Welkom by die Mooimelk Koeihotel

Cow health is vital when efficient production is expected for 365 days per year. Therefore the Mooimelk Cow Hotel follows a programme of inoculations and preventative measures to ensure good animal health throughout the year,

Monthly “milk ring tests” are performed on the milk from the dairy - to monitor the dairy herd for CA (Contagious Abortion).
Every two years the whole herd is tested for TB and CA – on individual cow basis.
Dr Theo Kotzé is responsible for the compilation of an inoculation and dosage programme for all cattle on the farm.
All cows are dried off with a treatment of dry cow mastitis treatment into each teat.
During milking all cows are sprayed with a teat spray as a preventative measure against the spreading of mastitis.
Every second week all animals are dipped through a spray race – to kill lice and ticks.
All animals on the farm are dehorned to prevent injuries and bullying at the feed pads

Diseases on any dairy farm:

List of specific problems

A Mastitis
Caused by infection in the udder through:

bacteria,
bump to the udder,
incorrent vacuum levels of milking machine,
perished rubber linings on the milking machine,
incorrect milking procedures.
enough space in path ways and kraals where cows wait before being milked,
proper maintenance of the milking machine,

B Gall sickness
Caused by ticks:

Control measures include regular dipping
Changing the active ingredient of the dip every six months
Avoid bringing animals to the farm that can contaminate the herd.
Scraping the surface of the camps where the cows sleep so that the breeding cycle of the ticks can be broken.

C Milk fever
Caused by imbalances in the feeding ration of the cows:

Control measures include regular dipping
Changing the active ingredient of the dip every six months
Avoid bringing animals to the farm that can contaminate the herd.
Scraping the surface of the camps where the cows sleep so that the breeding cycle of the ticks can be broken.

D Scours in calves
Caused by bacteria:

Inoculate against scours
Ensure the newly born calf drinks 2 liters of colostrum within the first 4 hours after calving – this contains antibodies that will fight against scours.
Do not give the calf too much milk – maximum of 2 liters at a time, twice a day

E Foot rot
Caused by bacteria:

Let all cows walk through a foot bath twice per week.
Change the chemicals in the foot bath using copper sulfate and rotating with zinc sulfate.
Trim the hooves of cows.

F Hairy wart on the heel of cows
Caused by bacteria:

Continual use of the foot bath with a fresh mix of chemicals at least twice a week
Treat the wart with a solution of oxytetracyline powder mixed into a paste and bandaged onto the foot for at least 3 days.

G Abortions
Caused by many possible reasons

CA
BVD
High temperature in the mother
Mould in the fodder
Tick borne diseases
Stress factors
Malnutrition
Pregnancy with twins

H Lung problems in calves
Caused by infection in the lungs

Make sure that each calf takes in 2 liters of colostrum within 4 hours after birth
Inoculation against lung diseases soon after birth – within first 3 days
Avoid dust in the feed – rather use pelleted food
Keep the shelter clean and warm with bedding
Keep the shelter’s open side out of the wind.