integrated integrated veterinary veterinary herd health management

IntegratedIntegrated veterinaryveterinary herdherd healthhealth

management as the basis for management as the basis for

sustainablesustainable animal production animal production

((dairydairy herdherd healthhealth as an as an exampleexample))

Faculteit

Diergeneeskunde

((dairydairy herdherd healthhealth as an as an exampleexample))

Prof. dr. G. OpsomerFaculty of Veterinary Medicine

Ghent University.

11

Developments In FarmingDevelopments In Farming

More free trade and competition in farm products More free trade and competition in farm products

Industrialization of farmingIndustrialization of farming

-- Animals in large unitsAnimals in large units

-- Minimization of investment costs for animal Minimization of investment costs for animal -- Minimization of investment costs for animal Minimization of investment costs for animal facilities facilities

Individual productivity has increased very much Individual productivity has increased very much by selected breedingby selected breeding

Cows are Cows are pushedpushed to the to the limits limits of their of their productivityproductivity

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ConsequencesConsequences

As an implicit consequence of theseAs an implicit consequence of these

developments developments adverse effectsadverse effects have arisen:have arisen:

Animal health problems Animal health problems Animal health problems Animal health problems

Impaired animal welfareImpaired animal welfare

The use of large amounts of medicinesThe use of large amounts of medicines

A high risk for residuesA high risk for residues

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Developments in CONSUMERS Developments in CONSUMERS --CLIENTSCLIENTS

Demand daily food at a low priceDemand daily food at a low price

Ask questions directed to animal Ask questions directed to animal

welfarewelfare

Are Are concerned concerned about the amount of about the amount of

residues in food of animal originresidues in food of animal origin

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What to do?What to do?

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The QUESTIONS are:The QUESTIONS are:

to keep animals in good healthto keep animals in good health

to improve animal welfareto improve animal welfare

How…

to improve animal welfareto improve animal welfare

to produce safe food for a reasonable to produce safe food for a reasonable price ?price ?

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Answer to the problem:Answer to the problem:

� To start a herd health management programme

� The veterinarian has to develop strategies to improve animal health and welfare and to improve animal health and welfare and to produce safe food. He has a major responsability on these issues.

� Farmers should pay more attention to animal health and welfare and save food.

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History of Health managementHistory of Health management

Originally the emphasis was on the Originally the emphasis was on the individual individual

cow cow affected with a clinical disease.affected with a clinical disease.

About 30 years ago About 30 years ago subclinical disease subclinical disease was was

recognized as the major cause of economic lossrecognized as the major cause of economic lossrecognized as the major cause of economic lossrecognized as the major cause of economic loss

It turned out that It turned out that regularly scheduled visitsregularly scheduled visits to to

farms were effective in improving the health farms were effective in improving the health

status. Because mstatus. Because most health problems are complex and are of multifactorial origin. For example fertility and mastitis.

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HEALTH STATUS AND ANIMAL HEALTH STATUS AND ANIMAL WELFAREWELFARE

Housing conditionsHousing conditions

FeedingFeeding

Are mainly influenced by:

FeedingFeeding

Hygienic measuresHygienic measures

InfectionsInfections

Breeding and selectionBreeding and selection

ManagementManagement

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For example: FertilityFor example: Fertility

Fertility Fertility is influenced byis influenced by

HousingHousing: slippery slatted floors and poor : slippery slatted floors and poor quality beddingsquality beddings

FeedingFeeding: negative energy balance: negative energy balanceFeedingFeeding: negative energy balance: negative energy balance

HygieneHygiene: endometritis, abnormal discharge: endometritis, abnormal discharge

InfectionsInfections: Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus: Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus

BreedingBreeding: high or low “fertile” bulls: high or low “fertile” bulls

ManagementManagement: heat detection: heat detection

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HERD HEALTH MANAGEMENT HERD HEALTH MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES (part 1)PROGRAMMES (part 1)

Goal:Goal: to to eliminate production eliminate production inefficienciesinefficiencies which are caused by which are caused by factors that impair animal healthfactors that impair animal health

