USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service released four more reports from its 2007 National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) dairy surveys this afternoon.
Included in today’s release are summaries on facility characteristics and cow comfort, biosecurity practices, heifer calf management and cattle health practices.
Of note, in 2007, nearly three quarters of U.S. dairy cows were housed in freestalls. The rate of heifer vaccinations actually declined from 91.3% in 1991 to 83% in 2007. That decrease is likely due, in part, to the fact many states no longer required vaccinating heifers for brucellosis. Cow vaccinations for all types of diseases remained steady at 80%.
