Veterinary herd health and production control on dairy farms II. Index list on milk production and udder health

Abstract

In a previous paper an introduction was presented to a veterinary herd health and production control program. This program consists of a basic system and a flexible system. The basic system is built up from a standard on-farm and program registration system and from farm visit activities. In the registration system four index lists play a key role. These index lists comprise all relevant farm aspects with regard to the efficiency of milk production, calf production and cow replacement. Problem analysis is performed by means of the flexible system which indicates to what extent action for problem solving is needed. This paper presents index list 1 on milk production performance and udder health. Both aspects are of crucial importance to the economic results achieved on the farm. The index figures in list 1 serve to signalize unwanted situations or problems in relation to the aspects mentioned on the other lists. Index figures are built up from data collected on the farm by both the farmer and the veterinarian, and they serve as the basis for further analysis, solving and prevention of problems. The development, significance and implementation of the index figures in list 1 are presented. Reference values are given where applicable.