I. Title and Abstract
Evaluation of the digital cushion and weight-bearing surface of the bovine foot in response to
modifications in housing and rearing practices of calves.
Rationale: Lameness causes severe economic losses to the cattle industry and is especially relevant
from an animal welfare prospective. The prevalence of lameness in dairy herds is 20 – 50% of animals
depending on age. Establishment of husbandry systems for the rearing of replacement dairy heifers
which are adept to withstand the rigors of the industry are desperately needed. The focus of this study
is to investigate a simple modification to the “industry standard” for replacement heifer husbandry that
may prevent pain and suffering through lameness prevention as well as decrease cull rates of dairy
cows.
Hypothesis/Objectives: Our first hypothesis is that heifer feet will remodel and develop into a more
adept state in response to environmental conditions/stressors. Specifically we believe that the digital
cushions and the weight bearing surface of the feet will become larger. Therefore, our objective is to
assess if walking from feed to water on rocky terrain in a long narrow lane will aid in the development of
the digital cushion and increase the weight-bearing surface of the foot. Our second hypothesis is that
these changes will have a life-long impact on the health of the dairy cow foot by decreasing pain and
suffering that is frequently associated with foot pathology during adulthood.
Study Design: The study will utilize 16 Holstein heifers, with random assignment of eight in the control
group and eight in the treated group. All calves will be reared in accordance with the current accepted
practices of the dairy industry until weaning. After weaning, the control group will continue in industry
standard husbandry. Treated heifers will be maintained on a half mile long lane containing smooth
stones. They will be encouraged to walk at least two miles per day by placement of food and water on
opposite ends of the lane. Calipers will be used to measure the width and length of the medial and
lateral claws of the feet. The digital cushions and deep digital flexor tendons of both groups will be
measured by ultrasound examination using a ____ transducer at multiple time points throughout the
study period. Pedometers will be placed on the lower legs of group representatives at multiple time
points during the study to assess average daily distance traveled by the groups. The goal study period
is 13 – 18 months depending on the age of the heifers on day zero of the study. The study period will
be extended for the maximum duration if adequate funding is received. Anatomical differences
between the control and treated groups will be statistically analyzed by ANOVA and a P  0.05 will be
considered significant and a P  0.1 will be indicative of trends.
Preliminary Data: A preliminary study was performed that included a eight bull calves. The control
group was reared in accordance with industry standard practices. The treated calves were allowed free
access to a half mile long lane where they walked for a total of at least two miles a day on rocky terrain
for 4 months. Three dimensional analysis of P2 and P3, of the right rear foot from each calf was
performed with Mimics® medical image processing software. Statistical analysis by ANOVA showed
that the surface areas of the bones of the digit were significantly (P  0.05) larger in the treated calves
vs. the control calves. These data indicate that bovine feet undergo structural adaptation in response to
mechanical usage.
Expected Results: Our expected findings include 1) dairy heifers raised with increased daily
movement on rocky terrain will develop larger digital cushions and weight-bearing surfaces of the feet
in comparison to heifers that are raised according to industry standards and 2) these changes will be
associated with decreased incidence of lameness (and thereby increased longevity) during the
productive adulthood of these heifers.
Budget and Timeline: Expected cost for this project is $25,000 ($10,000 being requested from MAF).
The heifers will be on the study for 3 – 12 months depending on funding received. June 2013 through
June 2014.
Potential Impact for Animal Health: The enhancing the ability of animals to live on concrete pads or
dry lots pain free due to appropriate foot development will result in greater longevity in the herd
(reduction in culling rates), greater fertility, greater milk production and weight gains. Dairy cow comfort
and well-being worldwide could be positively affected by implementing husbandry modifications that
improve hoof health and prevent lameness.
II. Resubmission Summary: N/A
III. Name, Institution, and email address
Julie A. Gard, DVM, PhD, DACT, Auburn University, (waldrja@auburn.edu)
Debra R. Taylor, DVM, MS, DACVIM(LAIM), Auburn University, (ruffidc@auburn.edu)
Dewey R. Wilhite, PhD, Auburn University, (drw0004@auburn.edu)
Fred J. DeGraves, DVM, PhD, Western Kentucky University, (fred.degraves@wku.edu)
Amy K. Sanders, BS, Auburn University, (aks0022@auburn.edu)
Leah N. Guidry, BS, Auburn University, (lng0007@auburn.edu)
IV. Study Proposal
1. Specific, Testable Hypothesis and Objectives:
Testable hypothesis: It is our hypothesis that anatomical/structural changes will occur in dairy
heifer feet as a result of husbandry modifications that require them to exercise on rocky terrain.
It is our second hypothesis that the anatomical/structural changes elicited (during calfhood/adolescence) will decrease the incidence of lameness during the heifer’s future career as
an adult dairy cow.
Objectives: Evaluate the effect of non-standard management practices on the digital cushion
and weight bearing surface of dairy heifer feet.
