Calving is not a disease; it is a stage that needs to be managed and how that is done will impact a cow for her entire lactation. Best practices for transitioning a cow from far-off fresh to her lactation group has a host of areas that need focused attention by the entire management team on the dairy. 

Managing bovine respiratory disease (BRD) can sometimes feel like a game of whack-a-mole for dairy producers. Many stressors can pop up with little to no advanced warning early in a calf’s life, putting them at greater risk for developing BRD.  

Our study demonstrates that incorporating probiotics as a preventive measure is an innovative approach to proactively prevent and fight diseases, surpassing the need for antibiotics once symptoms arise.

It would be handy to have a crystal ball at dry-off time. After freshening, will the cow produce high-quality colostrum that transfers needed antibodies to her calf? Will she freshen without mastitis?

The impacts of management during the transition period can make or break future lactations and overall herd health, putting at risk investments in genetics, farm profitability and welfare.

Comfort first has long been the philosophy for Jake Peissig and JTP Farms; focusing on improving animal well-being and allowing production, herd health and performance to fall into place.

Six considerations to determine if selective dry cow therapy is right for your herd and which cows to treat.