An unhealthy cow won’t perform to its potential

A proactive approach is vital as preventative measures are far more profitable than ‘ambulance at the bottom of the cliff’ type regimes.

There is no point having the newest grasses, best genetics or a top farm manager if the basics of animal health are not being adhered to.

An unhealthy cow will not perform to its potential and in the worst scenario may have poor quality of life.

Starting with the newborn calf, it is vital that the calf receives colostrum milk within the first hours to give it natural antibodies and protect it from scours. Calves need to be put into warm and dry shelter and have their navels sprayed with iodine spray.

It is important to feed the correct amount of milk per day and give access to meal and water to enhance rumen development. These animals also need to be observed regularly and any sick ones isolated.

Regular weighing will ensure that growth rate targets are being met. This is also the time when regular worm drenching and using 7 in 1 vaccines will protect the calf from many different diseases.

Weaning at the correct time will also mean that target liveweights will likely be met which will help in reproduction and production in the first year of milking.

There will be less chance of wastage in their first season enabling good genetic gain for the herd.

Vaccinations against leptospirosis will not only protect the cow but also all people who come in contact with the herd and should be done on yearly.

Trace element profiles from blood test and liver biopsies will mean that a treatment profile for your herd can be produced that will allow the right amounts of magnesium, calcium, selenium, copper and cobalt to be introduced to the cows. These can take many different forms and the most practical way of doing this can be discussed onfarm depending on facilities and level of deficit.

Remember every farm and herd will have different requirements and these may change on a yearly basis. It is important to monitor this at least annually.

Facial eczema is another debilitating disease that can cause high wastage. This is controlled with the use of zinc, as well as farm management techniques such as avoiding the high spore count areas and feeding out of supplements to dilute the impact of the pasture.  

Mastitis can be a very expensive disease and can lead to grading as well as the potential loss of some milking quarters (and death in the most severe cases). The correct treatment here is important and milk samples will help determine the best choice.

Teat spraying and the correct cup liners/vacuum in the shed will also contribute to controlling mastitis, as will good farm management techniques to avoid mud and the spreading of environment type ‘bugs’.

Good race maintenance and not ‘pushing’ cows will reduce the number of lame cows. Early intervention and treatment will mean that the chance of recovery increases. It is important that these cows do the minimum of walking necessary to reduce the stress on them.

In summary, there are numerous animal health issues that farmers need to be aware of and the timing of many of the preventative treatments becomes incredibly important.

Observation is key to finding sick cows and the earlier that treatment is applied the more the chance of success.

Farm management, farm facilities and farm staff all play a part in ensuring that our animals get the care they deserve and this will help reduce wastage and increase profitability.

Remember to get a tailor-made scenario for your farm and update this annually. 

There are many potential health issues for our stock and I have only touched on the main ones. Be proactive and if help is needed seek this quickly as early intervention increases the success of any treatment.

Our animals rely on our skill as farmers to protect them from injury and disease and in return they will give many years of productive return.