https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us gdodd@uoguelph.ca Researchers across the University of Guelph, Lactanet and Semex are investigating how heat stress impacts fertility in Canadian dairy cattle, helping producers better manage reproduction as climate conditions continue to shift. Fertility losses can increase days open, reduce lifetime milk production and raise herd replacement costs. Researchers across the University of Guelph, Lactanet and Semex are investigating how heat stress impacts fertility in Canadian dairy cattle, helping producers better manage reproduction as climate conditions continue to shift. Fertility losses can increase days open, reduce lifetime milk production and raise herd replacement costs.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63364 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63364-how-rising-temperatures-are-affecting-dairy-cow-fertility-in-canada dshock@novavet.com The modern dairy cow is a metabolic athlete. On a per-kilogram bodyweight basis, her daily energy turnover rivals that of a National Hockey League (NHL) athlete on game day. The difference is that she does this day-in, day-out, without recovery until dry-off. The modern dairy cow is a metabolic athlete. On a per-kilogram bodyweight basis, her daily energy turnover rivals that of a National Hockey League (NHL) athlete on game day. The difference is that she does this day-in, day-out, without recovery until dry-off.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63271 Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63271-no-off-season-managing-stress-in-dairys-metabolic-athletes 63271-shock-dixon.jpg clemence.nash@novusint.com Dream of a high-performance sports car and a Corvette or Camaro may come to mind. In many ways, dairy cows are high-performance machines too. However, some dairy producers may still treat their top-performing “cowmaros” like their old, trusty farm trucks, which may not allow the cows to reach their full genetic potential. Just like a sports car, cows require maintenance and upkeep. By treating your cows like top performers instead of old farm trucks, you can increase cow productivity and maximize profitability. Dream of a high-performance sports car and a Corvette or Camaro may come to mind. In many ways, dairy cows are high-performance machines too. However, some dairy producers may still treat their top-performing “cowmaros” like their old, trusty farm trucks, which may not allow the cows to reach their full genetic potential. Just like a sports car, cows require maintenance and upkeep. By treating your cows like top performers instead of old farm trucks, you can increase cow productivity and maximize profitability.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61141 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 23:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61141-are-your-cows-sports-cars-or-farm-trucks 61141-nash-sports-car.jpg BRSV is a common cause of respiratory illness in calves. It can have lasting and even deadly effects. Prevention is the only effective measure to control it. BRSV is a common cause of respiratory illness in calves. It can have lasting and even deadly effects. Prevention is the only effective measure to control it.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62510 Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62510-brsv-in-cattle-what-farmers-need-to-know 62510-bayrou-4823.jpg rrobertshaw@canarm.ca When placed strategically and used consistently, boot wash stations help protect vulnerable animals, reduce cross-contamination and promote a culture of care and responsibility. When placed strategically and used consistently, boot wash stations help protect vulnerable animals, reduce cross-contamination and promote a culture of care and responsibility.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62316 Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62316-step-in-scrub-down-enhancing-dairy-farm-biosecurity-with-boot-wash-stations 62316-robertshaw-BootWashInOperation.jpg mnelson@specialtysalesllc.com I see a future where lameness rates are lower than ever before, and cows have a longer, more productive and profitable lifespan. I believe there is a day in the not-too-distant future when cows move to and from the parlor with little to no lameness. I see a future where lameness rates are lower than ever before, and cows have a longer, more productive and profitable lifespan. I believe there is a day in the not-too-distant future when cows move to and from the parlor with little to no lameness.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62172 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62172-seeing-the-future-of-lameness-management 62172-nelson-illustration.coreylewis.jpg sleblanc@uoguelph.ca There are discussions in dairy industries in many countries about whether it should be an explicit aim to increase longevity. Some assert that retaining cows for longer lactations or more years contributes to sustainability because fewer replacement animals would be needed, reducing the environmental costs of these non-productive animals. There are discussions in dairy industries in many countries about whether it should be an explicit aim to increase longevity. Some assert that retaining cows for longer lactations or more years contributes to sustainability because fewer replacement animals would be needed, reducing the environmental costs of these non-productive animals.