Science, disease and dairy production in Britain, c.1927 to 1980

Abigail Woods*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This article sheds new light on the relationship between scientific research and livestock production through a case study of the dairy cow disease, mastitis. Despite intensive scientific research, the prevalence of this widespread, costly problem barely changed in the period c.1927-80. Analysis of three successive framings of mastitis within the broader context of agricultural change suggests that this outcome did not reflect the failure of research, but rather its partial success. Throughout, scientists approached mastitis as a problem of production rather than health. In helping to control one form of mastitis, their investigations facilitated the adoption of more intensive farming methods, which increased milk output while encouraging the emergence of a different form of the disease. This process illustrates the co-construction of cattle health, scientific research and milk production practices. It also shows how productivist agricultural agendas and the practicalities of scientific investigation moulded the conduct of research and its effects on production.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)294-314
Number of pages21
JournalAGRICULTURAL HISTORY REVIEW
Volume62
Issue number2
Early online date31 Dec 2014
Publication statusPublished - 31 Dec 2014

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