Improving the health and nutrition of dairy cows by investigating the farmer and stakeholder attitudes and behaviours that influence health in the transition period
Redfern, E. (2021) Improving the health and nutrition of dairy cows by investigating the farmer and stakeholder attitudes and behaviours that influence health in the transition period. Doctoral thesis, Harper Adams University.
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Abstract
During the transition from the dry period to lactation the dairy cow undergoes a period of physiological, metabolic and immunological change, and is at greater risk of developing disease, to the detriment of health, welfare and production. Many studies have been undertaken to determine appropriate management strategies to improve health and welfare during the transition period, however the incidence of disease during this period remains high. In this study, 22 dairy farmers calving all year round (AYR), 10 dairy farmers block calving herds, 12 veterinary advisors and 12 non-veterinary advisors were interviewed. A farm audit of the 22 AYR herds showed that 11 of the herds had more than 15% lame cows in the pre-calving or early lactation groups. Most dietary minerals were oversupplied in early lactation and pre-calving diets, although 12 out of 22 farms did not supply enough magnesium pre-calving as judged by NRC requirements. The qualitative data showed a lack of awareness of metabolic disease and potential risk factors in farmers with AYR calving herds. A key theme arising from the advisor interviews was a perceived lack of focused transition management advice provided by advisors, and a lack of cooperation between veterinarians and nutritionists. A nationwide questionnaire was also conducted, finding the majority of farmers (52%) were actively seeking advice to improve their transition management. The questionnaire demonstrated that many of the themes derived from the interviews can be applied to other dairy farmers in England, such as farmers having positive relationships with their veterinarians and nutritionists. Heterogeneity in farmer attitudes, management systems and infrastructure highlighted the difficulty in delivering a one-size-fits-all approach to metabolic disease control. Future initiatives should focus on a tailored approach, understanding the main priorities of the farmer, and acknowledging the farm-specific infrastructure and layout.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
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| Divisions: | Agriculture and Environment (from 1.08.20) |
| Depositing User: | Ms Kath Osborn |
| Date Deposited: | 09 Aug 2022 10:51 |
| Last Modified: | 09 Aug 2022 10:51 |
| URI: | https://hau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17873 |
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