Exploring the impact of heat and season on dairy cow health and fertility - A mixed methods approach

Tamminen, Lena-MariSwedish University of Agricultural Sciences,Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet,Institutionen för kliniska vetenskaper (KV),Department of Clinical Sciences (author)

The biological cost of heat stress to cows is well known, yet the effect of summer heat waves on Swedish dairy herds remains unexplored. In this study, data collected monthly at cow and farm level between 2016-2019 as part of the Swedish milk and disease recording system were analysed. Seasonal trends, confirmed using generalised additive models, showed increased somatic cell counts (SCC) and reduced fertility measures during the summers. To understand variation between farms and farmer perceptions of the impact of season on udder health and fertility of Swedish dairy cows, in-depth interviews with 18 dairy farmers were undertaken. Farmers perceived and acted differently on problems related to SCC and fertility, suggesting that the lag between events and consequences affected farmer perception and actions. In addition, farms showing large deviations from the national average were observed, emphasising the need to consider each farm’s unique circumstances.

Båge, ReneeSwedish University of Agricultural Sciences,Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet,Institutionen för kliniska vetenskaper (KV),Department of Clinical Sciences(Swepub:slu)49050 (author)
Olmos Antillon, GabrielaSwedish University of Agricultural Sciences,Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet,Institutionen för kliniska vetenskaper (KV),Department of Clinical Sciences(Swepub:slu)104693 (author)
Sveriges lantbruksuniversitetInstitutionen för kliniska vetenskaper (KV) (creator_code:org_t)
Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet

By the author/editor: Tamminen, Lena-M ...; Båge, Renee; Olmos Antillon, ...

About the subject

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: AGRICULTURAL SCI ...; and Animal and Dairy ...; and Animal and Dairy ...

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