In the past, they said prevention is better than cure.

This saying also applies to the health of livestock, as the disease of the herd means realizing the loss due to the death of the animal and the loss of its production, and the costs of treatment. Therefore, breeders must follow preventive measures to protect their livestock from diseases and maintain their productivity.

These measures can be summarized by three basic elements that make up the sides of the Golden Prevention Triangle, which are Nutrition, Health, and Management.

Proper nutrition increases the productivity of the animal, strengthens its immunity and its resistance to diseases, so the breeder should consider the following:

1. Providing the appropriate feed mixture in terms of quantity and composition for each group of animals in the herd according to its age, production level, and stage of pregnancy.
2. Providing free choice minerals and salts for livestock to eat according to their needs.
3. Ensure that the feed mixture is of good quality and free from contaminants and mycotoxins.
4. Making relatively cold water available all the time.

Among the most important health measures are the following:

1. Follow the immunization programme carefully.
2. Combat external and internal parasites periodically.
3. Check the health of the purchased livestock and isolate them for sufficient period before mixing them with the herd.
4. Keep the barns clean and well ventilated.
5. Consult your veterinarian before giving any treatment to the herd.

Good herd management plays an important role in protecting the herd from diseases and enhancing its productivity, and here are some important measures:

1. Provide the right housing for the herd in terms of design, space, and ventilation.
2. Divide the herd into groups according to the production level to facilitate taking care of it..
3. Keep records to follow up on the health status of the herd, and other records of reproductive management.
4. Prepare well for the breeding season to get the largest number of healthy births.
5. Provide enough trained staff to take care of the herd.