Overwhelmed by data? You’re not alone. Whether it’s data from your herd management software, milk testing, parlor or milking robot, or other technologies, we’re immersed in a sea of data.

It is a pretty exciting time in the field of milk fever prevention. New products, new strategies and new research are here – giving dairy producers more options to prevent milk fever and subclinical hypocalcemia. 

During the transition period, cows experience three main physiological challenges: (1) a drop in dry matter intake (DMI) and an increase in nutrient demands, predisposing cows to mobilize fat tissue and enter a negative energy balance, (2) immunosuppression and (3) systemic inflammation.

It would be handy to have a crystal ball at dry-off time. After freshening, will the cow produce high-quality colostrum that transfers needed antibodies to her calf? Will she freshen without mastitis?

John Law published a paper in 2006 in the journal Environment and Planning about the situation “developed” countries of the world find themselves in. They are precariously vulnerable to an incursion of a fast-moving animal disease that exists elsewhere in the world.

The impacts of management during the transition period can make or break future lactations and overall herd health, putting at risk investments in genetics, farm profitability and welfare.

Progressive Dairy hosted these technologies along with PDPW on the Nexus Innovation stage – a live-format presentation that is a cross between a TED Talk and a Shark Tank pitch.

In a flooded market of animal monitoring systems, it can be easy to get caught up on what is new or flashy. But flashy does not always translate to what you need – efficiency, profitability and, ultimately, a solution that makes your day-to-day herd management tasks easier.