Veterinarians of Productive Animal Clinic of Estonian University of Life Sciences offer unbiased and research based consultations on various herd health related issues.

Regular monthly herd health checks are conducted, where the current herd health state and its compliance with the set objectives are evaluated. During these visits, clinical examinations of the herd animals are performed and the received data are analysed. It is impossible to underestimate the key role of the farm staff in the solution of the problems. Thus, one of the main tasks of the herd health programmes is to organise trainings and seminars for the farm staff. Together, we are able to find the best solutions to the current problems taking into consideration the actual herd health situation at your farm.

Do you need help with the solution of the existing herd health issues? Do you want to enhance milk quality, calf health, and animal fertility, lower expenses on medications, or receive confirmation of the efficiency of the planned investment?

We offer help and consultations to farmers and veterinarians on the following issues:

Udder health consultancy

During the consultation somatic cell count is determined and clinical udder infection causes are explored. Together, we develop routine guidelines aimed at milk quality and udder health state enhancement, monitoring, and infection decrease. We discuss with the herd veterinarian the suitability of the treatment plan. We also develop a financially optimal udder infection prevention plan specifically for your herd

Young-stock herd health management

We offer help and consultations on calf and young stock herd health problems (diarrhoea, increased mortality rate, respiratory diseases, insufficient growth, heifer reproduction problems, etc.)

Herd fertility problems

Increased milk production regularly involves decreased fertility of the cows. However, there exist certain solutions that ensure optimal reproduction rate. Veterinarians of the large animal clinic consult on herd reproduction problems (abortions, low conception rate, complicated calving, endometritis, etc.). It is impossible to underestimate the key role of the farm staff in the process. Therefore, training and optimisation of their work are essential. It is also vital to pay a particular attention to cattle feeding and the fact that infection occurrence is directly related to peculiarities of herd management.

Herd metabolic problems

We consult on metabolic problems (growth retardation, weight loss, postpartum appetite loss, diarrhoea, insufficient productivity/ product yielding capacity, etc.). Metabolic problems have a significant effect on productivity of the entire herd. Therefore, it is essential to act preventively. In order to discover the problem early long before the appearance of clinical symptoms, it is vital to monitor the most sensitive indicator – the cow.

Cattle limb health management

Limb problems are one of the three main expenditure causes. A lame cow does not yield any milk, frequently loses weight and has reproduction problems. Therefore, it is important to prevent occurrence of limb problems at the herd level. We identify the proportion of lame animals in the herd, determine the disease profile, analyse diagnostic methods, and develop treatment programmes. Moreover, we determine limb disease risk factors and, in cooperation with the farmers, develop hoof health enhancing action plan.

Infectious diseases and vaccination

The spread of infectious diseases in the herd causes economic damage as the increasing number of infected animals raises expenses on treatment and vaccination. We help you diagnose infectious diseases in the herd, understand their role in the occurrence and spread of the infection among the herd animals, and develop disease control plan. We help farms find answers to the following questions – what pathogens cause infectious diseases of the herd animals, and what disease control methods have to be applied in a particular herd against a particular infection.  We provide unbiased assessment of the expenses related to implementation of various disease control plans and predict their cost-efficiency. Additionally, we help farmers decide on the choice of the most suitable vaccination plan for a particular herd aimed at enhancement of animal health and welfare. Finally, we develop an effective biosecurity programme for a particular herd taking into consideration all its characteristics aimed at prevention of the infections from entering the herd.

Our aim is to offer professional and unbiased services and consultations to increase production profitability and enhance animal health and welfare.