2. Justification, Significance and Literature Review:
It is our belief that animal welfare is at the forefront of the cattle community. Hence, the
evaluation, development and application of protocols to prevent disease states such as
lameness are necessary in keeping with our beliefs of animal welfare. In a study by Kossaibati
and Esslemnont [1], lameness was described as one of the two most costly diseases in the
dairy industry due to the significant negative effects on the well-being and economic productivity
of beef and dairy cattle. Lameness is highly prevalent in the modern dairy industry. It has been
reported that the prevalence of lameness in dairy herds is nearly 20% for parity one animals and
almost 50% for cows that are greater than parity one [2]. Additionally, it was stated that
“...lameness is the most significant challenge for the dairy industry to overcome given obvious
disruption of animal welfare and severe economic losses” [2, 3, 4]. It has been estimated that
over 90% of the lameness in cattle is in their feet [1, 2]. So, when it comes to lameness, feet are
the central focus and the production of healthy functional feet is therefore a logical starting point
in the prevention of lameness. Therefore, evaluation, development and implementation of novel
management protocols are imperative to improve the well-being of cattle through the prevention
of lameness.
Often problems with lameness lead to other production problems such as mastitis due to the
animal not being uncomfortable standing and therefore spending more time recumbent.
Recumbency predisposes to mastitis because of increased udder contact with the bedding, soil
and manure. Additionally, lameness has been shown to negatively affect reproduction in cattle
[2, 3, 4, 5]. In a recent study, it was reported that cows detected with clinical lameness in the
first 70 days in milk were 25% less likely to become pregnant compared to non-lame cows [3].
In dairy cattle this is especially problematic due to already low pregnancy rates [3]. Lameness is
known to result in earlier culling (removal from the herd by selling) of animals as well as lower
carcass weight, conformation class, and fat cover class and hence a lower carcass economic
value. However, early identification and treatment can improve the value of the carcass and
reduce culling rates [2, 6,]. As stated in a study by Booth et al. “Lameness was never
associated with increased survival in any of the models studied.” [7].
Each episode of lameness is reported to cost between $302 and $446 with cost increasing with
the severity of the lameness [7, 8]. In a study of 30 herds by Barker et al., milk losses per 305-d
lactation associated with sole ulcers and white line disease were estimated to be 574 and 369
kg/cow, respectively [5].The cost of specific lesions was determined in a recent study and it was
reported that a cost per case of sole ulcer, digital dermatitis and foot rot were $216.07, $132.96
and $120.70, respectively [9]. The main contributor to the total cost per case was milk loss for
sole ulcer (38%), treatment cost for digital dermatitis (42%) and decreased fertility for foot rot
(50%) [9]. Based on this information it was recommended that 97.3% of foot rot cases, 95.5% of
digital dermatitis cases and 92.3% of sole ulcer cases be treated [9]. Treatment of cows for
these foot related problems increases the chance that antibiotic residues could contaminate
milk. These studies are important so that producers can be educated to make appropriate
decisions on treating lameness and so they are made aware of the underlying ramifications of
lameness in their herds. In another recent study by Ettema et al., decision support models were
developed and utilized to predict the economic profitability of such actions [10]. Although this
kind of modeling is beneficial and important for the producer, prevention of lameness is even
more important to the producer then determining if lameness is worth treating.
Since so many factors affect hoof health, lameness prevention has been looked at from many
angles, including genetics, conformation, diet, contagious agents, hygiene, housing systems,
animal behavior, and management [2, 11]. It is well known that foot and leg disorders that result
in lameness tend to increase with more confined management systems and increased
production [2, 11]. There are a number of studies looking at different flooring and the effects on
foot health [11, 12, 13, 14]. In a recent study looking at rubber-matted feed-stalls together with
asphalt walkways decreases in claw wear (3.29 +/- 0.31 and 4.10 +/- 0.32 mm/mo for lateral
and medial claw, respectively were found [13]. Also, in a recent study it was shown that housing
made a significant impact on the strength/laxity, laminar morphology, connective tissue, and
biochemistry of the sole [15]. In this same study, sole lesions were assessed and found to be
significantly worse in heifers housed in cubicles vs. straw yards, and in lactating/pregnant
heifers vs. maidens [15]. Cubicle housing and parturition each increased connective tissue
metabolism and were additive. Additionally it was found that these changes in the connective
tissue composition impaired the biomechanical resilience of the hoof [15]. As this study would
indicate, changes in the structure of the foot are apparently influenced by housing,
management, and pregnancy/hormonal status of young stock. In an another study, calves
housed in slatted pens from 3 to 7 months of age were associated with a 1.7-fold increase in
risk, relative to litter pens to be culled [16]. Cows which had changed housing systems 4 times
prior to their first calving had an increased risk of being culled (1.4 times) when compared to
cows that underwent only two housing changes. These results show that rearing factors affect
the productive life span of dairy cows.
The ability of the environment to influence the formation of the foot is seen in Mustangs and
range cattle but has not been scientifically analyzed. Range cattle and Mustangs must cover
long distances for food and water and tend to have larger feet than cattle on a small grass lots.
