Animal Health Challenge Dairy
Animal Health Challenge for Dairy Farmers will enhance your business performance
Background.
Animal health is a major issue in dairy herds with approximately 50 percent of cows in Northern Ireland being culled for infertility, mastitis and lameness. Infertility is dealt with specifically in the Dairy Herd Fertility Challenge, but the aim of this Challenge is to focus on mastitis and lameness that are together estimated to cost the Northern Ireland dairy industry approximately £30 million per year in both direct and indirect costs. Other major disease issues facing the Northern Ireland dairy industry include BVD, IBR, leptospirosis and Johnes, all of which have associated economic costs that are difficult to quantify at present. Aim.
To help enhance your business performance by improving the health and welfare of livestock in your herd through planned health management programmes.
Benefits to your business.
Taking part will help you:
- Reduce bulk somatic cell counts (SCC) of more than 150,000 by 10 percent.
- Reduce the incidence of recorded cases of cow lameness by at least 15 percent.
- Implement an effective health plan, including vaccinations, for infectious diseases.
- Understand the importance of on-farm biosecurity.
What is involved?
This Challenge focuses on key areas of dairy cow health and covers the following five topics:
- Mastitis
- Lameness
- Transition cow and calf health including metabolic diseases around time of calving and scour and pneumonia in calves
- Herd diseases such as BVD, IBR, leptospirosis and Johnes
- Biosecurity
Local group meetings will help you learn from others whilst also receiving support from your local Dairying Development Adviser and advice from veterinary practitioners. There will be visits to farms to demonstrate best practice, promote a proactive approach to veterinary medicine and help you identify possible improvements on your farm. On completion, there is an opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification.
How do I find out more?
If you would like more information on any of the Challenges please contact Challenge Administration:
or contact your local Development Adviser
