Public perception of dairy, and agriculture in general, is extremely important to continuing production of food in this country. Animal welfare in particular, has become an area of great concern, and although all farmers strive to take excellent care of their animals, they are sometimes perceived by the non-farming community as not concerned with the health and well-being of production animals.

In North America alone, there are over 700 species of flies that belong to the Muscidae (filth fly) group. Probably the single-most common of these is the house fly. No geographic locations or socioeconomic communities are spared the constant presence of the house fly. While they don’t bite, this fly’s habit of constantly crawling on nearly every surface – particularly manure – makes them very undesirable to have around.

Heat stress defines a condition that involves many factors. It occurs when a cow’s heat dissipation is exceeded by heat load exposure from high environmental temperature and humidity. Her metabolic heat – generated from maintenance and production requirements – adds to the environmental heat index.

The most significant and economically important pest to dairymen is the biting stable fly. It is often referred to as the beach fly, dog fly, lawn mower fly and other names, some not printable. They attack most mammals, including cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, dogs and humans. If you have flies feeding on your cows’ legs or flanks, causing them to be nervous and constantly stomp and switch, you probably have a stable fly problem that is costing you money.

As most of America is struggling through one of the coldest winters in recent memory, dairy producers must start planning for the annual summertime problem of heat stress. While we long for warmer temperatures, heat stress can result in significant losses on the dairy.

Admit it. Biosecurity is one of those areas you try to address, but the nature of your business prevents you from doing anything really meaningful, right?

Mastitis in dairy cattle is very common during the dry period and early lactation. Intramammary infections (IMI) observed during the dry period can be due to a subclinical infection (presence of bacteria without signs of inflammation) carried into the dry period from the previous lactation (pre-existing infections), or those acquired at the period between drying off and calving (new infections).

Hoof trimmer: Richard Weingart, North Franklin, Connecticut

Currently robbing the U.S. dairy industry of $1.7 billion a year, mastitis can be debilitating to a dairy operation because of decreased milk production and increased chronic health problems.

Building immunity and preventing disease are integral parts of achieving dairy wellness on your operation.