Ventilation is vital in dairy barns for maintaining air quality, removing heat and moisture, and providing a comfortable environment for cows. Ventilation can be achieved through mechanical or natural systems that utilize thermal buoyancy and wind pressure.
Dr. Paul Fricke moderates a Wisconsin dairy farmer panel consisting of David Jauquet, Mike Martin, Jeff McNeely, and Chuck Ripp. These dairy farmers give highlights of protocols used on their dairies that help them achieve higher fertility success.
Calves born with knuckle over pasterns, also known as contracted tendons, present a unique challenge for dairy and beef producers.
While a surprise party might be fun for humans, unpredictability can get in the way of milk letdown and overall milking performance.
Proper housing is essential for the health and growth of dairy and beef calves. It provides a clean, dry, and comfortable environment to support healthy development and minimize disease risks.
Cows are creatures of habit. They thrive on predictable routines, gentle handling, and calm surroundings. A consistent routine in the milking parlor helps cows to relax.
Lameness issues impact every dairy herd in one form or another. Not only does lameness affect a cow’s health and well-being, but it’s also costly to the farm’s bottom line.
Milk fever (hypocalcemia) is a common disorder than can occur is cows following calving. During this time, the demand for calcium in the body is high to support mammary function and milk production. When a cow is unable to meet these demands, she can develop milk fever.
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.
[Listen to this 3-minute podcast] Research has shown cows love using brushes. A study found that lactating cows were willing to push heavy gates to get access to an automatic rotating brush, indicating that having a brush was important to them.
In this presentation, Leonard Polzin, Extension Dairy Markets and Policy Outreach Specialist, covers what producers need to know for the 2025 DMC sign-up. He walks through changes and discusses the DMC decision tool that helps producers decide on the level of coverage necessary.
