Dairy Program
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KY Dairy Notes
On-Farm Management Practices Impact Incidence Rates of Lameness
Dairy Calf Management Practices Today Impact Her Future Performance
- Today's Management Practices Program Tomorrow's Milk Production
- Do Your Dairy Calves Need a Buddy?
- Practice the 5 C's of Dairy Calf Management
Post-Weaning Period Critical Time for Dairy Heifers
Management practices post-weaning impacts growth, age of calving and performance in the milking string.
The Next Lactation Starts in the Dry Period
Learn more on how to protect these cows on your dairy
Monthly Tip: First-Calf Heifers Behave Differently than Mature Cows
First-calf heifers should be housed separately from the mature cows, if at all possible. Heifers take smaller bites of feed and spend more time eating than mature cows. Studies have shown feeding times increased by 11% and milk production increased by 9% when heifers are housed separately from mature cows.
Separation of first-calf heifers from mature cows is even more critical when freestalls are overcrowded and/or feedbunk space is limited, i.e. with 6-row barns. Heifers are more submissive than mature cows and do not compete as well for stall and bunk space when challenged . Resting time, a critical need for cows, is reduced more for heifers than cows when overcrowded. Cows prioritize resting time over feeding times.
Successful Dairy Managers — What Does it Take to Be One?
Over my 35-year professional career, I have been blessed to visit and work closely with many successful dairy managers. As I reflect on these experiences, I quickly realize that many common threads exist between these managers. These commonalities extend past how they manage their dairy cows on a daily basis and reflect more on how they make decisions and approach their business. Their personal skill sets speak to the success of their herds and the ability to be both profitable and successful.
Decreases in Milk Production Seen 1 to 2 Days after Heat Stress Event
The dog days of summer definitely come with increased environmental temperatures and, often times, high humidity, resulting in heat stress conditions for dairy cows, as well as those who care for them. Heat stress results in an increased body temperature, which can negatively impact milk production, reproductive performance and health of cows. These effects can be seen in not only the milking herd, but also in dry cows, heifers, and baby calves. To maintain a normal body temperature, cattle must dissipate heat generated from digesting their feed along with the additional heat load from their environment with increasing temperatures. Shade, air movement with fans and through natural ventilation, and wetting of the hair coat with sprinklers/soakers help decrease this heat load and help mitigate the negative impacts caused by heat stress to dairy cattle. By learning more about how dairy cows respond to heat stress, one can better manage one’s dairy herd and minimize the negative impacts resulting from heat stress
Maintenance of Fans Impact Electric Bills
Ventilation systems which circulate air within barns can account for a large proportion of an electric bill. Some estimate they may account for 20 to 25% of the total electricity usage, especially when barns are mechanically ventilated. Even with increased costs for electricity, the use of circulation fans for increased air speed are a necessary expense to reduce heat stress and to prevent the associated decreases in milk production, reproductive performance, and performance of future generations. When temperatures are greater than 65ºF, fans are needed to move air to help cool cows. The goal during the warm time of the year is to exchange the air in these facilities 40 to 60 times per hour with the air moving at the rate of 300 to 400 feet/min (3.5 to 5 mph) at the level of the cow. Poor or inadequate fan maintenance can decrease the overall airflow by fans as well as the efficiency of these motors by as much as 40%; thus, increasing electric bills unnecessarily. As little as 1/8 inch of dust on the fan blades can decrease the efficiency of the motor of the fan. Maintenance on fans should be completed not once, but 3 to 4 times per year, to improve/maintain the efficiency of the fan motors and air speeds within the facility. These steps include:
- Clean dust from the blades, motor windings, sensors and thermostats.
- Lubricate the fan according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Check the belts for wear and stretch. Belts should ride on top of the pulley. Replace belts as needed.
- Check the electrical cords and wiring for breaks or disintegration of wiring covering.
- Check that the thermostat is operating properly- i.e. comes on at the proper temperature (65ºF)
- Check the angle of each fan such that the air movement of the fan “blows’ to the ground level below the next fan.
Early Embryonic Pregnancy Losses Vary by Stage of Gestation
The recommendation is to pregnancy test cows around 30 days after being bred to identify cows that are open so that open cows can be rebred in a timely manner. Cows that are pregnant by 130 days in milk have a lower chance of becoming overconditioned in later lactation and have been shown to rebreed in a more timely manner in their subsequent lactation.