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61782 Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61782-should-we-target-longevity-or-extend-lactation-length-for-dairy-cows 61782-leblanc-dixon.jpg axb779@psu.edu Health events are undesirable events in dairy farms and, in my opinion, are one of the biggest challenges the dairy industry has been facing. Although the incidence of some specific diseases – such as milk fever or clinical ketosis – has decreased in the last 20 years or so, the overall percentage of animals experiencing one or more diseases in the first 60 days after calving hasn’t changed. Health events are undesirable events in dairy farms and, in my opinion, are one of the biggest challenges the dairy industry has been facing. Although the incidence of some specific diseases – such as milk fever or clinical ketosis – has decreased in the last 20 years or so, the overall percentage of animals experiencing one or more diseases in the first 60 days after calving hasn’t changed.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61699 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61699-health-events-in-dairy-cattle-prevent-them-all-for-optimal-repro 61699-barragan-9560.jpg joey@specialtysalesllc.com As I’ve talked to producers, almost everyone can experience improvements – even those who were satisfied with their trim losses and health outcomes. Surprisingly, the protocol offering these results has been around for decades: the humble footbath. As I’ve talked to producers, almost everyone can experience improvements – even those who were satisfied with their trim losses and health outcomes. Surprisingly, the protocol offering these results has been around for decades: the humble footbath.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61287 Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61287-busting-footbath-myths 61287-aldana-1.jpg Bovine leukosis is a persistent and incurable disease affecting the health, productivity and profitability of dairies. It is caused by the bovine leukemia virus (BLV), which primarily infects lymphocytes, the immune cells responsible for antibody production and combatting viral disease. Read about a project to validate different BLV test options and strategies. Bovine leukosis is a persistent and incurable disease affecting the health, productivity and profitability of dairies. It is caused by the bovine leukemia virus (BLV), which primarily infects lymphocytes, the immune cells responsible for antibody production and combatting viral disease. Read about a project to validate different BLV test options and strategies.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61271 Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61271-making-leukosis-management-easier-than-you-think 61271-molgat-ELISA.jpg matti@agproud.com In a recent Progressive Dairy Podcast episode, Jamie Sullivan of Rippleview Hoofcare addressed some misconceptions surrounding hoof care, gave his thoughts on where hoof health priorities should lie and challenged the dairy industry to reframe thinking around lameness. In a recent Progressive Dairy Podcast episode, Jamie Sullivan of Rippleview Hoofcare addressed some misconceptions surrounding hoof care, gave his thoughts on where hoof health priorities should lie and challenged the dairy industry to reframe thinking around lameness.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60837 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60837-tips-from-an-expert-how-to-improve-hoof-health-on-your-dairy 60837-mcbride-1-DSC08642.jpg sleblanc@uoguelph.ca Most dairy cows have potentially disease-causing bacteria in their reproductive tract in low abundance. Cows develop uterine infection and disease when the pathogens overgrow and become dominant. Cows need to have a rapid, robust and well-regulated inflammatory response in the uterus during and immediately after calving to detach the placenta, keep bacterial pathogens in check and start uterine repair. Most dairy cows have potentially disease-causing bacteria in their reproductive tract in low abundance. Cows develop uterine infection and disease when the pathogens overgrow and become dominant. Cows need to have a rapid, robust and well-regulated inflammatory response in the uterus during and immediately after calving to detach the placenta, keep bacterial pathogens in check and start uterine repair.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60739 Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60739-managing-metritis-in-dairy-cows 60739-leblanc-edgar.jpg pedro.nogueira@trouwnutrition.com This article from researchers from the University of Guelph is a literature review discussing insights and knowledge gaps linking health disorders with different processes related to reproductive function. This article from researchers from the University of Guelph is a literature review discussing insights and knowledge gaps linking health disorders with different processes related to reproductive function.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60662 Fri, 27 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60662-from-the-journal-of-dairy-science-fresh-cow-health-impact-on-reproductive-function-and-teat-sealant-excretion-postpartum News_press_-_Getty.jpeg Newspapers being printed in printing press. lerickson@zinpro.com It is important to provide excellent hoof care to cows because lame cows can go from bad to worse quickly. If a lame cow has to wait to be treated, she can experience longer recovery time, and more necrotic tissue and permanent damage to her pedal bone. It is important to provide excellent hoof care to cows because lame cows can go from bad to worse quickly. If a lame cow has to wait to be treated, she can experience longer recovery time, and more necrotic tissue and permanent damage to her pedal bone.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60691 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60691-address-lameness-while-the-trimmer-is-away 60691-erickson-1.jpg matheus@uoguelph.ca One possible use of wearable sensor devices, such as collars, ear tags or leg bands, is to leverage the prepartum information generated by these devices for predictive assessments of future health and performance and for targeted management. One possible use of wearable sensor devices, such as collars, ear tags or leg bands, is to leverage the prepartum information generated by these devices for predictive assessments of future health and performance and for targeted management.