171 Profitable Lifetime Index – £PLI An economic breeding index for UK all-year-round calving herds by AHDB Dairy (Industry Innovation)

 

 

171 Industry Innovation – Profitable Lifetime Index – £PLI An economic breeding index for UK all-year-round calving herds by AHDB Dairy

Breeding for disease resistance or robustness \
Species targeted: Dairy;
Age: Different for different species;
Summary:
The national Profitable Lifetime Index (£PLI) is published by AHDB Dairy as part of its genetic evaluation service. The £PLI is a within-breed genetic ranking index developed for UK dairying conditions in consultation with industry partners and is expressed as a financial value. The £PLI is recommended for use by all-year-round calving UK farming operations . £PLI should be used as the initial screening tool in bull selection; then look within this group for the traits that most need improving in your herd. The £PLI value represents the additional profit a high £PLI bull is expected to return from each of its milking daughters over her lifetime compared with an average bull of £0 PLI. High £PLI will result in cows with improved udder conformation and feet, better calving performance and reduced costs because of improved milk quality and fertility.

Where to find the original material: https://projectblue.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/Dairy/Publications/Profitable%20Lifetime%20Factsheet_190121_WEB;
Country: UK

Genomic selection for profit and antibiotic reduction

 

It is easy to breed for production or type, but how can you breed to reduce antiobiotic use? Looking at current bull data the only relevent data is longevity, somatic cell count and perhaps condition score. Zoetis’ Genomic evaluation with CLARIFIED Plus (https://www.zoetisus.com/animal-genetics/dairy/clarifide/clarifide-plus.aspx) now includes specific health trait evaluations including mastitis, metritis, lameness, calf respiratory and cow respiratory. Ranking cows on their mastitis score alone shows that the top 25% of cows use 65% less antiobiotics than the bottom 25% which was an average of 1.28 fewer inter-mammary tubes per cow. It is never recommended to use single trait selection, so Clarified have developed a Dairy Wellness Profit (DWP) index which combines production, type, fertility, longevity and health traits. Analysis made based on the balanced DWP index still shows the top 25% of cows using 44% less antiobiotics for mastitis. DWP figures are only available on Jersey and Holstein bulls. Genetic gains can be made by just using the highest DWP bulls, but the greatest advance comes with genomic testing of females and exerting selection pressure on which females are bred from. Use of sexed semen can have a big effect in making more progress. Breeding for DWP not only reduces antibiotic use, but it is a selection tool that can have an important financial impact on a dairy by increasing lifetime milk production, milk per day of life, herdlife and expected profit per cow. Improvements can be expected in calf mortality, ketosis, displaced abomasums, milk fever and cystic ovaries.

Genomic selection

Genomic selection is a modern tool used in animal breeding, based on information from tens of thousands of markers associated with genes that influence animal production. The advantage of using the study of DNA or genetic markers is that it is possible to know if an animal has genes in its genome that influence the development of a certain characteristic important for the production or health of the animal. Thus, it is possible to obtain: a significant increase in the selection intensity and of the selection precision; significant decrease in the value of the intergenerational interval, doubling the genetic progress that can be achieved with each generation.

Genomic selection can help breeders identify individuals with higher breeding values as early as possible. Genomic selection or molecular marker-assisted selection also helps us to quickly eliminate pathogenic genes or those that negatively influence economically important traits from the population.

Selection assisted by molecular markers also has the advantage of facilitating the very rapid introduction of an important gene or group of genes into the genome of a population, a procedure called gene introgression in the population, achievable in a maximum of 2-3 generations. An example of the use of introgression may be the bringing of the gene responsible for resistance to certain diseases from a natural donor breed to a breed with very good production.

40 Control of bovine mastitis in the 21st century: immunize or tolerize? (Research paper; Amadori, 2018)

 

 

Significant Impact Group(s): Breeding for disease resistance or robustness ; Pathogen management
Species targeted: Dairy;
Age: Adult;
Outcome Parameter(s): Immune response in dairy cattle
Summary: Dairy cows face very high metabolic demands have increased difficulties adapting to the environment. This leads to increased replacement rates and frequent occurrence of diseases and drug use. This article reviews how a good understanding of the immune system is crucial in managing mastitis in dairy cows.
40 Research paper – Amadori – 2018 – Control of bovine mastitis in the 21st century_ immunize or tolerize
Where to find the original material:
http://nmconline.omnibooksonline.com/70526-nmc-1.4566730/t001-1.4567240/f001-1.4567241/a001-1.4567614?qr=1;
Country: IT

