Using a Herd Health Monitoring System in the Assessment of Welfare

Abstract

A herd health monitoring system was implemented on 44 dairy farms over the course of one year. Farm managers recorded the incidence of disease and production data. The quality of the data obtained, and the acceptance of the system by the farmers, was then evaluated. Farms were visited during the winter housing period so that selected parameters of animal welfare on each farm could be described. The type of housing system and management practices were recorded. All cows were briefly examined. Their skin was evaluated for cleanliness, loss of hair and injuries. Obvious defects in claw health, injuries at the joints and tail injuries were recorded. The most useful of the parameters for welfare examined in this study were injuries at the joints and skin injuries. With little additional effort, herd health monitoring can also be used to gather information on the welfare status of the herd.