Question of the month...
...What are some ways I can reduce my fresh cow culls?
...Researchers at the University of Wisconsin now say a turnover rate in the first 60 days of milk of 6 percent is an achievable goal. (Turnover rate = number of cows that leave/average number of cows in the herd over a given period of time x 100.) That means you can reduce cow losses in the first 60 days in milk....
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Focus on a fresh cow program...
Fresh cows represent the greatest income potential for dairy operations. But fresh cows are fragile cows. Just when they’re ramping up to hit peak milk production, they’re also at the greatest risk of getting sick or crashing. That’s why a good fresh cow management program is critical to the success–and profitability–of your dairy. Because when fresh cows are kept healthy and comfortable, you’ll benefit from increased performance and revenue.
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Fresh cow assessment:Using a digital thermometer to evaluate fresh cows and produce an accurate diagnosis
What was recently a new dairy management practice is now a standard operating procedure on most large dairies. Since the late ‘90’s, intensive fresh-cow monitoring programs have grown tremendously in popularity across the USA.
Once dairies start routine fresh-cow monitoring, very few ever stop, because the benefits are easily observed. Benefits include:
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Early detection of potentially serious or even deadly diseases
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Protection of cows as they enter their most productive and profitable stage of lactation
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Prevention of future reproductive problems
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Fewer secondary diseases like displace abomasums (DAs) and ketosis because cows are identified and treated before they go off feed
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Reduced culling and death loss in the first 60 days of lactation.
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Training:Ways to use "duct tape" on the farm
Duck tape can be a useful tool in many on farm treatment protocols. Improper marking of treated cows is the No. 1 reason for antibiotic residue in milk.
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Dale Carnegie - Quote of the month...
“Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.”
Leaders must be determined to focus on their goal and to coach their employees to do the same. Here are some tips on coaching employees to persevere in the attainment of their goals:
- Build rapport with your employees so that you have a good relationship from the start
- Begin with praise and honest appreciation
- Call attention to people's mistakes indirectly
- Reassure employees and give the other person a fine reputation to live up to
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