Improving animal health and welfare in organic dairy herds through breeding and management (OrganicDairyHealth) (OrganicDairyHealth)
Project Leader: Dr. Ivemeyer, Silvia; Prof. Dr. Knierim, Ute
Project participants: Simantke, Christel
Project description:
The project with partners from seven European countries (AT, CH, DK, DE, LI, PL, SE) focused on ways to improve the udder and metabolic situation on organic dairy farms .
Germany (DE) was involved in the following sub-projects:
Comparison of health and production traits between local and widely distributed breeds: In DE, the local breed Anglerrinder old breed showed comparable production and health levels to Holstein cows under relatively extensive farm conditions and can therefore be recommended under low-input conditions.
Description of different farm types regarding management and herd health: In DE it was shown that different management strategies can lead to similar results regarding herd health and longevity , whereby farms with higher milk yield not only have a higher input regarding feed with high energy density such as maize or concentrates, but also regarding health care. Such differences should be taken into account in advice and research .
Identification of stress effects on mastitis risk and healing capacity: Based on studies of 30 herds in DE and DK, the overall pattern is that positive attitudes and interactions on the part of the farmer, which build a positive human-animal relationship and enable early problem detection, can have a positive influence on udder health. Herds with lower stress levels showed a better mastitis healing capacity. These correlations should be given greater consideration in future research and mastitis control, without neglecting the known management and husbandry risk factors.
Practical experience with premature drying off of individual quarters during lactation in mild chronically inflamed udder quarters: This can be a strategy to reduce the use of antibiotics. However, thorough observation is essential.
In collaboration with: Winckler, C. and Fürst-Waltl, B. University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Wallenbeck, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden; Spengler, A. and Bieber, A., Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FIBL, Switzerland; Sorensen J.T., Kargo, M., University of Aarhus, Denmark; Walczak, J. and Woijcek, P., National Research Institute of Animal Production, Poland; Ribikauskas, V., Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Lithuania (
This website uses only technically necessary cookies. We do not use cookies for usage analysis with the Matomo software. The analysis is anonymous and does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about individual visitors. Third-party cookies are only set with your express consent. For more information, please see our privacy policy.
