Enrollmennt of Tennessee beef herds in the National Animal Health Monitoring System

John C. New Jr., University of Tennessee - Knoxville
W L. Sanders
V C. Beal

Abstract

This paper describes a modified area frame approach to selecting beef cow-calf operations randomly which will provide reasonable estimates of population parameters. The methodology of herd selection is probabilistic, is designed to represent the geographic distribution of cattle in the state, and is stratified by herd size. Approximately 72 work days were required and 13 587 miles were travelled to enroll 60 beef herds in Tennessee. The enrollment phase was spread over approximately 3 months and involved 10 veterinarians. The participation refusal rate increased from 23.1% in 1983 to 28.6% in the current study. An important reason for non-participation in the current study was the necessity of handling and bleeding animals.