In previous articles, the two most important dairy fly pests have been discussed. This article will discuss other flying pests that may be encountered on the dairy, their economic importance and possible management and control techniques if they are a problem. Some of these pests are very sporadic in their appearance and may be limited to more specific geographic areas.

Many of the challenges the transition cow experiences are the result of internal changes to the rumen environment and hormone balance. By looking inside the cow’s rumen and examining metabolic pathways, we can better understand how to navigate these challenges through proper ration formulation, leading to a healthier, more productive and more profitable milking herd.

You may have noticed that you are losing oil but you don’t know where – all you know is that the five gallons you put in your tractor is all but gone. You don’t have an obvious leak under the tractor when it’s parked, but there is some oil in the back where the implement is hooked up. Is that oil just from connecting and disconnecting the implement or is it a bigger problem? If there are no other apparent leaks then it could be the coupler or O-ring that is damaged.

Neonatal diarrhea, more commonly known as calf scours, is the leading cause of death in dairy calves in the first month of life. Furthermore, the treatment of scours is difficult, labor-intensive, costly and often unsuccessful. That’s why Kevin Hill, D.V.M., Manager of Dairy Technical Services for Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, preaches prevention of neonatal diarrhea through the implementation of best management practices.

The High Plains Dairy Conference kicked off in Amarillo, Texas, at the Ambassador Hotel March 11-12. As is customary for the conference, producers took part in two days of educational presentations and networking that organizers hope will help them improve their dairies. Success through people Tom Fuhrmann talked about management systems and how to get more out of your dairy and your employees, especially Hispanic workers. He emphasized the differences between American culture and Hispanic culture and why those differences may get in the way of some of the results producers expect out of their new managers.