Ultrasonography is an excellent biomarker for chronic lameness in cows

12 Jun 2012

Visited 2 dairy herds in County Antrim, where the incidence of lameness and poor body condition score was over 40%. Scanning of cows identified over 95% of those cows with chronic lameness. Both clients plan to separate the cows identified as reproductively compromised. These cows will be cared for properly over the next 4 weeks in the hope of a compensatory effect for improved reproductive performance. This is another example of scanning cows as part of a preventative health management programme.

Testimonials

I have been using Dr Dan Ryan’s services for the best part of 20 years now at this stage. I completely depend on the information I get from his service.

I do 4 scans during the year. The first scan is in early April to see that every cow is cycling properly and to see where there are problems in the herd.

The second scan is in the first few days in June. I get all cows served over 28 days, cows pregnant, late calvers and heifers. I also learn if there are any embryonic deaths from this scan.

The third scan is in the first week of July. I get cows gone 28 days checked and also check for any embryonic deaths.

The final scan is in mid September. I get a clear picture as to which cows are in calf or not. I get projected calving dates for the following Spring. This scan can pick up services that the stock bull would have performed that I may have missed. I may see cows on heat and yet the scan would confirm that they are in calf. Multiple pregnancies can be picked up as well.

If I see a cow doing something unusual during the breeding season Dan and his team are always at the end of the line for advice.
All the above information is invaluable.

Kieran & his mother Marie Irwin
Ballingarry, Co. Limerick