Cow Comfort - Articles - Page 3

5 proactive mitigation strategies for effective fly control for dairy cattle

Understanding the habits and lifecycles of four types of flies that have the most significant impact on dairy operations is crucial for proactively and effectively controlling fly populations.

May 15, 2023

Phillip Jardon

Each fly species is different in how they live, feed and reproduce. That is why understanding the habits and lifecycles of a specific fly and identifying which flies can impact your operation is the crucial first step for effectively controlling fly populations on your operation.

One of the most essential areas to keep your cows cool

Strategies for cooling cows in the holding pen, including design considerations, airflow and evaporative cooling.

April 26, 2023

Mike Wolf

A cow’s core body temperature can rise very quickly in the holding pen without a cooling strategy in place. Therefore, the cooling strategy for the parlor and holding pen must be more aggressive to compensate for these heat abatement challenges.

Stocking density is not static

Pros and cons of increasing stocking density and the effects on production and marginal income.

April 7, 2023

Trent Dado

Overstocking is a term often used for any time the stocking density over 100%. Across the industry, there are different philosophies and opinions to what is the most profitable stocking density.

Using thermography to detect heat stress in cattle

A summary of 10 studies that tested how thermography can detect heat stress on dairies.

March 17, 2023

Amber Adams Progar

Summer is quickly approaching. Are you ready for the heat? Are your cows ready for the heat? As we know, heat stress has a multitude of negative effects on cattle well-being.

Operational benefits and design considerations for HVLS fans

Cow comfort benefits and placement recommendations for HVLS fans in dairy barns.

February 9, 2023

Rick McBay

The purpose of HVLS fans is twofold depending on if it is operating in forward or reverse.

What are the 6 freedoms of a cow?

Focusing on the six freedoms of a cow proves to be beneficial for increasing your dairy’s return on investment (ROI).

January 10, 2023

Amelie Mainville

The six freedoms of a cow outlined by a dairy farming training organization are space, rest, water, air, light and feed. These freedoms have aligned benchmarking goals to help producers realize higher returns on current and future farm investments.

Ritchie Spotlight on Innovation: Dairy Farmer and Veterinarian Lindsey Borst Provides Unique Perspective

October 11, 2022

ROCHESTER, Minn. – Welcome to the Moo House – the social media and agritourism presence of the Borst Family Dairy located in rural Minnesota. Developed as a clever way to engage with folks who are curious about how milk gets from the farm to their refrigerator, Lindsey Borst, DVM, creates educational content for social media that details life on a dairy farm.

Small investments now can add up to big results in cow comfort

Fans, waterers, gates, stall dividers and lying space are some of the items that should be considered for winter maintenance.

October 4, 2022

Amy Throndsen

Fall is here, the holiday season is rapidly approaching, temperatures are dropping, and school activities are already in full swing. In this busy season, you’re likely not looking for another thing to add to your to-do list.

Keeping cows cool: Summer additions to a natural ventilation system

Possible additions to consider for a natural ventilation system include high-speed panel fans, cyclone style circulating fans, high-volume low-speed fans and tunnel ventilation.

July 29, 2022

Rick McBay

With as little as 16 km/h (10-mph) winds, a properly designed natural ventilation system will provide more than adequate air exchange for your dairy during hot weather.