The 2016 National Dairy Quality Award Platinum winners represent an exemplary group of dairy producers. Not only do these herds produce some of the nation’s highest quality milk on a daily basis
Wiersma is the alfalfa business manager with DuPont Pioneer. Thomas is retired from the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute and president of Oak Point Agronomics Ltd. Nit
A dairy feeder calf is a young (1 to 14 days of age), often male, calf that leaves the dairy farm to enter the red meat industry. In Canada and the United States, these calves are most ofte
The authors are veterinarians with the Quality Milk Production Services, Ithaca, N.Y.Milking in a tie stall or stanchion barn is a dance. It takes a certain sense and finesse
A record 128 herds were nominated from 18 U.S. states and Canadian provinces for this year’s ninth annual Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council awards competition
One of the most important economic factors that determines a milking herd’s profitability is the average days in milk (DIM). That parameter obviously depends on getting the cow pregnant early in...
This cow is in a lying position, which is often associated with sleep. Time spent sleeping may affect cow health, production, and welfare more than we realize.The importance of cow comfort and i
Poor heat detection rates, under 50 percent in U.S. dairy herds, are a major factor limiting reproductive efficiency. Even so, detection of behavioral estrus plays an important role in overall reproduction
It’s been over five years since we covered the topic of cool-season grass management in this column. Specifying “cool-season” is important since there are warm-season grasses such as...
At our most recent Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council meeting, the University of Guelph’s Stephen LeBlanc gave an excellent presentation highlighting the importance of monitoring ketosis in transitio
Twins double the trouble. Pregnant with twins," I announced as I scanned cow 13478. Sam dutifully entered the information in his handheld device, but the slump of his shoulders was more dramatic than if...
Don't just stand there Cows that stand too much may be telling you something about cow comfort in your barn. Inadequate flooring can cause lameness and discourage cows from eating, thus impacting milk...
Every hour of the day counts; don't let time spent in the holding area become a detriment to cow health and comfort. A row of positive pressure ventilation tubes can evenly distribute airflow and enhance...
What's new in transition feeding? At the ADSA (American Dairy Science Association) meeting, transition cow research abstracts were prevalent. Several abstracts are listed below with a brief summary, a...
We're all influenced by two factors: genetics and the environment. Genetics are preset, but how we feed our calves influences their future potential. by Hoard's Dairyman staff You scoured the latest proofs...
"Animal signals . . . Really?" Resources Resources from Animal signals . . . Really? from page 30 of the January 10, 2016 issue of Hoard's Dairyman. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/signal Rendall,...
The concept of animal welfare encompasses multiple concerns with different stakeholders prioritizing different interests. The priorities are most often grouped into three areas: biological functioning,...
Consumers are continually demanding assurances in the humane treatment of farm animals and are mostly concerned with human and animal interactions. Responses to the demand for greater openness in livestock...
"Animal welfare should not forget learning" Resources Resources from Animal welfare should not forget learning from page 780 of the December 2015 issue of Hoard's Dairyman. Knowlton, K., Martel, C. USDA...
At birth, the majority of calves will only absorb 30 to 35 percent of the immunoglobulins they consume. Clean colostrum helps ensure antibodies get to the gut before bacteria has a chance to shut absorption...