Journal of Dairy Science最新文献

{"title":"Evaluating case definitions of respiratory disease in dairy calves: A scoping review","authors":"K.J. Churchill , C.B. Winder , H.M. Goetz , D. Wilson , T. Uyama , B. Pardon , D.L. Renaud","doi":"10.3168/jds.2024-25827","DOIUrl":"10.3168/jds.2024-25827","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the most common diseases observed in dairy calves in both the pre- and postweaning periods. Despite its common occurrence, no formal synthesis (e.g., scoping review) of the scientific literature has been conducted surrounding diagnosing BRD in dairy calves. As such, the objective of this scoping review was to describe what case definitions for diagnosing BRD in dairy calves have been used in research. An initial search of peer-reviewed journals and the gray literature yielded 12,001 unique articles, of which 307 records containing 358 case definitions were included. Seven categories of diagnostic methods were used to categorize case definitions: clinical scoring systems alone were the most used diagnostic method (n = 148, 41%); followed by physical exam parameters alone (i.e., the study did not provide a detailed description of how the calf was assessed for each component of the physical exam [i.e., no description or scoring options reported]), n = 91, 25%); physical exam parameters in combination with other diagnostic methods (n = 40, 11%); thoracic ultrasound alone (n = 31, 9%); clinical scoring system in combination with other diagnostic methods (n = 23, 7%); clinical scoring system in combination with thoracic ultrasound (n = 10, 3%); and other diagnostic methods (n = 15, 4%). Only two-thirds of publications provided a citation for their case definition (n = 230, 64%), of which the Wisconsin clinical scoring system was most referenced (n = 100, 43%), followed by the California clinical scoring system (n = 19, 8%). An attempt was made to compare entire case definitions within each diagnostic method; however, they displayed substantial diversity, which limited the ability to compare them at this level. Instead, counts of individual factors within each case definition (e.g., individual clinical signs) were reported for each diagnostic method. From all case definitions across the 7 diagnostic method categories (n = 358), common factors assessed included cough (n = 224, 63%), nasal discharge (n = 213, 60%), and body temperature (n = 142, 54%). Across all case definitions, additional parameters such as validity were frequently not reported; only 4 (1.1%) were referred to as validated, 9 (2.5%) were being validated in the study, and 28 (7.8%) modified existing case definitions. Additionally, assessment of severity of disease when present (e.g., mild, moderate or severe) was frequently not reported (n = 336, 93.9%). Further, 106 (29.0%) reported assessments of accuracy, 66 (18.4%) of which were reports of qualitative oversight (e.g., training of assessors), and 40 (11.1%) of which were related to a quantitative assessment of accuracy (e.g., sensitivity and specificity). Parameters surrounding conducting the assessment were also extracted, for example how often it was conducted (most common: at least daily, n = 120, 33.5%) and who conducted it (most common: information not reported, n = 144, 40.2%).","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":"108 4","pages":"Pages 4030-4048"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142997719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Intermittent and increasing intravenous lipopolysaccharide effect on metabolism, inflammation, and production in lactating dairy cows","authors":"S. Rodriguez-Jimenez,&nbsp;E.A. Horst,&nbsp;E.J. Mayorga,&nbsp;M.A. Abeyta,&nbsp;B.M. Goetz,&nbsp;L.H. Baumgard","doi":"10.3168/jds.2024-26010","DOIUrl":"10.3168/jds.2024-26010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Experimental objectives were to create a chronic inflammatory model to evaluate the effects of persistent immune activation on metabolism, inflammation, and productivity in lactating dairy cows. Twelve lactating Holstein cows (631 ± 16 kg BW; 124 ± 15 DIM) were enrolled in a study with 2 experimental periods; during period 1 (P1; 5 d), cows were fed ad libitum and baseline data were obtained. At the initiation of period 2 (P2; 7 d), cows were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: (1) saline infused and pair-fed (PF; 5 mL i.v. sterile saline on d 1, 3, and 5; n = 6) or (2) LPS infused and ad libitum fed (LPS; 0.2, 0.8, and 1.6 µg LPS/kg BW i.v. on d 1, 3, and 5, respectively; n = 6). Blood samples were collected on d 3 and 5 of P1, and d 1, 3, 5, and 7 of P2. Administering LPS induced a febrile response (∼6 h duration) following each bolus (+0.6, 0.6, and 0.8°C, for d 1, 3, and 5, respectively). Lipopolysaccharide binding protein, serum amyloid A, and haptoglobin concentrations increased in LPS-administered cows relative to baseline and PF animals. Cholesterol and albumin concentrations decreased in LPS