Marisa A. Erasmus

In the United States, nonreplacement calves born on dairies are often sold in the first days of life and experience multiple transport events that increase their risk of disease as they enter the dairy-beef sector. The objectives of this cross-sectional cohort study were to evaluate the condition of dairy-beef calves on arrival at calf-raising farms in the Midwestern United States and to identify factors associated with poor health outcomes. From February 2024 to January 2025, 1,436 calves (∼3-7 d of age) were enrolled 6.4 ± 7.2 h after arrival at 20 dairy-beef calf-raising farms (n = 72 calves/farm) in Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Standardized scoring systems were used to perform a clinical health assessment, and a blood sample was collected from each calf to measure serum total protein (STP) as an indicator of failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI). On a subset of farms (n = 11) where immediate blood sampling was possible after arrival, blood biochemistry was further analyzed for a target of 30 calves/farm (n = 327). Variables were dichotomized using clinically relevant cut points. Given clustering within farms, 95% CI for prevalence estimates of poor health and blood biochemistry outcomes were calculated, with farm specified as the cluster variable. On arrival, 48.3% (95% CI: 45.7%-51.0%) of calves had diarrhea, 35.8% (33.3%-38.3%) had dehydration, 22.0% (19.9%-24.2%) had navel inflammation, and 18.7% (16.7%-20.8%) had depression. Seventy-seven percent (70.6%-83.4%) of calves had at least one poor health outcome, and 40.0% (33.9%-46.2%) had 2 or more. Blood biochemical analyses indicated 21.6% (19.4%-23.7%; cut-point STP <5.1 g/dL) of calves had FTPI, 48.3% (29.0%-67.6%; glucose 0.72 mmol/L) had elevated serum NEFA. Calves sourced from calf dealers were more likely to have FTPI than those arriving directly from dairy farms. Calves with successful transfer of passive immunity had lower odds of experiencing diarrhea or hypoglycemia on arrival, and calves with a normal fecal score had lower odds of experiencing concurrent dehydration, depression, or hypoglycemia. These results suggest a high percentage of dairy-beef calves in the Midwestern United States arrive at calf-raising farms with FTPI, low energy reserves, and clinical disease that may impact long-term welfare and productivity.

The use of beef genetics in dairy herds is becoming increasingly popular due to higher value for dairy × beef crossbred compared to purebred dairy calves. While previous research has documented higher-quality neonatal care for female compared to male dairy calves, few studies have investigated colostrum management between purebred dairy and dairy × beef crossbred calves. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to 1) compare transfer of passive immunity (TPI) between purebred dairy and dairy × beef crossbred calves and 2) investigate colostrum management practices associated with TPI on farms rearing both calf breeds. A blood sample was collected from the jugular vein of 12 purebred dairy and 12 dairy × beef crossbred calves (1 to 7 d of age) across 15 dairy farms to measure serum total protein (STP) concentration using serum refractometry. Sex, age, and breed were recorded for each calf. A 29-question survey was also administered to dairy farm managers that included questions on colostrum management, calf sale, and farm demographics. Descriptive statistics were computed for survey-based questions, and mixed effects ordinal regression models were created to evaluate factors at the calf and farm-level that were associated with TPI, categorized according to Lombard et al. (2020). Consensus recommendations on calf- and herd-level passive immunity in dairy calves in the United States. J. Dairy Sci. 103:7611–7624. doi:https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-17955) as excellent TPI (STP ≥ 6.2 g/dL), good TPI (STP 5.8 to 6.1 g/dL), fair TPI (STP 5.1 to 5.7 g/dL), and poor TPI (STP < 5.1 g/dL). All farms reported similar colostrum management practices between purebred dairy and dairy × beef crossbred calves. Most farms (60%, 9/15) fed 2 colostrum feedings, 33% (5/15) of farms fed 1 colostrum feeding, and 7% (1/15) fed 3 or more colostrum feedings. Serum total protein concentration ranged from 3.2 to 8.0 g/dL, and the distribution of calves within each TPI category was: 20.8% (74/355) excellent, 25.4% (90/355) good, 26.5% (94/355) fair, and 27.3% (97/355) poor. There was no evidence to suggest differences in TPI between breeds. The reported timing of the first colostrum feeding influenced TPI; calves born on farms that reported feeding colostrum within 1 h after birth had reduced odds of being within a lower TPI category (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.77; P = 0.002). The results of this study indicate that colostrum management practices and TPI did not differ between purebred dairy and dairy × beef crossbred calves. Future research should continue to explore strategies to improve TPI for dairy calves regardless of breed.

