Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Stick to the basics It’s as simple as that to get calves off to a good start. PG. 39
Serving Canadian Dairymen | March 2014 | Vol. 4 No. 3Serving Canadian Dairymen | March 2014 | Vol. 4 No. 3
PlusRecord-breaking registrations Breed registrations broke records again in 2013. Read why. PG. 17
Test your manure IQ Discover how much you know about manure’s value. PG. 48
Which one is best? A feeding trial puts three forms of calf starter to the test. See how they compare. PG. 36
Lucky Seven’s daughter alive and well A rare breeding has the direct descendant of a famous “improver” bull from the 1970s performing in a modern herd. PG. 22
Feeding Pasteurized Milk is the Most PrOfitable way to raise
healthy, robust calves!
www.daritech.com
See what peope are saying about the Westwaard Pasteurizers!
Arie and Dineke Philipsen Lacombe, Alberta
Sales & Installation done by:Chinook Dairy Service LTD
Lethbridge, Alberta
“After researching the market place extensively, we decided to purchase a dual tank Westwaard Pasteurizer. The dual tanks give us the flexibility to fill /wash or pasteurize with the unit all at the same time.We never have to wait for the unit to empty to fill a pasteurizer tank with milk coming for the parlor.The health of our calves definitely improved after we started to feed the pasteurized milk instead of powder. I would advise a unit like this to anyone as it is very bullet-proof and simple to use for anyone.”
Marten Floryn has been using his Colostrum Pasteurizer for the past 1.5 years.“We had been using powdered colostrum up until that time. After we started using the pasteurized colostrum, we have seen a big improvement in the condition of our calves.Weaning weights have improved remarkably after using tested colostrum from our own cows. We freeze the colostrum in plastic bags that we warm up in the pictured warmer. We have colostrum in our freezer so at all times we can warm up a bag and feed our newborn calves’ high quality product from our own cows.The Colostrum Pasteurizer and Warmer are very easy to use and due to that, proper procedure is done at all times. The equipment washes automatically with no handling of chemicals, so safety is looked after at the same time.”Gull Lake Farm
Lacombe, AlbertaSales & Installation done by:
Chinook Dairy Service LTDLethbridge, Alberta
“We purchased our milk pasteurizer about 3 years ago.After feeding raw milk or milk powder for many years we have seen a very big improvement in our calf health when we started with the pasteurized milk.Our calves are definitely doing a lot better and have less health problems than they did with powder and raw milk.Our next step is pasteurizing the colostrum we are feeding to our newborn animals. DariTech, in our eyes, has one of the better solutions for that as well, and all their equipment is very user-friendly.”
Cathy and Cor Haagsma Ponoka, Alberta
Sales & Installation done by:Chinook Dairy Service LTD
Lethbridge, Alberta
Karen LeeEditor
Spring brings hopeIt has been a long, hard winter.
Many could argue that is the nature of the season – to which I’d agree – but in my book, these last few months seemed to take it a bit further than usual.
For the fi rst time in my life, I not only heard about a polar vortex, but I got to experience it twice. I also came to realize that “January thaw” doesn’t necessarily equate to a stretch of time above freezing. It might just mean that temperatures slightly below 0°C with no wind is reprieve enough from the harsh conditions.
Th e eff ects of cabin fever have settled into my household. I write this just hours after confi scating
a board my older daughter had obtained. She was wearing her bike helmet and planning to use the board as a sled on the stairs. After I nixed that idea, she proposed using it as a diving board instead. Needless to say, the board is now out of reach. My younger daughter, who has just started to form a vocabulary in the last month, now refers to all footwear as “boot” because that is her only option when leaving the house.
But, of course, who am I to tell you about my trivial hardships of the season? I have the luxury of writing this piece from my offi ce as the space heater hums in the background. It is you who has endured the weather each and every day to look after
the animals entrusted to your care, making sure they are well bedded and well fed. You were the one who had to fi x the frozen pipes on the coldest day of the season or sit atop the barn cleaner with a hammer and chisel in hopes of breaking away enough frozen manure to get it to run for another day.
For that and more, I thank you and commend your dedication to a trade that is not for the faint of heart.
Luckily, we are turning the calendar into March, where the announcement of the fi rst day of spring is a visual reminder of better days to come. It will warm up because it always does. How soon exactly will depend on which groundhog forecast you believe, and more importantly, the will of Mother Nature.
When the snow melts, the earth will be tilled and fresh seeds planted. Perennial crops will thaw and begin to sprout. Soon we will have forgotten winter and become focused on the busyness that comes with warm weather and cropping season.
Hopefully you’ve been able to take advantage of a heated shop or had the time last fall to service your equipment so that it is ready to roll when you are this spring.
Take the time now to fi nish up the last of your indoor jobs.
Read through your latest issue of Progressive Dairyman, for soon you’ll be abandoning your seat by the fi re for the seat on the tractor.
Here’s to the hopes of a warm and productive spring. Happy planting to one and all. PD
POLL
New poll:Is your equipment ready for spring tillage and planting?
Go to www.progressivedairycanada.com/poll to view the results of previous poll questions.
❑ Yes ❑ No
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 1
PD CANADA MAINPD CANADA EAST
Track a))) Cow IN-HEAT DETECTION & COW WELFARE
TELEMETRY MONITORING SYSTEM
Eastern CanadaDealership Inquiries contact: [email protected]
The High–Tech of Dairy Management
Reduce your open days, boost your pregnancy rates
Increase profi table milk and cut down on labour
cost with ENGS’ innovative Track a))) Cow system
Advanced, high resolution heat activity
measurement every 6 minutes and real-time
reports allow you to optimize insemination timing
and health care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
“EQUIPPED TO MEET YOUR NEEDS”
Ag-Co Products LimitedP.O. Box 220 • 4842 Perth Line 34
Sebringville, ON • Canada • N0K 1X0Phone: (519) 393-5179
www.ag-co.on.ca • [email protected]
“The biggest advantagefor switching was the immediate activity readings, wireless and real-time data. We could now receive activity monitoring of heifers in another barn besides the milking facility without having to do any renovations or trenching to existing facilities. Investment wise the Track-A-Cow System is very competitive.
We are extremely happy with our Track-A-Cow System”.
Andre & Lisanne VanderkooiVanderkooi DairyHerd size: 190 cows
Norwell Dairy Systems Drayton, ON - (519) 638-3535
Penner Farm Services Manitoba Blumenort, MB - (204) 326-3781
Dairyland Agro Supply, LTD Saskatoon, SK - (306) 242-5850
Penner Farm Services Alberta Red Deer, AB - (403) 343-7003
Pebbled Surface Honeycomb Underside Sealing Lips Along Edges
Length: 65.5’ Width: 67” or 72” Thickness: 1.25”
PD SOUTHWEST MAIN PCPD NORTHWEST MAIN PCPD MIDWEST MAIN PCPD EAST COAST MAIN PC
2 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
Clear up any misconceptions on the use of manure as a valuable fertilizer. Photo by PD staff.
48True or false?
In the news .................................................................................. 4
Promotion watch ........................................................................... 6
Rock picking ................................................................................. 7
Pick a side .................................................................................... 9
Help wanted: Referral systems can be useful ................................. 11
Three things leaders can do to earn the benefi t of the doubt ........... 16
Breed registrations break records again ........................................ 17
In-vitro fertilization: A new tool for the commercial dairyman ........... 18
Rare breeding produces a ‘Stormy Nite’ ........................................ 22
3 Open Minutes with Dr. Neil Michael ...........................................24
Reproductive performance challenge: B vitamins to the rescue ...... 26
Impact of genomics on genetic selection and gain .......................... 28
Recap of Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council annual meeting ............ 30
Newborn calf care after dystocia .................................................. 35
Feeding trial evaluates the physical form of calf starters ................. 36
Group feeding … with individual results ........................................ 38
Additives in starting programs: What is too much? ......................... 41
Hands-on management key for transition
to automated calf technology .................................................... 43
Improve air quality with siting, mitigation strategies ........................ 46
New hires ................................................................................... 54
The Milk House: Civilization, that is to say, farming ......................... 56
New products ............................................................................. 57
Mechanics Corner: Maintain your hay and forage equipment ........... 58
Yevet Tenney: Finding answers in God’s book ... ............................. 60
Baxter Black: Rattlesnakes on the border ..................................... 64
Marketplace ................................................................................ 61
Calendar of events ..................................................................... 62
Ad index .................................................................................... 63
NEWS & BUSINESS
ISSUE FOCUS: MANURE HANDLING
ISSUE FOCUS: A.I. & BREEDING
ISSUE TOPIC: CALF & HEIFER RAISING
DEPARTMENTS
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS
Calf Milk Replacers
PRODUIT DUPRODUCT OF CANADA
Phone 519-577-3730 • Fax 519-638-2843www.mapleviewagri.ca • [email protected]
Easy to mix
Highest quality ingredients
Optimum digestibility
For use in computer feeders or hand mixing
Want to improve your
calves? Call or Email
us
NEW! Now available with Deccox for Cocci Control!
What our Customers Say…. “I am impressed with the consistent growth rate and weight gain on the Mapleview milk replacer. We have used it for three years and are raising healthier calves now with a reduction in scours and other health issues. It is very easy to use as well.”Steve Fraser, Fraeland Farms Ltd, Fergus, ON
“We have been feeding our dairy calves with Mapleview milk replacers for a few years now and are really happy with the results. Calves are doing well, growing nicely and have a nice shiny coat. The product mixes easily in the automatic calf-feeder.”Frank & Ella Kieftenberg, Listowel, ON
“We have reduced our age of calving to under 22 months since weswitched to the Mapleview milk replacers. We’re very happy with the performance, mixability and the calves do great.” Hans Dekker, Teviotdale, ON
–
–
–
–
PD SOUTHWEST MAIN PCPD NORTHWEST MAIN PCPD MIDWEST MAIN PCPD EAST COAST MAIN PC
Postmaster:Please send address changes to:
Progressive Publishing, P.O. Box 585, Jerome, ID 83338
Like father, like son. Mason Haak, age 4, enjoys reading Progressive Dairyman. His father, Michael Haak of Enderby, British Columbia, shared the photo on Twitter to encourage other farmers to subscribe.
Send us your dairyphotos via e-mail [email protected]
Improve calf barn ventilationLearn more about positive-pressure ventilation systems and receive practical advice for designing one in a calf facility.Photo by Karen Lee.
32
Safety fi rstKey guidelines and training topics shared to keep family and non-family labour safe on the farm.Illustration by Kristen Phillips.
13
20Using productive life as a factor in breeding decisions could lead to better herd health and cow longevity.
Consider productive life
44See how members of the Progressive Dairy Operators are feeding and managing their pre-weaned calves.
Calf survey results
FROM THECOVER
CanadianEdition
Total Circulation 9,802Progressive Dairyman is targeted to all English-reading dairy producers in Canada and related industry professionals.
Vol. 4 No. 3 March 2014
© 2014 Progressive Publishing
Publisher’s StatementThe opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishing company. Progressive Dairyman encourages reader comment. Contrasting points of view from responsible individuals are welcome. Liability for any errors or omissions in advertisements shall not exceed the cost of the space occupied by the error or omission. Publication of any advertising or articles does not constitute endorsement, guarantee or warranty of any kind by Progressive Dairyman. Submission of letters implies the right to edit and publish all or in part.
Publications Mail Agreement No. 42094525Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses To:Dycom Mail Services495 Berry St.Winnipeg, MB R3J 1N6Email: [email protected]
Copyright Notice:All editorial content and graphics in Progressive Dairyman are protected by U.S. copyright, international treaties and other applicable copyright laws and may not be copied without the express written permission of Progressive Publishing, which reserves all rights. Re-use of any editorial content or graphics from Progressive Dairyman for any purpose without Progressive Publishing written permission is strictly prohibited.
How to Subscribe1. Online:Go to canada.progressivedairy.com/subscribe and complete the form.
