As we have discussed in a previous article, fresh cows have the highest milk production potential but are prone to diseases, especially after calving. This period is crucial for their health and performance. Metabolic disorders can affect milk production and reproduction, and treating these diseases can be costly. The stress of calving and lactation weakens their immune system, making them vulnerable to infections like mastitis and metritis. Early detection and treatment of sick cows are essential to minimize these impacts.
- Early detection and treatment are crucial
- High disease risk post-calving
- Critical for health and performance
- Metabolic disorders affect milk and reproduction
- Costly disease treatments
- Weakened immune system during transition
- Vulnerable to infections like mastitis and metritis
Author
Aerica Bjurstrom
Regional Dairy Educator – Aerica’s work focuses on herd health and animal welfare. She also has a strong background in meat quality and has done programming in market cow carcass quality.
Angie Ulness
Dairy Educator – Angie has been active in the dairy industry her entire life. She was raised on her family farm in Door County and currently farms with her husband Mark and their four children in Manitowoc County. Angie has previously worked as a Field Representative for Holstein USA and a Senior Territory Manager for a Pharmaceutical company. Her area of focus is Dairy Farm Management, Profitability and Efficiency.
