Definitions - Key Words for Courses

Aborted fetuses -- The fetal tissue of a premature delivery.

Abortion -- The premature termination of pregnancy induced by illness, drugs, or physical factors where the fetus cannot survive.

Adulterated -- To make a product impure by adding an improper substance like drugs above safe levels set by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Air Space -- The air of the environment surrounding the animal. Air that touches the outside of the animal or goes through the lungs can carry pathogens.

Antibiotic -- A substance that inhibits the growth of or kills microbes.

Antibodies (Maternally Derived) -- A specialized substance produced by certain blood cells (lymphocytes), especially in response to the presence of an antigen. These antibodies neutralize, and create immunity to, specific antigens. Maternally-derived antibodies (sometimes referred to as immunoglobulins) are those antibodies produced by the cow’s body and released into her colostrum. These antibodies can then be passed on to the calf by its consumption of colostrum as soon as possible after being born.

Antibody -- Proteins produced by immune cells that specifically bind the antigens of bacteria and viruses disabling them.

Antibody ELISA Test -- An acronym for Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay. Used to test for antibody to a specific antigen or vice versa. A positive test is indicated by a color change.

Antigen -- A protein expressed by a bacteria or virus that is recognized by the immune system as foreign resulting in the stimulation of antibody production specific for that protein.

Approved Drug List -- A narrow list of drugs to be determined by a producer and his/her veterinarian. These are the only drugs to be used on a given operation without conferring with the appropriate veterinarian. The intent is to reduce the scope of antibiotics used.

Asymptomatic -- Conditions of having the disease, but no visible symptoms are evident.

Bacteria -- Bacteria are self-sufficient, single-celled microorganisms. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a DNA procedure used to rapidly identify bacteria and viruses based on unique DNA sequences. Southern Blotting is another process used to identify genes in bacteria or viruses.

Biological Contamination -- Contamination or infection by disease of biological origin onto animal production facility.

Biosecurity -- Security process of preventing biological contamination on the farm.

Biosecurity—Profit for The Taking -- This is an eight-page review of Best Management Practices designed to facilitate consultation with your veterinarian or other dairy consultant.

Blood Sample -- Collection process used to obtain blood plasma for testing purposes (e.g., ELISA, culturing, etc.).

Body Score/Body Condition -- Body condition scoring is a valuable tool for producers to assess the growth of the heifer. Body condition is a function of feed intake and the amount of energy in the diet. The ideal body condition score is different at different stages of the heifer’s life ranging from 1.00 to 5.00.

Bovine Leukosis Virus (BLV) -- Virus which causes small tumors.

Bovine Ulcerative Mamillitis -- A condition where lesions (in the form of infected ulcers) appear as infected wounds in and on the mammary glands.

BRSV -- Bovine respiratory syncytial virus. Virus which invades the cell lining of the trachea and lungs and promotes the formation of large multinucleated cells called syncytial cells in the spaces of the lung. The severity of the disease can be aggravated by invasion of the weakened animal by other viral and bacterial pathogens.

California Milk Test, Wisconsin Milk Test -- Tests which estimate somatic cell numbers. With the California Mastitis Test (CMT) a reagent is required to react with nuclear material of cells present in milk to form a gel.

Carriers -- Animals that harbor an infectious, disease-causing organism but show no clinical signs of disease.

Clinical Mastitis -- The condition of recognizable and apparent symptoms of the disease.

Coccidia -- A severe destructive invasion of the intestine by protozoan organisms (e.g., Cryptosporidium).

Coccidiosis -- Infection by coccidia, a subclass of parasitic protozoa, which can cause destruction of the intestinal mucosa and is usually accompanied by diarrhea, intestinal hemorrhage, emaciation, and sometimes fatal dysentery.

Coccidiostat -- Any of a group of chemical agents mixed in feed or drinking water to control coccidiosis in animals. The coccidiostat inhibits the growth but does not kill the coccidia which are protozoan organisms such as Cryptosporidium which invade the intestine with severe destructive results. This control gives the immune system time to overcome the parasite.

