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...
Source: Alltech
Preliminary analysis of corn silage samples in the U.S. reveals a high increase in mycotoxin contamination compared to 2023, with all samples containing two or more mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are produced by certain species of molds and are a...
Ralco, a leader in natural animal health solutions, has launched Rapid Strike™, a new oral drench aimed at promoting calf health during scours—a common and economically impactful issue for beef and dairy producers. Rapid Strike harnesses Ralco’s proprietary Microfused®...
Source: Manitoba Agriculture Food, and Rural Initiatives
Milk fever is one of the more expensive metabolic diseases faced by dairy producers. Costs can easily exceed $400/cow in terms of vet and drugs, discarded milk and lost milk production. Cows with milk...
