Often, once symptoms are detectable with the naked eye, it’s a sign that there may be underlying and maybe even urgent health issues that have needed addressing.
Here are five tips for keeping your herd healthy when it matters most.
Monitor for early detection
Monitoring your cows regularly allows you to spot any early signs of illness or discomfort, which can help prevent bigger problems down the line.
Symptoms like decreased appetite, lethargy, or changes in behaviour could be signs of an underlying issue.
Luckily, there are tools to help farmers detect transition diseases, such as ketosis and mastitis, even before calving. This makes managing the transition period a bit easier.
With 75 per cent of all adult cow diseases occurring in the first 30 days after calving, early intervention can make a huge difference.
Symptoms of ketosis include loss of appetite, weight loss, and a sweet-smelling breath, which can be difficult to detect early without a monitoring system.
Additionally, the early signs of mastitis, such as swelling, heat, or hardness in the udder, can be difficult to recognise, especially in large herds.
Provide the right nutrients
What your cows eat has a direct impact on their health. Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining a healthy, productive herd.
Ensure your cows have access to a well-balanced diet that meets their energy, protein and mineral needs. When cows are fed the right nutrients, their immune systems are stronger, and they are better equipped to fight off infections or diseases.
A common issue in dairy herds is a drop in eating and rumination, which is often caused by a negative energy balance, especially in cows that have recently calved or are recovering from illness. Make sure your cows are receiving enough energy during the dry period and early lactation.
There are nutrition monitors out there, designed to help you determine what your cows’ dietary needs are. That makes it easier to track ration changes and eating patterns on individual and group level, to make sure your herd gets what they need.
Keep it clean
Cleanliness plays a huge role in preventing a range of herd health problems, especially those related to the udder.
For housed herds, regularly clean barns, stalls and feeding areas, and ensure that cows have access to fresh, clean bedding.
Pay attention to sanitation in the dairy, as bacteria can easily enter through the udder during milking. A protocol for washing and disinfecting teats before and after milking can significantly reduce the risk of mastitis and other udder-related infections.
Less stress is best
Stress is one of the leading causes of health issues in dairy cows, affecting everything from milk production to immune function.
When cows are stressed, they are more susceptible to diseases, so it’s important to create a low-stress environment.
Provide plenty of space for your cows to move around, as overcrowding can lead to stress, which can negatively affect cow health. Try to keep your cows’ environment as consistent as possible to avoid unnecessary stress.
It’s all about teamwork
No matter how much you know about herd health management, there will always be times when you need expert advice.
Working closely with a team of experts and a qualified veterinarian is key to keeping your herd in top condition.
They can help you identify the root causes of health issues, and provide guidance on how to prevent or treat these conditions.
Experts can assist in the early detection of diseases, recommend vaccination schedules, and help implement herd health programs that suit your specific needs.
Cow monitoring systems can help keep your herd healthy. For more information, visit: www.cowmanager.com/australia
Provided by CowManager.
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