 |
PRO. ACCESS |
Herd Management and veterinarian analysis
Tools of the approach
Health Balance Sheet
Whether dairy or beef, this tool is indispensable for any approach in herd mamagement.
This report will allow the herdsman to get a general idea of his herd performance (good, medium, or deficient) compared to other herds of the same production output. This analysis will help to direct further investigation of the herd disorders and if necessary, further analysis. It also indicates the financial losses due the underperformance of livestock.
This is the point of departure for any approach to herd management. It is available as a download for immediate use.
Glycaemia and Ketone meter
The measure of Glycemia and Ketones is important both in the assessment of the individual pathology of an animal and in the management of the herd.
Firstly in the case of Downer Cows the measurement of Glycaemia correlated with the urine pH yields a precious insight into the etiological status and subsequent treatment of the animal.
Secondly in the case of Reproduction Monitoring, the measurement of Glycaemia and Ketones can reveal the origins of a problem linked to disorders in the oestrus.
We have approved this tool for use on the farm animals. It is furnished with full instructions and solution strategies according to the results obtained.
pH Urine Strips
A tool indespensable in controlling the ration of dry cows and in the treatment of downer cows. The most advanced strips approach the accuracy of electronic pH meters. The range of each strip is from 6.5 to 10 (pH) allowing the identification of the ideal pH of 8.2 for cows in lactation.
From Dry Cows, a reading over 8 indicates a ration with a high DCAD (Dietary Cation Anion Difference) pointing to an increased risk of hypocalcaemia. A pH below 7.5 indicates a ration with an optimal DCAD for the end of gestation. A pH below 6.5 often indicates a ration containing to much Anionic Salts.
For Downer Cows, the pH correlates to the measure of Glycemia.
Penn State
The screening of corn silage or total mixed ration is a very important indicator highlighting the risk of acidosis in the feedstuffs.
At the same time the fibrosity of the straw or hay is evaluated. The proportion (according to weight) of each component in the ration is measured: Fine particles (not more than 40%), long strands (not more than 10%), and medium sized particles (at least 50%) of which the ration should contain as much as possible. Have a look at our video explaining the method of screening.
IgG Blood : a measure of immunity transfer
The immunity transfer from the cow to the calf is essential for the health of the calf in its very first days.
Sick calves or a high rate of mortality in the first few days goes along with checking the level of antibodies 48 hours after birth in the blood of the young calf.
A failure in the transfer of immunityis often due to poor colostrum supply or colostrums containing a low level of IgG. This relative deficiency of IgG could be linked to a lack of trace elements or an inappropriate feeding during the final stages of gestation.
The assay of IgG is often the first step in the investigation of high morbidity or mortality rates.
We dose the IgG- and protéine-levels in the blood of calfs between 2 and 6 days after birth.
IgG Colostrums : high or low in IgG ?
A diagnosis of the quality of immunity transfer is achieved through the assay of IgG in the blood of healthy calves aged 2 to 6 days and through the assay of IgG present in the colostrums.
The calf requires 150 to 200 g IgG during its first day after birth. In consequence, a supply of 4 liters of colostrums containing at least 50 g/l IgG provides sufficient antibodies for the calf.
We can dose the IgG-levels in our laboratory. All we need, is 3 mL of colostrum from the first milking p.p.
OpRation, Feed Ration Software
OpRation is a very simple-to-use ration software. It was produced by a specialist in animal feed and is based upon calculation models of INRA (National Agriculture Research Institute). It includes various elements for dairy cows, beef cows, mast, goats, and sheep.
One quick look at the screen will allow you to see the balance of starch, fibrosity, calcium phosphorous etc. It also allows you to estimate the amount of urea in the milk, the evolution of body condition score and milk production. The range of colors presented indicates clearly any deviation from the optimum and its calculator function offers a clear solution in order to readjust any imbalance.
Only available in France.
OpLait
OpLait is a tool which allows the assessment of milk monitoring data. After inputting the data one simple click will show production graphs, protein levels and butyrate levels according to the month or monitoring number. We have defined precise criteria which highlight acidosis or ketosis with the data gathered by the farmer.
It is also a tool which allows you to visualize cell counts, particularly useful for assessing sudden contamination or primipara for example.
Measuring canes and tapes; monitoring growth
Monitoring the growth of heifers can be done without the need for weighing by simply using a weight tape and a measuring cane. The girth and height of the sacrum are the two most important elements in assessing heifer growth, and therefore determining the moment at which the animal should be introduced to reproduction.
These tools will be delivered with growth charts allowing you to introduce an effective monitoring program.