2. Phone: (208) 324-7513Call our circulation department between the hours of 8 a.m and 5 p.m. MST.
3. Fax: (208) 324-1133Download a PDF version of our subscription form at canada.progressivedairy.com/downloads/general/subscribe.pdf
Publisher Alan Leavitt Publisher Emeritus Leon Leavitt Editors Walt Cooley, Karen Lee, Emily Caldwell, Peggy Coffeen, Rebecca Ragain Sales Glen Leavitt, Jeff Stoker, Sal Gomez, Layne Whitby, Stew Nelson, Paul Marchant, Julie Brown, Jo Dexter Circulation Lynn Olsen, Laura Marlatt, Jackie Brown, Melinda Amy, Dawnette Hutchison, Amy Brown, Maria Jackson Administration Natalie Kite, Brina Norwood, Judy Hall, Kelly McCoy, Sarah Ward Production Philip Warren, Bill Paul, Ray Merritt, Kevin Brown, Fredric Ridenour, Mikeal Dixon, Kristen Phillips, Julie Vasquez
(208) 324-7513Contact Information
Main offi ce238 West Nez Perce (Physical)
or PO Box 585 (Mailing)Jerome, ID 83338-0585
FAX: (208) 324-1133
ON THE COVER This curious calf takes a close look at the photographer that stopped by her pen.Photo by Walt Cooley.
Stick to the basics It’s as simple as that to get calvesoff to a good start. PG. 39
Serving Canadian Dairymen | March 2014 | Vol. 4 No. 3S i C di D i | M h 2014 | V l 4 N 3
Plus
Record-breaking registrations Breed registrations broke records again in 2013.Read why. PG. 17
Test your manure IQ Discover how much you know about manure’s value. PG. 48
Which one is best?A feeding trial puts three forms of calf starter to the test. See how they compare. PG. 36
Lucky Seven’s daughteralive and well A rare breeding has the direct descendant of a famous “improver” bull from the 1970s performing in a modern herd. PG. 22
A rare breeding has the direct descendant of a famous “improver” bull from the 1970s performing in a modern
Getting your calves off to a good start can be the key to raising quality heifers.
FROM THE COVERRaise them right
39
Saputo buys Scotsburn Co-operative Services for $61M
Th e Canadian Press is reporting that Saputo Inc. will buy the milk business of Nova Scotia’s Scotsburn Co-operative Services. Th e $61 million deal, which is subject to approval from cooperative members and regulators, will increase the company’s presence in Atlantic Canada.
Scotsburn, which employs around 400 people at two milk processing plants, will keep its ice cream and frozen novelties business.
President Doug Ettinger told CBC
News that he can’t say how the deal will aff ect the overall job picture.
“It’s too early to tell,” he said. “Th e deal, as I said, doesn’t close until March and then there’s going to be a transition, so we’re going to have to fi gure all that out.”
Th e two Scotsburn facilities produce and sell milk, cream, sour cream, ice cream mix and cottage cheese. Th e business generates about $160 million in annual sales and $8 million in pre-tax operating profi ts.
—Summarized by PD stafffrom cited source
DuPont Pioneer taps new scientifi c disciplines to improve yield
In an eff ort to provide corn hybrids that off er greater yield potential for growers, DuPont Pioneer is tapping into new technologies and areas of scientifi c expertise.
Th e company is seeking bright minds with diverse capabilities to help improve the genetic potential of hybrids sold to customers. Research Director Steven King cited four steps breeders require to develop improved hybrids: technology, seed production, testing and data analysis.
“We improve our breeding
methodology when we add mathematicians, modelers and statisticians,” he said. “Technologies and tools continue to change and improve. Th ese experts help us improve effi ciency, test more genetic lines and grow even more confi dent in the results.”
Th e company conducts experiments across the globe to learn more about how corn hybrids perform in diff erent growing environments. As they develop better products and understand where those new hybrids perform best, breeders are better positioned to support its sales professionals who help customers place the right product on the right acre.
“We’re also looking at phenotypes or physical data in a new way,” King said. “We’re boosting the capacity to evaluate plants so we can realize more value from molecular markers and incorporate genes that impact traits of interest.”
—From DuPont Pioneer news release
Rovibec Agrisolutions invests $3.9M in Nicolet factory
Rovibec Agrisolutions Inc. says it will invest $3.9 million in a new factory in Nicolet, Quebec, which will allow the company to double its manufacturing area.
Th e investment is intended to support its current distribution network and newly added dealers in Canada, France and the U.S.
General Manager Martin Rousseau attended a recent press conference organized by the city to make offi cial its acquisition, located at 475 Port Road in Nicolet.
Th e project includes the acquisition of a 59,000-square-foot building with land. Th e company says its vision is to be the world leader in innovative robotic solutions for farmers, off ering the best solutions on the market while respecting corporate values.
—From Rovibec Agrisolutions Inc. news release
Jersey Canada announcesaward winners
Several names have been selected for awards by Jersey Canada (JC), including:• Honourary Life Member: Robert
Mellow, Glenholme Jerseys; Bruce and Eileen Nixon, Rosalea Jerseys.
• Jersey Young Achiever, under 40: Dave Beaudoin, Ferme Gillard; Len and Sarah Congdon, Mazylake Jerseys; Gerjan and Alberdien Keuper, Keupers Jerseys.
• Ralph J. Barichello Memorial Award: Dick Heapy, Blanshard Holsteins.
• Master Breeder: Lorne Ella (Rock Ella), Milton, Ontario.
• Constructive Breeder: Category 1 (fi ve to nine registrations per year), Lookout Jerseys (Lookout), North
PD NEWS
4 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAINPD CANADA EAST
engineering for a better world GEA Farm Technologies
GEA Milking & Cooling | WestfaliaSurge
GEA
_Fut
ureC
ow_P
DC
A_O
NT_
2014
-01
/GEAFarming
WASH DISINFECT STIMULATE DRY
FutureCow™ Prep System – all in one visit per cow.
WIPE
Cloth Towels – the only thing you’re washing is another load of laundry.
The mechanical brush unit gently washes, disinfects, stimulates, and dries the
teats – all in a matter of seconds. Cows receive superior stimulation, increasing
milk flow rates and decreasing milking times. Milking is made easy with the
FutureCow™ Prep System from GEA Farm Technologies.
The FutureCow™ Prep System accomplishes all of the necessary pre-milking procedures in one easy step.
CHOOSE THY WEAPONin your battle for milking efficiency
Conestogo Agri Systems Inc.Alma, ON 519 638-3022
Dairy Lane Systems Ltd.Lobo, ON 519 666-1404
Lawrence’s Dairy Supply Ltd.Moose Creek, ON 613 538-2559
Mactaquac Farm Equipment Ltd.Sub-dealer to Sheehy Enterprises Ltd. Mactaquac, NB 506 363-2340
McCann Farm Automation Ltd.Seeley’s Bay, ON 613 382-7411
McLaren SystemsCobden, ON 613 646-2062
Performance Dairy CentreDiv. of Embro Farm Systems Inc.Embro, ON 519 423-9119
Sheehy Entreprises Ltd.Shubenacadie, NS 902 758-2002
Tricounty Dairy Equipment Ltd.Charlottetown, PEI 902 368-1719
Wood’s Dairy SourceKeene, ON 705 295-3247
Hatley, Quebec; Category 2 (10 to 24 registrations per year), Alan and Julie Cunnington (Aland), Caledon, Ontario; Category 3 (25-plus registrations per year), Rexlea Jerseys Inc. (Rexlea), Schomberg, Ontario.
Presentations will be made March 20-22 during the JC annual general meeting in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
—From Jersey Canada news releases
Holstein Canada honours2013 Master Breeders
Holstein Canada is pleased to announce the 20 Master Breeders who will be honoured at the 2014 National Holstein Convention in Sherbrooke, Quebec in April.
Of the 20 breeders, 14 were fi rst-time recipients of a Master Breeder shield, while the remaining names are previous shield winners. Nine breeders were from Ontario, seven from Québec, one from Manitoba, one from British Columbia, one from Nova Scotia and one from New Brunswick.
—From Holstein Canada news release
Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture announce 2014 topics
Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture (CYSA) board members unanimously approved the public speaking competition topics for 2014 at their fi rst meeting of the new year. Topics include:• I am a Canadian farmer and this is
my success story• Why succession planning is
crucial to the future of Canadian agriculture
• As stewards of the land, can Canadian farmers do more?
• Why social media is an opportunity farmers cannot ignore
• Why I am choosing a career in agriculture
Th is year’s competition will be Nov. 8 at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. Th e competition is open to ages 11 to 24 who have a passion for agriculture, whether they’ve been raised on a farm, in the country or in the city. Th is year marks the competition’s 30th anniversary.
—From CYSA news release
2014 World Dairy Expo dairy cattle judges and associates selected
Th e 16 offi cial dairy cattle judges for the 2014 World Dairy Expo include:• International Ayrshire Show:
Lead Judge David Wallace, Beloit, Wisconsin; Associate Judge Gary Bowers, Coaticook, Quebec
• International Brown Swiss Show: Lead Judge Eric Topp, Wapakoneta, Ohio; Associate Judge Sherry Smith, Glenford, Ohio
• International Guernsey Show:
Lead Judge Dale Chupp, Inola, Oklahoma; Associate Judge Robert Yeoman, Dover, Oklahoma
• International Holstein Show: Lead Judge Paul Trapp, Taylor, Wisconsin; Associate Judge Pat Conroy, Angola, Indiana
• International Junior Holstein Show: Lead Judge Molly Sloan, Columbus, Wisconsin; Associate Judge Roger Turner, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
• International Jersey Show: Lead Judge Nathan Th omas, North Lewisburg, Ohio; Associate Judge: Jeff Brown, Jackson Center, Ohio
• International Milking Shorthorn Show: Lead Judge Michael Heath, Westminster, Maryland; Associate Judge Jack Lomeo Jr., Lowville, New York
• International Red & White Show: Lead Judge Callum McKinven, Canton de Hatley, Quebec; Associate Judge David Crack, Jr., Richmond, Quebec
—From World Dairy Expo news release
DuPont Pioneer sponsorship supports Canadian curling
DuPont Pioneer has signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with the Canadian Curling Association (CCA) as an offi cial sponsor of the CCA’s “Season of Champions.”
Th e sponsorship, which offi cially started on Jan. 1, will support several events in 2014, including WFG Continental Cup, Las Vegas, Nevada; M&M Meat Shops Canadian Juniors, Liverpool, Nova Scotia; Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Montreal, Quebec; Tim Hortons Brier, Kamloops, British Columbia; and Ford World Women’s, Saint John, New Brunswick.
—From DuPont Pioneer news release
Collaboration improves genomic selection for the Jersey breed
Canadian Dairy Network, with Jersey Canada as one of its members, the Cooperative Dairy DNA Repository, represented by the National Association of Animal Breeders, and the American Jersey Cattle Association have increased the North American Jersey database of genotypes on proven bulls by more than 1,100 through an exchange of Jersey genotypes with Scandinavian-based Viking Genetics.
Th e agreement establishes an ongoing exchange of genotypes for progeny-proven Jersey bulls in North America and Scandinavia. It will further enhance selection programs aimed at maximizing genetic potential while maintaining genetic diversity. PD
—From Canadian Dairy Network news release
YO U R U LT I M AT E D A I RY H A N D L I N G S O LU T I O N [email protected] • www.jakesmobilewelding.com • 519.788.3676
NORWICH, ONTARIO
Hydraulic or manual Hydraulic raises 20” Hydraulic foot winch Hydraulic cradle Side doors open for surgery Back door opens for
breeding purposes Manual can be upgraded
to hydraulic Dealer inquiries welcome
Robotic gating also available
• Patented design allows for 30 or 34 feet of pickup• Rubber-mounted split tines for cleaner windrows• Designed for high-speed pickup without damage• Consistently uniform windrows
gn allows for 30 or 34 feet of pickup
Oxbo:clean pickup,
gentle, reliable.And still the mosttrusted merger in
the forageindustry.
Mitchell519-348-8467
St. Marys 519-349-2180
Tavistock519-655-2441
St. Thomas519-631-5280
www.oxbocorp.com/Products/Forage
www.glnh.ca
Your Central & Western Ontario Oxbo Merger Dealer
HAY IS VALUABLE.
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 5
PD CANADA MAIN
March is Nutrition MonthSponsoring the Dietitians of
Canada’s Nutrition Month campaign is a great way for Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) to help promote messages about good nutrition. Th is campaign targets consumers and seventh-grade to 12th-grade students and teachers across Canada with messages on healthy eating and the importance of milk products. It also shows DFC’s commitment to the nutrition professionals’ community across Canada.
