The objective was to investigate infrared thermography (IRT) as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for early detection of foot pathologies in dairy cows. This was achieved by measuring changes in coronary band temperature before and after claw trimming in response to visual detection of abnormalities of the hooves. We hypothesized that by focusing on the coronary band region, IRT is able to detect lesions of the hind limbs of dairy cows associated with lameness. In this study, 626 individual observations were collected from 24 cows before and after claw trimming. Infrared thermography was used to assess the surface temperature of the coronary band (CB) region and skin (S), and the temperature difference (ΔT) between CB and S of the hind limbs. The average, minimum, and maximum surface temperatures were recorded in both regions. Temperatures of CB and S and ΔT were significantly higher in cows ≤200 d in milk than in cows >200 d in milk for all healthy hooves: 31.8±2.7 versus 29.8±3.6; 28.5±2.5 versus 27.2±3.3°C, and 3.31±1.7 versus 2.51±1.3°C, respectively. Temperatures of CB and S regions were positively correlated with ambient temperature. This association was best described by a linear model (R(2)=0.92 and 0.99, respectively). The temperatures of CB and S regions were 30.3±3.2°C and 27.3±2.9°C; 32.1±1.7°C and 28.6±2.1°C; and 33.8±1.3°C and 29.9±1.8°C for parlor temperatures of 12.2, 15.7, and 20.3°C, respectively. In the pre- and post-trimming data analysis, a significant difference was found in temperature of the coronary band between cows with lesions and cows without lesions. A threshold value was established to determine the temperature difference between lesion and nonlesion hind claws on CB at 0.64 and 1.09°C before and after claw trimming (sensitivity=85.7%, specificity=55.9%; and sensitivity=80.0%, specificity=82.9%, respectively) with the aim of detecting hoof lesions. In conclusion, the results demonstrate an increase in surface temperature of the lame limb when a hoof has a lesion.

Chemical and microbiological changes occurring during aerobic exposure of maize silages and their influence on dry matter (DM) intake and preference by goats were evaluated. Eight maize silages differing in DM content, chopping length and compaction pressure were used for the study. After opening, silages were exposed to air for 8 days (d). In 2-d intervals, silage was stored anaerobically for use in preference trials. During the experimental phase, each possible two-way combination of the five silages (d0, d2, d4, d6 and d8) and one standard lucerne hay, was offered as free choice to six goats. Generally, a significant decline occurred in DM intake after 4 d of aerobic exposure. After 8 d, mean decrease in intake was 53% in comparison to the fresh silages. Preference when expressed as DM intake was negatively correlated to silage temperature (as difference to ambient), ethanol and ethyl lactate.

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The use of infrared thermography for the identification of lameness in cattle has increased in recent years largely because of its non-invasive properties, ease of automation and continued cost reductions. Thermography can be used to identify and determine thermal abnormalities in animals by characterizing an increase or decrease in the surface temperature of their skin. The variation in superficial thermal patterns resulting from changes in blood flow in particular can be used to detect inflammation or injury associated with conditions such as foot lesions. Thermography has been used not only as a diagnostic tool, but also to evaluate routine farm management. Since 2000, 14 peer reviewed papers which discuss the assessment of thermography to identify and manage lameness in cattle have been published. There was a large difference in thermography performance in these reported studies. However, thermography was demonstrated to have utility for the detection of contralateral temperature difference and maximum foot temperature on areas of interest. Also apparent in these publications was that a controlled environment is an important issue that should be considered before image scanning.

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