Genomic selection

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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.

Castration of beef calves

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The purpose of castrating calves is to reduce the production of male hormones so that males become calmer. The implications of castrating calves for meat production are biological, managerial, veterinary and impact the quantity and quality of meat. Thus, sperm production stops in males, there is no risk of fertilization, males can be kept on pasture or in the stable with cows, which greatly reduces housing costs and worker safety is much higher. Also, males are less aggressive, all the energy accumulated through food is used for meat production. Due to the lack of testosterone, the meat is more tender, the animals do not move much and the muscle fiber is not very strong, which is appreciated by consumers.

The most effective method of castration is the non-surgical one by using the elastrator, a special tool that has the role of applying a rubber ring over the upper part of the testicles (~ 0.5 cm), not at the base of the scrotum. By this method, castration is done in the first weeks of life (maximum 3 weeks) to avoid complications. As the animal gets older, there is a risk that the method will not be effective and that complications will occur. If the elastic band is not applied properly, there is a risk of infections. This method has the advantage that there are no open wounds exposed to the septic environment, which require the consumption of antibiotics.

Monitoring microclimate parameters in dairy farms

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The use of precision tools on dairy farms gives the farmer or manager the opportunity to make essential decisions in real time, in accordance with the information received from the animal or shelter. There is a SMART Zoo Tech system for monitoring microclimate parameters for measuring, logging, and monitoring the temperature, humidity, dew point, carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, ammonia (NH3) and dust particles (PM 2.5) 24/7. The information is stored in the database available to the farmer, and the exceedances are sent to the farmer by mobile phone in the form of an alert. It is found that there is a very close correlation between individual cow production and microclimate parameters. On a hot summer day when the average atmospheric temperature was 34oC, in the shelter the temperature varied between 23.45oC at 4:00 am and 31.04oC at 5:00 pm. There were also fluctuations in relative humidity and ammonia levels in the shelter after 4:00 pm. The farmer received phone alerts for every microclimate parameter every hour in the second half of the day. With regard to milk production, it is known that for the dairy cow the optimum temperature range is between 9 and 16oC. During the observed period there was a decrease in milk production, and on the reference day the milk production was 10% lower than two days prior.

Step-by-step plan for chemical disinfection of drinking water pipes

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Safe drinking water is essential for healthy animals. Contaminated water can quickly lead to health problems and thus increase the need for antibiotic treatments. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to the drinking water and pipes. Reduction of the bacteriological load of the water is often achieved by a treatment with a disinfectant such as chlorine or peroxide (= chemical disinfection). When choosing the product and dosage, several factors must be taken into account: the contamination at the source, any additives, vaccines or medication that will be administered via the water, the presence of biofilm or lime scale … Therefore it is highly recommended to discuss with your vet or advisor which treatment is appropriate for your situation., An effective chemical disinfection of your drinking water system can be obtained with the following step-by-step plan (note, only perform in between production rounds!):

1. Open the pipes and drinking nipples.
2. Add the prescribed dilution (depending on the product) to the drinking water system by means of a dosing pump.
3. Measure the water at the end of the pipes with the test strip supplied to check whether there is sufficient product in the entire system.
4. Close the pipes and drinking nipples and let the product take effect. The contact time depends on the product used.
5. Open the pipe and nipple drinkers and flush abundantly with water.
6. Check if the drinking nipples are functioning properly before new animals are allowed into the stable.
7. Check again with a test strip at the end of the line whether all remaining product has been removed.

99 The importance of databases to manage the phenomenon of resistance to antimicrobials for veterinary use (Research paper; Moruzi, 2019)

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99 Research paper – Moruzi – 2019 – The importance of databases to manage the phenomenon of resistance to antimicrobials for veterinary use

99 Research paper
The importance of databases to manage the phenomenon of resistance to antimicrobials for veterinary use by Moruzi, R.F.; Tîrziu, E.; Muselin, F.; Dumitrescu, E.; Huțu, I.; Mircu, C.; Tulcan, C.; Doma, A.O.; Degi, J.; Degi, D. M.; Boboc, M. G.; Chirilă, A. B.; Iancu, I.; Bărăităreanu, S. and R.T. Cristina
2019 Revista Română de Medicină Veterinară 29: 40-57
in Significant Impact Group(s): AMU reduction strategies \ Monitoring and surveillance \ Antibiotic use
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef; Sheep;
Summary: This article presents the most important organizations and institutes responsible for monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antibiotic consumption in humans and animals. In both the human health and veterinary sector, databases and surveillance systems are becoming more complex but also more complete, as a result of recently made extensive studies on AMR. This paper presents an aggregated database that includes all the sources mentioned and books. This report also presents data on extent and implications of the AMR, and on the importance of databases and monitoring of AMR. Finally, the relations between monitoring organization which are involved in the global fight against AMR are also reviewed.
99 Research paper – Moruzi – 2019 – The importance of databases to manage the phenomenon of resistance to antimicrobials for veterinary use
Where to find the original material:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338556216_The_importance_of_databases_to_manage_the_phenomenon_of_resistance_to_antimicrobials_for_veterinary_usehttp://agmv.ro/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/40_57_Moruzi_RT-Cristina_18_compressed.pdf;
Country: RO