On non-scientific examination of mustang feet and range cattle feet the weight bearing surface
tends to be greater than in animals with the same body frame size, hence, more surface to bear
the weight. The lifestyle has theoretically selected for better feet through “survival of the fittest”
and this selected the gene pool that was most able to survive under the rugged environmental
conditions. This has been recognized and hence, Mustangs have been utilized to breed quarter
horses and thoroughbreds to improve the feet in these breeds. However, genetics is not the
only player, as shown in a recent study by et al., [15] where the environment apparently played
a significant role in the development of the foot. There seems to be a lack of information on
what is necessary for optimal growth and development of the bovine foot so more studies are
needed to determine how the environment plays a role in foot development. Therefore, it is the
focus of this proposal to more fully evaluate the ability to utilize housing and management to
result in positive changes in the bovine foot. The specific positive changes this study will be
assessing will be 1) an increase in the size of the internal soft tissue of the foot known as the
digital cushion and 2) a larger weight bearing surface area of the hoof. The digital cushion
functions as a shock absorber and is protective to the structures underneath [2, 17]. It has been
reported that decreases in the thickness of the digital cushion in cattle are related to contusions
with the claw horn capsule and such contusions are a consequence of the lesser capacity of the
digital cushion to dampen the pressure exerted by the third phalanx on the soft tissue beneath
[2, 17]. Also, it was shown in a study by Bicalho et al., that the prevalence of sole ulcers and
white line disease was significantly associated with the thickness of the digital cushion; with
cows in the upper quartile of digital cushion thickness had an adjusted prevalence of lameness
15 percentage points lower than the lower quartile [2].
If optimal husbandry to produce a healthy foot could be established, so that dairy heifer feet
would possess increased biomechanical resilience with more affective weight bearing, then
logically there should be decreased incidence and severity of foot pathology. If these changes
could be induced by implementing new housing and management protocols for heifers at minor
cost it would be welcomed and adapted by producers. Therefore, studies such as the one
proposed herein need to be performed in order to determine what is necessary for optimal
growth and development of the bovine foot that will that will result in the greatest reduction in
lameness and culling rates. It is our hypothesis that calves’ feet will remodel and develop in
accordance with exercise and environmental conditions/stressors to allow for the animal to
enhance its ability to function within the environment that it lives. This is similar to the physical
therapy concept whereby “form follows function” and is much the same as we have previously
shown (see preliminary data) that the bovine foot follows Wolff’s law.
The goal of this research is to determine the best management practices to develop healthy feet
in dairy and beef cattle. Therefore, the first objective of this study is to closely evaluate and
characterize the anatomical/structural characteristics of feet from dairy calves raised in
accordance with standards of the dairy industry. The next objective is to closely evaluate and
characterize the anatomical/structural characteristics in the feet of dairy calves that have been
subject to non-standard management and housing practices for dairy calves. It is our belief that
anatomical/structural changes will occur in calves due to non-standard management and
housing practices that require calves to significantly increase the amount of daily exercise and
the amount of time spent on rough terrain. Therefore, our hypothesis is that the
anatomical/structural changes in the foot of a calf will occur in accordance with environmental
conditions/stressors to allow for the animal to enhance its ability to function within the
environment that it lives.
The ability of animals to live whether on concrete pads, or dry lots pain free due to appropriate
foot development will result in greater longevity in the herd (reduction in culling rates), greater
fertility, greater milk production and weight gains. The bottom line for the producer will be an
increase in profit. The animal’s well-being will be positively affected by adapting these
management protocols and producing welfare-certified products that are morally and
economically beneficial to the producer and the consumer. Extension programs can be utilized
to educate cattle producers and agriculture educators so that adaptation of these protocols can
have maximal benefit to the cattle industry in Alabama, the U.S., and in many progressive
countries. A growing concern of the cattle industry is to increase the well being of animals in
order to meet the demand of consumers for products that are welfare-certified. The
establishment of management practices that increase well-being of animals often result in
increases in sustainability of the production system due to increases in production and longevity
in the herd. The ability to reduce culling rates and hence retain animals in the herd for a longer
period of time is economically beneficial to the farmer by raising the net income of the operation.
The major cost associated with herd replacements is the rearing cost. In other words, the
replacement heifer, especially the dairy heifer, is considered to be only a cost to the dairy
operation and not a potential profit center [18]. Heifers are viewed as an expense and not as an
investment and so the emergence of dairy heifer grower industry was developed [19]. Although,
the growth of the dairy heifer grower industry has provided opportunities it has also presented
problems with actually growing quality heifers [19]. The cost of raising heifers in 2010 was found
to be on average from between $1,600 to $1,850 and this did not guarantee that the heifer
would be an exceptional or even fair animal in the production system [19]. Additionally, in beef
herds replacements are not truly profitable until they reproduce and are able to raise their
offspring. Therefore, management protocols that would allow replacements, including breeding
bulls to maximize productive life would be economically beneficial to the farmer and to the
animal. In order for an animal to reach their full potential the needs of an animal should be
addressed in order to produce an animal that can withstand the rigors of the industry. Culling
rates in dairy can highly variable ranging from 16% to 45% with a rate of 30% considered as
something to shoot for which says a lot about the rigors of the industry [5].
A number of factors come into play when rearing a production animal including; nutrition,
housing, and prevention of disease states. Adequate nutrition starting with appropriate
colostrum consumption of the calf followed by meeting the nutritional needs of a growing calf
have always shown to reduce mortality and morbidity and allow for more productive
replacements. Appropriate housing with attention to biosecurity to prevent disease spread and
management protocols including vaccination and deworming are also important to reduce
morbidity and mortality. In order to rear an animal so that their genetic potential is reached all
factors should be analyzed and modified to produce the healthiest and most productive animal.
