AGRIVIEW.COM
Thursday, June 20, 2019 | D3
M
DAIRY HERD HEALTH
Heat stress affects cows long-term
P
roducers may use fans and sprinklers to keep a lactating herd cool. But they may need to do more to alleviate dry-cow heat stress. It may be costing more than expected. According to a National AniKEVIN mal Health DILL Monitoring System dairy study, 75.7 percent of all operations provide fans for the lactating herd. But only 47.7 percent provide fans for dry cows. Sprinklers are provided to the lactating herd on 25.2 percent of all operations, yet only 10.7 percent of dry cows are cooled with sprinklers. That data shows a gap in cow comfort for the dry cow. While the lactating
herd receives special treatment, dry cows are too often forgotten. And it’s an oversight that may be hurting the bottom line. Research from the University of Florida evaluated the effects of dry-cow heat stress. From dry off until calving, cows were in two categories. heat stress with shade, no fans and no sprinklers cooling with shade, fans and sprinklers Upon calving, all cows moved into a free-stall barn with sprinklers and fans. The study ran until cows were 30 weeks into lactation. The research showed several results. Calves born from heat-stressed cows weighed on average 17 pounds less. Cows that experi-
enced heat stress had a decreased ability to kill bacteria and fight infections. Cows that experienced heat stress during the dry period produced an average of 14 pounds less milk in the first 30 weeks compared to cooled cows. That data corresponds to trends showing less milk production during the fourth quarter of the year. Cows peaking at that time are cows that were heat-stressed when they were dry. Without summer-cooling efforts, they’re likely producing less milk in the later part of the year. In order to minimize dry-cow heat stress in the summer, consider adding sprinklers and fans for dry cows. Dry-cow nutrition can also help as heat and humidity increase. Visit www.purinamills. com for more information.
CONTRIBUTED
Kevin Dill is a senior nutritionist in dairy technical solutions for Purina Animal Nutrition.
SUBMITTED BY BIO-VET
Heat-stressed cows need help BIO-VET
Each season brings fresh challenges for producers. The hot and humid days of summer will soon be here; now is the time to make preparations to keep cows performing. Today’s dairy cows produce a lot of milk – and a lot of metabolic heat from fermentation processes in the rumen. As a result they are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of heat and humidity. The ideal temperature range for dairy cattle is between 25 degrees and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. At temperatures more than 80 degrees, feed intake decreases. At temperatures more than 90 degrees, milk production can decrease 3 percent to 20 percent. One frequently cited study from 2003 calculated annual hot-weather losses of $897 million for the dairy industry in the United States, even when economically optimal heat-abatement systems were used. Heat stress can also affect reproductive performance. metabolic problems after calving missed heats poor conception rates smaller birth weights difficult births Furthermore the negative effects can be far-reaching. For example calves born to heat-stressed mothers are more likely to have fertility issues. Dairy cows thrive in consistent comfortable conditions. Producers need to ensure that happens regardless of seasonal challenges. Fortunately there are many adjust-
BIO-VET PHOTOS
During hot weather feed cows during the cooler parts of the day or increase the number of feedings. Increasing the number of feedings allows producers to feed less at each feeding, decreasing the likelihood that feed will spoil in the heat.
Ensure adequate ventilation during hot weather; airflow is essential. It can be increased by installing cooling fans, or by making building adjustments such as opening barn sides where possible. ments they can make. The following tips will help producers keep cows performing throughout the hot summer months. Ensure adequate ventilation; airflow is essential. It can be increased by installing cooling fans, or by making building adjustments such as opening barn sides where possible. Use shade, misters or sprinklers. Provide shade if cattle are outside; install misters or sprinklers inside to keep cows cool. Ensure that misters or sprinklers are not creating wet feed. Misters or sprinklers should not be drenching cattle to the point of having water dripping from udders. Provide cool fresh
water in clean tanks. Water intake can increase by as much as 50 percent during hot weather. Producers need to ensure there is plenty of cool fresh water available. Feed during the cooler parts of the day or increase the number of feedings. Increasing the number of feedings allows producers to feed less at each feeding, decreasing the likelihood that feed will spoil in the heat. Consider a direct-fed microbial for appetite and digestion support. Direct-fed-microbial products contain live beneficial microorganisms. The products are a particularly valuable tool during stressful periods, including during environ-
mental stress. During hot weather cows are not as hungry. They may spend more time sorting feed, which can lead to digestive upset or even subacute rumen acidosis. Direct-fed-microbial products can help aid digestion, improve feed utilization and ensure dry-matter intake is adequate during hot weather. Bio-Vet direct-fed-microbial products such as Generator ULTRA and Generator ELITE contain beneficial bacteria as well as yeast, which produce enzymes and B vitamins. A unique feature of Generator is the rumen-colonizing microbial Propionibacteria. It aids in propionate production, potentially positively impacting rumen efficiency. Add an electrolyte solution to the drinking water. Products containing electrolytes can be fed daily to help maintain hydration by supporting electrolyte balance. They replace the salts cattle lose through heat dissipation – sweating, excretion and milk production. Electrolyte products such as Bovine GoldLyte are available in powder formulas that can be added to the drinking tank, or in pellet formulas that can be added to the total mixed ration or fed as a top-dress. They contain electrolyte salts including potassium, as well as chelated trace minerals, to help support hydration throughout the summer. Visit www.bio-vet.com for more information.
