Evaluation of the systematic recording of diagnostic data in the Valdostana cattle

Abstract

At present, in Italy no systematic recording of diagnostic data for improving animal health and welfare at farm level is available. A first approach towards a health recording system for cattle has been attempted in the Aosta Valley, recording the diagnoses of local Valdostana cattle between 2017 and 2018. The objectives of the present study were: (1) to evaluate the strengths and the critical points of the recording system and (2) to determine the incidence of specific diseases for the year 2018 in Valdostana cows. A standardised key with 69 specific diseases was used by 21 veterinarians for registering the diagnoses in a database. Data were collected from almost 80% of the farms present in the Aosta Valley. The main recorded diseases were those affecting the udder, reproductive apparatus, locomotor system and parasitic infections. Diseases affecting the respiratory and digestive system played a minor role. Since the general data loss through data validation was limited (8.8%), the recording system might be considered as an effective tool for gaining an objective overview of the farm health status. Nevertheless, some diagnoses in the recording system have to be more specified for allowing more precise epidemiologic insights.HIGHLIGHTS A health recording system enables farmers and veterinarians to improve animal health and welfare on farm level. Valdostana cattle show lower incidences for some health disorders when compared with literature data from other dairy cattle breeds. More specific diagnoses for parasitoses and claw disorders could be useful for breeding purpose.