Pre-Milking Cow Prep Influences Somatic Cell Count
When it comes to maintaining a low herd somatic cell count, continuously practicing sound milking procedures are part of an effectively implemented, on-farm milk quality plan. Dairy managers understand the importance of following proven milking procedures, but the component that often gets overlooked is translating the importance of continuously and consistently completing these practices to those actually milking the cows. When these procedures are routinely reviewed or re-reviewed with employees or other family members, an increased understanding can lead to a higher rate of correctly implementing these practices, avoiding the development of bad habits, and the ability to maintain a low somatic cell count. Even herds using robots to milk their cows need to review whether the robot is correctly completing each of these components associated with pre-milking prep.
Observation is the Key to Being a “Cow Whisperer”
Observing the behavior and, more importantly, changes in behavior of an animal or group of animals is one of the components necessary when working with animals. All of us quickly recognize that a dog with its hair standing up along its back and a non-wagging tail is not in a “friendly mood” and one best back away from the situation. When it comes to dairy cattle, observational skills are important in the day-to-day management of cattle, especially when we wish to move them in the direction intended. Also, understanding how dairy cows react to novel situations, and more importantly, what constitutes a novel situation to them is important as we manage their movement to and from the daily activities associated with milking and general management practices.
Dry Cow Therapy Revisited
Prevention of mastitis and successful treatment of clinical cases when needed are the hallmarks of a cost effective and successfully implemented mastitis program. The use of correctly-applied pre-dip, stripping of foremilk to check for clinical mastitis prior to attaching the milking machine, post-dipping the lower 3/4rds of the teat with a germicide at the conclusion of milking, routinely serviced and properly operating milking equipment, and maintaining a relatively “clean” resting environment are vital parts of any mastitis prevention plan. In addition, the use of dry cow therapy plays a key role in these on-farm mastitis prevention protocols.
Monthly Tip: Properly Use Teat Sealants at Dry Off
- Clean each teat end with a single-use alcohol pad or alcohol-soaked cotton ball. Use a separate pad or cotton ball for each teat.
- Clean the teat located the furthest away first, working toward those closest to you. Clean each teat until the cleaning pad/ball remains white, using additional pads/cotton balls as needed.
- Starting with the teat closest to you, insert the syringe tip of the teat sealant into the teat end while pinching off the top of the teat where it meets the udder. Slowly inject teat sealant, using a separate tube for each quarter.
- Do not message the teat sealant into the quarter. You want it to remain in the teat canal.
- Infuse teat sealant into the remaining teats, working from those closest to those furthest away.
- When done, dip each teat with post-dip.
- If cows are dried off at another time than following being milked, dip teats with pre-dip, wait 30 seconds, and then dry with an individual towel before starting the procedure outlined previously.
Price Volatility - What to Do About It?
The volatility of milk prices along with increasing input costs has definitely lead to many sleepless nights in trying devise the best path forward. What can you do about it?
Are Your Feeding Practices on Target?
Routinely reviewing feeding practices with the person feeding the dairy’s lactating cows, heifers, and dry cows can ensure your feeding program achieves its intended results.
Why Do Cattle Chew Their Cud?
Dairy cows chew their cuds 30,000 times a day.
Water—the Nutrient We Often Take for Granted
Behind oxygen, water is the most important component for life.
Are Your Cows Getting Enough Sleep Each Night?
Rest, along with sleep, is important not only for us, but also dairy cows.
Rumen Bacteria Determine Outcome of Dairy Cattle Feeding Programs
Correctly Collect Silage and Other Forage Samples
Properly sampling all forages being fed and using these results to balance rations for not only the milking herd, but also dry cows and heifers ,is the cornerstone of all well-managed feeding systems. Remember that forage samples should be taken and analyzed throughout the feeding year, not just in the fall.
For Silage:
- If a TMR mixer is used to feed cows, silage should be loaded into the mixer without other ingredients, mixed, and unloaded onto a solid surface. With the palm of your hand facing up, collect multiple samples (at least 10) from various locations of the pile in a clean 5-gallon bucket.
- If a TMR is not used or silage is not unloaded from the silo into a pile, silage samples should be collected evenly spaced over the time silage is unloaded from the upright silo with at least 10 to 20 samples collected with your palm facing upwards.
- Mix the forage in the bucket with your hand and dump it out on a clean piece of plastic. Spread the silage out into a circle, divide the circle into quarters, and place one quarter in a plastic quart–sized bag. If the sample is too large, repeat the quartering process after mixing the previously quartered sample by bringing one side of the plastic toward the opposite side.
