Veterinary herd health and production control on dairy farms II. Index list on milk production and udder health

In a previous paper an introduction was presented to a veterinary herd health and production control program. This program consists of a basic system and a flexible system. The basic system is built up from a standard on-farm and program registration system and from farm visit activities. In the registration system four index lists play a key role. These index lists comprise all relevant farm aspects with regard to the efficiency of milk production, calf production and cow replacement. Problem analysis is performed by means of the flexible system which indicates to what extent action for problem solving is needed.This paper presents index list 1 on milk production performance and udder health. Both aspects are of crucial importance to the economic results achieved on the farm. The index figures in list 1 serve to signalize unwanted situations or problems in relation to the aspects mentioned on the other lists. Index figures are built up from data collected on the farm by both the farmer and the veterinarian, and they serve as the basis for further analysis, solving and prevention of problems.The development, significance and implementation of the index figures in list 1 are presented. Reference values are given where applicable.     

Veterinary herd health and production control on dairy farms III. Index list on reproduction and lameless

In a previous paper an introduction was presented to a veterinary herd health and production control program consists of a coupled basic system and a flexible system. The basic system is built up from farm visit activities and a standard registration system. In the latter, four index lists play a key role. These index lists cover all relevant farm aspects with regard to the efficiency of milk production, calf production and cow replacement. Index figures are built up or calculated from data collected by both the farmer and the veterinarian. Their function is to signalize unwanted situations or problems at an early stage and to serve as basic information for analysis, solving and prevention of problems. Problem analysis is performed by means of the flexible system, which indicates to what extent actions are needed.After a previous paper concerning index list 1 on milk production and udder health, this paper presents index list 2 on reproduction and lamenes. Both farm aspects are related to the economic results achieved on the farm. The development, significance and implementation of the index figures in list 2 are presented. Relationships with figures in other index lists are discussed. Reference values are given where applicable.     

Veterinary herd health and production service on dairy farms IV. Index list on calf rearing and cow culling

The Herd Health and Production Service program for use in veterinary dairy practice is comprised of a basic and a flexible system. The basic system is a uniform system of data recording, standard veterinary activities and problem detection. In problem detection 4 index lists play a key role. The 4 comprise of the parameters or index figures that are relevant in monitoring the efficiency of milk production, calf rearing and cow replacement. Data on milk production, health status and reproduction of both individual animals and the herd are collected by the farmer and the veterinarian and transformed into index figures.This paper introduces index list “3”, with index figures for the monitoring of calf rearing and cow culling as parts of a herd health program. The development, implementation and significance of the index figures are presented. The index figures serve to detect unsatisfactory farm situations or problems in calf rearing and in cow culling. They trigger further investigation and aid the solution to and prevention of problems. Relationships with farm parameters mentioned in other index lists are also considered. Objectives and reference values where applicable are provided.     

Veterinary herd health and production service on dairy farms V. Index list on metabolic/nutritional diseases,body condition score and ration composition

The Herd Health and Production Service program for use in veterinary dairy practice, introduced here, is comprised of a basic system and a flexible system. The basic system is a uniform system of data recording, standard veterinary activities and problem detection. In this system 4 index lists play a key role. These 4 lists consist of the parameters or index figures which are relevant to the efficiency of milk production, calf production and cow replacement. Data on milk production, health status and reproduction of both the herd and individual cows are collected by the farmer and the veterinarian, and translated into index figures.This paper introduces List “4” with index figures for the control of nutritional disorders, body condition and ration formulation. The index figures aid in the detection of unsatisfactory situations at early stages. They form the basis for further analysis, remedial action and prevention of problems. The development, significance and implementation of the index figures are presented. Relationships with index figures from other lists are shown. Objectives and reference values for monitoring nutritional efficiency are given where applicable.     

