Health Glossary
10 essential health terms explained — from Colostrum to practical dairy farming knowledge.
Understanding Health in Dairy Farming
Dairy herd health directly impacts profitability through milk production, treatment costs, and culling decisions. Mastitis alone costs $150–300 per clinical case and $50–100 per subclinical case. A 200-cow herd with 25% infection rate loses $25,000–75,000/year. Prevention is always cheaper than treatment — every dollar spent on prevention saves $3–5 in treatment costs.
Key Principles
Prevention Over Treatment
Implement the 5-point mastitis plan, DCAD pre-fresh diets for milk fever, and regular hoof trimming. Prevention costs $5–10/cow vs $100–500/case for treatment.
$5–10/cow preventionMonitor Early, Act Fast
Test fresh cows for ketosis at 3–14 DIM. Track bulk tank SCC weekly. Score locomotion monthly. Early detection reduces treatment costs 50–70%.
SCC <200,000Transition Cow Focus
The first 21 days after calving are the highest risk period. 60–75% of health disorders occur in this window. Monitor fresh cows twice daily.
0–21 DIM criticalCulling Decisions
Cull chronically infected cows (3+ clinical mastitis cases, chronic lameness). Every unnecessary cull costs $1,500–2,500 in replacement expense.
<30% culling rateC
Colostrum
healthThe first milk produced after calving, rich in antibodies (immunoglobulins) essential for calf immunity. Calves must receive it within 6 hours of birth.
Diarrhea in calves under 30 days old. The leading cause of calf mortality, accounting for 50–60% of pre-weaning deaths. Causes: viruses, bacteria, parasites.
D
When the abomasum (true stomach) shifts to the left or right side of the abdomen. Usually occurs in the first 2 weeks after calving. Requires surgery.
K
Ketosis
healthA metabolic disorder caused by negative energy balance, resulting in elevated ketone bodies. Common in early lactation (3–14 DIM). Reduces milk and fertility.
L
Lameness
healthAbnormal gait or posture due to foot or leg problems. Affects 20–30% of dairy cows. Reduces milk production by 10–15% and impairs fertility.
M
Mastitis
healthInflammation of the udder tissue, typically caused by bacterial infection. The most costly disease in dairy farming, accounting for 35–40% of vet costs.
A metabolic disorder caused by low blood calcium at calving. Affects 5–8% of dairy cows. Can be fatal if untreated. Prevention via low-calcium pre-fresh diets.
R
Retained Placenta
healthFailure to expel the fetal membranes within 12 hours of calving. Affects 5–10% of dairy cows. Increases risk of metritis and reduces fertility.
S
A measure of white blood cells in milk, used as an indicator of udder health and mastitis. Normal is <200,000 cells/mL; >400,000 triggers penalties.
T
A single value combining air temperature and relative humidity to assess heat stress risk in dairy cattle. THI 68 is the threshold for mild heat stress in modern Holsteins.
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