Mastitis is a costly disease affecting dairy cows, impacting milk quality and herd health. Early detection and prevention are key to minimizing losses. While clinical mastitis presents visible symptoms like swelling and abnormal milk, subclinical mastitis requires milk testing...
This article was originally published on Progressive Dairymen on March 3, 2025.
Sarah Dean, M.Sc.
Ruminant Technical Specialist, Jefo Nutrition Inc.
Gerald Mechor, DVM, MVSc
Ruminant Technical Service Consultant, Jefo Nutrition Inc.
Victoria Asselstine, Ph.D.
Ruminant Technical Service Consultant, Jefo Nutrition Inc.
Why should colostrum quality...
Dairy cows thrive on routine, gentle handling, and a stress-free environment. Establishing a consistent milking routine not only improves milk letdown but also enhances udder health and overall parlor efficiency. Understanding how milk letdown works and how stress can...
Key Factors Affecting Feed Intake and Milk Yield
Non-dietary factors such as stocking density, feeding frequency, and feed push-ups impact feed intake and milk yield.
Proper feeding management is crucial for cattle health and welfare.
Insufficient feeding can lead...
Overview
The American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) and the Academy of Veterinary Consultants (AVC) have developed antimicrobial stewardship guidelines.
Endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Focus on preserving antimicrobial effectiveness while safeguarding animal, public, and environmental...
Importance of Pre-Weaning Average Daily Gain (ADG)
Pre-weaning ADG significantly influences lifetime heifer performance.
Proper colostrum management is critical for calf health and future productivity.
Sufficient calorie intake is necessary to support ADG and develop fat stores for immune...
A recent study shows that extreme heat is already taking a toll on dairy farms in the Midwest and Eastern U.S., and the problem is expected to get worse by 2050. The research found that:
Small farms and high-producing...
Retained placentas occur when a cow fails to expel the placenta within 12 hours after calving. Typically, the incidence in a herd is less than 5%. While difficult calvings can contribute to retained placentas, nutritional deficiencies are often a...
Causes of Milk Fever
After calving, a cow’s calcium demand surges due to milk production, increasing two to three times compared to the dry period. Since dietary intake alone isn't enough, calcium must be mobilized from bones or absorbed from...
