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Culling in 50 dairy herds in England
R J Esslemont1, M A Kossaibati
1Department of Agriculture, University of Reading, Berkshire.
The Veterinary Record
|January 11, 1997
Summary
Dairy herd culling rates in England averaged 23.8% annually. Poor fertility was the primary reason for culling, while mastitis and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) were leading causes of death.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Animal Husbandry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Dairy farming is economically significant, with herd management crucial for productivity.
- Culling and mortality rates directly impact herd sustainability and profitability.
- Understanding reasons for disposal is vital for improving herd health and management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the annual culling rates in Friesian/Holstein dairy herds in England.
- To identify the primary reasons for cow disposal (culling and death).
- To analyze mortality causes within these dairy populations.
Main Methods:
- A three-year survey (1990-1992) of 50 Friesian/Holstein dairy herds.
- Data collection on culling rates, reasons for disposal, and causes of death.
- Calculation of average annual culling rates and breakdown of disposal reasons.
Main Results:
- The average total annual culling rate was 23.8% (22.0% sold, 1.8% died).
- Poor fertility (36.5%) was the leading cause for culling, followed by mastitis (10.1%) and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) (7.4%).
- Mastitis (8.9%) and BSE (11.5%) were common causes of death, with 46% of deaths having unknown causes.
Conclusions:
- Fertility issues significantly drive culling decisions in English dairy herds.
- Mastitis and BSE represent substantial health challenges leading to both culling and mortality.
- A significant proportion of dairy cow deaths remain unexplained, highlighting a need for improved diagnostic approaches.