Coliform -- Type of bacteria most commonly responsible for acute clinical mastitis. Coliform infections are usually not contagious and are due to unsanitary environmental conditions. Common coliform bacteria include E. coli, Enterobacteri aerogenes, and K. pneumoniae.

Colostrum -- Milk from a cow in the first 3 days post-partum. This first milk contains immunoglobulins or antibodies to infectious agents to which the mother has been exposed. These maternal antibodies are then absorbed by the newborn calf as a form of protection against disease. The protection provided for the calf is determined by the amount of colostrum ingested during the first 6-24 hours of life.

Commercial Dry Cow Product -- Products sold by companies to prevent the infection of mammary glands in the dry period of production.

Coulter Milk Cell Counter -- A testing device to check milk for somatic cell content through the use of an electrical current. Used to locate evidence of mastitis and to rate or measure the quality of milk produced by a dairy.

Cross Contamination -- The contamination from one animal to another by vectors such as manure, feed, water, insects, etc.

Cull Carrier Cows -- The process of removing animals from the herd which harbor disease-causing organisms without showing the clinical manifestations of disease.

DHIA -- Dairy Herd Improvement Association. An organization based on the improvement of dairy herds by genetics and production records.

Diagnostic Laboratory -- A laboratory that isolates and identifies an infectious organism.

Disease -- Disease is an unhealthy condition caused by infection, diet or conditions of life, or is inherited. Asymtomatic is the term used for the condition of having the disease, but no visible symptoms are evident.

Disinfection of Feeding Equipment -- The process of removing and sanitizing possible cross-contaminating factors from feeding equipment.

Downers -- Cows that cannot stand under their own power.

Dry Treatment -- A treatment used on the cow's udder at dryoff time to help prevent dry cow mastitis. Correct technique and the use of alcohol on teats before treating with a dry tube are essential so new infections do not get pushed into the teat. Use of a barrier dip after the tube is removed will also help prevent problems.

Dystocia Rates -- Dystocia is abnormal labor or difficult birth. It is the number one contributor to calf death and can affect calves severely enough to cause mortality directly or contribute to other problems and indirectly increase calf death. Heifers have a higher incidence of dystocia than mature cows, and calves from heifers have increased death loss.

E. coli vaccine -- A live vaccine used to produce an antibody response by an animal to recognize and remove E. coli bacteria which are traditionally organisms of the gastro-intestinal tract.

Enteric Organisms -- Organisms traditionally of the gastro-intestinal tract. Such organisms are E. coli, Clostridium species, etc.

Esophageal Feeder -- A tube that is inserted into the calf’s stomach to force feed adequate amounts of colostrum in the first 4-6 hours.

Evaluation of Milking Equipment -- The process of discovering possible contamination sites and injury causing equipment.

Extra-Label Manner -- Using a drug in any manner not ascribed on the label. To use drugs in an extra-label manner, one must have the written instruction of a veterinarian. Only a veterinarian may use drugs in an extra-label manner unless you are instructed by a veterinarian with whom you have a valid VCPR.

Fecal Culture Test -- Process by which feces is suspended and placed on growth media for the isolation of bacteria (a.k.a. culture) for identification.

Feces -- The manure of an animal.

Feeding Microbials -- Microbials are naturally occurring products which are incorporated into livestock diets to enhance the overall health and performance of the herd. These products stimulate growth of rumen bacteria.

Flush Water (flushing of milking systems) -- Water used to clean and maintain milking systems. Water should come from a sterile, sanitized source.

Fly Control Program -- Integrated pest management is a complete approach to fly control that incorporates chemical, cultural and biological practices. It is an effective management program to help reduce losses and increase profits.

Fossomatic Method -- A somatic cell counter used to check for mastitis and milk quality through improved microscopic techniques.

