Colostrum is an essential source of nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors that set calves up for a strong start to life. Years of research have consistently shown the most critical management factor for calf health and survival is providing early, adequate volumes of high-quality colostrum.

This article will explain the factors, farm practices associated with them, and key questions to help you investigate and manage milk fat depression in your herd.

Dairy cattle diets are formulated on a dry matter (DM) basis, so it is important to understand what that means. All forages and feeds contain both water and dry matter so, in a simplistic way, the DM fraction refers to the absence of water.

We can manage some metabolic diseases by managing dry matter intake, nutrient needs, body condition score, and stress during this critical timeframe of the dry cow, transition, and fresh cow periods.  

Soybeans are great for livestock feed because they provide a lot of protein and oil. They need to be processed correctly to avoid digestion issues and maximize benefits.

In this video, Matheus Pupo, a passionate PhD student at UW-Madison, dives into innovative nutritional strategies to cut down methane emissions in lactating cows. Chuck Nicholson, an agricultural economist from UW-Madison, breaks down the financial impact of feeding 3-NOP on income over feed costs in the U.S.

Much research is taking place on how heifer grazing can fit into the modern dairy farm. Virtual fencing is also becoming more popular. This presentation will cover what you need to know to incorporate virtual fencing into an operation.

Badger Dairy Insight: August 20, 2024

Badger Dairy Insight: April 16, 2024

Jennifer Van Os discusses collaborative work at UW-Madison to identify practical strategies for alleviating heat stress in hutch-housed dairy calves.

Information on the evaluation of the nutritive value of corn silage or corn hybrids for potential use in silage production.