Herd health status and management practices on 16 Irish suckler beef farms

Abstract

BackgroundThere have been few studies published internationally which document herd health management practices in suckler beef herds and no published Irish studies. The study objective was to document herd health status and management practices on sixteen Irish suckler beef herds over a two year period (2009–2010). The farms used in the study were part of the Teagasc BETTER farm beef programme. The mean (s.d.) herd size, stocking rate and farm size was 68 cows (27.6), 2.0 LU/ha (0.3) and 64.3 (21.6) adjusted hectares, respectively. Two questionnaires were designed; 1) a farmer questionnaire to collect information on farm background and current herd health control practices and 2) a veterinary questionnaire to collect information on the extent of animal health advice given by veterinarians to their clients and identification of any on-farm herd health issues.ResultsDystocia, calf pneumonia, and calf diarrhoea, in that order, were identified as the primary herd health issues in these Irish suckler beef herds. In addition, substantial deficiencies in biosecurity practices were also identified on these farms.ConclusionsThe findings of this study may serve as the focus for future research in animal health management practices in Irish suckler beef herds.

Disease screening profiles and colostrum management practices on 16 Irish suckler beef farms

“…In a previous study on these farms [ 1 ], we reported that, on average, 70 cattle were purchased per farm over a two year period (2009–2010). This was a high level of purchasing given that the mean herd size in 2010 was 68 cows.…”

“…A key component of profitable suckler beef production is calf output. In Ireland, a target of 0.95 calves weaned per female mated is the desired production goal [ 1 ]. Thus, any factors affecting calf output either directly through increased calf mortality, reduced calf performance or indirectly through reduced herd reproductive performance will affect both farm profitability and sustainability.…”

“…In the case of rumen fluke, the prevalence of infection in Irish cattle appears to be on the increase [ 19 , 20 ]. However, we have limited information on the prevalence of infection in Irish beef herds [ 1 , 20 ]. Faecal samples were analysed for the presence of paramphistome eggs at regular intervals over a 15 month period in one beef herd in the south east of the country [ 20 ].…”

“…The objective of this study was to determine the following; 1) the animal- and herd-level prevalence of BVD virus-positive cattle and any potential changes in expenditure on antibiotics due to the presence of persistently infected (PI) animals on a farm, 2) to document the colostrum management practices and their effects on the incidence of adequate passive transfer in calves and 3) the prevalence of gastrointestinal and hepatic helminth infections in cattle on farms participating in the BETTER farm beef technology programme ( http://www.teagasc.ie/advisory/better_farms/beef/ ) [ 1 ].…”

Production and Health Management from Grazing to Confinement Systems of Largest Dairy Bovine Farms in Azores: A Farmers’ Perspective

“…The questionnaire addressed herd health management issues and major health problems observed during 2020 by farmers, as a modified version of the questionnaire used in a previous study [ 30 ]. Our questionnaire was completed by a preliminary assessment of management practices occurring in Azorean farms.…”