98 Drivers, dynamics and epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in animal production (Research report; Wall et al., 2016)

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98 Research report – Wall – 2016 – Drivers, dynamics and epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in animal production

98 Research report
Drivers, dynamics and epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in animal production by Wall, B.A., Mateus, A.L.P., Marshall, L., Pfeiffer, D.U., Lubroth, J., Ormel, H.J., Otto, P. and A. Patriarchi
2016 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations : 68p.
in Significant Impact Group(s): Other
Species targeted: Pigs;Poultry;Dairy;Beef;Sheep;
Age: Not stated;
Summary: The use of antimicrobial drugs leads to a relative increase in resistant bacteria, even though antimicrobial resistance is an old and naturally occurring phenomenon in bacteria. In intensive livestock production systems, resistant bacteria can spread easily between animals and this can be made worse if biosecurity is inadequate. Food is likely to be quantitatively the most important source of transmission from livestock to humans, although there is no direct link between rise of antimicrobial resistance in humans in relation to food consumption. In order to build successful solutions to the problem of antimicrobial resistance, is essential to understand what drives the spread of AMR in animal production.
The effect of extensive and organic farming systems and antimicrobial use on the rise and spread of AMR are discussed. However it is still not clear how sustainable agriculture systems can help fight AMR.
It is now accepted that increased antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria affecting humans and animals in recent decades is primarily influenced by an increase in usage of antimicrobials for a variety of purposes, including therapeutic and non-therapeutic uses in animal production. Antimicrobial resistance is an ancient and naturally occurring phenomenon in bacteria. But the use of antimicrobial drugs – in health care, agriculture or industrial settings – exerts a selection pressure which can favour the survival of resistant strains (or genes) over susceptible ones, leading to a relative increase in resistant bacteria within microbial communities.
In intensive livestock production systems, resistant bacteria can spread easily between animals and this can be exacerbated if biosecurity is inadequate.
In aquaculture, AMR can develop in aquatic and fish gut bacteria as a result of antimicrobial therapy or contamination of the aquatic environment with human or animal waste. The extent and persistence of antimicrobial residues in aquatic systems is unknown and current evidence is conflicting.
Food is likely to be quantitatively the most important potential transmission pathway from livestock to humans, although direct evidence linking AMR emergence in humans to food consumption is lacking.
An improved understanding of the epidemiology of AMR emergence and spread in animal production will provide an essential foundation for successful mitigation strategies.
The relationships between different types of farming systems and both AMU and the emergence and spread of AMR are discussed in this paper, including extensive and organic systems, but there is still a notable lack of knowledge on the role that sustainable agriculture systems can play in combatting AMR.
Most importantly, future research needs to involve an interdisciplinary (e.g. One Health) approach, integrating agricultural, medical, environmental and social sciences, and especially recognizing the importance of human behaviour. A set of specific recommendations to fill current knowledge gaps is presented in the final section of this technical paper.
98 Research report – Wall – 2016 – Drivers, dynamics and epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in animal production
Where to find the original material:
https://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=XF2017002096;
Country: UK, IT

97 Selective Dry Cow by Eurodairy (Farm Innovation)

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97 Farm Innovation – Selective Dry Cow by Eurodairy

97 Farm Innovation
Selective Dry Cow by Eurodairy
in Significant Impact Group(s): Pathogen management \ Managing sick animals
Species targeted: Dairy;
Age: Adult;
Summary: This sheet describes how the Dutch dairy sector reduced the use of antibiotics in dairy farming. Between 2009 and 2016, usage decreased by 48%.
Selective drying off has made an important contribution to this reduction. Preventive use of antibiotics for drying off dairy cattle is no longer allowed. The protocol uses the somatic cell count per animal up to 6 weeks prior to drying off. If the cell count number is below 50,000 (cows) or 150,000 (heifers) per ml, no antibiotics may be used. If the cell number is higher, only a first choice antibiotic may be used in accordance with the farm health plan. The use of 2nd and 3rd choice antibiotics follows strict regulations, and is only allowed after additional testing.
The sheet also contains a farmers experience with omitting the dry off period.
97 Farm Innovation – Selective Dry Cow by Eurodairy
Where to find the original material: (in English)
https://eurodairy.eu/resources/the-dutch-way-of-reducing-antibiotic-use/;
Country: NL