Gram Negative Bacteria -- Bacteria that stain pink when undergoing the Gram staining process. These bacteria have a secondary outer membrane that prevents the dye from penetrating the cell. Common Gram (-) organisms are the Enteric organisms such E. coli and Salmonella sp..

Gram Positive Bacteria -- Bacteria that stain deep purple when undergoing the Gram staining process. These bacteria do not have a secondary outer membrane thus allowing the dye to penetrate and stain the cell. Common Gram (+) organisms are the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus strains.

Growth Slump -- Lack of weight gain when the heifer calf switches from a liquid diet to a dry feed diet. If rate of gain slows, the rumen bacteria are not present to digest the dry feed.

Heifer Raiser -- A producer who raises and sells heifers to other producers to milk.

Highest Health Status -- The attainment of a disease-free herd with no illness or infection.

IBR -- Infectious bovine rhinotracheritis. A virus associated with upper respiratory tract infections, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the front of the eyeball and inner surface of the eyelid), and reproductive disorders.

Immunoglobulins -- Antibodies in colostrum that pass on protection to the calf from infectious agents from the cow.

Immunosuppressive -- Any substance or infection that acts to suppress the normal function of the immune system.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) -- IPM is a complete approach to eliminating pest problems. Identifying pests, determining how to avoid or correct problems, and managing pest populations through a variety of chemical, biological and cultural practices are all involved in a successful IPM program.

Intramuscular -- Within the muscle. With an intramuscular injection, a drug is injected into muscle tissue.

Internal Parasite -- An organism which lives in an animal and derives its nutriment from the host animal often causing death or damage to the host. This term is usually reserved for worms.

Isolation of Sick Cows in Hospital Area -- Process of removing, isolating and treating sick animals from the herd until restored to health.

Johne’s -- A contagious, bacterial disease of the intestinal tract. Calves less than 6 months old are most vulnerable to infection. They can pick Johne’s up in utero or from bacteria shed in milk, colostrum and manure. The bacteria can live for months in water, feed, and/or manure. There is no cure.

Johne’s Certified Farms -- Farms that have been tested for the presence of Mycoplasma paratuberculosis and have been declared free of the organism.

Johne’s Testing Program -- A periodic testing program used to identify the prevalence of Mycoplasma paratuberculosis on an operation.

Joint or Navel Problem -- Infectious arthritis or joint inflammation is common in newborn calves as a result of infection of the umbilicus at birth.

Killed Vaccine -- A vaccine that uses a "dead" bacteria or virus to elicit immunity.

Killed Versus Modified Live Viral Vaccines -- Killed vaccines are safer, but a modified live vaccine provides better immune protection (in general).

Lepto -- Leptospirosis is an organism ingested by an animal, usually through feed or in water contaminated by other animals shedding the organism in their urine. It causes lowered feed consumption and lowered milk production with the most frequent clinical sign being an abortion in the last trimester of gestation.

Leukocytes -- Cells of the immune system that defend the body against infections.

Lice -- Lice are small insects which live as external parasites on animals or plants.

Live Vaccine -- A vaccine that uses a "live" bacteria or virus to elicit immunity.

Lymphatic Tissue -- Tissue that consists of lymph nodes. It is the origin of many immune cells.

Mammary Fluid -- The udder secretion of the heifer at eight weeks prior to calving should appear honey-like. If it appears watery, or has flakes or clots, these are signs of mastitis infection which need to be addressed. Good records need to be kept of any treatment to avoid antibiotic residues at freshening.

Management -- A systems approach to use of information and time to control or create events.

Medicated Foot Bath -- A quantity of water containing disinfectants and detergents to clean feet to prevent infection and cross contamination.

Milk/Liquid Diet -- High quality milk or milk replacer is fed to the calf for at least four weeks with the milk intake adjusted to the weight and health of the calf to provide the nutrients for maintenance and growth. The digestive system will not be mature enough before this time to handle sufficient quantities of dry feed for proper growth.