relative to PF cows and effects were most prominent from d 3 to 7 of P2. Circulating cortisol in LPS-infused cows progressively increased during P2 (63% on d 7) relative to PF cows. Overall, during P2, LPS administration induced a sawtooth pattern in DMI and the negative consequences on DMI ameliorated as P2 progressed. By design, the DMI pattern in PF cows was similar to their LPS counterparts. Administering LPS also created a reciprocating response in milk yield that lessened as P2 progressed. Overall, milk yield was decreased in LPS and PF cows compared with P1 (29% and 10%, respectively). Circulating insulin decreased in both treatments relative to P1, but the decrease was more severe in PF (61%) compared with LPS-infused cows (27%). Relative to PF cows, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) remained similar to P1 in LPS-administered cows, but increased (3.2-fold) in PF cows. Ionized calcium decreased in LPS cows compared with PF controls. In summary, alternating and increasing LPS doses caused chronic inflammation, markedly altered metabolism, and temporarily decreased DMI and milk synthesis. However, although the acute phase proteins remained elevated throughout P2, the effect on production lessened with time.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":"108 4","pages":"Pages 4283-4298"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142997729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A comparative study of ultrasound and thermal processing: Effects on goat milk stability and protein structure","authors":"Xiaoxia Chen,&nbsp;Lusha Wei,&nbsp;Yazhou Mao,&nbsp;Aiqing Zhao,&nbsp;Meixue Pu,&nbsp;Yufang Liu,&nbsp;Bini Wang","doi":"10.3168/jds.2024-25918","DOIUrl":"10.3168/jds.2024-25918","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ultrasonic treatment has been shown to improve the functional properties and quality of proteins; however, the effects of ultrasound on the proteins in goat milk and the quality of goat milk are not clear. In this study, we aimed to analyze the thermal stability of whole, raw goat milk in terms of protein structure aspect. Goat milk was subjected to ultrasound treatments (400 W for 10 min, 500 W for 10 min, and 600 W for 10 min), and untreated and heat-treated samples served as controls. The results demonstrated that ultrasonic treatment led to a more uniform distribution of fat globules and protein particles, reduced agglomeration, and fostered a more compact and ordered protein network structure. Additionally, it enhanced the stability of goat milk. After ultrasonic treatment, the composition and structure of goat milk protein changed. The exposure of more hydrophobic groups enhanced the intermolecular forces, thereby making the protein conformation more stable. These findings indicate that ultrasonic processing not only improved the structure of goat milk proteins but also increased their thermal stability. This study highlights the potential of ultrasonic treatment as an effective method for enhancing the stability and quality of goat milk.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":"108 4","pages":"Pages 3273-3286"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143073100","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Stability of sugars in yogurts with simple and complex microbial composition during refrigerated shelf life","authors":"Kate Sorensen,&nbsp;Zeynep Atamer,&nbsp;Joy Waite-Cusic","doi":"10.3168/jds.2024-25667","DOIUrl":"10.3168/jds.2024-25667","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>There is a large and growing market for natural sweeteners with low glycemic index. Of particular interest are the “rare sugars” (e.g., <span>d-</span>tagatose). Rare sugars could be applied in dairy foods, such as yogurt, as sucrose replacements. Yogurt contains live and active cultures and, consequently, their enzymes. These enzymes include those capable of sugar hydrolysis or isomerization, which could undermine the nutritional benefits of rare sugars. The purpose of this research was to evaluate sugar stability and influence of added sugars during storage of commercial nonfat Greek yogurts having simple and complex microbial compositions. Two commercial nonfat Greek yogurt products with different bacterial profiles (simple: <em>Streptococcus thermophilus</em> and <em>Lactobacillus delbrueckii</em> ssp. <em>bulgaricus</em>; complex: <em>S. thermophilus</em>, <em>L. delbrueckii</em> ssp. <em>bulgaricus</em>, <em>Bifidobacterium lactis</em>, <em>Lactobacillus acidophilus</em>, and <em>Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus</em>) were supplemented with sugars (fructose, galactose, glucose, lactose, sucrose, and <span>d-</span>tagatose) at 10% (wt/wt) in duplicate and sampled every 2 wk. Individual sugar concentrations and lactic acid were measured using a combination of enzyme kits (Megazyme) and high-performance liquid chromatography. Sugar (lactose, glucose, galactose) and lactic acid isomer concentrations were significantly different between the 2 commercial products, but neither product changed significantly during refrigerated storage. Each added sugar (10%) was stable throughout the 6-wk refrigerated storage period. The pH of all yogurts decreased slightly (−0.1 pH) during storage, but with no corresponding change in lactic acid concentration. These results provide foundational data on the stability of various sugars in cultured dairy products throughout refrigerated shelf life.