For dairy managers dealing with metabolic issues during transition, subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) can be one of the more frustrating challenges to overcome. It’s one of those issues you know exists, but the extent is often unclear and the impact unknown.

BVDV can affect the reproductive, respiratory and digestive systems, with possibly the greatest loss impacting reproduction. Because PI cows are a constant source of virus shedding, infection spreads to other cows, resulting in increased days open and decreased milk production.

Increased risk of displaced abomasum, ketosis and metritis. Decreased immune function. Lower milk production. Difficulty breeding back. Research has shown that cows with higher levels of blood beta-hydroxybutyrate acid (BHBA) after calving are prone to a host of unpleasant – and unprofitable – fresh cow challenges.

Since they aren’t making money in the milking string, dry cows can be overlooked on a dairy farm. Yet good dry cow care leads to better performance after they calve.

As I write this editorial from my home office, I’m staring out my window at a fresh dusting of snow and nursing a cold. No, you’re not looking at a winter issue. The first day of spring has come and gone here in western Pennsylvania, and we’re still feeling the last clutching of winter.I’m seeing 70ºF days in the forecast and keeping my fingers crossed that we’ll have green grass by the time this issue hits mailboxes.

New York’s Quality Milk Production Services (QMPS), operated by Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Health Diagnostic Center, provides producers with education and research on mastitis control. Four regional locations offer farmers field and laboratory culturing and diagnostic services. They serve all of New York and offer services in other states.

Every case of mastitis is costly to the dairy producer. It may be in terms of decreased milk production, treatment expense, lower milk quality premiums and possible culling or death of the affected animal. Indirectly, it takes extra time during milking to properly identify a treated cow and discard her milk, and there is always the risk of antibiotic residues if a treated cow is accidently milked into the tank.