Each dairy herd presents a Each dairy herd presents a unique unique Each dairy herd presents a Each dairy herd presents a unique unique combinationcombination of these factorsof these factors

It is the It is the veterinarian’s taskveterinarian’s task to trace to trace these factors and implement an these factors and implement an integrated herd health and production integrated herd health and production management systemmanagement system

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HERD HEALTH MANAGEMENT HERD HEALTH MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES (part 2)PROGRAMMES (part 2)

Goal: the animals and Goal: the animals and animal productsanimal productsentering the food chain (dairy, entering the food chain (dairy, slaughterhouse) must be free from disease slaughterhouse) must be free from disease slaughterhouse) must be free from disease slaughterhouse) must be free from disease and residuesand residues

In each dairy herd In each dairy herd medicinesmedicines are used. are used. Strategies have to be developed to reduce Strategies have to be developed to reduce the risk of residues in food of animal origin.the risk of residues in food of animal origin.

The key person in such a programme is The key person in such a programme is also the also the veterinarianveterinarian. He has to ensure the . He has to ensure the quality of the animals and dairy products.quality of the animals and dairy products.

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A herd health management A herd health management programmeprogramme

Is a total quality assurance system, Is a total quality assurance system, which consists of :which consists of :which consists of :which consists of :

Regularly scheduled Regularly scheduled veterinaryveterinary activitiesactivities

Good herd management by the Good herd management by the farmerfarmer

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CONERNSTONES OF HERD CONERNSTONES OF HERD HEALTH PROGRAMMESHEALTH PROGRAMMES

A A competent competent veterinarian veterinarian –– Cattle specialistCattle specialist

–– Services must be delivered economicallyServices must be delivered economically

A farmer who is A farmer who is committedcommitted to the to the A farmer who is A farmer who is committedcommitted to the to the programmeprogramme

Comply withComply with the recommendations of the the recommendations of the veterinarianveterinarian

A good A good data recordingdata recording systemsystem–– SimpleSimple

–– Manual or computerized data recordingManual or computerized data recording2020

BENEFITS AND COSTS FOR BENEFITS AND COSTS FOR HEALTH MANAGEMENTHEALTH MANAGEMENT

Cost effectiveness is essentialCost effectiveness is essential

Costs:Costs:

-- veterinary costs and medicine costsveterinary costs and medicine costs

Benefits:Benefits:

-- enhancement of the profitability of enhancement of the profitability of the farmerthe farmer

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Financial losses because of Financial losses because of diseasedisease

Reduced animal production (milk and Reduced animal production (milk and calves) calves)

Less efficient productionLess efficient productionLess efficient productionLess efficient production

MortalityMortality

Reduced slaughter valueReduced slaughter value

Lost future income owing to disposalLost future income owing to disposal

Veterinary costsVeterinary costs

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Losses because of diseaseLosses because of disease

Average Average lossloss per cow per year due to:per cow per year due to:

reproductive failure: 60 Euroreproductive failure: 60 Euromastitis: 70 Euromastitis: 70 Eurolameness: 30 Eurolameness: 30 Eurolameness: 30 Eurolameness: 30 Euroother diseases: 70 Euroother diseases: 70 Euro

In total: In total: 230 Euro.230 Euro. This is 30 % of the farmer’s This is 30 % of the farmer’s return to labour and management.return to labour and management.

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Analysis of costs and Analysis of costs and benefitsbenefits

Objective of a herd herd health Objective of a herd herd health programme:programme:

“To change an average farmer into one “To change an average farmer into one belonging to the best 20 %”belonging to the best 20 %”

Disease costs of these best 20 % Disease costs of these best 20 % amount to amount to 115115 Euro.Euro.