A three year herd health and management program on thirty Dutch dairy farms. IV. Special aspects

The ultimate objective of a herd health and management program must be optimal farm net profit. Maximal profit can be expected by carrying out a program based on a whole farm approach. A simple and well-ordered registration system is one of the most important aspects for the success of a program. Experiences with the different registration systems of the program are discussed. In the future it is desirable to process the registered data by computer. The farmer should know the possibilities of the program in advance and must be motivated to carry out advice. When giving advice veterinarians have to take into account the specific circumstances on each farm and the objectives of the farmer. The veterinarian also has to be well-informed about the factors which influence the farm net profit and to this end cooperation with other experts is necessary. In this trial close cooperation between the veterinarian and agricultural adviser were seen as a very positive feature of the program. The program must be carried out at regular times in a fixed sequence, which covers complete herd health and farm management. The frequency of farm visits depends on the problems, farm size and the season. On average one visit per month will be sufficient for farms up to 100 dairy cows. Cooperation between farmer and veterinarian is one of the essential aspects. Frequent evaluation is very stimulating. The benefits of a herd health and management program were found to be substantial in this trial. Therefore the costs of the program can be considered by the farmer to be a sound investment.     

Practitioner Use and Graphical Display of Dairy Cow Fertility Records to Give the Farmer/Herdsman Incentives to Improve Efficiency and Output

Recording of fertility and health data on dairy farms is an important function involving the farmer, stockman and veterinarian. The farmer and stockman must be given simple incentives to maximise farm output. The role of the DAISY computer recording system as used in the United Kingdom is discussed and the graphical display of data retrieved from both DAISY and Excel spreadsheets is demonstrated in relation to herd fertility, health and body condition score, and evaluated.     

VAMPP: a veterinary automated management and production control programme for dairy farms (the application of MUMPS for data processing)

The application of MUMPS in a computerised recording system for herd health and production control on dairy farms is reviewed. MUMPS is an interactive multi-user database management system, which is both an operating system and a high level computer language. In this system, coding of veterinary and management events prior to data entry is not needed. Programmes and data structure can easily be adapted and extended due to the features of MUMPS. The system for dairy farms allows epidemiological analyses, due to the flexibility of the programme. The programme is used by farmers and veterinary surgeons by means of terminals linked to a central computer. The system provides action lists for farmers and veterinary surgeons; the information on these lists is presented in a multidisciplinary way. Several herd reports and analyses, including frequency distributions and graphs, are given. These reports enable the investigation of cross-relations between farm aspects, and aid in the detection of problem areas.     

Official veterinary supervision of zoos--experiences in Brandenburg

Based on the law of animal welfare and on the EU-rule about keeping of wild animals in zoological gardens 15 zoological gardens in Brandenburg were inspected by a temporary team consisting of one veterinarian from the state office of feeds and agriculture, the local authorized veterinarian and one director of the zoogardens. Data of every zoological garden at first were recorded by special lists of queries. So it was possible to estimate the keeping conditions and to realize deficiencies and the main problems. During the local inspection these data were controlled and the structure of keeping units as well as the conditions and behaviour of the animals were evaluated. Every unit was evaluated taking into consideration all points of view. If necessary proposals for improvements were made which were to enforce by the local authority. Furthermore the documentation and the economic areas were inspected. The number of kept species and animals was relatively low. Only two zoological gardens were to classify as mean ones. The majority of the fences and aviaries corresponded with the minimal demands of the today rules resp. was larger in the dimension and space. There were very nice keeping units, but also some deficiently in the structure or in the quality of the ground. By some photographs positive and negative examples are demonstrated. The feeding and also the veterinary service were on high level. The team found out that staffs of the zoogardens had a positive position to animal welfare. Step by step they improved the keeping conditions. The central inspection by a multi-professional team was estimated positively and should be repeated in certain intervals. The used lists of queries were suitable. The valid rules and guide lines should be revised in near future.     

From veterinarian to quality control manager. What is going to change in the Netherlands for the practicing large animal veterinarian under influence of the White Paper about food safety?

The work of farm animal practitioners will change in the coming years as a result of the White Paper on food safety. Both government and the Royal Veterinary Association of the Netherlands are working on an accreditation system for veterinarians. The veterinary practitioner is a link in the chain to achieve safe products. Where in the past emphasis was on the individual animal, it will now be on the herd or flock. The veterinarian will officially determine the health status of the farm, which in turn will play a role in the inspection procedures at the slaughterhouse. This form of farm management will become compulsory for all stockholders within the framework of the Veterinary Network for Supervision. In turn, these developments will affect the veterinary medicine curriculum. New subjects such as quality management will become increasingly important.     

