Dairy News
A new growth spreadsheet that generates a customized growth curve for an individual herd based on that herd’s goal for age at first calving and the mature size of animals in the herd. Using this tool, you will be able to tell at every step of the way whether heifers are on track to calve at the right size and age, eliminating the delay that comes with not measuring heifer performance until first calving.
We can't control the weather, but we can make management changes to improve calf comfort and performance as the mercury rises.
A growing population and increased incomes from an economic boom are the driving forces behind a surge in dairy product demand in India. One key to the success of recent consumption trends has been an American standby: the refrigerator.
On-farm milk culture is a tool that can help you reduce the amount of antibiotics being used, decrease costs associated with clinical mastitis, and increase milk quality and profitability.
Commodity feeding can be a money saving or money losing game, and each farm needs to look at their numbers and make that decision for their operation.
When it rains, it pours: broken TMR mixer, running out of feed, and a drop in the milk fat test pose challenges to the herd.
Research from the University of Florida shows that calves exposed to heat stress before birth have lower birth weights and compromised immunity.
Two real world examples of group housing and feeding systems for calves and a discussion of the challenges in each system.
Dairy producers are encouraged to design a parasite control program with their veterinarian. This article presents some elements that might be considered in crafting a more effective program.
At the Penn State Extension Annual Meeting in Dublin, Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit sponsored and presented awards to Bucks County 4-H youth members who have achieved excellence in Animal Science project areas.
A decrease in milk butterfat sends the alarm but is the diet to blame?
There are several ways to economically evaluate better reproduction. Whatever economic indicator is used, research suggests that the more efficient our dairy producers become at getting their entire dairy herd pregnant, both first service cows and repeat breeders, the potential exists for increased profitability for the dairy enterprise.
Insight into world supply and demand factors that influence milk price.
Penn State research suggests that when low quality forage is added to the diet to achieve extra chewing or rumination, chopping it fine enough to minimize sorting will help cows to consume the amount of forage desired and still provide physically effective fiber.
Transitioning cows from the dry period into and through early lactation has a huge effect on the overall production and health of the entire herd. The way we house and manage the dry and prefresh cow ultimately determines the level of production she can achieve.
Haylage shrink of 22% keeps the PSU Dairy on their toes but setting goals and making a plan of action keeps milk production going strong.
Penn State Extension Dairy Team has scheduled two workshops to help increase milk quality through collecting and indentifying on-farm cultures.