Th is year, Nutrition Month focuses on food skills; this theme is refl ected in the material created by DFC. More than 32,000 English and French posters have been produced and are being distributed to dietitians and teachers across Canada, along with nutrition education fact sheets. You can fi nd out more about Nutrition Month on the campaign website (www.NutritionMonth.ca).
National Get Enough campaignTh e national Get Enough
nutrition campaign, which encourages Canadians to get the recommended servings of milk and alternatives according to Canada’s Food Guide, continues to run with a new television ad, magazine ads and online publicity
A primary goal at Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is to promote the quality and the great nutritional value of Canadian dairyproducts. Through advertising, contests, partnerships, educational programs and media relations, DFC promotes Canadianmilk products and encourages healthy eating habits.
throughout the year. In 2014, the campaign will also leverage DFC’s long-time partnerships with the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, Osteoporosis Canada and the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada by highlighting some of the key health benefi ts of milk products and motivating consumers to increase their intake.
Multiple media integrations are planned, including short videos with renowned dietitians Hélène Laurendeau and Sue Mah, and chefs Stefano Faita and Christine Tizzard on CBC and Radio-Canada. Th e dietitians will also appear as guests on Steven & Chris, In the kitchen with Stefano, Best Recipes Ever, Ricardo and Entrée Principale to talk about the importance of consuming enough milk products.
In-store publicity and free booklets in the yogurt, cheese and milk aisles of grocery stores will promote the benefi ts of milk products and provide information. DFC representatives and dietitians will also conduct in-store visits throughout the year.
What’s more, a mobile application for smartphones is in development to help consumers take action and change their eating habits, helping them improve their daily routine with motivating tips. Th e application
will help them track their daily consumption of foods from the four groups. Find out more about the campaign at GetEnough.ca
DFC focus on school nutrition programs
School nutrition programs are very important to DFC since healthy eating habits are developed early in life. Over the years, our team of dietitians has developed many programs to help teachers and child-care educators teach children about nutrition. We invite you to browse the TeachNutrition.org website to catch a glimpse of DFC’s many programs. Among recent highlights, we are pleased to announce that Le grand livre des petits chefs, the educational cookbook that was developed for Quebec childcare centres, was recently adapted in English. Th e Little Chef’s Big Book of Recipes will be distributed to child-care educators during DFC nutrition education workshops in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
Th e Quebec school tennis tour is being held for the fi fth year this spring. A DFC dietitian will accompany the Tennis Quebec team to 75 elementary schools across the province to lead a nutrition and physical activity game
during students’ lunch break, as well as host cooking workshops during after- school programs.
Teachers and students alike have been enjoying DFC Ontario’s online nutrition education units. Th ese quirky and fun online activities teach complex nutrition concepts in a way that captures students’ attention and makes learning fun, while teachers appreciate their ease of use, the additional support materials and the ability to assess and track students’ learning. A new comprehensive fl agship nutrition education program for teachers and their students is set to launch: Power2BMe! will encourage seventh-grade and eighth-grade students to explore personal food choices through interactive class activities, videos and a personal online profi le. PD
promotion
WATCH
Grandview Concrete Grooving Inc. has 25 years experience, specializing
in concrete diamond pattern cut safety grooving for cow comfort on new and existing concrete floors. Our cut grooves act like tile drains in two directions @ 4” centers.
• Uses diamond wheels to cut grooves - Engineer approved, nohammering, no stone chips or chards, no dust
• Safest, longest lasting most hygenic surface for cows
• grooved floors dry off fastest = thebest floor for healthy hooves
• cows show heat because the superior traction does not inhibit mounting
• the required movements of stepping up, stepping down, walking, turning and mounting are supported
• older high producing cows stay in the herd longer
• safer walking surfaces for people
For information 1.888.447.6684www.cowcomfort.com
GROOVING KEEPS YOURLIVESTOCK...LIVE STOCK
over
• Best permanent traction for cows• Uses diamond wheels to cut grooves - Engineer approved, no hammering, no stone chips or chards, no dust
• Safest, longest-lasting most hygienic surface for cows
• Grooved fl oors dry off fastest = the best fl oor for healthy hooves
• Cows show heat because the superior traction does not inhibit mounting
• The required movements of stepping up, stepping down, walking, turning and mounting are supported
• Older, high-producing cows stay in the herd longer
• Safer walking surfaces for people
Benefi ts of Cut DiamondPattern Floor Grooving are:
1.888.447.6684www.cowcomfort.com
6 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
“Hey, watch out, there’s a rock the size of a loaf of bread about to go through the header!” I yell to my new hubby in the cab of our combine as we harvest in 1981.
“Don’t worry, I saw it, and there will be more,” he confi des to me. As a Red River valley farm girl transported by marriage to the Waskada clay loam of southwestern Manitoba, I have developed the habit of picking stones or rocks on my fi eld walks as I deliver meals, fuel or help out with the harvest. I wasn’t used to picking rocks in my childhood near Dugald, because there weren’t any.
Winter is a great time for rock picking on your farms, but these rocks are not in your fi elds; they are in your heads. Th ey are the priorities, what the late Stephen R. Covey, author of Th e 7 Habits for Highly Eff ective People called the “big rocks.” Th e things you need to put into your jar of life fi rst, in order to get them accomplished. Th en the pebbles, sand and other demands on your time will fi ll up your life’s time container.
If you don’t put the big rocks in fi rst, the daily interruptions, breakdowns and distractions (pebbles and sand) will pull you off the path you thought your farm and family were trekking down. Your time jar
Rock pickingElaine Froese for Progressive Dairyman
will be full, but you won’t be happy, because the big rocks did not get put in (accomplished).
Recently, in a farm family meeting with Mom, Dad, four adult children workers (the successors) and one spouse, we had an “aha” moment. Th e oldest worker and successor had 10 years of working alongside Dad and Mom, and he was very confi dent in what he could accomplish in a day. His three siblings were struggling to catch up to the oldest sibling’s sense of confi dence. One brave soul confronted Dad at the meeting with a plea to not be too eager to let go of leadership and management of the farm too quickly but to have a mentorship and learning plan, so she could capture the skills and capacity to do effi cient work in her roles on the farm.
Each adult worker and successor was asking for better communication and clearer direction of the tasks and skills required for each day. Dad was coached to concentrate on having a mentor/leadership role to train the next generation fully before letting go of his “ultimate decision-maker” role.
How were they going to accomplish this on a practical basis? Block the calendar.
I walked over to the large year
calendar on the farm offi ce wall. It was blank. Th e dates and months were there, of course, but nothing was written on it. Th at is changing for 2014. Each month is going to be blocked with tasks, jobs and priorities, the big rocks that the team needs to address. Th e main manager, Dad, is going to document daily in his fi eld notes on his phone what he is doing and what needs to be prepared. It will become a living document of the jobs, priorities and timelines that need to be honoured for their specialized farm. Th e fi eld notes are accessible on the main offi ce computer for all workers to monitor.
I have seen the same plea from another family where the offi ce manager did not have a clear sense of the patterns of management for the seasons of the year. She just wanted Dad to write down the monthly priorities and goals, so she could get
a sense of what needed to be done and what was a lesser demand on her time.
Michael Pantalon’s book Instant Infl uence has six helpful questions in getting people to understand what is important to accomplish. He uses a range of 1 to 10, with 10 being most important, to help folks get a clear quantitative feedback. For instance, on a scale of 1 to 10, how important is it that we get this job done this week? If the manager says 9, then you know what the big rock is for the week. If he says 2, then other jobs take higher priority. You could also use this ranking system for the agenda items proposed for your operational meetings.
You can also use the ranking on paper. Don McCannell, CAFA member and fi nancial planner from Saskatoon, uses this method with his
Continued on page 8
If you don’t put the big rocks in fi rst, the daily interruptions, breakdowns and distractions (pebbles and sand) will pull
you off the path you thought your farm and family were trekking down. ”
Top of the Line Premium TMR Mixers
Perth County Fabrication & Machining(519) 347-2789
EMC Agri Ltd(519) 345-2727
The best built lowest maintenancemixers in the industry!
• The ideal solution for small, medium and large dairy farms / feedlots
• Low energy consumption• Low life cycle cost• Economical and reliable
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 7
PD CANADA MAIN
Rock picking, cont’d from page 7
offi ce staff . If he marks a paper with a 4, it can go to the bottom of the pile, but if it is marked 10, then the action needs to be take immediately for its completion.
Some women have the tendency to use “rapport” as the way they prefer to communicate, which drives some men crazy according to Deborah Tannen, who wrote You Just Don’t Understand. Men prefer to have a concise “report” – just the facts, please. So there needs to be some compromise in understanding diff erent communication styles as people talk about the priorities of the farm. Figure out if giving the tasks and goals a number will help you decide the size of the rock that needs to be picked.
Another issue in priority-setting is getting a clearer picture of where time is spent. My farm clients, who love their smartphones, are using a
program called ExakTime.com to track the work hours and what duties are being accomplished. Again, this tool helps with reporting the facts, the jobs done and how much time they took. If the work ethic of two siblings is diff erent, the time-tracking program on their phones will account for the actual hours spent working. To be paid, they have to submit the ExakTime records. Th e time sheets for the entire work crew are available on the offi ce computer, and records of the jobs accomplished are shared at the weekly meetings.
Someone once said you can “only change what you can measure.” Farm
confl ict about who is working harder and longer hours is not uncommon. Perhaps it is time to invest in a tool to track what is actually getting done and by whom. You can start to monitor who is a good rock picker and who is fooling around in the sand or throwing pebbles but not making the “main thing the main thing,” to quote Stephen Covey.
When I go for walks along the fi eld roads, I also like to fi nd fl at rocks to make inspiration plaques for young girls I mentor. I can write words to encourage them, and the rocks are a reminder to them that I value their growth as young
women. I won’t fi nd too many of these treasures in winter, so it takes planning to harvest the rocks I need in the right season. Remember, planning ahead is a good thing. Block out the big rock activities on your yearly calendar. Th ink about using colour-coding for each worker. Do whatever works for your style and system, but do it. PD
Elaine Froese is a member of the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors and the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers. Sign up for her free e-newsletter at www.elainefroese.com
Perhaps it is time to invest in a tool to track what is actually getting done and by whom. You can start to monitor who is a good rock
picker and who is fooling around in the sand or throwing pebbles but not making the ‘main thing the main thing’ ... ”
Walker Farms
www.facebook.com/walkerfarms1
Bio: Walker Farms is a commercial dairy
farm, still family run. In 2008 Walker Farms
built a new milking facility with a capacity of
1,000 milk cows. Located 5 minutes east of
Aylmer, Ontario.
Mission: We are aiming to produce large
amounts of top quality milk from functional
commercial cattle. Replacement heifers and
embryos are always available.
Company overview: Walker Farms’ goal is
to breed a well-balanced dairy cow that has
a long productive life. Strong, dairy-framed
cows with quality udders and sound legs.
Herd health and profi tability are important.
Website: www.walkerfarms.ca
Number of fans: 741
Featured photo:
Calves enjoying their disinfected dry stalls. Posted June 2012.
Progressive Dairyman likes...
www.farmersfarmacy.com | 1-866-527-622939 Elgin St. S, Cambridge ON Open Mon-Fri 8 am-5:30 pm
One of the most widely used slurry additives in Europe isnow available in Canada! Add Active NS to slurry tanks, lal gog onons,s, aas s wewellll aas s chchanannneneelslss aaandndd hhhololo diddid ngngngg aaarereeasass wwwitittithihihiin n n ththththhee e babarnrnr tto o hehelplp aachchieve a more hohomogenous produdud ctctctt wwwwhehehehennnn agagggitittitttti attattatatedededeeee . . AAAAAActctctctctctctiviviviviviveee eee NSNSNSNSN iiiiis s ss 10101000%0%0%% nnatataturururu alalala aandndndd iiiss ss prprprprrimimimimimararararriliii yyyyycocococococoompmpmpmpmpmpmpmposososososososo ededededededde oof f f ththththrerereree e eeee tytytttyt pepepppp ss ofof prprp e-e-prprococesessesseseeeeeddd clclayayay mmmmmmmininininininererereere alalalalalalssssss ssthththatatat ccanann hhhhelelelllp p pp bibiib ndnd aaammmmmmmmononnnniaaaiaiaiaaa totott ttthehehe ssslululuuuurrrrrrrrrry,y,y,yy,yy rrrededededucucucininnng g gg thththt eeeamamamamamamamououoouoo ntntntt oooof f f fff amamammammmomomomomomoninininininininia aaaa aa a vavavavavav popopopopop urururuuru ananananaanaa d ddddddd inininininnnincrcrcrcrcrrcrreaeaeaeaeeaeae sisisisis ngngngngnngngg fffferererere titititililililizzzzerererere vvvvalalalalueueueue..
