On Aug. 5, Merck Animal Health announced a partnership with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), to help ensure a comprehensive, industry-wide approach to employee training and animal care in the dairy industry.

Amanda Gibson Manager of Business Development and Processor Relations United Dairymen of Idaho Boise, Idaho

About two years ago, we started using sexed semen on virgin heifers to accelerate our genetic improvements, and our heifer numbers were looking to exceed our replacement needs. We had purchased a bred Holstein heifer that freshened with a black beef cross bull calf, and we sold him at about 3 days old for 20 to 25 percent more than his Holstein counterparts.

Michael Schmitt Genetic Information Analyst Accelerated Genetics Reedsburg, Wisconsin

Cow comfort measures, such as misters and fans, can be effective steps to help protect dairy cows from heat stress. Producers, however, should not overlook the importance of feed management and nutritional strategies to help offset the effects of heat stress not only on milk production, but also cow health.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on July 31 that it is requesting comments from the public, including scientific data and information, that would assist the agency in identifying and evaluating measures that might minimize the impact of harmful bacteria in cheeses made from unpasteurized milk.