Historically, extensive dairy cow lameness is a relatively new problem with many causes.

Since taking the parlor to the cow is impossible in most modern dairy systems, keeping cows healthy and able to walk without pain is paramount to getting milk in the tank. Matt and Karl Hendel changed their focus from maximum milk production to herd health and have found ways to keep lameness rare, veterinarian costs down and still have high milk production.

I remember sitting across from her in her living room. Her angel-white hair shining in the sunlight streaming though the window.

I was at the Governor’s Ag Conference in Dover, Delaware recently. My column runs in the Delmarva Farmer. Bruce, the publisher, asked me … well, here’s how he put it:

Most dairy cows are now housed indoors for most, if not all, of their lives. Very few cows are moved to pasture or dirt lots during the dry period or when weather permits.

National survey data concerning dairy calf health and survival have shown little change in success rates over the last 10 to 15 years.

The cost of raising dairy heifer replacements represent 20 to 25 percent of the total costs of milk production. Keeping heifers healthy, developing consistent growth to attain target goals for frame size and bodyweight by 25 weeks of age without excessive body condition and reducing feed costs are all important factors for managing the heifer enterprise.

The dairy industry is very dynamic and has undergone tremendous change in the last few decades.

First milking colostrum is an important source of nutrients, non-specific immune factors and passively absorbed maternal antibodies (immunoglobulins or Ig), critical to promote growth and to protect the newborn calf against infectious disease in the first weeks and months of life.

I know what you are thinking. The same thing I was when I saw the news proclaiming Speedo has invented the world’s fastest swimsuit. Yes, practical fashion at last.