Guantanamo and Jack Russells

Super-dairy opponents defend Guantanamo stunt

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/123346/Super-dairy-opponents-defend-Guantanamo-stunt.htm

Dairy Event 2010: Farmers urged to wear gloves after mastitis survey

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/08/123323/Dairy-Event-2010-Farmers-urged-to-wear-gloves-after-mastitis.htm

Jack Russells

I had to have one of our dogs re-innoculated yesterday and took the opportunity to chat to our vet about how veterinary care might function in a large super dairy.  I try to check out the facts and differing views surrounding this industry, instead of always relying on articles published around the 'net'.

It was an interesting discussion. He did say one vet couldn't possibly hope to manage a herd of 8,100 cows by him/her self. A 'resident' vet would need the services of an 'in-house' trainee or visiting locum to assist.

Big wasn't always necessarily bad though in his opinion. Our vet did say that many years ago, he had experienced small family run farms which couldn't afford the cost of veterinary services. As a result they tended to delay getting them in, by which time the injury had deteriorated causing much discomfort for the cow.

However, quantity also brings its problems too, where the issue is magnified. If there does happen to be a transferable infectious ailment, it can sweep through the herd with devastating results. Losing the milk from one low producing cow in a small dispersed herd isn't much of a deal. Losing quite a number of large yielding cows in a closely confined herd can affect percentages of production hugely. If a cow is not well cared for, it soon responds by reducing its milk yield. There is a close correlation.

The breed of Holstein which is a high yielding cow, is a bit like a Formula 1 car... it requires careful and dedicated care... it is a little fragile. Other breeds are like your family car... they are more hardy. Our vet did say if the veterinary care wasn't top class in the super-dairy, it would soon affect the profitability of the set up... so it is in the owner's interests to make sure animal husbandry is top class... the big dairy is all about yield.

I suppose that's why I like our Jack Russells... they don't cost a lot to run, yet give much pleasure.  Both are hardy little dogs who are not fragile.  Compare that with the more exotic breeds where their owners never ever seem to be away from the vets.  I know which I'd rather own.