By making the right choices, first-lactation heifers can hit the ground running and produce 70 to 75 percent of older herdmates by Rob Davis, D.V.M. The author is a veterinary consultant in Wayland, Mich....
High forage isn't always your best option When inventories are short or forages don't measure up, low-forage diets have merit. by John Goeser The author is director of nutritional research and innovation...
It usually takes two to tango in the parlor, but your routine begins and ends in the barn. Once the unit is on, check your alignment - it's one of the most neglected areas in milking. by Rick D. Watters...
For calves and heifers, every effort should be made to mitigate the effects of heat. by A.F. Kertz The author is the principal in ANDHIL, LLC, a St. Louis-based consulting firm. At the July 2012 joint...
Fewer social upsets during the transition period lead to healthier, more productive cows after calving. by Peter Krawczel and Heather Dann The authors are assistant professor, Department of Animal Science,...
We need to revisit corn's nutrient needs by Ross R. Bender, Jason W. Haegele, Matias L. Ruffo and Fred E. Below Bender is a graduate research assistant, Haegele is a postdoctoral research associate and...
by Mary Beth de Ondarza and Ralph Ward de Ondarza has a dairy nutrition consulting business, Paradox Nutrition, LLC, in West Chazy, N.Y.; and Ward is president of Cumberland Valley Analytical Services,...
Silage piles aren't always a best buy by Greg Booher and Brian J. Holmes Booher is a farm business instructor at Lakeshore Technical College. Holmes is a professor and extension specialist in the biological...
by Julie M. Huzzey The author is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of British Columbia. The goal of a total mixed ration (TMR) is to provide a balanced diet supplying the nutrients necessary...
Positive pressure tubes offer a solution to key calf barn struggles: ventilation and respiratory health. by Ken Nordlund, D.V.M., Becky Brotzman, D.V.M. and Arturo Gomez, D.V.M. The authors are with the...
If we use a multi-prong approach to better hoof health - much like our udder health plans - we can see less disease and lameness, paired with more milk. by Gerard Cramer, D.V.M. The author is owner of...
With the proper specifications, calves can thrive in a barn environment. Pen space is the number one factor whether calves are grouped or not. by Ken Nordlund, D.V.M., Becky Brotzman, D.V.M. and Arturo...
The simple design can limit induced stress. When used routinely, cattle can accommodate to its function, leaving a positive impression. by Heather Smith Thomas Thomas is an author of many livestock books...
The replant window for corn can be quite narrow. Even though corn is a crucial ration ingredient, as the growing season progresses the decision to plant another crop
by Bill Weiss The author is in the Department of Animal Sciences, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, Wooster. For good health and high milk yields, cows need...
by Jim Stute The author is the UW-Extension crops and soils educator in Rock County, Wis. Frost seeding red clover into wheat stands will not reduce grain yields. However, it can prevent soil erosion,...
They produce the highest quality milk These farms pair preventative practices with effective mastitis treatment. The six Platinum winners in this year's National Dairy Quality Awards competition work closely...
Tackling Johne's around the world While the human risk of contracting Johne's is unclear, many researchers and countries continue to search for new eradication methods. by Ken Olson The author is outreach...
by Jim Stute The author is the UW-Extension crops and soils educator in Rock County, Wis. If you grow wheat as part of your dairy cropping mix, this could be a good time to try "frost seeding" red clover...
by Michaela Kristula, D.V.M. The author is the section chief of field service at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine. World demand for U.S. dairy cows and heifers has surged....
