Sand is considered the gold standard for bedding dairy freestalls. It is commonly used to bed freestalls because it does not support significant bacterial growth, has a low water-holding capacity and shifts with the cow to provide a comfortable surface on which to lay.

Fly control is always a hot topic with dairy producers because there are not a lot of viable options to alleviate fly pressure. Nuisance flies are typically most active from May to October in northern regions and are active year-round in warmer climates.

The following summary is part of a Dairy Farmers of Canada-funded Dairy Research Cluster study examining dairy cow comfort, lameness and longevity. The study included data from 141 freestall farms in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta. Lying behavior was automatically recorded on 5,135 cows using accelerometers over four days.

Traditionally, we have monitored the effect of the environment on dairy cattle using the temperature-humidity index (THI) to give an approximation of heat stress on animals. This method follows an equation that uses the dry bulb temperature and relative humidity to give us a number that best reflects the heat load placed on a cow.

Leaks of pictures and videos depicting poor animal handling practices in the dairy industry in recent years have led to growing consumer distrust with the treatment of livestock. Training on proper cattle moving and handling techniques is essential to ensure instances like that do not happen on your farm.

Pests can be costly to dairy farmers due to disease transmission and irritation. Whether pests feed upon animals or are simply a nuisance, they can reduce milk production and decrease weight gains.

Our industry is constantly exposed to increased regulation and consumer scrutiny, but there is one thing that hasn’t and won’t ever change: the importance of having a strong partnership with a veterinarian.

Faculty at the University of Florida are exploring an alternative treatment for infections from an unlikely source: crustaceans. The shells of lobster, shrimp and crab are treated with an alkaline substance such as sodium hydroxide to produce chitosan (pronounced ky-to-san), a fibrous sugar with a chemical structure similar to cellulose.

Editor’s note: This article is the first in a two-part series featuring the steps to a successful transition period. Dry cow nutrition and management of the dry dairy cow has been extensively researched over the last 25 years.

Every dairy producer’s goal is to have uncomplicated calving. But their practices aren’t always conducive to reducing dystocia risk. Eutocia, or normal birth, requires prevention and preparation and is dependent upon many factors.