Written protocols should be in place and reviewed annually with your veterinarian and employees to ensure that certain procedures are carried out appropriately.

Goals:

To detect sickness early and provide the best course of treatment.

How to Assess:

Review the sick cattle monitoring protocol to confirm that the following information is included and that appropriate criteria are being met:

Dairy Well

• A plan should exist that includes:
  • Age group
  • Monitoring schedule
  • Action (can refer to another SOP)
• Emergency contacts must be noted
• Signed by VOR

A template is provided as a guideline; farms may write their own as long as minimum content is met.

National Dairy FARM Program

• The entire herd should be checked daily for signs of disease or injury. This includes:
  • Uneven respiration, abdominal distension, swollen joints, lameness, diarrhea, unusual discharges, ears down, body abrasions
  • Hygiene, locomotion, body condition, and hock/knee lesion scoring
• Monitor feed and water intake
• Monitor facility to identify facility maintenance needs

Validus

• All cattle are observed daily for health issues
  • Includes those in hospital pens
• Protocol for flagging, communicating with management, and treating sick cattle must be in place
  • Includes calves