Cows

Resources on cow comfort and a transition program.

Resources on dairy nutrition

The Maryland Milk Moos (March 23, 2023, Vol. 4, Issue 1) is a quarterly newsletter published by the University of Maryland Extension that is focused on dairy topics related to Nutrition and Production, Herd Management, and Forage Production. In this issue, we focus on antibiotic regulation changes, dietary supplements for cows, and spring weed control for pastures and hayfields.

The Maryland Milk Moos (December 21, 2022, Vol. 3, Issue 4) is a quarterly newsletter published by the University of Maryland Extension that is focused on dairy topics related to Nutrition and Production, Herd Management, and Forage Production.

Body condition scoring can be used to subjectively assess the amount of external fat that an animal carries. In short, it is a tool that can be used on-farm to help determine if there are nutritional or management issues that may need to be addressed. Ensuring proper body condition throughout lactation will help cows remain productive and healthy members of the herd.

Many producers are aware that gastrointestinal parasites can reduce cattle performance, and accordingly, take measures to protect their animals.  This article outlines several steps to follow in order to establish a judicious and effective deworming program.

Traditional dry cow management strategies recommended treating every cow with intramammary antibiotics at dry-off. This strategy, also known as “blanket dry cow treatment”, was recommended to help 1) cure any existing mastitis infections and 2) prevent new mastitis infections from occurring during the dry period. Title: Considerations for Selective Dry Cow Therapy; Author: Sarah Potts, Ph.D., Extension Specialist, Dairy & Beef

The Maryland Milk Moos (June 16, 2022, Vol. 3, Issue 2) is a quarterly newsletter published by the University of Maryland Extension that is focused on dairy topics related to Nutrition and Production, Herd Management, and Forage Production.

We commonly see ketosis as an energy disorder of the modern dairy cow, a telltale that things are not going well, and one that hints at poor fertility, reduced lactation performance, and an increased risk for the development of early lactation diseases. In practice, ketosis is diagnosed by the measurement of beta-hydroxy butyrate (BHB), one of two major ketones, that becomes elevated in blood, urine, and milk of fresh cows. In this way, ketosis is used as a cow-side test for identifying sick cows, and as means to direct our efforts to “problem cows” (for example with propylene glycol administration) before it is too late. Despite our efforts for ketosis prevention and treatment over the last 5-7 decades, our understanding of ketosis as a disease, as well as our ability to reverse it and to prevent the arrival of other associated disorders (for example displaced abomasum, infection, fatty liver, milk fever), remain limited.Title: Ketosis in the dairy cow: Friend or Foe?; Authors: Naghme Bagheri, Ph.D., and J. Eduardo Rico, Ph.D.

Resources for dairy reproductive management.