- Freeze the forage sample if it will not be shipped for a couple of days. Make sure the sample will not be in transit over the weekend to the forage lab. Samples should be kept cool before shipping, i.e. not placed on the dashboard or in hot truck cab.
For Hay or Baleage:
- Using a forage/hay probe, collect samples from 15 to 20 bales of each lot of hay/baleage. The probe should be inserted 12 to 18 inches into the bale. A lot of hay is defined as that from a field of a similar type of forage and harvested at the same time.
- Add the material to a bucket, mix and sample as outlined previously for silages.
This month's issue dedicated to:
Understanding the financial side of the dairy business, an area as important if not more important than the cattle side.
Regular Review of Financial Records Trait of Profitable Dairy Herds
For dairy businesses to be profitable and sustainable, their owners must be excellent managers of cattle, crop production, employees/family members, and financial resources. All of these pieces are necessary. However, finding the time to devote to completing and reviewing these financial records on a routine schedule throughout the year is a necessary management practice.
Are You Competitive as a Dairy Manager?
One needs to objectively evaluate some key management-related areas which directly impact the financial bottom line. The top expense and controllable management-related categories on a dairy which directly impact the financial wellbeing and cow/heifer management should be reviewed.
Is Your Dairy Business a Good Investment Risk in Your Banker’s Eyes?
Bankers use financial information from a balance sheet to determine the risk associated with lending capital to your business. Essentially, they are determining the probability or risk as to whether you will be able to repay the loan and, if not, do you own assets that will allow the bank to recoup the value of the loan.
Tip of the Month
Cleanliness of the calving pen or area impacts the health of both her calf and the dam herself.
Calf— Besides timely intake of colostrum, cleanliness of the calving pen impacts the health and potential survivability of the calf. Many causes of disease within the first 2 weeks of life can be
contracted from the calving pen.
Dam—-Metritis continues to be one of the primary issues in fresh cows. Well bedded and “clean” calving areas decrease the chances of “inoculating” the uterus during the calving process.
Taste panel detects paperboard flavor in milk stored in paper cartons in a recently published study.
A recently published study looked at the ability of a trained taste panel or consumers to detect off-flavors in skim or whole milk packaged in either paperboard, glass, or HDPE or PET plastic. A paperboard/cardboard flavor was detected in skim milk the same day it was packaged in a paper carton, but this off flavor was not detected until day 5 of storage for whole milk. As length of storage increased, this off flavor increased as did a refrigerator/stale flavor in milks stored in paperboard. Off flavors were more intense for skim versus whole milk and increased with a decrease in the size of container. Consumers could not detect off–flavor differences in skim or whole milk stored in either glass or plastic 10 days after processing.
Authors: Cadwallader, Gerard and Drake, NC State, J. Dairy Sci. Article in Press, 11-7-22
Want to Improve Your Dairy Herd’s Reproductive Program?
Getting cows rebred in a timely manner is one of the cornerstones of a more profitable dairy operation. So how do you get this done?
Explain the Why’s Along with the How’s When Training Employees and Family Members to Milk Cows
Explaining why milking practices are important helps new and experienced people milking one’s cows understand why each practice must be completed consistently at each milking. Consistent and properly implemented milking practices are important in preventing mastitis and to optimize milk production.
Winter Feeding and Management Practices for Dairy Calves
Dairy calves are very sensitive to the colder, fall and winter temperatures and, as such, feeding and management practices need to be tweaked to help calves deal with these cooler temperatures.
Tip of the Month
Cows not milking as well as expected. Why might that be occurring?
- First person blamed is often the nutritionist. But, their formulated ration may not be the cause.
- Previous suboptimal pregnancy rates resulting in longer days in milk resulting in more cows in later lactation.
- Mastitis incidence increases– high SCC cows give less milk.
- Facilities Mgt-Cows are overcrowding resulting in less time spent resting and ruminating.
- Ration not available 20+ hrs/day and/or mixed and delivered incorrectly.
- Forages may be harvested more mature, thus lower in nutrients and/or less digestible than last year due to growing conditions.
- More 1st calf heifers relative to mature cows than previously.
Dairy Calves are Picky Eaters
Calf starters needed to be designed and manufactured such that calves consume them readily. So, what are some of these key characteristics that constitute a “good” calf starter that calves like and readily eat?
