A “downer cow” can be defined as a cow that is unable or unwilling to stand after being recumbent for four or more hours.

Udder scald is a moist, often foul-smelling dermatitis between the udder and upper thigh or between the udder halves of cows.

We’re quick to notice the effects of heat stress in our herds when it causes a drop in production as a result of a decrease in the dry matter intake in your herd.

I have spent many days at dairies in Minnesota and South Dakota collecting data for an observational study on dairy housing systems (including low profile, cross-ventilated freestall barns) and well-being.

The milking parlor – its cleanliness, maintenance and operation – is a significant component in udder health, says Dr. Earl Aalseth, DVM, of Lake Stevens, Washington.

In most parts of the country, the heat index is now well into its upward climb, and that can spell trouble for dairy producers.

After visiting and analyzing data from thousands of dairies in her career, Pamela Ruegg, DVM, MPVM, Dipl. ABVP (Dairy Practice), can attest that there is no better way to deal with mastitis than through accurate records of detection and treatment.

Over the past few months I’ve heard producers asking, “Where can I make cuts in the parlor to lower my cost of production?”

Cows are known for their big, beautiful dark eyes. But University of Guelph researchers have discovered it’s actually the whites of their eyes that are important when it comes to determining their temperament.

Lameness continues to be a major welfare issue for dairy cows. In addition to the reduction in performance, the visual image of lame cows on farms can lead to a negative public perception of dairy farming. A survey in Minnesota found the prevalence of lame cows (those scoring a 3 or greater on a 1-to-5 scale) ranged from 3 to 50 percent on 53 farms.