Karen Lally references a growing appreciation for the importance of cow cooling. We know of the impact of cooling on lactating cows as it is easy to measure in the milk tank. For dry cows, the real dangers of heat stress are not immediately visible. Source:Progressive Dairyman, July 9, 2018. Link. Cooling dry cows means cooling calves in utero, protecting your investment in … [Read more...]
Rethinking how we feed milk to pre-weaning calves
This article follows previous discussions about colostrum <link> and how dairymen are rethinking how to feed and support pre-wean calves. Similar to colostrum nutrition, there is still an abundance of knowledge to be discovered about the next phase of nutrition for the dairy calf: milk feeding. Source: Progressive Dairyman, July 16, 2018. Link. . . . we have largely … [Read more...]
How to increase the proportion of early calving heifers and cows
Maximizing the proportion of cows that conceive early in the breeding season cannot be overemphasized in a beef herd. Artificial insemination (AI) is the most powerful tool cow-calf producers have to improve beef cattle genetics. However, producers have been slow to adopt the technology citing time and labor without any rewards for genetics and market timing. Markets are now … [Read more...]
The 10 biggest expenses on a dairy
We often hear that animal health pros struggle to understand the financial picture for dairy customers. According to 2017 income and expense summaries from Genske, Mulder & Co., the nation’s largest dairy accounting firm, the average cost of production for its clients last year was $16.86 per hundredweight. (That amount does not include current debt repayment and owner … [Read more...]
Water consumption crucial to horse health
Getting enough water sounds elementary doesn’t it. But for horses, and cattle, as well, . . . water is the most important nutrient, especially in hot weather. Without it, horses die within a few days, whereas they may be able to go weeks without food. Source: BEEF, June 25, 2018. Link. Ambient temperature affects water intake, and horses typically drink less water in cold … [Read more...]
How gut health promotes animal welfare in monogastrics
Jackie Roembke reviews how changes in production systems and animal welfare expectations challenge nutritionists and producers to maintain healthy animal populations. Focusing on immunity first to reduce antibiotic use requires a gut health perspective. With 70 percent of an animal’s immunity concentrated in the gut, fostering a strong gastrointestinal system will improve its … [Read more...]
Colostrum is more valuable than we thought
It is well understood that the calf’s first meal is of vital importance. For the most part though, the reason it is so highly valued is the immunoglobulins (Ig) transmitted through that first feeding and its exceptional energy level. Research is now showing that colostrum is packed full of signalers that are working to position the calf for success in both immunity and … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Pinkeye cofactors reprint
We recently posted a Progressive Dairyman article discussing pinkeye in terms of primary and co-factor infections. Link. The article featured the experiences of Bruce Addison and Austin Springer with Addison Biological Laboratories. it is now available as a one-page reprint that makes it handy to share with beef and dairy producers. Source: Addison Biological Laboratories. … [Read more...]
July 2018, Journal of Dairy Science
One of the easiest ways to stay in touch with dairy research is by skimming the Interpretive Summaries section. We’ve linked that section for you. Here are some interesting studies: A role for serotonin in lactation physiology—Where do we go from here?, Link. Comparison of adhesion characteristics of common dairy spore formers and their spores on stainless steel and … [Read more...]
Study of animal personality, mood to give new welfare insights
AgResearch’s Animal Welfare Team is working to expand the knowledge of livestock behavior, at a time of growing consumer demand for strong welfare standards. Studies like this could be used to compare how animals experience different farming situations and to improve design of production systems. Source: Feedstuffs, June 12, 2018. Link. New research exploring the moods and … [Read more...]
Beef business is marathon, not sprint
BEEF’s annual State of the Industry survey shows that while short- and long-term optimism have diminished, most respondents accept the roller coaster challenges of raising beef. Source: BEEF, June 2018., page 8. Link. When analyzing the responses to the short-term and long-term questions, it becomes a glass-half-full outlook versus a glass-half-empty worldview. Indeed, how … [Read more...]
Vaccine protocols, protocol shifts and immune status
Robert Lynch, DVM, writes The area of most confusion related to herd health management on dairies continues to be the vaccine program. It is rare to find just one vaccine protocol for any farm. The protocol at the vet clinic is different from the copy in the main farm office, which is different from the copy back in the manager’s office. Lynch blames a lack of understanding … [Read more...]
Corralling pasture brush: A systems approach
Regardless of what kind of brush or overgrowth producers must manage, it has to be done properly to achieve desired results. Brush and trees are beneficial as shade for livestock and cover for wildlife, but dense infestations from fence to fence erode ranch profits due to limited forage production. Brush control is an expense against income in a changing economy, so its … [Read more...]
GlobalVetLINK Joins Amazon Web Services for cloud solutions
GlobalVetLink (GVL), Ames, Iowa, has migrated its online animal health documentation platform to Amazon Web Services (AWS) joining companies such as Airbnb, Netflix and GE. The transition from a traditional data center to AWS allows GVL to better support current users, improve certificate creation, enhance technology and features and gain help with customer data security and … [Read more...]
New findings with bovine pinkeye
Bruce Addison and Austin Springer with Addison Biological Laboratories discuss pinkeye in terms of primary and co-factor infections. Their laboratory experiences are further explained by electron microscope photography showing how M. boviculi attaches to M. bovis. Although the company suggests further research, results suggest M. bovoculi does not attach well to the surface of … [Read more...]