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Benefits of a herd health Benefits of a herd health programmeprogramme

A A profitprofit of 115 Euro per cow per yearof 115 Euro per cow per year

Improvement of animal welfareImprovement of animal welfare

Satisfaction of having a healthy herdSatisfaction of having a healthy herdSatisfaction of having a healthy herdSatisfaction of having a healthy herd

Better farm staff moraleBetter farm staff morale

Higher quality of dairy products: less Higher quality of dairy products: less residues and more safe foodresidues and more safe food

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COSTS FOR HEALTH COSTS FOR HEALTH MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT

Veterinary costs for:Veterinary costs for:–– the time required for data analysisthe time required for data analysis

–– the services on the farmthe services on the farm

–– preparations of reports and advicespreparations of reports and advices–– preparations of reports and advicespreparations of reports and advices

–– perhaps some extra medicines and perhaps some extra medicines and vaccinations vaccinations

For example herd with 100 dairy cows: For example herd with 100 dairy cows: 90 90 minutes per monthminutes per month

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Costs of a programmeCosts of a programme

Veterinary costs per hour: Veterinary costs per hour: 80 80 €€

Example: Dairy herd of 100 cows:Example: Dairy herd of 100 cows:Example: Dairy herd of 100 cows:Example: Dairy herd of 100 cows:

Per year, 12 visits of 90 minutes: Per year, 12 visits of 90 minutes: 1.500 1.500 €€..

Per cow per year: Per cow per year: 15 15 €€ oror

Per 100 kg milk: 15 cent Per 100 kg milk: 15 cent

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Costs and benefits analysisCosts and benefits analysis

Costs: 1500 Costs: 1500 €€ + extra vaccines (800 + extra vaccines (800 €€) = ) = 2300 2300 €€2300 2300 €€

Benefits: 100 cows x 115 Benefits: 100 cows x 115 €€ = 11.500 = 11.500 €€

Return on investment: Return on investment: 500 %500 %

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Conclusion:Conclusion:

A dairy herd health management A dairy herd health management programme is an programme is an excellent excellent investment !investment !programme is an programme is an excellent excellent investment !investment !

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PROTOCOL OF A HERD HEALTH PROTOCOL OF A HERD HEALTH PROGRAMMEPROGRAMME

Regularly scheduled farm visitsRegularly scheduled farm visits

Recording and analysis of animal Recording and analysis of animal health and production datahealth and production datahealth and production datahealth and production data

The provision of advicesThe provision of advices

Good farm management by the Good farm management by the producerproducer

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OBJECTIVE OF THE PROGRAMMEOBJECTIVE OF THE PROGRAMME

To support the farmer in reaching his target To support the farmer in reaching his target of performance and farm goalsof performance and farm goals

For example: For example: calving intervalcalving interval

–– Set during the first visit: Set during the first visit: 400 days400 days–– Set during the first visit: Set during the first visit: 400 days400 days

–– The actual performance is determined: 446 daysThe actual performance is determined: 446 days

–– The veterinarian analyses the problem: The veterinarian analyses the problem: clinical clinical examination of the cows and risk assessment examination of the cows and risk assessment

–– CostCost--effective corrective action is formulatedeffective corrective action is formulated

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Calving interval too longCalving interval too long

Risk assessment:Risk assessment:

Housing:Housing: slippery slatted floors, cubicles slippery slatted floors, cubicles are too small and beddings too hard are too small and beddings too hard resulting in too many stiff and lame cows resulting in too many stiff and lame cows resulting in too many stiff and lame cows resulting in too many stiff and lame cows

Nutrition:Nutrition: body condition is too low 2body condition is too low 2--3 3 months post partummonths post partum

Management:Management: time spent on oestrus time spent on oestrus detection is insufficient detection is insufficient

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HERD MANAGEMENT MEETINGHERD MANAGEMENT MEETING

Should provide:Should provide:

��a summary of the problem: calving interval too longa summary of the problem: calving interval too long

�� the diagnosis made: poor oestrus detection and the diagnosis made: poor oestrus detection and oestrus symptoms are difficult to seeoestrus symptoms are difficult to see

�� the reasons for failure to achieve the preset goals: the reasons for failure to achieve the preset goals: �� the reasons for failure to achieve the preset goals: the reasons for failure to achieve the preset goals: lack of time, housing, nutritionlack of time, housing, nutrition

�� recommendations for corrective actions: oestrus recommendations for corrective actions: oestrus detection 3 times a day 20 minutes, improve dry and detection 3 times a day 20 minutes, improve dry and fresh cow feeding, roughen the slatted floors and fresh cow feeding, roughen the slatted floors and improve cubicle beddingsimprove cubicle beddings

��general advice: eradicate BVDgeneral advice: eradicate BVD

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OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMMEOBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

1) to determine the 1) to determine the actual actual performance of performance of herd health and productionherd health and production

�� Analysis of data: are the Analysis of data: are the targets of targets of performance reached?performance reached?