AAFP and ISFM feline-friendly nursing care guidelines

NURSING CARE: The term nursing care means different things to different people. The authors of these AAFP and ISFM Feline-Friendly Nursing Care Guidelines define nursing care as any interaction between the cat and the veterinary team (veterinarian, technician or nurse, receptionist or other support staff) in the clinic, or between the cat and its owner at home, that promotes wellness or recovery from illness or injury and addresses the patient's physical and emotional wellbeing. Nursing care also helps the sick or convalescing cat engage in activities that it would be unable to perform without help. GUIDELINES RATIONALE: The purpose of the Guidelines is to help all members of the veterinary team understand the basic concepts of nursing care, both in the clinic and at home. This includes methods for keeping the patient warm, comfortable, well nourished, clean and groomed. The Guidelines provide numerous practical tips gleaned from the authors' many years of clinical experience and encourage veterinary team members to look at feline nursing care in ways they previously may not have considered. OVERARCHING GOAL: The primary goal of feline-friendly nursing care is to make the cat feel safe and secure throughout its medical experience.     

Animal health in organic agriculture: new guidelines and perspectives for food animal practitioners

In the last decade, the organic agriculture in Switzerland has been substantially increased due to the interest of consumer and financial incentives of the federation. Ruminants take directly or indirectly the largest part from grassland used within the organic managed surfaces. As the contacts between veterinary practice and organic agriculture has increased, the potential for veterinary activity in this area has developed considerably. The organic agriculture guidelines stipulate that all the preventive measures should be taken in feeding, keeping and breeding to insure animal health safety. This requires veterinary services for herd management. The organic status of a farm affects veterinary practice also in the form of alternative therapy/drugs administration and measures like dehorning and tail-docking. An important point in organic managed herds requests that treatment of animals should depend on alternative medical preparations or procedures based on veterinarian's experience and also on the therapeutic effect on the animal species concerned as well as on the disease. However, there are no restrictions on the veterinarian to use registered drugs as long as no alternative therapy, according to experience and possible success, is available to treat the animals. The prophylactic administration of allopathic veterinary drugs is not permissible. Further features in organic farms regarding the use of drugs are the keeping of withholding/withdrawal time, the documentation and the treatment frequency tolerated by organic marketing. Despite the above measures, the animal health has a priority regardless of its organic status. Although management of organic farms represent a unique responsibility, there are still obvious deficits in the education of veterinary practitioners for this new situation. However, in the future the extension of veterinary activity to include the alternative medical therapy should be regarded for the practitioner as a challenge and an opportunity at the same time.     

Opinions and practices of veterinarians and dairy farmers towards herd health management in the UK

The objective was to compare farm veterinary surgeons' and dairy farmers' opinions on herd health plans and herd health and production management with the aim of discovering and better understanding the differences. Two comparable questionnaires, one for farm veterinarians and one for dairy farmers, were distributed throughout the UK. While listing the 'major roles' of the veterinarian on the farm, veterinarians considered 'optimising milk production', 'decreasing overall cost' and 'being an independent adviser' as important roles, but these were not seem to be perceived as such by the farmers. In addition, when presenting themselves to clients, veterinarians seemed to favour the 'friend of the farmer' approach; a much smaller proportion of farmers seemed to prefer this approach. The majority of farm respondents (98 of 121; 81 per cent) valued the discussions with their veterinarian, and it was apparent from the relatively small proportion of veterinarians instigating a discussion on farm (33 of 125; 26 per cent) that there is the opportunity for a more proactive approach from veterinarians. The study underlines that 'demonstrating cost-effectiveness' is still a main concern for veterinarians and farmers and identifies areas that can be improved by more training and effective communication.     

