Animal Health Management

Part C -- Role of Management in Animal Health

At the beginning of this course, we examined a number of different Management Systems used in livestock production.  Now we will examine how differing systems may affect animal health and what general things can be done to minimize disease in any production system.

Type of Animal Production System

  • Confinement vs open range -- The spread of most diseases is greater when large numbers of animals are in close proximity.  Range animals, however, may have greater exposure to intermediate hosts for parasites such as the liver fluke, and to toxic plants.  The quality of feedstuffs may not be as good and may lead to metabolic disease.
  • All-in/all-out vs continuous production in total confinement systems -- All-in/all-out production breaks the cycle of disease agents, and prevents the spread to differing age groups, the younger of which are usually more susceptible.  Groups of animals kept together throughout their productive life don't fight as much, because they don't have to continually re-establish the social pecking order.
  • Feedlot cattle on high protein diet, finishing swine on high protein diet -- If these animals go off feed for 1-2 days and are then reintroduced to same high protein diet, it can result in health problems such as rumen acidosis (grain overload), or gastric ulcers

Herd Protection and Biosecurity -- General Considerations

  • Control outside traffic-people & vehicles--provide boots and coveralls for visitors
  • Control birds, rodents, stray animals
  • Good animal isolation--good fences
  • Quarantine sick animals -- have sick pen capabilities
  • Necropsy dead animals to determine cause of death
  • Good animal identification, production, reproduction and health records

Sanitation Program

  • Physically clean facilities and equipment -- organic matter provides a good environment for growth of microbes, prevents effective use of disinfectants, fumigants
  • Use disinfectants/fumigants between batches of animals -- USE THESE PRODUCTS PROPERLY (can cause burns, fumigants can kill)
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    • Other sanitary measures
  • Prompt removal and proper disposal of dead animals
  • Clean equipment-feeders, waterers
  • Clean source of water, feed
  • No standing water--mud holes, wet stalls, pens, etc.
  • Clean, dry bedding
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    Vaccination Program

    It is important to establish a vaccination program to prevent diseases that are endemic in the area in which the herd or flock is being reared.   Consult your veterinarian to design the most cost-efficient protection plan.   Preconditioning of calves and other animals is important to assure the vaccines are effective.

    New Animal Introductions

  • Purchase animals from a reputable source -- check production and reproduction records, disease program, look at entire herd, not just the animal you want to purchase.
  • Isolate and blood test new additions; a minimum 3 week quarantine with a retest at end of quarantine is recommended; consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations for the animal species and diseases of concern.
  • Health papers for purchased animals
  • Use AI to eliminate the need to purchase animals
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    Keep abreast of your industry; establish a good working relationship with your veterinarian, university extension service, and feed representatives.

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