If we use a multi-prong approach to better hoof health - much like our udder health plans - we can see less disease and lameness, paired with more milk. Your nutritionist isn't to blame for your hoof health...
Tackling Johne's around the world While the human risk of contracting Johne's is unclear, many researchers and countries continue to search for new eradication methods. Reducing Johne's risk on your farm...
I am working with a 600-cow dairy that is experiencing a unique pneumonia-like situation. The dairy is very well managed. When the symptoms appear, they are across all lactating cows, are random and begin...
The simple design can limit induced stress. When used routinely, cattle can accommodate to its function, leaving a positive impression. She wrote this series with Paul Rapnicki, D.V.M., formerly with the...
Make parlor trips peaceful Two or three times a day, free stall herds move cows from their home pen to the holding pen. By keeping a routine and using cows' natural tendencies, we can keep the trips low...
Dairy stockmanship:What is low-stress handling? Low-stress stockmanship can be taught. If done correctly, it will relax cattle and employees and improve your bottom line. by Heather Smith Thomas Thomas...
Normal calving progress is just 70 minutes long. If you do need to intervene, 30 minutes of pulling is enough. Henry called with a calving just as I was finishing supper. He said he had not worked on this...
The new footbath model recommends a 10- to 12-foot length, 10-inch depth, 24-inch width, and one removable sidewall. Both sidewalls should be angled in, starting at about 3 feet above the floor of the...
Management of the fresh cow during the first 21 days of lactation is a critical control point for maximizing health and productivity on all dairy farms. Identifying an off-feed fresh cow was a breeze when...
Prevention still is our most powerful medicine. Dry cow treatment and medicated replacers are getting scrutiny. by William M. Sischo and Dale A. Moore The authors are in the Food and Waterborne Disease...
Heat hits cows sooner than we thought by R. B. Zimbleman and R. J. Collier The authors are with the Department of Animal Science at the University of Arizona, Tucson. They are affected at a THI of 68....
Why treatment protocols are so important. This article is part of a series being prepared in cooperation with the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. Protocols ensure sick animals get relief...
When a cow's intake of energy does not meet her energy needs for maintenance and milk production, she begins to burn fat as an energy source. One common form of ketosis (Type I) occurs when a cow is in...
Here's a look at what it is and why it's important to us. This article is part of a series being prepared in cooperation with the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. Antimicrobial resistance...
Making sure your milk or meat does not contain a drug residue must be a high priority. This article is part of a series prepared in cooperation with the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. Consumers...
Above all, avoid drug residues. Ship cows in good condition to get top dollar. This article is part of a series being prepared in cooperation with the American Association of Bovine Practitioners
Key considerations are drug effectiveness, safety for the animal, and safety for the food supply. This article is part of a series being prepared in cooperation with the American Association of Bovine...
The tally is between $304 and $354 per case. Incidence rates can run 20 percent or higher. Most of us have had the unpleasant experience of dealing with a case of metritis. The foul smell and watery uterine...
Lameness is one of the most serious and costly issues for dairy producers. Studies have estimated that between 25 and 30 percent of lactating cows in Canada and the United States are lame. Lameness is...