However, management protocols often focus on preventing one disease state while
unfortunately inducing or predisposing to another disease state. Thus, the main objective of this
project is to evaluate and develop management protocols to prevent lameness which can be
adopted by the cattle industry and that are considered to be welfare-certified practices that will
result in the production of replacement animals which can not only withstand the industries
rigors but thrive leading to enhanced productive life. This project will provide value to cattle
producers in Alabama, the United States, and in many countries by development of sciencebased management practices that facilitate maximal growth, and health of replacements so as
to extend the productive life of an animal. This project will evaluate, develop, validate and
communicate methodologies which will provide for increased sustainability in their production
system resulting in maximizing their economic return and the well-being of their replacements
through prevention of lameness. This proposal is in alignment with priority area number one;
Enhancing Agricultural Production Systems/Global food Security and Hunger.
The use of ultrasonography to measure the digital cushion was based off of Bicalho’s study. In
his study the thickness of the digital cushion was measured ultrasonographically from the
junction of the heel and sole where a typical sole ulcer is located. [2] For the purposes of
measuring the weight bearing portion of the claw, the probe used for our study will be placed on
the bulb of the heel of each claw. Also in previous studies, the measurement of the digital
cushion was based upon age and lactation status while finding a correlation with the fatty acid
content. [20]. Our proposal is basing the measurements of the deep digital flexor compared to
the digital cushion off of the environment that the heifer is raised in after weaning.
3. Preliminary Data: A small preliminary randomized study involving rearing of dairy calves in rocky
lanes instead of being reared in calf hutches, and small grass plots has recently been investigated
by our group. There were four control animals, (two Jerseys and two Holsteins) and four treated
animals (two Jerseys and two Holsteins). The timeframe of the study was 4 months. In this study,
the surface area of P3 and P2 was analyzed through utilization of Computed Topography (CT)
scans. The information from the CT scans was evaluated utilizing two software programs Mimics
14 (Materialise;http://www.materialise.com/micro-CT) and 3-D Studio Max (Discreet;
www.discreet.com/3dsmax). A three dimensional analysis of the medial claw including; P2 and P3
and the lateral claw including; P2, and P3, of the right rear foot from each calf was performed. The
surface area of the individual bones were calculated and evaluated for breed and treated verses
control comparisons. The surface areas of both medial and lateral of P2 and P3 in the treated
group were increased in each calf by an average of; 45mm2 and 81mm2 and 193mm2 and
219mm2, respectively. Additionally, the treated group of Jersey’s had a greater average increase
per calf in the surface area of lateral P3, 349mm2 in comparison to the Jersey control group than
the average increase per treated Holstein calf, 90mm2, when compared to the Holstein control
group. This study implicates the environment’s role in the development of the boney structures of
the bovine foot. However, additional studies with greater numbers of calves over longer time
periods are necessary to allow for maximum bone and potentially soft tissue remodeling so that the
environment’s impact on the bovine foot can more fully be assessed.
4. Experimental Methods and Design:
Sixteen dairy heifers ranging from 6 to 9 months of age will be divided into a control group
consisting of 8 calves and a treated group consisting of 8 calves. All calves are from the E.V.
Smith Dairy herd. All calves will have been reared according to “industry standard” practices of
being tethered in a calf hutch on grass for approximately 8 weeks and then placed in a small
grass paddock along with other calves of the same age. At the onset of the study the heifers will
be examined by ultrasound and the claws of the left front and rear feet will be measured with a
metric caliper. They will then be divided into treatment and control groups. The control calves
will be reared by the standard practice of the E.V. Smith Dairy replacement heifers. This is by
turning them into flat grass pens of -------acres per heifer and providing supplemental feed and
free choice water.
The treatment group heifers (N=8) will be moved to the North Auburn Beef Unit and will have free
access to a half mile lane consisting of crush and run and dirt. The calves will have free access to
the lane along with a structure for shade. The treated calves will be fed the
same as the control calves but will be trained to walk at least 0.5 mile to the
end of the lane to get feed. The placement of feed and water on opposite
ends of the lane will encourage them to walk a minimum of 2 miles a day
on the rocky terrain. Pedometers will be placed on all calves for 24 -48 on
multiple occasions during the study to accurately document the difference
in the average distance covered per day. All calves will be housed at the
E.V. Smith Experiment Station Dairy until weaning. All calves will be fed
7lbs of grain per head per day that is not less than 18% crude protein,
3.25% crude fat, and 20% crude fiber and composed of primarily of corn,
oats, soybean hulls, cottonseed hulls, soybean meal, cotton seed meal.
They will have free choice hay and water. Calves will be run through a
chute and their left front and left rear feet will be ultrasounded. There are
Figure 1
chute systems readily available at EV Smith and at North Auburn. The
ultrasounding will consist of wetting the heel region with
isopropyl alcohol and placing the 7 MHz linear probe on the heel
bulb at the level of the hair line. (Figure 1) The measurements
will be taken at the deep digital flexor and at the digital cushion.
(Figure 2) The process should take approximately 15 seconds
per calf. All control calves and all treated calves will be
ultrasounded at multiple time points for the duration of the study.
The study will continue 3 – 12 months based on the funding that
can be acquired for maintaining the treatment group at the North
Auburn Beef Unit. At the termination of the study the treated
heifers will be returned to their herd of origin. The health
records of these heifers will be monitored for an additional five
years in order to determine if the incidence of adult onset
Figure 2 LF= Left Fore. LAT= Lateral.
A= Measurement of Deep Digital
lameness or the cull rate of the heifers has been reduced in the
Flexor. B= Measurement of Digital
treatment group.
Cushion.
