Journal article
High-quality care improves outcome in recumbent dairy cattle
PJ Poulton, AL Vizard, GA Anderson, MF Pyman
Australian Veterinary Journal | WILEY-BLACKWELL | Published : 2016
DOI: 10.1111/avj.12445
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the influence of the quality of care on outcome and occurrence of secondary damage in recumbent dairy cows. Methods: Recumbent dairy cows were monitored during their recumbency under field conditions in South Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. The cause of the original recumbency of 218 downer cows was determined and any secondary damage, day 7 status, final outcome and the nursing conditions of the cows were recorded. A four-tiered grading system describing nursing quality was developed to allow analysis of its influence on outcome and on the occurrence of secondary damage. Results: Day 7 outcome, final outcome and occurrence of important secondary damage were very st..
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Funding Acknowledgements
Funding for undertaking this study was provided by Dairy Australia. The authors also acknowledge the support of the Ruminant Group of the University of Melbourne, the Tarwin Veterinary Group and the participation of farmers involved in the study.