Milk Safety and Quality -- This is a seven-page review of Best Management Practices designed to facilitate consultation with your veterinarian or other dairy consultant. This manual provides a ten-step plan towards improving milk quality and a record keeping system for treated animals and drug use or disposal.

Milking Technique -- Process used to draw milk from the cows. The technique used should minimize structural and surface damage to the udder.

Mixed Origin Cattle -- Cattle from different operations or farms.

Modified Live Vaccine -- A vaccine that utilizes an attenuated (weakened) bacteria or virus to elicit an immune response.

Mycoplasma Bovis (M. Bovis) -- This organism is not exactly a bacterium; but clotting of milk, very high somatic cell count (10-25 million), abortion, pneumonia, joint swelling, and lameness are common symptoms.

Navel Dip -- The dipping of the umbilical cord of newborn calves into a disinfectant to prevent infection.

Necropsy -- The process of dissecting a dead animal to determine the cause of death. See also, posting.

Nipple Pre- and Post- Dip -- The process of sterilizing a teat before and after milking.

Open Heifers -- Heifers that did not become pregnant after breeding.

Outbreak -- Rapid increase in the amount of infection or disease in a population.

Over-The-Counter Drugs -- Drugs that can be purchased anywhere without a veterinarian's supervision.

Parasites -- Parasites are organisms whose survival depends on other organisms to grow, feed and live. Parasites live off dairy cows internally or externally. The most common external parasites are lice and mange. The most common internal parasites are intestinal roundworms (nematodes, brown stomach worms, and lungworms).

Parasites and Pests—Management for Profit -- This is an eight-page review of Best Management Practices designed to facilitate consultation with your veterinarian or other dairy consultant.

Pathogen(s) -- Any microorganism (bacterium or virus) that causes disease.

PCR -- Polymerase chain reaction. A DNA procedure used to rapidly identify bacteria and viruses based on unique DNA sequences.

Permanent Animal Identification -- A system of identification that cannot be removed or altered, such as branding, electronic implant and notching. For example, an electronic implant may be embedded in the lower leg of a dairy animal to provide individual recognition of the animal and the farm.

Persistently Infected (PI) -- An infection that cannot be completely removed from an animal. Clinical signs of infection reappear, usually when the animal is subjected to some form of stress such as cold, heat, and/or starvation. Infections reoccur when the animal can no longer keep the infection at bay.

PI3 -- Parainfluenza-3 is a virus that produces a benign infection of the lung. It belongs to the same family as BRSV and causes fibrinous pleuritis and pneumonia.

PIC -- Preliminary incubation count. A test run by incubating raw milk at 55 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 hours, then conducting a standard plate count. A high PIC can indicate unsanitary milk room conditions.

Post -- Signs that warn on-comers to keep out of biologically secured areas.

Posting -- The process of dissecting a dead animal to determine the cause of death. See also, necropsy.

Pre-Calving Orientation -- Bringing the heifer through the milking parlor process several times prior to freshening. This orientation reduces stress on the cow when she is ready to be milked.

Prepping for Milking -- Process of preparing for milking in which the cow begins to let down or release milk. Usually includes wiping the udder, pre-dipping, etc.

Prescription Drugs -- Drugs that the FDA has determined usage directions are suitable only for a veterinarian to follow. Prescription (Rx) drugs must contain a caution statement restricting the drug for use only with the advice of a veterinarian.

Production Testing Program -- A systematic weighing of milk produced and the analysis of quality over an amount of time such as a day or lactation period. The most prominent testing program is the Dairy Herd Improvement Association or DHIA.

Proliferation -- The increased growth rate of cells.

Prostoglandin -- A group of hormones with many functions, one of which is involved in ovulation that results in a heat cycle in dairy cattle

Puberty -- The period during which the secondary sex characteristics begin to develop and the capability of sexual reproduction is attained.

Quality Premium -- Cents paid by packers per pound of beef or by milk handlers per hundred-weight of milk over and above market price. The amount of quality premium depends on the safety and level of excellence of the product. This might include SCC count, bacteria count, protein, solids not fat, etc.

