in the SPCs or from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd., RG12 8YS, UK. UK Tel: 01344 746957; IE Tel: 01 291 3985. Email:[email protected]. Metacam® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under licence. ©2021 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd. All rights reserved. Date of preparation: Dec 2021. BOV-0200-2021 Use Medicines Responsibly 384200 37 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23 BIUK-384200 METACAM Cattle Veterinarian Ad_FNL2_297x210.indd 1 07/01/2022 11:16

IT’S YOUR FIELD // TRAINING MODULE 2 Assistant Professor Eoin Ryan MVB MVM DipECBHM PCertBI PCertEE Controlling Lameness in the Spring-Calving Dairy Herd INTRODUCTION or multifactorial metabolic disease, leads to the loss of the very Lameness in dairy cows is a common and economically significant important digital cushion predisposing cows to sole ulceration and disease. Apart from being an important welfare concern, lameness haemorrhage. Ruminal acidosis, associated with rapid introduction is associated with an increased risk of culling, reduced milk yield, of concentrates into the post parturient dairy cow diet, or diets poorer reproductive performance and increased antibiotic usage high in starch or sugars (lush grass) and low in physically effective and treatment costs. A recent publication by Browne et al. (2022), fibre, can lead to subclinical laminitis, softer horn and an increase showed that lameness prevalence is lower in the Irish grass-based in claw-horn lesions like white line disease and under-run sole. system compared to housed systems, with a median 7.9% herd- Endotoxaemic conditions in the periparturient cow, like toxic level lameness prevalence identified in 85 study herds during mastitis or metritis, can lead to acute and subacute laminitis and the grazing period and 9.1% during housing. The target lameness similar claw lesion development. Improper foot trimming technique prevalence, based on locomotion scoring or mobility scoring, is and suboptimal feedspace layout and failure to push in feed at <10% at any point in time. the feedspace can predispose dairy cows to toe necrosis. In this lameness category, primary bacterial infection is not the instigator Nevertheless, lameness can be a significant problem on individual of driver of lameness or lesion development in the affected feet. farms due to the existence of common risk factors. An average case As a result, the term non-infectious foot lameness is appropriate. of lameness can cost up to €300/cow depending on the stage of Certainly, on occasions, there can be super-infection of some lactation when it occurs. In an Irish study by O’Connor et al. (2020), lesions, e.g. sole ulcers or toe necrosis lesions, with bacteria such significant milk yield losses of up to 1.4% of the average yield were as treponemes which can lead to delayed healing or non-healing associated with mobility score 2 in study herds, and yield losses of ulcerative lesions. up to 4.7% were associated with mobility score 3 during the early scoring period. Elevated somatic cell count was associated with all Being aware of these underlying risk factors and contributors to the levels of suboptimal mobility during the late scoring period. Cows pathogenesis of non-infectious foot lameness must be fundamental with a mobility score of 2 during the early scoring period were in the veterinary practitioner’s approach to controlling non- also associated with longer calving interval length. Cows with a infectious lameness in the spring-calving dairy herd. mobility score ≥1 were more likely to be culled during both scoring periods. It is safe to say that there are significant economic savings Infectious Foot Lameness and welfare benefits to be accrued by monitoring and controlling lameness at a herd level. Risk Factors and Pathogenesis The vast majority of all lameness in dairy cows is due to lameness When it comes to infectious foot lameness, this category involving the foot, with the lateral claw of the hindleg and the encompasses a number of lesions which are caused by a medial claw of the foreleg over-represented due to the importance combination of primary bacterial infection and other factors. These coof wthsecsaenasbethdeNivpoirdnime-IdnarfiyenctwtoieoitugwhsotF-obboeroatarLidnamgcaectlneaegwsossr.ieLsa:mNeonne-sIsnfiencdtiaoiurys include environmental factors such as the build-up of excess slurry, (claw-horn lesions) and Infectious lameness. The reason for this and managemental factors such as suboptimal hoof trimming, e.g. categorisation relates to the commonality of the risk factors and elongated toes leading to alteration of hoof confirmation and low the areas of the foot affected in each case. We will look at each of heels resulting in an increased incidence of slurry heel and digital these categories independently. dermatitis. The non-infectious foot lesions have often been referred to as the claw-horn lesions, or the laminitic lesions, as a result of the underlying pathogenesis of these lesions. This category of lameness includes sole haemorrhage/bruising, sole ulceration (Figure 1), white line disease (Figure 1), laminitis, under-run/false sole, foot abscess and toe necrosis. Figure 1: A = White Line Disease and B = Sole Ulceration Figure 2: C= Mortellaro’s Digital Dermatitis; D = Slurry Heel as well as a healed Digital Dermatitis lesion Risk Factors and Pathogenesis The common infectious foot lesions, Mortellaro’s digital dermatitis (Figure 2) (treponeme bacteria), interdigital dermatitis and Environmental trauma to the claw horn leads to laminitis necrobacillosis/footrot(anaerobic bacteria) and slurry heel/ and changes to the horn in many of these conditions. Rough heel erosion (Figure 2) (anaerobic bacteria) all are dependent concrete and shear forces associated with tight turns in housing, on significant bacterial involvement. In some cases, there are passageways or walkways leads to an increased risk of white line combinations of bacterial infections and multiple lesions present disease (WLD) and sole haemorrhage. Rough wet roadways, or on the lame foot. However, these lesions, unlike with non-infectious roadways with loose stones on the surface will also predispose lesions, involve the interdigital tissue, the skin above the heel to WLD and sole haemorrhage during the grazing season. Body condition loss post-calving, due to negative energy balance, ketosis 38 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