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":"108 4","pages":"Pages 3247-3257"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143073123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Supramolecular self-assembly of high-loaded horseradish peroxidase and biorecognized antibody into Au/polydopamine nanocomposites for sensitive immunoassay of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in milk","authors":"Bolong Fang ,&nbsp;Yuzhi Li ,&nbsp;Xiaole Zhao ,&nbsp;Yan Liu ,&nbsp;Lin Xu ,&nbsp;Qiao Wang ,&nbsp;Xin Liu ,&nbsp;Zhiyong Gong ,&nbsp;Weihua Lai","doi":"10.3168/jds.2024-25518","DOIUrl":"10.3168/jds.2024-25518","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>There is an urgent need for a rapid and sensitive method for the detection of <em>Escherichia coli</em> O157:H7, a class of hazardous foodborne pathogens in food safety. The traditional ELISA, a dominant rapid detection technique, has the disadvantage of low test sensitivity due to the insufficient enzyme loading capacity. In this study, we successfully synthesized self-assembled Au/polydopamine (PDA)/horseradish peroxide (HRP) nanocomposites with high enzyme loading on the outer surface and in the inner space. The high catalytic activity of Au/PDA/HRP was maintained by virtue of its hyperbranched flexible structure. For <em>E. coli</em> O157:H7 detection in milk samples, the proposed immunoassay achieved a visual cut-off value of 10³ cfu mL⁻¹ and a low limit of detection of 2.8 × 10² cfu mL⁻¹, which are 33 and 46 times more sensitive than the traditional ELISA, respectively. The tremendous advantages of high sensitivity, excellent specificity, and adequate recovery make it promising for monitoring various kinds of pathogenic bacteria in food safety with greater sensitivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":"108 4","pages":"Pages 3419-3427"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143073126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of milking interval and lactation stage on withdrawal period: Exemplified with a bovine oxytetracycline lactation physiologically based kinetic model","authors":"I.R. Dubbelboer,&nbsp;R. Gehring","doi":"10.3168/jds.2024-25610","DOIUrl":"10.3168/jds.2024-25610","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To safeguard human health, it is critical to avoid potentially harmful residues of veterinary drugs in dairy products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of milk production on the excretion of drugs into milk using physiologically based kinetic (PBK) modeling with oxytetracycline as a case study. A nonlinear model for milk volume was developed to accurately describe the volume of milk within a cow's udder. The model was evaluated through Monte Carlo simulations and subsequently integrated into an established whole-body oxytetracycline PBK model for cows. The enhanced model facilitated simulations to ascertain the influence of lactation stage and milking interval on drug withdrawal periods. The findings indicated that for oxytetracycline, a drug characterized by low milk excretion, both the stage of lactation and the frequency of milking had minimal impact on the withdrawal period. However, simulations revealed that milking cows once a day, as opposed to twice, could extend the withdrawal period for one day. The timing of drug administration was found to have no impact on the withdrawal period for this particular drug. The model's reliance on a priori estimated parameters ensured that the predictions of the distribution and elimination of compounds within the udder compartment were solely dependent on lactation stage and milking intervals. This feature also allowed for the simulation of studies without milk volume data. Nevertheless, to formulate generalized recommendations on withdrawal periods, compounds with varying physicochemical properties must be evaluated.