Develop a Forward-Thinking Management Plan for your Fresh Dairy Cows
Management and feeding practices within the first 2 to 4 weeks after calving have a long-term positive or negative impact on not only milk production and health of cows throughout the lactation, but as importantly on fertility and early embryo survival.
Vaccines are an Important Component of Dairy Cattle Health Management Programs
Learn More about ensuring your vaccines are effective at preventing diseases.
Tip of the Month
Practice the 3 S’s when managing springers
Softness- providing a comfortable place to lie down which is stocked at < 100% of capacity.
Space—providing adequate bunk space (at least 30 inches/cow) to maximize intake.
Screen- to identify cows, which are failing. Protocols utilizing technology definitely have a place in the management of transition cows. However, they cannot replace the need for a “cow person” to walk around, observe cows, and implement protocols. This serves as a reminder that people with good cow sense and who pay attention to details are invaluable in avoiding potential disasters.
— Dr. Nigel Cook, UW Madison
Butterfat Percentage or Milk Yield: Which is More Important for a Dairy Farm’s Income?
With increasing wholesale prices for butter and cream, prices received on-farm for butterfat have increased over historic levels, making one rethink if additional income can come from improvements in butterfat. Which is more important in today’s markets?
How Can You Get More Pounds of Milkfat From Your Dairy Herd?
Controlling Nuisance Birds in Dairy Facilities
Foot Care Needs to Include Preemptive Practices to Reduce Incidence of Lame Cows
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.
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.
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.
Tip of the Month
Heat Stress Negatively Impacts Reproduction During and After Heat Events
- Heat stress decreases estrous duration, follicular growth, conception rates, and early embryo survival irrespective of use of AI or natural service.
- Heat stress 1 to 2 days before AI and during early pregnancy decreases fertility.
- Some reproductive physiologists estimate negative effects last 6 weeks past heat stress events.
- Bulls also have decreased fertility associated with heat stress and effects last well past heat stress events.
- These negative impacts reemphasize the need for fans and sprinklers in barns, at feedbunks, and in holding pens.
Feeding This Year’s Corn Silage Crop
Preliminary reports indicate that this year’s corn silage crop in some locations across the state may have suffered from the lack of early rains during pollination resulting in spotty or lack of ear development and/or reduced plant growth.
Observation is the Key to Being a “Cow Whisperer”
Understanding how dairy cows react to novel situations is important when managing them during their daily activities associated with milking and general management practices.
Water — the Nutrient We Often Take for Granted
Behind oxygen, water is the most important component for life and is consumed in the largest quantity of all the essential nutrients. Understanding the importance of water and how to effectively manage your dairy feeding system to provide adequate water intake is very important for optimum milk production and growth.
Corn Silage Harvest Reminders
- Moisture of the corn plant determines the time to harvest. Harvest at 62 to 65% moisture (35 to 38% DM) (Choppers without kernel processors should be harvested a little wetter– 32 to 35% DM to allow breakage of corn kernels.)
- Healthy corn plants dry down 0.5 to 1.0%/day.
- Kernel processers need to be working properly to adequately break up corn kernels and cob. Roller spacing on kernel processors need to be so that no more than 2 or 3 half or whole kernels of corn (cob in 8 pieces) are found in a chopped sample contained in a 32 oz. cup. Spacing between rollers should be such that a dime will not fit between the rollers. Kernel processors do increase power requirements and thus diesel usage. However, for each additional gallon of diesel at $6/gal. used, only 0.05 lbs of milk ($22/cwt) are needed to recoup additional fuel cost with 20 ton/acre corn silage. Extra diesel costs can very quickly be recouped from additional milk volume and thus income.
- For bunkers and piles, pack the chopped silage with a tractor weighing 800 times the number of wet tons delivered per hour at a speed of 1.5 to 2.5 mph.
- Cover top of uprights, piles, and bunkers with plastic. For bunkers, line bunker sides with plastic with extra plastic overlapping the walls. Once filled, use the extra plastic to cover part of the top closest to the walls to prevent water seeping under the top cover of plastic and causing spoilage.
Tip of the month
Corn Silage Harvest Practices Impact Milk Production, Grain Bill, and Overall Profitability
- Moisture of the corn plant determines the time to harvest. Harvest at 62-65% moisture (35-38% DM) (Choppers without kernel processors should be harvested a little wetter– 32-35% DM to allow breakage of corn kernels.)