bulbs and the coronary bands. Infectious foot lameness does not Body Condition Score (BCS) Management involve claw-horn. It is critical that the underlying risk factors for infectious foot There is a huge body of evidence demonstrating the link between lameness, i.e. biosecurity and purchasing stock; cows standing in low BCS at calving (Target BCS at calving is 3.0 to 3.25), or commonly wet environments due to the build-up of slurry, infrequent foot excess BCS loss post-calving (>0.5 units of BCS), with an increased trimming, together with the innate contagious and infectious incidence of sole ulceration. Therefore, it is critical to manage BCS nature of these lesions is considered when planning suitable optimally in the dairy herd. control programmes tailored to the farm in question. ○ In order to optimise BCS at calving, BCS monitoring during the Investigating Lameness in the Dairy Herd dry period should be encouraged. Dietary management of the Investigating lameness in dairy herds is a two-stage process. spring-calving dry cow will be primarily influenced by forage Initially (stage 1), the prevalence of lameness is determined using (grass silage) quality fed over the dry period. Grouping of cows a lameness scoring system, usually either locomotion or mobility based on BCS at drying off and during the dry period, with scoring. More recently, mobility scoring (Figure 3) has increased in feeding adapted accordingly, will help to minimise metabolic popularity as it allows for scoring the cow in motion without the disease as well as non-infectious lameness post-calving. need to also score her in the standing position (as for locomotion scoring). ○ In order to minimise BCS loss post-calving, the lactating cow The target for herd lameness prevalence is <10% of cows mobility diet should be tailored to meet the energy demands of the score 2 or 3; or <10% of cows locomotion score 3 to 5. Once the herd. Feeding to yield can help to combat issues relating prevalence of lameness has been determined, the main causes to variations in cow type within the herd. Feedspace is also of lameness must be identified (stage 2) by lifting the feet of a a critical determining factor of the risk of negative energy cohort of lame cows and identifying the lesions on affected claws. balance (NEB) post-calving and must be considered in every If the predominant lesions are non-infectious in nature (white herd. Monitoring for NEB using individual cow or bulk milk line disease; sole haemorrhage; sole ulceration), then a control solids analysis is recommended so that dietary alterations can programme primarily aimed at reducing non-infectious lameness be implemented when necessary. should be put in place. If the predominant lesions are infectious in nature, then the control programme will be very different and Housing Management options like footbathing will be of utmost importance. The prevalence of non-infectious foot lameness is significantly Controlling Non-Infectious Foot Lameness in the Spring-Calving Herd influenced by standing times and by the quality of surfaces the cow’s feet come into contact with. The following points should be There is often a peak in non-infectious lameness in the considered in lameness control programmes: postparturient period, particularly due to an increased prevalence of sole ulceration. In order to reduce the prevalence of sole ○ Cubicle numbers and cow comfort is critical in reducing the haemorrhage and sole ulceration in spring-calving herds, the prevalence of non-infectious foot lameness. Ideally there following recommendations should be considered and tailored to should be more than 1 cubicle per cow on any farm and the size the individual farm: and surfaces of cubicles should be matched to cow type and should encourage cows to lie down and ruminate. Mattresses are preferable to rubber mats and, if rubber mats are present, they should be replaced once they become hard and non- pliable. The length of cubicles is very important and lunge space should be assessed, especially if cubicles are built against Mobility score Score Description of cow behaviour Suggested actions Category of score Good mobility Figure 3: AHDB Mobility Score Chart ● Walks with even weight- ● No action needed 39 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23 0 bearing and rhythm on all four feet, with a flat back ● Routine (preventative) foot trimming ● Long, fluid strides possible when/if required ● Record mobility at next scoring session Imperfect mobility ● Could benefit from routine (preventative) foot ● Steps uneven (rhythm or trimming when/if required weight-bearing) or strides ● Further observation recommended 1 shortened; affected limb or limbs not immediately identifiable Impaired mobility ● Lame and likely to benefit from treatment ● Uneven weight-bearing on ● Foot should be lifted to establish the cause of a limb that is immediately lameness before treatment 2 identifiable and/or obviously ● Should be attended to as soon as shortened strides (usually with an arch to the centre of practically possible the back) Severely impaired mobility ● Unable to walk as fast as a ● This cow is very lame and requires urgent brisk human pace (cannot attention, nursing and further professional advice keep up with the healthy herd) ● Examine as soon as possible 3 ● Lame leg easy to identify – ● Cow will benefit from treatment limping; may barely stand on ● Cow should not be made to walk far and kept lame leg/s; back arched when standing and walking on a straw yard or at grass ● Very lame ● In the most severe cases, culling may be the only possible solution

a wall – these wall-facing cubicles need to be >2.4 metres long Figure 4: Permanent concrete footbath, easy to fill and drain; for the standard Irish Holstein-Friesian cow. minimum length 3 metres ○ It is important that concrete passageways are neither too rough or too smooth and that holes are filled in a timely manner ○ The target length for a footbath should be 3.6 to 4 metres. whenever they arise. The size of the holding area is also very However, good results can be obtained if the footbath is at least important so that cows have 2m2 of space while they wait 3 metres long. Antibiotic footbaths are not licenced and not around milking time. recommended for use in controlling infectious foot lameness. ○ The addition of rubber matting around the parlour and at Currently, a 5% copper sulphate solution can be effective in feedspaces will help to minimise sole haemorrhage and WLD. herds up to 200 cows. Copper sulphate is denatured by organic Cow flow will also be influenced by the layout of housing matter and with high through-puts in very large herds, efficacy including the milking parlour and this should be considered in is reduced. Alternatively, organic acid footbaths can be more any new builds- sharp turns for cows are always a risk for WLD. effective in the presence of organic matter. ○ The size of the milking parlour is often a very important risk factor for non-infectious lameness. A small milking parlour ○ • Footbathing frequency is also very important. In the face of relative to milking herd size will lead to prolonged milking an infectious lameness problem, it is recommended to initially times and, therefore, prolonged standing times for cows. This footbath cows at least 4 times per week – the frequency can be is an important consideration when discussing herd expansion. increased or decreased based on veterinary advice. Routine Herd Foot Trimming Housing and Roadway Hygiene ○ It is recommended that routine whole-herd foot trimming, not ○ It is critical in a control programme for infectious foot lameness just of lame cows, should be carried out at the time of drying off to assess housing and roadway hygiene. Good scraper function and again 6-8 weeks post-calving in spring-calving dairy herds. and the prevention of excessive slurry build-up must be a Foot trimming at drying off will help prevent non-infectious and priority. Identifying areas of walkways where water and slurry infectious foot lameness over the dry period and foot trimming tend to accumulate, followed by appropriate maintenance, is