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Advances in forage genetics, harvesting, ensiling, management practices and forage analysis – in addition to dynamic ration balancing software – have allowed dairy farms to progressively feed increasing amounts of forage to their lactating cows.
High-forage, lactating cow rations are typically defined as those containing more than 55 percent forage in the TMR or more than 25 percent forage neutral-detergent fiber (NDF) on a dry matter (DM) basis.
As a professional hoof trimmer, primarily dealing with dairy cows, the last two decades have afforded me the opportunity to see and work with an extremely wide range of problems relating to mobility and lame conditions in those cattle under a variety of management situations.
Heat detection is often cited as the most costly component and, undoubtedly, the major limiting factor to the success of A.I. programs on many dairy farms.
Incorrect detection of estrus is related to loss of income due to extended calving intervals, milk loss, increased veterinary cost, increased heifer-rearing cost and slowed genetic progress. To achieve excellent heat detection, many factors have to be taken into account.
There’s no question that proper tractor tire selection and care can greatly impact performance. The right tire at the correct level of inflation will provide benefits such as reduced soil compaction, improved traction, better fuel efficiency and longer life.
As I squatted over the opened carcass and exposed organs of a necropsied calf recently, much like a vulture attracted to roadkill, it struck me that in another way I was also emulating my Roman ancestors.
In ancient times, high priests would predict the future by sacrificing a sheep or calf and reading the entrails. Termed “haruspication,” the seer (or haruspex) would examine the liver, intestines and spleen and make a prophecy.
“The only thing that should happen at calving time is that the cow should deliver a live, healthy calf.”
All too frequently, the transition period is a tumultuous time for our dairy cows: Changes in diet, new surroundings and group changes are very challenging to cattle, who can best be described as lovers of a mundane routine.
The milk industry is dynamic. Yet in the popular press, one can find a plethora of articles written from the perspective that parts of the industry are not sustainable. I read this Modern Farmer article recently.
Much of what we are reading is written with the perspective of a point of view so readers will agree. That is, an article making the case for smaller herds dispersed across the countryside with grazing cows in a green pasture and blue skies appears to be the way dairy farms ought to be.
Our industry has a reputation for producing safe and healthy dairy products for consumers around the world. From my perspective, this is due to the rigid testing of all meat and milk sent to market, coupled with a team effort between dairy producers, veterinarians and industry.
Strong partnerships that grow demand for dairy have always been a driving force behind the success of the industry. While producer and manufacturer efforts move the industry forward, support groups such as the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Dairy Management Inc. and various dairy research centers are also crucial to industry success.
The Dairymen’s Association and Center for Dairy Excellence are offering up to four partial scholarships for Pennsylvania dairy producers to attend the Holstein Foundation’s Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI).
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