{"title":"The effect of humate as a feed additive on feed intake, production, and carcass parameters of Angus steers","authors":"F Ataollahi, BWB Holman, GR Casburn, JW Piltz","doi":"10.1111/avj.13317","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13317","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Humate may be a valuable livestock feed additive, with potential effects on nutrient utilisation and animal performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of K Humate S 100R supplementation on the feed intake, liveweight gain, and carcass parameters of Angus steers. Within individual pens, 40 weaned steers were allocated to four treatment groups (n = 10/potassium humate K Humate S100R, Omnia Specialities Australia) for 100 days. The treatment groups included Group 1, 35 g K Humate S100R/animal/day; Group 2, 70 g K Humate S100R/animal/day; Group 3, 140 g K Humate S100R/animal/day; and Control Group, which were not supplemented with K Humate S100R (0 g K Humate S100R/animal/day). Chemical and mineral composition of the feed ingredients, dry matter intake (DMI), and average daily weight gains were recorded. The steers were slaughtered as a single group at a commercial Australian abattoir. Standard measures for hot standard carcass weight, eye muscle area, fat depth and coverage, marbling, ossification, meat and fat colour, dressing percentage and loin pH values at 24-hour <i>postmortem</i> were recorded. It was found that the steers allocated to Group 2 had higher DMI (P = 0.003) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.001) compared with those allocated to Group 1 and the Control Group. The MSA marbling score was lowest for steers allocated to the Control Group (P < 0.05) and comparable for those allocated to Groups 1, 2, and 3. Together, these results demonstrate that increased levels of K Humate S100R supplementation improved the carcass quality, via an increase in MSA. However, further research is warranted on the potential effects of humates supplementation on intramuscular fat associated qualities of beef.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 5","pages":"242-248"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139717330","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C Langhorne, BJ Wood, C Wood, J Henning, M McGowan, D Schull, S Ranjbar, JS Gibson
{"title":"Understanding barriers to reducing antimicrobials on Australian dairy farms: A qualitative analysis","authors":"C Langhorne, BJ Wood, C Wood, J Henning, M McGowan, D Schull, S Ranjbar, JS Gibson","doi":"10.1111/avj.13322","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13322","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Reducing antibiotic use in production animal systems is one strategy which may help to limit the development of antimicrobial resistance. To reduce antimicrobial use in food-producing animals, it is important to first understand how antibiotics are used on farm and what barriers exist to decreasing their use. In dairy production systems, mastitis is one of the most common reasons for administering antimicrobials. Therefore, it is important to understand the motivations and behaviours of dairy farmers in relation to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mastitis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In this study, we interviewed a sample of dairy farmers and dairy industry professionals from the major dairying regions of eastern Australia regarding their current practices used to diagnose, treat, and control subclinical and clinical mastitis. Inductive thematic analysis was used to code interview transcripts and identify the recurrent themes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Four overarching themes were identified: (1) the challenges associated with the detection and diagnosis of clinical mastitis, including with laboratory culture, (2) the motivations behind treatment decisions for different cases, (3) decisions around dry cow therapy and the role of herd recording, and (4) concerns regarding the development of antimicrobial resistance.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study identifies several challenges which may limit the ability of Australian dairy farmers to reduce antimicrobial use on farm, such as the need for rapid and reliable diagnostic tests capable of identifying the pathogenic causes of mastitis and the difficulties associated with conducting herd recording for the implementation of selective dry cow therapy. Industry professionals were concerned that farmers were not using individual cow records to aid in treatment decisions, which could result in unnecessary antimicrobial use. The results of this study can act as the basis for future research aimed at assessing these issues across the broader Australian dairy industry.