Index Lists provided by the VAMPP computer programme for dairy herd health and production control. III. Interpretation and analysis of data on Index List 3

In a series of four papers computerized herd reports for dairy herd health and production control purposes, the Index Lists, are presented. This third paper deals with Index List 3 on youngstock rearing and cow culling. The information from this list is suitable for monitoring rearing efficiency and culling policy in a veterinary herd health and production control programme, especially when used in combination with information from the other index lists. Methods for interpretation and evaluation of the data are provided. It is demonstrated how prompt computerized analysis of current information is used to detect deviations in index figures and to advise the farmer.     

Reassessment of the herd consultation in facilities with accumulated abortions in cattle

One hundred and ninety-eight dairy herds in which an abortion problem had been investigated by laboratory examination alone or in conjunction with a farm visit were reassessed via a questionnaire at least 1 year after the initial investigation. The overall response rate to the questionnaire was 78%, but more owners responded after a farm visit. One hundred and twenty-five questionnaires (63%) could be evaluated. Significantly more (p = 0.01) complete or tentative diagnoses were made in herds that were visited. The abortion problem had resolved in 88%, 79% and 88% of herds with a complete, a tentative and no diagnosis, respectively. In 65% of herds, the suggested control measures were followed by the attending veterinarian or the owner. Resolution of the abortion problem was more common in herds in which the proposed control measures were followed, in herds in which a complete diagnosis had been made, and in herds that had been visited during the initial investigation. The success in resolving the abortion problem, that could be attributed to the initial investigation, was 21% when a complete diagnosis had been made and 11% when only a tentative diagnosis had been made. Most (67%) herd owners would favour an accompanying farm visit, as opposed to laboratory examinations alone, if another abortion problem occurred, but only if a considerable portion of the cost could be deferred.     

The potential for improving welfare standards and productivity in United Kingdom sheep flocks using veterinary flock health plans

Data from industry sources detailing variable costs in 2003 revealed that the average farmer keeping 1000 lowland ewes in the United Kingdom spent 3500 UK pounds annually on veterinary fees and medicines. Despite such expenditure, psoroptic mange and cutaneous myiasis are common in the UK, resistance to one or more anthelmintic group is not only common but increasing in frequency and distribution, and abortion outbreaks caused by Toxoplasma gondii and Chlamydophila abortus are frequently reported by veterinary laboratories. Welfare concerns also arise from farmers' intransigence towards tail docking and castration in lambs (mutilations), reported market forces necessitating long distance road transportation to slaughter plants, and an unwillingness to employ veterinary surgeons for obstetrical problems. The spread of sheep scab in the UK over the past decade illustrates the failure of flock owners to effect rudimentary biosecurity and disease control measures. A first step towards improving the health and welfare of sheep would be the immediate implementation of basic good husbandry practices, including ectoparasiticide treatment for sheep scab eradication, prophylaxis for cutaneous myiasis in selected lambs, and appropriate vaccination strategies for clostridial diseases and certain abortion agents. There would also be money from within current farm expenditure to provide veterinary attention for obstetrical problems affecting up to 2% of ewes per annum. Planned use of ecto- and endoparasiticides is urgently needed to maintain the efficacy of these unique drugs.     

Risks associated with preweaning mortality in 855 litters on 39 commercial outdoor pig farms in England

A prospective longitudinal study was carried out on 39 outdoor breeding pig farms in England in 2003 and 2004 to investigate the risks associated with mortality in liveborn preweaning piglets. Researchers visited each farm and completed a questionnaire with the farmer and made observations of the paddocks, huts and pigs. The farmer recorded the number of piglets born alive and stillborn, fostered on and off and the number of piglets that died before weaning for 20 litters born after the visit. Data were analysed from a cohort of 9424 liveborn piglets from 855 litters. Overall 1274 liveborn piglets (13.5%) died before weaning. A mixed effect binomial model was used to investigate the associations between preweaning mortality and farm and litter level factors, controlling for litter size and number of piglets stillborn and fostered. Increased risk of mortality was associated with fostering piglets over 24 h of age, organic certification or membership of an assurance scheme with higher welfare standards, farmer's perception that there was a problem with pest birds, use of medication to treat coccidiosis and presence of lame sows on the farm. Reduced mortality was associated with insulated farrowing huts and door flaps, women working on the farm and the farmer reporting a problem with foxes.     

