Herd Health

Every dairy producer knows the health of the herd is invaluable when working to achieve the highest production and profit. The old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” certainly goes a long way to not only prevent the reduction in production but to reduce the difficulties and expense in reaching that pinnacle of profitability.

Walking cows through a footbath containing an antibacterial agent, such as copper sulfate or formalin, has become an industry standard practice to aid in the control of infectious hoof disease. In conventional parlor-milked herds, the footbath is typically located in the return lane from the milking center, and the majority of herds use the bath about four times per week.

In dairy cows, the transition from gestation to lactation results in a sudden large demand for calcium due to the production and secretion of colostrum and milk.

It requires more than just energy to achieve peak performance and overall health of your milking herd. Vitamins are organic compounds required in small quantities and essential for the maintenance of life.

The National Research Council (NRC) lists requirements for vitamins A, D and E in their seventh revision of “Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle,” published in 2001.

Calving sets off a series of events in a cow’s body that impacts her entire system. One stressor is a significant spike in calcium demand due to the onset of colostrum production.