The importance of navel and umbilical care in newborn calves has been well documented and can be summed up in three key steps:

1. A clean and dry calving area
2. Disinfection of navels
3. Providing adequate colostrum

While protocols may vary, the first and third steps are straightforward. This article will focus on the second – navel disinfecting. The umbilical cord represents a direct pathway for bacteria to enter the calf’s circulatory system, which can cause septicemia, an infection of the blood.

The upcoming 4-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference will be held June 13-14, 2012, in Dubuque, Iowa. Click here to learn how you can attend the conference.

We asked two of the speakers a few questions about their topics and why producers should be interested in attending.

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Associate Professor and PRO-DAIRY Director
Cornell University

Summer is here and temperatures are soaring throughout the country. If you are sweating up a storm while working on your dairy, imagine how your cows feel. What methods are you using to mitigate the summer heat and its effects on your herd?

Whether you provide your cows with shade, install fans or misters, or use a combination of these options on your dairy operation, make sure cow cooling is a top priority, especially during the summer months. In this article, Progressive Dairyman has asked companies that provide cow cooling products for updates on existing products or new offerings available to producers. Continue reading to see what company representatives had to say.

A century ago, bovine tuberculosis (TB) was responsible for more losses among U.S. farm animals than all other infectious diseases combined. Since state and federal agencies started tracking and eradication procedures in 1917, the disease has mostly been eliminated, but pockets of breakouts throughout the U.S. remain serious and costly for livestock producers.

A year ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and Veterinary Services released “Assessment of Pathways for the Introduction and Spread of Mycobacterium bovis in the United States – a study of the condition based on 2009 conditions.”

The study found that the biggest risk factors are the importation of cattle into the U.S. – both legal and illegal – and exposure to wildlife.

Benefiting from long-term opportunities in dairy requires preparation for the inevitable short-term volatility that exists. With Coca-Cola and other companies looking to dairy for growth, lots of opportunities exist. John Frey offers advice to protect your risks and prepare yourself for the short-term challenges at hand.

Click here to read the full column at the Center for Dairy Excellence website.  PD

Plans are underway for the third annual Flavor Faceoff, and we’re opening up participation to anyone interested.

How do I participate?
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to email your name, location and flavor choice by May 30. If your flavor has already been chosen in your region, you’ll have the option to choose another flavor or be able to have first pick in 2013.