Abstract
The methods used in a large field study which investigated the health and productivity of Ontario beef breeding herds are described. Beginning in the calving season of 1986, 180 breeding herds on 170 randomly sampled farms were followed for a two year period, using producer records and annual farm visits.
The response (cooperation) rate among the eligible producers initially contacted was 70%. Approximately two-thirds of producers maintained individual animal records, primarily calving season records. Approximately 40% recorded disease occurrences.
The advantages, disadvantages, and interpretation of “on-farm” observational studies are discussed.
Full text
PDF
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Hanly G. J., Mossman D. H. Commercial beef production on hill country. N Z Vet J. 1977 Jan-Feb;25(1-2):3–7. doi: 10.1080/00480169.1977.34337. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Leech F. B. A critique of the methods and results of the British national surveys of disease in farm animals. I. Discussion of the surveys. Br Vet J. 1971 Nov;127(11):511–522. doi: 10.1016/s0007-1935(17)37284-6. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Leech F. B. A critique of the methods and results of the British national surveys of disease in farm animals. II. Some general remarks on population surveys of farm animal disease. Br Vet J. 1971 Dec;127(12):587–592. doi: 10.1016/s0007-1935(17)37236-6. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Rogers R. W., Martin S. W., Meek A. H. Reproductive efficiency and calf survival in Ontario beef cow-calf herds: a cross-sectional mail survey. Can J Comp Med. 1985 Jan;49(1):27–33. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]