Biosecurity Module: Began Sept 2019, has (4) components
Signage: Posted at main point of access, including a phone #
New SOPs (4): 1) Vaccination, 2) New cattle, 3) Returning cattle, 4) Visitor biosecurity
Disease event records: Mandatory for diseases listed below even if not treated
Biosecurity Risk Assessment Management Plan (RAMP): Questionnaire completed
with a vet once every two years
Differences in productivity between farms can largely be explained by how cars are handled.
Negative handling = decrease in productivity and vice versa; this is due to effects of stress and
elevated cortisol on production. Useful resources for principles of cattle behaviour and
handling:
Calf Health Category | Technological Aids | Description / Comments |
---|---|---|
Calving Management | Body temperature monitor | Decreases 1°C 48hrs prior to calving New & coming soon |
Activity/Pedometers | Increases 48hrs prior to calving NOT the same as estrus monitors which have insufficient sensitivity |
|
Rumination monitors | Decreases 70%, greatest 4-6hrs prior to calving | |
Tail position (“Moo-Calls”) | Raised tail 2-6hrs prior to calving | |
Feeding Management | ATP swabbing (luminometer) | An accurate, quantitative measure of bacterial contamination. A U of G study shows that a high-level of bacterial contamination of feeding equipment is common and that visual assessment alone greatly underestimates contamination. |
Early Disease Detection | Calf pedometers (automatic feeders) |
Activity decreases by ~1000 steps if sick Undergoing validation for automatic calf feeders |
Infrared thermography | Measure of core body temperature Under development |
|
Lung ultrasound | If incorporated into automatic calf feeders, would ease growth tracking | |
Growth & Development | Weigh scales | If incorporated into automatic calf feeders, would ease growth tracking |
Blood ketones | Tool for weaning decision-making. A blood ketone of ≥0.2mmol/L is consistent with the calf eating 1kg starter for 3 consecutive days. |
Unfortunately, vaccines do not provide protection against all disease-causing microbes. Your vaccination program should match your herd’s disease risk and strike a balance between optimum protection and convenience of use.
FAQ: Does it matter when I vaccinate my cattle? For some vaccines, yes: i.e. fertility and scours vaccines
Aquaculture is an established and growing industry in Ontario. Aquaculture producers face similar challenges as other food producing operations (actually, challenges may be magnified as a result of managing larger numbers). Successful aquaculture operations remind us that:
– A pinch of prevention is worth a pound of cure
– Consistent data collection and analysis is critical for efficient management practices and profitability, applicable in: