W.IAW.2303 - Animal Welfare & Wellbeing Workshop 2023

Summary

Veterinary pathologists investigate and diagnose various health concerns that occur in beef cattle in numerous feedlots. Investigation during the workshops and visits to feedlot have revealed some recurring diseases that raise major concerns regarding ruminal acidosis, traumatic pericarditis, and pneumonia in beef cattle. Additionally, infectious diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease and emerging Lumpy-Skin disease raise major concern among feedlots in Indonesia.

Ruminal acidosis was common among beef cattle in the feedlots evaluated, which is a significant cause of concern. These symptoms indicate that the rumen's usual digestion processes have been disrupted. pH imbalances and bacteria populations in the rumen are causing poor nutrient absorption and digestive function. Identifying the underlying causes of these problems is critical for implementing targeted interventions and preventative actions.
Traumatic pericarditis has been found as another serious health issue affecting the beef cow population. Several cases have been reported of traumatic pericarditis, which is commonly caused by foreign body ingestion.

This ailment has a major impact on the affected cattle's cardiac and respiratory functioning. Collaborative efforts with feedlot staff are critical for training them on how to reduce the danger of foreign body ingestion and identify early signs of traumatic pericarditis during routine checks.

Pneumonia is emerging as a major lesion found in feedlots. Environmental variables, stress, and encounters with infectious agents all contribute to susceptibility. Understanding the precise agents implicated and adopting efficient immunisation programs are critical to reducing the prevalence of pneumonia. Furthermore, teaching feedlot employees best management techniques, including as appropriate ventilation and early diagnosis of respiratory distress, is critical to preventing and managing pneumonia epidemics.

To effectively address these health concerns, feedlot employees must be equipped with the information and abilities required to perform necropsies and evaluate lesions associated with cattle diseases. Collaborative training sessions have been implemented to improve the feedlot staff's ability to conduct complete post-mortem exams. The goal is to enhance disease detection accuracy and timeliness, allowing for early adoption of appropriate therapies and preventing further spread inside feedlots.

Indonesian feedlots are worried about high feeder cattle prices, bad exchange rates, and increased operational costs. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Indonesia have damaged the feedlot business. FMD is a contagious virus that infects all cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, camelids, deer, and pigs. Blisters on the mouth, snout, tongue, lips, and hooves may accompany fever, drooling, and reluctance to move. However, LSD is a contagious viral disease that affects beef, dairy, and water buffalo. FMD is characterised by profuse salivation due to oral ulcers, moderate to severe foot lesions in calves and adults. Massive multifocal dermatitis and necrotizing fibrinoid vasculitis characterise LSD. Handling FMD and LSD in beef cattle feedlots is essential to protecting livestock and the industry. FMD and LSD prevention techniques include educating feedlots staff, meeting traceability obligations, revising on-farm biosecurity plan, and applying proven disease-prevention strategies. Owners and merchants of feedlots must keep aware and protect their facilities and livestock.

A comprehensive approach is required to properly address the health issues reported in beef cattle in feedlots. To begin, prioritising diagnostic investigations is critical for identifying specific etiological variables causing ruminal acidosis, traumatic pericarditis, and pneumonia. This will serve as the foundation for creating focused treatment and preventative initiatives. Furthermore, improving feed management procedures is critical to address concerns such as and ruminal acidosis, which include dietary composition, feeding schedules, and constant feed quality monitoring to guarantee optimal rumen function.

Objectives

The objectives of the project are to:
• develop appropriate tools, resources, and strategies to empower and enable local commercial operators to understand and effectively manage disease challenges to their businesses
• develop and improve the knowledge and skills of veterinarians and para vets in disease
management and carcass handling at farm/feedlots and or abattoirs
• instill confidence in the Indonesian government, that the feedlot sector has the collective ability to diagnose and treat disease in livestock, carcass handling at farm/feedlots and abattoirs, and consultation platform via remote veterinary services.

Key findings

Dietary management:
• Evaluate and adapt the feeding regimen to maintain sufficient nutrition and avoid overconsumption of high-starch diets, which can result in ruminal acidity. To promote appropriate rumen function, provide a well-balanced diet rich in fibre.
Preventive Measures:
• Implement efforts to limit the incidence of traumatic pericarditis, such as providing appropriate handling facilities, reducing stress during transit, and maintaining safe settings.
• Take biosecurity precautions to prevent the introduction and spread of respiratory infections. Vaccinate animals against common respiratory infections to boost their immune systems. Provide adequate ventilation and housing to reduce stress and exposure to environmental conditions that can lead to pneumonia.
Communication between stakeholders:
• Share necropsy findings and post-slaughter examination results with key stakeholders, such as feedlot managers, veterinarians, and other cattle management specialists. Use the data to guide management decisions, food changes, and other measures to promote herd health.
Continuous Monitoring and Adjustment:
• Use necropsy and post-mortem examination results to continuously assess and change feedlot management procedures. Implement modifications based on the insights acquired to avoid similar difficulties in the future.
Veterinary Consultations:
• Seek advice and guidance from a veterinary practitioner before doing a comprehensive inspection of the affected cattle and determining the best course of action. Consider performing post-mortem exams (necropsies) on deceased animals to learn more about the underlying causes of disease.
Surveillance for emerging diseases:
• Encourage the implementation of a proactive surveillance system to detect developing or re-emerging diseases in beef cattle populations.
• Encourage regular health checks and sampling of seemingly healthy animals to detect diseases before they cause significant problems.

Benefits to industry

This project has provided the technical training on disease management, laboratory testing, post-slaughter examination and biosecurity lessons for feedlot and abattoir personnel.

MLA action

Follow up the recommendation regarding disease management and biosecurity.

Future research

Suggest collaboration with veterinary authorities, research institutions, and regional veterinary networks to remain up to date on disease trends and respond quickly to emergent health threats.