An area veterinarian visited the Alma Community Centre on March 15 to talk about herd and calf health issues.
Dr. Amanda Topp of Linwood Veterinary Services made a presentation, titled From the Backroads: A Dairy Vet’s Perspective, at an event sponsored by Liquid Feeds International.
“As most of you know, ketosis is the increase of ketones in the blood stream. There are two types, subclinical and clinical,” Topp said.
“Subclinical, there are usually no signs. Clinical, results in decreased milk production and weight loss as there is a negative energy balance. The cow cannot keep up and burns back fat, producing ketones and goes on a downward spiral.”
Treatments for ketosis include glycol, vitamin D, steroids, intravenous dextrose/insulin, increase in dry matter intake and feeding a more energy dense ration.
“What we call ‘plodding cows’ can show no signs of ketosis but are just not eating at 100%, not milking well and just not doing right,” Topp said. “These cows are ones that should be checked.”
Loses due to ketosis in a herd are reproductive, milk-related, death, labour costs, surgery, treatment costs and involuntary culling.
Cattle in the high-risk category include two-year-olds, over-conditioned cattle and those in overcrowded pens. Other factors are dystocia, milk fever, lameness and mastitis.
Suggested preventative measures are decreased stress, cow comfort, proper ventilation, good quality feed, offering fresh feed more often, pushing feed up more often and feeding a more energy-dense ration to fresh cows. Choose well-grown heifers with body condition scores less than 3.5, preferred stocking density is 80 per cent, prevent other diseases from occurring and have a transition period to ramp cattle up to a lactating cow diet.
Monitor for ketosis and have a healthy relationship with a veterinarian.
“Incidences of pneumonia, an inflammation of the lungs, have been on the increase, lately. As with any health issue talk to your veterinarian about a herd health protocol that fits your farm,” Topp said.
Signs of the pneumonia include increased temperature and respiratory rate, mucus discharge in the nostrils, depression, sunken eyes and cool ears. Some animals display no signs or may be a little off. Treatments range from antibiotics and steroids to supportive fluids. To prevent pneumonia provide good ventilation, cow comfort and apply measures to prevent other diseases from infecting the animal.
“Cystic ovaries are common in fresh and older cows impairing reproduction. The cause of cystic ovaries is not fully understood,” Topp said.
“Research findings relate the disease to ketosis, heat stress, mycotoxins and genetics. “
Topp suggested the following factors be included in the maintenance of calf herd health on each farm. Provide colostrum to calves.
“There are benefits to both and good calves can come out of either system. Whatever way suits your farm, use it,” Topp said.
