KY Dairy Notes (September '22)
Tip of the Month
Milking time practices impact milking efficiency and mastitis incidence
- Physically touch or stimulate teats for 10 seconds before attaching milking unit. When teats are properly stimulated, a signal is sent to the brain resulting in the release of oxytocin into the blood. Oxytocin acts on cells in the udder resulting in milk letdown. This process takes 1-2 minutes, thus the reason for waiting 1 to 2 minutes before attaching the machine.
- Prevent overmilking by removing the milking unit within 30 seconds after milking is done. Overmilking can cause hyperkeratosis (rough teat ends) and result in a place for bacteria to colonize and cause mastitis. Automatic takeoffs need to be checked to make sure they are operating properly to prevent overmilking.
Today’s Feeding Story Headlines:
Higher Commodity Prices, Forage Shortages, Lower Energy Corn Silage —Now What Do We Do?
Mother Nature sure has played havoc with many planned dairy feeding programs for the upcoming feeding season. As a result, feeding plans for this fall and winter need to be redesigned to capitalize on current stronger milk prices, keep feed costs in line, and use one’s stored forages most efficiently. To Learn more
Parasite Carrying Tick Increases Risk of Theileria Infection in Cattle
This disease, confirmed in 2 beef cattle in KY, is primarily transmitted by the bite of a parasite-infected Asian Longhorned Tick. The ticks are light brown and often smaller than a sesame seed. No treatment is available, thus prevention is the key. Learn More