an 6 to 8 weeks post-calving will allow early intervention so that important component of infectious lameness control. problems such as sole ulceration and WLD can be prevented with corrective paring. Footbathing The implementation of a reliable and easy-to-maintain footbathing protocol is central to the control of infectious foot lameness. Ideally footbaths should be permanent (Figure 4) and sufficiently long to facilitate good foot disinfection as cows walk through. Ensuring that cows’ feet are as clean as possible entering the footbath is also of paramount importance. The use of a waterbath in advance of the footbath is a very good option, or the use of a hose to clean the heels of the cows in the parlour in the face of a digital dermatitis problem. References 1. Browne, N., Hudson, C.D.,Crossley, R.E.,Sugrue, K., Kennedy, E., Huxley, J.N. and Conneely, M. Lameness prevalence and management practices on Irish pasture‑based dairy farms. Irish Veterinary Journal (2022) 75:14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13620-022-00221-w 2. O’Connor, A.H., Bokkers, E.A.M., de Boer, I.J.M., Hogeveen, H., Sayers, R., Byrne, N., Ruelle, E., and Shalloo, L. Associating mobility scores with production and reproductive performance in pasture-based dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science (2020) 103:9238– 9249. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-17103 TRAINING 2 // ASSESMENT 98 Q1. Cows with a mobility score 3 can have average yield losses of Q4. What is the target length for a footbath? (a)1%N on-Inf ectious Foot L(abm)2e.n5e%ss ___________________________________________________________ (c)3.5% (d)or 4.7% ___________________________________________________________ Q2. List three production losses associated with lameness ___________________________________________________________ 1. ___________________________________________________________ Q5. Are organic acid footbaths more effective than copper 2. ___________________________________________________________ sulphate in the presence of organic matter? 3. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Q3. Target BCS at calving should be ___________________________________________________________ (a)2.5-3.0 (b)3.0-3.25 ___________________________________________________________ (c)3.25-3.50 (d)3.50-3.75 Send completed answers to: It’s Your Field, Unit 5 Kilkerrin Park, Liosbaun Industrial Estate, Taum Road, Galway or [email protected]. 40 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

Iettapoc’nsrtrdooiedmptduaopurcopcatirersvteitaitvthinyecetinldrtoteoismssstkreiuleoskcaf.hatlinaecsdaerSwilnypefoeiwgtsiihnttathotgria®oannins Lapoircfdoehedtoiurnuicfmseteiseodtnnacttaaaionlttndilmseppcbeaayrcnfcotharomaunvsaetinnhgcee: ••IbGriretiitnnaegtri,oasnlcuroanftttchhhreiinfstgykiaannp,dpleeraaudrbaibnnigcnegto • Reduced feed intake • Preodourcpeedrfworemigahntcgeaiannd USE MEDICINES RESPONSIBLY. Manufactured 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: ROI: Spotinor® 10mg/ml Spot-on Solution for cattle and sheep contains deltamethrin. 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/ | 4893-LA(C/S)-v2a-ROI-20/01/23

Dr. Elaine Brady, Ruminant Nutritionist, Tirlán. Negative Energy Balance Negative Energy Balance Steps to reduce negative energy balance in early lactation Negative energy balance (NEB) is feature of early lactation however, NEB can also be a problem for late gestation cows and Firstly, it is important to ensure the cow starts the lactation in may predispose them to many transition cow disorders if not correct BCS. The target BCS at calving is 3.0-3.25 for a least 90% managed correctly. In early lactation, dairy cows experience a of the herd. Ideally, cows should be dried off at the target BCS at significant increase in energy requirement due to the sudden onset calving and maintained to reduce feeding costs. On the other hand, of lactation with a dramatic increase in milk yield which generally cows that calve from March on are most at risk of over-conditioning peaks at 6-8 weeks after calving. This energy requirement is only as these cows often have a prolonged dry period. It has been partially met by feed consumption due to the limitations in dry proven that when dairy cows calve down in an over-conditioned matter intake (DMI). The remainder of the energy requirement is state (>3.5 BCS), they have a higher level of BCS loss post-calving, primarily met by the mobilisation of body fat. When this occurs, the a compromised metabolic state, and a reduced feed intake in early- cow enters a state of NEB. lactation in comparison to cows with an appropriate BCS at calving at calving. Prepartum dietary management Negative energy balance is mainly characterised by elevated A distinct decline in DMI occurs in the last 10 days prior to calving. non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) It has been suggested to increase energy content of the diet or to concentrations. A certain concentration of NEFAs and BHBs is part maximise DMI prepartum in order to mitigate the drop in DMI. Some of normal adaption however; cows with excess concentrations studies have indicated overconsumption of energy prepartum can of these have shown to be more susceptible to oxidative stress, negatively affect cow health while some studies have found no metabolic disorders, immunosuppression and impaired fertility. benefits to limiting feed or providing ad libitum access to a high Even though NEB cannot be prevented, the severity and duration of energy diet on intake or milk production. To avoid large changes NEB needs to be reduced in order to prevent the negative outcomes in energy balance or DMI around calving a more stable DMI of a as mentioned above. controlled diet regardless of energy intake may be an advantage. The addition of fibre such as straw is an effective way of controlling Minimising the risk of excessive NEB is crucial in optimising herd energy intake instead of physically restricting the amount offered. performance, profitability and longevity thus, sustainability on dairy farms. This can be achieved by implementing nutritional strategies The requirement for the development of rumen papillae and to that focus on achieving correct BCS at calving and maximising dry acclimatise rumen microbes for dry cows coming off a grass silage- matter and energy intake post calving while reducing stressors based only diet and receiving 4kg or less of concentrate feed in a during the transition period as much as possible. Cows encounter grazing scenario, is unlikely to be significant, if BCS is on target. For the same metabolic and health challenges regardless of the system, cows that will be fed 8kg of concentrate or more in early lactation, whether a grass-based lower yielding system or a year round higher it is advantageous to feed 1kg of starch in the last two weeks pre- output system during the transition period. calving. This could be 2kg of a dry cow nut, 2kg of barley or 3kg of maize silage or whole crop-wheat silage. Mineral supplementation also plays a vital role in minimising the risk of NEB. A deficiency in minerals such as magnesium resulting in milk fever can have a significant impact on DMI. Magnesium is essential for the efficient absorption and resorption of calcium. Calcium is required for rumen contractions, necessary for maintaining normal rumen turnover rates and DMI. Trace elements are associated with immune function. A deficiency increases the risk of reduced immune function, which can predispose the cow to reduced DMI postpartum. 42 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

