ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF HEALTH PROPHYLAXIS IN DAIRY CATTLE HERDS

<ns3:p>Health prophylaxis in dairy cattle is a key determinant of productivity and economic efficiency. Study assessed impact of preventive measures on direct milk production costs and their role in shaping farm competitiveness. Analysis covered 207 farms in Podkarpackie, Podlaskie, and Lower Silesia, differing in production scale, housing systems, and intensity. Data on costs, insemination, veterinary services, culling, and milk yield were collected in 2022-2023 and analyzed using comparative methods and multiple regression. Results demonstrated significant regional variation. Podlaskie farms, with larger herds and higher yields, reported highest veterinary and insemination costs, but achieved lowest unit costs (0.79 PLN/l) through economies of scale, whereas Lower Silesia farms in tie-stall systems had highest costs (1.19 PLN/l). Regression confirmed significant effect of mastitis (p &lt; 0.05) and near-significant effect of lameness on costs. Preventive measures, as microclimate monitoring (p &lt; 0.05) and hoof baths (p ≈ 0.10) reduced losses, highlighting prophylaxis as strategic investment, improving health, longevity, and cost efficiency.</ns3:p>