CA02 - Production Diseases

Production Diseases

What is the #1 reason for culling in UK dairy herds?

Infertility or FTC (failure to conceive)

What is the #2 reason for culling in UK dairy herds?

Mastitis 

What is the overall culling rate in UK dairy herds?

20-24%

What is the current average lifespan of dairy cows in the UK (# of lactations)?

3.04 lactations

What are the two different types of culls?

Forced/involuntary - death, disease, poor repro performance, infertility, mastitis, lameness

OR

Selected/voluntary - poor milk yield, old age, poor conformation, temperament, etc

What is the concept of “Production diseases?”

• They are all associated with the peri-parturient cow, and in particular the metabolic stress of early lactation

• They all have a multifactorial aetiology

• They may not be seen as spectacular individual cases, and the farmer may be unaware of the extent of the problem

• Observed clinical cases are usually only the “tip of the iceberg”

• They are inter-related, and can increase susceptibility to each other. (eg. a cow with milk fever will be more susceptible to mastitis)

• They all cost money

What are some direct costs associated with disease in dairy cows?

1. Tx cost (drugs)

2. Vet cost (vet’s time)

3. Labour costs (Herdsman’s time)

4. Discarded milk (antibiotic withdrawal)

5. Reduction in milk yield

6. Mortality

What are some indirect costs associated with disease in dairy cows?

1. Increased culling rate

2. Possible risk of fatality 

3. Susceptibility to other diseases

4. Extended calving interval 

5. Extra services per conception

About how much £££ does a cull cow cost a farmer?

Figures in 2012 for the cost of a cull cow range from £1,328 for a live cull at the end of lactation, to £3,307 for a fatality in early lactation

A farmer will currently receive approximately £600 from the sale of a cull cow. However, the cost of a replacement heifer is £2,000 on average in the UK. Other costs that must be taken into account include the lower milk yield from a heifer (1400 litres for the subsequent lactation, equating to £322) and the smaller calf from a heifer (£8)

About how much £££ does a dead cow cost a farmer?

The cost of a fatality is even greater, and has been calculated to cost over £3,000. This is because the farmer will not receive any income from the dead cow, and will pay to get her removed

What is the target calving interval for the average dairy herd in the UK?

365 days

What is the £££ cost of an extra day on the calving interval for dairy farmers?

£4/day

What are the four major economic costs of clinical mastitis to a farmer?

1. Treatment costs

2. Cost of discarded milk - antibiotic withdrawal

3. Lower milk yields

4. Higher culling rate

What is the average £££ cost of a case of clinical mastitis?

£201.20

Ranges from £168.77 for a mild case to £1701.35 for a fatal case

What are the four major economic costs of lameness to a dairy farmer?

1. Poorer fertility 

2. Higher culling rate

3. Lower milk yields

4. Predisposition to other diseases 

What is the average £££ cost of a case of lameness in dairy cattle?

£178.22 

Ranges from £81.48 for a case of interdigital lameness to £324.17 for a solar ulcer

What is the average £££ cost of a case of milk fever in dairy cattle?

£209.62

Can be £40.42 if it responds to farmer’s treatment alone