6363636 4747477474721212121221 10100kgkg $179.95
The natural way toincrease the value ofyour fertilizer.
A FARMER IS DRIVEN BY PASSION, QUALITY, AND YEARS OF TRADITION.SSSSUPPRREEMMEE INNTTERNNNATIONAL IS DRIVEENN BYY FFAARMMERRRS.
www.supremeinternational.com
8 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
Pick a sideTom Wall for Progressive Dairyman
I’ve always liked politics – but I’m not so sure anymore. Every time I turn on the U.S. news, it appears that my country’s political diff erences run deeper and deeper every year. I know, times aren’t really all that diff erent from the past. But from where I sit, it seems like our country is divided over almost every issue.
Now I’m not a researcher, so I don’t have any data for why that is. But I’m pretty sure there’s a study that explains why humans feel a need to “choose sides.” Regardless of the reason, we live in a society where people choose sides for everything … health care, marriage, antibiotics, immigration, constitutional rights, taxes, climate change, public-sector unions, and the list goes on.
Whether the argument deals with politics, religion, sports or food production, a lot of people like to take a stand and choose one side over the other. Whatever the topic, most of us tend to be either for it or against it. And as you probably already know, the workplace isn’t any diff erent.
Management versus labour … Sound familiar?
So where do you think this division in the workplace comes from? Ironically, it seems both “sides” like to blame the “other.” A lot of “management people” tend to think “labour” is lazy and trying to avoid doing their work every day. And a lot of “labour people” tend to think “management” is greedy and trying to squeeze more work out of them every day.
So what do you think? When it comes to the business world, do you side with “management” or with “labour”?
I’ll admit it, I lean pretty heavy to the side of management. But over the past 13 years, I’ve been accused of being on both “sides.” Workers have said that I side too much with the owner, and owners have claimed that I side too much with their employees. And you know what? Th at’s exactly where I want to be.
You see, when somebody asks me “Whose side are you on?” – that’s when I know I’m doing my job. My job is to work for the dairy, not one side or the other.
Th e truth is that all of us are working for the benefi t of the dairy. We should all have the dairy’s best interest in mind in both the short term and the long term. Sure, what’s in the best interest of the company in the long term might not be very favourable for “one side” today. But we’re not working toward one-sided, short-sighted solutions. Ultimately, everyone on your team should be working for the long-term well-being of the company. Whether you classify someone as
labour, management, vendor, customer or investor, every one of us depends on your dairy’s success.
Sure, it’s easy to get caught up in defending your position and “picking a side.” But the reality is this: In every relationship, whether at work or at home, there’s really just one thing we have to ask each other, and not just fi guratively but literally.
We literally have to stop talking before the conversation and relationship veer off -course, and ask
Tom WallDairy Coach
Dairy Interactive, [email protected]
The truth is that all of us are working for the benefi t of the dairy. We should all have the dairy’s best interest in mind in both the short term and the long term.
the following question: “Are we on the same side?” If the answer is “yes,” it’s time to fi nd something everyone can agree upon and start working toward your common goals. PD
MORE HEIFERS. MORE OFTEN.
A smart business choice to expand the number of quality heifers within your dairy. GLPI0777HO00577 DE-SU AUTHOR +28920777HO05929 GEN-I-BEQ BRAWLER +27940777HO06053 VALLEYVILLE MUSKETEER +27050777HO06050 BLUENOSE RISINGSTAR +26870777HO03603 GILLETTE STANLEYCUP BYC +2515 GENOMAX™ GPA LPI0777HO06513 LOOKOUT PESCE HUNGER +31950777HO03927 SWISSBEC BREKEM *RDC +31880777HO06517 AMITIES LOVERMAN +31040777HO06484 BERGITTE HATBOX +30750777HO03855 LADYS-MANOR SAVIOR +2679 GLPI & GPA LPI *13DEC
www.semex.comwww.westgen.com www.eastgen.ca
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 9
PD CANADA MAIN
OPTIFEEDING
VOLUNTARY MILKING SYSTEM
HERD HEALTH
FEED RATIOOPTIMIZATION
PROFITABILITY
OPTIMAL MILK EXTRACTION
TIED UPAUTOMATION
BARN ENVIRONMENT CONTROL
PARLOUR SYSTEM
FEEDINGWAGONS
MILKING ROTARY
10 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
Help wanted: Referral systems can be usefulJ.E. Johnson and G.J. Lascano for Progressive Dairyman
When dairy farmers are asked how they recruit new employees, the response is usually the same: “We don’t need to recruit.” Owners report that the current economic situation has meant no shortage of people looking for work. In fact, many owners have a stack of applications, most of which will never receive a call back. Th is is not because there aren’t qualifi ed applicants, and not because the owners don’t care, but simply because there aren’t enough jobs nor time to deal with each. When owners are asked how they fi nd good employees, however, the response is diff erent. Some say they don’t know, and some say current employees usually make suggestions, but most say there is no clear process. Most also recognize that fi nding good employees is going to be a critical factor in whether or not their dairies stay afl oat.
According to much of the research, those owners are right. An organization’s ability to be successful is dependent as much on its personnel as it is on its product or service, and the fi rst step to hiring high-quality employees is knowing how to fi nd them. Methods of recruitment vary considerably and fi nding the best ones for your business situation is crucial. In addition to accepting
applications from walk-ins, some of the most common methods include job postings at the dairy or in the community, networking through religious or club affi liations, fl yers and advertisements in trade magazines or newspapers. Another strategy, as mentioned earlier, is using a referral system.
When we asked dairy owners in a recent survey about how they found their new employees, in addition to asking them what they did, we also asked how eff ective the strategy was. Although all utilized an application of some sort, only about 25 percent considered the practice eff ective. Others suggested that it was less about hiring and more about training, although again only about half found training to be eff ective. On the other hand, owners found the use of referrals eff ective most if not all of the time.
Dairy farms aren’t the only ones fi nding referral systems useful. Large organizations like GE Medical and Mastercard fi nd that incorporating employee referral systems contributes to reduced cost of hiring, less time to fi ll a position, stronger performance, and perhaps most importantly, a lower percentage of new hires that don’t work out. But what makes these programs so successful?
1 Applicants have more realistic expectations about what the job entails.
2 Th ere is no paperwork, and employees are rewarded with small gifts just for making a referral.
3 If a referral is hired, the employee receives an additional bonus.
4 All employees are eligible to make referrals, right from day one.
Although there were concerns that employees would make any referral just for the initial rewards, those fears turned out to be unfounded. Employees, especially new ones, want to be seen as contributors. Particularly in a diffi cult economy, no one wants a bad referral to refl ect poorly on them, and as a result, employees are more likely to help ensure that their referral is successful. Moreover, referred employees typically have more pre-hire knowledge, helping make their transitions smoother. Asking for employee referrals is a great way to encourage input, to Continued on page 12
Figure 1 Selection and training
Use
EffectivenessApplications Referrals Training
80%
100%
60%
40%
20%
demonstrate the organization’s willingness to listen to suggestions and fi nally to instill a sense of accountability in employees.
Creating a referral strategyTh is does not, however, mean
that the answer is simply to rely on word of mouth and gut instincts. Just as production of high-quality milk relies on adherence to strict protocols, providing clear guidelines for how a referral system should work – and more importantly, what a good hire looks like – can mean the diff erence between a referral system that works and one that doesn’t. Consider the following steps for creating an eff ective referral system:
1 Be specifi c – Maybe you already have them, or maybe you don’t.
Regardless, odds are that you’ve at least thought about writing job descriptions before. Th e truth is that without them you’re putting yourself at risk for both legal and fi nancial trouble. Job descriptions, which outline the knowledge, skills, abilities and other qualities needed, are the
“ Maybe you already have them, or maybe you don’t. Regardless, odds are that you’ve at least thought about writing job descriptions before. The truth is that without them you’re putting yourself at risk for both legal and fi nancial trouble. ”
PO Box 568Campbellville, ON
L0P 1B0Phone: 905.873.8700
[email protected] www.genervations.com
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 11
PD CANADA MAIN
Help wanted: Referral systems can be useful, cont’d from page 11
basis for every other personnel management eff ort you make on your dairy. Th ey make it clear to everyone how performance is measured, they help you identify what additional training or development might be needed, and in this case, they ensure that anyone involved in looking for new employees for your dairy knows exactly what you’re looking for. Job descriptions should be listed in the employee handbook, and when a position comes open, the job description should be spelled out. Penn State Extension off ers dairy managers tools for getting started with job descriptions and some examples (www.extension.psu.edu/animals/dairy/hr/tools-for-dairy-employee-supervisors).
2 Be open – Maybe your employees are eager for a
promotion, or maybe they know of a great person to fi ll a spot. Bottom line is: If your employees don’t know what positions are open, or are going to become open, they can’t help you. Find a place to post open or potential job openings and descriptions, and make a point to mention it in team meetings. Remind your herdsman or other managers to get the word out.
3 Be clear – In order for any management system to work,
everyone needs to understand the
process. Employees need to be clear on why you’re using referrals, what you expect of them and how they will be rewarded. A key point is that a reward doesn’t need to be monetary, and it doesn’t need to be big, but it should be consistent with the culture of your dairy. Small tokens of appreciation and public acknowledgment of contributions can often have a considerable impact.
4 Be consistent – If you promise a gift card for a referral, provide
a gift card and do it promptly. If you reward one employee, reward the next as well. You can set a time limit, or give parameters, but be consistent and do what you say you’ll do. Your employees will know you’re sincere, they will trust you, and they will be comfortable off ering you quality suggestions.
So does this mean you should scrap the application process? Or stop advertising open positions? No, probably not. Like any other
method you use to solve a problem, there rarely if ever is only one correct solution. A referral system should be part of a clearly outlined process for bringing new people onto the farm. Anyone you consider seriously for a position, from milker up through herd manager, should go through that process. Applications are an important tool for collecting relevant information about potential employees’ knowledge, skills, abilities, experiences and goals in addition to information about legal eligibility to work for you. Recruitment and initial evaluation of candidates is an important fi rst step in any hiring process.
Bottom line: Incorporating a referral component into your hiring process puts you in a position where you can choose carefully between several qualifi ed referrals rather than leafi ng through a box of stale applications or hiring the next person to walk through your door. Just as importantly, it encourages your employees to help you. PD
J.E. Johnson has a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology from Penn State University and is currently a grant coordinator at Clemson University in South Carolina. G.J. Lascano has a Ph.D. in animal science with specialization in dairy ruminant nutrition from Penn State University and is an assistant professor of ruminant nutrition at Clemson University.
References omitted due to spacebut are available upon request.
J.E. JohnsonGrant CoordinatorClemson University
Maybe your employees are eager for a promotion, or maybe they know of a great person to fi ll a spot. Bottom line is: If your employees don’t know what positions are open, or are going to become open, they can’t help you. ”
NEWPRODUCT
For more information:
Canadian Hay & Silage Ltd.Richard Sietzema: (403) 994-7207
Hans Kruidhof: (780) 206-4666
1st silage and vacuum sheet combination
02 Barrier 2in1
Agri PlusMark van Ittersum: (519) 842-5771
We also carry silage tarps, silage bags, netwrap, inoculants, silage wrap and hay preservative.
• 6 to 10 times greater oxygen barrier (compared with conventional PE fi lms) for improved silage quality• Lower fermentation losses and less mold formation – in short, optimal silage quality• Signifi cant time savings during the covering process• Considerably lightened workload through reduced system weight
Silage fi lm [80 um]
Vacuum fi lm [20 um]rorororororocecceeeeeeeeceeeceeeeceeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
www.canadianhayandsilage.com.www.globalrepair.ca [email protected] 1-866-271-0719, 1-416-686-3690,
Copyright © 2013 Global Repair LTD., All Rights Reserved
�
� � �
Quality Compost in 6-10 Weeks Improves Soil Performance
Protects Well Water Increases Nitrogen Delivery Builds Carbon
Machines sold in 10 Provinces, 26 countries & 35 US states
New Sittler 512 Turner With Flap Guard Safety ProtectionCompost
Gl bal Repair®Gl bal Repair
®
New Sittler Screener Bagger Combo� �
�
Screen Bag & Sell Your Compost Up to 200 Bags Per Hour
1-3 Man Continuous Maximum Flow Through Efficiency
12 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
MINIMIZING HAZARDS: Workers’ safety at the dairyFelix Soriano for Progressive Dairyman
Dairy employees can be exposed to safety and health hazards while working at the dairy. Owners and managers are responsible for providing a safe workplace and proper training to reduce labour injuries at work. It is also critical for owners and managers to ensure that proper protocols are established and followed at all times to promote safety and reduce accidents.