2) to detect problems 2) to detect problems beforebefore they they 2) to detect problems 2) to detect problems beforebefore they they become economically significantbecome economically significant

�� Risk assessment: the presence of certain Risk assessment: the presence of certain risk factors. How serious are they?risk factors. How serious are they?

�� Are Are corrective measurescorrective measures necessary?necessary?�� Cost Cost –– benefit analysisbenefit analysis

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Determine the actual performance. Last month Determine the actual performance. Last month 3% lame cows. The goal is reached.3% lame cows. The goal is reached.

Detect problems before they become significant. Detect problems before they become significant. Last month two cases of Mortellaro’s disease Last month two cases of Mortellaro’s disease

FOR EXAMPLE: LAMENESSFOR EXAMPLE: LAMENESS

Risk assessment:

� Herd level risk factors

� Individual cow risk factors

Are corrective actions necessary ?

Nutrition

Housing, hygiene

Foot trimming{

Stage of lactation

Claw angle

Age{

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To detect problems before they To detect problems before they become significant: INFECTIOUS become significant: INFECTIOUS

DISEASESDISEASES

�� eradication?eradication?Monitoring, vaccination and management practicesMonitoring, vaccination and management practices

The herd is infected by BVD. What to do?

Monitoring, vaccination and management practicesMonitoring, vaccination and management practices

�� or or control?control?

How to prevent a new infection?How to prevent a new infection?: : Management Management practices are extremely importantpractices are extremely important

Closed dairy herd, quarantine, monitoring by blood Closed dairy herd, quarantine, monitoring by blood sampling, vaccinationsampling, vaccination

Be always aware of notifiable diseases !!!!Be always aware of notifiable diseases !!!!4141

VACCINATIONVACCINATION

Vaccination should Vaccination should not replacenot replace poor poor management. In many cases management. In many cases management and housing must be management and housing must be improvedimprovedimprovedimproved

Vaccination needs an accurate Vaccination needs an accurate diagnosisdiagnosis, usually after laboratory , usually after laboratory confirmationconfirmation

Vaccins must be admistered and stored Vaccins must be admistered and stored correctlycorrectly

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ITEMS TO EXAMINE ITEMS TO EXAMINE DURING A VISITDURING A VISIT

FertilityFertilityUdder health and milk qualityUdder health and milk qualityLamenessLamenessControl of infectious diseasesControl of infectious diseasesNutrition and metabolic diseasesNutrition and metabolic diseasesNutrition and metabolic diseasesNutrition and metabolic diseasesHousingHousingCulling and genetic improvementCulling and genetic improvementHealth of young stockHealth of young stockAnimal welfareAnimal welfareThe use of medicines and food safetyThe use of medicines and food safety

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ANIMAL WELFAREANIMAL WELFARE

Objectives should be set for achieving Objectives should be set for achieving optimal animal welfareoptimal animal welfare

FreedomFreedom�� From thirst, hunger and malnutritionFrom thirst, hunger and malnutrition�� From thirst, hunger and malnutritionFrom thirst, hunger and malnutrition�� From discomfortFrom discomfort�� From pain, injury and diseaseFrom pain, injury and disease�� From fear, distressFrom fear, distress�� To express normal behaviourTo express normal behaviour

The The veterinarianveterinarian should be the should be the advocateadvocate for for animal well beinganimal well being

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THE USE OF MEDICINES AND FOOD THE USE OF MEDICINES AND FOOD SAFETYSAFETY

When pharmaceuticals are used then When pharmaceuticals are used then clear clear written instructionswritten instructions have to be have to be providedprovided

Adequate Adequate withdrawal periodswithdrawal periods must be must be Adequate Adequate withdrawal periodswithdrawal periods must be must be consideredconsidered

A A drug use protocoldrug use protocol and residue and residue avoidance plan should be establishedavoidance plan should be established

Avoiding residues is a part of the Avoiding residues is a part of the veterinarian’s task.veterinarian’s task.

