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.
Manure digesters will become more common on our dairy farms in the future, perhaps driven by odor control more than anything else.
In addition to cooling, shade, and ventilation, strategic adjustments to diet formulation and feeding management can help cows to better cope with extreme weather conditions.
Research shows how lameness can contribute to reproductive problems that drain profits
Designed and managed properly freestall shelters can be a good fit on productive dairy farms.
Since we cannot predict prices of energy in the future, we need to prepare for fluctuations in prices of the various energy sources.
Labor and cost spent getting water into each paddock may pay for itself quicker than almost any other management practice on the farm.
Some characteristics of unprofitable dairies.
Key factors can be better managed to improve milk production.
Milk production, somatic cell counts, pregnancy rate, culling rate, income over feed cost, are just a few of the metrics available for monitoring among dairy advisory teams.
Be careful to avoid the “Twinkies Effect” on your farm and in your home.
Many times the difference between success and failure is a matter of inches and seconds! Profitability of your dairy is no different.
Every state has different options for handling on-farm mortality. It is important to check with your state Department of Agriculture or Department of Environmental Protection regarding your options. In Pennsylvania, state law says that any animal mortality needs to be properly disposed of in 48 hours.
The following are some a collection of the common questions asked during the "Managing your Farm Business with Quickbooks" Workshops and how to address them to help simplify your financial records process.
Management Is Key to Providing Good Cow Comfort
Heating water is one of the most energy-intensive functions on the dairy.
A recent study at Penn State was designed to compare total serum protein and IgG concentrations and apparent efficiency of absorption (AEA) in Holstein heifer calves
A variety of housing types and arrangements can be used to assemble a productive replacement raising system
A variety of housing types and arrangements can be used to assemble a productive replacement raising system
Flood-affected forages might contain heavy metals, petroleum compounds, and sewage that might adversely animal health or contaminate animal-based food products.
Frequent testing will allow for a more consistent feed ration
