Archive of Articles
Articles are listed alphabetically. To see a chronological listing, go to Archive of Issues.
- 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.
- BVD Testing at the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System
- Bovine Virus Diarrhea virus (BVDv) is a bovine enteric virus with a worldwide distribution.
- CAFO Confusion and Other Bewildering Acronyms
- Pennsylvanian animal farmers usually think that CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) refers to somebody else, maybe even some other state. This is not true.
- Calf and Heifer Workshops to be Held in February
- A calf and heifer workshop will be offered at three locations this winter: Feb. 12 at Clarion Inn, Lewistown; Feb. 13 at Holiday Inn, Grantville, PA; Feb. 14 at Morrisons Cove Memorial Park, Martinsburg. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m., and the program will last until 3:30 p.m.
- Calf Management Tips for Cold Weather
- Within a certain range of temperatures called the thermoneutral zone or TNZ, calves can maintain body temperature without needing extra energy.
- Calf Research Update from the 2007 ADSA Meeting
- At the recent annual meeting of the American Dairy Science Association, scientists from around the world presented the latest results from current research. We've summarized some of the new and interesting findings that affect calf health, feeding, and management.
- Can You Still Afford To Feed Milk Replacer?
- In recent months milk replacer costs have jumped $15 to $20 per bag, and we have entered into somewhat new territory in the economics of calf feeding systems.
- Causes of Embryonic Mortality in Cattle
- About 80 percent of this loss occurs before day 17, 10-15 percent between day 17 and 42 and 5 percent after day 42.
- Colostrum Supplements and Replacers
- Unfortunately, not all colostrum is the same.
- Coming Event - Agricultural Ammonia Forum
- Comparison of Sex-sorted Semen with Conventional Semen in the Reproductive Performance of Dairy Heifers
- Based on a large data set of first services (16,587), J.M. DeJarnette and coworkers at Select Sires, Inc. compared the reproductive performance of Holstein heifers inseminated with sex-sorted semen (SS) vs. conventional non-sorted semen (CS).
- Concerns for Euthanasia and Disposal of Cattle
- In light of the recent discovery of a Bovine Spongiform Encephalophy (BSE) positive cow in the state of Washington, many changes are underway regarding cattle that are not ambulatory (downers).
- Concerns for Euthanasia and Disposal for Cattle
- Many changes are underway regarding cattle than are non-ambulatory (downers).
- Conference on Odors and Regulated Air Emissions in Pennsylvania Agriculture
- Consequences of Inaccurate Heat Detection
- Heat detection rate is the most critical factor for achieving successful reproductive management.
- Coping with High Energy Costs
- We are all aware of the dire constraints we may be facing this winter because of the dramatic increases in the prices of all forms of energy, except electricity. Fortunately, the autumn weather has been quite mild thus far, so we have not needed too much fuel for space heating purposes yet.
