Under current review: SomaDetect Two dairies that will test-drive a new in-line milk sensor say they are looking to replace their current methods of milk testing and pregnancy checks with more timely information.

Milk quality means something different for every stakeholder in the dairy industry, according to Brandon Treichler, DVM.

Milk quality is always an important issue and, in periods of low milk prices, it can make or break the bank. We all know adherence to a good milking routine, including clean teat ends, proper stimulation, prompt identification of clinical mastitis and accurate treatment are hallmarks of a good milk quality program.

This past year has brought many difficult changes to Canada’s dairy industry, including low milk prices and high production costs. But in the face of all these challenges, a new national information-sharing forum was launched to make dairy veterinarian practices more effective and efficient.

Tired of waiting for mastitis culture results to come back and, when they do, the result is “no growth”? About 40 percent of clinically abnormal milk samples tested with traditional bacterial culture come back with a “no growth” result, often leaving dairy producers right where they started – with a mastitic cow and no diagnosis for accurate treatment.

Under Current Review: SomaDetect

Later this year, Top of the Morning Farm Ltd., in Holmesville, New Brunswick, will be one of the first farms to test-drive a new in-line milk testing device.

When you hear about milking automation, you likely think of robots. But the reality is: The dairy industry has more choices than ever when it comes to milking automation.

You know how irritating it is to get a pebble in your boot. Each step reminds you there is something down there. Maybe you are like me, and you think at first it will go away, or at least find a place in your boot that is less irritating.

Oilseed byproducts are an effective source of protein for dairy cattle, with soybean meal being a common ingredient in North American dairy rations. However, canola meal has been garnering interest by dairy nutritionists in recent years thanks to a growing body of research demonstrating positive impacts on performance and increased canola production in Canada, resulting in increased availability of canola meal into the U.S.

The transformation of nutrients from a predominantly green and brown feed mix into a creamy white, life-sustaining liquid called milk by the dairy cow is a truly amazing process. One of the main components of the dairy cow’s milk is fat (butterfat). It is the component by which Canada’s supply management system is managed.