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60534 Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60534-ruminating-for-better-health Research on dairy cattle welfare has increasingly focused on two critical areas: locomotion and housing. Drs. Dan Weary and Marina (Nina) von Keyserlingk have been investigating these issues. In a recent episode of the DFC’s research podcast series, they discussed the challenges of lameness detection, prevention and control and the importance of outdoor access for improving animal welfare. Research on dairy cattle welfare has increasingly focused on two critical areas: locomotion and housing. Drs. Dan Weary and Marina (Nina) von Keyserlingk have been investigating these issues. In a recent episode of the DFC’s research podcast series, they discussed the challenges of lameness detection, prevention and control and the importance of outdoor access for improving animal welfare.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60497 Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60497-research-review-advancements-in-dairy-cattle-welfare-locomotion-and-housing gouveiak@msu.edu One factor that plays a role in the success of the transition period is the cow’s body composition, more specifically the fat and muscle of the cow. Both fat and muscle tissues are mobilized during the transition period to compensate for the negative nutrient balances and provide precursors for milk and milk components. One factor that plays a role in the success of the transition period is the cow’s body composition, more specifically the fat and muscle of the cow. Both fat and muscle tissues are mobilized during the transition period to compensate for the negative nutrient balances and provide precursors for milk and milk components.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60422 Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60422-shaping-success-the-role-of-fat-and-muscle-in-transition-cows marc-antoine_guesthier@cargill.com By focusing on key factors that can influence your herd lifetime productivity and taking a holistic view of your farms, you can identify opportunities to maximize your herd efficiency and the long-term sustainability of your operation. By focusing on key factors that can influence your herd lifetime productivity and taking a holistic view of your farms, you can identify opportunities to maximize your herd efficiency and the long-term sustainability of your operation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60397 Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60397-what-is-your-herds-lifetime-productivity 60388-guitard-1.jpg tamilee.adolph@adm.com An adjusted feeding program for winter that provides adequate nutrients to sustain increased energy demands at all life stages, coupled with practical farm management strategies, will help keep calves, heifers and lactating cows productive throughout the cold season. An adjusted feeding program for winter that provides adequate nutrients to sustain increased energy demands at all life stages, coupled with practical farm management strategies, will help keep calves, heifers and lactating cows productive throughout the cold season.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60315 Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60315-5-strategies-to-implement-for-winter-feeding-and-cow-comfort 60315-adolph-1.jpg anejati@cgmilling.com A streamlined method of visual scoring, which can be performed quickly, consistently and accurately by farm personnel, continues to play a crucial role in managing lameness in dairy herds. A streamlined method of visual scoring, which can be performed quickly, consistently and accurately by farm personnel, continues to play a crucial role in managing lameness in dairy herds.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60224 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60224-stay-ahead-of-lameness-a-practical-checklist-for-early-detection-before-it-costs-you-money rachel.budd@metzgervet.com Most dairy farms follow a regular herd health schedule with a veterinarian, commonly using ultrasound every two weeks (or weekly, for the largest herds) to diagnose pregnant cows. However, with the introduction of more accessible, affordable and impactful options, it may be time to reconsider some common assumptions. Most dairy farms follow a regular herd health schedule with a veterinarian, commonly using ultrasound every two weeks (or weekly, for the largest herds) to diagnose pregnant cows. However, with the introduction of more accessible, affordable and impactful options, it may be time to reconsider some common assumptions.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60174 Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60174-which-pregnancy-test-is-right-for-your-operation 60174-budd-1.jpg cheryl@peoplemanagementgroup.com Everyone that works with or around large animals must understand their behaviours, signs of aggressive or defensive behaviour, their herd mentality and the way their vision works, including their blind spots. Everyone that works with or around large animals must understand their behaviours, signs of aggressive or defensive behaviour, their herd mentality and the way their vision works, including their blind spots.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60179 Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60179-low-stress-cattle-handling-on-the-dairy-farm matti@agproud.com Dr. Lisa McCrea, dairy veterinarian and partner at AgWest Veterinary Group, spoke at the Western Canadian Dairy Seminar (WCDS) in March and reflected upon the flooding that occurred in British Columbia because of an atmospheric river in November 2021 and how it affected the dairy industry there. Dr. Lisa McCrea, dairy veterinarian and partner at AgWest Veterinary Group, spoke at the Western Canadian Dairy Seminar (WCDS) in March and reflected upon the flooding that occurred in British Columbia because of an atmospheric river in November 2021 and how it affected the dairy industry there.