10” - 18” Wall Thickness
CALL DENNIS at
920-948-9661 HENE Supply, llC
N14704 FreNchtowN Ave. • withee, wi 54498
(715) 229-4530
Bunker Cover (Flavor Seal) Black/White 5 mil
Ag Bags (Plastar)
8ft X 150ft up to 10ft X 200ft
Net Wrap (Dutch Harvest) 48” – 51” – 64” – 67” width.
Bale Wrap (Flavor Seal)
30” width, 1 mil – 1.2 mil- 1.5 mil.
Twine, Plastic and Sisal
FARM | EQUESTRIAN | HOBBY | COMMERCIAL
It lasts a lifetime. Plan it right.
STOP
flies in their tracks!
· pesticide- and attractant-free fly tape · systems for every operation - rolls up to 2,500’ long! · 24-hour fly control The 00 1
Company, Inc.
800 776 7042 coburn.com
We Are your Turn Key General Contractor for Wisconsin. Doing Robotic Renovation & New Construction
At Lester Buildings, we expect our buildings to last forever. That’s why we craft the perfect plan with you, before the foundation gets laid. Call us today and enjoy your Lester experience for a lifetime.
1222 Mount View Lane, Athens, WI 54411 Web: sdellenbecker.com Contact Dean @ 715-581-6408 or Jim @ 715-581-6433
LESTERBUILDINGS.COM
D4 | Thursday, June 20, 2019
M
AGRI-VIEW.COM
As the temperature rises, feed intake starts to drop and performance can suffer. Bio-Vet is offering a summer promotion on top products to support cows and calves during hot weather.
TAKE ON THE HEAT
Direct Fed Microbials to aid digestion, appetite, feed intake and immune function ü Generator™ ELITE ü Generator™ ULTRA Concentrate ü Generator™ ULTRA Farm Pack ü ProP169® Farm Pack ü Generator™ ProSacc™
this summer with Generator™ DFMs and Bovine GoldLyte®
Electrolyte Products to aid and maintain hydration and electrolyte balance ü Bovine GoldLyte® ü Calf GoldLyte®
May 15 to July 31
Nutritional Supplements to aid cattle during nutritional challenges, such as when moldy feed is consumed ü KuroFX™ Organic Products for use in organic production systems ü ‘O’ Generator™ ELITE ü ‘O’ Bovine GoldLyte® ü ‘O’ Calf GoldLyte®
Call 1-800-246-8381 for more information.
Innova�on at Work™
Every cow. Every calving. Even when times are tough, you work hard to take care of every cow. QuadriCal® takes care of your post-calving calcium needs, and then some.
Quadri
l
®
Calcium Boluses
• • • • •
4 calcium sources Vitamin D + niacin Uncoated for faster absorption Two sizes fit all breeds Research proven
Research published in the Journal of Dairy Science has shown that one feeding of QuadriCal® holds health and economic benefits for every cow. A return on investment of $44 per cow was calculated based on statistically significant data from a study of over 3,000 cows in New York. The return was due to both increased milk production in certain groups, and reduced incidence of DA, metritis (in low calcium cows) and RP in certain groups1. 1. Leno, B.M. et al. JDS 101: 3285-3302.
Bio-Vet.com Barneveld, WI USA
800-246-8381 Innovation at Work
™
©2019 Bio-Vet, Inc. 00 1