BOVIKALC A4 ad 2019.qxp_Layout 1 03/09/2019 16:02 Page 1 A recent economic analysis1 suggests that giving Bovikalc® to all cows* around calving can almost always deliver a positive financial return. So the hurdle of identifying cows at risk of subclinical hypocalcaemia, can effectively be removed. THE WHOLE HERD APPROACH FOR HYPOCALCAEMIA The whole herd approach for managing “milk fever” * Two lactations or greater. Reference 1. McArt and Oetzel. A stochastic estimate of the economic impact of oral calcium supplementation in postparturient dairy cows. J Dairy Sci. 2015 Oct;98:7408-18. Bovikalc® contains calcium chloride and calcium sulphate. Further information available from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd RG12 8YS, UK. UK Tel: 01344 746960 (sales) or 01344 746957 (technical), IE Tel: 01 291 3985 (all queries). Email: vetenquiries@ boehringer-ingelheim.com. Bovikalc® is a registered trademark of the Boehringer Ingelheim Group. ©2019 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd. Date of preparation: Sept 2019. AHD 12773. All rights reserved. Use Medicines Responsibly. 43 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

Dr. Elaine Brady, Ruminant Nutritionist, Tirlán. Negative Energy Balance In many cases, reduced DMI is a secondary consequence of other Monitoring energy balance in early lactation: metabolic disorders, such as milk fever or inflammation. ○ Milk data: Postpartum dietary management The ratio of milk fat:milk protein percentage is a useful predictor of dairy cattle with a high risk of negative energy Maximising DMI and energy density of the diet to reduce NEB could balance and higher likelihood of condition score loss of potentially be done by the addition of concentrates. However, the greater than 0.5 units. A milk fat:protein ratio > 1.4 within the proportion of concentrates needs to be restricted to avoid acidosis first 60 day in milk is an indicator of excessive NEB. (<60% of the total diet). In a grass-based system, grass dry matter Milk protein percentage is one of the key monitoring criteria intake can vary widely from 5-18kg DM depending on the time for energy balance. Milk protein <3.05% within the first 60 of year. Good grazing management is necessary to monitor grass DIM is an indicator of excessive NEB availability and what is actually being eaten so that the correct Previous studies demonstrated higher milk protein and milk supplementation level is offered. As many cows will be managed lactose percentage were positively correlated with pregnancy indoors in the immediate early lactation period the quality of the rates early in the breeding season. Milk lactose <4.5% is an forage provided is important as it influences DMI. Lower DMD and indicator of excessive NEB. wetter silages have a lower intake potential both in terms of energy and dry matter than that of a drier high DMD silage. Reserve good ○ BCS loss: quality silage for milking cows of at least 75% DMD. A nutritionally BCS loss greater than 0.5 of a body condition score from balanced TMR improves DMI compared to pasture fed cows in the calving until breeding. BCS should be assessed at calving to first 21-30 days after calving. Also, it has been shown to persist allow monitoring through to 6 weeks after calving when grazing. Additionally, meeting the cow’s energy requirement as early as possible has ○ Blood data - Concentrations of NEFA and BHBs: been shown to improve milk production, lower BCS loss and BCS It is recommended to measure a cohort of at least 10-12 cows nadir was reached earlier. or 10% of large groups of dry cows between five to 15 days pre-calving for NEFA and BHB. Where >0.4mmol/l and BHB There are a large number of factors that determine energy where > 0.7mmol/l is indicative of a problem with NEB. allowance for example feed space, weather, grazing conditions, Post-calving the ideal window for herd monitoring for NEB and silage qualities and availability. Whatever strategy is used to is in the days 15-50 in milk, post calving the thresholds are feed the early lactation cow, some consideration should be given different and NEFA >0.7mmol/l and BHB >1.4mmol/l are to determine if nutrient supply is meeting nutrient demands at this indicative of NEB. crucial time period. Ultimately, if energy intake is not met, the cow will lose too much BCS in the 1st 8 weeks after calving, resulting in In order to increase the reliability of NEB monitoring, a combination inferior herd milk and fertility performance. of these indicators should be used to gain an accurate report of individual farm transition cow management. According to the Teagasc’s Dairy Fodder Survey for September 2022, forage scarcity is likely to be an issue on some farms largely Figure 2: Diagram representation showing the relationship of DMI in areas severely affected by summer drought with 15-20% of and negative energy balance with postpartum diseases and its farms in the southeast region at risk of significant feed shortages. consequences, which in turn negatively affect milk yield. This combined with earlier housing due to poor grazing conditions may have increased the severity of forage deficits on some farms. Action needs to be taken in time to reserve high quality silage or source feed for early lactation. Despite the good grass growth towards the backend of the grazing season, one cannot predict the weather next spring. Under-feeding in early lactation not only has immediate implications but also carry on through lactation. 44 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

Targeted. Effective. Responsible. In Ireland, 80% of clinical mastitis cases are caused by Gram-positive pathogens such as Streptococcus uberis*1 Targeted, narrow-spectrum antibiotics, such as Taneven® LC, are recommended as first-choice treatments to promote animal welfare and the prudent use of antibiotics.2 Taneven® LC is very effective against Gram-positive microbes3 including Streptococcus spp.3 and our udder tube applicators optimise rapid concentrations of antibiotic in the glandular tissue. For more information contact Elanco today * Isolated on 50% of farms with clinical cases of mastitis, either alone or in combination with another pathogen References: 1. Keane O.M et al. (2013). Pathogen profile in clinical mastitis in Irish milk recording herds reveals a complex aetiology. Vet Rec. Jul 6 2013;173(1):17. 2. Guideline for vets: Prudent use of antibiotics in cattle and swine. Cooperation of Vetsuisse Faculty, Society of Swiss Veterinarians and Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office; October, 2018. 3. de Jong, A. et al. (2018): Monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility of udder pathogens recovered from cases of clinical mastitis in dairy cows across Europe: VetPath results. Veterinary Microbiology, Vol. 213, 73–81. Taneven LC 3g intramammary suspension for cattle contains Benzylpenicillin. Legal category: POM in IE. Information regarding the side effects, precautions, warnings and contra-indications can be found in product packaging and leaflets; further information can also be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics. For further information contact Elanco UK AH Limited, First Floor, Form 2, Bartley Way, Bartley Wood Business Park, Hook RG27 9XA. Telephone: 01256 353131 Email: [email protected]. Taneven, Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. Use medicines responsibly (www.apha.ie). Advice should be sought from the prescriber prior to use. 45 ©|EIlatn’cso 2Y02o2.uPMr-IFE-i22e-0l1d49.-DaStepofrpirnepgara2tio3n: April 2022 6314.002 TANEVEN Target Ad 297x210 IYF FEB 2023.indd 1 10/01/2023 12:12

