Abstract
Herd health management is a method to optimize health, welfare and production in a population of dairy cows, through the systematic analysis of relevant data and through regular objective observations of the cows and their environment Industrialization of animal farming and increasing international market competition has led to selective breeding of high producing cows and consequence of this development, however, was higher susceptibility to disease. As a result of this, attention shifted from curing single animals to prevention of disease on herd level. Bio-security is a program used to prevent the introduction pathogens from external sources on farms, as well as the spread of such diseases once they have entered the farm. The monitoring is an essential part of programs to achieve and maintain a good udder health on dairy farms in the long term. It is necessary for routine evaluations of the herd health and performance status, the continuous verification of the effectiveness of actions taken to improve the herd status and, the early identification of emerging problems. Bovine teat condition score can be used to assess the effects of milking management, milking equipment or environment on teat tissue and the risk of new intramammary infections. Timely claw trimming can improve cow mobility (locomotion) and prevent lameness. Developing science-based recommendations for different aspects of the monitoring of the udder health on dairy farms, improving management practices and biosecurity are very important. Keywords: Bio-security, Dairy farms, Herd DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-1-09
Highlights
Over the past decades several changes have taken place in dairy farming
Industrialization of animal farming and increasing international competition has led to selective breeding of high producing cows
As a result of this, attention shifted from curing single animals to prevention of disease on herd level (LeBlanc et al, 2006)
Summary
Over the past decades several changes have taken place in dairy farming. Industrialization of animal farming and increasing international competition has led to selective breeding of high producing cows. Herd health is a method to optimize health, welfare and production in a population of dairy cows, through the systematic analysis of relevant data and through regular objective observations of the cows and their environment, such that informed, timely decisions are made to adjust and improve herd management over time (Green, 2012). This process is a continuous one, involving regular contact with the dairy farm staff and a methodical analysis of the farm data, so that all aspects of the health and welfare of the cattle are reviewed frequently. The aim of this paper is to give insight on current status of herd health on dairy farms by designed bio-security program and monitoring of the udder health
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