What are the implications of sick cattle for the farmer? This is a question that is asked all too often since it has an impact on many factors in agriculture. Animal disease not only affects milk production but also has economic consequences for the farmer.
A dip in milk production Milk is one of the world’s most complete foods as it provides a variety of nutrients. Thus, it is fair to say that it plays an important role in improving human nutrition, or the education of children. Yet milk production remains one of the lowest in the world. Thus, animal disease plays an important role in these low production rates. Clean water, disease control, and better feeding practices would already go a long way in improving milk production.
In addition, farmers tell us that the presence of different types of livestock has an impact on productivity. This is because it allows the farmer to sell different cattle throughout the year, and generate income to invest in medicines and cure sick cattle, among other things. The most common diseases in cattle are foot-and-mouth disease (38.5%) and anthrax (28.1%). During the summer-spring seasons, the figures would be higher, as microbes and parasites can then reproduce better.
Impact on farmer's livelihood The production of dairy cattle is crucial to the livelihood of the farmer. For example, there is a common chronic disease in cattle called, Paratuberculosis (PTB). The trigger of this disease is the bacteria, Mycobacterium avium subsp. Paratuberculosis (MAP). The disease leads to high mortality of livestock, resulting in economic consequences for the farmer. The spread of disease in livestock, leads to economic consequences, production losses, a declining market, and unemployment in the food-agriculture sector. Also, even a small outbreak of animal disease can lead to the imposition of strict embargoes on the import/export of animal products by trading partners.
Several studies have shown that contamination of pipes, tanks or other materials in contact with liquids is caused by biofilm formation. Microorganisms such as iron and clacium adhere to the biofilm and use it as a basis for adhesion. Learn more by reading this blog!
“Learn how Kris Coppen, a chicken farmer with 100,000 chickens, has successfully improved the health and well-being of his poultry. Read about his smart approach to cost savings and the implementation of Harsonic® in equal stalls. Improve the health of your poultry and optimize your bottom line with Harsonic®. Learn more in this inspiring case study.”
In the chicken industry, biofilm is a common problem. This thin layer of bacteria adheres to water pipes, which can cause infections and diseases in chickens. To tackle this problem, ultrasound is increasingly being used.
