December 9, 2008

Dairy cows in EU today are more susceptible to stress and health problems compared to their counterparts in the 80s.

The finding was done during a technical seminar conducted by Alltech at its European Bioscience Centre in Dunboyne, Cp., Meath, Ireland which was attended  by more than 140 participants consisting of ruminant nutritionists and veterinarians.

Seventy five percent of respondents in the event said cow lameness is more commonplace in dairy herds throughout Europe and 90 percent said sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA) has affected them economically. Over 85 percent also said that mycotoxins threaten both human and cow health.

A panel of six international industry experts made presentations on issues such as: calf health and nutrition; the role of mycotoxins in cow health and immunity; dairy cow peri-parturient nutrition and early lactation pathologies and nutritional impact on dairy cow lameness.

The seminar was named, "Elevating Animal Performance and Health - Formula for the Future; Nutrition or Pathology?" held at Alltech's European Bioscience Centre in Dunboyne, Co. Meath, Ireland.