5. Timeline: The study will commence in June of 2013 and conclude when funding for feed and care
of the heifers expires or in June 2014 at the latest. After the study the treated heifers will be
returned to their original herd of origin to enter their productive career as an adult dairy cow.
V. Animal Involvement Justification:
A. If this study does not involve live animals please indicate here by N/A: ___________
B. Does this study involve biological samples, tissues, etc.? ____No_____
If yes, describe in detail what samples will be used and where & how they will be (or were)
acquired. Note: Morris Animal Foundation reserves the right to request a copy of the
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) application/approval and other relevant
applications/approvals (e.g., wildlife permit) covering the original collection of samples, including
archived samples. MAF reserves the right to request IACUC (or equivalent) review and
approval for any Foundation study regardless of the Institution’s requirements. This would
include the use of archived samples as well as clinical trials.
C. If this study involves live animals, succinctly address the following: (please restate the questions
and directives).
1. What species will be studied? The bovine species will be studied.
2. State the status of your IACUC application/approval. All recipients of MAF funding will be
required to submit the entire IACUC protocol and document. A copy of the IACUC approval
should not be included with the application, but it is required before funding can be awarded.
IACUC Approval was received on June 18, 2013 and expires on 6-18-2014. This study was
assigned Auburn University PRN # 2013-2297.
3. List the USDA category for pain and distress (B, C, D, E): ___C___
Note: Any study beyond category C will require review by MAF’s Animal Welfare Advisory
Board (AWAB). In general MAF does not fund studies beyond category C (category D
studies will only be considered if they conform with MAF’s Health Study Policy, category E
studies will not be considered).
4. Does this proposal involve client-owned animals? ___No_____
If yes, the protocol for client-owned animals must be approved by the appropriate peer
review committee before the project is funded. If this proposal involves client-owned
animals, an informed client consent form must be submitted with this proposal. For a
suggested list of items to be considered in an informed client consent form, click here.
5. Explain how animals will be acquired (e.g., client-owned, USDA licensed breeder,
institutional “herds” or “colonies”) and verify that the animals are suitable for the study (e.g.,
have no physiologic, physical or pharmacologic issues that would interfere with results)
Heifers will be acquired from the Auburn University affiliated E.V. Smith Experiment Station
Dairy herd in Shorter, AL. These animals are suitable for the study because they are
members of an experiment station dairy that is a working dairy much like a private sector
dairy. They have no physical, physiologic or pharmacologic issues that would interfere with
the results of the study. The animals are of the same breed, of the same husbandry
background and of similar age. If any animal shows any evidence of discomfort or a
disease state it will be examined and treated as necessary in keeping with standards of
veterinary care by one of the veterinarians on the project. All heifers will be returned to the
herd of origin at the termination of the study. No animals will be euthanized.
6. How many animals will be used? __16____
a. Summarize numerical justification Sixteen was the maximum number of heifers
available from E.V. Smith for use in this study that fit the study requirements.
7. Does this study induce disease, injury, pain or distress in animals? Note: any study
requiring the induction of disease, injury, pain, or distress will have an additional evaluation
by MAF’s AWAB. This study should not induce disease, injury or distress in the study
animals. No evidence of disease, injury, distress or lameness was noted in a group of 8 bull
calves from previous study utilizing the same treatment group facility at the North Auburn
Beef unit.
If yes,
a. Defend the necessity of experimental design
b. Explain how pain and/or distress will be controlled
c. Justify that no alternative, including clinical studies, can be used to accomplish study
objectives and the disease/condition to be studied is of such significance for improving
the health of the species.
8. Explain the environment and housing conditions (quality of life) in which the animals will live
(address species-appropriate exercise, enrichment, socialization, veterinary care, etc.) The
calves will have been reared according to standard practices of the dairy industry and what
is the standard operating protocol at Auburn University E. V. Smith Dairy Experiment Station
(AAALAC accredited). Standard rearing protocol includes having the calves tethered in a
calf hutch on grass for approximately 8 weeks or until weaning. Following weaning, the
calves will have then been placed in a small grass paddock grouped with replacement
heifers of similar age and size. The control calves will continue to be reared in accordance
with what is standard for the EV Smith Dairy replacement heifers.
At the age of 6-9 months the treated group will be moved to the North Auburn Beef
Experiment Station (AAALAC accredited) where they will be housed in a half mile lane
consisting of crush and run, pebbles and dirt. They will have access to a covered structure
to provide shelter from sun and rain. The calves will have free access to the lane and will be
fed and watered at opposite ends of the lane such that they will be encouraged to walk a
total of at least two miles a day on the rocky terrain for the duration of the project.
During the course of the study the animals will be fed monitored daily by the employees of
the respective farms where housed. Any and all abnormal behavior, lameness or change in
appetite will be reported to one of the investigators Dr. Julie Gard or Dr. Debra Taylor and
the project veterinarian, Dr. Misty Edmonson. Veterinary care will be provided for the heifers
by the individuals listed above. The heifers will be maintained in group pens to provide
natural socialization for animal well-being and to simulate normal herd movement and
interaction of an actual production situation.
In the event that an animal on this study develops unanticipated illness or injury that results
in pain and suffering that cannot be alleviated with standard veterinary interventions, the
animal will be humanely euthanized with
9. What will happen to the animals upon completion of the study? Upon the completion of the
study treated animals will be returned to E.V. Smith where they will be re-introduced to the
control group for normal dairy production.
