The main diseases in dairy farming - mastitis, fertility problems, lameness and metabolic diseases - are so-called " factorial diseases ". In addition to the respective pathogens, stable construction, animal care and management have a decisive influence on the disease process.
The functional areas in the stable system must be based on the natural behavior of the animals . The cubicle is the central element in the cubicle playpen. In order to be able to fulfill its function properly, it must meet a few basic requirements. In addition to a comfortable box length and width, the location of the control elements and the choice of the right cubicle floor are of great importance when designing cubicles. Cattle need drinking troughs with a sufficiently large, free water surface and sufficiently fast water flow. pasture management is optimal, grazing has a positive effect on animal health and strengthens the animals' resistance.
Proper stable design and careful animal care have enormous potential for animal welfare and health. In order to fully exploit this potential, you have to know the key adjustment screws and take targeted measures. To determine the animal welfare potential, an online tool was developed at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein - the FarmLife Welfare Index . At www.farmlife.at every farmer can assess his/her cattle farming system and identify strengths and opportunities for improvement.
In this podcast you will find out the practical results on how to promote animal health - in short form - listen or just watch:
In this podcast episode, Priv.-Doz. Dr. Andreas Steinwidder with Dr. Elfriede Ofner-Schröck discusses the most important questions about animal health and how this can be promoted through optimal husbandry methods - just take a look:
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