- Healthy corn plants dry down 0.5-1.0%/day.
- Corn is generally harvested 40-45 days post-tasseling.
- Adjust rollers on kernel processors so that no more than 2 or 3 half or whole kernels of corn (cob in 8 pieces) are found in a chopped sample contained in a 32 oz. cup. Spacing between rollers should be such that a dime will not fit between the rollers. Kernel processors do increase power requirements and thus diesel usage. However, for each additional gallon of diesel at $6/gal. used, only 0.05 lbs of milk ($22/cwt) are needed to recoup additional fuel cost with 20 ton corn silage/acre. Extra diesel costs can very quickly be recouped from additional milk volume and thus income.
- For bunkers and piles, pack the chopped silage with a tractor weighing 800 times the number of wet tons delivered per hour at a speed of 1.5-2.5 mph.
- Cover top of uprights, piles, and bunkers with plastic. For bunkers, line bunker sides with plastic with extra plastic overlapping the walls. Once filled, use the extra plastic to cover part of the top closest to the walls to prevent water seeping under the top cover of plastic and causing spoilage.
July is Ice Cream Moo-nth
- July is the busy time for ice cream production and consumption!
- Ice cream contains a minimum of 10% butterfat and each gallon of ice cream uses 3 gallons of milk. “Reduced fat” ice cream contains 25% less total fat than regular. “Light” or “lite” ice cream contains 50% less total fat or 33% fewer calories.
- Types of ice cream include economy, regular or standard, premium, and super premium. Premium ice cream is manufactured with less overrun (or aeration) and contains a higher fat content (12-15%) than regular ice cream (10-12%). Premium ice cream thus weighs more than regular ice cream because of less overrun or air added. Manufacturers identified premium ice cream as the most popular type of ice cream.
- Top three most popular selling flavors identified by ice cream processors include cookies n’ cream, vanilla, and chocolate. Rounding out the top 10 flavors are mint chocolate chip, strawberry, butter pecan, coffee, chocolate chip cookie dough, caramel/salted caramel, and cookie dough.
- Interesting ice cream names include “Garbage can®”, “Motor oil”, “Everything but the kitchen sink”, “Exhausted parent”, “Midnight snack”, “Twinkie”, “Beer breathe”, and “S--- Just Got Serious”.
- Consumers bought the majority of their ice cream from grocery stores as half gallons (really 3 pints or 1.5 quarts not half gallon or 2 quarts) and ate it at home in the evening as a treat.
Source: IDFA- Ice Cream and Frozen Novelty Trends Survey- June 2022
Are You Making “Profitable Culling” Decisions?
Culling decisions definitely impact the profitability of a dairy business. Many factors determine which and when cows should be culled. These factors enter into one’s decision if a cow should continue her productive life or if she should entertain a career change and become a beef cow.
Let's Celebrate National June Dairy Moo-nth
- National Dairy Month celebrations began in 1937 as a way to promote drinking milk and originally was called National Milk Month.
- In 1939, the name was changed to National Dairy Month to promote all dairy products, not just milk.
- In 2005, KY proclaimed milk as its official beverage.
- In 20 states, milk is the official state beverage. Besides KY, these states include AR, DE, LA, MD, MN, NE, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, VT, VA, and WI.
- In RI, coffee-flavored milk (my favorite) is the official beverage and is sold beside chocolate-flavored milk in grocery stores throughout eastern New England.
- In Mo, the official dessert is the ice cream cone.
- Yogurt is the official state snack in NY.
Hats off to all those involved in the Dairy Industry!
Maintenance of Fans Impact Electric Bills
Ventilation systems which help circulate air within barns can account for a large proportion of an electric bill. As little as 1/8 inch of dust on fan blades can decrease the efficiency of the fan motor by as much as 40%; increasing electric costs.
Manage Your Grazing System for Optimum Dairy Cow Performance
Grazing forages for the milking dairy herd has been practiced for years, but what has changed over time are some of the forage management practices.
Don’t Fall for the Dairy Robo-Call Storyline
Just like with the constant robo-phone calls and their associated scams, due diligence is needed to make sure claims are real. The next time you consider a new product or service for your dairy business, ask yourself these simple questions.
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- Aug. 27 - AFS Welcome Back Picnic
- Sept. 5 - Animal & Food Sciences Alumni Reunion
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- Updated Graduate Student Handbook
7/21•Animal & Food Sciences
