1. A quality ration. A balanced ration is the most effective way to keep your herd healthy. Feed and fodder, water, minerals, additives – every component of a cow’s ration affects the health of the animal and the strength of its immune system. Keep in mind that one cow can consume up to 190 liters of water per day. Lack of sufficient fresh water can not only reduce milk production but also lead to problems with dehydration, which can provoke further illnesses.
2. Clean and comfortable barns. Be sure to keep them clean and use proper disinfection methods to maintain bacteria and parasite levels. Undeniably comfortable and ample room to move, the cows are less prone to stress or injury. Particular attention should be paid to the length of the stall where the cows rest. Animals, rising from the ground, naturally lean forward in order to raise their hind limbs. Therefore, the minimum stall length should be about 3 meters.
3. Ventilation. Even if you have the bulk of your herd in a controlled indoor environment fresh air is still very important for comfort and health. Bringing fresh air into an animal barn is a good way to avoid respiratory diseases and to control the spread of diseases.
4. Biosecurity. This is to protect the biological health of your herd by avoiding external and internal biological risks. Cross-contamination between farms through the transport of animals or equipment always carries risks. If you have a sick cow, the animal should be kept in an area where access is limited or strictly controlled to prevent pathogens from entering part of the herd.
5. Pastures. Invest in pastures. Direct preparation of land and control of plant growth – is meeting the needs of the animals with the help of high-quality feed.
6. Preventive vaccinations. Vaccines are an important part of a healthy herd. Especially against diseases such as: infectious rhinotracheitis virus of cattle, cattle respiratory-sentential virus, leptospirosis and others. Vaccination of dairy heifers can be started at any age from birth to 6 months. A carefully planned vaccination schedule is an easy way to invest in herd health.