Flock management

Progestogens, such as progesterone, and oestrogens have also been used in animal husbandry for herd or flock management to synchronise animals coming into season , so that breeding programmes can be planned, and to induce milk production. 

The control of internal parasites in sheep is acknowledged to be one of the harder problems in the management of both organic and conventional enterprises. The organic farmer is allowed to dose any animal that is seen to be suffering from parasitic infection, but only those animals that are suffering, not the whole flock. The animals that... 

Special attention must be paid to the rearing period as the aim is to produce a flock that remains calm and healthy during its entire lifespan. Trouble during the rearing period may lead to serious problems in subsequent phases of life, therefore good management is essential during this formative period. 

The concept of mass medication can hardly be accepted outside the agricultural field, but the experience of veterinary practitioners who treat large herds or flocks of animals fully supports this concept, especially in those areas of animal management where it is essential to keep all the animals at a level of optimal productivity (8). 

Cannibalism is another problem reported in organic laying hens. It is known that several factors are involved in triggering cannibalism in a flock. These include breed, feed composition, rearing environment, external parasites and other management factors (Berg, 2001). 

The chick, by virtue of the retained yolk, can survive for 3-4 days without food or water. This should never be a survival mechanism that is put to the test, but it does explain why at 3-4 days of age it is common to see an increased mortality. Chicks with low vitality, and especially those from young parent flocks, often appear to be active until this age and then account for a mortality increase. As a guide the first week s mortality should not exceed 1 % and ideally be no higher than 0.75%. The time spent obtaining ideal conditions for the chick in terms of temperature, food, water and freedom from draughts cannot be overstated, but in a chapter such as this it is not possible to cover the finer points of management practices. It is sufficient to say that the brooding temperature of 30-32°C can be achieved by LPG (low-pressure gas) canopy brooders, by infra-red lamps, or by heat mats similar to those used in pig creeps. Whichever system is selected, the... 

Veterinary medicine offers many challenges to the scientist developing new dosage forms and medicines. These challenges arise from the diverse nature of the field, which covers a multitude of animal species that differ in size, habits, social behavior, etc. farm management practices in which farmers may not have any direct contact with their flock... 

Each day for almost 3 months nonstop we trained up to 30 employees, managers, and union members on the 1-day inspection and auditing courses. Line managers, union representatives, and safety staff attended the 5 days training required for safety and health representatives, and a five-star safety and health representative jacket was presented to all who completed the course. This jacket became a prize possession, and employees flocked to the training to complete the courses and be presented with this jacket. I watched many an employee receive his or her jacket and attendance certificate from the general manager at the final class presentation, and there was a look of pride and achievement on the employee s face when he or she first donned the jacket. The employees wore it with pride. 

In the euthanization of wildlife or livestock, where the major reason for euthanasia is eradication of disease from the herd, flock, or wildlife population, the veterinarian faces a very different situation. Euthanasia is also performed on wildlife or livestock to eliminate suffering in cases of terminal illness or severe injury. Economics and management are the primary concerns of livestock owners. 

Veterinarians play a very important role in modern society and are well respected as vital members of the community. Livestock producers depend on them for successful management of their herds and flocks. Veterinarians in public health positions ensure the safety of the world s food supply. Many owners of companion animals depend on veterinarians and value them as much as they do the family doctor. Research veterinarians are highly valued by many segments of society however, animal welfare and animal rights movements have surrounded the use of animals in research with emotionally charged controversy. 

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