Oonagh Fitzgibbon MVB MRCVS, Companion Animal Veterinary Manager, MSD Animal Health The risks which ectoparasites pose to both pet and human alike and the year- round approach needed for prevention. Veterinary staff are vital in the education of owners about the risk some simple questions to assess each pet’s lifestyle, a confident fleas and ticks pose to their pets and their families. It’s critical for pet recommendation can be easily made7. Engage with the owner and owners to understand the importance of year-round ectoparasite explain the risks of fleas and ticks, visual aids can help. Owners are prevention as recommended by ESCCAP (European Scientific more likely to follow instructions if they understand why they are Council Companion Animal Parasites)1, for the wellbeing of their required to do something. Effective communication and consistent cherished animals. The second challenge we face is improving messaging across all staff members will help improve compliance compliance to the parasite control plans put in place for each pet. and confidence in the recommendations. Many owners do not realise that the adult fleas visible on their pets are the tip of the iceberg, only accounting for approximately 5% of Kitten and puppy consultations are the ideal time to discuss and the population with the remaining 95% of the infestation being in create lifelong pet control plans7. Once the parasite control plan the environment. Understanding this key aspect of the life cycle is has been drawn up it is important to keep this in the patients file vital when tackling an infestation, with our warm centrally heated to refer to and review as necessary over the pets’ lifetime. Odds of home often acting as a reservoir for infestation all year round. Flea client adherence were 7 times greater when the owner received infestations can be very difficult to get rid once established. At a clear recommendation compared with owner who received least 3 months of continuous treatment is required to eliminate an an ambiguous recommendation8. In surveys from USA, owners infestation2. reported they administered monthly products approximately 4 -4.5 months per year (in other words animals were protected for Ireland has the perfect conditions for Ixodes spp. ticks to thrive. The only one third of the year)9 . However, when pets were prescribed a temperature climate is ideal and there is an abundance of suitable longer acting product such as Bravecto, pets received the equivalent habitats, from the agricultural grasslands and woodlands to urban of almost 6 months cover (based on products purchased), i.e., half parks and back gardens3. Ixodes ricinus is the most common tick of the year10. Based on estimated pet populations and analysis of affecting cattle, sheep, and dogs, while Ixodes hexagonus is the the pets parasiticide market, on average pets in Ireland are treated most frequently encountered on cats. Ixodes spp. are active when with ectoparasite control products covering less than 3 months of it is seven degrees or above, consistently for five days or more and the year, meaning most of the year these pets are left vulnerable where humidity levels remain above 80%4. Ireland’s mild and to infestations. humid climate allows peak tick activity to continue from summer into autumn5. However, as winters have become milder tick activity Prevention is better than cure. Implementing parasite control plans is now being seen year-round. This annual period of tick activity may seem like extra work initially. However, these plans simply will undoubtedly length as the global temperatures continue to re-enforce the recommendations already made. By streamlining rise. the process, it will help build staff confidence in making As with fleas, tick bites can result in local reactions such erythema, recommendations and answering owner queries and thereby pruritus, alopecia, and even localised infection at the bite site. leading to better understanding, compliance, and adherences rates. However, ticks bring far more serious health risks in the form of tick- borne diseases. The most important TBD transmitted by I. ricinus is MSD AH has published a new website www.protectourfuturetoo. Lyme disease caused by the spirochaete Borrelia burgdorferi. This com to provide vets and owners with information about the risk zoonotic disease is the most common TBD in people in Europe, with more than 360,000 cases reported over the last two decades6. climate change poses to pets. In conjunction Lyme disease also affects animal species such as dogs, deer, and with this website MSD AH has also introduced horses. a new app ‘tickit’ allowing the user to take a photo of a tick and identify it on the spot. All dogs and cats should be protected year-round against fleas and Download the app and have the tools to ticks2 . However, by adhering to best practice guidelines2 and using identify tick species in the palm of your hand … and be at the fore front of parasite surveillance! References 1. M. A. Crowe, ‘Resumption of Ovarian Cyclicity in Post-partum Beef and Dairy Cows’, Reproduction in Domestic Animals, vol. 43, no. 5, pp. 20–28, 2008, doi: 2. Guidelines | GL3: Control of Ectoparasites in Dogs and Cats | ESCCAP Accessed 27 Oct 22 3. www.esccap.org/recommendations/ How to Protect Pets from Parasites 4. de Waal, T.( 1 ) et al. (2020) ‘A survey of ticks infesting dogs and cats in Ireland’, Animals, 10(8), pp. 1-7–7. doi:10.3390/ani10081404. 5. Perret, J.-L.; Guigoz, E.; Rais, O.; Gern, L. Influence of saturation deficit and temperature on Ixodes ricinus tick questing activity in a Lymeborreliosis-endemic area (Switzerland). Parasitol. Res. 2000, 86, 554–557 6. Gray JS. Studies on the activity of Ixodes ricinus in relation to the epidemiology of babesiosis in Co Meath, Ireland. Br Vet J. 1980;136:427–36 7. Lyme Borreliosis in Europe — English (europa.eu) 8. Using best practice to create tailored parasite control plans for pets Laura Stokes and Ian Wright The Veterinary Nurse 2018 9:1, 12-19 9. Kanji N, Coe JB, Adams CL, Shaw JR. Effect of veterinarian-client-patient interactions on client adherence to dentistry and surgery recommendations in companion-animal practice. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012;240(4):427–36 10. Transdermal Bravecto Market Assessment Study. Quantitative findings. Madison: Merck Animal Health; 2015. 11. U.S. Flea Control and Heartworm Markets. Dallas: Brakke Consulting, Inc; 2015 12. Lavan, R. et al. Dog owner flea/tick medication purchases in the USA. Parasites & vectors, [s. l.], v. 11, n. 1, p. 581, 2018. 46 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