If adoption, explain the adoption process. Provide assurance that whenever possible and
when in the animal’s best interest, investigators shall make companion animals available for
adoption at the end of the study or return the animals to the owner/responsible agency in an
environment that promotes animal welfare and excellent quality of life.
10. If euthanasia, provide the following additional information (note: any study requiring
euthanasia as an endpoint will have an additional evaluation by a MAF’s AWAB. N/A
i. Total number that will be euthanized and justification for numbers
ii. Method of euthanasia
iii. Justification that no alternatives can be used to accomplish study goal(s) and that the
disease/condition to be studied is of such significance for improving the health of the
species that a terminal endpoint is deemed necessary.
iv. Reason for euthanasia in lay language (this wording may be shared with staff, donors
and media)
v. Provide objective criteria for determining when euthanasia is appropriate or necessary
(note: Morris Animal Foundation wants assurance that an animal will not be allowed to
suffer and that monitoring for pain and suffering is adequate)
Note: Morris Animal Foundation does not consider the use of CO2 alone to be an
appropriate method of euthanasia
Please note:
1. If an animal is used in an invasive study, MAF may require that a guarantee is provided,
through principal investigator and institutional signatures that the animal will not participate
in any future invasive study or procedure
2. MAF does not allow inclusion of ancillary data in MAF funded research that includes animal
use protocols not in agreement with our Health Study Policy, even if it is obtained using
other funding sources.
3. Morris Animal Foundation considers euthanasia acceptable when an animal develops
unanticipated illness or injury that results in pain and suffering that cannot be alleviated with
standard veterinary interventions.
VI. Recombinant DNA/Biohazards: N/A
VII. Facilities and Equipment:
Heifers will be examined at their housing location using a head chute system. A caliper will be used to
measure the weight bearing surfaces of the claws and a portable ultrasound machine with a 7 MHz
linear array probe will be used to examine and measure the middle digital cushion and deep digital
flexor thicknesses.
VIII. Cited References
[1] Kossaibati MA, and Esslemnont RJ. The cost of production diseases in dairy herds
in England. Vet J 1997;154:41-51.
[2] Bicalho, RC, Machado VS, Caixeta LS. Lameness in Dairy cattle: A debilitating
disease or a disease of debilitated cattle? A cross-sectional study of lameness
prevalence and thickness of the digital cushion. J of Dairy Sci. 2009; 92:3175-3184.
[3] Bicalho RC, Vokey CF, Erb HN, Guard CL. Visual locomotion scoring in the first
seventy days in milk: Impact on pregnancy and survival. J Dairy Sci. 2007b;
90:4586-4591.
[4] Bicalho RC, Warnick LD, Guard CL. Stragtegies to analyze milk losses caused by
diseases with potential incidence throughout lactation: A lameness example. J of
Dairy Sci. 2008; 91:2653-2661.
[5] Barker ZE, Amory JR, Wright JL, Mason SA, Blowey RW, Green LE. Risk factors
for increased rates of sole ulcers, white line disease, and digital dermatitis in dairy
cattle from twenty-seven farms in England and Wales. J Dairy Sci 2009; 92:19711978.
[6] Fjeldaas, T, Nafstad O, Fredriksen B, Ringdal G, Sogstad AM. Claw and limb
disorders in 12 Norweagian beef-cow herds. Acata Vet. Scand. 9:24-35
[7] Booth CJ, Warnick LD, Grohn YT, Maizon DO, Guard CL. Effects of lameness on
culling on dairy cows. J Dairy Sci. 2004; 87:4115-4122.
[8] Guard C. The cost of lameness and the value of hoof care. Proc Hoof Care Conf.
1997; 4(abstract).
[9] Cha E, Hertl JA, Bar D, Gröhn YT. The cost of different types of lameness in
dairy cows calculated by dynamic programming. Prev Vet Med. 2010; 97(1):1-8.
[10] Ettema J, Østergaard S, Kristensen AR. Modelling the economic impact of three
lameness causing diseases using herd and cow level evidence. Prev Vet Med. 2010;
95(1-2):64-73.
[11] Bergsten C. Effects of conformation and management system on hoof and leg
diseases and lameness in dairy cows. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2001
;17(1):1-23, v.
[12] Telezhenko E, Bergsten C, Magnusson M, Ventorp M, Nilsson C. Effect of
different flooring systems on weight and pressure distribution on claws of dairy
cows. J Dairy Sci. 2008 May;(5):1874-84.
[13] Telezhenko E, Bergsten C, Magnusson M, Nilsson C. Effect of different flooring
system on claw conformation of dairy cows. J Dairy Sci. 2009;92(6):2625-33.
[14] Cook NB, Nordlund KV. The influence of the environment on dairy cow behavior,
claw health and herd lameness dynamics. Vet J. 2009 Mar;179(3):360-9.
[15] Knott L, Tarlton JF, Craft H, Webster AJ. Effects of housing, parturition and diet
change on the biochemistry and biomechanics of the support structures of the hoof
of diary heifers. Vet J. 2007;174 (2):277-87.
[16] Hultgren J, Svensson C. Heifer rearing conditions affect length of productive life in
Swedish dairy cows.Prev Vet Med. 2009; 89(3-4):255-64. Heifer rearing
conditions affect length of productive life in Swedish dairy cows.