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":"108 4","pages":"Pages 4349-4364"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143073250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimization of a milk pregnancy-associated glycoprotein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test for pregnancy in Holstein cows using time-dependent cut-points between 23 and 90 days after insemination","authors":"J. Durocher ,&nbsp;R.K. Moore ,&nbsp;E. Molgat ,&nbsp;S.J. LeBlanc ,&nbsp;S. Dufour","doi":"10.3168/jds.2024-25580","DOIUrl":"10.3168/jds.2024-25580","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Our hypothesis was that the accuracy of a commercial milk pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) ELISA test using the same thresholds at all stages of gestation would be improved by adjusting the cut-points according to the number of days since last breeding (DSLB) between 23 and 90 d after insemination in Holstein dairy cows. Our objectives were to develop a DSLB-specific set of thresholds that would provide better test performance under field conditions and provide more information for the inconclusive test results, by dichotomizing these into “probably open” and “probably pregnant” categories. Milk samples (n = 182,738) submitted to the Lactanet (Canadian Dairy Herd Improvement) laboratory from 2013 to 2021 for pregnancy testing using a commercial PAG ELISA test were compared with records on insemination outcomes. The data were separated randomly into a training dataset used to develop the DSLB-specific interpretation grid and a validation dataset to quantify its test characteristics and compare the performance of the DSLB-specific and fixed thresholds. Our aim was to achieve negative predictive value &gt;0.99 at all stages of test use and positive predictive value (PPV) ≥0.95 at ≤59 d and ≥0.99 between 60 and 90 d after insemination. Neither approach met these targets between 23 and 25 DSLB. The DSLB-specific interpretation grid had greater PPV than the fixed threshold between 26 and 49 DSLB and met the targets. Both approaches were very near the targets of performance between 50 and 90 DSLB. The DSLB-specific interpretation grid has a similar prevalence of inconclusive test results compared with the fixed threshold but provided additional information on the likelihood of the cow being pregnant or open. Classification of milk PAG results using DSLB-specific cut-points improved the predictive value of pregnancy diagnosis between 23 and 49 d after insemination.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":"108 4","pages":"Pages 4089-4101"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143073357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Usefulness of differential somatic cell count for udder health monitoring: Effect of intramammary infections, days in milk, quarter location, and parity on quarter-level differential somatic cell count and somatic cell score in apparently healthy dairy cows","authors":"Mariana Fonseca ,&nbsp;Daryna Kurban ,&nbsp;Jean-Philippe Roy ,&nbsp;Débora E. Santschi ,&nbsp;Elouise Molgat ,&nbsp;Simon Dufour","doi":"10.3168/jds.2024-25401","DOIUrl":"10.3168/jds.2024-25401","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microbial infections of the mammary gland often cause mastitis, and it can lead to substantial economic losses within the dairy industry due to its direct negative impact on milk production and composition and the associated treatment costs. Somatic cell count has emerged as a critical indicator in monitoring udder health, and recently, the large-scale availability of differential cell count analysis potentially offers new insights into underlying physiological processes. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to estimate the variation of differential SCC (DSCC) and SCC of individual quarter-level milk samples of cows according to (1) their intramammary infectious status; (2) parity of the cow; (3) quarter location; and (4) DIM at the time of sampling. A convenience sample of 5 dairy herds using an automated milking system was selected and visited every 2 wk for milk sample collection. The determination of SCC and DSCC was performed by Lactanet using a CombiFoss 7 DC instrument. The bacteriological culture was performed according to the National Mastitis Council standards. The different types of colonies (up to 10 colonies) were counted and identified using MALDI-TOF. Given the hierarchical structure of the data, a 4-level, linear mixed model with herd, cow, and quarter as random intercepts was built with either SCS or DSCC as the outcome. Differential SCC varied broadly in the SCS range 2 to 12 but tended to have a narrower variation at higher SCS levels. The effect of DIM on DSCC depended on the parity. Early in lactation, primiparous cows tended to have lower DSCC than older cows. Following 230 DIM, the DSCC in primiparous exhibited an upward trend, whereas, in older cows, it tended to decline. The quarter position did not affect either DSCC or SCS. Quarters infected with <em>Staphylococcus chromogenes</em>, <em>Streptococcus dysgalactiae</em>, <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>, <em>Staphylococcus epidermidis</em>, “other major,” and “other minor,” had an increase in DSCC by ∼10.2%, 9.9%, 9.8%, 9.2%, 6.0%, and 4.9%, respectively, when compared with quarters with no growth. Our findings highlighted that IMI, parity, and DIM influenced DSCC. Therefore, these parameters should be considered when interpreting DSCC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":"108 