Culling is a difficult thing for producers as they frequently fight to keep animals well, fed and producing. But the more chronically infected cows you keep in the herd, the more new infections you’ll have in the herd, shared Pam Ruegg, DVM.
Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, September 28, 2023. Link.
You don’t treat your way out of chronic cows. You’re not making money on these cows, so think about culling them.”
INSIGHTS: Veterinary teams would be wise to keep track of the identity of cows they are asked to treat. Using Ruegg’s guidelines, a simple check of on-farm records could provide evidence of recurring treatments allowing them to provide culling decision guidance. It’s one way to add consultative advice to fire engine farm calls.