A comparison of sedative effects of xylazine alone or combined with levomethadone or ketamine in calves prior to disbudding

Adam, Magdy; Salla, Kati; Aho, Riikka; Hänninen, Laura; Taponen, Suvi; Norring, Marianna; Raekallio, Marja; Hokkanen, Ann-Helena

doi:10.1016/j.vaa.2021.08.004

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Reedman et al (2021) [36] demonstrated that calves disbudded under sedation with xylazine in addition to local anaesthetic and parenterally administered NSAID had a higher rate of play behaviour 24 h post disbudding compared to their non-sedated counterparts. Other studies have been completed to investigate novel and xylazine-sparing drug protocols, including the administration of levomethadone and ketamine [37], although the impacts on pain relief and behaviour are unknown. Negative control trials, where possible, will help to establish the direct impact of NSAIDs as opposed to comparing treatments.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Randomised Control Trial Investigating the Efficacy of Meloxicam and Sodium Salicylate Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Calf Cautery Disbudding

Prior

Blackie

Fishwick

et al. 2023

Animals

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Disbudding calves using hot iron cautery is a routine management procedure to destroy the germinal cells around the horn bud in calves. It is recommended that NSAIDs are used in conjunction with local anaesthesia to reduce pain in calves during and after the procedure. In this study, two treatment groups were examined; calves in the positive control MEL group received subcutaneous meloxicam, and SAL calves received sodium salicylate orally for three days, both in addition to a local anaesthesia. Tri-axis accelerometers were attached to the calves, and DLWG (Daily Live Weight Gain) was measured. There was no significant difference between the treatment groups with regard to DLWG (p = 0.52), MI (motion index (p = 0.66)), lying bouts (p = 0.96) or lying times (p = 0.54). Given these findings, sodium salicylate may offer a lower-cost option for farmers when given at licensed doses compared to meloxicam, as well as providing a reduced-stress method of NSAID administration via an oral route. In addition, this study identified significant differences in activity in the time periods before and after disbudding, with MI (p < 0.01), lying bouts (p = 0.002) and lying times (p < 0.001) indicating changes in behaviour which extended to five days post disbudding.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Randomised Control Trial Investigating the Efficacy of Meloxicam and Sodium Salicylate Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Calf Cautery Disbudding

Prior

Blackie

Fishwick

et al. 2023

Animals

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“…Furthermore, xylazine is allowed for use under the USDA-NOP but must be used by or under the direction of a veterinarian (The National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (§205.603) [ 59 ]. In Finland, Adam et al [ 61 ] reported that a low dose of xylazine allowed for sufficient sedation as a local anesthetic for disbudding in Finnish Ayrshire calves. However, xylazine does have a side effect of decreasing core body temperature after injection for dairy calves that were disbudded [ 62 ].…”

Section: Pain Management For Disbuddingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Alternative Practices in Organic Dairy Production and Effects on Animal Behavior, Health, and Welfare

Phillips

Heins

2022

Animals

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The number of organic dairy farms has increased because of the increased growth of the organic market, higher organic milk price, and because some consumers prefer to purchase products from less intensive production systems. Best management practices are expected from organic dairy farms to ensure animal health and milk production. Organic dairy producers typically transition from conventional systems to avoid chemicals and pesticides, enhance economic viability, improve the environment, and increase soil fertility. Organic dairy producers respect and promote a natural environment for their animals, is also an important component of animal welfare. Organic producers have few options to mitigate pain in dairy calves. In the United States, therapies to mitigate pain for disbudded organic dairy calves are regulated by the US National Organic Program. Organic producers regularly use naturally derived alternatives for the treatment of health disorders of dairy calves, heifers, and cows. Alternative natural products may provide an option to mitigate pain in organic dairy calves. Despite the reluctance to implement pain alleviation methods, some organic farmers have expressed interest in or currently implement plant-based alternatives. Efficacy studies of alternative remedies for organic livestock are needed to verify that their use improves animal welfare. Non-effective practices represent a major challenge for organic dairy animal welfare. The relationship between humans and animals may be jeopardized during milking because first-lactation cows may exhibit adverse behaviors during the milking process, such as kicking and stomping. The periparturient period is particularly challenging for first-lactation cows. Adverse behaviors may jeopardize animal welfare and reduce safety for humans because stressed heifers may kick off the milking unit, kick at milkers, and display other unwanted behaviors in the milking parlor. This may reduce milking efficiency, overall production, and ultimately reduce the profitability of the dairy farm. Positive animal welfare is a challenging balancing act between the three overlapping ethic concerns. Identifying animal welfare deficits in organic livestock production is the first step in capitalizing on these opportunities to improve welfare.

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Efficacy of Procaine, With and Without Epinephrine, Compared to Lidocaine in Local Anesthesia for Calves Before Thermocautery Disbudding

Adam,

Jokela,

Salla

et al. 2024

Vet Pharm & Therapeutics

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Within the European Union, the use of lidocaine in food‐producing animals is restricted due to concerns over human safety. This study compared the clinical effectiveness of procaine, with and without epinephrine, against lidocaine in pain alleviation during thermocautery disbudding in xylazine‐sedated calves. The efficacy of local blocks was assessed through needle pricks, and the behavioral reactions to disbudding were scored. Post‐disbudding pain was subjectively evaluated, and pressure pain threshold and tactile sensitivity around the horn bud were assessed at intervals. Blood was collected at intervals for plasma cortisol analysis. No significant differences were found between the groups in the needle prick test (p = 0.329) and the disbudding score (p = 0.855). Pain scores and quantitative sensory tests showed no significant differences between the lidocaine and procaine‐epinephrine groups. Conversely, tactile sensitivity and pain scores were significantly higher, and pressure pain thresholds were significantly lower with procaine alone than in other groups. Elevated cortisol concentrations were observed in all groups before disbudding compared to the baselines. The results suggest that procaine combined with epinephrine appears to be a safe and effective alternative to lidocaine for calf disbudding. Cortisol concentrations as an indicator of pain in xylazine‐sedated calves appear inadequate.

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A comparison of sedative effects of xylazine alone or combined with levomethadone or ketamine in calves prior to disbudding

Cited by 5 publications

References 23 publications

Randomised Control Trial Investigating the Efficacy of Meloxicam and Sodium Salicylate Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Calf Cautery Disbudding

Randomised Control Trial Investigating the Efficacy of Meloxicam and Sodium Salicylate Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Calf Cautery Disbudding

Alternative Practices in Organic Dairy Production and Effects on Animal Behavior, Health, and Welfare

Efficacy of Procaine, With and Without Epinephrine, Compared to Lidocaine in Local Anesthesia for Calves Before Thermocautery Disbudding

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