4","pages":"Pages 3878-3899"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142862677","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Graduate Student Literature Review: A review of mathematical modeling methods for bovine hormone dynamics*","authors":"Fearghus Downes,&nbsp;Marion McAfee,&nbsp;Kieran Hughes,&nbsp;Malgorzata J. McEvoy,&nbsp;Leo Creedon","doi":"10.3168/jds.2024-25563","DOIUrl":"10.3168/jds.2024-25563","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article explores various approaches to modeling the bovine estrus cycle, focusing on improving estrus detection to enhance reproductive management in dairy cattle. The review examines a range of mathematical models, including hormonal models based on ordinary differential equations that simulate hormone dynamics, as well as follicular competition models that track the maturation of individual follicles. In addition to these, precision dairy monitoring technologies (PDMT) are discussed, which utilize real-time physiological and behavioral data to provide predictive insights into estrus. The article assesses the effectiveness of both traditional modeling approaches and PDMT in improving breeding efficiency, minimizing labor, and optimizing herd management practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":"108 4","pages":"Pages 3716-3733"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142875697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Invited review: Social housing of dairy calves—Management factors affecting calf behavior, performance, and health; A systematic review","authors":"E.K. Miller-Cushon ,&nbsp;M.B. Jensen","doi":"10.3168/jds.2024-25468","DOIUrl":"10.3168/jds.2024-25468","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Given increasing adoption of social housing for preweaning dairy calves, we conducted a systematic review to summarize existing literature describing effects of social housing management factors on behavior, performance, and health of dairy calves. Included articles addressed interventions applied to preweaning, socially housed dairy calves, encompassing age at introduction to social housing, group composition (size, stocking density, within-group age range, stability), and housing environment (space allowance, enrichment provision). Outcome measures addressed behavior, including social behavior, locomotor behavior, feeding behavior, abnormal oral behavior, and behavioral responses during tests; performance, including body measurements and weight gain; and health, including clinical health scores and mortality rate. We conducted searches initially targeting any study where dairy calves were housed socially, using Web of Science and PubMed, and subsequently identified a total of 46 relevant studies. Studies investigating age at introduction to pairs or small social groups of 3 to 7 calves (8 experimental studies) suggested possible behavioral and performance benefits, with no negative effects, of earlier introduction to small groups. Earlier introduction to larger groups (assessed in 6 experimental studies and 4 cross-sectional studies) appeared to increase latency to use an automated milk feeder with short-term negative effects on milk intake, yet no evidence of growth effects and variable health effects. Studies investigating effects of group size (assessed in 8 experimental studies and 6 cross-sectional studies) suggested that small social groups may facilitate increased feeding time, with neutral or positive effects on growth and health. Other aspects of group composition, including within-group age range, group stability, and feeder stocking density, were assessed in few experimental studies (7 total), with some results suggesting behavioral benefits of reducing competition for feed and maintaining stable groups. Experimental and cross-sectional studies yielded conflicting findings with respect to health effects of group composition, but results generally suggested possible health risks associated with larger group sizes and within-group age ranges, management factors consistent with the use of dynamic groups. Increasing space allowance (assessed in 6 experimental studies and 6 cross-sectional studies) increased locomotor activity/play behavior and had neutral or positive health effects. Provision of enrichment items (e.g., brushes, combinations of items for oral manipulation; assessed in 5 studies) was found to reduce cross-sucking. Overall, this review describes varied dairy calf social housing management practices which have implications for behavior, performance, and health. Further work is needed to address gaps in knowledge, including long-term effects and variability at the individual and group level, and to establish the ext","PeriodicalId":354,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dairy Science","volume":"108 4","pages":"Pages 3019-3044"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142942035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}