Describing and Characterizing the Literature Regarding Umbilical Health in Intensively Raised Cattle: A Scoping Review

Abstract

The objective of this scoping review was to describe and characterize the existing literature regarding umbilical health and identify gaps in knowledge. Six databases were searched for studies examining umbilical health in an intensively raised cattle population. There were 4249 articles initially identified; from these, 723 full text articles were then screened, with 150 articles included in the review. Studies were conducted in the USA (n = 41), Brazil (n = 24), Canada (n = 13), UK (n = 10), and 37 additional countries. Seventeen were classified as descriptive, 24 were clinical trials, and 109 were analytical observational studies. Umbilical outcomes evaluated in descriptive studies were infection (n = 11), parasitic infection (n = 5), and hernias (n = 2). Of the clinical trials, only one examined treatment of navel infections; the remainder evaluated preventative management factors for navel health outcomes (including infections (n = 17), myiasis (n = 3), measurements (n = 5), hernias (n = 1), and edema (n = 1)). Analytical observational studies examined risk factors for umbilical health (n = 60) and umbilical health as a risk factor (n = 60). Studies examining risk factors for umbilical health included navel health outcomes of infections (n = 28; 11 of which were not further defined), hernias (n = 8), scoring the navel sheath/flap size (n = 16), myiasis (n = 2), and measurements (n = 6). Studies examining umbilical health as a risk factor defined these risk factors as infection (n = 39; of which 13 were not further defined), hernias (n = 8; of which 4 were not further defined), navel dipping (n = 12), navel/sheath scores as part of conformation classification for breeding (n = 2), measurements (n = 3), and umbilical cord drying times (n = 2). This review highlights the areas in need of future umbilical health research such as clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of different treatments for umbilical infection. It also emphasizes the importance for future studies to clearly define umbilical health outcomes of interest, and consider standardization of these measures, including time at risk.

Case report: Omphalitis caused by Trueperella pyogenes infection in a Korean indigenous calf

“…The umbilical cord is an organ that transmits nutrients and oxygen between the mother and her fetus ( 13 ). Following parturition, the umbilical cord of the calf that is cut and left behind dries and detaches, leaving a structure known as the navel ( 13 ).…”

Influence of birth weight, sex and disinfection on the involution of umbilical structures in calves

“…A recently published scoping review focusing on umbilical health in intensively farmed cattle summarised papers regarding navel dipping 12 . This review found that few studies have characterised navel dipping in detail, with even fewer studies including a control group for comparison 12 …”

“…11 A recently published scoping review focusing on umbilical health in intensively farmed cattle summarised papers regarding navel dipping. 12 This review found that few studies have characterised navel dipping in detail, with even fewer studies including a control group for comparison. 12 In addition to the prevention of umbilical infections by various disinfection methods, the timely observation of the umbilical involution process is crucial for detecting deviations.…”

“…12 This review found that few studies have characterised navel dipping in detail, with even fewer studies including a control group for comparison. 12 In addition to the prevention of umbilical infections by various disinfection methods, the timely observation of the umbilical involution process is crucial for detecting deviations. The external umbilical structures are of great importance, as they allow for the early detection of differences in the involution process or signs of disease.…”

“…However, another study did not record any positive effects of navel disinfection with a 7% iodine tincture when compared to the control group 11 . A recently published scoping review focusing on umbilical health in intensively farmed cattle summarised papers regarding navel dipping 12 . This review found that few studies have characterised navel dipping in detail, with even fewer studies including a control group for comparison 12 …”