TECHNOLOGY

Lameness and hoof lesions can have a major impact on farm profitability. In order to assess the situation and better control the problem in one’s herd, it is important to collect reliable data on a regular basis to track progress.

Coming in 2019, Compass is a new free online genetic software allowing you to “Navigate Your Herd’s Success.” Compass comes to you from Holstein Canada and the Canadian Dairy Network, with support from Zoetis Canada.

This VAS DairyComp tip is on Breeding Quick Pick Sires. This is a new feature available in DairyComp that will increase accuracy and speed of entering breeding information using the Pocket CowCard (PCC) cow-side.

This month’s VAS DC305 tip is on how somatic cell count can affect production. Everyone is conscious of what their bulk tank somatic cell count is because in many cases, it affects the milk cheque received.

This month’s VAS DC305 tip is on heat stress. We are entering into that time of year where heat abatement is extremely important. Cows that suffer from heat stress will produce less milk, conceive less often, stand longer and become lame, eat less, have smaller calves and are more susceptible to diseases.

This month’s VAS tip is on feed management. Feed accounts for more than 50 percent of the cost of milk production – even the slightest variation in the process can swing milk production if inconsistencies and inefficiencies are not addressed.