Alvaro Garcia

Dairy cows and corn farming: Balancing methane and CO₂ sequestration

Dairy cows contribute to methane emissions, but the cultivation of corn for feed partially offsets the emissions by absorbing atmospheric CO₂.

December 9, 2024

Alvaro Garcia

Methane from agriculture, especially livestock, represents a significant portion of global methane emissions. Agriculture overall is responsible for 40%-50% of anthropogenic methane emissions, with ruminants accounting for roughly 56%-70% of methane from this figure.

Maximizing fertility by managing the voluntary waiting period

Understanding the role of VWP in the fertility cycle of a dairy cow can help you maximize conception rates.

July 15, 2024

Alvaro Garcia

The voluntary waiting period (VWP) is a designated interval between calving and the first postpartum insemination, typically lasting between 50 to 80 days depending on the farm's management strategy. The effectiveness of an extended VWP remains debated, making it essential to assess its efficacy in delivering benefits and identifying any unforeseen challenges.

Rethinking the dry period by shortening or eliminating

Adjusting the dry period length can improve dairy cow health.

June 17, 2024

Alvaro Garcia

The dry period, usually lasting 60 days before calving, serves essential roles in preparing cows for lactation, promoting mammary cell renewal and facilitating treatment for subclinical mastitis. However, shortening or eliminating this period has become a strategy to manage milk production, redistributing energy balance and mitigating the risk of metabolic disorders like subclinical ketosis.

Estimating return on investment of 3D cameras in dairies

Economic advantages of adopting 3D imaging technology (3DIT) on dairy farms and analyzing key areas of savings and potential return on investment (ROI).

April 30, 2024

Alvaro Garcia

The integration of 3D imaging technology systems into dairy management practices offers a blueprint for the future where technology-driven solutions enable farms to go through the complexities of modern dairy production more effectively.

Beefing up dairy profits

Breed composition and average daily gain can impact the bottom line of your beef-on-dairy calves. Consider implementing technology to help you monitor both.

March 6, 2024

Alvaro Garcia

Crossbreeding to beef sires is a powerful management tool at the dairy farmer's disposal using superior sexed dairy semen for heifers and beef semen for cows. This combination can significantly impact a herd's genetics and overall net return.

Efficiency, precision and ethical beef production: The impact of 3D cameras

Frequent weighing of beef cattle is an integral part of the beef production process, and the utilization of 3D cameras for cattle weighing offers compelling advantages over traditional scales.

February 19, 2024

Alvaro Garcia

In an ever-evolving industry, cattle farming and beef production thrive on innovation, with the pursuit of efficiency, precision and safety as a constant endeavor.

The power of residual feed intake in optimizing feed efficiency

By accurately measuring individual feed intake and implementing residual feed intake, dairy producers can make informed decisions to enhance overall herd efficiency and profitability.

September 27, 2023

Alvaro Garcia

The dairy industry is facing numerous challenges with a pressing need for sustainable practices that optimize resource utilization and improve profitability. Residual feed intake (RFI) provides a powerful tool for evaluating feed efficiency in dairy production.

Hydroponic culture effects on lactating dairy cows

Cows eating hydroponic forage had higher feed efficiency resulting from improved rumen function, increased production and reduced methane losses.

September 27, 2022

Alvaro Garcia

Cows on harvested feeds perform better when allowed at least a couple of hours of grazing green, lush pasture. Early feeding observations have suggested hydroponic forages behave similarly, enhancing intake, rumination and nutrient digestibility.