40 Research paper – Amadori – 2018 – Control of bovine mastitis in the 21st century_ immunize or tolerize

36 What we have lost: Mastitis resistance in Holstein Friesians and in a local cattle breed (Research paper; Curone, 2018)

Significant Impact Group(s): Breeding for disease resistance or robustness
Species targeted: Dairy;
Age: Adult;
Outcome Parameter(s): Bacteriogical status; Mammary immune response; colostrum protein profile
Summary: A multidisciplinary approach was applied to compare innate immune response patterns, metabolic parameters, milk protein profiles and the milk microbiota in Holstein Friesian and Rendena cows reared in the same farm and under the same management conditions. Results show that Holstein Friesian and Rendena cows have different metabolic traits. Mastitis markers are higher in Holstein Friesian milk. The microbiota biodiversity is lower in Rendena milk. The colostrum protein profile is markedly different in the two breeds. Mammary innate immune response patterns display breed-specific differences. The observations reported in this work present numerous pointers to the factors that may provide more rustic breeds with a higher resistance to disease.
36 Research paper – Curone – 2018 – What we have lost_Mastitis resistance in Holstein Friesians and in a local cattle breed
Where to find the original material:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S003452881730173X; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.11.020
Country: IT

36 Research paper – Curone – 2018 – What we have lost_Mastitis resistance in Holstein Friesians and in a local cattle bre

9 Powerpoint Improving udder quality traits in sows to aid survival health and lifetime of piglets by FarmAntibiotics-org (Farm Innovation)

 

 

9 Farm Innovation
Powerpoint – Improving udder quality traits in sows to aid survival, health and lifetime performance of piglets by FarmAntibiotics.org
in Significant Impact Group(s): Breeding for disease resistance or robustness ; Feed / gut health

Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary: Improving udder quality traits in sows to aid survival, health and lifetime performance of piglets:
This powerpoint presentations discusses of 5 experiments in sows and piglets.
Topics are:
1) Udder morphology: Define udder conformation traits measurable in a reliable way
2) Udder morphology variation: Define udder conformation traits measurable in a reliable way
3) On-farm colostrum IgG methodology: Evaluation of Brix refractometer to assess colostrum quality
4) Variation of litter performance: the effect of maternal and birth characteristics on litter weight and serum IgG at 24h
5) Relationship between piglets and udder traits
The presentation ends with:
– Study in progress (which focusses on udder conformation changes in consecutive parities of the sow)
– Industry focus
o Breeding company’s should be allowed to take udder conformation and colostrum quality into account
o Increase number of weaned piglets by selection on better nursing capacity and improving colostrum accessibility and quality
9 Farm Innovation – Powerpoint – Improving udder quality traits in sows to aid survival, health and lifetime performance of piglets by FarmAntibiotics.org
Where to find the original material: (in English)

https://farmantibiotics.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Improving-udder-quality-traits-in-sows-to-aid-survival-health-and-lifetime-performance-of-piglets.pdf;

Country: UK

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5 experiments to show you the importance of udder traits of sows in raising healthy piglets.

Sheep wellbeing – a holistic approach to management

The wellbeing of livestock requires a holistic approach to management.  One UK Superfine Merino wool grower demonstrates excellent sheep husbandry that goes above and beyond minimum standards.  

Firstly, biosecurity – keeping a closed flock, breeding all replacements on farm and strict biosecurity measures for any farm visitor (i.e., vets/shearers/hauliers)The flock are certified Scrapiefree and Maedi Visna accredited, which demands a better price for the wool but this poses challenges finding breeding animals of equal status.  

The sheep are housed in any wet weather limiting damage to the fleecewhich is the farm’s main product. The sheds are large, airywith plenty of bedding and space in the pens, and even toys for the sheep to interact and play with when housed. The opportunity to play and space to socialise with (or avoid) certain flock members are important aspects to sheep wellbeing 

The flock is of high genetic merit and the farmer uses embryo transfer (ET) to maximise the genetic potential and performance of her sheep. They cope well with the steep land and have little issue with their feet – there is not even any detectable footrot on farm. This is attributed to not buying in stock and not trimming feet or footbathingTo ensure their wellbeing, natural mating still occurs alongside artificial mating, which recognises the need for rams to mate. 

