scholarly journals Dairy Farmers’ Perceptions of and Actions in Relation to Lameness Management

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Babatunde Sadiq ◽  
Siti Ramanoon ◽  
Wan Shaik Mossadeq ◽  
Rozaihan Mansor ◽  
Sharifah Syed Hussain

Lameness continues to be a welfare and economic issue for dairy cows. However, the consequences of lameness seem to be better understood by veterinarians and related personnel in comparison to dairy farmers. Prompt detection and treatment of lame cows is essential in reducing its negative impact on milk processing systems. To that end, understanding farmers’ perceptions regarding the significance of lameness to dairy cows is vital. One fundamental aspect is the underestimation of lameness prevalence by dairy farmers, which is as a result of different understanding of the problem. The same applies to their decision to treat lame cows and to adopt various detection and management practices. All of these shortcomings contribute to poor cattle welfare and economic losses in dairy production. This review summarizes the results of studies that have investigated dairy farmers’ perceptions of lameness and the associated implications on the wellbeing and productivity of dairy cows. Factors associated with farmers’ attitudes toward claw health and lameness management are also presented. Additionally, economic observations relating to lameness prevention, treatment and the adoption of lameness detection systems are also highlighted. To strengthen these points, interventional programmes requiring farmers’ participation are discussed as a promising approach in answering some of these challenges. A review of the literature indicates both the opportunities and barriers inherent in the tackling the lameness issue from the farmers’ perspectives. Such knowledge is crucial in identifying measures on how to motivate dairy farmers towards proper lameness management.

Author(s):  
Jeremy Fowler

Although the discipline of information systems (IS) development is well established, IS failure and abandonment remains widespread. As a result, a considerable amount of IS research literature has investigated, among other things, the factors associated with IS success and failure. However, little attention has been given to any possible relationships that exist among the uncovered factors. In an attempt to address this, we examine the development of a successful IS, and compare the factors associated with its success against the factors most reported in our review of the literature as being associated with IS failure. This may be an important area of study given, for example, project management practices may be affected by knowing whether success and failure are two sides of one coin, or different in nature. The results of our exploratory study showed that four of the six factors associated with the success of the investigated IS were related to the factors identified from our review of the literature as being associated with IS failure.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tulsi Ram Gompo ◽  
Bikash Raj Shah ◽  
Surendra Karki ◽  
Pragya Koirala ◽  
Manju Maharjan ◽  
...  

AbstractPoultry sector contributes to four percent in national GDP of Nepal. However, this sector is under threat with periodic outbreaks of Avian Influenza (AI) subtypes H5 and H9 since 2009. This has been both a both public health threat and an economic issue. Since last three years, outbreaks of AI subtype H9 has caused huge economic losses in major poultry producing areas of Nepal. However, the risk factors associated with these outbreaks have not been assessed. A retrospective case-control study was conducted from April 2018 to May 2019 in Kathmandu Valley to understand the risk factors associated with AI subtype H9 outbreaks. Out of 100 farms selected, 50 were “case” farms, confirmed positive to H9 at Central Veterinary Laboratory, Kathmandu, and other 50 farms were “control” farms, matched for farm size and locality within a radius of three km from the case farm. Each farm was visited to collect information using semi-structured questionnaire. Nineteen potential risk factors were included in the questionnaire under the broad categories: birds and farm characteristics, management aspects and biosecurity status of the farms. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted to calculate corresponding odds ratios. Identified risk factors associated with AI subtype H9 outbreaks in Kathmandu valley were: “Birds of age 31-40 days” (OR= 11.31, 95% CI: 1.31-98.02, p=0.028), “Older farms operating for >5 years” (OR= 10.9, 95% CI: 1.76-66.93, p=0.01), “Commercial layers farms” (OR=36.0, 95% CI: 0.97-1332.40, p=0.052), “Used stream water to water birds (OR= 5.7, 95% CI: 1.10-30.13, p=0.039)”, “Farms without practice of fumigation after each batch of poultry (OR= 4, 95% CI: 1.44-13.13, p=0.009)., “Farm with previous history of AI (OR= 13.8, 95% CI: 1.34-143.63, p = 0.028), “Did not applied farm boots (OR= 2.58, 95% CI: 0.98-6.80, p= 0.055), “Visitors allowed to enter the farms (OR= 2.5, 95% CI: 1.011-6.17, p = 0.047) and “No foot bath at entry of farms (OR= 3.3, 95% CI: 1.29-8.38, p = 0.013). This study depicts that outbreaks of AI subtype H9 in Kathmandu valley was related to poor management practices and biosecurity in the poultry farms. We suggest improving management practices and increase biosecurity in the farms to reduce incidences of AI subtype H9 outbreaks in Kathmandu valley.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-50
Author(s):  
Svetlana Rudakova ◽  
Liudmyla Shchetinina ◽  
Nataliiа Danylevych ◽  
Yaroslav Kasianenko ◽  
Taras Kytsak