Labour effi ciency is an important parameter when it comes to evaluating a dairy’s profi tability. In fact, most dairy operations that strive to improve profi tability tend to increase cow numbers at the dairy while maintaining the same number of employees, thus diluting some of their fi xed costs and improving net profi ts. Th erefore, it is critical to ensure that a labour safety program is established so workers’ risk of injuries or accidents is not increased.
Lately in my travels, workers’ safety has been a topic of discussion with managers. Th is is why I’m writing this article, where I will share some key guidelines and topics that must be evaluated at the dairy and covered during any safety training program.
1 Farm tractor and skid steer – Farm statistics show that the
main cause of workers’ injuries, fatal and non-fatal, are incidents with tractors and other farm equipment. According to the North Carolina Department of Labor, tractor overturns is the most common cause of deaths. Th is often occurs with tricycle-type tractors, so it may not be as common with more modern and bigger tractors.
Th ings to emphasize during training of inexperienced employees would be understanding the centre of gravity and how it changes, the eff ects of tractor loading, hitching and the positioning of a load in a front-end loader. Being too close to ditches or the sides of a silage bunker when packing must be discussed, and proper manoeuvring skills must be evaluated before an employee can help with this job.
Other risks when operating this
type of equipment are:
• Falls from a moving tractor or skid steer – To prevent this, do not mount or dismount from a moving tractor, do not permit riders, and do not stand or reach to extreme lengths.
• Run-overs – Th is is most commonly due to the failure of the operator to notice the presence of a person behind or to one side of the skid steer or tractor. Understanding poor visibility of skid steers is important as well as determining
proper speed when operating this type of equipment. Th e use of cell phones or headphones while operating skid steers or tractors must be prohibited. Staying alert and focused while operating farm equipment is critical. I’ve seen and heard of accidents occurring when employees are overconfi dent while operating a skid steer or the mixer feed wagon and tractor. It is important to refresh and retrain employees at least once a year, discussing common accidents that happen when employees are
not paying attention. Also, new technologies like backing cameras and/or buzzers installed in mixer wagons or tractors can be important safety features.
• Power take-off hazards – Prevent these accidents by having employees wear comfortable, close-fi tting clothes when working around equipment. Also, use shields with good protection for the PTO drive system and teach people to never step
Continued on page 14
Up to $800 Off Select New Spreaders– For Canadian residents only –
Special Canadian
Make your best deal on a select new Kuhn Knight manure spreader, then cut the price further with a “Spread 'N Save” coupon.
Visit your local dealer for details and to receive your coupon.
Offer ends April 30, 2014 www.KuhnNorthAmerica.com
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 13
PD CANADA MAIN
children, visitors and inexperienced employees. Never have employees mix chemicals unless it’s part of normal protocols, like mixing a footbath. In that case, a standard procedure should be established.
5 Animal handling and behaviour – In my opinion, injuries caused
by animals are the most common problem at dairy operations nowadays. Not many of these cases are reported, and thus statistics may not refl ect this as one of the major hazards. A broken fi nger, arm or elbow caused by a fresh cow or heifer in the parlour can be a costly problem to dairy employers. An employee who’s injured by a cow will spend days off work or will be working with a reduced ability to do an adequate job.
It is critical to have a proper training program for new employees to ensure every employee working with animals understands cow behaviour and learns about proper cow-handling techniques. All employees working with cows should follow these safe practices:
• Know the behavioural and sensory properties of cows and heifers. Th is will ensure the safety and health of the employee and the animal.
• Understand the “blind spot,” “point of balance” and “fl ight zone” of the cow. Knowing how to walk and move cows according to these is a must.
• Hitting or mistreating animals should not be tolerated. Rules should be established about this and consequences clearly communicated to all employees working with animals. A zero tolerance for mistreatment of animals is always my recommendation.
• Sudden moves or noises startle cattle. Talk to the cow and let her know you are going to milk her, for example. Always approach a cow from the sides and not from behind. Avoid standing at her blind spot.
• Make a fresh heifer’s fi rst experience in the parlour a great one. Employees must be patient when herding and milking fresh fi rst-calf heifers. Otherwise, that animal will be diffi cult to milk throughout her entire lactation.
across a rotating power shaft.
2 Other farm equipment – Employees using mowers,
wagons, post-hole diggers, chain saws and other types of equipment must also be properly trained, and protocols for proper use must be established.
3 Silage piles and bunkers– Silage bunkers or piles
can be a hazard not only during packing but also during silage extraction. Silage pile height plays a key factor in this as well as proper silage face management. Here are some recommendations:
• Avoid making silage piles that are so high extraction equipment cannot reach the top.
• If a pile or bunker face looks unstable, stay away. Th e silage may collapse and instantly kill the silage operator.
• Create awareness and training on how to clean the top spoiled material. Employees climbing on top of silage bunks to fork out spoiled material are at great risk of falling if a section of the silage collapses. Preferably, they should use a bucket and tractor to perform this work.
• For more detailed information about silage pile safety, visit Dr. Keith Bolsen’s website (www.lsre.ksu.edu/pr_silage).
4 Chemicals – It is important to have written protocols to ensure
safe handling, use and disposal of chemicals at the dairy. Chemicals used for washing equipment and parlour systems, acids, teat dip solutions and other chemicals used are common hazards for milkers and other employees.
Proper training of safe use, handling, storage and disposing of these products is essential as well as having emergency response protocols if accidents happen. Also, all employees should wear protection gear when handling these products like rubber gloves, goggles, masks and coveralls. Following product use instructions is critical. Special storage rooms and close inventory control of chemicals is a must. Keep these chemicals inaccessible from
Minimizing hazards: Workers’ safety at the dairy,cont’d from page 13
Healthy for animals. Better for people.
BOVIBOOSTER Automatic hoofwash in milking robots
BOVIBOOSTER washes the hooves of the cow with clean water, when the cow is still placed in the milking robot.
• Uses tap water – no infection from cow to cow
• Low water consumption• Low chemical consumption• Low maintenance• Washes after fi nished milking
www.protekta.ca519.528.5888
email: [email protected]
Protekta Inc.
14 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
• Don’t get overconfi dent; take precautions when examining, treating or milking cows. Cows can kick when they are scared or injured, or in pain. Use kicking restraints when necessary.
• Be cautious when handling cows that just freshened or when handling the newborn calf. In the calving pen, some cows can get overly protective of their newborns and become aggressive right after calving. Th e use of halters or headlocks, gates or other restraining tools can be a safe way to handle this kind of animal.
• Cows get nervous and uncomfortable when they are isolated. Cows are very sociable animals and like to be with other cows. When moving animals or herding them, the employee should try to handle them in groups to keep cows calmer.
6 Weather extremes – Both extreme heat and cold weather
conditions can become a serious hazard in certain parts of the country. Educating employees on adequate outfi ts and gear to use while at work and outside of work can reduce weather hazards. Also, education on how to stay hydrated is important. Some things that may be obvious and common sense for the employer may not be for an inexperience employee who comes from a diff erent region or country.
Other common safety hazards can be the presence of respiratory contaminants like sawdust or silage gases; manure storage pits; electrical hazards; and slips, trips and falls. Th ese are all topics employers should include in any safety training program for employees at the dairy.
In summary, it is important for employers to provide a safe workplace for all workers by providing safe
and well-maintained equipment and facilities, providing protective gear when needed, and developing and enforcing safe work practices and protocols. Furthermore, proper training on work safety is important. At the same time, employees must be responsible and follow proper protocols and practices at all times. Rules and consequences for employees not following these safety protocols must be established and put into practice to ensure the safety of all at the workplace. PD
Felix Soriano is owner and consultant with APN Consulting, LLC.
Felix SorianoOwner/Consultant
APN Consulting, [email protected]
We Deliver Results
www.altagenetics.com | 1-800-465-8858
“We are driven by the changes and rewards that we see on our farm on a daily basis. We partner with Alta because they
best information on genomics, what it does for the breed and what it can
program; they can really tailor it to our cows and where we want
to go down the road.”
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 15
PD CANADA MAIN
Three things leaders can do to earnthe benefi t of the doubtContributed by Bill Catlette
When I begin a new executive coaching engagement, my due-diligence process usually involves conducting focused interviews with a representative sample of my client’s peers, direct and indirect reports, other close associates and, of course, their reporting senior. One of the questions I ask is, “Does this person enjoy the benefi t of the doubt with you?” Th e implications associated with the answers to this question are material. If a signifi cant portion of the people within my client’s sphere of infl uence are unable or unwilling to give them credit for trying and adopting new behaviour, our task becomes more diffi cult. Th is same principle applies for each of us as leaders, and on a broader
basis, within our businesses and other organizations as well.
As leaders, our ability to get people to embrace change, overlook our imperfections and errors, endure hardship, accept unpopular decisions and occasionally leap before looking is tied directly to whether or not we’re getting the benefi t of the doubt. And, lest there be any question, getting the benefi t of the doubt is usually contingent upon having earned it.
It wasn’t always this way. Th ere was a time when one’s appointment to a leadership position (at any level) carried with it positive expectations based on the belief that you probably knew what you were doing and could be trusted to have your teammates’
best interests at heart. No more. As described in our book, Rebooting Leadership, many people entering the ranks of management today encounter a stiff headwind in the form of a “respect defi cit” engendered not by their actions but by their job title. Let’s just call it “guilt by paygrade.”
If willing to do the work, we can nearly always gain the benefi t of the doubt by taking the following steps:
1 Opening the kimono – By behaving in a transparent and authentic
manner on an everyday basis, leaders engender the trust that serves us so well when the wheels are coming off . Th is includes sharing (really sharing) both the big picture that describes our
intended path, as well as our priorities. Unfortunately, if we save the information sharing until after the storm hits, our motives will become suspect, as well they should.
2 Passengers or crew – Most of us tend to confer more benefi t of the
doubt when we are personally engaged with someone or with a particular idea. Rather than assuming that people will engage, we need to ask for the order – ask them to get involved, tell them what we need and confi rm that they have really accepted. Th ere is a huge diff erence between being along for the ride (a passenger) and being a fully invested crew member. Th is plays out for us at work every day when we issue plans and directions that we assume will be followed.
3 Own up to problems – People don’t expect their leaders to be
perfect. Th ey know we’re human (OK, most of us are), and that once in awhile we’re going to really step in it, and when we do, the whole world is watching. How we behave in those moments of truth either builds our benefi t of the doubt or depletes it. (Yes, we can actually earn trust and respect when we screw up.) People are watching for three simple things to happen: For us to readily and voluntarily own up to the situation, to apologize meaningfully and to remedy the matter as best we can. Th at’s it. It’s painful, but it beats the alternatives. PD
A pathfi nder in the arena of leadership and employee engagement, Catlette is a seminar leader, keynote speaker and executive coach. He is co-author of the Contented Cows leadership book series and Rebooting Leadership.
—Excerpts from Contented Cow Partners website blog, June 18, 2013
Bill CatletteContented Cow Partners LLC
Creators Syndicate, Inc. leigh@
rubescartoons.com©
Leigh Rubin! w
ww
.rubescartoons.com
F-100 DAIRY FAT™
PowerFat in powder form.Rich in energy. Highly digestible.
Purely vegetable origin.
Quality Fat.
THEY will love the quality.YOU will love the performance.
got fat?ALL PAPP LM FAT?
™
PowerFat in powder form.Rich in energy. Highly digestible.
Purely vegetable origin.
Quality Fat.
THEY will love the quality.YOU will love the performance.