START PARASITE PROTECTION EARLY AND KEEP IT GOING A,B,H: range Protect pets using theoffen: 66.00 x 30.00 x 152.00mm A,B,H: 66.00 x 30.00 x 152.00mm 238.00 x 202.00mm offen: 238.00 x 202.00mm x1 lack free x1 lack free x1 lack free pre printed text Imprint area pre printed text Imprint area pre printed text Imprint area pre printed text pre printed text pre printed text pre printed text pre printed text pre printed text DE Bravecto 500/25 mg Lösung zum Auftropfen auf DE Bravecto 1000 mg Lösung zum Auftropfen auf DE Bravecto 1400 mg Lösung zum Auftropfen auf die Haut für kleine Katzen (10 - 20 kg) Zum die Haut für kleine Katzen (20 - 40 kg) Zum die Haut für kleine Katzen (40 - 56 kg) Zum Auftropfen Auftropfen auf die Haut. Lesen Sie vor der Anwendung die Auftropfen auf die Haut. Lesen Sie vor der Anwendung auf die Haut. Lesen Sie vor der Anwendung die Packungsbeilage. Bewahren Sie das Tierarzneimittel bis 500 MG FLURALANER zur Anwendung in der Originalverpackung auf, um 1000 MG FLURALANER Kindern den direkten Zugriff zu verwehren. Für Tiere. 1400 MG FLURALANER Verschreibungspflichtig. Arzneimittel unzugänglich für die Packungsbeilage. Bewahren Sie das Tierarzneimittel Packungsbeilage. Bewahren Sie das Tierarzneimittel bis zur Kinder aufbewahren. bis zur Anwendung in der Originalverpackung auf, um Anwendung in der Originalverpackung auf, um Kindern den Kindern den direkten Zugriff zu verwehren. Für Tiere. direkten Zugriff zu verwehren. Für Tiere. Verschreibungsp- NL Bravecto 500/25 mg spot-on oplossing voor Verschreibungspflichtig. Arzneimittel unzugänglic5h00 MG FLURALANfliEchRtig. Arzneimittel unzugänglich für Kinder 1000 MG FLURALANER 1400 MG FLURALANER kleine katten (10 - 20 kg) Spot-on gebruik. Lees vóór 1400 MG FLURALANERaufbewahren. gebruik de bijsluiter. Bewaar het product tot gebruik in de 1000 MG FLURALANER 40-56 kg oorspronkelijke verpakking om te voorkomen dat kinderen 500 MG FLURALANER 1 Chew/Chew/Chew in contact komen met het product. Uitsluitend voor für Kinder aufbewahren. diergeneeskundig gebruik. Uitsluitend op diergeneeskundig 20-40 kg voorschrift verkrijgbaar diergeneesmiddel. Buiten het zicht NL Bravecto 1000 mg spot-on oplossing voor kleine NL Bravecto 1400 mg spot-on oplossing voor kleine 1 Chew en bereik van kinderen bewaren. katten (20 - 40 kg) Spot-on gebruik. Lees vóór gebruik katten (40 - 56 kg) Spot-on gebruik. Lees vóór gebruik 1 Chew de bijsluiter. Bewaar het product tot gebruik in de de bijsluiter. Bewaar het product tot gebruik in de 1 Chew FR Bravecto 500/25 mg solution pour spot-on pour 10-20 kgoorspronkelijke verpakking om te voorkomen dat kinderen 20-40 kgoorspronkelijke verpakking om te voorkomen dat kinderen chats de petite taille (10 - 20 kg) Utilisation en in contact komen met het product. Uitsluitend voor in contact komen met het product. Uitsluitend voor spot-on. Lire la notice avant utilisation. Conserver le diergeneeskundig gebruik. Uitsluitend op diergeneeskundig diergeneeskundig gebruik. Uitsluitend op diergeneeskundig produit dans l’emballage d’origine jusqu’à utilisation, afin voorschrift verkrijgbaar diergeneesmiddel.1BCuihtenwh/Ceht ezwich/Ct hew voorschrift verkrijgbaar diergeneesmidde1l. CBhuietwen/Chheetwzi/cChht ew d’éviter que les enfants puissent avoir un accès direct au en bereik van kinderen bewaren. en bereik van kinderen bewaren. produit. À usage vétérinaire. A ne délivrer que sur ordonnance vétérinaire. Tenir hors de la vue et de la FR Bravecto 1000 mg solution pour spot-on pour FR Bravecto 1400 mg solution pour spot-on pour 40-56 kg 40-56 kg portée des enfants. Lcihrea1tl0sa d-ne2otp0iceetkiatgevatnatiluletil(i2sa0ti-on4.0Cokngs)eUrvteilrislaetipornodeunitspdoatn-son. cLih2rea0tlsa-d4neo0tpiceketgiatevatnatiluletil(i4sa0ti-o1n50.6C-ok2ng0s)eUrkvteiglrislaetipornodeunitspdoatn-son. 1 Chew lle’es1mebCnafhalelnawgtsepdu’oisrsigeninteajvuosiqruu’àn utilisation, afin d’éviter que ll’e1esmCebhnafealwlnagtsepdu’oisrsigeninteajvuosiqruu’àn1uatcCiclhièsesawtdiiorne,ctafainu d’éviter que 1 Chew accès direct au produit. À produit. À 1 Chew 1 Chew us1agCehveéwtérinaire. A ne délivrer que sur ordonnance u1saCgheevwétérinaire. A ne délivr1erCqhueewsur ordonnance 1 Chew vé1térCinhaeiwre. Tenir hors de la vue et de la portée des enfants. v1étCérhineawire. Tenir hors de la v1ueCehtedwe la portée des enfants. 1 Chew EU/2/13/158/018 EU/2/13/158/018 MISES EN GARDE: Garder hors de la portee des enfants. LgiarerdIElneaU.t/e2rv/1e3t /I1n5te8r/n0a1t8ional B. V.MnoItSicEeS EN GARDE: Garder hors de la portee des enfants. Lire la MISES EN GARDE: Garder hors de la portee des enfants. Lire la Intervet International B. V. Intervet International B. V. notice pour des informations completes sur les mises en Lgiarerd5Wlea8.i3m1 de Körverstraat 35 pour des informations completes sur les mises en garde. notice pour des informations completes sur les mises en garde. Wim de Körverstraat 35 Wim de Körverstraat 35 AN Boxmeer MISES EN GARDE: Garder hors de la portee des enfants. Lire la 5831 AN Boxmeer 5831 AN Boxmeer MISES EN GARDE: Garder hors de la portee des enfants. MISES EN GARDE: Garder hors de la portee des enfants. Lire la notice pour des informations completes sur les mises en garde. Niederlande / Nederland / notice pour des informations completes sur les mises en notice pour des informations completes sur les mises en garde. MISES EN GARDE: Garder hors de la portee des enfants. Lire la Pays-Bas Niederlande / Nederland / MISES EN GARDE: Garder hors de la portee des enfants. LireNlaiederlande / Nederland / MISES EN GARDE: Garder hors de la portee des enfants. Lire la notice pour des informations completes sur les mises en garde. Pays-Bas notice pour des informations completes sur les mises en gardPea.ys-Bas notice pour des informations completes sur les mises en garde. 500 MG FLURALANER 1000 MG FLURALANER 1400 MG FLURALANER Faserlauf Karton Faserlauf Karton Intervet ® BRAVECTO® PLUS SPOT-ON FOR CATS BRAVECTO CHEW FOR DOGSP107249_0 Intervet P107249_0 Fleas and ticks can distress pets from a young age and as Bravecto® ensures longer lasting protection through the growing stages for 12 weeks, there is no reason not to treat as early as possible*. Pets deserve the comprehensive protection that Bravecto® offers against these distressing parasites year-round. 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 (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. For reduction of the risk of infection with Babesia canis via transmission by Dermacentor reticulatus for up to 12 weeks. For reduction of the risk of infection with Dipylidium caninum via transmission by Ctenocephalides felis. The effect is indirect due to the product’s activity against the vector. BRAVECTO® CHEW can also be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). BRAVECTO® PLUS contains fluralaner and moxidectin and is indicated for the treatment of flea and tick infestations in cats, the treatment of infestations with ear mites (Otodectes cynotis), the treatment of infections with intestinal roundworm (4th stage larvae, immature adults and adults of Toxocara cati) and hookworm (4th stage larvae, immature adults and adults of Ancylostoma tubaeforme), and prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis for 8 weeks. BRAVECTO® PLUS provides immediate and persistent flea (Ctenocephalides felis) and tick (Ixodes ricinus) killing activity for 12 weeks. BRAVECTO® PLUS can also be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). For ear mite infestations seek further veterinary examination (i.e. otoscopy) 28 days after treatment to determine whether there is re-infestation requiring additional treatment. The choice of the additional treatment should be determined by the prescribing veterinarian. Where necessary, cats can be re-treated at 12-week intervals. Legal categories: 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 *Treat all puppies >8 weeks old and/or >2kg, treat all kittens >9 weeks old and/or >1.2kg USE MEDICINES RESPONSIBLY SA-23-08 Jan 2023 IE-BRV-230100003 Bravecto Puppies-Kittens A4 Ad 1-23.indd 2 27/01/2023 13:55

