Contact
Peter Klocke
(Dr. med. vet)
Animal Health
Head of group
FiBL
Ackerstrasse
CH-5070 Frick
Phone +41 (0)62 865-7261
Fax +41 (0)62 865-7273
peter.klocke(at)fibl.org
Research areas: Animal Health
Complementary and alternative medicine for animals
Animals in organic operations are usually treated with orthodox veterinary measures when they get diseases. There is much interest, however, in alternative or complementary treatment methods. The gap between their widespread use and the lack of scientific proof of their activity and efficacy, however, creates a need for basic research, which must be conducted in controlled systems under laboratory conditions. Testing such medications under field conditions is also essential. Hence the goal of this module is to demonstrate the activity of potentized substances on biological systems in the laboratory and to test the efficacy of residue-free, natural medications on diseased animals. Upto- date recommendations will be based on practical experience and backed up by controlled, scientific methods. Emphasis will be on field studies to assess the applicability of the experimentally tested protocols.
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Epidemiology and development of preventative strategies for animal health
The health of farm animals is influenced by many factors. These include the environment, feeding, husbandry, social behaviour in the herd/flock, and management and care provided by humans. The scientific analysis of all of these factors and their effect on animal health will provide valuable information for both consultancy and practical applications. In these analyses, we will determine which factors contribute to health in farm animal herds/flocks (epidemiology). FiBL’s „pro-Q“ pilot farm network with over 150 dairy operations will serve as a database and foundation for such analyses. The goal is the elaboration of factor catalogues that focus specifically on the unique situations and conditions of organic production. The results of the epidemiological research will build on these catalogues and serve as the foundation for holistic, practice-oriented animal health programmes designed to prevent animal diseases. The rudiments of such animal health programmes are already in place in the area of udder health and they will be further developed to include other disease complexes and animal species.
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Animal health and sustainability
The knowledge gained is being implemented in herd/flock health management systems. Farmers who sign up to such management systems benefit from comprehensive, holistic animal health consultancy. This involves close cooperation between the farmers and extension services and veterinarians. The special feature of the systems is that they combine animal welfare, disease prevention and complementary medicine with a high quality of milk and meat. The management programmes are applicable to different production systems (organic, IP, conventional), different problem areas (udder health, fertility) and different animal species. Special emphasis is also placed on the profitability and sustainability of livestock management.