[17] Räber M, Lischer Ch J, Geyer H, Ossent P. The bovine digital cushion – a
descriptive anatomical study. The Vet J. 2004;167:258-264.
[18] Corbett, RB. Nutritional management of the dairy heifer to maximize growth and
productivity. Proceedings of the 43rd Annual Conference of the American
Association of Bovine Practitioners. August 2010; 110-120.
[19] Gardner, D. Contract rearing programs for replacement dairy heifers. Proceedings
of the 43rd Annual Conference of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners.
August 2010; 121-123.
[20] Izci, Celal; Erol, Muharrem; Goksahin, Ebru. A Study AboutDetermining the Changes in the
Structural Characteristics of the Digital Cushion in Heifer and Multipar Dairy Cows: A Preliminary
Report. March 2011; Kafkas Universitesi Veteriner FakultesiDergisi;2011, Vol. 17 Issue 1, p159
IX. Budget
Per diem care of heifers in the treatment group
Per diem care of heifers in the control group
Pedometers and leg bands
Student Labor
Heifer Transportation
$5/day/heifer x 240 days =$9600
$0/day
$200
$800
$200
X. Itemized Budget Justification:
Per diem care of the heifers at the rate of $5 per day/per heifer is the standard per diem rate for
bovine animals at the AALAC accredited North Auburn Beef Unit. There is no cost listed for the control
heifers because they will remain in the “industry standard” husbandry on their farm of origin. We plan
to purchase leg bands and pedometers to validate the differences in daily movement of the two groups.
Students will be paid $8 per hour to assist with data collection and heifer care. We have requested
student wages for 100 hours. Two hundred dollars is being requested to help cover the cost of fuel and
labor to transport the heifers 120 miles round trip from and back to their farm of origin.
XI. Other Support:
This study is currently being funded through the Hall W. Thompson Hoof Development and
Rehabilitation Gift Account, Auburn University Foundation.
XII. Prior MAF Support during the last three years: N/A
XIII. Biographical Data:
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
NAME
POSITION TITLE
Julie Ann Gard
Associate Professor
POSITION/ROLE ON PROJECT
Co- Principal Investigator
EDUCATION/TRAINING (Begin with baccalaureate or other initial professional education, such as
nursing, and include postdoctoral training.)
DEGREE
INSTITUTION AND LOCATION
(if
YEAR(s)
FIELD OF STUDY
applicable)
Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
DVM
1996
Veterinary Medicine
Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
PhD
2003
Biomedical Sciences
A. Positions and Employment
1996-1998
Associate Veterinarian, Columbus Emergency Animal Clinic,
Columbus, GA
1998-2003
Theriogenology Resident, PhD student, Food Animal Medicine and Surgery, Auburn
University College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical
Sciences, Auburn, AL
2003-present
Associate Professor, Food Animal Medicine and Surgery, Auburn University College
of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Auburn, AL
B. Specialty Certification
American College of Theriogenologists (2002)
C. Peer-reviewed Publications
Refereed scientific manuscripts:
1. Newcomer BW, Marley MS, Galik PK, Zhang Y, Riddell KP, Boykin DW, Kumar A, Kuhnt LA,
Gard JA, Givens MD. Prevention of bovine viral diarrhea virus infection in calves treated with
a cationic antiviral compound. Antiviral Research submitted.
2. Gard JA, Givens MD, Marley MS, Galik PK, Riddell KP, Edmondson MA, Rodning SP.
Intrauterine inoculation of seronegative heifers with bovine viral diarrhea virus simultaneous to
transfer of in vivo-derived bovine embryos. Theriogenology 2010: 73(8):1009-1017.
3. Gard JA, Givens MD, Marley MS, Galik PK, Riddell KP, Stringfellow DA, Zhang Y,
Edmondson, MA. Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) associated with single in vivo-derived
and in vitro-produced preimplantation bovine embryos following artificial exposure.
Theriogenology 2009: 71(8):1238-44.
4. Givens MD, Riddell KP, Edmondson MA, Walz PH, Gard JA, Zhang Y, Galik PK, Brodersen
BW, Carson RL, Stringfellow DA. Epidemiology of prolonged testicular infections with bovine
viral diarrhea virus. Veterinary Microbiology 2009; 139(1-2):42-51.
5. Gard JA, Givens MD, Riddell KP, Galik PK, Zhang Y, Stringfellow DA, Marley SE. Detection
of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) in Single or Small Groups of Preimplantation Bovine
Embryos. Theriogenology 2007; 67(9):1415-1423.
6. Gard JA, Givens MD, Stringfellow DA. Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV): Epidemiologic
concerns relative to semen and embryos. Theriogenology 2007;68(3):434-442.
7. Givens MD, Gard JA, Stringfellow DA. Relative Risks and Approaches to Biosecurity in the
Use of Embryo Technologies in Livestock. Theriogenology 2007; 68(3):298-307.
8. Edmondson MA, Givens MD, Walz P, Gard JA, Stringfellow DA. Comparison of tests for
detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in diagnostic samples. Journal of Veterinary
Diagnostic Investigation July 2007; 19(4):376-381.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
NAME
POSITION TITLE
Debra Ruffin Taylor
Associate Professor
POSITION/ROLE ON PROJECT:
Co- Principal investigator
EDUCATION/TRAINING (Begin with baccalaureate or other initial professional education, such as
nursing, and include postdoctoral training.)
