The absence of a vaccine to protect against avian flu is a factor in dairy producers’ heightened focus on strengthening the immune systems of their dairy cows. It should not take H5N1 to prioritize bolstering immunity given myriad morbidities known to challenge bovine health daily. Stephen B. Blezinger, PhD, PAS, discusses the critical interrelationship between nutrition and … [Read more...]
Polled cattle bring benefits to dairy producers
Most producers do not realize the polled gene is dominant in dairy cattle. Adrianne Trennepohl explains the importance of the polled gene and its benefits. Implementing the polled gene takes only one generation and reduces the effects of dehorning. The polled gene improves the safety, efficiency and overall management of a dairy farm, directly impacting … [Read more...]
Milking camels a niche market
Niche markets in livestock production offer intrigue and opportunities to producers willing to learn and take risks. Camels were imported to the American West in the 1850s as pack animals and have garnered interest since <Link>. In this article, Steve Pastis shares the story of three U.S. dairy farmers filling a niche market by milking camels. Source: Progressive … [Read more...]
Mycoplasma bovis: Tough to treat, difficult to prevent
Includes Commercial References Newport Laboratories’ Jason Anderson, DVM, writes about Mycoplasma bovis, calling it problematic, insidious and hard to control. M. bovis is found in many different disease presentations. Affected cattle may display nasal discharge, cough, labored breathing, drooped ear, head tilt, head shaking, difficulty moving, swollen joints, inflamed … [Read more...]
Beyond hooves: The human element in tackling lameness
Lameness remains a persistent challenge, with approximately one in four dairy cows lame at any given time. Laura Solano and Demetrio Bautista Ortiz discuss the importance of cultivating a supportive work environment within the on-farm hoof health team. Skilled on-farm hoof health teams need diverse skills to deploy, given hoof care cases are generally not … [Read more...]
Enhance reproductive success in the cow-calf herd
Reproductive technologies, when used appropriately, improve herd health, efficiency, genetics and overall profitability, writes Roselyn Biggs, DVM. Enhanced reproductive technologies exist for herds using bulls, as well as those using artificial insemination. She notes low percentage use of estrous synchronization, even though it can be effective and provide benefits in many … [Read more...]
New products from World Dairy Expo
Mark Moore shares new products that garnered attention at World Dairy Expo that took place in Madison, Wisconsin, from September 28th to October 4th. Featured are management products that promise to help streamline some of the processes on farm. For animal health pros working with dairies, learning about new products outside your own offerings can be beneficial during a … [Read more...]
Voluntary waiting period data can set up cows for success
A dairy cow’s voluntary waiting period, the time after calving until breeding, is a flurry of internal activity, writes Steve Pavelski. He asserts the voluntary waiting period should be considered a preparation period. The article is a good resource to share and discuss with dairy producers. Source: Progressive Dairy, September 5, 2024. Link. The most profitable voluntary … [Read more...]
Reducing dairy emissions starts with manure
Stockpiled manure is typically spread in the spring and summer, but experts are urging dairy producers to find ways to get manure out in the summer. Deborah Jeanne Sergeant shares recommendations from experts to help reduce greenhouse gases from manure, curtail methane production and adjust diets to lower emissions. Manure and the gases that come from it represent 52 percent … [Read more...]
Considerations for cow bedding
Waterbeds for cows always conjures a comical mental image. But, considering dairy cows will rest in a lying position 14 or more hours per day <Link>, choosing the best bedding is an important decision for dairy producers. Amber Adams Progar reviews the pros and cons of different bedding types in this article. Source: Progressive Dairy, June 12, 2024. Link. Related: … [Read more...]
Impact of hoof trimming on milk production
Like a house built on sand, dairy cows with hoof problems won’t stand up to the rigors of dairy life and production. Research shared in this article shows that dairy farms need to carefully consider the timing of trimming interventions to optimize production outcomes and affect cow behavior. “. . . the timing of preventive hoof trimming during lactation can significantly … [Read more...]
Rethinking mid-lactation milk fever
The causes of mid-lactation milk fever are different than calcium milk fever in fresh cows, which makes the term somewhat misleading. Mid-lactation milk fever often occurs in multiparous, high-producing cows that had no problem in previous milkings. The authors explain the need to focus on hypomagnesemia noting nutritional and inflammatory challenges that may lead to … [Read more...]
Differentiating mastitis from teat sealant residue at freshening
Sharing information from Boehringer-Ingelheim, Audrey Schmitz’s article addresses some challenges at dry-off with high-producing cows. Teat sealants are frequently used to close teats in top milk producers as they are less likely to form a natural keratin plug. She shares the importance of keeping milking employees trained on identifying milk versus teat sealants, as well as … [Read more...]
A bad sample is worse than no sample
Sponsored Content According to Ohio State’s William (Bill) P. Weiss, PhD, “A bad sample is worse than no sample.” He was speaking about accuracy when analyzing feed, but he could have been referencing the collection of samples to be sent to diagnostic laboratories to identify pinkeye strains from cattle showing signs of it. Addison Laboratory’s Karlin Yaeger and I spoke … [Read more...]
The devil is in the details: Proper semen handling
Rick Ellerbrock shares the importance of proper semen handling and refers to the training of new technicians, including a list of procedures and protocols. Those who create good habits for semen handling are the ones who often garner the highest conception rates. Source: Progressive Dairy, February 16, 2024. Link. Errors in semen handling can reduce conception rates by as … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 29, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 22, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 22nd AHD Bulletin – And, “What else?” Link. 8 restaurant etiquette tips, explained. Link. Skipping the dog walk IS a big deal. Link. ============================================ A major solar storm could be devastating to our … [Read more...]
