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The levels of production diseases (PD) and the cow replacement rate are high in dairy farming. They indicate excessive production demands on the cow and a poor state of animal welfare. This is the subject of increasing public debate. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of production diseases on the economic sustainability of dairy farms. The contributions of individual culled cows to the farm’s economic performance were calculated, based on milk recording and accounting data from 32 farms in Germany. Cows were identified as ‘profit cows’ when they reached their individual ‘break-even point’. Data from milk recordings (yield and indicators for PD) were used to cluster farms by means of a principal component and a cluster analysis. The analysis revealed five clusters of farms. The average proportion of profit cows was 57.5%, 55.6%, 44.1%, 29.4% and 19.5%. Clusters characterized by a high proportion of cows with metabolic problems and high culling and mortality rates had lower proportions of profit cows, somewhat irrespective of the average milk-yield per cow. Changing the perception of PD from considering it as collateral damage to a threat to the farms’ economic viability might foster change processes to reduce production diseases.
Susanne Hoischen-Taubner; Jonas Habel; Verena Uhlig; Eva-Marie Schwabenbauer; Theresa Rumphorst; Lara Ebert; Detlev Möller; Albert Sundrum. The Whole and the Parts—A New Perspective on Production Diseases and Economic Sustainability in Dairy Farming. Sustainability 2021, 13, 9044 .
AMA StyleSusanne Hoischen-Taubner, Jonas Habel, Verena Uhlig, Eva-Marie Schwabenbauer, Theresa Rumphorst, Lara Ebert, Detlev Möller, Albert Sundrum. The Whole and the Parts—A New Perspective on Production Diseases and Economic Sustainability in Dairy Farming. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (16):9044.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSusanne Hoischen-Taubner; Jonas Habel; Verena Uhlig; Eva-Marie Schwabenbauer; Theresa Rumphorst; Lara Ebert; Detlev Möller; Albert Sundrum. 2021. "The Whole and the Parts—A New Perspective on Production Diseases and Economic Sustainability in Dairy Farming." Sustainability 13, no. 16: 9044.
In contrast to other international beef classification systems, the European EUROP system disregards marbling in meat quality assessment. Instead, it focuses primarily on the assessment of conformation and fat score. Due to the lack of more specific assessment, beef quality in Germany is less known than beef produced in other countries and is largely incomparable to international standards. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of video-image analysis (VIA) for the assessment of bull carcasses for the commercial beef market in Germany. Marbling scores and carcass traits of 170 carcasses were assessed at the 10th/11th and 12th/13th rib-eye sections of longissimus thoracis. Results showed that VIA is able to precisely assess marbling scores at a German cutting position with a close relation (r = 0.83) to the US position. Furthermore, carcass traits integral to the US Yield Grade, such as rib fat (mean 112 mm) and a modified trait of fat/meat ratio, were assessed at the 10th/11th rib-eye position in a process reliably corresponding to the US position (mean 98 mm). EUROP traits showed only weak relationships with marbling scores, VIA measured rib fat thickness, and carcass weights. Although complete validation of video image analysis requires further research with a higher number of test animals, VIA is a viable tool for classifying the variation of German beef carcasses more reliably during the slaughter line and it could valuably supplement EUROP classification traits.
Lisa Schulz; Albert Sundrum. Determining Relationships between Marbling Scores and Carcass Yield Traits of German Beef Bull Carcasses Using Video-Image Analysis at the 12th and 10th Rib Position of Longissimus Thoracis and EUROP Classification. Applied Sciences 2020, 11, 269 .
AMA StyleLisa Schulz, Albert Sundrum. Determining Relationships between Marbling Scores and Carcass Yield Traits of German Beef Bull Carcasses Using Video-Image Analysis at the 12th and 10th Rib Position of Longissimus Thoracis and EUROP Classification. Applied Sciences. 2020; 11 (1):269.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLisa Schulz; Albert Sundrum. 2020. "Determining Relationships between Marbling Scores and Carcass Yield Traits of German Beef Bull Carcasses Using Video-Image Analysis at the 12th and 10th Rib Position of Longissimus Thoracis and EUROP Classification." Applied Sciences 11, no. 1: 269.