DEGREE
INSTITUTION AND LOCATION
(if
YEAR(s)
FIELD OF STUDY
applicable)
Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
DVM
1990
Veterinary Medicine
Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
MS
2001
Biomedical Sciences
A. Positions and Employment
1990-1991
Associate Veterinarian, Countryside Veterinary Clinic, Opelika, AL
1991-1994
Resident, Large Animal Internal Medicine. Department of Large Animal Surgery and
Medicine, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
1994- 1995
Graduate Student, Department of Animal Health Research, Auburn University
College of Veterinary Medicine and Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station,
Auburn, AL
1995-2001
Assistant Professor, Ambulatory Service, Department of Large Animal Surgery and
Medicine, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL
2001–present
Associate Professor, Ambulatory Service, Department of Large Animal
Surgery and Medicine, Auburn University College of Veterinary
Medicine, Auburn, AL
B. Specialty Certification
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (1995)
C. Peer-reviewed Publications
Refereed scientific manuscripts:
1. Retrospective multicentre study of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in
115 horses. Maureen E.C. Anderson*1 , Sandra L. Lefebvre1, Shelley C. Rankin2, Helen Aceto2,
Paul S. Morley3, John P. Caron4, Ronald D. Welsh5, Todd C. Holbrook5, Brent Moore5, Debra C.
Ruffin6, J. Scott Weese1 Equine Veterinary Journal Vol 40, 2008.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
NAME
POSITION TITLE
Ray Wilhite
Anatomy Laboratory Coordinator, Assistant
Professor
POSITION/ROLE ON PROJECT:
Co-investigator
EDUCATION/TRAINING (Begin with baccalaureate or other initial professional education, such as
nursing, and include postdoctoral training.)
DEGREE
INSTITUTION AND LOCATION
(if
YEAR(s)
FIELD OF STUDY
applicable)
Brigham Young University
Ms
1999
Vertebrate Paleontology
Louisiana State University
PhD
2003
Vertebrate Paleontology
A. Positions and Employment
2003 - 2007
Instructor, Gross Anatomy, Louisiana State University School of
Veterinary Medicine
2007 - present Anatomy Laboratory Coordinator, Auburn College of Veterinary
Medicine
B. Specialty Certification
NA
C. Peer-reviewed Publications
Refereed scientific manuscripts:
1. Curtice, B. D., and Wilhite, R. 1996. A re-evaluation of the Dry Mesa Quarry sauropod fauna with a
description of new juvenile sauropod elements. Geology and Resources of the Paradox Basin. Special
Symposium, Utah Geological Association & Four Corners Geological Society, Guidebook 25. pp. 325338.
2. Wilhite, R. 2003. Scanning and digitizing fossil and extant skeletal elements for three-dimensional
applications. Paleontologia Electronica. Volume 5, Issue 2: http://palaeoelectronica.org/2002_2/scan/issue2_02.htm.
3. Wilhite, R. 2005. Morphological variation in the appendicular skeleton of North American Upper
Jurassic sauropods. Thunder Lizards. Indiana University Press. pp. 268-301.
4. Bonnan, B., Wilhite, R., Sandrik, J., and and Elsey, R. 2009. Differential limb scaling in eth
American Alligator (alligator mississippiensis) and its implictions for archosaur locomotion evolution.
Anatomical Record. Volume 292 Number 3.
5. Bonnan, M., Wilhite R., Sandrik, J., Nishiwaki, T, Elsey, R., and Vittore, C. 2010Calcified cartilage
shape in archosaur long bones reflects overlying joint shape in stress-bearing elements: implications for
nonavian dinosaur locomotion. Anatomical Record. Volume 293 Number 12
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
NAME
POSITION TITLE
Amy Sanders
Veterinary Student
POSITION ON PROJECT
Co-investigator
EDUCATION/TRAINING (Begin with baccalaureate or other initial professional education, such as
nursing, and include postdoctoral training.)
DEGREE
INSTITUTION AND LOCATION
(if
YEAR(s)
FIELD OF STUDY
applicable)
Murray State University
BS
2011
Veterinary Science
Auburn University, College of Veterinary
Medicine
DVM
2015
Veterinary Medicine
A. Positions and Employment
N/A
B. Specialty Certification
NA
C. Peer-reviewed Publications
Refereed scientific manuscripts:
N/A
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
NAME
POSITION TITLE
Leah Guidry
Veterinary Student
POSITION ON PROJECT
Co-investigator
EDUCATION/TRAINING (Begin with baccalaureate or other initial professional education, such as
nursing, and include postdoctoral training.)
DEGREE
INSTITUTION AND LOCATION
(if
YEAR(s)
FIELD OF STUDY
applicable)
University of Florida
BS
2011
Animal Biology
Auburn University, College of Veterinary
Medicine
A. Positions and Employment
N/A
B. Specialty Certification
NA
C. Peer-reviewed Publications
Refereed scientific manuscripts:
DVM
2015
Veterinary Medicine
N/A
XIV. Letters of Support
I regret to inform you that your Mature Adult Hairball Control 15.5 lb bag did not ship this week due to
the factory being out of stock. You can either reorder and get a full refund on your account, come into
the store during open hours and get a cash refund or the hills store can order the bag again for you and
it should arrive next week. Just email me back with what you would like to do! We apologize for the
inconvenience!