Rebecca Watson, MSc RVN Lymphangitis in horses Lymphangitis describes oedematous swelling or pooling of lymph The skin should be dried carefully following cold therapy as fluid in the horse’s body. It is caused by poor lymphatic drainage, excessive wetting of the skin can reduce the skins immune barrier, often associated with inflammation of the lymphatic system. It which can contribute to broken skin and secondary cellulitis commonly occurs in the limbs but can also occur on the underside infection. of the abdomen and chest. Cases of lymphangitis are usually Massaging of the limb, by an experienced therapist might help sporadic and commonly affect a single limb (usually a hind limb). work the fluid away. Great care should be taken as the swollen, For the purposes of this article, we will look at lymphangitis in the stretched skin of the limb can be very fragile and prone to breaking. limbs. Likewise, bandaging may be helpful to help minimise swelling in The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and comprises the limbs in between flare ups, however, during the disease process a network of tissues, vessels and organs that work together to move bandages may only serve to push the fluid higher up the limb. a colourless, watery fluid called ‘lymph’ back into the circulatory Again, bandaging by inexperienced personnel could cause more system (the bloodstream). harm than good as the skin on the limb will be fragile and prone to The lymphatic system has many functions, some of the key further injury. Be guided by your veterinary surgeon. functions include: Cellulitis occurs when the internal layers of the skin and connective tissue become inflamed due to the pooling of the lymphatic fluid. ○ Maintenance of fluid levels in the body: the lymphatic Within a few hours to days, fluid or serum can seep through the system collects excess fluid that drains from cells and tissues most damaged areas of the tightly stretched skin. This serum can throughout the body and returns it to the bloodstream. scald the outer layer of the skin or dry as clinging yellow crusts. Often there is associated infection which will require aggressive ○ Absorbs fats from the digestive tract: lymph includes fluids treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. from the intestines that contain fats and proteins and transports Cellulitis usually presents in the same way as lymphangitis, but them into the bloodstream. the limb will be hot and painful to touch (the horse will resent the ‘pitting’ test) and the horse will be obviously lame. Horses with ○ Protects the body against foreign invaders: the lymphatic cellulitis will also present with a fever. Frequently these horses will system is part of the immune system. It produces and releases not eat—most likely due to the fever and discomfort—and will be lymphocytes (white blood cells) and other immune cells that depressed and lethargic. monitor and then destroy the foreign invaders — such as All sudden onset swelling of the limbs with associated lameness bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. should be investigated by a veterinary surgeon to rule out other reasons for this presentation, such as stone bruise or hoof abscess If left untreated or not carefully managed, lymphangitis can / fracture / laminitis / septic joint or other such injury. Restrict become complicated and turn into cellulitis, which may require a exercise until your horse has been seen by a vet. more aggressive treatment and management plan. If it is treated Cellulitis can progress rapidly if it is not noticed and treated quickly. quickly, lymphangitis often goes away with no ill effects. Severe cases can cause abscessation, resulting in ulceration and Lymphangitis initially presents as a swollen or fat limb, that is skin sloughing (there is a high risk of bone and joint tissue infection a similar temperature to touch as the other unaffected limbs. if this occurs), supporting limb laminitis and sepsis. Depending on the severity of the swelling, there may or may not Most cases of cellulitis involve bacteria entering the body through be associated lameness, but there is frequently compromise to the undetectable microtraumas to the skin. A Staphylococcus spp. function of the limb, resulting in a stiff or odd gait. It can progress infection can occur from blunt trauma alone (pastern dermatitis to fever inducing if the initial problem is not noticed quickly and is a common culprit). Staphylococcus spp. bacteria is considered a the condition progresses from inflammation to infection of the lymphatic system. We don’t know why lymphangitis occurs, but it can be a chronic problem where there has been an old injury and chronic swelling of the tissues, in that particular area, has resulted in compromise to the circulatory system. It can also occur where there has been a significant reduction in exercise. Muscle contraction and elevated blood pressure are the typical forces that move blood and lymph fluid back toward the heart. The equine lower limb has no muscles to contract and, therefore, must rely on one-way valves in the lymph vessels to prevent backflow and compression of the frog to stimulate lymphatic resorption and outflow. Therefore, exercise can help resolve mild cases of lymphangitis or ‘stocking up’. Lymphangitis can occur secondary to an injury or wound on the body and the resulting restriction of movement, due to pain, will compromise the circulatory system. There will be ‘oedematous pitting’ of the limb (where if you press a finger into the inflamed tissues, fluid will move and leave an imprint of the finger, which will take a while to resolve, as the fluid slowly returns to the area. Depending on the stage of the ailment, there may or not be an associated fever. In milder cases of lymphangitis cold therapy, in the form of cold hosing or icing can be useful to help the small vessels in the affected area to contract and get the circulation going again. Reducing the temperature of the affected area will provide analgesia (pain relief) by reducing the conduction of nerve pain signals and will help reduce inflammation. 48 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

