The effect of lung consolidation, as determined by ultrasonography, on first-lactation milk production in Holstein dairy calves

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a complex disease process and many reports emphasize the negative implications of clinical BRD in dairy calves. Early diagnosis can be difficult because of inconsistent or absent clinical signs; however, the use thoracic ultrasonography has the potential to improve detection of respiratory disease. Earlier detection of BRD may result in actions to improve calf welfare and production. The objective of this prospective cohort study was to determine if lung consolidation (LC) in young dairy calves influenced age at first calving (AFC), first-lactation milk production, and survival to the end of first lactation. A total of 215 female calves from 3 dairy herds in southwestern Ontario were enrolled and assessed weekly during their first 8 wk of life for evidence of LC using thoracic ultrasonography (Ibex Pro, Loveland, CO). Consolidation was measured, using gridlines on the screen of the ultrasound, in the first 10 intercostal spaces on both sides of the thorax. Calves were considered LC positive if ≥3 cm of consolidated lung was present. Multivariable linear regression models were used to identify risk factors associated with AFC and first-lactation 305-d milk production. A survival analysis was conducted to determine differences in survival from enrolment until the end of first lactation between calves with and without consolidation. In the study population, the following calfhood conditions were detected: twins (4%; n = 8), diarrhea in the first 21 d of life (31%; n = 66), rib fractures (7%; n = 14), lung abscesses (3%; n = 6), and at least one diagnosis of LC (57%; n = 123). Overall, 7% (n = 15) of calves died, and 18% (n = 38) of animals were sold before the end of first lactation. The presence of LC, at least once in the first 8 wk of life, did not influence AFC, but did result in a 525 kg (95% confidence interval: −992.81 to −60.25) decrease in first-lactation 305-d milk production. No difference in survival was detected between LC groups. These results indicate that LC during the first 56 d of life has a long-term effect on dairy calves, manifested as reduced milk production during first lactation.