Animal Welfare
Metritis, a common reproductive disease, occurs in 10% to 30% of dairy herds. Typically diagnosed during the first 10 days in milk, metritis is associated with other transition and fresh cow challenges.
The crew at the Michigan State University (MSU) dairy farm has been able to overcome these obstacles for two consecutive years to be awarded the distinction of being a National Dairy Quality Award (NDQA) Platinum level dairy farm.
Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.'s (DFA) board of directors and management are taking a series of proactive steps to emphasize its commitment to proper treatment of animals.
The majority of operations, 59.2%, hand-fed colostrum to calves from bottles or a bucket. But on average, calves received hand-fed colostrum 3.3 hours after birth. Veterinarians and calf specialists typically recommend feeding colostrum within an hour of birth to optimize absorption of critical nutrients and to transfer immunity.
A coalition of California dairy groups today announced the launch of a statewide program to promote and verify responsible animal care on the state’s 1,750 family dairy farms.
Research conducted over the past 30 years suggests that stimulation of at least 20 seconds, along with a total prep lag time of 60 seconds, reduces milking unit attachment time and increases milk flow rate, when compared to no stimulation at all.
Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products is pleased to announce the launch of its Calf Care™ line of products designed to maintain calf health through greater focus on supportive care for the calf, especially during periods of health challenges. Products include LAND O LAKES® Bovine lgG Colostrum Replacement, LAND O LAKES® Electrolyte System, LAND O LAKES® Electrolyte Complete, LAND O LAKES® Gammulin®, LAND O LAKES® Calf Insure®, and NT Concentrate.
Bonus content: National Milk Drug Residue Datebase FDA May Change Antibiotic Screening in Milk The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that the number of antibiotic-positive milk tankers was just 0.026% for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2009. That’s a decrease of 7% from the previous year.
Bonus content: Rational Approaches to Making Treatment Decisions on the Farm Many dairy producers and their veterinarians find that using on-label extended therapy, defined as administering intramammary mastitis treatment for up to eight days, offers a better chance for a complete cure.
A Federal Order has been issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to suspend enforcement of a portion of the bovine tuberculosis (TB) regulations in the U.S.
Tune in to AgDay Television tomorrow to hear Dairy Today Editor Jim Dickrell discuss the new European Union/Somatic Cell Count controversy.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has modified requirements for moving cattle from those states, but states have the option of keeping tighter testing procedures.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Citizens’ Board voted unanimously yesterday to pull the permit of Excel Dairy, Thief River Falls, Minn.
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today vetoed Senate Bill 434 that would have allowed state dairy producers to sell raw milk directly to consumers.
Billy Jo Gregg, Jr. is indicted on 12 counts of animal cruelty in Humane Society of the United States undercover sting operation in Ohio.
Humane Society of the United States releases Ohio dairy animal abuse video
Ideal stocking rates vary depending on facilities and management, and require a balance between cow well-being and economics.
Fair Oaks Farms releases its own statement after discovering some employees were actually undercover animal activists.
But they will improve animal well-being, and possibly your bottom line.
A viral Facebook post about cattle killed in a lightning strike serves as a reminder of the disconnect between livestock producers and consumers.
Two new manuals are available in the area of workforce development.
The report contains few surprises, but illustrates areas where management could be improved.
More than 5,500 cattle producers took advantage of free online registration for Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification this spring provided by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) in partnership with the check-off funded BQA program.
Where producers and consumers stand on animal welfare looks to be vastly different based on various handling methods.
Land owners surprised to discover tens of thousands of dead birds across the high desert are criticizing the federal government over a mass killing of starlings in northern Nevada.
Jim Mulhern: A commitment to humane care is not only good for dairy cows but for consumers and dairy farmers as well.
When temperatures and resulting wind chills fall lower than normal, cattle producers need to pay special attention to newborn calves.
“Most [drug residue] violations are caused by treated cows that had no identifying information at the time of milking to indicate that their milk was to be withheld from the bulk tank.” –Norbert Nigon, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
High milk production plus even moderate temperatures (think 70°s) equal the beginning of heat stress.