Quality Replacement Heifers—Growing Your Profits -- This is an eight-page review of Best Management Practices designed to facilitate consultation with your veterinarian or other dairy consultant.

Quality Standard -- Level of quality set by consumers. Includes guarantee of nutritional value, degree of safety, and other requirements before product (milk, dairy beef) can be sold.

Quarantine -- To isolate new calves, replacement heifers, or other animals to prevent touching, sharing truck space, feeders, waterers or even air space for 30 days or as mutually determined with your veterinarian or dairy consultant. This separation is implemented to prevent the spread of disease by potentially infected animals.

Record of Visitors -- A simple logging of who came to the farm at what time. This may help in the discovery of the contamination source when an outbreak occurs.

Replacement Heifer -- A female dairy animal which is added to the herd or takes the place of an existing older cow and produces a strong healthy calf at 24 months of age. A heifer brought into the operation can be a carrier of disease that could potentially infect the entire operation.

Respiratory disease/problems -- Any disease/symptom involving the respiratory system. Common cause is usually a primary viral infection with a secondary bacterial infection.

Rumen -- The first stomach of a ruminant, or cud-chewing animal; also called paunch.

Salmonella dublin -- A Salmonella strain originating in Dublin, Ireland.

Salmonella Organisms -- Gram negative bacteria closely related to E. coli. There are currently over 2,000 serotypes of Salmonella sp.

Same Equipment (change when cleaning) -- All equipment must be cleaned when exposed to different groups of animals and to prevent the buildup of bacteria.

Sanitation -- The process of removing filth which may harbor bacteria and viruses.

Scours or Diarrhea -- Diarrhea is a condition in which bowel movements are very frequent and loose. It can lead to weakness and dehydration of the animal.

Screening -- The process of detecting the presence of a disease on the farm.

Sell More Milk Per Cow -- A management goal on a dairy farm measured over a period of time such as one year and useful for obtaining credit, selecting herd sires, and other decisions.

Serotype -- Determination of antigens expressed by a bacteria or virus.

7% Tincture of Iodine Solution -- Dipping the navel with a strong solution of iodine is recommended. Seven percent solution is stronger than teat dip iodine. Also you can purchase other material; Gibidense is recommended. Buy 2% and dilute 1:7 with water.

Sire -- Male dairy animal. Female is the "dam." Sires are the source of semen used for artificial breeding. Sires are rated for a variety of traits such as calving ease.

Sleeves -- Disposable shoulder-length gloves that can be used when working within infected animals to prevent cross contamination.

Soil or Climate Induced Problems -- Alteration of feedstuff quality due to soil composition or climate.

Somatic Cell Count (SCC) -- The number of leucocytes (white blood cells) and body tissue cells found in a ml. of milk. Concentrations of somatic cells in excess of 300,000/ml. are generally considered indicative of mastitis in the herd. Milk from cows in late lactation or suffering from some form of udder infection or injury, or a milking machine malfunction, will contain an increased number of somatic cells.

Southern Blotting -- Process used to identify genes in bacteria or in a virus.

SPC -- Standard plate count. Number of visible bacterial colonies grown on an inoculated media.

Stagnant Water -- Sitting water that provides an environment for bacteria to grow.

Staph. aureus -- A mastitis pathogen which tends to cause damaging infection in developing mammary glands. If Staph. aureus is present in the milking herd, you may want to discuss with your veterinarian about vaccinating your heifers to boost their immunity and prevent infection.

Strategic Worming Practice Plan -- A plan to eradicate worms using knowledge of the life cycle of the worms, the climate of the area, and the periodic treatment of the animals.

Stray Voltage -- Electricity that results from poorly grounded utilities. Can cause tissue damage, discomfort to the cow, mastitis, and other production problems.

Strong Iodine -- An iodine/alcohol mixture used as a disinfectant.

Sub-Clinical Mastitis -- Type of mastitis characterized by high somatic cell counts, a normal or elevated body temperature, and milk samples that should test positive on culture.

Therapeutic Treatment for Coccidiosis -- Medication provided for treatment and prevention of the disease at times of high stress or introduction of new cattle. Most confinement operations medicate at the time of arrival in an effort to largely or entirely prevent outbreaks.

Touching -- Letting animals from different areas, pens or operations have physical contact.

Trauma/Stress -- Trauma is a physical wound or injury, or emotional stress producing a lasting effect on the animal. An animal can be stressed because of nutritional, environmental, emotional, and/or disease conditions. When an animal is stressed, there is a change in the intestinal microflora characterized by an increase in bacteria.

Trim the Hooves -- Unbalanced feet claws can cause uneven distribution of a heifer’s weight and eventually lead to lameness. Trimming of the feet prior to calving can reduce foot problems in first-lactation animals.

Type 1 BVD -- A virus which typically causes diarrhea, abortions, poor doing animals, and respiratory signs.

Type 2 BVD -- A virus which causes persistent infection such as a calf which will be infected for its entire life as a result of a pregnant heifer or cow passing on the virus.

Vaccination -- Process of stimulating a natural immune response to an infectious antigen community or population.

Vaccination Schedule -- A planned program of immunizations developed in consultation with your veterinarian for each age group of dairy animals to contain disease and reduce the effect of disease (any injection of vaccines should only be given in the neck).

Vacuum Stability -- A constant vacuum pressure should be maintained on all milking machinery to prevent udder damage, usually 11 to 12 inches of mercury even during peak milk flow.

Valid Veterinarian/ Client/ Patient Relationship -- (As defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association [AVMA].) "An appropriate veterinarian/client/patient relationship will exist when (1) the veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal(s) and the need for medical treatment, and the client (owner or other caretaker) has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian; and when (2) there is sufficient knowledge of the animal(s) by the veterinarian to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal(s). This means that the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal(s) by virtue of an examination of the animal(s) and/or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal(s) are kept; and when (3) the practicing veterinarian is readily available or has arranged for emergency coverage or follow-up in case of adverse reactions or failure of the regimen of therapy." A valid VCPR is mandatory if drugs are to be used in an "extra-label" manner on your farm. You need the benefit of a valid VCPR to make sure you are following the veterinarian's instructions properly.

Validated Free -- Some states have validation programs to rate herds on the degree of freedom from Johne’s and leukosis. Contact your veterinarian to see if these programs are available in your state.

Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) -- Therapeutic feed additive which can only be purchased and used in feed with a veterinarian's prescription. Feed containing a VFD is classified as a VFD feed.

Viral Disease -- Disease caused by a virus.

Virus -- An infectious particle that requires a host cell to survive and reproduce.

Vitamins A, D, E, and Selenium -- Naturally occurring vitamins and minerals commonly added to dairy rations.

Waste Milk -- Milk not marketed, some because of severe clotting, blood in milk or other abnormalities. Sometimes fed to calves to reduce costs. Transmission of disease through the feeding of waste milk is a very real concern, e.g., M. Bovis, Johne’s disease and bovine leukosis.

Weight Scale or Weight Tape -- A method to determine heifer performance by checking weight and wither height between weaning and breeding. If more than 20% fail to meet standard goals (see more information button), evaluate ration formulation and feed delivery.

Whole Milk -- Unprocessed milk (milk straight from the cow). Sometimes called raw whole milk.

Withhold/Withdrawal Time/ Period -- Time required after the last drug treatment to lower drug residues to non-volatile levels. Clinically, these are established with healthy animals and using label directions. Withdrawal times should be lengthened for non-healthy animals, when multiple drugs are being used, or when drugs are being used in an extra-label manner.

Written Strategic Vaccination Plan -- A plan to vaccinate dairy animals using knowledge of common periods when a disease is prevalent or when the animals are most susceptible to the disease. The plan normally includes several diseases such as BVD, Lepto, etc.