Posted by Dr. Sara Barber on May 18 2012 14:34

An important aspect of colostrum management is to determine the quality of the colostrum produced by the cow.  Traditionally, the colostrometer has been used to determine colostrum quality.  The colostrometer is accurate when used properly but it is fragile and temperature sensitive.  The Brix Refractometer can also be used to determine colostrum quality.  The refractometer measures the antibody content in the colostrum by measuring how light refracts through the sample. ... [More]

Posted by Dr. Sara Barber on May 01 2012 08:29

I was visiting with Dr. Gary Oetzel from the University of Wisconsin, Madison at the Central Plains Dairy Expo about calcium supplementation of fresh cows. I was reminded that not all forms of calcium supplements are created equal. While clinical milk fever is not a common complaint on most dairy farms, there are still many cases of subclinical milk fever (low calcium) that contribute to other health issues (metritis, poor DMI, displaced abomasums). A few key points to consider about calcium sup... [More]

Posted by Administrator on April 19 2012 14:13

Submitted by Dr. Andrew Bents, Veterinary Medical Center  The latest hot topic in the swine industry has been vitamin D, namely the deficiency in this vitamin.  There have been several cases reported by veterinarians across the country of transient cases of lameness, osteoporosis, and rickets in pigs in the grow/finish phase.  Many times, an infectious cause has not been implicated, but one common denominator amongst all of these cases has been that vitamin D levels were lower th... [More]

Posted by Administrator on March 26 2012 14:22

Footbath 101 by Rosemary Smithyman, Hoof-Tec Footbath Solutions Footbath Basics: When used properly the footbath is a very powerful tool in the prevention and control of infectious claw conditions; particularly digital dermatitis aka hairy heel warts. Footbath Volume: It is imperative to know the volume of your footbaths. How else do you know how much chemical to use and for how many cow passes it will remain effective? The formula is: Length x width x depth (all in inches) ÷ 231 =... [More]

Posted by Dr. Sara Barber on February 28 2012 10:18

A number of years ago, we developed CDT electrolytes for use in dehydrated and/or scouring calves. This product is very effective and palatable. I still encounter farms with scouring calves that wait a day or two after a calf is sick before they offer electrolyte feedings. DON’T WAIT! The MOST IMPORTANT treatment for calf diarrhea is electrolyte feedings. Give two quarts of electrolytes once a day (in addition to two milk feedings) to ALL scouring calves. Remember, dehydration is the cause... [More]

Posted by Dr. Sara Barber on February 28 2012 10:12

Pre-wean calves that bloat quickly or get a “sloshy, full-looking” belly may have a Clostridium infection. Prevent these infections by feeding milk at the proper temperature (105 degrees F), keep feeding times consistent and at least 10 hours apart, and keep feeding equipment extremely clean. Remember hot water is not an effective disinfection protocol!

Posted by Dr. Sara Barber on February 28 2012 09:54

Many of our clients are very pleased with their herd’s somatic cell counts this winter. Frozen sand and frozen teats have been virtually non-existent. However, many of those same herds see a significant spike in somatic cell counts in the humid summer months. A frequent comment in August is “My somatic cell count is up 100,000 more than normal, but that is just from the heat. It will come down.” Many of those farms do see the SCC come down but it takes until November to do so. ... [More]

Posted by Administrator on January 19 2012 09:42

Every fall brings an increase in calf respiratory disease. The weather fluctuations and dust levels contribute to calf stress and pneumonia. While we have enjoyed the mild winter, it has been a very long “fall” for calves and we have seen many cases of calf pneumonia that have responded poorly to treatment and recovery has been prolonged. While every farm’s situation is a bit different, there are several underlying factors to review in pneumonia outbreaks. First, review your va... [More]

Posted by Administrator on December 22 2011 16:23

Got Milk Fever? The downer cow--we've all had experiences with them, and everybody has their own remedies. Of course, there are many different causes including low calcium, magnesium, or phosphorus, trauma, septic shock, toxic mastitis, abscesses, or tumors . While each case has its own therapy, this month's edition of the Dairy Newsletter covers our treatment suggestions for the most common reason for the down cow: Hypocalcemia, better known as “Milk Fever.” Suggested treatments f... [More]

Posted by Administrator on November 22 2011 10:36

Now is the Time! Address your Calves Energy Needs Don’t let the mild fall weather fool you. Winter is coming and the baby calves on your farm are NOW in need of additional energy for maintenance and growth. When the temperature drops below 55 degrees F, the calves need to use energy to stay warm. That energy is no longer available for growth or to fight disease.  Now is the time to address your calves energy needs and increase energy so that calves continue to gain weight and have th... [More]