HERD HEALTH

There is no doubt large-scale, sector-wide disease outbreaks can have significant economic consequences. Outbreaks can result in not only the loss of production from the disease itself but also the loss of infected animals in situations where it is beneficial or mandated to cull animals as a means of controlling the disease.

In the weeks leading up to calving and the early postpartum period, various behavioural, metabolic and physiological challenges are imposed on the dairy cow.

The transition to lactation is a metabolically challenging time in the life cycle of a dairy cow. Nutrient requirements to support milk production exceed nutrient intake, and the cow is at increased risk of metabolic and infectious disorders.

Recent research from dairy universities (such as Cornell University) suggests we’re still unsure of the “best” protocols for supplementing fresh dairy cows with calcium.

Every dairy producer knows the health of the herd is invaluable when working to achieve the highest production and profit. The old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” certainly goes a long way to not only prevent the reduction in production but to reduce the difficulties and expense in reaching that pinnacle of profitability.

When a farm begins a footbath program, a lot of thought and evaluation goes into it. What chemicals to use, where to place the bath and the type of bath are all considerations.