The Changing Pattern of Health Problems Since the Introduction of Milk Quotas

Abstract

During the past 30 years the UK dairy industry has undergone many changes. Among the more dramatic has been the marked increase in milk production from individual cows, whereas the number of dairy herds in the country has decreased significantly and the size of the herds has increased accordingly. As a result before the introduction of milk quotas in 1984 there were nearly the same number of cows producing more milk on a smaller number of more intensively farmed units.

Milk quotas have resulted on marked changes in the husbandry practices in many farms. Herd numbers are continuing to drop but cow numbers are also falling. The Dairy Herd Health and Productivity Service (DHHPS) (5) which over the past 15 years has involved some 300 veterinary practices and over 1000 dairy farms throughout the UK has provided regular information on disease occurrence and on the adequacy of nutrition and management in relation to health and productivity.