Immune cell functions such as phagocytosis and synthesis of immunometabolites, as well as immune cell survival, proliferation and differentiation, largely depend on an adequate availability of glucose by immune cells. During inflammation, the glucose demands of the immune system may increase to amounts similar to those required for high milk yields. Similar metabolic pathways are involved in the adaptation to both lactation and inflammation, including changes in the somatotropic axis and glucocorticoid response, as well as adipokine and cytokine release. They affect (i) cell growth, proliferation and activation, which determines the metabolic activity and thus the glucose demand of the respective cells; (ii) the overall availability of glucose through intake, mobilization and gluconeogenesis; and (iii) glucose uptake and utilization by different tissues. Metabolic adaptation to inflammation and milk synthesis is interconnected. An increased demand of one life function has an impact on the supply and utilization of glucose by competing life functions, including glucose receptor expression, blood flow and oxidation characteristics. In cows with high genetic merits for milk production, changes in the somatotropic axis affecting carbohydrate and lipid metabolism as well as immune functions are profound. The ability to cut down milk synthesis during periods when whole-body demand exceeds the supply is limited. Excessive mobilization and allocation of glucose to the mammary gland are likely to contribute considerably to peripartal immune dysfunction.
Jonas Habel; Albert Sundrum. Mismatch of Glucose Allocation between Different Life Functions in the Transition Period of Dairy Cows. Animals 2020, 10, 1 .
AMA StyleJonas Habel, Albert Sundrum. Mismatch of Glucose Allocation between Different Life Functions in the Transition Period of Dairy Cows. Animals. 2020; 10 (6):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJonas Habel; Albert Sundrum. 2020. "Mismatch of Glucose Allocation between Different Life Functions in the Transition Period of Dairy Cows." Animals 10, no. 6: 1.
The ‘barrel model’ of an organism’s resource allocation pattern represents the basics for feeding regimes in farm practice. Several objections can be raised against the underlying theoretical assumptions, the generalizations derived from them, and the application of the model in practice. The concept particularly neglects the role of glucose and the increased competition for it between lactocytes and immune cells. It also fails to recognize the large variation between and within dairy herds. Lack of success in reducing production diseases calls for a modified approach – one which not only deals appropriately with the large variation between and within the dairy herds but also strives to balance the existing productivity/animal health/financial trade-offs. Instead of following general procedures, nutrient supply and outflow via milk have to be adapted to the individual requirements and health risks. To do so, the percentage of dairy cows affected by production diseases and failing to cope is a key criterion. Benchmarking of production diseases could act as an orientation point for farmers to compare their own position to other farms and thus set realistic target figures. Furthermore, means and measures to achieve goals have to be validated in the context in which they are used.
Albert Sundrum. Nutrition and Health-Management in Dairy Production. Livestock Health and Farming 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleAlbert Sundrum. Nutrition and Health-Management in Dairy Production. Livestock Health and Farming. 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlbert Sundrum. 2020. "Nutrition and Health-Management in Dairy Production." Livestock Health and Farming , no. : 1.
Although ensuring good animal health is a stated aim of organic livestock farming and an important reason why consumers purchase organic products, the health states actually achieved are comparable to those in conventional farming. Unfortunately, there have been no studies to date that have assessed stakeholder views on different policy options for improving animal health on organic dairy farms. To address this deficit, stakeholder consultations were conducted in four European countries, involving 39 supply-chain stakeholders (farmers, advisors, veterinarians, inspectors, processors, and retailers). Stakeholders were encouraged to discuss different ways, including policy change, of improving organic health states. Acknowledging the need for further health improvements in organic dairy herds, stakeholders generally favoured establishing outcome-oriented animal health requirements as a way of achieving this. However, as a result of differing priorities for animal health improvement, there was disagreement on questions such as: who should be responsible for assessing animal health status on organic farms; and how to define and implement minimum health requirements. The results of the study suggest that future research must fully explore the opportunities and risks of different policy options and also suggest ways to overcome the divergence of stakeholders’ interests in public debates.
