Dairy Herd Management's Calf and Heifer Adviser

Pasteurizer performance evaluated

A Virginia Tech study of pasteurizers on nine dairies and a large calf ranch in California sheds more light on pasteurizer effectiveness. During the study, researchers measured standard plate counts and alkaline phosphatase prior to and immediately after pasteurization. The researchers concluded that the pasteurizers were effective, deactivating alkaline phosphatase more than 95 percent of the time. Post-pasteurized bacteria counts also were low, averaging 19,400 colony-forming units per milliliter. That compares to an average of 1.6 million cfu per mL prior to pasteurization.

Keep feeding equipment clean, too
In the Virginia Tech study, researchers also tracked bacteria levels during feeding. They observed some "real problems" with sanitation, says Bob James, dairy scientist at Virginia Tech. For instance, bacteria counts were higher, averaging more than 100,000 cfu per mL, within one hour after pasteurization. Standard plate counts also were higher during feeding on those operations that used buckets to feed calves versus those that used bottles. "Post-pasteurization sanitation is important," James stresses. Don't let dirty feeding equipment undermine the benefits of pasteurization.

Blood samples help ensure calf protocols
Serum antibody and total protein tests are an investment, not an expense, for Ron Durst of Mantorville, Minn. Durst says the $4 spent per newborn calf — on both bulls and heifers — is money well spent because it helps them evaluate whether protocols were followed and calves got off to a good start. Immunoglobulin G values for the dairy average about 1,300 milligrams per deciliter of serum. They flag scores below 800 mg and examine calf records to investigate why levels aren’t up to snuff. "We want to be sure we're starting with the best calf that has the highest level of immunity possible," he says.

Evaluate waste milk vs. milk replacer
Researchers at Penn State University have created a simple spreadsheet to help you evaluate the cost of feeding whole milk compared to milk replacer. It calculates the cost per pound of dry matter fed and provides a comparison of the amount of nutrients provided by each feed. To download the tool, follow this link.

Upcoming meetings
Mark your calendars for these upcoming meetings.

World Dairy Expo, Oct. 2-6 in Madison, Wis. Some of the seminar topics include: biosecurity, leadership, and public relations for your operation. For a complete list, follow this link.
Dairy Calf & Heifer Profit Seminars are fast approaching. Mark your calendars for the following dates: Oct. 15, Bowling Green, Ky.; Oct. 17, Green Bay, Wis.; and Oct. 19, in St. Cloud, Minn. For more information, call the Dairy Calf & Heifer Association at (636) 449-5077.
Managers Academy, Jan. 22-24 in Phoenix. Developed by the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, the program includes unique tours, master's level business training and interactive scenarios. To learn more, go to: www.pdpw.org.

Color-coded lists work well here

Even with the tracking and list-generating capabilities of HeiferPRO software, workers at Amber Hills Ranch, near Rupert, Idaho, would sometimes get confused about which animals needed what procedure at processing time. So, the owners developed a color-coded system that has eliminated the confusion and helps ensure that every animal gets what each owner has specified for vaccinations and procedures. To learn more, follow this link.

Dairy Herd Management has a Web site. Look for updated news, loads of important links and an ever-growing and expanding Internet presence at www.dairyherd.com