Heat stress and its effects can begin at relatively low temperatures combined with high humidity. The effects can be long-lasting and wreak havoc on production, reproduction.

As a new solids-nonfat-to-butterfat ratio is introduced, look to molasses and other sugar supplements to attain the desired ration efficiently.

Since we’ve been managing cattle for meat and profitability, the industry constantly searches for new and different tools that can help us accomplish three primary objectives – improve reproduction, health and growth – the primary drivers of improved profitability.

When evaluating feed costs on any dairy operation, there are three main areas of focus: the lactating herd, the heifer program and the dry cow period. While many producers have moved to some variation of a low-energy, high-fibre diet with straw or coarse hay and corn silage, within that there are many different nutritional strategies employed to target specific transition challenges on-farm.

FWe are all familiar with mineral imbalances in dairy cows; the recently freshened cow that can’t stand up and has her head turned into her side with cold ears. When this situation is encountered, we immediately recognize the condition as milk fever or hypocalcemia.