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 6","pages":"285-292"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13322","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139717331","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"What is the best treatment for hypotension in healthy dogs during anaesthesia maintained with isoflurane?","authors":"CT Quinn","doi":"10.1111/avj.13318","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13318","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Hypotension is a common and potentially life-threatening complication of general anaesthesia in dogs. Due to the combination of cardiovascular side effects of many anaesthetic, sedative and analgesic drugs used peri-operatively hypotension is frequently reported even in healthy dogs undergoing elective procedures. Several treatment options for hypotension have been advocated. Potential treatments include rapid administration of either crystalloid or colloid fluids; pharmacological treatments to increase cardiac output and/or systemic vascular resistance; or reduction in the delivery of the volatile anaesthetic agents. This critical appraisal considers the current evidence for which treatment is the best option for treating hypotension in healthy euvolemic dogs undergoing general anaesthesia maintained with isoflurane. Fourteen relevant studies were appraised, including 12 laboratory studies and two small clinical trials. One study demonstrated that reduction in the delivery of isoflurane may correct hypotension, but this treatment may not always be feasible. In general, rapid administration of fluids did not increase blood pressure and failed to correct hypotension. Synthetic colloids demonstrated some efficacy, but results were inconsistent between studies and large volumes may be required. Infusion of dopamine appears to be the most reliable pharmacological option consistently increasing blood pressure, cardiac output and correcting hypotension.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 5","pages":"264-273"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13318","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139721426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hospital admissions to Phillip Island Wildlife Clinic, Victoria, Australia, over a 10-year period, 2012–2021","authors":"KJ Dutton-Regester","doi":"10.1111/avj.13324","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13324","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Wildlife hospitals play a critical role in safeguarding diverse animal species, but their admissions data are also valuable for investigating threats and challenges impacting local wildlife. This study examines 10 years of admissions data from the Phillip Island Wildlife Clinic in Victoria, Australia, to identify species, primary causes, outcomes, and temporal trends of hospital admissions. Avian species constitute the majority of admissions (64.5%), with sea and water birds being the most frequently admitted group. Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), injuries of unknown cause, and orphaning are the dominant causes of admission for birds and mammals. Car strikes are the leading cause of admission for land birds, land mammals, macropods, and turtles. Orphaning exhibits a seasonal pattern, with a higher number of cases in spring. Overall, 70.3% of admissions resulted in mortality, with causes related to trauma showing significantly higher mortality risks than others. The findings emphasize the impact of tourism on wildlife populations and the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies on Phillip Island.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 6","pages":"316-323"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13324","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139717304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
LD Valenza, T Bishop, S Cramieri, J Wang, RJ Ploeg
{"title":"Pteropox infection in a juvenile grey-headed flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)","authors":"LD Valenza, T Bishop, S Cramieri, J Wang, RJ Ploeg","doi":"10.1111/avj.13316","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13316","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A juvenile grey-headed flying fox (GHFF) (<i>Pteropus poliocephalus</i>) presented to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital after a wildlife carer found the animal hanging on the outside of an aviary. On presentation, the animal was emaciated and moribund with disseminated, multifocal, depigmented and proliferative lesions on the wing membranes and skin of the neck. Histopathology revealed multiple, well-circumscribed proliferative epidermal lesions with intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies. A poxvirus was identified via transmission electron microscopy and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Analysis of sequences obtained demonstrated 99% nucleotide identity to Pteropox virus strain Australia (GenBank KU980965). To the authors' knowledge, this paper describes the first case of Pteropox virus infection in a GHFF.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 4","pages":"222-225"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139717329","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
T Aikawa, Y Miyazaki, S Kihara, H Muyama, M Nishimura
