Even if cows consume an increased amount of dry matter, meeting the early lactation nutrient needs of high-producing dairy cows is a big challenge. The transition period is, more than ever, a critical period.

Precision agriculture has become a common term in agriculture. It was originally associated with crop farming and found its roots with the use of harvest equipment that had the ability to measure crop yields by location.

A dairy herd is made up of many segments – individual cows, pens of cows, herd cohorts (transition cows, for example) and the herd as a whole. At the same time, each of these segments has independent and interdependent management requirements.

Trace minerals are critical for adequate immune function and metabolism in dairy cattle. Research shows that trace minerals have antioxidant functions and may help reduce the level of oxidative stress postpartum as well as improve immune response to vaccines.

Note: This information was presented during a Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council webinar earlier this year. Anovular cows – those that are not cycling – are a significant concern and management challenge for U.S. dairy producers, as the incidence rate is quite significant.

Creating extra heifers provides you many intriguing options – the option to expand, the option to sell extra heifers and the option to sell your low-producing cows.

I can hardly watch the news nowadays. I am constantly horrified by the heartless acts being perpetrated on other human beings.

Winter will be here soon, so it’s time to consider using fuel additives to protect the diesel engines in your tractors and farm equipment during storage.

As dairy farmers, we know that every day isn’t cow kisses and ear scratches; there are days that aren’t so pretty.

In recognition of his commitment to mentoring bovine veterinary students and young veterinarians, Merck Animal Health and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) presented Dean Christianson, DVM, with the Mentor of the Year Award at the 2015 AABP Annual Conference in New Orleans.