The health and management of replacement animals are important components of total herd profitability.

Providing proper nutrition to dairy cows is important for health and optimal milk production. Dairy cow rations must contain good- quality forages, a balance of grains and protein sources plus minerals and vitamins.

Feeding high-producing cows continues to challenge dairy farmers and nutritionists. Also, dairy profit margins vary as milk prices and feed costs shift yearly.

My good readers, you have been with me through many articles. Many of them reflect my thoughts of science and art, a recurring theme.

Any dairy producer will tell you that when it comes to getting a dairy cow pregnant, sooner is better than later. The sooner she’s bred, the sooner she’ll calve and the less time she’ll spend out of the milk-production cycle.

Pasture-based heifer-raising systems are common in many parts of the country, especially where seasonal temperatures and rainfall allow year-round grazing with no artificial shelter.

For anyone involved in dairy these days, there are an increasing number of options to “go green.”

Cold weather is quickly approaching and the challenge of keeping calves growing and healthy has begun.

Yes, I will admit the buzz around the Internet and other media outlets concerning the idea of a tax on livestock has set off a firestorm of angst and anger throughout the animal husbandry world. I have seen it play out over blogs and posts and would agree that some might feel it is something to consider. I would, however, like to look at the facts to see where the argument stands and what really might happen.

TyraTech Inc, a relatively new pesticide research and product development company, launched a manure management system in February 2008 that claims to help large dairy operations produce more milk and become more profitable.