As technology races on at a dizzying pace, tools are introduced to the dairy industry with the promise of helping improve productivity. Robotic milking is one such technology that promises a wide range of benefits.

In order to maximize a new or remodeled milking facility, the trick is to size the parlor and cow groups for the most efficient cow throughput without keeping the cow from her usual daily activities.

In the Dairy Cattle Biology and Management Lab at Cornell University, rumination and activity monitors were implemented by Matias Stangaferro, DVM, M.S. and Ph.D. student, and Julio Giordano, DVM, M.S., Ph.D., to study and identify health disorders in dairy cows.

Vaccines are one of the best investments dairy producers can use to protect the health and profitability of a herd. A disease prevention program is often a better approach than treatment for a multitude of reasons. Treatment is costly and not always effective. Production losses often occur before diagnosis, especially when diseases exist at subclinical levels.

A single bolus – that is all a cow may require to increase her milk yield and longevity, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Dairy Science.

Dairy cows experience a state of negative energy balance (NEB) during the transition from pregnancy to lactation when the energy demand of milk production cannot be met by feed intake alone. The drop in dry matter intake around the time of calving leads to insufficient amounts of protein intake and available blood sugar needed for the production of milk protein and lactose.

When it comes to hoof trimming, are you getting precision balance – or are you just getting smaller hooves? Hoof comfort has a major effect on milk production, reproduction, longevity, cull rate and overall herd health.

The buzzwords in the industry right now are animal welfare, lameness and cow comfort. The general public and food retail giants such as Walmart and Tim Horton’s that purchase our dairy products want more than just a quality, well-priced glass of milk; they want assurance the animals producing this product are well cared for.

Dairy producers need to focus on numerous objectives when effectively managing the transition period. Successfully managing this life stage means there is no trade-off between cow health and milk production.

This year’s unusual winter weather has presented a significant challenge to dairy farmers and their animals. The wide temperature swings and wet-warm weather in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions have stressed cattle and led to an increased incidence of disease.