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Since 1960, Holstein dairy cows have exhibited a substantial decline in fertility, with serious economic consequences for farmers. Genetic selection programs in the U.S. and elsewhere have emphasized milk production at the expense of other traits. Attention has turned to improving these neglected traits for better overall well-being of cows and to ameliorate dairy producers’ profitability.

So far in 2020, there have been many unknowns for the U.S. dairy industry. It’s hard to know what to predict for future milk markets and milk prices. However, one certainty for all dairy farm businesses is the need to know forage inventories and ensuring ample forage stocks are available for the entire herd for next year.

In a previous article, it was noted that high-palmitic-fatty-acid (greater than 80%) supplements most often decrease dry matter intake (DMI). And, since many studies with that type supplement have been done with midlactation cows over a short term (21 days), it raises the question as to what would be the response in early lactation cows?

Compact equipment technologies have changed dramatically over the years. Today, manufacturers are designing highly productive machines and adding more sophisticated features, like remote control technology, to allow you to run a busy dairy operation in new and innovative ways.

Dairy herd management is very data driven with exceptional progress made in the use of data from areas such as feeding, parlor operation, milk production and herd health to make timely decisions influencing dairy profitability.

Scours is responsible for 56.5% of mortality among pre-weaned dairy calves, making it the leading cause of calf death and sickness. How can you make sure your calves’ health, growth and productivity are not affected?