Monitoring performance in dairy health management

Abstract

In Dairy Health Management (DHM), the emphasis is placed on the examination and monitoring of the herd on a regular basis. This includes the analysis of animal health and production records to compare actual performance, and to initiate actions or new control methods to decrease losses and increase productivity. The physical collection of the data to monitor the herd is a major stumbling block in many DHM programs. There is a great diversity, both in the ability and willingness of dairy-men and veterinarians to keep records, and in the record-keeping systems on most dairy farms. However, a great wealth of data can be obtained from records already arriving at the farm from many different sources. This paper discusses the collection of this data into a format for monitoring Dairy Health Management. The data collection encompasses production, udder health, reproductive efficiency, disease conditions, culling rates, body conditions, culling rates, body condition scores, feeding management, feeding efficiency, housing and environment and calf management.