Are you pulling your hair out because your milking parlor is constantly running behind schedule? This is one of the biggest frustrations and time and money drains for a lot of dairies.
As dairy caregivers, we see “Poor Doer Syndrome.” These are cows that struggle for unknown reasons until they subsequently develop an infectious disease, a surgically correctable condition or are culled.
Earlier this month, Stensland Family Farm, located outside of Larchwood, Iowa, opened its barn doors to host fourth-year medical students, allowing them to learn more about dairy's farm-to-table story
In central Minnesota, the Kerfeld family has modified a once 20-cow dairy to a 280 Holstein cow operation through innovation and by adapting to technology.
Nobody would want to show up to their first day on the job sick, but that’s exactly what happens when a first-lactation animal enters the milking herd with mastitis.
Whether it’s paying attention to the tiniest detail or taking a step back to look at the big picture, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of what it takes to produce the best milk possible.
Dairy farmers need to act more like Goldilocks. Whether it be choosing the perfect ration, the perfect bedding material, or in this case, the perfect dry period.
In today’s world, there is no shortage of data you can collect on a dairy farm. However, data also can be overwhelming to organize, interpret and then use to make business decisions.
Not only is Mycoplasma mastitis an incredibly contagious disease, but the fact that it does not respond to antibiotic therapy makes it twice as frustrating.
Trainings are great, but what’s really happening in the parlor? Discover the common missed steps that might seem small, but can make a big different to the success of your dry cow program.
When there’s a maintenance issue on your dairy, you assess the situation and choose the right tool for the job. But when there’s a sick cow in your herd, are you being equally intentional with her treatment?
Iowa State University dairy field specialist Chris Mondak shares three best-management practices to help producers monitor and control factors that can lead to higher SCC and mastitis.
Determining the true cost of a mastitis cure requires more than just comparing the price per box of mastitis tubes. Consider these five factors when weighing treatment options:
Watch the video to learn more from Dr. Michele Barrett, DVM, Dairy Technical Services, Zoetis, about the role of the keratin plug in preventing infection and how ORBESEAL can keep your dry cows protected.
While your dry cows rest, focus on clearing up subclinical infections and preventing new ones to help improve milk quality. Steps for dry cow mastitis management include:
A high individual cow somatic cell count (SCC) can be like a high interest rate. Apply these management practices to keep money in your pocket and your SCC “interest rate” in check.
Writing protocols that employees can maintain and stick to is not an easy task. Learn tips to help write protocols that are functional and can be used consistently.
Juan Pedraza, DVM, managing veterinarian, Zoetis, shares research results on complete bacteriological cures in mastitis cases. Learn why a flexible label means peace of mind.
Following protocols in the milking parlor does not just happen; it must be taught. Michigan State’s Dr. Ron Erskine shares tips to help ensure milk quality protocols are completed and done correctly
Inappropriate cloth towel management can lead to increased somatic cell counts, clinical mastitis cases, total bacteria counts, treatment costs, and reduced milk production.
“It used to be that] two-thirds of the milk check was protein value,” said Stephenson. “Butterfat picked up the other third. That [has now] flipped."
What does this pattern mean for dairies in the future?