Winter break? Not for parasites or control plans.
Commercial Content Some ectoparasitism slows in winter but parasites such as mites and lice prefer the cooler time of the year, writes Elanco’s David L. Prentice, DVM, MS. He reviews the five primary types of mites in cattle, two types of lice and offers tips for effective mitigation and control of mange and lice. Source: Progressive Dairy, January 19, 2024. … [Read more...]
Adopt a Cow program reaches 50 states and 40 countries
Elementary and middle school students who participate in the Dairy Excellence Foundation’s Adopt a Cow program can watch calves grow up. The program allows students to learn about the sustainability of dairies and the nutrition of dairy products they consume at home. The program now reaches students throughout the U.S. and in 40 countries. Field trips encourage strong … [Read more...]
KPI alphabet soup: Defining acronyms of high-performance dairies
Chad Jenkins and Mark Hodge share key performance indicators as a quick gauge and to provide clarity to a plethora of dairy data. Acronyms often add to the confusion along with some of the mathematics when talking with dairy producers. Four KPIs that have considerable impact on dairy productivity and profitability are income over feed cost, dollars per pound of dry matter, … [Read more...]
Genetic tools have reversed cow fertility decline
Kristen Gaddis, PhD, dispels a myth and shares the results of applied genetics in the selection of dairy cows in U.S. herds over the last two or more decades. Dairy geneticists, producers, veterinarians and other advisers have all rallied to improve the fertility of U.S. dairy cows. Continued emphasis to enhance reproduction makes sense from the perspective of animal … [Read more...]
Cattle heat stress reminders
There are only 13 days until summer. But, even now cattle heat stress is a major consideration for dairy and beef producers. It can negatively affect milk production and overall herd health. Once cattle start to pant, some heat stress has occurred. Understanding heat stress, preparing for it and looking at options to alleviate it will help keep production steady as summer … [Read more...]
Lame cows are not to be tolerated on dairies
“Acknowledging the importance of hoof health and purposefully reducing lameness incidences may not position farms to maximum performance and profit in the short term, but it is a must-do if a farm is going to achieve a balance of optimal profit, efficiency and welfare by definition of sustainable,” shared Jennifer Walker, DVM, in a recent presentation. At any given time, 25% … [Read more...]
Cool things seen at 2022 World Dairy Expo
Progressive Dairy’s editorial team shares the latest new products and ideas in the dairy industry in this article. Dairy producers participating in an onsite survey indicated labor and input costs were their leading worries. Source: Progressive Dairy, October 12, 2022. Link. New products includes several new advancements that can assist with the essentials of dairy life. … [Read more...]
The secret language of heat stress: What dry cows are telling you.
Dairy farmers and veterinarians are noticing the effects of heat stress in the dry cow herd. While dry cows can stand a bit more heat than the milking herd, their comfort is important for optimizing future production. Research has shown that dry, pregnant cows or nulliparous pregnant heifers exposed to heat stress will make less milk in their next lactation, and their gestated … [Read more...]
Cattle bunching on dairy farms: Causes and solutions
The ongoing advancements in animal stewardship at the farm or ranch level, are fascinating as they are revealed. Sadly, the public often holds an Old MacDonald point of view about animal care. Dairy and cattle producers are continually observing and working toward solutions to limiting production factors that ultimately improve animal health and stewardship. Brian Dougherty … [Read more...]
8 strategies to reduce dry period mastitis to improve reproductive efficiency (video)
Eight dry cow prevention strategies can help reduce the risk that new intermammary infections will develop post-calving, which, in turn, helps keep milk flowing on the dairy and improves reproductive efficiency. Dairy cows are most susceptible to new intramammary infections (IMIs) during the dry period.” - Brian Miller, DVM, Merck Animal Health Source: Progressive Dairy, June … [Read more...]
Reducing digital dermatitis starts with hygiene, hygiene, hygiene
Jamie Sullivan discusses how to create an effective digital dermatitis control plan to keep this endemic spirochete bacteria at bay. He focuses on four key elements of reducing incidence: Hygiene, hygiene, hygiene Nutrition Dry cow and transition cow footbath Walk heifer pens: Source: Progressive Dairy, January 19, 2021. Link. Understand how the bacteria … [Read more...]
Uncover hidden opportunities to save time and money in dairy operations
Pauly Paul shares the benefits of taking time to work alongside dairy workers. He says he routinely finds five areas where he commonly uncovers opportunities for saving time and money: Herd checks Breeding Hoof trimming Foot bathing Fresh and treated cow pens Source: Progressive Dairy, April 3, 2020. Link. Spending time working alongside employees can help … [Read more...]
Rethinking dairy footbath use
The dairy business is carried on cows' hooves. Digital dermatitis (DD, also known as hairy warts, strawberry warts) remains the number 1 cause of lameness in dairy herds with increasing concern among feedlot cattle. Hoof trimmer Jamie Sullivan suggests DD remains prevalent due to the way we have been trying to prevent or treat the lesions in the first place. He shares research … [Read more...]
Mastitis steals nutrients, as well as milk
Everyone is aware that cows with mastitis give less milk. Ron Munneke looked beyond the milk loss of clinical cows to consider how subclinical cases affect milk production. The immune cells burn up a lot of energy during the hunting and killing process of the invading bacteria. Source: Progressive Dairy, December 24, 2019. Link. Once the immune system is activated, the immune … [Read more...]