Archive of Articles

Also available on this site is an archive of Dairy Digest issues, including issues as pdfs.

For Dairy Digest issues and articles published before November 2007, see this older archive.

Achieving Success With Systematic Breeding Programs

It is worth reviewing once again the requirements for success that are common to all systems.

Acidosis in Dairy Cattle

Subclinical, or chronic, ruminal acidosis is best described as a syndrome related to a fermentative disorder of the rumen.

ADSA: Production Management and Extension Section Highlights

 

Age at Weaning and the Cost of Raising the Milk Fed Dairy Calf

The age at which you decide to wean a dairy calf will have a definite impact on the cost of raising that calf.

Air Quality - Why Should Pennsylvania Be Watching California?

Because of the current events surrounding EPA’s air quality consent agreement (AQCA), people assume we are comparing apples to apples or ammonia emission to ammonia emission. Actually, what is happening in California is very different from the AQCA.

Altered Feeding Behavior Occurs in Both Primiparous and Multiparous Holsteins During the Periparturient Period

Strategies that increase feeding time during this critical period may be useful in increasing DMI.

Animal Health Can Influence Embryonic Loss

Many factors have been identified for the apparent reduction in fertility and there is no doubt the current problem is multi-faceted and not easy to resolve.

Antibiotic Basics

This is the second in a series that will explore the use as well as discuss some of the controversies concerning antibiotic therapy in dairy cattle.

Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing as an Aid to Mastitis Treatments: How Can Test Results Be Used To Make Good Decisions?

Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing is commonly used as an aid to determine which drug (antibiotic) has the greatest chance of killing or stopping growth of mastitis causing bacteria. The information can be used to improve the odds of eliminating a mastitis infection if the recommended antibiotic is then used to treat the infected quarter of the cow whose milk sample was analyzed. It can also be used to establish a herd pattern for mastitis causing bacteria and determining what mastitis antibiotic protocols work and don't work in YOUR herd over time.

Antibiotic Usage in Dairy Herds in Pennsylvania

Antibiotics are used in livestock production as therapeutics, growth promoters, and prophylactics. Therapeutic use of antibiotics is often required to manage clinically apparent diseases.

Apply for Fuel Tax Refund Before September 30

Any person who uses liquid fuels in the actual production of agricultural products is eligible for a tax refund. Over the last several years, the refunds have amounted to approximately $3 million dollars each year spread over an average of over 8,000 claims each year.

Apply Now for Fuel Tax Refund

Any person who used liquid fuels in the production of agricultural products is eligible for a tax refund.

Automatic Milking Systems, How Are They Doing?

Automatic Milking Systems (AMS, robots) are reliable and dependable at attaching milking machines to cows with no direct human oversight or intervention.

Become an Employer of Choice

We think we have it tough finding dairy employees in Pennsylvania, but we ain't seen nothin' yet!

Bedded Pack Barns for Dairy Cattle

The basic bedded pack can be a quick and simple way to house a variety of dairy cattle including young heifers, dry cows, milking cows and special needs cows.

Biogas - Will it Provide Energy and Odor-Free Manure?

Energy and odor combined with state and federal cost sharing programs have increased the interest in using controlled anaerobic digestion to stabilize dairy manure and produce biogas. Biogas production using anaerobic (oxygen free) digestion is a biological treatment process that reduces odor, produces energy and improves the storage and handling characteristics of manure.

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and Calves

In December, 2003, the first case of BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy), otherwise known as "mad cow disease" was reported in the United States. The resulting actions by the U.S. Department of Agriculture affected not only the dairy farm where the disease occurred (the "index" herd), but also affected a calf ranch to which offspring from the infected cow were sent. This Calf Note is intended to provide some information related to the actions of the USDA and why they would be interested in controlling offspring of cows infected with BSE.

BSE: Is It Really "Spread"?

Since the December 23 news of the discovery of a BSE case in Washington state, we have all heard or read news stories that mention controlling "... the spread of BSE..."

Bunker Silo Hazards

There are several hazards associated with a bunker silo, and not all are as obvious as are some other types of farm hazards. Everyone who has to work around a bunker silo should be able to recognize the risks and apply good safety habits.

Business Management Strategies for High Milk Prices

Dairy producers experienced record high milk prices during the past couple of months. These prices were a welcome relief after an extended period of below average prices. Although prices during the next 3-6 months are not going to be close to the high received in May and June, futures prices do indicate an opportunity to receive milk prices that are well above the average long-term price. What should dairy producers be doing during this upward swing in milk prices to position their businesses to deal with the next downturn in the price cycle? First and foremost, realize that the record high prices were only temporary. Therefore, it is important to make the most of this golden (figuratively and literally speaking) opportunity. Here are some tips for dealing with high milk prices.