Thesis
Bovine-avian interactions on dairies: wild bird influence on pathogen prevalence, cow nutrition, and cow behavior
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2018
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/100841
Abstract
Wild birds cause significant damages to dairy farms through the transmission of bacteria to cattle, as well as the consumption of cattle feed. It is also possible that wild birds affect the feeding behaviors of dairy cattle. The objectives of this study were to: 1) determine the prevalence of bacteria in wild bird fecal matter; 2) determine the quantity of bacteria in bird feces; 3) observe behavioral interactions between wild birds and dairy cattle; and 4) determine the nutrients lost due to bird consumption. Five farms were visited once in the winter of 2017-2018 to collect bird fecal samples, cattle feed samples, and to record interactions between birds and cattle. Bird fecal samples were collected at the feed bunks of 14 pens and 1 commodity shed, placed into screw-top test tubes, and were analyzed for E. coli, Campylobacter, and Salmonella. Differences in the presence of pathogens and the quantity of pathogens among locations were determined using a log linear model in SAS. Fresh and bird-depleted feed samples were collected by hand and analyzed for dry matter, total digestible nutrients (TDN), protein, crude fiber, ash, fat, and net energy. Linear regressions were conducted in order to determine the relationship between the feed components and bird density. Intra- and inter-specific aggressive and aversive behaviors, proportion of head-gates used, number of cows eating, and the number of birds at the feed bunk were recorded using on-farm cameras. Differences between locations were analyzed using PROC GENMOD in SAS. E. coli was isolated in 34/88 of bird fecal samples, C. jejuni was isolated in one sample, and Salmonella was not recovered in any of the samples. There was no difference in the presence of E. coli among locations (P = 0.14) nor were there differences in the quantity of E. coli among locations (P =0.12). There was no significant difference between bird density and changes in feed components. Finally, bird density differed among locations (P < 0.0001) and the proportion of head gates used differed among locations (P < 0.0001). Understanding where birds prefer to feed on dairies, may improve current bird deterrent strategies.
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Details
- Title
- Bovine-avian interactions on dairies
- Creators
- Tyler P. Caskin
- Contributors
- Amber L. Adams-Progar (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Animal Sciences, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525093801842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis