Disease frequencies of tied zero-grazing dairy cows and of dairy cows on pasture during summer and tied during winter

Abstract

Disease frequencies of Swedish Red and White Breed (SRB) and Swedish Friesian Breed (SLB) in tied herds with zero-grazing management system and in tied herds with pasture periods are presented. Incidences are compared both with respect to season and between the two systems. Figures are given for accidents and nine different diseases. In zero-grazing cows no seasonal difference could be demonstrated except for a higher risk of ketosis and tramped teat during wintertime for SRB. Cows of both breeds kept on pasture had lower risks of dystocia, ketosis, mastitis and tramped test during this period, but an increased risk of accidents and inflammation of the hoof(s). SRB cows also had higher risks of retained placenta, parturient paresis and non-inflammatory diseases of the hoof(s) during pasture period. Comparison of year-round incidence in the two management systems revealed a higher risk of retained placenta in zero-grazing cows of both breeds and higher risk or parturient paresis in zero-grazing SRB cows. The risk of accidents was decreased in zero-grazing cows of both breeds. The relative risks of tramped teat, mastitis and diseases of the hoof(s) varied depending on the herd size distribution of the control group. Increased risk of mastitis in zero-grazing cows of both breeds and of tramped teat in zero-grazing SLB cows was found when comparing with cows from a group of mainly smaller herds with pasture feeding during summer. However, comparison with cows from a group of herds with the same herd size distribution as zero-grazing cows revealed decreased risk of tramped teat, mastitis and inflammation of the hoof(s) in zero-grazing SRB cows and decreased risk of diseases of the hoof(s) in zero-grazing SLB cows.