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7 KEY STEPS TO YOUR SUCCESSFUL DAIRY PROGRAM

Nov 19, 2014 | Advice and Tips

1. Start using or keep using Immu-PRO.* Note: For best results, feed Immu-PRO in the morning feeding only.

  • For TMR: Feed 3/4 oz. Immu-PRO per head for a minimum of 14 days or until desired results, then reduce to 1/2 or 1/4 oz. per head per day to maintain optimum immune and reproductive health. On day 15, if below 150,000 SCC, you can safely drop to 1/4-1/2 oz. per head per day.
  • For Hand Feeding: Using the small scoop in the box, feed 3 scoops (3/4 oz.) once per day for at least 2 weeks, or until you achieve your desired results. Then reduce to 1 or 2 scoops per day thereafter to maintain optimum health.
  • For even better results: Maintain 3/4 to 1 oz. per head per day until herd drops below 100,000 SCC, then reduce to the lower amount. Keep in mind, a few herds have experienced a “shed down” period on days 10-14 after starting DVP, then udders usually soften and any milk clotting begins to clear up. Remember, these are natural products that work with your cow’s natural immune systems. The more months you feed DVP, the greater the benefits to you and your herd.

2. Get your entire milking systems checked now and every 90 days. Make the most of your milking system. Put your milker tech check dates on your calendar. Pulsators may need to be cleaned monthly (and possibly rebuilt every season), and every season you should check air hoses, milker shells, regulators, etc. Change milker inflations 2 weeks ahead of manufacturer’s recommendations to help reduce teat irritation.

3. Get on some type of monthly milk testing program, like DHIA, etc. This will help you to identify high SCC cows. These records will also help increase your herd’s value. The top dairymen of today will say, “Test, do not guess.”

4. Have your entire farmstead checked for stray voltage by your local power company or a private electrical contractor at least once per year. Have them check for voltage, amps, and ohms. You’d be surprised where stray voltage might be coming from!

5. Check your nutrition. Check your water every year for e. coli, coliform, nitrates, etc., and your feed seasonally (or monthly) for mycotoxins. Your nutritionist can get the feed lab results for you. For water, you can use a water conditioner company like Culligan or Hellenbrand, etc. UV well cap bulbs work well on pathogens.

6. General cleanliness. Germs grow in dirty conditions. Keep cows, bedding, equipment, lots, and alleys clean and dry.

7. Use low SCC semen. Manage your SCC by choosing low SCS sires. Studies show that about 30%of herd SCC comes from the genetics you choose. You can greatly improve your chances of getting a low SCC herd by choosing among the lowest SCS sires in your respective breed. If using herd bulls, choose one from the lowest SCS parentage possible. Our Holstein sires are generally SHOTTLE sons or MTOTO proven sons or grandsons. We also have top Jersey and Brown Swiss sires. Now is a good time to see what we have available for your breeding needs. Call us at 1-800-876-2500!