Vanvårdens inverkan på nötkreaturs välfärd och hälsa
Farmers are required to make sure that cattles basic needs are met, but still every year cases of neglect occur where the farmer has not complied within the animal welfare law and regulations. The aim of this study was to investigate how cattle are affected physically and behaviourally by neglect in the form of underfeeding, starvation and lack of sanitation, which animals are most vulnerable to the impact and what prospects they have to recover. The study was conducted as a literature study and the results show that these types of neglect have a large impact on the cattle welfare. Underfeeding and starvation causes physical changes leading to reduced milk production, reduced muscle mass, impaired immune function, poor reproductive performance and changes in rumen microflora leading to decreased number of microbes and pH change. Physical changes due to the lack of sanitation consist of increased vulnerability to hoof diseases and mastitis, burns, and increased sensitivity to temperature. The behaviourally changes that occur because of underfeeding and starvation include changes in eating habits, reduced lying time and reduced sleeping time. Insufficient sanitation cause behavioural changes including changes in laying time, increased agression, and slower movement. Pregnant cows and cows at peak lactation are sensitive to underfeeding and starvation, but also calves. Cattle kept in groups are most at risk for being contaminated. If the neglect is not too severe or prolonged, recovery can take place but in more serious cases of neglect, there is danger of the cattle?s life.