Herd Health

It only takes five stable flies biting on the front legs of a cow to reduce weight gains and milk yields, according to Alec Gerry, a University of California – Davis veterinary entomology specialist.

Heat stress can impart significant economic and production ramifications on your livestock operation. Some ramifications are apparent right away (lower feed intake and milk production) and some delayed (lameness).

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is still a major cause of sickness and death in young beef and dairy calves. While vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent losses associated with BRD, it’s often assumed that intranasal vaccines are the best approach in younger calves. However, recent research shows that previous perceptions about injectable respiratory vaccines may not be accurate, and that both types of vaccines have a place in BRD prevention.

Pinkeye is a common infectious disease affecting one or both eyes of cattle. Pinkeye is commonly caused by an infectious bacteria known as Moraxella bovis. Other emerging causative agents include Moraxella bovoculi and Mycoplasma bovoculi.

The dairy industry is replete with information on the need for calcium supplementation post-freshening. However, lost in all of the calcium conversations is the discussion on insufficient overall nutrient reserves, a changing ration and the fluids lost during freshening, which leave the transition cow unprepared for a quick or complete recovery heading into the demands of lactation.

When it comes to your footbath costs, there’s more to it than just the sticker price.

Many dairy producers are looking for ways to cut back on costs, and hoof care products are no exception.