The transition period from the dry period to lactation is a vulnerable time for the dairy cow because she experiences several physiological, metabolic, and behavioural challenges. 

When you can respond to conflict by trying to put yourself in the other person’s position and understand the other person’s point of view, you will have many insights.

When evaluating feed costs on any dairy operation, there are three main areas of focus: the lactating herd, the heifer program and the dry cow period. While many producers have moved to some variation of a low-energy, high-fibre diet with straw or coarse hay and corn silage, within that there are many different nutritional strategies employed to target specific transition challenges on-farm.

Working around cattle can be very dangerous if safe work procedures are not followed. Animal-related injuries can be due to distraction, impatience or frustration by the animal or the handler. It is important to know the risks and practice safety when working with cattle. Anyone working in the barn or around cattle must be trained and supervised to ensure they understand the safety practices required.

There are no shortcuts for reducing the lameness rates on dairy farms. It takes a lot of hard work and cooperation from the dairy farm team, but it is well worth the effort to reach the goal of 1%-2% lameness on the dairy. 

More than $125,000 has been raised in support of two semi drivers, Tanner Liefting and Brandon Johnson, who lost their lives on Aug. 28 while transporting show cattle from the Western Canadian Classic (WCC) Junior Dairy Show in Brandon, Manitoba, back home to British Columbia.