You might be surprised to know that harmful pathogens often lurk in fermented forages like haylage and corn silage, causing health and productivity issues when consumed by dairy cows.

Mastitis is the most common reason for antimicrobial use for cows on U.S. dairy farms – about 80% of all antimicrobial use was for treatment or prevention of mastitis, which included dry cow therapy.

On a dairy farm, obvious challenges surface every day, perhaps a displaced abomasum or mastitic quarter. These problems are readily diagnosed and usually treated successfully.

Once cows were free animals that lived in groups and could decide when to stand up, when to walk and when to rest.

When resting, they of course chose quiet, ventilated spots that were soft and clean. Now dairy cows have a strict daily routine, mainly based on the rhythm of milking.