Associations of veterinary services and farmer characteristics with the prevalences of brucellosis and border disease in small ruminants in Spain

We investigated the farm factors associated with the prevalences of brucellosis and border disease (BD) in small-ruminant herds in the Madrid region of Spain. These infections were used as models of diseases of well-known and totally unknown distribution, respectively, to assess the association between the perception of the importance of a given disease on the relative contributions of veterinary services and the farmer's attitudes to its prevention. Sera, farming-management information and data concerning veterinary assistance and farmer characteristics were collected from 60 sheep or goat herds. The overall sero-prevalence of brucellosis was 5.7% (complement fixation) and for BD was 17.9% (ELISA test). The relationship between sero-positivity and the variables in the questionnaire was assessed by multivariable analysis using random-effects logistic-normal regression. ‘Availability of veterinary services' was a major protective factor for brucellosis. In contrast, no association with veterinary services was observed for BD, whereas ‘membership in a farmers' organization' (a variable associated with good farming practice and animal care) was a protective factor. ‘Membership of a farmers' organisation' and two other farmer variables indicative of good husbandry (‘youth' and ‘schooling') were associated with a lower sero-prevalence of brucellosis in univariable analysis but they did not remain significant in the multivariable model. Our observations suggest that veterinary-activity variables predominate over non-specific protective farm factors related to good husbandry in the case the disease is subject to disease surveillance. This underscores the importance of organized control programs for veterinary services to be effective in terms of animal disease prevention.     

A three year herd health and management program on thirty Dutch dairy farms. I. Objectives, methods and main results

A herd health and management program was carried out from May 1974 to May 1977 on thirty Dutch dairy farms which did not have specific herd or management problems. The number of cows per farm varied between 40 and 160. There was a control group of thirty-one comparable farms. The farms were visited every six weeks by the veterinarian of the Animal Health Service Institute, the local agricultural adviser of the NAAS and the local veterinarian. The aim of the program was a whole farm approach. The program had a mainly advisory character and it was up to the farmer to follow the advice given, which was based on the theoretically optimal solution but adjusted to the farm situation. The basis of the administration of herd health was the Herd Fertility Chart. Farm inspection was by detailed observation. The program was primarily practical, and could be carried out by a well-trained local veterinarian. The data of the first (preparatory) year were compared with the results of the following two years. The improvement in income feedcosts margin on the program farms exceeded that on control farms by Dfl. 176 per cow (therefore Dfl. 460 per ha. and Dfl. 12,535 per man). Factor Analysis showed that the herd health and management program influenced especially data concerning fertility. However this did not affect the income feedcosts margin per cow. The program also had an important influence on culling due to health problems and on feedcosts per cow, both of which considerably affected the income feedcosts margin per man.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

论兽医科技进步与公共卫生安全

作者从兽医学的基本概念入手，综述了医学科技影响下的兽医科技进步状况，分析了随着医学科技进步而发展的兽医科学技术与公共卫生的关系，论证了兽医科技进步对公共卫生安全存在的优势和隐患。并对构建和谐的兽医科技进步与公共卫生关系进行了展望。     

Aggressive clients in Dutch veterinary practice

Aggressive clients seem to be becoming more common. This article describes a study in which questionnaires on client behaviour were sent to veterinary assistants and veterinarians in randomly selected practices in the Netherlands. Results showed that 26.4% of the veterinarians and 29.3% of the assistants had experienced aggressive clients in the last year. Age, experience, and sex of the veterinarian or assistant did not influence the frequency with which aggressive clients were encountered. The same was true for the type of veterinary practice (companion animals, farm animals, horses, etc). The risk of encountering aggressive clients was higher among practices in large towns and in practices with a small turnover Of the veterinarians who had encountered aggressive clients at least once in their career, 31% has taken some kind of action after the aggressive encounter Nearly a quarter (24.9%) of veterinary practices have adopted a Risk Inventarization and Evaluation (RI&E) approach to preventing client aggression and 26.6% of practices have adopted another approach. While veterinarians tend not to consider aggression a big problem, they are often open to the suggestion that more attention should be paid to aggression in veterinary practice.