An economic analysis of losses of dairy cattle in Hungary

Abstract

The cost of disease incidence and prophylaxis of dairy cattle were analyzed. A random sample of 7 large dairy herds in Hungary was studied from 1989 to 1-993. Different costs associated with clinical incidence of diseases and prophylactic measures were estimated per cow. About 91 % oftotal disease cost was incurred for the disease incidence cost and the rest was for prophylactic measures. Udder disease category was the most costly category followed by the surgical diseases. Culling loss accounted for about 61 % of the disease incidence cost followed by death loss of 28%. About 86% of the total prevention cost was expended for drugs and biologicals. Adequate care and attention must be advocated to avoid the mounting losses from the udder diseases with strict hygienic measures.