Achieving reproductive targets in artificially inseminated cattle herds relies on oestrus (heat) detection, which can be identified directly and indirectly from behavioural changes in cows. Increased herd size and reduced oestrus expression have been linked to suboptimal detection. This article reviews current knowledge of oestrus detection and highlights the opportunities for veterinary surgeons to become further involved in its management through training, monitoring and the identification of appropriate aids for oestrus detection.

Background: There has been much scrutiny of antimicrobial use in the livestock sector, since the O’Neill report, a 2015 government -commissioned review of antimicrobial resistance, called for the agriculture industry to reduce its use of antimicrobials.Aim of the article: This article outlines key herd health approaches to common diseases on dairy farms that will result in a decrease in antimicrobial use, with a focus on those interventions that are most likely to result in the biggest reductions.

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