IMPACT OF MODERN MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES ON BOVINE HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of modern management methods (MMT) on bovine health and productivity through a cluster randomized controlled trial conducted at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan that included 12 commercial dairy farms with 480 nursing cows. The intervention group executed a comprehensive program that included precision feeding, sensor-based activity and rumination monitoring, improved housing and cow comfort, evidence-based mastitis prevention, regular locomotion scoring with hoof trimming, and data-informed decision dashboards, whereas the control farms adhered to traditional practices. Outcomes were evaluated over 24 weeks using established protocols and analyzed using mixed models and survival analysis using SPSS. The findings indicated that MMT markedly enhanced milk yield, with intervention cows yielding an adjusted mean of 33.8 L/day, in contrast to 31.7 L/day in the control group (adjusted mean difference: +2.10 L/day; 95% CI: 1.28–2.92; p < 0.001). The udder health was enhanced, as evidenced by an 18.4% decrease in the geometric mean somatic cell count and a 28% reduction in the occurrence of clinical mastitis. The incidence of lameness diminished by 25% and body condition ratings demonstrated a more advantageous trend, with endline averages elevated in the intervention group (3.10 vs. 2.98; p < 0.001). Reproductive performance increased as the median calving-to-conception interval decreased from 114 to 103 days (hazard ratio: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.05–1.43). An almost significant protective effect on survival was noted (hazard ratio, 0.85; p = 0.052). In conclusion, the implementation of integrated modern management strategies has resulted in significant enhancements in milk production, udder health, locomotor health, body condition, and fertility. These findings advocate the wider implementation of precision-oriented and welfare-focused interventions to improve the sustainability of dairy farming.