The Operation of herd fertility and health schemes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol1995no29p46-50Keywords:
cattle diseases, dairy herds, data collection, disease control, disease prevention, fertility, monitoringAbstract
A Fertility Scheme is one where regular visits are made, normally by the same veterinarian, to a herd where routine work is carried out.
Based on records drawn from either a hand kept or computerized recording scheme, the veterinarian inspects such cattle as those that have been served and now need rectal pregnancy diagnosis. The practitioner may also inspect cows for a range of other reasons, especially to carry out postnatal checks on animals not seen in heat, and those that have been repeatedly (but unsuccessfully) served.
At present in the U.K., no full Herd Health Schemes are carried out. As it is, relatively few Herd Fertility Schemes are operated. Why is this? What changes have occurred in the last 20 years that have been beneficial, and what is holding up future developments?