{"title":"Cervical intervertebral disc disease in 307 small-breed dogs (2000–2021): Breed-characteristic features and disc-associated vertebral instability","authors":"T Aikawa, Y Miyazaki, S Kihara, H Muyama, M Nishimura","doi":"10.1111/avj.13320","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13320","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To evaluate the breed-characteristic features of cervical intervertebral disc disease (C-IVDD) and associated vertebral instability in small-breed dogs and to present the concept of intervertebral disc degeneration and associated instability stage, method of diagnosis, treatment and outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Animals</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In total, 307 client-owned dogs with C-IVDD treated with spinal cord decompression with or without vertebral stabilization (2000–2021).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Information on age, sex, affected sites, stabilized sites, diagnostic methods for vertebral instability and outcomes were retrieved. The patient's age, affected sites (cranial vs caudal discs), and frequency of vertebral stabilization were compared in six CD and five NCD breed. Multivariable analyses of the chondrodystrophic (CD) vs non-CD (NCD) groups, and vertebral stabilization (dogs stabilized vs dogs not stabilized) were performed.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In total, 222 (72.3%) and 77 (25.1%) were CD and NCD breeds, respectively. Vertebral instabilities were diagnosed based on the survey radiographs with computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (n = 2), dynamic myelography (n = 29), intraoperative spinal manipulation (n = 11) or second surgery in dogs with persistent postoperative paraspinal pain (n = 3). Of these dogs, 295 (96.1%) recovered (median follow-up: 8.5 [range, 1–119] months). Significant differences in age, affected sites and frequency of stabilization were noted among the breeds. Older age and frequent vertebral stabilization were the associated factors for the NCD breed dogs. Male dogs, caudal discs affected (C5–T1) and the NCD breed dogs were risk factors for the dogs with vertebral stabilization.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Vertebral stabilization is indicated for small-breed dogs with cervical disc-associated vertebral instability.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 5","pages":"274-281"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139717301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cryptosporidium-associated enteritis in captive koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)","authors":"I Hough, R O'Handley, N Speight","doi":"10.1111/avj.13323","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13323","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. sporadically infect a range of Australian native mammals including koalas, red kangaroos, eastern grey kangaroos, bilbies and brush tailed possums and can range from asymptomatic to fatal infections. Traditionally considered a disease of the young or immuno-compromised, and resulting in profuse diarrhoea in other species, here we report an atypical clinical syndrome associated with <i>Cryptosporidium</i> in a captive population of koalas. All affected animals were in-contact adults, and demonstrated anorexia, dehydration and abdominal pain in the absence of diarrhoea. Following euthanasia on welfare grounds, <i>Cryptosporidium</i> infection was confirmed postmortem in three of four symptomatic animals via faecal floatation and/or intestinal histopathology, with enteritis also diagnosed in the fourth koala. Further screening of the captive colony found the outbreak had been contained. Based on sequencing the cause of the infection was <i>C. fayeri</i>, but the source was undetermined. In conclusion, <i>Cryptosporidium</i> should be considered as a possible cause of generalised illness in koalas.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 6","pages":"313-315"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139717302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
JK House, MM Izzo, SW Page, GF Browning, JM Norris, the Australian Veterinary Association Ltd and Animal Medicines Australia
{"title":"Antimicrobial prescribing guidelines for dairy cattle","authors":"JK House, MM Izzo, SW Page, GF Browning, JM Norris, the Australian Veterinary Association Ltd and Animal Medicines Australia","doi":"10.1111/avj.13311","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13311","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Antimicrobials are one of the most important medical developments of the 20th century and are used to safely treat many common infections in humans and animals. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when the microorganisms that cause infection, such as bacteria and viruses, become resistant to medical treatment with antimicrobial agents. Australia was one of the first nations to embark on a comprehensive reform process aimed at protecting humans and animals from the harmful effects of AMR and has remained at the forefront of antimicrobial stewardship globally.</p><p>AMR is recognised as a global health priority due to its adverse effects on public health, animal health, welfare and production, and the economy. Inappropriate use of antimicrobials in humans and animals has accelerated the process. A shared One Health approach, working across the human, animal and environmental health sectors, and promoting antimicrobial stewardship across a range of industries, is a key component of how we address AMR.