Dairy herd health-care program

The milk yield of cows has considerably increased in recent years, and one of its consequences has been an increased susceptibility to different diseases. This, in turn, has resulted in considerable economic losses in milk production. A dairy herd health-care program enhances animal health and thus increases profits from milk production. This article describes the principles of a dairy herd health-care program. It presents monitors of herd records and the organization of herd visits with particular references to reproduction control and nutrition, milk production, udder health, lameness and calf management. Indices for evaluating the health of dairy herds are listed and realistic goals defined. A herd health-care program requires close cooperation between a competent veterinary surgeon and a skilled farmer.