Top Ten Dairy Features of 2015

Click the links below to read this year's most popular dairy features, including some interesting tips for dairy producers.

30 December 2015

2 minute read

1. Hoof Cracks in Cattle: Cause, Treatment

Alterations in terrain, as well as the variation in genetics, hoof, size, age and condition of a cow can impact on the state of its hoof, says a Montana-based extension agent.

2. Managing Cow Lactation Cycles

Poor feeding management of cows can lead to shorter, lower yielding lactations and increase calving interval. This report by John Moran from Asia Dairy Network explains the changing feed requirements of cows over the lactation cycle and how to match this with cow genetics.

3. Where Halloumi Cheese Comes From

Cypriot dairying takes place in a land of extreme temperatures where a rapidly developing sector is underpinning a £90 million a year cheese segment.

4. What Effect Does Subclinical Ketosis Have On Reproduction?

An scientific overview paper has collated evidence quantifying the health implications of subclinical ketosis.

5. Steps for New Zealand Farmers to Ensure No More Cows Lost Through Mature Swede Illness

Scientists have linked mature swedes with cow fatalities last year and now farmers are advised how to avoid it.

6. Progesterone Supplements Improve Cow Reproductive Performance

Progesterone hormone supplements can increase reproductive performance of dairy cows, according to research from the University of Florida.

7. Tips for Cost Effective Calf Rearing

Weaning calves as quickly as possible may seem cheap but there can be some hidden longer-term costs, says Dr Bob James at Virginia Tech.

8. How Much Forage Does a Dairy Cow Consume Each Day?

Consultants and researchers in Ireland have calculated grass intake guidelines for dairy cows on a daily basis, outlining considerations for introduction to grass.

9. Optimising Synchronisation: Getting Them Pregnant

Synchronising cows for artificial insemination (AI) has been commonplace for around twenty years, but how do farms ensure only those cows that need synchronising are the subject of such programmes?

10. Vitamin E Supplements Reduced Retained Foetal Membranes in Cows

Retained foetal membranes (RFM) in dairy cattle are never a good thing. Recent research from the Universities of São Paulo and Florida showed that vitamin E supplements reduced the incidence of RFM.