95 DANMAP by DANMAP (Farm Innovation)

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95 Farm Innovation – DANMAP by DANMAP

95 Farm Innovation
DANMAP by DANMAP
in Significant Impact Group(s): AMU reduction strategies
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef; Sheep;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary: This comprehensive report (152 pages) is issued by DANMAP, the Danish Integrated Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring and Research Programme. It presents the results of monitoring the antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance in food animals, food and humans in 2017. The report summarizes the result of susceptibility testing of isolates obtained by hospitals, general practice, veterinary practice and the National Food and Veterinary Authority, as well as records of types and amount of antimicrobials prescribed by amongst others veterinarians. Chapters are ‘Total antimicrobial consumption in animals’ and ‘Antimicrobial consumption by animal species’.
95 Farm Innovation – DANMAP by DANMAP
Where to find the original material: (in English)
https://www.danmap.org/-/media/arkiv/projekt-sites/danmap/danmap-reports/danmap-2017/danmap2017.pdf?la=en;
Country: DK

94 Projecting Social Science into Defra’s Animal Welfare Evidence Base – A Review of current research and evidence base on the issue of farmer behaviour (Research report; Escobar and Buller, 2013)

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94 Research report – Escobar – 2013 – Projecting Social Science into Defra’s Animal Welfare Evidence Base A Review of current research and evidence base on the issue of farmer behaviour

4 Research report
Projecting Social Science into Defra’s Animal Welfare Evidence Base A Review of current research and evidence base on the issue of farmer behaviour by Escobar, M.P. and H. Buller
2013 Final Report to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs : 94p.
in Significant Impact Group(s): Housing and welfare
Species targeted: Dairy; Sheep;
Summary: This report reviews Defra’s social science evidence base on the issue of farmer behaviour,
particularly with regards to animal welfare. The report recommends that the Department would benefit
from understanding and interacting with social science beyond the fields of psychology and behavioural
economics.
Rather than attempting to address the “perfect farmer” by aiming to influence their psychology,
interventions could seek to impact the social interactions and the cultural context within which farmers
take actions and decisions. Four specific farmer practices around animal welfare are reviewed in the
report, presenting suggestions that could help coordinate social science research with farmers’ actions
and decisions around animal welfare. Three main areas for further research are highlighted in this report:
the importance of farmer – vet relationships, the dynamics of auditing and inspection, the role of cultural
ideas about farming and “good” farming practices in farmers’ actions and decisions.
Three main areas for further research emerge from the selected case studies:
1. farmer – vet relationships
2. the dynamics of audit and inspection regimes
3. the complex role of cultural ideas about farming and “good” farming practices in farmers’ actions
and decisions.
Besides these three main areas we also point to five other specific themes to integrate a social science
research agenda:
– a better understanding of society’s interpretations of animal welfare as a social issue;
– an evaluation of the literature and lessons emerging from participatory, collective and dialogue-based experiences of behaviour change;
– a better understanding of the influence of issues of affect, care and empathy within human-animal relations on farmers’ actions and decisions;
– the effect of information demands and information flows on farmers’ practices of record-keeping
and record-usage;
– the lessons to be learnt from other areas where voluntary and non-regulatory approaches have
been implemented in order to generate changes in actions and decisions, such as agri-environment
schemes and climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
94 Research report – Escobar – 2013 – Projecting Social Science into Defra’s Animal Welfare Evidence Base A Review of current
research and evidence base on the issue of farmer behaviour
Where to find the original material:
https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/publications/projecting-social-science-into-defras-animalwelfare-evidence-base(29b27372-4f93-4c7d-b193-454287d09100).html;
Country: UK

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Aim for zero antibiotics by 3 step approach

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Every year 700000 people die because of antimicrobial cross resistance. By 2050 the number will be multiplied by ten. Every 45 seconds someone dies because of antimicrobial cross resistance. By 2050 every 3 second someone will die.

It is clear that we have to aim for minimal – preferentially zero – use of antibiotics. Farmers can aim for use of zero antibiotics via a simple 3-step approach.

The first step deals with using a benchmark tool. Different examples are available such as undependent ones like Biocheck or commercial ones as shown in current video. Based on the outcomes of the benchmark tool, your veterinarian or coach at the farmer site can advise you on possible strategies to reduce antibiotics and subsequent antibiotic resistance. Finally, next to management and veterinarian solutions, your adviser can advise plenty of feed solutions together with nutritionists for alternative intervention at the different levels of the animal in order to secure animal health and performance.

Farmers across the globe are very satisfied with such simple 3-step approach as witnessed in the video.