The article considers the approaches to the management of the mental health of staff in the context of quarantine restrictions based on human-oriented values. The purpose of the study is to analyze the current factors influencing the mental health of staff as an important management problem, the solution of which involves the use of innovative methods and management practices for its preservation and improvement. The study substantiated the need to assess the factors of negative impact on the mental health of staff in order to eliminate them or reduce their effects. It has been proven that ensuring the mental health of staff is one of the main tasks of organizations, as the socio-economic losses from its deterioration are significant. In the course of research of theoretical approaches to an estimation of indicators of a condition of mental health of the personnel the own point of view on value and urgency of its preservation for the organizations is formed; the importance of its impact on staff productivity is determined. The method of sociological research determined that in the conditions of remote regime during quarantine such factors (causes) of stress as: overtime, work without breaks, low level of recognition and remuneration, lack of employment guarantees, insufficient support of managers, managers and/or colleagues, high emotional involvement of employees, poor communication, negatively affect the mental health and productivity of staff. Approaches to improving the mental health of staff based on innovative management practices have been developed.


Author(s):  
Nagappa Karabasanavar ◽  
L. Manjunatha ◽  
M.N. Jeevan ◽  
G.S. Naveenkumar

Background: Subclinical mastitis (SCM) continues to be one of the major economic diseases of dairy animal. For effective management of SCM prompt early detection is required at the field level. Present study deals with evaluation of Surf Field Mastitis Test (SFMT) - the cow side, on-farm and field level SCM detection test and its comparison with established tests. Methods: Holstein Friesian and Jersey crossbred dairy cows quarter milk (n=72) were tested for SCM using California Mastitis Test (CMT) and somatic cell count (SCC). Result: In comparison, CMT showed higher inclusivity and negative predictivity; while, SFMT had higher exclusivity and positive predictivity. Nevertheless, both CMT and SFMT tests performed equally in the detection of SCM as measured by analytical accuracy (84.72%). In comparison to the SCC, both CMT and SFMT showed strong concordance (kappa value of 0.7 agreements each). However, between CMT and SFMT moderate agreement was observed (kappa value 0.58). Further, in comparison to SCC, SFMT showed higher diagnostic sensitivity of 94.74% than the CMT 73.68%; specificity of CMT was higher (97.06%) than the SFMT (73.53%). Results of the present study indicated practical applications of SFMT for the detection of SCM owing to accessibility and ease of doing SFMT and its diagnostic capabilities in comparison to the widely accepted CMT. Keeping in view, the economic significance of SCM among crossbred dairy cows and need for its early diagnosis at the field level; findings of this study recommend popularization of SFMT among dairy farmers so as to control SCM in time and avoid associated economic losses to the dairy farmers.


2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Habtamu L Didanna ◽  
Ashenafi Mengistu Wossen ◽  
Tadesse Kuma Worako ◽  
Berhanu Kuma Shano

Little is known of how dairy intensification driven by socioeconomic issues and dairy development efforts works as well as the challenges of changing production systems in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. A study was carried out to analyze factors determining intensification of dairy production systems and the present status of market-oriented smallholder dairy operations in Ethiopia. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 200 dairy farmers. The results revealed that 77% of respondents reared improved/crossbred dairy cows, 53.5% acquired good manure management besides crossbreeding, and 44% of the sampled rural households were involved in cultivating improved forage crops and crossbreeding practices. The binary logistic regression model output showed that herd size, farmland size, dairy training, and cooperative membership had significant effects on cultivating improved forages. Dairy production system, dairying experience, and herd size were significantly associated with rearing only crossbred dairy cows. Farmland size, dairy system, and awareness of manure handling were significantly associated with practicing good manure management. Further analysis of the extent of intensification indicated that mean daily milk yield per cow and household milk market share were significantly related to crossbreeding and manure management practices in combination. Thus, production systems–based dairy breeding and manure management, related input supply, and alternative formal marketing options are the key attributes of the intensification and improved productivity of smallholder dairy production that need to be considered while designing policy and intervention.


