Articles
Forage Sampling
Click here to view as a pdf: Forage Sampling Updated 2022 By Alex Austin, B.S. It is important to sample forages before adding them to a livestock diet. Sampling allows producers to have a balanced ration for their livestock and test for mycotoxins. It also gives farmers a snapshot into their agronomy, harvesting, and storage…
Can Calf Barns Really Have Too Much Fresh Air In The Winter?
Click here to view as a pdf: Can Calf Barns Really Have Too Much Fresh Air In The Winter By Ryan Leiterman, D.V.M. Cold temperatures are here and winter is quickly approaching. As the temperatures drop, calf barns are closed up and the ventilation rates are turned down. As an industry we do this reflexively, but…
Anti-Nutritional Trends And Thoughts With 2017 Feeds Across The Midwest
Click here to view as a pdf: Anti Nutritional Trends And Thoughts By Dr. John Goeser, Phd, PAS & Dipl. ACAN-Rock River Laboratory, Inc. Contributing Editor Historically, mold, yeast and mycotoxins are thought of as the primary contaminants in feed that rob high performing dairy cattle of health and nutrition. More recently, stress and pathogenic bacteria…
The Importance Of Forage Testing
Click here to view as a pdf: The Importance Of Forage Testing By Dan Leiterman The age old question of “How often should I test my forage?” has a different answer for every operation. Field sizes, crop varieties, harvest timing, and storage methods play an important role in determining forage testing needs. It is important to…
Staying On Track: Reviewing Proper Milking Procedure
Click here to view as a pdf: Reviewing Proper Milking Procedure By Kelly Hubert, B.S. There may be a time on every farm where the milking protocol is not implemented or followed properly. This could be the result of a person in a hurry to finish chores or a new employee still learning proper protocol. It…
Give Your Beef Calves A Strong Start
Click here to view as a pdf: Give Your Beef Calves A Strong Start By Erik Brettingen, B.S. The stress caused by weaning decreases a calf’s immune function and makes them more vulnerable to disease. For many years it has been common practice to give medicated feeds, pellets, or additives around the time of…
Winter Udder Care
Click here to view as a pdf: Winter Udder Care By Alex Austin, B.S. Udder care is important year-round, but the winter months can present their own specific set of challenges. Low temperatures and cold wind chills can be brutal on exposed skin. Preventative measures and proactive treatments can make all the difference in udder health.
Ask The Vet / Ask The Nutritionist
“We see sporadic outbreaks of ringworm in our livestock and can’t seem to get rid of it. What exactly causes ringworm and how can we prevent it?” -Puzzled in Pennsylvania There are many producers across the nation who experience bouts of ringworm and struggle to get rid of it. Ringworm is caused by a contagious…