Spring opens new windows of opportunity for mastitis infections to take hold. Wet, muddy conditions, especially in areas hit by heavy rainfall or flooding caused by snow melting, make it more difficult to keep cows clean. “Water is the perfect transport medium for many mastitis-causing bacteria,” says Jorge Noricumbo, quality milk manager for Pfizer Animal Health, based in Visalia, California. “A wet, muddy environment makes it easier for bacteria to enter the teat end and establish new mastitis infections. Managing mastitis is a major challenge this time of year, particularly where cows are housed in open lots or corrals.”

What’s become conventional calf feeding isn’t necessarily what’s closest to “natural” calf growth programs. That’s according to Dr. Jim Drackley of the University of Illinois during his presentation at Vita Plus Dairy Summit 2010. Calf feeding programs that are most successful nutritionally mimic cow’s milk. Drackley introduced the idea of “biologically appropriate nutrition” to summit attendees.

Butch Lerum of Minnesota/Select Sires Co-op Inc. and Don Mullen of NorthStar Cooperative, have been honored as the Select Mating Service (SMS) genetic consultants of the year. Lerum and Mullen received this award at Select Sires’ national SMS Consultant Conference held in Texas and New Mexico in early May. This national award is presented annually to genetic consultants who exemplify the qualities that make SMS known worldwide as the premier mating program in the industry to assist dairy producers in developing genetic business plans. The recipient must have years of superior service, a history of high-quality evaluations and the ability to build and maintain successful relationships with dairy producers.