Herd Health

Currently, one of the biggest opportunities for increased performance on our dairy farms centers around our fresh cow programs. Fresh cows have a great opportunity for production potential, but if we do not set them up for success properly, they will not be able to achieve an optimal level of production.

Water is the most important nutrient we can give our cattle, yet it is often overlooked. Dairy cows drink on average 30-50 gallons of water a day and produce 1 pound of milk for every 4.5 pounds of water consumed.

The importance of transition cow management is well-known. But until recently, there have been unknowns about early disease indicators which impact the health of transition cows and heifers.

Milking with single-box automated (robotic) milking systems (AMS) has revolutionized the way we can manage and milk dairy cows. Adoption of this technology continues at an exponential rate here in North America.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic disease of cattle caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium bovis. In its early stages, infected cattle do not show clinical signs, which makes it difficult to diagnose.

With summer in full swing, high temperatures are here to stay. Increasing temperatures can have a multitude of negative effects on dairy cows, including hoof problems that rear their heads later on.