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Bavarian Fleckvieh Genetics – How Dual Purpose Cattle Impact Your Farm

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By John Popp, PhD.

In March, Big Bear Genetics hosted a trip for a group of dairy farmers to tour different areas of Germany to observe purebred and crossbred herds using Fleckvieh genetics. The question on everyone’s mind was: What will these animals do for us and the future of our farm? Are they efficient? Can they produce milk to the level that we need in order for us to have financial success?

To answer these questions we scheduled tours at several different types of dairies. We visited larger dairies with 600 plus milking cows, a few organic herds and a high producing, purebred herd in Bavaria.

Are You and Your Cows Ready for Summer

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By Teresa Marker, B.S.

It is hard to believe summer is just around the corner. Spring is a great time to prepare your animals for the challenges of summer. Below are some tips and strategies that will help your herd maintain its production and keep components up in the heat of the summer.

Ask the Vet and Ask the Nutritionist

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By Lorrie Meister, CVT

“Sometimes our calves break out with scours for what appears to be no reason. Our Vet has ruled out pathogens and viruses. What could be causing this?”

~A concerned calf raiser in Minnesota~

While pathogens are some of the most common causes of calf scours, there are other factors that are often overlooked. Simple changes in management can many times correct these types of scours once the source of stress is found. Two common causes of digestive stress are feeding milk at an incorrect temperature or concentration.

Managing Dairy Cow Foot Health With Nutrition

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By Dr. John Popp, PhD.

A cow with poor foot health eats less, produces less milk and is less profitable. Throughout the course of the year, as many as half of the cows on a farm can experience some form of lameness, be it mild or severe. While not all forms of lameness can be prevented, it is important to realize that causes can be multiple and sometimes cumulative. What starts as a simple ‘ouch’ on a foot…perhaps even a slight aggravation, which could take little recovery, may be exacerbated by stress, low immune function, poor cow comfort, lack of proper supportive management or nutrition. Regular foot care and good footing are also important to the formula for good foot health. The intent of this article is to discuss how specific nutrients and ration strategies can best support good foot health.

Are You Building a New Calf Barn?

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By Ryan Leiterman, D.V.M.

Spring is an excellent time to plan your upcoming construction projects. Across the United States, more and more farms are investing in new calf raising facilities. Some of the more common calf barn designs incorporate naturally ventilated, curtain sidewall barns. Whether looking at a new barn for an automated calf feeder or individual pens, there are many aspects that need to be considered when designing the layout. Stocking density and animal flow, bedding and manure cleanout, feed delivery considerations, electrical and plumbing needs all should be evaluated.

Managing Winter Dysentery In The Dairy Herd

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By Teresa Marker, B.S.

The winter season is upon us! One of the most common health challenges facing dairy herds as the colder temperature sets in is Winter Dysentery. This article will explain the disease, describe the telltale signs to watch for in your herd, explain how the diagnosis is made and discuss supportive therapy options that are available to limit its negative effects on health and production.

Preventing Scours Is Cheaper Than Treating Them

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By Ryan Leiterman, D.V.M.

Calf scours have been around as long as we have had domesticated cattle and yet they continue to plague the dairy industry. When it comes to getting serious about preventing calf scours, there are four main areas to consider. They are 1) maternity pen cleanliness 2) colostrum management and dry cow vaccination 3) monitoring total solids concentration and temperature of milk or milk replacer and 4) using an intestinal stabilizer such as Calf Shield® to support the GI health of the calf.

“Ask The Vet and Ask The Nutritionist”

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By Teresa Marker, B.S.

“Two years ago in Wisconsin we had drought-like growing conditions and I experienced molds & mycotoxins in my feedstuffs. The 2014 growing season brought ample amounts of rain. Are my worries about mold and mycotoxins over?”

J.S. from Central Wisconsin

Young Stock-The Missing Link

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By Dr. John Popp, PhD.

The major focus on many dairy operations is to have high quality feeds provided to the milking herd and to produce milk in an economically effective manner. The second focus is on the dry cow program with the primary goal of having a feed program that keeps cows holding weight – a proper balance of cations of course – with the desired goal of having a smooth transition to lactation.

Don’t Play Catch Up Early Ketosis Detection And Treatment

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