Rebecca Watson, MSc RVN Lymphangitis in horses part of the normal flora when found on the outside of the skin, but Table 1 Prevention measures to help avoid lymphangitis it becomes pathogenic when it enters the internal (subcutaneous) tissues. ○ Ensure you dry horse’s legs after washing / hosing to protect Treatment of cellulitis involves reducing inflammation, getting the immune barrier on skin bacterial infection under control and preventing further infection. Your veterinary surgeon may ultrasound the affected limb to rule ○ Monitor limbs closely for signs of cuts and grazes, especially out foreign bodies and pockets of fluid or abscesses. In severe horses with long feathers cases it may be necessary to open the skin to allow drainage. In very severe cases, your vet may administer steroids and or diuretics. ○ Clean, treat and care for any wounds Persistent cellulitis, with associated swelling, for more than a ○ Protect limbs (e.g. with boots) when exercising week, may result in a chronic lymphangitis problem in the future. ○ Maintain good grooming kit hygiene, wash and disinfect Chronic lymphangitis results in permanent, diffuse swelling of the affected limb, or a tendency for ‘flare ups’ of clinical signs following brushes regularly innocuous cuts and grazes. ○ If stabled for long periods, and the horse has a history of Chronic cases of lymphangitis may not respond favourably to cold or movement therapy. You may want to consider other medicines lymphangitis, consider stable bandages for support or supplements to aid the health and function of the circulatory ○ Ensure horses that suffer from lymphangitis get daily system and lymph vessels. The author has had success with bioflavinoid supplementation (Foran Equine Zosfor) which helped turnout or exercise reduce the chronically oedematous limb size dramatically, within two weeks. 49 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23

VetAssist - Practice Development Consultancy - Melanie O Donoghue RVN, Dip DM, Dip LM, Dip HRM, Cert Fear Free Practitioner. Is your practice fit for purpose? In almost 20 years of VetAssist I have seen Veterinary premises if we make this area smaller? If COVID has taught us anything it develop hugely in Ireland. This has been due to natural progression has showed us that clients are actually quite comfortable waiting for more species-specific facilities and also the introduction of in their cars as long as the practice has a good system for checking the Veterinary Council of Ireland Practice Accreditation Scheme clients in and taking them in turn. Over the last two years I have been (PAS) which was written into the Veterinary Practice Act of 2005. working with practices on developing their designs to incorporate Practitioners have invested heavily in their practices by developing an outside waiting area that can be used for dog owners, which existing or converting new premises as well as purpose-built is covered in to protect from the elements but create a more dog premises. This in turn has helped create better facilities for patients, friendly area with grass and plants (either real or artificial) for clients, and veterinary teams. Getting the layout right is crucial canine enrichment and it also fits in with Fear free techniques by to the workflow and productivity of the practice. Many premises providing a more relaxed area where dogs are less lightly to display have evolved from predominately farm animal to small animal on fear anxiety or stress, just like we have found with them waiting in site, therefore requiring more small animal facilities. So, with this the comfort of their own cars too. This can then help create a better in mind have you considered if your premises is fit for purpose? cat waiting area within the waiting room for the same reason, to Have you noticed congestion points in its design or longer waiting create a better environment so cats are less stressed when they’re times for clients for appointments and procedures due to lack of examined in the consult room leading to better health and safety workflow through the practice, which can be down to the layout. all round!! Many practices have large waiting areas with retail space which If space is really a premium and expansion is challenging, you is used for farm animal but with the changes in animal remedy may consider looking at digital platforms that can help support legislation the need for these larger farm animal retail spaces has client services. This can be either online booking systems or client changed. In some instances, this space could be utilized better by communication platforms which can be used for telemedicine creating either a large animal consulting room where farmers can purposes. Virtual consults can be useful when used for following meet practitioners or team members one to one or possibly be up on cases and post-op care. Virtual consults can take place in used to create more POM drug storage or office space depending an office space if there is no consult room available. Short video on the practice needs. Alternatively, it can be used for small animal messages for routine procedures can also be very useful when by possibly creating an additional consulting room. A consulting discharging patients and giving directions on medications and room can create considerably more turnover than shelves in a retail follow up treatment as they can be viewed by all members of the space, when you look at the income form services, diagnostics and family, which in turn can lead to better treatment compliance. procedures that can come through a consult room. Not to mention Payment links can also be sent through these platforms to allow the income a Registered Veterinary Nurse can create from nurse clients to pay in advance before they collect their pet, medication or consults being run outside of vet consults depending on your team pet food which helps to reduce congestion in reception, especially dynamics. This in turn leads to the question where do clients wait during busy evenings. Some also offer click and collect options which is great for some medications and food. Patient accommodation is also very important. Having enough space to hospitalise daily surgical and medical work up cases is vital. Also, the type of patient accommodation, do you have sufficient sizes of cages for dogs including walk in kennels? Is your ward mixed species? If so, is it possible to separate them to ensure both dogs and cats have appropriate facilities. Having separate cat facilities can greatly reduce their stress levels this in turn can lead to better and safer handling for both cats and team members. With dogs it is important that they are not facing each other if possible. A variation in sizes of cages is required. Walk in kennels are also very useful for larger breeds but also recumbent patients who need to be able to stretch out comfortably. These can be made in any suitable space with cleanable surfaces such as resin, polycarb or stainless steel. Careful planning or redesigning of wards can maximise the space. It is also possible to use under worksurface space to create recovery kennels in the prep area too. There are so many different cage combinations available now and different materials to ensure patient comfort while not compromising on cleanliness. Depending on your clinic standard the requirement for rooms and layout may be different. It’s always best to try and separate out individual rooms such as separate sterile surgery, prep room, X-ray and dental suite. This allows for multiple procedures to be done at once if sufficient team members are available. Dentistry has become a daily service provided in small animal and his best 50 | It’s Your Field - Spring 23