To facilitate correct dosing when using anthelminticsthe farmer makes use of a weigh crush that is built into a race and handling system. Here she can automatically identify individuals by electronic ear tags, record weights and administer medicines. The handling system reduces stress for workers and sheep. Handling the flock calmly, quietly and with compassion are key elements to good stockperson-ship.  

Health management and welfare of young dairy animals – impact on antibiotic use

 

Good husbandry practices are an important contributor to animal health on the farm. Young dairy animals that are cared for appropriately are in a better state to combat their ailments, thus reducing need for antibiotics. At the heart of all these challenges is the overall benefit of keeping calves feeling well.  The International Dairy Federation has developed a set of health recommendations regarding the welfare of young dairy animals to minimise the use of antimicrobials. Calving areas should have high standards of hygiene, be sheltered, and have appropriate bedding. An appropriate birthing plan should consider issues such as choice of sire; safe birthing facilities; and regular checking of animals to ensure prompt, experienced help is available if needed. Newborn dairy animals must receive adequate colostrum, both quantity and quality. The frequency of inspection of stock will depend on the circumstances and management systems. More than one daily inspection is particularly important in the case of animals close to giving birth, newborn, and newly weaned calves. If disbudding is performed, should be done before 2 months of age and follow appropriate birthing and weaning practices. Calves should not be offered for sale until they are sufficiently hardy to be transported. Adequate body weight and dry navel are good indicators. Appropriate transport conditions stipulated in national welfare regulations or codes of practice should be followed. 

Slower growing broiler crosses for reduced antibiotic use

 

Disease Prevention > Breeding for Resilience > Resource > Slower growing broiler crosses

In Europe, the demand for high-quality poultry meat is rising. This tendency goes hand in hand with understanding and implementation of animal welfare and activation of organic farming. There are points in the organic farming format which conventional farmers can use to reduce the frequency of diseases and antibiotic usage. One of these points is to use slower growing broiler crosses and another is lower stocking densities.

The classic conventional broiler crosses are fast growing and kept in high densities so they are more susceptible to heath disorders including bacterial and protozoa diseases which are usually treated with antibiotics.

Today there are a lot of offers in Europe for various farming systems. The slow growing broiler crosses are more suitable for organic farming, but there are also offers for differentiated growing broiler crosses which are more robust and less sensitive to heath disorders. These can be used in conventional farms and can be realized from day 48. There are also possibilities to choose specific dwarf breeds for parent stock to reduce feed costs but at the same time maintain high productivity levels.

Stocking density also influences animal health and spread of disease. Reductions in bird count or bird live weight mass per m2 play an important role in both productivity (better weight gain) and disease incidence.

In conclusion, animal welfare, vaccination programs and biosecurity programs will play an important role in overall flock health level, but in combination with differentiated and slower growing broiler crosses, it is more feasible to keep broilers healthy, reduce antibiotic usage and offer high quality poultry meet to consumers.

 

Breeding for resilience in poultry: dual purpose chickens  

Resilience is the capacity of an animal to be minimally affected by external or internal negative agents or to rapidly recover from it. By choosing a more resilient breed of poultry, farmers can also reduce antimicrobial usage, obtaining both healthy and easier-to-manage flocks.

Improvement of resilience can be accomplished by different strategies. One strategy is to increase resilience by genetic selection in breeding programs. The advantage of genetic selection, in contrast to management improvements, is that it can be a longer-lasting solution. Furthermore, it can be done through adequate resilience-improving breeding programs. For example, dual-purpose breeds or local (traditional) breeds have shown to be more resilient than more conventional breeds.

Dual-purpose chickens can be used for the production of eggs and the cockerels for meat production, and like local (traditional) breeds they may be less susceptible to clinical disease and may recover from illness faster. On the production side, it is true that dual-purpose chickens tend to lay fewer eggs per year than the highly-selected breeds. However, there seems to be an increasing number of initiatives, including organic production, which allow farmers to market these differentiated quality products and provide them with added value.

In conclusion, choosing the right breed for resilience is a matter of good research and the choice should be fit for the particular production system. Nevertheless, it must be also considered that indicators for general resilience for poultry have not yet been defined clearly by researchers.