Dissecting the mammary gland: Understanding udder health and milk quality

Posted on July 20, 2022 in Dairy Performance
During their presentation and udder dissection lab at the Vita Plus Midwest Dairy Conference, Dr. Meghan Connelly, Vita Plus, Dr. Kolby McIntyre, Marsh View Veterinary Clinic, and Dr. Matt Schaefer, Waupun Veterinary Service, discussed udder health and its relationship to milk quality.

Keep flies from moving in

Posted on April 28, 2022 in Dairy Performance
By Barry Visser Now is the time to make fly control plans for your operation. Flies are a nuisance to farm workers and animals, transmit disease and cause significant economic loss. Flies cause livestock to expend extra energy fending them off instead of resting, feeding and milking. Fly control is critically important to all dairy operations to reduce the spread of disease and improve animal comfort, resulting in decreased stress and greater efficiency of growth or production. 

Biosecurity and bovine tuberculosis

Posted on December 3, 2018 in Dairy Performance

By Dr. Jenn Rowntree
Recently, a herd of cows in Dane County, Wisconsin recently tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB) and has been quarantined.  The herd will continue to be under quarantine while the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (WI DATCP) traces all cattle that have entered and exited the herd in the last five years.  This event provides a great opportunity to reiterate how important it is to practice proper biosecurity protocols.

Internal parasite control

Posted on October 26, 2018 in Dairy Performance

By Barry Visser
Dairy cattle behavior and appearance often make it easy to detect external parasites like flies, mange and lice. Severe internal parasite infiltrations can result in roughness of hair coat, anemia, edema and diarrhea. However, the subclinical impact of internal parasites is largely hidden, yet costly. According to a recent study at Iowa State University, undetected subclinical disease caused by internal parasites can cost $190 per animal.

7 ways to save calf starter dollars

Posted on May 24, 2018 in Dairy Performance

By Ann Hoskins
The best way to save on calf starter without sacrificing growth and performance is to limit waste. These seven steps can help you save money on calf starter.

Calf program checklist: Fly control

Posted on March 24, 2017 in Dairy Performance

By Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator
As spring begins, it’s time to put your fly control plan into action. The key to good fly control is getting ahead of them and staying vigilant throughout the season.

Fly control strategies for dairy calves and heifers

Posted on April 21, 2014 in Dairy Performance
By Dr. Noah Litherland Fly control is critically important on all livestock farms.  Flies negatively impact dairy calves in two primary ways: Spread disease such as E. Coli and Salmonella Reduce animal comfort, resulting in increased stress and reduced efficiency of growth The key with any fly management strategy is to start early in the

Get rid of the summer bugs

Posted on September 16, 2013 in Dairy Performance
By Ann Hoskins When it comes to our crops, this summer has been a crazy growing season with lots of ups and downs.  In contrast, it’s been a steady and great growing season for the bugs on our dairy farms and calf operations.  Many farms struggled with flies and pathogenic pests this year. As we

On-farm biosecurity: Reduce risk

Posted on April 16, 2012 in Dairy Performance
By Ann Hoskins Biosecurity refers to those measures taken to keep diseases out of populations, herds or groups of animals where they do not currently exist or to limit the spread of disease within the herd. The responsibility for farm-level biosecurity belongs to the herd owner and it starts at home with your protocols. A