[Economics of left-sided abomasal displacement (author's transl)]

In deciding whether or not to treat cattle with left-sided abomasal displacement, economic factors play an important role. The loss suffered on surgical treatment involving laparotomy is determined by the cost of treatment, the loss of production and the result of treatment which can be expected. A computer will assist in calculating that, when the likelihood of successful treatment varies from 70 to 80 per cent, surgery by laparotomy will only be preferable to culling when the animal shows a level of production, which is obviously above the average. Of the alternative methods of treatment, the roll-and-suture procedure will markedly affect the choice in favour of treatment in view of the smaller cost of therapy when the result of treatment is satisfactory and the drop in production may be smaller.