In this episode, Jim Salfer and Fred Hall are joined by Dr. Adrian Barragan. Dr. Barragan discusses the latest discoveries on uterine infection diagnosis and preventative and treatment strategies.
Milking employees play a critical role in harvesting a farm’s primary product — milk. To ensure milk is clean, safe, and high quality, every dairy operation must have a clear and consistent milking procedure. All individuals involved in milking...
MSU Extension Educator Cora Okkema discusses the impact of hygiene and colostrum management with Jennifer Bentley, a dairy field specialist from Iowa State University.
Lameness is one of the most painful and costly issues facing Canadian dairy farms today. It affects a cow’s ability to move comfortably, reduces dry matter intake, lowers milk production, and can impair reproductive performance. In more severe cases,...
Episode Description
Colostrum, the life-giving liquid-gold first milk that builds the calves’ immune function. The dairy industry has made amazing strides on colostrum management, however we’ll always have a small number of cows that come in with enough colostrum, just...
Social housing—raising calves in pairs or groups—has gained attention in the dairy industry for its developmental benefits and alignment with public expectations around animal welfare. Though not without challenges, this calf-raising approach is achievable with the right planning, monitoring,...
Knuckle over pasterns—also known as contracted tendons—is a condition where a calf's pastern joints are flexed abnormally at birth, making it difficult for them to stand or walk. While most calves recover with time, early care and good management...
Water is the most essential nutrient in a dairy cow’s diet—second only to oxygen. It plays a vital role in nearly every biological function and directly impacts milk yield, feed consumption, and overall health. Whether managing a milking herd,...
Flies are a common issue on cattle farms. They can harm animal health, reduce productivity, and spread disease. Different types of flies live and breed in different places—some prefer barns, while others thrive on pasture. Understanding which species are...
Vaccines are a critical tool in maintaining the health of dairy cows, calves, and heifers. By stimulating the immune system, vaccines prompt the animal’s body to produce antibodies that recognize and respond to specific disease-causing organisms. When an animal...