Author(s):  
Aneta MARINA ◽  
Marian MIHAIU ◽  
Liora Mihaela COLOBĂŢIU ◽  
Romolica MIHAIU ◽  
Rodica Cristina SOBOLU ◽  
...  

Mycotoxins have a strong negative impact on crops, animal health and human health. These secondary metabolites are toxic can cause major economic losses and illnesses (Zain, 2011). This study aimed to evaluate the presence of the most prevalent mycotoxins, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN), in feed intended for dairy cows and swine from farms located in the Region of Muntenia (Călăraşi, Giurgiu and Teleorman), Romania. 136 samples of fodder and forage intended for cattle and 37 samples for pigs were collected during 2017 - 2018. Some of the samples were analyzed within the national surveillance program and some on request. AFB1 has been extracted and purified in an immunoaffinity column specific for AFB1. Detection and quantification of toxic secondary metabolites were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA). All four mycotoxins were detectable and quantifiable. The level of contamination was generally low. The maximum allowable limits for AFB1, OTA, DON and ZEN were not exceeded. The low level of contamination indicates no potential risks for animal and human health and suggests that the best practices in the management and storage of feed were applied in the studied area.


2021 ◽  
pp. 2102-2108
Author(s):  
Himmatul Khasanah ◽  
Hidayat Bambang Setyawan ◽  
Roni Yulianto ◽  
Desy Cahya Widianingrum

Background and Aim: Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is a disease that frequently attacks lactating dairy cows and possibly decreases production, causing economic losses to farmers. This study aimed to define the prevalence of SCM and risk factor-associated related management practice by dairy farmers in East Java, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: The milk sample per quarter of individual lactating Friesian–Holstein cows (592 samples) was collected from 148 cows from 62 selected farms in the region with high dairy cattle populations in Malang, Sidoarjo, Mojokerto, Probolinggo, Pasuruan, Lumajang, Jember, and Banyuwangi. SCM determination was performed using the California mastitis test. A survey including field observation and interviews with farmers was conducted to find out the management practices of the selected farms. The analysis of risk factors was conducted by multinomial regression using the IBM SPSS version 26.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Chicago, USA). Results: In addition, 68.18% and 66.72% at the cow and quarter levels, respectively, of the lactating dairy cows examined had SCM. In multinomial regression, four variables were significantly given impact in association with the SCM prevalence in identifying related lactation stage (odds ratio [OR]: 1-2 months=5.67, 2-6 months=9.435), teat wiping after milking (OR=42.197), house cleanliness (OR: dirty=0.120, moderate=0.527), and location (regencies) of raising the cows (OR: Sidoarjo=0.076, Mojokerto=0.165, Jember=1.210, Probolinggo=3.449, Lumajang=1.638, Malang=1.210, and Pasuruan=0.681). Conclusion: The SCM prevalence in East Java is relatively high and a threat to the dairy industry's performance. This study found a significant association with SCM that needs to be considered in the practice of management to prevent and control SCM. However, the finding also suggested that hygienic management practices performed by farmers need to be improved to reduce SCM incidents.


Author(s):  
N.A. Thomson

In a four year grazing trial with dairy cows the application of 5000 kg lime/ ha (applied in two applications of 2500 kg/ha in winter of the first two years) significantly increased annual pasture production in two of the four years and dairy production in one year. In three of the four years lime significantly increased pasture growth over summer/autumn with concurrent increases in milk production. In the last year of the trial lime had little effect on pasture growth but a relatively large increase in milkfat production resulted. A higher incidence of grass staggers was recorded on the limed farmlets in spring for each of the four years. In the second spring immediately following the second application of lime significant depressions in both pasture and plasma magnesium levels were recorded. By the third spring differences in plasma magnesium levels were negligible but small depressions in herbage magnesium resulting from lime continued to the end of the trial. Lime significantly raised soil pH, Ca and Mg levels but had no effect on either soil K or P. As pH levels of the unlimed paddocks were low (5.2-5.4) in each autumn and soil moisture levels were increased by liming, these factors may suggest possible causes for the seasonality of the pasture response to lime


Diabetes ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 2399-PUB
Author(s):  
JEAN CLAUDE MBANYA ◽  
PABLO ASCHNER ◽  
JUAN J. GAGLIARDINO ◽  
HASAN M. ILKOVA ◽  
FERNANDO J. LAVALLE-GONZALEZ ◽  
...  

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