Margret Krieger; Philip J. Jones; Isabel Blanco-Penedo; Julie E. Duval; Ulf Emanuelson; Susanne Hoischen-Taubner; Karin Sjöström; Albert Sundrum. Improving Animal Health on Organic Dairy Farms: Stakeholder Views on Policy Options. Sustainability 2020, 12, 3001 .
AMA StyleMargret Krieger, Philip J. Jones, Isabel Blanco-Penedo, Julie E. Duval, Ulf Emanuelson, Susanne Hoischen-Taubner, Karin Sjöström, Albert Sundrum. Improving Animal Health on Organic Dairy Farms: Stakeholder Views on Policy Options. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (7):3001.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMargret Krieger; Philip J. Jones; Isabel Blanco-Penedo; Julie E. Duval; Ulf Emanuelson; Susanne Hoischen-Taubner; Karin Sjöström; Albert Sundrum. 2020. "Improving Animal Health on Organic Dairy Farms: Stakeholder Views on Policy Options." Sustainability 12, no. 7: 3001.
Veterinary remedies are intended to support animals in their recovery from diseases. Treatment outcome depends not only on the general effectiveness of the remedies themselves, but also on other prerequisites. This is true for antibiotics, but even more so for treatments with homeopathic products which are characterised by their individualised approach. While the effectiveness of homeopathy has been addressed in various clinical control trials, the practical conditions under which homeopathic products are used on dairy farms have not yet been investigated. This study provides an initial insight into the existing prerequisites on dairy farms for the use of homeopathy (i.e. the consideration of homeopathic principles) and on homeopathic treatment procedures (including anamnesis, clinical examination, diagnosis, selection of a remedy, follow-up checks, and documentation) on 64 dairy farms in France, Germany and Spain. The use of homeopathy was assessed via a standardised questionnaire during face-to-face interviews. The study revealed that homeopathic treatment procedures were applied very heterogeneously and differed considerably between farms and countries. Farmers also use human products without veterinary prescription as well as other prohibited substances. The subjective treatment approach using the farmers’ own criteria, together with their neglecting to check the outcome of the treatment and the lack of appropriate documentation is presumed to substantially reduce the potential for a successful recovery of the animals from diseases. There is, thus, a need to verify the effectiveness of homeopathic treatments in farm practices based on a lege artis treatment procedure and homeopathic principles which can be achieved by the regular monitoring of treatment outcomes and the prevailing rate of the disease at herd level. Furthermore, there is a potential risk to food safety due to the use of non-veterinary drugs without veterinary prescription and the use of other prohibited substances.
Diana Keller; Isabel Blanco-Penedo; Manon De Joybert; Albert Sundrum. How target-orientated is the use of homeopathy in dairy farming?—A survey in France, Germany and Spain. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 2019, 61, 1 -12.
AMA StyleDiana Keller, Isabel Blanco-Penedo, Manon De Joybert, Albert Sundrum. How target-orientated is the use of homeopathy in dairy farming?—A survey in France, Germany and Spain. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. 2019; 61 (1):1-12.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDiana Keller; Isabel Blanco-Penedo; Manon De Joybert; Albert Sundrum. 2019. "How target-orientated is the use of homeopathy in dairy farming?—A survey in France, Germany and Spain." Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 61, no. 1: 1-12.
