Herd Health

After parturition, the uterus recovery (involution), the regeneration of the endometrium (uterus “skin”), the return of the ovarian cycle and the control of pathogenic bacteria in the uterus are required before a cow is ready for a successful conception.

Even a few parasites in a high-producing dairy cow have the potential to reduce herd performance. Parasite-free animals convert feed more efficiently, have fewer disease problems, enter the milking string sooner, produce more milk and have fewer reproductive difficulties.

Garrett Miller has worked as the dairy manager at Oakwood Dairy LLC in Auburn, New York, since 2009. Miller has been surrounded by dairy cows all his life. He grew up on his family’s small dairy farm and pursued his interest in dairy at Cornell University, graduating from their dairy management program in 2007.

On-farm culturing is a useful tool for mastitis management. It allows for faster response to infections, saves money and helps to identify causes to help with prevention, according to Dr. Ginger Fenton, dairy extension educator at Penn State University.

With warmer weather on the horizon, the thought of flies around the farm starts to become a concern. Flies not only spread disease-causing bacteria but also can lower milk production.