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Tag Archives Dairy Cattle — page 23

Dairy services partnership not yet finalized
The new name for the partnership has not yet been released and groups ask for patience
Board members and staff from Can West DHI, Canadian Dairy Network and Valacta continue to work toward finalizing their new partnership and collective new name and service delivery model. CanWest DHI Board Chair Ed Friesen told farmers at the CanWest DHI annual meeting to have patience. “Managing the process and doing things right is more […] Read more

Choosing calf housing options
Dairy Focus: There are strengths to both individual and group housing facilities for calves
Individual housing in hutches remains “the gold seal for health,” said a dairy farmer who recently switched to group housing for calves. But he insists the health drawbacks are manageable, and made the switch anyway for other reasons. “Labour savings? Big plus. Animal welfare? Big plus,” declared Oxford County’s Thomas Jackson, who moved his calves […] Read more

Getting more milk per cow nets environmental bonus
A study shows that increasing productivity on dairy farms decreases their environmental impact
Dale and Aaron Smith started focusing on improved herd health and feeding efficiency to boost milk production on their Mt. Hope, Ontario dairy farm — and they succeeded. Milk production increased 15 per cent, from 34 litres to 40 litres per cow per day from 2011 to 2016. What they didn’t expect to find was […] Read more

Looking ahead to dairy farming in 50 years
Genetic advancement, whole herd DNA management and new farm collaborations could be coming
Specialization, attention to the whole-farm biome, and moving genetic advancements away from individual animals toward the herd as a whole — these are some of the transformations in the dairy industry envisioned by the keynote speaker at the recent Dairy At Guelph Research and Innovation Day. Veterinarian Dr. Jack H. Britt, professor emeritus in reproductive […] Read more

Dairy Direct Genomic Value publication could be eliminated
Parent averages tied with genomic evaluations have proved to be a more accurate measure
The Canadian Dairy Network (CDN) board of directors is expected to decide soon whether or not to officially eliminate the publication of Direct Genomic Values (DGV) for bulls, cows and heifers. Analysis of genotyped animals over several years reveals that the plus-minus range solely based on DGVs is wider than the range when selection is […] Read more

Milking new consumer trends
Tapping into consumers’ thirst for new ways to drink milk is spurring investment in processing and changing production practices on the farm
A national standard is being developed for grass-fed milk because of demand. Coca Cola committed to spending $85 million on a new plant in Peterborough for its specialty milk product and Saputo has now announced a competitor. It’s almost as though the Canadian milk market is having its Chobani moment. The American yogurt maker proposed […] Read more

Clay supplements boost cow immune systems
Science Notes: Clay binds to aflatoxin allowing it to be excreted through feces
In the fight against aflatoxin, dairy producers often turn to sequestering agents such as clay to reduce transference of the toxin into milk. It’s an effective tactic, but a new study from the University of Illinois shows that clay has additional benefits for overall cow health. “There has been a good amount of research showing […] Read more

Ontario youth clean up in World Dairy Expo showmanship
The competition drew 337 young people to Madison, Wisc. for the competition
Ontario young people won the top two placings in each category in the youth showmanship competition at the World Dairy Expo. The competition brings together youth from across North America to compete in dairy showmanship. In the Junior Division (ages 9-12), Junior (Ages 9-12), Keaton Phoenix, of Greenbank, Ont. placed first, with Morgan Howard, of […] Read more

Editorial: It all starts with the feet
Hoof health: For the sake of the animals and long-term health of our farms, we need to do better
I’ve heard for years that the foundation of livestock health is the foot. I haven’t needed studies to tell me that, as I’ve seen it many times myself. See an unhealthy cow or hog? There’s a good chance that its issues start with feet. It’s not surprising. Painful locomotion means less ability to get to […] Read more

Straw prices soar, piling pressure on N.Europe livestock farmers
In some areas straw now more expensive than grains
Hamburg | London | Reuters – Livestock and dairy farmers across northern Europe are paying soaring prices for straw used in food and bedding for cattle, as hot, dry weather across the region reduces crops. The higher bills put further pressure on farmers already facing one of their toughest summers ever; many have had to […] Read more