Reactive nitrogen (Nr) is both a principal factor regulating growth in biological systems and a significant pollutant for the environment. The objective of this paper is to reflect on the challenges of the nutrient management related to and priorities needed to clarify how Nr is employed appropriately whilst striving to mitigate emissions at the same time. To create orientation, valid data are needed reflecting the real-farming emissions (RFE) from individual farms to assess what is needed to balance partly contradicting goals, and to bridge the gap between current and envisaged levels. Furthermore, knowledge is required of which tools and measures are at the farmer's disposal to mitigate Nr emissions. Finally and of utmost importance, the farm management is in need of action knowledge, i.e. knowing how to select the most appropriate and cost-effective tools and measures for the specific conditions on each farm, while taking the possible impacts of their implementation on the balance between Nr-related productivity and threats into account. Dealing with such a complex issue requires a systemic approach, considering the farm system not only as a one-compartment model (1st scale) with quantifiable Nr inputs and outputs at the farm gate but as divisible into sub-systems (2nd scale). The Nr-flow through the sub-systems: feed, livestock, manure and utilised land area, represents an inner-farm Nr-cycle. Each sub-system can be further sub-divided into sub-sub-systems (3rd scale) such as feeding groups within livestock, which could be differentiated in individual animals (4th scale). This approach enables to determine where (and to what extent) nutrients may be allocated more effectively and more cost-efficiently. The allocation of Nr resources between sub-units within the respective sub-systems determines the efficiency in the use of Nr and thus the proportion of Nr contributing either to an increase in productivity or to Nr-related environmental pollution. Quantifying the N-flows through sub-systems of a farm on the 2nd scale is the starting point for benchmarking; providing orientation for the regulation of processes both inside and outside the farm system. It creates target figures for the farm management while identifying the gap between the current ranking level of the farm and its potential rank. Improving the recycling of Nr throughout the whole farm system and increasing the efficiency in the use of Nr on the 3rd and 4th scale are seen as major opportunities for the farm management to balance the trade-offs without comprising productivity. It is concluded that the lack of benchmark RFE values in relation to the amount of food and feed produced can be seen as one of the main barriers in the fight to mitigate environmental Nr emissions from agricultural processes. If benchmarking has not been established, the farm management lacks orientation regarding the target figures it should aim at. Without target figures it is not possible to formulate concise working hypotheses regarding the most effective and cost-efficient use of means that are to the farmer's disposal as well as strategies for an improved allocation of resources in a farm specific context.
Albert Sundrum. Real-farming emissions of reactive nitrogen – Necessities and challenges. Journal of Environmental Management 2019, 240, 9 -18.
AMA StyleAlbert Sundrum. Real-farming emissions of reactive nitrogen – Necessities and challenges. Journal of Environmental Management. 2019; 240 ():9-18.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlbert Sundrum. 2019. "Real-farming emissions of reactive nitrogen – Necessities and challenges." Journal of Environmental Management 240, no. : 9-18.
The aim of the present study was to classify the diversity of organic dairy farms in four European countries according to their structural characteristics and investigate the association of these farm types with implementation of herd health plans. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), followed by Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC), was used to classify the farms. Data for the analysis came from a survey of 192 organic farms from France, Germany, Spain and Sweden and contained farm and farmer descriptions from which the typologies were derived. Herd health plans was agreed for each farm, via a participatory approach involving the farmers, their veterinarians and other advisors (e.g. dairy advisors) by the use of an impact matrix. The MCA yielded two principal component axes explaining 51.3% of variance. Three farm groups were identified by AHC using the factor scores derived from the MCA. Cluster 1, the most numerous group (56.7% of the sample), had medium herd sizes with moderate use of pasture and moderate intensity of input use. Cluster 2, representing 17.7% of the sample, were the most extensive system and mainly of very small farm size. Cluster 3 (25.5% of the sample and only found in Sweden), had an intensive management approach, but relatively low stocking rate. The analysis also showed that organic dairy farms adopted differentiated strategies towards economic assets and animal health status, according to group membership. The typology therefore provides insights into the potential for advisory strategies relating to husbandry practices, different housing, pasture management and intensity, etc. adapted to different groups of farms. Regarding herd health plan implementation, Cluster 1 was the group with most implemented actions and Cluster 2 with lowest rate of implemented actions. These results may be used as background for directing (tailored) advice strategies, i.e. different types of organic dairy farms (clusters) may require different types of advisory services and recommendations adapted to the specific farm situation in order to deliver future improvements in animal health.
Isabel Blanco-Penedo; Karin Sjöström; Philip Jones; Margret Krieger; Julie Duval; Felix van Soest; Albert Sundrum; Ulf Emanuelson. Structural characteristics of organic dairy farms in four European countries and their association with the implementation of animal health plans. Agricultural Systems 2019, 173, 244 -253.
AMA StyleIsabel Blanco-Penedo, Karin Sjöström, Philip Jones, Margret Krieger, Julie Duval, Felix van Soest, Albert Sundrum, Ulf Emanuelson. Structural characteristics of organic dairy farms in four European countries and their association with the implementation of animal health plans. Agricultural Systems. 2019; 173 ():244-253.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIsabel Blanco-Penedo; Karin Sjöström; Philip Jones; Margret Krieger; Julie Duval; Felix van Soest; Albert Sundrum; Ulf Emanuelson. 2019. "Structural characteristics of organic dairy farms in four European countries and their association with the implementation of animal health plans." Agricultural Systems 173, no. : 244-253.
