Dairy cows respond to the challenges of the transition period in ways that are both dynamic and cow specific. This is especially true for the challenge of maintaining calcium balance immediately following calving.

Imagine a world without mastitis. It’s easy if you try. No costly treatments or increased risk of mortality, no reduced milk yields, no $2 billion economic loss in the industry.

These simple measures of individual tool boxes, pre-measured supplies, checklists to track information, ice water to quickly cool colostrum and leg bands to identify feedings are easy, low-cost ways Birchen Farms implemented to not only improve cow and calf health but also the work environment in one of the farm’s most demanding areas – the just-in-time calving barn.

ROCHESTER, Minn. – Welcome to the Moo House – the social media and agritourism presence of the Borst Family Dairy located in rural Minnesota. Developed as a clever way to engage with folks who are curious about how milk gets from the farm to their refrigerator, Lindsey Borst, DVM, creates educational content for social media that details life on a dairy farm.

Research has indicated that intravenous calcium infusion disrupts blood calcium concentrations in the hours following infusion.

Six considerations to determine if selective dry cow therapy is right for your herd and which cows to treat.