"Production diseases" as evidence in welfare inspections of dairy cattle: Review

Abstract

This article aims to discuss, within the scope of domestic and international literature, the medical-legal and forensic basis for evidence of “production diseases” as an aid in the welfare inspections of dairy cattle. The involvement of the veterinarian in forensic expertise is not recent. In Brazil, veterinary expertise has evolved and is now being applied in issues related to animal health, public health, consumer, wildlife and environmental protection. The medicine of dairy cattle production encompasses technical-scientific knowledge in multiple areas of veterinary science and the milk production chain. In recent years, dairy cows have suffered constant pressure and genetic and management changes in order to maximize production. In this context, “production diseases” stand out, which are characterized by an inconsistent level of production that mainly compromise the quality of life of dairy cows and cause an economic impact. They are metabolic disorders characteristic of a group of farm animals caused by selection and management pressure, with nutritional imbalance in their biotransformation. When the metabolic disorder affects the individual, it is understood as a metabolic disease and when it affects the herd, it has been attributed the term “production disease.” The dairy cow transition period is comprised within the interval of three weeks before and after calving and during this period, 70% of the occurrence of these diseases prevails, in which drastic changes take place in the nutritional, metabolic, physiological and behavioral status, preparing the animal for a new pregnancy and partum. Of these diseases, the metabolic ones cause high morbidity and mortality and represent great importance in intensive systems with the application of modern technologies, requiring the use of rigorous prevention measures, especially in the pre- and post-partum periods. The clinical evaluation of herds as a production problem can be carried out through clinical examinations and clinical analyzes of the metabolic profile. The system of raising high-yielding cows when it does not meet nutritional and management requirements can trigger metabolic and infectious diseases, culling and even death, in addition to causing economic losses and compromising well-being and health. The well-being and occurrences of maltreatment due to negligence, malpractice and recklessness can be assessed by medical and veterinary expertise and generate important evidence in legal actions.