Publication Database

Impact of veterinary herd health management on German dairy farms:
effect of participation on farm performance (2022)

Art

Zeitschriftenartikel / wissenschaftlicher Beitrag

Autoren

Ries, Jenny (WE 16)

Jensen, Katharina Charlotte (WE 16)

Müller, Kerstin Elisabeth (WE 18)

Thöne-Reineke, Christa (WE 11)

Merle, Roswitha (WE 16)

Quelle

Frontiers in veterinary science : FVETS

Bandzählung: 9

Seiten: Article 841405

ISSN: 2297-1769

Sprache

Englisch

Verweise

URL (Volltext): https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.841405/full

DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.841405

Pubmed: 35464365

Kontakt

Institut für Tierschutz, Tierverhalten und Versuchstierkunde

Königsweg 67
14163 Berlin
+49 30 838 61146
tierschutz@vetmed.fu-berlin.de

Abstract / Zusammenfassung

German dairy farming has intensified markedly in recent years, and the demand for Veterinary Herd Health Management (VHHM) is rising. To protect farms from epidemics, ensure food safety, and prevent developing of antibiotic resistance, VHHM has been anchored in EU law since April 2021. Via an online survey, distributed by different farmers' organizations, dairy farmers were asked about the cooperation with their veterinarian. The aim was to evaluate farm performance as a function of participation in VHHM. From 216 analyzed questionnaires, 106 respondents participated in VHHM. Results showed that farmers who make use of VHHM and consult their veterinarian in decision-making frequently have the highest 305-day milk yield (305dMY), the lowest bulk tank somatic cell counts, and the lowest age at first calving (AFC). However, these farmers tended to have higher replacement rates and a higher mortality of cows in the period up to 60 days in milk (MORT60DIM). Furthermore, respondents who defined VHHM as “evaluation of herd data, strategic planning” had the highest 305dMY compared with those who defined VHHM through one of the different options given (“pregnancy checks and support in reproduction”/“problem solving”). In the multifactorial regression model, VHHM participating farms had a 660-kg higher 305dMY and 1 month less in AFC, compared with farms not participating in VHHM. However, within the VHHM participants, no association between VHHM practices and performance parameters was found. Further research is needed, to find out if tailored advice of the VHHM approach may show effect herein.