Internationally, different Video Image Analysis Systems (VIAS) are established to enable categorization of beef carcasses according to a marbling score as determining part of trading categories. Different established standardized cutting positions of longissimus thoracis, among other reasons, hamper the use of VIAS in European countries. The objective of the study was to explore the potential of a VIAS-based grading system VBG 2000 for the estimation of marbling of carcasses cut according to German standards. The correlation coefficient between the camera assessed marbling scores (n = 354 halves of carcasses) at the 10th rib section at the left and right side achieved 0.89 (P < .01) and 0.80 (P < .01) for camera assessed marbling scores between the right 12th/13th and 10th/11th rib interface of longissmus thoracis. Thus, modification of the cut position towards the US standard provides comparable results, and assessing VIA based marbling scores at the 10th rib is correlated to the 12th rib.
L. Schulz; A. Sundrum. Assessing marbling scores of beef at the 10th rib vs. 12th rib of longissimus thoracis in the slaughter line using camera grading technology in Germany. Meat Science 2019, 152, 116 -120.
AMA StyleL. Schulz, A. Sundrum. Assessing marbling scores of beef at the 10th rib vs. 12th rib of longissimus thoracis in the slaughter line using camera grading technology in Germany. Meat Science. 2019; 152 ():116-120.
Chicago/Turabian StyleL. Schulz; A. Sundrum. 2019. "Assessing marbling scores of beef at the 10th rib vs. 12th rib of longissimus thoracis in the slaughter line using camera grading technology in Germany." Meat Science 152, no. : 116-120.
A key objective of organic pig production is the use of feedstuffs originating entirely from organic and also, if possible, from in house or local production, respectively. However, the supply of protein for the organic pig production so far has not been achieved. Additionally, the European guidelines for organic livestock include a daily offer of roughage for pigs. Young harvested and possibly additionally macerated alfalfa (Medicago sativa), conserved as silage, can be used as a protein source as well as roughage. The potential of alfalfa silage as feedstuff was examined in a feeding trial: 3 feeding groups x 2 gender x 6 repetitions (2 animals/repetition) with 36 fattening pigs crossbred: (Duroc x Pietrain) x (German Landrace x Large White), initial body weight: 29kg. The control group (A) was fed with a complete feed mixture and the silage groups (B and C) were fed with a supplementary feed mixture (adjusted to the alfalfa silage). Group B and C received alfalfa silage as chopped (B) and as extruded (C) ad libitum. Animals were slaughtered at 100–105kg live weight. Feed intake, fattening performance and carcass characteristics were determined. The proportion of alfalfa silage in the total daily DM ration of the experimental groups was ~ 20% in the starter phase, ~ 40% in the grower phase and up to 50% in the finishing phase. In this way, approximately 100kg of concentrated feed per pig and fattening period could be saved in comparison to the control group. Fattening performance and carcass characteristics of the silage groups (groups B and C) did not significantly differ from those of the pigs in control group (A), which was served concentrated feed only. However, the daily gain of all feeding groups (an average of 600g) was at a relatively low level. Young harvested alfalfa can be an appropriate regional protein source and additionally a possible roughage for organically fattening pigs.
Jessica Wüstholz; Salomé Carrasco; Ulrich Berger; Albert Sundrum; Gerhard Bellof. Fattening and slaughtering performance of growing pigs consuming high levels of alfalfa silage ( Medicago sativa ) in organic pig production. Livestock Science 2017, 200, 46 -52.
AMA StyleJessica Wüstholz, Salomé Carrasco, Ulrich Berger, Albert Sundrum, Gerhard Bellof. Fattening and slaughtering performance of growing pigs consuming high levels of alfalfa silage ( Medicago sativa ) in organic pig production. Livestock Science. 2017; 200 ():46-52.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJessica Wüstholz; Salomé Carrasco; Ulrich Berger; Albert Sundrum; Gerhard Bellof. 2017. "Fattening and slaughtering performance of growing pigs consuming high levels of alfalfa silage ( Medicago sativa ) in organic pig production." Livestock Science 200, no. : 46-52.
