Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.46419/vs.53.3.4

Economic losses due to clinical lameness in Kosovo dairy cattle

Lindita Ibishi ; Odsjek za agroekonomiju, Sveučilište u Prištini, Agronomski i Veterinarski fakultet, Republika Kosovo
Arben Musliu ; Odsjek za agroekonomiju, Sveučilište u Prištini, Agronomski i Veterinarski fakultet, Republika Kosovo
Blerta Mehmedi ; Odjel za reprodukciju životinja, Sveučilište u Prištini, Poljoprivredni i Veterinarski fakultet, Republika Kosovo
Agim Rexhepi ; Odsjek za patologiju, Sveučilište u Prištini, Poljoprivredni i Veterinarski Fakultet, Republika Kosovo
Curtic R. Youngs ; Ensminger Endowed Chair of International Animal Agriculture, Iowa State University, USA
Behlul Behluli ; Department of Animal Reproduction, University of Prishtina, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, Republic of Kosovo

Abstract

The health of dairy cows is an important factor affecting the profitability of dairy farms worldwide, and lameness is regarded as one of the most costly dairy cattle diseases. The aim of this study was to estimate the economic cost of cow lameness among Kosovo dairy farms. Data collected from 56 dairy farms were analysed with a farm-level stochastic (Monte Carlo) simulation model to estimate the cost of lameness. Lameness-associated sources of economic loss examined within the model included: reduced milk production, treatment cost, discarded milk, reduced cow body weight, and premature culling. Results showed that prevalence of lameness among cows on Kosovo dairy farms ranged from 17% to 39%. The average annual cost of lameness was estimated at €338.57 per farm (or €46.25 per cow). Reduced milk production was the largest financial contribution to the cost of lameness (45% of total economic loss) followed by premature culling (31% of total economic loss). Discarded milk, reduced cow body weight, and cost of treatment each contributed approximately 8% to the total economic loss. These findings indicate that dairy farmers need to be more cognizant of the financial losses associated with lameness and should be encouraged to implement management strategies to reduce lameness as a means of enhancing farm profitability.

Keywords

Dairy cattle; Health; Lameness; Economic cost

Hrčak ID:

261531

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/261531

Publication date:

31.10.2021.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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