F-100 DAIRY FAT™
Toll Free 1.800.806.2737www.pro-ag.com | [email protected]
PRO-AG PRODUCTS LTD.Winnipeg, Manitoba
Distributed exclusively in Canada by:
16 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
Breed registrations break records againProgressive Dairyman Editor Karen Lee
Canada’s two largest breed organizations have tallied the number of animal registrations received in 2013 – and both are proud to announce it was another record-breaking year.
Holstein Canada announced it had 285,449 registrations completed in 2013. Th is number is up 4,829 registrations, representing a 1.7 percent increase over 2012.
Jersey Canada processed 9,257 registrations. Th is is a 3 percent increase over 2012, when a 45-year record was broken.
“Two record-setting years is especially exciting for us,” says Kathryn Kyle, general manager of Jersey Canada.
Kyle attributes the increase to more and more herds incorporating the Jersey breed to increase the components in their milk and to achieve the ideal solids-not-fat ratio.
Statistics from DHI revealed in 2000, 3.4 percent of herds using milking recording included at least one milking Jersey cow (420 herds). By 2013, 16.3 percent of herds on test included at least one milking Jersey cow (1,511 herds).
“Once they have Jerseys, people are quite impressed with their feed effi ciency,” Kyle says, adding that Jerseys typically are easy to get in calf and experience few diffi cult calvings. All of these traits enhance the breed’s appeal to the farm manager.
A small portion of the growth of registrations comes from the fact that it is easier to register an animal now than in the past.
Animals can be registered through DHI online or with a pen and paper. In 2013, 72 percent of all registrations were fi led through milk recording agencies or using Jersey Canada’s online registry system.
Last year was a strong year for transfers as well, with 2,252 transfers processed. According to Kyle, there is room for growth here. “Once the registration is transferred, the more inclination the new owner has to keep it up,” she says. Kyle reminds Jersey owners to transfer the registration for the animals they sell.
Jersey Canada’s membership numbers remained strong and consistent. It welcomed 78 new prefi xes this past year.
“We’d like to see all of these numbers continue to grow,” Kyle says.
“Personally, I’d like to see us break 10,000 in registrations in the next fi ve years,” she adds.
In addition to the record for registrations, Holstein Canada achieved new records for classifi cations, herd visits and genomic tests.
In 2013, 14,712 genomic tests were processed, up 4,300 from the
10,412 processed in 2012, an increase of 41.3 percent. Compared to the previous year, the total number of animals classifi ed was up 5.4 percent, and herd visits were up 5.2 percent.
Holstein Canada’s press release announcing these fi gures states, “Th ese great results can be attributed to and would not be possible without the fi eld service work being done across Canada along with provincial branch support, willingness of new members as well as existing members, and a new, more functional website that has made online services easier and more effi cient.”
For continued success, both organizations will carry out the initiatives outlined in their respective strategic plans.
“Th e Holstein Canada team is determined to stay focused on the strategic plan put forward by our board to be the best we can be for our members in this changing and dynamic industry,” says CEO Ann Louise Carson in a press release.
Jersey Canada will unveil a new strategic plan at its annual general meeting, March 20-22, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Th e plan encourages the board of directors and fi eld representatives to promote the effi ciency and profi tability of the breed.
“We want to appeal to the pencil-sharp dairies to start with Jerseys or have them as a portion of their herd,” Kyle says.
Th e record-setting growth for both organizations demonstrates an
understanding of the value animal registration brings to a dairy farm.
Th e biggest advantage of registering an animal is the record-keeping that comes with it, Kyle says. Each registered animal has a defi nite genealogy in its recorded pedigree. Th is can aid in breeding decisions and reduce inbreeding.
Th e identifi cation that coincides with a registered animal also helps with classifi cation and milk records.
Plus, there is typically a better retail value tied to a registered animal when it comes to reselling the animal or the sale of their progeny.
“Especially if you’re looking to export animals,” Kyle says. “Th ere is a huge respect worldwide for Canadian cattle and registered animals.” PD
TRIOMASTER S ”BIG BITE”
www.trioliet.us Trioliet. Invents for you.
Silo facing and loading in one
High loading capacity from
70 to 140 cu.ft. with a single bite
Cutting height up to 12’
Tight clean silo face
Minimum spillage
British ColumbiaMeinen BrothersAgri ServicesBen MeinenAgassiz 604-819-5557www.meinenbrothers.com
VD Machinery LTDMark van DeursenArmstrong [email protected]
AlbertaPentagon Farm CentreLacombe 866-782-6873Red Deer 866-346-1815Millet 866-387-4747Westlock 866-349-3113www.pentagonfarm.com
OntarioStratford Farm Equipment LTDStratford 519-393-6162New Hamburg 519-662-1780London 519-659-0429Woodstock 519-423-6264www.sfe-sales.com
Weagant Farm SupplyLimitedBrockville 800-260-2031Winchester 877-302-6276www.weagantfarm.com
Regional Sales ManagerEastEd [email protected]
Regional Sales ManagerWestAlan [email protected]
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 17
PD CANADA MAIN
In-vitro fertilization: A new tool for the commercial dairymanMelissa Haag and Nate Dorshorst for Progressive Dairyman
Technological advancements are credited with helping the dairy industry propel itself into a modern era of effi cient production, striving to attain the ability to provide food for an ever-growing world population. From on-board tractor GPS navigation units being utilized for planting crops to robots that are now feeding calves and milking cows, evidence of modern technologies are visible in many aspects of commercial dairies. Incorporating advanced reproductive
technology programs into the herd health management on dairies can greatly enhance the genetic basis of the herd, which ultimately leads to an increase in profi tability.
Cattle genetics are no longer just a focus for the registered breeder
Registered cattle breeders are known for their deep devotion to dairy cattle genetics and passion for analyzing pedigrees. Th eir goals are to constantly enhance each generation
while striving to make increasingly better cows that will produce more milk, hold their type and live longer. Should the goals of the commercial dairy producer be any diff erent? Not really. A cow that makes more milk, breeds back sooner and holds her dairy type is a profi table cow on any dairy. Her genetics should be propagated to make more daughters similar to her – and the fastest way to achieve this is through advanced reproductive programs involving embryo transfer
and in-vitro fertilization (IVF).Th e average cow will only produce
a few, if any, female off spring in her natural lifetime. Embryo transfer and IVF programs can potentially allow for one genetically superior cow to produce 10 to 25 (and sometimes even more) female calves within one year. An objective currently utilized by some commercial dairies is to fl ush and IVF the top 10 percent of their cows. Embryos from these cows are then placed into the dairy’s heifers. Due to the fact that heifers have not yet proven themselves for their dairy potential, it can be advantageous for them to carry calves from proven valuable milking cows. Ultimately, genetic gain in the herd should intensify at a faster rate because an increasing proportion of calves would be coming from the farm’s best cows.
What is IVF?IVF is an advanced reproductive
technology that is slightly more complex than the traditional embryo transfer fl ushing program. During IVF, a veterinarian will use an ultrasound-guided needle to aspirate follicles off of a cow’s ovary through the vaginal wall. A vacuum system is used to recover the contents of each follicle, including the important oocyte. Once all the follicles are aspirated from the cow’s ovaries, the fl uid is taken to a lab and a microscope is used to identify the oocytes. Th e recovered oocytes are washed and placed into a special media that will allow them to mature for 24 hours. Once they have matured, the oocytes will be fertilized with semen and the resulting embryos placed in an incubator for an additional seven days. Following this time, the embryos can be transferred into recipient animals that are approximately seven days post-heat, similar to traditional embryo transfer programs.
IVF was once thought of as a salvage procedure, performed as a fi nal eff ort to create calves from an infertile donor. Th is is no longer the case. Many producers have realized the benefi ts of IVF programs and choose to primarily enroll reproductively healthy cows and heifers in their advanced reproductive rosters.
What are the advantages of IVF?IVF off ers many advantages to
dairy producers over conventional embryo transfer programs. A large variety of calves can be attained in a very short time frame. Oocyte aspirations can occur on a donor cow every two weeks, and a diff erent bull can be used to fertilize her oocytes for each collection. Th ese types of aggressive IVF programs can result in 50 or more calves produced from one cow within a year. Th is is double the calf production achieved in conventional fl ush programs.
Producers are able to start their
THE POWER OF RESEARCH WITHIN YOUR REACH
1 800 265 8507 www.shurgain.com
Provides consistent growth and fibre intakeduring the critical 2-4 months
Transition Calf Ration22% RumimaxTM
Mineral inside
18 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
donors on IVF programs as early as prepubescent heifers around 7 months old. Additionally, since IVF does not involve the uterus, pregnant donors can still be collected throughout the fi rst trimester of pregnancy. Th is allows producers to breed genetically valuable donors on time while still capitalizing on creating additional off spring.
Conventional fl ushing often requires the use of two to three units of semen for each fl ush session. Since oocytes in an IVF session are fertilized in a microscopically controlled environment, signifi cantly less semen is needed. In fact, one unit of semen can be used on the recovered oocytes from up to 12 or more donors. Additionally, if a donor cow produces a large number of oocytes during a collection, they can be split into diff erent groups and fertilized by diff erent bulls. Th is allows for the opportunity for greater genetic diversity resulting from one cow.
Th e average consumer is growing increasingly aware of shots and hormones administered to dairy cattle. It may be likely that hormone administration will become more heavily scrutinized and regulated in the future. IVF has an advantage in that it can be done with fewer amounts of hormone shots and can even be performed unstimulated.
The era of genomics and how IVF can be used on a commercial dairy
Th e word “genomics” has become a hot buzzword within the industry. It is a genetic tool gaining favour with many, while causing much skepticism and doubts in others. For those who are fi rmly on board with genomics, the potential for even quicker genetic advancement on the dairy is thought to be possible.
Th e concept of genomics allows for genetically superior animals to be identifi ed as young calves through DNA testing. Once these animals reach puberty, they can be started on an intensive IVF program. Th e resulting embryos from these genetically superior heifers can be implanted into the genetically inferior heifers, resulting in a majority of the calves in the subsequent generation having a greater genetic value.
For those who still believe in making a cow prove herself, regardless of what the DNA test says, IVF can be utilized in other manners. Producers can analyze their current milking cows for what traits are important to them. Th ey can pick the cows that they feel are genetically valuable and choose to enroll those cows in an IVF program. Th e resulting embryos can be placed into other cows and heifers. Additionally, it has been shown that conception rates for embryos in cows during times of heat stress are better
than traditional breeding. Transferring frozen embryos from conventional fl ushing during times of heat stress may help improve conception rates during the times that it is hardest to get cows to settle.
Is IVF economical, and does it pay?
It’s no secret that IVF technology can get expensive, especially with costs that typically double that of traditional embryo transfer fl ushing. However, the costs of IVF programs need to be analyzed on a long-term basis. Similar to building a new freestall shed or updating a parlour, these projects are typically not paid for instantaneously – rather they are off set by the overall long-term improvement of the cows on the dairy.
IVF programs allow for the greatest genetic progress in the shortest amount of time. Decreasing generation intervals serve to improve the genetic base of the herd, which will result in
more milk with greater components and a cow that ultimately lasts longer in the herd. No matter what your formula is for defi ning a “genetically valuable cow,” the genetic basis of your herd improves with your selection intensity, defi ning what is important on your dairy. PD
Haag is a veterinarian at Lodi Veterinary Care. Email [email protected] to contact her. Dorshorst is also a veterinarian at the same establishment. Email [email protected] to contact him.
Melissa HaagVeterinarian
Lodi Veterinary [email protected]
PALMERM A N U F A C T U R I N G
Thank-You, Dairymen in CANADA, TN, TX, WI, MN, IA, OH, UT, ID and even Brazil for your recent orders! Portable & Stationary
Trimming ChutesStandard, Economy & Galvanized
[email protected] • www.palmermfginc.comThe sweetness of low price never equals the bitterness of low quality
y & Galvanizedy & Galvanizedyymyyy ddaaaa&& GalvanizeGG dzediinnnnavallamy & GaGalvanizedy alvanized& Gmy & Galvaniy & Galv
208.244.1832 or 208.308.3119855.511.3774 fax
Got Galvanized? Hot-Dipped Galvanizing Process WILL NOT Rust!!
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 19
PD CANADA MAIN
The truth about productive lifeNate Zwald and Chrissy Meyer for Progressive Dairyman
In every dairy producer’s ideal world, the norm would be a whole herd of cows that effi ciently produces high volumes of milk during several lactations with no transition problems, metabolic diseases, udder health issues or conformation faults leading to an early cull from the herd.