Metabolic disorders are a key problem in the transition period of dairy cows and often appear before the onset of further health problems. They mainly derive from difficulties the animals have in adapting to changes and disturbances occurring both outside and inside the organisms and due to varying gaps between nutrient supply and demand. Adaptation is a functional and target-oriented process involving the whole organism and thus cannot be narrowed down to single factors. Most problems which challenge the organisms can be solved in a number of different ways. To understand the mechanisms of adaptation, the interconnectedness of variables and the nutrient flow within a metabolic network need to be considered. Metabolic disorders indicate an overstressed ability to balance input, partitioning and output variables. Dairy cows will more easily succeed in adapting and in avoiding dysfunctional processes in the transition period when the gap between nutrient and energy demands and their supply is restricted. Dairy farms vary widely in relation to the living conditions of the animals. The complexity of nutritional and metabolic processes Animals 2015, 5 979 and their large variations on various scales contradict any attempts to predict the outcome of animals’ adaptation in a farm specific situation. Any attempts to reduce the prevalence of metabolic disorders and associated production diseases should rely on continuous and comprehensive monitoring with appropriate indicators on the farm level. Furthermore, low levels of disorders and diseases should be seen as a further significant goal which carries weight in addition to productivity goals. In the long run, low disease levels can only be expected when farmers realize that they can gain a competitive advantage over competitors with higher levels of disease.
Albert Sundrum. Metabolic Disorders in the Transition Period Indicate that the Dairy Cows’ Ability to Adapt is Overstressed. Animals 2015, 5, 978 -1020.
AMA StyleAlbert Sundrum. Metabolic Disorders in the Transition Period Indicate that the Dairy Cows’ Ability to Adapt is Overstressed. Animals. 2015; 5 (4):978-1020.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlbert Sundrum. 2015. "Metabolic Disorders in the Transition Period Indicate that the Dairy Cows’ Ability to Adapt is Overstressed." Animals 5, no. 4: 978-1020.
Vor dem Hintergrund den Einsatz von Antibiotika in der Nutztierhaltung zu reduzieren, gewinnt die Anwendung von Homöopathika als Alternative bei der Behandlung von bovinen Euterentzündungen an Bedeutung. Der vorliegende Übersichtsartikel stellt Argumente für und wider den Einsatz von Homöopathika dar. Weiterhin werden Studien zur homöopathischen Mastitistherapie vorgestellt, die Schlussfolgerungen in Bezug auf die Voraussetzungen erlauben, die vor der Anwendung von Homöopathika zu erfüllen sind. Auf deren Basis wurde ein Entscheidungsbaum zur sachgerechten Vorgehensweise bei der Behandlung von klinischen Mastitiden unter Anwendung der klassischen Homöopathie erarbeitet, der eine konsequente Diagnostik in den Vordergrund stellt. Due to the necessity to reduce antibiotic use in livestock production, the use of homeopathics in the treatment of bovine mastitis has become more important. The following article describes the pros and cons of the application of homeopathic remedies as an alternative to antibiotic treatment. It presents studies concerning the homeopathic treatment of clinical mastitis which lead to the conclusion that different pre-conditions must be fulfilled before the use of homeopathics. These findings lead to the development of a decision tree regarding the careful application of homeopathics in cases of mild and moderate bovine clinical mastitis based on a consequent diagnostic procedure.
Christina Werner; Axel Sobiraj; Albert Sundrum. Klassische Homöopathie bei der Mastitis des Rindes. Zeitschrift für Ganzheitliche Tiermedizin 2013, 27, 2 -9.
AMA StyleChristina Werner, Axel Sobiraj, Albert Sundrum. Klassische Homöopathie bei der Mastitis des Rindes. Zeitschrift für Ganzheitliche Tiermedizin. 2013; 27 (01):2-9.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChristina Werner; Axel Sobiraj; Albert Sundrum. 2013. "Klassische Homöopathie bei der Mastitis des Rindes." Zeitschrift für Ganzheitliche Tiermedizin 27, no. 01: 2-9.