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WHAT TO DISCUSS AT THE WHAT TO DISCUSS AT THE MANAGEMENT MEETING ?MANAGEMENT MEETING ?

Problems due to herd management practices Problems due to herd management practices e.g. oestrus detectione.g. oestrus detection

Infections: Infections: e.g. BVDe.g. BVD

Prophylactic procedures: Prophylactic procedures: e.g. vaccinationse.g. vaccinations

Procedures required to determine disease Procedures required to determine disease Procedures required to determine disease Procedures required to determine disease causes: causes: e.g. laboratory analysise.g. laboratory analysis

Work to be done to achieve an increased Work to be done to achieve an increased health status or production performance health status or production performance

Welfare issues;Welfare issues; e.g. cubicle designe.g. cubicle design

Food safety issues: Food safety issues: e.g. residues, zoonosise.g. residues, zoonosis

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WHAT TO DO AFTER THE VISIT ?WHAT TO DO AFTER THE VISIT ?

Following the visit, the veterinarian:Following the visit, the veterinarian:

��Submits a Submits a written reportwritten report describing the describing the

problems and the proposed actionsproblems and the proposed actionsproblems and the proposed actionsproblems and the proposed actions

��PrescribesPrescribes any necessary medical any necessary medical

productsproducts

��CertificatesCertificates the herd health statusthe herd health status

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In the future, farmers will have to In the future, farmers will have to produce according to a produce according to a total total quality assurance systemquality assurance system..

Quality is defined in a broad sense. Quality is defined in a broad sense.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTSFUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

Quality is defined in a broad sense. Quality is defined in a broad sense. Involved are:Involved are:

�� The productThe product

�� The production methodThe production method

�� The production unit surroundings The production unit surroundings

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Controlled are:Controlled are:

The product: milk and meatThe product: milk and meat

The production method, including The production method, including animal health and welfareanimal health and welfare

The production unit: e.g. housingThe production unit: e.g. housingThe production unit: e.g. housingThe production unit: e.g. housing

The farmer has to produce on the basis The farmer has to produce on the basis of a of a Good Agricultural PracticeGood Agricultural Practice codecode

His veterinarian has to act according to His veterinarian has to act according to Good Veterinary PracticeGood Veterinary Practice codecode

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HACCPHACCP

A herd health programme can be incorporated in A herd health programme can be incorporated in

different concepts of quality management:different concepts of quality management:

Hazard analysis critical control pointsHazard analysis critical control points

ISOISO--9000 series9000 seriesISOISO--9000 series9000 series

For the application of quality management to For the application of quality management to

animal health care and welfare, animal health care and welfare, the HACCP the HACCP

concept is preferredconcept is preferred and suggested by the EU.and suggested by the EU.

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HACCPHACCP

Points along the food production chain, Points along the food production chain, where possible where possible hazards hazards may occur, are may occur, are identified. identified. It is a combination of:It is a combination of:It is a combination of:It is a combination of:

Common senseCommon sense

Evaluation of risksEvaluation of risks

These points are then strictly managed and These points are then strictly managed and monitored to make sure the process is under monitored to make sure the process is under controlcontrol

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CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

Modern health care requires an integrated Modern health care requires an integrated herd health programme and a close herd health programme and a close cooperation between a cooperation between a skilled farmer and a skilled farmer and a competent veterinarian.competent veterinarian.

This will:This will:Improve animal health and welfareImprove animal health and welfareGuarantee high food quality at reasonalbe Guarantee high food quality at reasonalbe pricesprices

In future a herd health management In future a herd health management programme will be incorporated in a programme will be incorporated in a HACCPHACCPsystem.system.

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Healthy milk from a HACCP Healthy milk from a HACCP certified farmcertified farm

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Thank you for your attentionThank you for your attention

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integrated integrated veterinary veterinary herd health management

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