HERD HEALTH

Not every down cow can or should be saved. It’s a harsh truth, but sometimes euthanasia is in the animal’s best interest. However, euthanizing every down or sick cow isn’t the right answer either.

When dairy farmers tell their stories of animal care and well-being to the public, there are a few things to consider to make sure those messages don’t fall on deaf ears.

It’s no secret the first few weeks after calving are critical for both the calf and its dam. Experience and research demonstrate this time and time again.

Talking about cow comfort involves listening to and understanding numerous opinions on this issue. Nevertheless, what is real cow comfort? How can it be judged? In addition, maybe even more importantly, how can it contribute to profitable dairy farming?

Top bedding can make or break cow comfort, cleanliness and milk quality, but the materials used to top stall surfaces are not created equally.

When I am traveling in Canada, I see a lot of nice barns that have been built; I see how the farmers focus on their cows to get the best out of them. As a foreigner, I see many good things in the Canadian way.