Dairy Digest
Edited by Dr. Jud Heinrichs, Professor of Dairy and Animal Science, Dairy Digest features articles by Penn State's experts in dairy management, engineering, herd health, and related areas. Dairy Digest has been published by the Department of Dairy and Animal Science and Penn State Cooperative Extension since 1963.
Having clear and concise job descriptions in place is vital for employee success on the farm. But even though job descriptions are important, most producers don’t want to take the time to write them.
Oral rehydration solutions are used to replenish fluids and electrolytes that are lost during the course of diarrhea. Also known as electrolytes, these solutions are a convenient way to treat calves with diarrhea.
Results of this study showed that the heifer raising operation could serve as a clearing house of S. Typhimurium var Copenhagen and perhaps other Salmonella serotypes.
One can get a whole new perspective while trying to locate a new dairy complex on a proposed site.
Most veterinarians and dairy producers are familiar with the use of blood mineral concentration determinations as an aid in disease diagnosis. Although it is useful to know what is responsible for a disease process, a preferred option is to determine if a cow is metabolically unstable and will ultimately succumb to some disease process.
Grasses are one of the predominant forages harvested in the northern and western regions of Pennsylvania.
Energy prices are going through the roof again this fall and winter! The best way to guard against high prices for energy is to make your farm and home more energy efficient.
With weaning, it is essential that adequate rumen development has occured. Without a fully functional rumen, calves will be unable to utilize nutrients provided in the post-weaning dry feed diet. The result is a growth slump for one to three weeks after weaning.
Stray voltage allows everyone to blame a variety of common dairy herd production problems on something out of their control and to discount other obvious changes or improvements under their control that could help cow productivity and thus farm profitability.
We are all aware of the dire constraints we may be facing this winter because of the dramatic increases in the prices of all forms of energy, except electricity. Fortunately, the autumn weather has been quite mild thus far, so we have not needed too much fuel for space heating purposes yet.
Diagnostic tests such as the Johne’s ELISA are used to tell us something about the “true” status of the animals being tested.
Updated dairy idea plans that include up-to-date research and field observations related to dairy cattle freestall design, dimensions and construction.
Using Resynchronization programs to efficiently manage open cows so fewer days are lost before rebreeding
Animals seldom get hurt when it is a convenient time or at a convenient location. The impact of animal injuries or disease can often be greatly reduced with prompt and appropriate treatment.
Helping your hispanic workforce understand our healthcare system and emergency protocol.
Ketosis is one of the most common metabolic disorders occur during the first month of lactation in high producing dairy herds. Ketosis is caused by negative energy balance due to insufficient energy intake to support energy output in milk after parturition.
There are varying opinions on the pros and cons of feeding straw, especially to the transition and high producing cow. When is the right time to consider using straw?
For many parts of Pennsylvania, drought has plagued crops since spring. It has been at least 2 years since many of us had to contend with drought stressed crops. As harvesting dates grow closer for corn and sorghum, keep in mind some points related to nitrate toxicity.
