B vitamin supplementation is often not considered in many dairy cow diet formulations. Despite the importance of these nutrients in animal metabolism, it is still believed that their supplementation to ruminants is not required due to adequate supply from the diet and ruminal synthesis.

The transition period is a very challenging period for the dairy cow. Her metabolism needs to adapt rapidly from a non-lactating to a lactating stage, and the reproductive system is preparing new ova for the next breeding period.

Over the last 50 years, milk production of dairy cows has essentially doubled in Canada. 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.

During the transition period, dairy cows encounter high metabolic and nutritional demand and a reduced immunity, predisposing them to metabolic and health problems. This will reduce their productive life and impact negatively the profitability of the dairy farm.

Embryo transfer has evolved since its inception in North America in the early 1970s. Today, it is a worldwide, established industry focusing on genetic improvement, with more than 500,000 dairy and beef embryos being transferred annually. North America contributes to 46 percent of those embryo transfers.

As either a dairy producer or a nutritionist, your goal is to keep the ration composition constant to maintain the rumen environment for better dairy cow health and performance.

Did you know that even if your farm is located in Canada or the northern U.S., heat stress will negatively impact your farm profitability? Although many dairy herds are in a higher northern parallel, they are suffering from high temperature and humidity during summer months.

Did you know that even if your farm is located in Canada or the northern U.S., heat stress will negatively impact your farm profitability?

Although milk production has almost doubled during the last 50 years, conception rate did not improve and stayed low. The average conception rate in North America is at 39 percent with pregnancy rate being as low as 15 percent. Reproduction problems represent 18 percent of the culling rate and are stated to be the main reasons for involuntary culling in dairy herds.

Although milk production has almost doubled during the last 50 years, conception rate did not improve and stayed low. Average conception rate is at 39 percent with pregnancy rate being as low as 15 percent.