2004 Archives

Antibiotics are used in livestock production as therapeutics, growth promoters, and prophylactics.

Observing the health status of a dairy calf is an important part of being a competent calf raiser.

A new fact sheet titled “Nitrogen, Ammonia Emissions and the Dairy Cow” (DAS 04-87) is available from dairy and animal science.

Besides the somewhat similar spelling of their names, do these diseases have anything in common?

It is worth reviewing once again the requirements for success that are common to all systems.

Subclinical, or chronic, ruminal acidosis is best described as a syndrome related to a fermentative disorder of the rumen.

Many programmed breeding programs have been introduced to synchronize estrus and ovulation and minimize time spent for heat detection.

There is need for building more "clocks" - dairies where management and business succession go hand in hand with the transfer of assets and land.

A systematic comparison of the benefits of robotic milking systems and new traditional milking systems.

Anaerobic digesters for manure are not new, although in recent years there is a better understanding of the proper operation and maintenance of digesters for higher levels of efficiency.

Agriculture in Pennsylvania will be impacted by various air quality and emissions regulations. This article will discuss the Clean Air Act, particulates and ammonia, and their relationship to Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs). Other agricultural operations including field crops, horticultural crops and mushrooms may also be impacted.

Strategies that increase feeding time during this critical period may be useful in increasing DMI.

The first few weeks of a calf's life are very critical to the growth and long term performance of a dairy calf

The incidence of cystic ovarian dysfunction within a lactation has been estimated to range between 6 and 23%. Accurate diagnosis of cystic ovarian disease has been a major challenge to veterinarians

On most dairies spent hoof baths are dumped into the manure pit or lagoon so the copper ultimately gets spread on production ground with the manure. Recently there have been several reports in the dairy press regarding copper accumulation in soils from this practice.

Designing outdoor areas for cattle is not an exact science

It is wise for livestock owners to be prepared ahead of time with some basic knowledge and a few first aid items