Sick Cattle Monitoring
Written protocols should be in place and reviewed annually with your veterinarian and employees to ensure that certain procedures are carried out appropriately.
Goals:
To detect sickness early and provide the best course of treatment.
How to Assess:
Review the sick cattle monitoring protocol to confirm that the following information is included and that appropriate criteria are being met:
Dairy Well
- A plan should exist that includes:
- Age group
- Monitoring schedule
- Action (can refer to another SOP)
- Age group
- Emergency contacts must be noted
- Signed by VOR
A template is provided as a guideline; farms may write their own as long as minimum content is met.
National Dairy FARM Program
- The entire herd should be checked daily for signs of disease or injury. This includes:
- Uneven respiration, abdominal distension, swollen joints, lameness, diarrhea, unusual discharges, ears down, body abrasions
- Hygiene, locomotion, body condition, and hock/knee lesion scoring
- Monitor feed and water intake
- Monitor facility to identify facility maintenance needs
Validus
- All cattle are observed daily for health issues
- Includes those in hospital pens
- Protocol for flagging, communicating with management, and treating sick cattle must be in place
- Includes calves