In other words, the ideal is a whole herd of “four-event” cows, whose only recorded events throughout a lactation are freshening, a single breeding, pregnancy diagnosis and dry-off .
Management practices and environmental eff ects certainly have a large impact on the length of time a cow is productive. Cows leave the herd for a number of reasons including reproductive issues, low production, mastitis and lameness, among others. Regardless of the reason, some cows stay and some cows leave. So we need to ask whether we can use genetics not only to predict which cows will leave the herd and when, but which cows will be the healthiest and most effi cient while in production.
What is productive life?Predicted transmitting
abilities for productive life have
been published for all breeds since 1994. Research, refi nement and adjustments since then have improved the trait’s accuracy.
Th e actual measure of productive life is how many months longer a cow is predicted to be productive than her herdmates. Because we don’t have an exact value for a cow’s longevity until she dies, other correlated traits such as daughter pregnancy rate, calving ability, somatic cell score, production traits and udder composite are all used to make early predictions for productive life as reliable as possible before a bull’s daughters have all been culled.
In today’s economy, productive life is often associated with old cows. Many farmers recognize that old cows aren’t always the most profi table to keep in a herd, especially when the market dictates that well-conditioned cull cows are worth nearly the same as a replacement heifer. In fact, culling old cows can provide a big opportunity to improve the herd, since the above-average cows are rarely the ones culled. However, selection for productive life doesn’t just mean more old cows; it also predicts which cows are toughest
and easiest to manage: the four-event cows.
The real numbersLooking at real data, it becomes
clear that productive life is a true measure of a cow’s ability to remain productive. An analysis looking at a cross-section of U.S. herds helped determine whether genetic predictions for productive life were matching up with actual phenotypic longevity in a herd.
First, all daughters of the top
10 industry sires for productive life, which average 6.2 productive life units, were separated into one group, and all daughters from the bottom 10 industry sires, averaging -4.3 productive life units, were separated into a diff erent group. A comparison showing the percentage of daughters remaining in the herd from each group at the middle and end of their fi rst four lactations is shown in Figure 1. It’s clear to see in the fi gure that, by the end of two lactations, those who utilized high productive
Figure 1 What does high and low PL mean?
100%
Number of lactations
Perc
ent o
f ani
mal
s re
mai
ning
in h
erd
100% 100%
83%78%
74%
64%
54%
39%
46%
28% 28%
12%
23%
9% 9%12%
3% 2%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5
High PL
Low PL
2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
De Dell Seeds
P: (519) 473-6175 F: (519) 473-2970 www.dedellseeds.com
De Dell Seed!FEED choose...
For &Forhealthy nutritious
For your beef, dairy, poultry or swine
operations, the best choice is De Dell Seed.
http://www.blslagoontreatment.com
STAR-GRO-PRODUCTS Inc.Chilliwack, BC • 1-800-798-9204
www.star-gro-products.ca
COMMITTED AG ~ Michael SchootenLethbridge, AB403-382-4816
SSSTSTAR-GRO-PRODUCTS Inc
CROP BENEFITS• When ood
irrigating, solids spread out evenly across the eld.You will have signi cantly less odor.
• Stabilized nutrients for increased uptake and production
• Neutralized soil acidity for corrected pH (increase earth worm activity)
• Minimizes crop ‘burning’• Less chemical fertilizer needed =
LOWER COSTS
IMPROVES APPLICATION• Easier to place product where needed,
especially in large lagoons• Wind will not be a problem when
throwing in lagoon• Will break through a soft crust
(water-soluble packets don’t)
BETTER DIGESTION• 20% more bacteria to speed up
digestion• Select strains of bacteria to make
digestion more effective• Signi cant reduction of odors (less ies
in alleyways and around lagoons)
SLOW RELEASE• Less loss of bacteria when pumping• Better digestion of solids in lagoon
where placed before owing in to next lagoon
SIGNIFICANTLY ASSISTS IN MEETING REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
with Billions of Bene cial Bacteriawith Billions of Bene cial Bacteria
SuperCHARGE Your Lagoon
BACTZYMEPremium Blocks
20 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
life number sires needed 18 percent fewer replacements to maintain herd size than those who included low productive life number sires into their breeding program.
Will I notice a differencein productive life in my herd?
Many factors on an individual herd level indicate how long a cow will last and how healthy she is while she’s there. Fresh cow problems like displaced abomasums, ketosis and retained placentas, as well as lameness or mastitis, are all shown to be correlated with productive life. Th ese events not only have an impact on overall longevity but also have a direct cost associated with treatment and lost milk. Th e real question isn’t necessarily whether productive life always makes cows last longer, but if it makes them healthier and more productive while in the herd.
In an analysis of a 2,000-cow dairy over a one-year time span, all cows in production were sorted into quartiles based on their parent average for productive life. Th e high productive life number group averaged 2.2 productive life units and the low group averaged -0.7 productive life units. As Table 1shows, fewer animals in the high productive life number group had fresh cow problems, abortions and cases of lameness and mastitis, even though there were more freshenings within the high productive life number group.
Th e correlation between productive life and herd health is evident. While these health events do not each have a direct impact on a sire’s actual productive life numbers, it’s clear to see that higher
Nate ZwaldU.S. Sales Manager
Alta [email protected]
productive life leads to more of the healthy, four-event cows with increased effi ciencies and a lower vet bill.
Even though productive life is certainly not the only trait to consider when determining a breeding program and deciding on which traits to focus, there are a few things to remember:
1 Higher productive life numbers clearly lead to cows producing
longer within the herd, meaning fewer replacements are required to maintain herd size.
2 Increased productive life has a direct correlation with a lower
incidence of fresh cow problems, lameness and mastitis, all issues that aff ect a dairy’s bottom line.
3 Today’s dairy economy does not favour high weights on
productive life. However, it is highly unlikely that the economic conditions will remain the same for the next four to fi ve years, which is when females resulting from today’s breeding decisions will complete their fi rst lactation. Th e real benefi ts of using high productive life number sires now will be reaped at that point.
4 Considering productive life within a balanced genetic plan
will aid in productive longevity and
Fresh Abort DNB DA RP Ketosis Lame Mastitis
High PL 452 27 27 5 12 34 63 62
Low PL 355 40 65 21 26 45 113 144
Table 1
increased economic effi ciencies within a herd. PD
Chrissy Meyer is also with Alta Genetics.
Many farmers recognize that old cows aren’t always the most profi table to keep in a herd, especially when the market dictates that well-conditioned cull cows are worth nearly the same as a replacement heifer. ”
Jim and Nancy Wert of Stanlee Farms in Avonmore, ON, milk approximately 110 head of purebred Holsteins with their three boys Nicholas, Ryan and Chris (pictured left to right). Close to a year ago, Jim heard about EastGen’s Dr. Register and talked to his EastGen Representative Marty Hlusko about using the product. “Like everyone, we have had issues with older cows or some specific cows that were more prone to show signs of milk fever. We were looking for a non-invasive, economical and effective solution and gave Dr. Register a try. Since then, we’ve dramatically reduced the incidence of clinical milk fever by 80%. Within our operation this product has exceeded our expectations.”
The #1 Name in Hoof Trimming EquipmentNever before has there been a dairy hoof trimming system like ours. And for your convenience, we off er three Hoof Trimming Models to chose from. The versatility of our reclining hydraulic bed is designed to off er the utmost in simplicity, speed and security.
Patent # 5,669,332
Visit us atwww.RileyBuilt.com
for Video Demonstrations
Financing Available!
Call us at (806) 798-9684Stationary “Static” Model
Trailer Model
Truck Mounted Model
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 21
PD CANADA MAIN
In true Snoopy cartoon fashion, the story begins, “It was a dark and stormy night.” It was dark; the hydro went out the evening of Dec. 13, 2010, while dairyman Robert Noble was engaged in inseminating a cow. It was stormy; hurricane winds pummeled the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia that night, resulting in part of the barn roof parting company with the rest of the structure and allowing the rain free access to its inhabitants.
Robert farms near the village of Wilmot in Nova Scotia. His grandfather was a cattle dealer. His dad produced cream in the ’70s, transitioning to dairy later. Robert took over in 1990, farming about 300 acres, growing his own forage and pasturing his herd in the summer using a fi eld rotation system. He milks a tiestall barn.
Th e herd, all registered Holsteins, numbers about 45 milking cows, with 35 or so youngstock. Robert and his wife, Cindy, run the place themselves with occasional help from his brother. His father still pitches in as needed.
Th e heifer calf conceived that dark and stormy night was mostly black, very fi tting with the conditions attending her conception. Upon her birth, Robert named her Valley Black Stormy Nite. Stormy, as she is known
Rare breeding produces a ‘Stormy Nite’Alice Guthrie for Progressive Dairyman
in the herd, looks just a bit diff erent than the other cows. She is shorter and more compact than most modern Holsteins, more like the Friesian type seen in earlier years. Th is is not really a surprise – this heifer, now in her fi rst lactation, is a daughter of a bull calved in December 1969. Th e breed was still called Holstein-Friesian at the time, and the cows of that day were shorter and sturdier than today’s Holsteins. Robert describes her as a “pretty decent heifer.”
Stormy produced her fi rst calf, a heifer sired by Lincoln-Hill Shot Laser, in October 2013, at 25 months old. Her production so far is average within her herd, but at the time of writing, she has not reached peak production. Robert indicates that her level of production would have been considered exceptional 30 years ago.
Stormy’s sire is Ronbeth Lucky Seven, owned by the Nova Scotia Animal Breeders Co-op Ltd. He was known in Nova Scotia as an “improver” bull. Robert remembers daughters from this bull were quite popular in the ’70s, with 2,160 daughters registered, according to Holstein Canada’s database. Th e semen used to produce Stormy was drawn in 1977. Robert obtained it from a friend who no longer needed it, and he decided to give it
a try. Th e cow conceived on the fi rst service.
John Best, a friend of Noble’s and a sales representative for Genex Co-operative and Select Sires Canada, has watched this story play out with interest. He also remembers Ronbeth Lucky Seven as a prominent bull,
noted for improving both type and production. John fi gures that Robert has “the only (living) Lucky Seven (daughter) in the world.”
Ron Warner of Hastings, Ontario, bred Lucky Seven. Ron’s son Dean, who now runs the Ronbeth herd with his brother Wayne, remembers the
The 2-year-old Valley Black Stormy Nite pictured with her fi rst calf.Photo courtesy of Robert and Cindy Noble.
Ontario • 613.525.3162Nobleford, AB • 403.824.3020Abbotsford, BC •
Kelowna, BC •Vernon, BC •
604.864.2665250.769.8700250.545.3355
www.krone-na.com Steinbach, MB • 204.326.6417
Exclusively
Built to Last- Heavy Duty, Box Section Frame Non-Structural Gearboxes Rotor Reinforcing Ring for Support Durable Running Gear- Heavy Duty Tires and Axles
Multiple Angle Settings on Wheels Boundary Spreading Adjustment Rugged Arms and Teeth- Tubular Tine Arms For Strength Offset Tine Teeth Multiple Tine Position Adjustments
22 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
bull well. His dam, Ronbeth Telstar Bertha EX, was Dean’s 4-H calf and the fi rst cow that classifi ed EX for their herd. Her sire was Roybrook Telstar, a bull who was available in Ontario for a short time prior to being exported to Japan. Th is cow, bred to Glenholm Alert Dean Pabst, a bull known for siring good udders on moderate-sized cows, produced Lucky Seven, the fi rst bull from the Ronbeth herd to go to a breeder unit.
Dean thinks it will be interesting to see how this young cow develops. “Management has changed so much in 30 years,” he comments, adding that it would be interesting to see the genetic infl uence compared with the diff erence in management and feed.
His father, Ron, now 87, was “kind of surprised to hear” about Lucky Seven’s latest off spring. He explains Ronbeth Holsteins was established in 1939 and named for Ron and his sister Elizabeth. Ron took over from his dad in 1954 and has seen a lot of changes
in the dairy industry in his time. He comments that the type of animal was growing larger in size and, depending on which bulls were used, you would get more milk, but the udders might not last. “Th ey’ve got to be put on very well to withstand production nowadays,” he states. Ron says he doesn’t feel that the bigger animals are necessarily better. “A good sound animal … maybe not as big ... she’s probably going to do a better job.”
