Udder health care as part of a veterinary care program for dairy farms. III. Evaluation and analysis
Noordhuizen, J.P.
Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde 108(15-16): 601-607
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0040-7453 PMID: 6636090 Document Number: 215337
An udder health control programme was described in two previous papers of a series of three. The objectives, material required, an extensive farm interview and procedures used during the farm visits in this model were presented. The model is based on a five-point schedule. In the present paper, the various feasibilities of evaluation and analysis which may be performed using the system of recording described are introduced. This includes evaluation of the clinical and subclinical mastitis situation on the farm, as well as an assessment of the economic losses due to this situation. The evaluations are required to constantly motivate the farmer to perform the activities recommended, to illustrate to which extent an improvement in udder health status has been achieved and to correct the objectives for the farm, if necessary. Analysis and evaluating activities require additional knowledge, investment of time and devotion from the practitioner.