Case Study on Milk Yield, Health and Reproduction of High Yielding Cows Fed with Clostridium Contaminated Alfalfa Haylage

Abstract

In this study, the possible effects of Clostridium contaminated feedstuff on high lactating dairy cattle are discussed on the example of a Hungarian dairy operation. At that time, the dairy farm had reported an increase in sudden deaths and a raise in culling rate owned mainly to lameness and reproductive problems. Samples from the feedstuff of the critical months (September, October, November and December 2012) were taken, evaluated and analyzed for the presence of Clostridia ssp and mycotoxins. Furthermore, the data of the farm, including the milking and culling data, was evaluated and a possible connection between these and the ration and quality of the feedstuff was attempted to be established. Laboratory analysis of the September alfalfa silage and the November TMR revealed clostridial contamination and the presence of T-2, DON and Aflatoxin above the practical limit. These findings, as well as the clinical signs, give reason to assume that the dairy cattle suffered from an enterotoxic clostridial infection possibly accompanied by subclinical ruminal acidosis; triggering factors for both disease syndromes are identically. The increased concentration of DON, T-2 and Aflatoxins, together with the increased reproductive problems observed in November 2012, further suggest mycotoxicosis as a contributing factor to the increased culling rate and clinical symptoms. Negative impacts on dairy cow health owned to contaminated feedstuff and SARA are not only a concern for economic reasons but as well for the welfare of the animals and could be prevented and controlled by applying an adequate feeding technique, ration calculation, feed preservation, management, hygienic measures and vaccination schedule.