New research shows cattle resist oral exposure to CWD
Cattle fed extremely high oral doses of chronic wasting disease (CWD)-infected brain material or kept in heavily prion-contaminated facilities for 10 years showed no neurological signs of the disease according to University of Wyoming Department of Veterinary Sciences researchers. The long timespan of the research is important, as CWD is a slow disease and these results are … [Read more...]
SWAG is good, but more is needed
Jessica Peters, a Pennsylvania dairy farmer, shares her perspective on what is needed to help support dairy producers beyond hats, pens and trinkets. Her perspective is worthwhile, especially if you call on dairies or market dairy products. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, May 23, 2018. Link. Why not collaborate with farmers to help them produce and distribute fun, informative … [Read more...]
Read the calving signs
Seventeen percent or more of cows need help to deliver a calf. Calving challenges affect the cow and calf’s health, production and fertility. Recognition of normal calving behaviors and the labor process is important for cow welfare and needs to be part of farm labor training. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, May 10, 2018. Link. Calving behavior research shows cows want a secluded … [Read more...]
BRD is a battle we may never win
Burt Rutherford makes a case that BRD or BRDC will likely never be eliminated. His opinion was formed after reading a research study that indicates over 21 percent of cattle are effected by BRD. While BRD costs the industry $800 - $900 million annually, the challenge is making changes in how calves are managed prior to weaning, he says. Source: BEEF, May 22, 2018. … [Read more...]
Big heifers, like big steers, may limit beef demand
Bigger, heavier heifers may not be better for beef marketing. Over the past 50 years, the gap between steer weights and heifer weights has closed significantly. Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension economist, reviews heifer development and the potential impact on beef demand. Source: Drovers, May 21, 2018. Link. Clearly, the industry continues to feed heifers … [Read more...]
Heat index resource helps cattlemen
A common question heard in cattle country is, “Is it too hot to work cattle today?” Thanks to a collaborative effort between the USDA, Oklahoma State University, Kansas State University, the University of Oklahoma and the weather co-op known as Mesonet, we now have a National Cattle Comfort Index guide and mapping program readily available on the internet. The program was … [Read more...]
Five dairy “do NOT do’s” in 2018
Nutritionist Mike Hutjens offers wisdom for dairymen facing low milk prices and low margins: Do not - Remove minerals from rations Cheat heifers; slow down growth Delay breeding with longer calving intervals Avoid body condition scores > 3.25 without rBST Saving a dime and lose a dollar (organic trace minerals, hoof trimming, bull breeding) Source: … [Read more...]
Top cows avoid health problems, cycle quickly
Research has shown that a good fresh period is essential for cows. Hopefully, they begin milking, avoid health problems and start cycling quickly. According to Milo Wiltbank, this task is more easily accomplished if cows gain weight during the transition period that includes the 21 days before and after calving. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, May 7, 2018. Link. According to … [Read more...]
Dry cow vaccination improves immune response, passive transfer
Linda Tikofsky, Boehringer-Ingelheim DVM, provides sound reasoning for a two-in-one effect when vaccinating dry cows. This is sound advice for producers and a good reminder for dairy veterinary teams and the animal health pros who service dairies. A lactating cow vaccination protocol should begin at least 30 days prior to breeding, Tikofsky says. By vaccinating cows during … [Read more...]
New calf killer in town
Salmonella Heidelberg, a disease identified fewer than two years ago, can quickly claim the lives of dairy calves. The disease is a risk for any dairy and has become a multi-state risk due to the frequent transport of dairy animals across the U.S. Additionally, S. Heidleberg is resistant to antibiotics and was linked to human cases in 15 states. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, … [Read more...]
Baby bison may save Siberian permafrost
To avoid releasing billions of tons of carbon from warming permafrost, scientists in the Pleistocene Park, in the wilds of Siberia, are attempting to reestablish the ecosystem as it was 20,000 years ago. They believe the actions of grazing animals can help keep the ground from thawing. Bison from Alaska will soon join other grazing animals there. Source: Fast Company, April … [Read more...]
Cornell research: moderate cost for no antibiotics in dairy
A new Cornell University study pinpoints the financial toll that eliminating antibiotic use would have on dairy farms. The team took a systems approach that involves researchers in epidemiology, development sociology, and agricultural and health economics. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 19, 2018, Link. To examine the effect of limiting the use of antibiotics in dairy … [Read more...]
Heed new pinkeye management protocols
Articles from AHD sponsor Addison Biological Laboratories provide information about how we should now manage pinkeye. Starting with a historical perspective helps. This is what we know: Pinkeye is a painful cattle disease that can reduce weaning weights as much as 17 lbs. to 65 lbs. per animal. Pinkeye is a multifactor disease. Once it begins to spread through a … [Read more...]
Cows love brushing (includes video)
Brian Murphy and his family installed automated brushes to improve cow comfort. The cows love the brushes and compete for position to take turns. Source: Dairy Herd Management, March 29, 2018. (Link) The brushes really help to keep the cows clean, especially this time of year when they are getting rid of their hair coat,” Murphy says. “The cows love to stand and rub against … [Read more...]
Beef herd vaccination protocols are critical
Prepping calves for next fall’s market starts now with a herd vaccination program for cows, bulls and calves. Annual operational objectives should include 100 percent healthy cattle. Herd vaccination programs are proactive and implementing vaccines recommended by local veterinarian help protect against known viral and bacterial issues in the area. The upside of processing … [Read more...]