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60084 Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60084-3-open-minutes-with-dr-lisa-mccrea-a-firsthand-account-of-the-2021-british-columbia-flooding 60084-mcbride-3.jpg carina.cooper@vetoquinol.com As dairy producers improve their management practices and the milk yield of their herds, mastitis will always be a threat to cows. Before jumping to antibiotic therapy, it is beneficial to provide an anti-inflammatory and pain relief. As dairy producers improve their management practices and the milk yield of their herds, mastitis will always be a threat to cows. Before jumping to antibiotic therapy, it is beneficial to provide an anti-inflammatory and pain relief.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60061 Thu, 08 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60061-is-treating-mastitis-with-antibiotics-necessary ca-fr-social-22.jpg omendivil@zinpro.com I work with farms across the country troubleshooting for potential contributors to lameness prevalence in their herd. Cattle lameness is a challenge that every farm will one day experience. It is better to prevent it through procedures such as scheduled maintenance, hoof trimming and overall herd management practices. I work with farms across the country troubleshooting for potential contributors to lameness prevalence in their herd. Cattle lameness is a challenge that every farm will one day experience. It is better to prevent it through procedures such as scheduled maintenance, hoof trimming and overall herd management practices.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59975 Thu, 25 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59975-lameness-prevention-starts-with-you 59975-mendivil-1.jpg One of DFC's research investments is Industrial Research Chairs (IRCs), which coordinate multiple research projects under one initiative to find solutions for industry-wide priorities. DFC, along with the NSERC and multiple sector partners, helps to fund IRCs on high-priority issues for Canada’s dairy industry. One of DFC's research investments is Industrial Research Chairs (IRCs), which coordinate multiple research projects under one initiative to find solutions for industry-wide priorities. DFC, along with the NSERC and multiple sector partners, helps to fund IRCs on high-priority issues for Canada’s dairy industry.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59903 Mon, 08 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59903-research-review-ircs-in-dairy-science-what-weve-accomplished-and-whats-coming-next 59903-dfc-promo-image-cover-page-highlights-2023.jpg Glenn and Ashley Beckett, owners and operators of Beckridge Holsteins, share the five indispensable components they rely on for their success in and out of the barn. Glenn and Ashley Beckett, owners and operators of Beckridge Holsteins, share the five indispensable components they rely on for their success in and out of the barn. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59740 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59740-5-things-we-cant-do-without-with-glenn-and-ashley-beckett-of-beckridge-holsteins 59740-ohirko-1.jpg animalnutrition@adm.com If we consider how plants can help our heifers and cows conquer that daunting transition period, there may be more than simply forages, in terms of plants, to consider. Let us dig into the world of phytochemicals. If we consider how plants can help our heifers and cows conquer that daunting transition period, there may be more than simply forages, in terms of plants, to consider. Let us dig into the world of phytochemicals.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59765 Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59765-the-role-of-phytochemicals-during-the-transition-period Calves_new_-_Hurty.jpeg gabriel.dallago@umanitoba.ca Computer vision and similar non-invasive and adaptable technologies are advancing our ability to monitor animal health and welfare in modern dairy farming. Computer vision and similar non-invasive and adaptable technologies are advancing our ability to monitor animal health and welfare in modern dairy farming. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59663 Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59663-using-cameras-and-computer-vision-to-assess-dairy-cow-welfare ca-fr-social-8.jpg Cows, with their lineage tracing back to the Ice Age, thrive in cooler temperatures ranging from 40-60° Fahrenheit (°F)/4.4 – 15.6 ° Celsius (°C). As summer temperatures soar, highly productive cows face heat stress challenges and that becomes more challenging when fed unstable, heated and spoiled feed. This feed is a breeding ground for harmful microbes, compromising intake, performance and profitability. Understanding the risks of unstable feed and taking appropriate steps to minimize issues is crucial to safeguard cattle health and bolster the bottom line. Cows, with their lineage tracing back to the Ice Age, thrive in cooler temperatures ranging from 40-60° Fahrenheit (°F)/4.4 – 15.6 ° Celsius (°C). As summer temperatures soar, highly productive cows face heat stress challenges and that becomes more challenging when fed unstable, heated and spoiled feed. This feed is a breeding ground for harmful microbes, compromising intake, performance and profitability. Understanding the risks of unstable feed and taking appropriate steps to minimize issues is crucial to safeguard cattle health and bolster the bottom line.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59760 Sat, 01 Jun 2024 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59760-hot-cows-hate-hot-feed-how-to-prevent-contamination-and-boost-roi lallemand-dairy-cows-at-bunk.jpg