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2.5 Monitoring the herd and individual animals

2.5.1 Identification of sick and injured animals

It is important that animal checks are incorporated into daily operations. It is advisable to check the animals at the same time every day. The following times are suitable for this:

at feeding time

On many farms, feeding time is an ideal moment to spot sick or injured animals. Sick animals may lie down for longer and are slower to get up to eat.

at milking time (herding a group of cows)

The time spent observing animals whilst herding them for milking is just as valuable as observations made during feeding. Here, the farmer is even closer to the animal and does not merely observe from the feed table.

During cubicle cleaning

If feeding or milking is automated, animal observation can also be carried out whilst cleaning the cubicles.

 

The 5-minute check, which can be taken into the barn as a barn chart, outlines what to look out for during an animal check to identify sick and injured animals.

A 5-minute check to identify sick and injured dairy cows

2.5.2 Examination of the animal

If individual animals appear abnormal during observations (5-minute check) or based on the analysis of data from digital systems, a clinical examination should be carried out. This is important in order to determine the severity of the animal’s condition and, where applicable, the possible cause. It also identifies what further measures need to be taken. For this examination, it is important that the animal is restrained. If the time of feeding has been chosen for the animal observation (5-minute check), the animal can be restrained in the feeding pen. If the animal is in poor condition, it may need to be herded into the pen. If the animals were checked at milking time, it is advisable to restrain them in the feeding pen immediately after milking.

It is important to change your perspective on the animal during the examination: walk around the animal and observe it from a distance and up close, from above and below.

What is required:

  • sufficient lighting, e.g. using an LED torch
  • for documenting the examination results: paper, pen, animal lists, smartphone, apps, etc.
  • Thermometer for rectal measurement
  • Watch
  • stethoscope, if necessary

A preliminary report helps with the diagnosis:

  • Data from activity and temperature monitors on/in the animal
  • MLP reports
  • If available: lists of milking robots

5-minute check

Inspection round

Further information on assessing the animal’s state of health

General information:

BCS assessment:

Hunger pit

Manure assessment:

Lameness detection:

Diagnosis of abomasal displacement:

 

 

 

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