In conventional pig production, lactating sows are typically housed in farrowing crates that restrict movement and environmental engagement, raising welfare concerns. Farrowing pens also lack behavioral stimulation for suckling piglets, hindering species-specific behaviors. Environmental enrichment may improve welfare by redirecting behaviors—such as chewing—away from conspecifics in piglets and pen fixtures in sows. However, few studies have explored its effects in farrowing crates, particularly regarding optimal placement within these spatial constraints. This study evaluated the impacts of enrichment strategies on the welfare and performance of 37 lactating sows and their litters from birth through early post-weaning. Sows and litters were divided into three groups: both had access to enrichments (SPE), only piglets had access (PE), and a control group with no enrichments (CON). Point-source objects (PorkyPlays and wooden blocks on rope) were placed 2 d after sows moved into farrowing crates until 2 wk post-weaning. Sow salivary cortisol was collected at four timepoints, and pressure sores were assessed at 8 timepoints from 24 h after crate entry to weaning. Piglet tear stains and skin lesions were recorded throughout the lactation phase. Suckling piglet average daily gain (ADG) was analyzed at days 1 to 7, 7 to 14, and 14 to weaning. In the nursery, salivary cortisol, tear stains, and skin lesions were measured on days 1, 7, and 14 post-weaning, with an additional cortisol sample at day 0 post-weaning. Nursery piglet ADG was analyzed from weaning to day 14 post-weaning. CON sows were more likely to have a pressure sore compared to SPE sows (P = 0.02); PE sows tended to have a higher likelihood of developing a pressure sore than SPE sows (P = 0.097). No treatment effect was found for salivary cortisol of sows or nursery piglets. However, CON piglets had the largest tear stains during lactation (P < 0.001) and nursery (P = 0.001). Treatment affected piglet skin lesions during lactation, with CON piglets having more ear (P < 0.001) and front (P = 0.002) lesions and a higher overall lesion score (P < 0.0001). No treatment effect was found for ADG, piglet crushing, or nursery skin lesions. In conclusion, enrichment strategies in farrowing crates improved piglet skin health and tear stains without affecting performance. Enrichment access for sows tended to reduce pressure sores, suggesting enrichments can enhance welfare in farrowing crate systems.

The poultry industry is crucial to the global economy and food security. The growing world population has led to a concomitant increase in demand for poultry products, with global demand for poultry meat and eggs projected to increase to 181 and 102 million metric tons by 2050, respectively, from 82 (meat) and 62 (eggs) tons in 2005 ( Smith et al., 2015). Meeting this demand requires intensive, large-scale poultry production, characterized by significant environmental footprints and growing public concern over the welfare of farmed animals.

Egg production in the United States has changed significantly in the last century. From the 1920s to the 1960s, egg production underwent a significant evolution, driven by advancements in breeding and husbandry practices ( Kidd and Anderson, 2019). In the early 20th century, chickens were typically raised on small farms, where they were valued for both egg and meat production. However, during this period, there was a shift toward industrialization of poultry farming ( Kidd and Anderson, 2019). Innovations in housing, feeding, and disease management contributed to improved efficiency and productivity within the egg industry. By the 1960s, the adoption of intensive farming methods, including the use of conventional or “battery” cages, had become widespread, dramatically increasing the scale of egg production, and setting the stage for modern commercial poultry farming practices ( Kidd and Anderson, 2019). However, a growing sector (approximately 40%) of the egg industry is adopting cage-free housing for over 124 million laying hens as consumer demand for improved animal welfare increases and some state legislation requires more space per bird. There has also been an increase in certified organic egg production, which by definition is cage free; there are over 27.5 million organic laying hens raised in the US annually ( USDA-NASS, 2021). The switch from cage-to-cage-free production provides hens with more behavioral opportunities, but some risks to hen health are more prevalent in cage free systems ( Lay et al., 2011). In particular, the switch to cage-free housing is significantly impacting the prevalence of ectoparasites such as the northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) and poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) in poultry facilities ( Murillo and Mullens, 2016; Chambless et al., 2022). Mite infestations impact all areas of hen welfare, including hen health, behavior, productivity, and emotional state. Here, we discuss what is known about northern fowl mites and poultry red mites, their impact on hens; current mite management strategies and challenges, and the potential for using genomic tools to manage mites in US cage-free egg production.