Dairy farmers know that each breed has unique characteristics; some are beneficial while others are challenging. For example, the Jersey cow is known for being more susceptible to milk fever

Heat stress during late gestation has significant negative effects on the productivity of the cow in the next lactation. Emerging evidence suggests that the developing fetus is also negatively impacted,...

The transition period is critical to production, especially when discussing cows that excel at both production and components

“The goal of a good dry cow program is to promote high dry matter intake immediately after calving and manage dietary and body energy levels,” explained the University of Illinois’ Jim...

What do you consider a successful transition for a dairy cow? Is success measured by the absence of disease? A cow’s ability to ramp up milk production? Breeding back with relative ease?

Transition cow success has improved on many dairies in the last 20 years. Many dairy producers have effectively focused on improved cow comfort during the transition period

“Bolstering transition cow immunity” was the title of the September Hoard’s Dairyman webinar

Bolstering transition cow immunity webinar was presented by Marcus Kehrli, D.V.M., from USDA's National Animal Disease Center

Transition cow care plays a significant role in the success of dairy operations. Every cow goes through the transition period at least once during its productive life; for that reason, improved transi

In order to get on their feet and get back into reproductive form, research has shown that a good fresh period is essential for cows

A stillbirth is defined as death of the calf within 24 to 48 hours after delivery. Unfortunately, these deaths continue to be a major problem on dairy farms

In the past several years, selective dry cow treatment has gained some prevalence in the industry as an alternative to the more common blanket dry cow treatment, which has been the gold standard for mastitis...

As a dairy management trainer, I am fortunate to visit farms all over the world. It still amazes me what I can learn from these visits. I especially remember one particular farmer

The single most important time in a cow’s life that could almost forecast her entire lactation is the transition period

“Every fresh cow is enrolled in an aggressive postpartum program, including in-depth 12-day rectal temperature tracking,” said Gary de Graaff, a Platinum winner of the DCRC awards competition

It has long been understood that cows are creatures of habit and, for the most part, they follow a strict time budget. Three to 5 hours are dedicated to the feedbunk, 10 to 13 are for lying down

Housing and management play an important role in the performance and health of fresh cows. Much of that impact is mediated through the effects of those factors on the behavior of dairy cows

Selective dry cow therapy targets only cows that have or had infections to receive antibiotics at dry-off. At the same time, cows that do not receive antibiotics get an internal teat seal

Calving can be a challenging time for a cow. But the issues go beyond giving birth. Around freshening, the dairy cow is struggling with net energy, protein, and mineral imbalances