Liver fluke in beef cattle – Impact on production efficiency and associated greenhouse gas emissions estimated using causal inference methods

Jonsson, N.N.; MacLeod, Michael; Hayward, Adam D.; McNeilly, Tom N.; Ferguson, Karl; Skuce, Philip

doi:10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105579

Cited by 13 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…The data-gap is also of relevance for population, livestock industry, or farm-level estimation of the impact of early calf mortality on green-house gas (GHG) emissions. With the move to achieve Net Zero and changes to agricultural policies, such calculations are being made for aspects of animal health such as liver fluke in cattle ( 22 , 23 ). If the impact of early calf mortality is calculated using registry data, or successor registers (e.g., Scotmoves+ and the Livestock Information Service) they will be under-estimates.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bovine mortality: the utility of two data sources for the provision of population-level surveillance intelligence

Eze,

Correia-Gomes,

Gunn

et al. 2024

Front. Vet. Sci.

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IntroductionThe use of existing data to provide surveillance intelligence is widely advocated but often presents considerable challenges. Two data sources could be used as proxies for the mortality experienced by the Scottish cattle population: deaths recorded in the mandatory register [Cattle Tracing System (CTS)] and fallen stock collections by the National Fallen Stock Company (NSFCo) with a nationwide voluntary membership.MethodsData for the period 2011–2016 were described and compared to establish their strengths and limitations. Similarities and differences in their temporal, seasonal and spatial patterns were examined overall, at postcode area level and for different age groups. Temporal aberration detection algorithms (TADA) were fitted.ResultsBroadly, similar patterns were observed in the two datasets; however, there were some notable differences. The observed seasonal, annual and spatial patterns match expectations, given knowledge of Scottish cattle production systems. The registry data provide more comprehensive coverage of all areas of Scotland, while collections data provide a more comprehensive measure of the mortality experienced in 0–1-month-old calves.DiscussionConsequently, estimates of early calf mortality and their impact on the livestock sector made using CTS, or successor registers, will be under-estimates. This may apply to other registry-based systems. Fitted TADA detected points of deviations from expected norms some of which coincided in the two datasets; one with a known external event that caused increased mortality. We have demonstrated that both data sources do have the potential to be utilized to provide measures of mortality in the Scottish cattle population that could inform surveillance activities. While neither is perfect, they are complementary. Each has strengths and weaknesses, so ideally, a system where they are analyzed and interpreted in parallel would optimize the information obtained for surveillance purposes for epidemiologists, risk managers, animal health policy-makers and the wider livestock industry sector. This study provides a foundation on which to build an operational system. Further development will require improvements in the timeliness of data availability and further investment of resources.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bovine mortality: the utility of two data sources for the provision of population-level surveillance intelligence

Eze,

Correia-Gomes,

Gunn

et al. 2024

Front. Vet. Sci.

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“…Nevertheless, the presence of liver fluke also leads to alterations in feed conversion ratio, milk production levels and the quality of output. Therefore, eliminating the fluke challenge would have a significantly larger effect on emissions intensity in real-world scenarios than what is observed in current studies [ 86 ]. However, further research should be conducted on dairy cows of this nature.…”

Section: Dairy Cow Health and Methane Emissionsmentioning

confidence: 96%

Relationship between Dairy Cow Health and Intensity of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Džermeikaitė,

Krištolaitytė,

Antanaitis

2024

Animals

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The dairy industry is facing criticism for its role in exacerbating global GHG emissions, as climate change becomes an increasingly pressing issue. These emissions mostly originate from methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2). An optimal strategy involves the creation of an economical monitoring device to evaluate methane emissions from dairy animals. Livestock production systems encounter difficulties because of escalating food demand and environmental concerns. Enhancing animal productivity via nutrition, feeding management, reproduction, or genetics can result in a decrease in CH4 emissions per unit of meat or milk. This CH4 unit approach allows for a more accurate comparison of emissions across different animal production systems, considering variations in productivity. Expressing methane emissions per unit allows for easier comparison between different sources of emissions. Expressing emissions per unit (e.g., per cow) highlights the relative impact of these sources on the environment. By quantifying emissions on a per unit basis, it becomes easier to identify high-emission sources and target mitigation efforts accordingly. Many environmental policies and regulations focus on reducing emissions per unit of activity or output. By focusing on emissions per unit, policymakers and producers can work together to implement practices that lower emissions without sacrificing productivity. Expressing methane emissions in this way aligns with policy goals aimed at curbing overall greenhouse gas emissions. While it is true that total emissions affect the atmosphere globally, breaking down emissions per unit helps to understand the specific contributions of different activities and sectors to overall greenhouse gas emissions. Tackling cattle health issues can increase productivity, reduce GHG emissions, and improve animal welfare. Addressing livestock health issues can also provide favourable impacts on human health by reducing the prevalence of infectious illnesses in livestock, thereby mitigating the likelihood of zoonotic infections transmitting to humans. The progress in animal health offers the potential for a future in which the likelihood of animal diseases is reduced because of improved immunity, more effective preventative techniques, earlier identification, and innovative treatments. The primary objective of veterinary medicine is to eradicate clinical infectious diseases in small groups of animals. However, as the animal population grows, the emphasis shifts towards proactive treatment to tackle subclinical diseases and enhance production. Proactive treatment encompasses the consistent monitoring and implementation of preventive measures, such as vaccination and adherence to appropriate nutrition. Through the implementation of these measures, the livestock industry may enhance both animal well-being and mitigate the release of methane and nitrous oxide, thereby fostering environmental sustainability. In addition, advocating for sustainable farming methods and providing farmers with education on the significance of mitigating GHG emissions can bolster the industry’s endeavours to tackle climate change and infectious illnesses. This will result in a more robust and environmentally sustainable agriculture industry. This review seeks to conduct a thorough examination of the correlation between the health condition of cattle, the composition of milk produced, and the emissions of methane gas. It aims to identify areas where research is lacking and to provide guidance for future scientific investigations, policy making, and industry practices. The goal is to address the difficulties associated with methane emissions in the cattle industry. The primary global health challenge is to identify the causative relationship between climate change and infectious illnesses. Reducing CH4 and N2O emissions from digestive fermentation and animal manure can be achieved by improving animal well-being and limiting disease and mortality.

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“…Other researchers from Haramaya ( Yusuf et al, 2016 ) and Wolaita Sodo ( Zewde et al, 2019 ), Ethiopia, reported annual losses of $4414.523 and 43,024.458 USD, respectively, in liver condemnation associated with Fasciola in slaughtered cattle. It also poses a significant threat to the country's economy indirectly by reducing the number of laborers needed to track cattle, lowering milk and meat production, decreasing feed conversion efficiency, causing animals to die and become less fertile, and increasing treatment costs ( Alemu, 2019 ; May et al, 2019 ; Jonsson et al, 2022 ; Wayessa et al, 2022 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and associated economic losses of bovine fasciolosis from postmortem inspection in municipal abattoirs in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Girma,

Teshome,

Abdu

et al. 2024

Veterinary and Animal Science

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Liver fluke in beef cattle – Impact on production efficiency and associated greenhouse gas emissions estimated using causal inference methods

Cited by 13 publications

References 18 publications

Bovine mortality: the utility of two data sources for the provision of population-level surveillance intelligence

Bovine mortality: the utility of two data sources for the provision of population-level surveillance intelligence

Relationship between Dairy Cow Health and Intensity of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Prevalence and associated economic losses of bovine fasciolosis from postmortem inspection in municipal abattoirs in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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