Academic Journal
Stress related to wild canid predators near dairy sheep farms associated with increased somatic cell counts in bulk-tank milk
| Title: | Stress related to wild canid predators near dairy sheep farms associated with increased somatic cell counts in bulk-tank milk |
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| Authors: | Eleni I. Katsarou, Neil Reid, Daphne T. Lianou, George C. Fthenakis |
| Source: | Scientific Reports, Vol 14, Iss 1, Pp 1-7 (2024) |
| Publisher Information: | Nature Portfolio, 2024. |
| Publication Year: | 2024 |
| Collection: | LCC:Medicine LCC:Science |
| Subject Terms: | Medicine, Science |
| More Details: | Abstract We investigated the association between wild canid predators reported near sheep farms throughout Greece and somatic cell counts in bulk-tank milk as a reflection of milk quality. The study included 325 dairy sheep flocks, where bulk-tank milk somatic cell counts and total bacterial counts were measured and staphylococci were isolated. Farms were divided into three groups: Cohort A (farms with no reports of wild canid predators nearby), B (farms with canid predators (golden jackal and grey wolf) nearby yet with no experience of livestock losses to predation) and C (farms with canid predators nearby and livestock losses to predation). Somatic cell counts in bulk-tank milk of Cohort C farms were significantly higher, + 43% and + 29%, compared to those for Cohorts A and B, respectively: 0.617 × 106 cells mL−1 versus 0.433 × 106 or 0.477 × 106 cells mL−1, respectively. The presence of wild canid predators near sheep farms was associated with lower quality milk potentially indicative of stress consistent with the potential effects of a landscape of fear. Increasing biosecurity measures at livestock farms, e.g., fencing, and presence of livestock guard dogs could minimise predation risk, whilst also improving livestock welfare by reducing predator-associated stress. |
| Document Type: | article |
| File Description: | electronic resource |
| Language: | English |
| ISSN: | 2045-2322 |
| Relation: | https://doaj.org/toc/2045-2322 |
| DOI: | 10.1038/s41598-024-53887-3 |
| Access URL: | https://doaj.org/article/556592f34a4441f585170ca8f56b2c5e |
| Accession Number: | edsdoj.556592f34a4441f585170ca8f56b2c5e |
| Database: | Directory of Open Access Journals |
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| ISSN: | 20452322 |
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| DOI: | 10.1038/s41598-024-53887-3 |
| Published in: | Scientific Reports |
| Language: | English |