NAHMS To Conduct Heifer Raiser Survey
Source: United States Department of Agriculture
The United States Department of Agriculuture’s National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) is conducting the nation’s first study of custom dairy heifer raisers. This important study will describe current management practices used on heifer-raising facilities and identify future challenges facing the industry. Dairy operations from 21 states* will be asked to participate in the study.
A collaborative study of this type and national scope has never been undertaken for the U.S. dairy heifer-raiser industry. By participating, heifer raisers will be contributing to the development of valuable information that will be used to evaluate different aspects of management—including feeding and housing—and to identify biosecurity practices that will help minimize disease transmission.
If you choose to participate in Dairy Heifer Raiser 2011, you will be asked to complete a
single questionnaire which will be administered by a Federal or State animal health official from April 1 through August 31, 2011. If you raised dairy heifers during 2010 for at least one operation other than your own, you are eligible to participate.
In addition to gaining valuable information about the health and management practices of the U.S. heifer raiser industry, participants will receive a customized report comparing study results from your operation with results from other operations in your State or region. Participants will also receive, upon request, a comprehensive report detailing results from all 21 participating States.
If you are a dairy heifer raiser interested in participating in this study, contact the appropriate
animal health official in your State. If you are not sure whom to contact, call Ms. Abby Fienhold at 1–866–907–8190. Ms. Fienhold will coordinate your participation with your State’s study coordinator.
States to be included: *Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
