New research led by Penn State suggests that a concentrated sugar solution might be as effective as antibiotics in treating a common infection in dairy cows. This discovery could reduce antibiotic use in dairy farming, helping to combat antimicrobial...
Calf rearing is a cornerstone of dairy farming, and early life management significantly impacts long-term health and productivity. The primary goals in a calf's early weeks are developing a robust immune system and promoting rumen development. Achieving these objectives...
Source: Lactanet, by: Bruna Mion, Ph.D
Regardless of the voluntary waiting period you set for your farm, a cow’s reproductive success is shaped by events that occur long before breeding. Reproductive success depends on identifying the cow in heat, breeding,...
Proper hoof care is essential for maintaining the health, productivity, and overall well-being of cattle. Hoof-related issues can lead to pain, decreased mobility, and reduced feed intake, which in turn impact milk production and weight gain. While some hoof...
Enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), caused by the bovine leukemia virus (BLV), is a common disease in dairy cattle worldwide, particularly in North America. While only a small percentage of infected cows develop malignant lymphoma, BLV prevalence in U.S. and...
Dairy producers should consider feeding a smaller volume of colostrum to newborn calves. Delivering the correct mass of immunoglobulin in a smaller volume ensures the successful transfer of passive immunity (TPI) is preferable to current colostrum feeding guidelines. Feeding...
Fresh cows, those in the critical transition period immediately after calving, are among the most vulnerable in the herd. The first few weeks post-calving present the highest risk for diseases and metabolic disorders, including milk fever, ketosis, retained placentas,...
Dairy farms rely heavily on good-quality water to maintain optimal milk production and herd health. Research in Pennsylvania shows that aesthetic water pollutants like iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide are common and can deter cows from drinking, impacting milk...
Introduction
Ensuring proper crowd gate operation benefits both dairy cows and farm workers. For managers, this requires a focus on effective training, regular maintenance, and careful management to avoid common issues that impact cow welfare. When used properly, crowd gates...
Vaccination is a key preventive health tool in dairy farming. It enables cows, calves, and heifers to develop antibodies against specific diseases, so if they later encounter the pathogen, their immune systems can respond effectively. Proper vaccination reduces both...