</p><p>As a major exporter of high-quality food products, Australia has taken a proactive approach to managing food safety issues, including the use of antimicrobials. Antimicrobials are an essential tool for dairy farmers and veterinarians to ensure the health and welfare of animals in their care. Overall, the Australian dairy industry has very low antimicrobial usage compared to other countries and holds a favourable reputation for low levels of AMR. The industry is, therefore, well-placed to play a leading role in how we address AMR more broadly across the animal health sector. The dairy industry's “as little as possible, as much as necessary” method is particularly commendable and demonstrates their commitment to using antimicrobials responsibly.</p><p>In closing, I would like to recognise the important stewardship role dairy cattle veterinarians play in promoting the appropriate use of antimicrobials on dairy farms. These best-practice, evidence-based prescribing guidelines have been developed specifically for the dairy industry and will help attending veterinarians make good decisions about their use (or otherwise) of antimicrobials. I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the development of these guidelines and urge all dairy cattle veterinarians to apply this advice. In doing so, you will help safeguard the ongoing, long-term efficacy of antimicrobials, deliver best practice veterinary service, and play an integral role in the global response to AMR.</p><p><b>Dr Mark Schipp</b></p><p><b>Australian Chief Veterinary Officer</b></p><p>\u0000 \u0000 </p><p>John is Associate Professor of Livestock Health and Production and Head of The Livestock Veterinary Teaching and Research Unit at the University of Sydney. He is a registered specialist in livestock medicine with a keen interest in veterinary clinical practice and dairy cattle management. He completed a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Veterinary Medical Scien","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 4","pages":"143-186"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13311","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139691101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Milk as a diagnostic fluid","authors":"I Lean, R Zadoks, B Brito, H Golder","doi":"10.1111/avj.13299","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13299","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Over 40 years there have been profound changes to the Australian dairy production environment. The number of farms decreased from 21,989 in 1980 to 5055 in 2020,<span><sup>1, 2</sup></span> milk production per cow increased from 2888 L/cow per year or 1.9 million cows producing 5.49 million L per year, to 6311 L/cow per year or 8.8 million L from 1.4 million cows. Many dairy farms represent assets valued in the $10 to $100 million or more. The average herd has increased from 85 to 274 cows. Consequently, farm management has less time to engage with the individual cow. These changes influence the delivery of veterinary services as the individual cow now represents a much lower proportion of the enterprise asset value. However, herd health and productivity are critical to an enterprise and farmers are committed to stewardship of their cattle. The challenge for the veterinary profession is to deliver cost-effective services that identify, monitor, and mitigate risks to herd health and productivity. Such services must be designed to deliver better outcomes with greater labour efficiency. In this series of reviews, we evaluate the value of bulk tank milk which provides a readily available and contemporary indicator of herd status of health and production and, where appropriate, compare the value of bulk milk testing to that of individual cow testing, to determine the mastitis,<span><sup>3</sup></span> viral,<span><sup>4</sup></span> and metabolic status<span><sup>5</sup></span> of herds. We provide quantitative and qualitative reviews of tests that may do this. We also note two coincident and valuable scoping reviews of this area,<span><sup>6, 7</sup></span> one of which includes data on the value of bulk tank milk for parasite evaluation.<span><sup>7</sup></span></p><p>Bulk milk somatic cell counts are routinely utilised by processors and veterinary advisors to assess milk quality and udder health. Because this assessment does not capture cows with clinical mastitis, diagnostics at the cow level may also be needed to manage udder health. Additional markers of inflammation or the humoral immune response are primarily available at cow level, except for antibody testing for <i>Mycoplasma bovis</i>, which can be conducted at bulk milk level to support biosecurity efforts. Elevated somatic cell counts are primarily due to intramammary infections, and its causative agents, including those with antimicrobial resistance, can be detected through culture or PCR. Specificity of PCR for contagious pathogens (<i>Streptococcus agalactiae</i>, <i>Mycoplasma bovis</i>) is high (0.90) but sensitivity is variable (0.15–0.99) unless repeated bulk milk testing or cow-level testing is used. For pathogens that may be cow-derived as well as environmental (<i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Streptococcus dysgalactiae</i>, <i>Streptococcus uberis</i>), sensitivity of bulk milk testing is low (<30%).<span><sup>3</sup></span> New technologies such as matrix-assisted laser ","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 1-2","pages":"3-4"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13299","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139668552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}