Lucky Seven’s dam was the only Telstar daughter they had. In addition to Lucky Seven, she produced a daughter, Ronbeth Yuletide Bertha, who rated very high in fat production and lived to be 19 years old. At that time, a number of cows from their herd lived to advanced ages.
Will Stormy live up to the longevity of her ancestors or will she struggle to compete against her modern herdmates? Only time will tell. PD
Alice Guthrie is a freelance writer from Hagersville, Ontario.“ The heifer
calf conceived that dark and stormy night was mostly black, very fi tting with the conditions attending her conception. Upon her birth, Robert named her Valley Black Stormy
Nite. ”
The only living direct descendent of Ronbeth Lucky Seven – an improver bull from the 1970s, Valley Black Stormy Nite (in front) stands just a bit shorter than her herdmate, which was bred to a modern-day bull.
Creators Syndicate, Inc. [email protected]© Leigh Rubin! www.rubescartoons.com
IDENTIFYING OPEN COWS WITH 99% CONFIDENCE CAN INCREASE YOUR PROFIT.When you are confident
they are open, you can
more quickly get them
re-bred. BioPRYN’s
extensive research, proven
results and local expertise
is a good fortune that can
be put to work for you.
BioPRYN is conveniently
available through local,
well-trained affiliate
laboratories.
208.882.9736www.biotracking.com
ANCIENTWISDOM STATES
KEEP YOUR MIND
OPENBUT NOT YOUR
COWSLEGEND GROOVED ROLL
1-866-223-2256 [email protected]
increased lying times with low SCCreduced lameness, increased tractionLEGEND SUPER BED
extreme durability for high- traffic applications
Sure glad we made the switch!
Quality Dairy Products - for health & performance, water, manure management, crops and more
Ontario Farmers Contact:
Tom Diemand For Penergetic Distributors elsewhere in Canada: 1-888-737-0907 or [email protected]
cell: 519-577-0187 toll-free: 855-595-4117 [email protected]
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 23
PD CANADA MAIN
DDCCRC DDCRC DCRC DDCRC DCRCC DCRCC DCRRC DCCRC DCRC DCRC DCRC
DDCCRC DDCRC DDCRC DDCRC DCRC DCRC DCRCC DCRRC DCRC
DDCCRC DDCRC DCRC DDCRC DCRCC DCRCC DCRCC DCRRC DCRC DCRC DCRCD
DDCCRC DDCRC DDCRC DDCRC DCRC DCRC DCRCC DCRC DCRC
DDCCRC DDCRC DCRC DDCRCDDCRC DDCRC DDCRCC DCRCC DCRC DCRC
RC
C
DDCR
CC
C DDC
C
CRC DCRRC C
C
DCRCRC
C
RC DD DDC
C
DCR
CRC C
C DDC
DCRCRC
CC D DC
CC
DCRCRCCC
RC DRC D
C
DDCCC
DDCCCRCRCCRC3openminutes
with Dr. Neil Michael President, Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council
Dr. Neil Michael has built his career on improving dairy cow reproduction and nutrition, and in his new role as president of the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council, he looks forward to continuing the organization’s eff orts to translate scientifi c research into applied solutions at the farm level. Michael discussed his observations and industry experience with dairy cattle reproduction, as well as the purpose and initiatives of his organization, with Progressive Dairyman Editor Peggy Coff een.
Q What is your backgroundand experience related to dairy cattle reproduction?
A MICHAEL: I spent 13 years as a practicing dairy veterinarian,
focused on herd health and reproductive management. From there, I worked for ABS Global for 11 years as director of the Global TS Group, where our focus was on helping customers implement eff ective reproductive
programs on their operations. I then spent three years with a nutrition company, providing diets and technical support for dairy operations before joining Arm and Hammer Animal Nutrition as a senior business manager. Our group’s eff orts focus on optimizing herd productivity, including reproductive outcomes on commercial dairies.
Q Describe your involvementwith DCRC.
MICHAEL: I have been a member of DCRC for six years. On the committee level, I have been involved with the program committee for three years and the fi nance committee for two years. Most recently, I served as DCRC’s vice president before assuming the role of president as of November 2013.
Q How is DCRC structured?
A MICHAEL: DCRC’S membership consists of dairy producers,
industry, academia, private consultants,
vets and nutritionists from around the world with a mission of providing the most current knowledge to improve reproductive outcomes and effi ciency on dairies. An eight-person board of directors representing those interests determines the directives of the organization.
Q What events and programs does DCRC offer to dairy producers and industry
professionals?
A MICHAEL: We host an annual meeting that brings together
dairy producers, industry and academia. Th e agenda for this meeting is a good representation of what we feel are the opportunities in dairy cattle reproduction. We have talks on cow behaviour, cow management, design, nutrition and emerging technologies. Th ese are the core subjects of our programs.
We also recognize dairy herds for their outstanding reproductive programs through the DCRC
Reproduction Awards.Further, the DCRC website (www.
dcrc.org) provides online resources including recommended reproduction protocols along with proceedings and poster presentations from previous DCRC annual meetings. DCRC also off ers a webinar series on important reproductive topics throughout the year.
Q What do you think a dairy producer can gain from these events, programs and resources?
A MICHAEL: Th e format for DCRC is to not only provide
information but also to help people implement it into a successful on-farm program. Our resources have practical applications on the farm level. Th ey provide talking points to involve the veterinarian, nutritionist and other members of the dairy operation’s team to consider new methods and tools for improving reproductive performance based on research.
WATCH OUT!Lame cows are taking your
hard-earned dollars.Are your current hoof treatment methods not
working or below expectations?
www.allabouthooves.com1-800-617-8908
For practical solutions
“We use both the liquid and the gel. I like that
the gel is easy to apply and it has great adhesion to the hoof. Since we
started using the liquid, the severity of the strawberry has greatly been reduced.
The spray is very easy to apply, and is easy to see days later.”
- Todd Schnarr, Ontario
We offer a 100% Money-Back
Guarantee*. If you are not completely
satisfi ed, contact us for a full refund.
*Conditions apply. Contact for details.
We can show youhow we have
stopped lameness from stealing
thousands of dollars from dairies just
like yours.
Contact us for more information!www.romboutsag.com
519-425-0206 • RR #1 Salford, ON
24 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
Q In its eight-year history,how has DCRC’s work
infl uenced how we manage reproduction on dairies?
A MICHAEL: DCRC’s founding objective to improve
reproductive effi ciency on dairies can be seen through the herds that win the annual reproduction awards. One of the big things DCRC did initially that helped with that was to introduce synchronization protocols, followed by the standardization of those protocols. We have also made huge progress in managing the transition period. By getting cows off to a healthy start, everything else falls in place 60 to 90 days later. Th e way we manage and feed cows through transition sets us up for better reproductive outcomes.
Q Through your professional experience working with
reproduction programs, what trends have you observed?
A MICHAEL: Early on, we tried to fi x broken reproduction
programs with synchronization programs. Some responded well, but others did not, in part because their transition programs were not optimal.
Q How will pressure from an animal welfare perspective
infl uence reproduction practices on dairies in the future?
A MICHAEL: With each step we take to improve reproductive
effi ciency and heat-detection systems, we become more and more consumer friendly. As we improve the environment for the cow and our ability to manage animals, it becomes easier for animals to exhibit heats and become pregnant, thus creating a system that is better for herdsmen, the cow and the consumer.
Q What opportunities lie ahead in the fi eld of dairy cattle reproduction?
A MICHAEL: Overall, we are continuing to incorporate
knowledge in many areas, including cow environments, behaviour, nutrition and emerging technology, into a balanced program that optimizes reproductive performance.
Managing the transition period is even more important as we look toward the next level of opportunities. If we can get that right, we have a good opportunity to reduce variation on those cows and keep them performing at a high level.
Technology also presents huge opportunities going forward. With tools like early pregnancy diagnosis, activity monitoring and rumination detection, we are better able to tighten those windows to fi nd open cows and improve the chances of getting them pregnant. PD
We’ve moved!The new location for the Progressive Dairyman Canada website is
Have feedback about the site?
Email [email protected]
We’d love to hear what you think.
We’ve also refreshed the look of the site.
Please visit and check it out!
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 25
PD CANADA MAIN
Reproductive performance challenge: B vitamins to the rescue Hélène Leclerc for Progressive Dairyman
Although milk production has almost doubled during the last 50 years, conception rate did not improve and stayed low. Average conception rate is at 39 percent with pregnancy rate being as low as 15 percent. Reproduction problems represent 18 percent of the culling rate and are stated to be the main reasons for involuntary culling in dairy herds.
Th is has a high economical impact for the dairy producer since
this will represent less revenue on milk and calves and increased expenses on A.I., veterinary costs and replacement heifers. Pregnancy rate is the best indication of herd reproductive performance and is calculated as the number of cows confi rmed pregnant divided by the number of cows eligible for breeding. Increasing the pregnancy rate by one percentage unit will represent a savings of almost $17 per cow when pregnancy rate is low. For
a 100-cow herd, an improvement of pregnancy rate from 13 to 17 percent will increase the revenue by approximately $6,800 per year.
Management factors like cow comfort, heat detection, etc., are involved in reproductive performance and many articles have been written on these subjects. I will focus on some other important issues. First, let’s look at energy balance. Energy balance is negative when the energy intake from the diet is not suffi cient to supply the
needs of the cow for milk production.Th e lack of energy is supplied by
the mobilisation of fat and muscle tissues so the dairy cow loses body condition score and become in negative energy balance. Th is process is common during the early lactation period; however, when it becomes excessive, it creates health and reproduction problems. In general, each 0.5 units (scale of fi ve) loss of body condition score will show a decrease of 10 percent of conception rate. Th is is mostly due to hormonal changes that will delay ovulation and reduce the percentage of cows getting pregnant early. Only 45 percent of cows are pregnant at 150 days in milk (DIM) when their fi rst ovulation is later than 50 DIM, compared to 75 percent when they ovulate earlier.
Dairy cows in negative energy balance will also have higher blood levels of non-esterifi ed fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxy butyrate (BHB). Th ose metabolites will negatively impact the immune system of the cow by reducing the concentration of the immune cells and their function. A reduced immune function during the transition period will increase the risk of reproductive diseases like retained placenta, metritis and endometritis.
Any means to avoid the drop of dry matter intake during the transition period, especially before calving, and to improve the energetic effi ciency of the cow will alleviate negative energy balance. Th e nutrient composition of the ration is one of them, including the supplementation of protected B vitamins. Some B vitamins play specifi c roles in the energy metabolism of the cow, are involved in the immune function and the follicular development – this will improve reproductive performance. Since they are rapidly degraded in the rumen, B vitamins need to be protected when supplemented in the diet.
Dairy cows fed a protected blend of B vitamins (folic acid, ribofl avin and choline) during the transition period showed better health and reproductive performance than non-supplemented cows. Blood BHB levels were lower, which is an indicator of an improved energy balance; mastitis and metritis incidence rate was reduced and more cows were pregnant early.
A recent commercial trial on a large dairy farm in California confi rmed the reproduction benefi t of feeding the same protected blend of B vitamins during the transition period. When compared to the same period of the previous year, more cows were pregnant earlier and services per conception were reduced in the protected B vitamins supplemented group. Moreover, the culling rate was reduced by 33 percent, and this results into a signifi cant economic impact for
+2982G L P I
© 2 0 1 4 A B S G l o b a l ( C a n a d a ) , I n c . • w w w. a b s g l o b a l . c o m / c a
E n g l i s h 1 - 8 8 8 - 7 8 5 - 7 8 8 3 • F r a n ç a i s 1 - 8 8 8 - 9 2 2 - 3 2 3 1
PROFITABILITY
dtr: Sabiniere Gillespy Lousinecan VG-86Ferme Sabiniere 1999 Inc, Saint-Sabine, PQ, Canada (photo: Beth Herges)
• #3 GLPI bull in Canada
• Sires animals that have the will to milk, with great udders and feet & legs
• Low SCS at +2.62 and +109 herd life
GILLESPY29HO14062 De-Su
BOLTON x SHOTTLE x BW Marshall x Patron
CDN 12/13
BYYY
26 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
Parameter Control Protected B vitamins
Number of cows 175 164
Confi rmed pregnant <120 DIM, % 14.9a 28.0b
Confi rmed pregnant <150 DIM, % 20.0a 39.0b
Services per conception 3.62a 2.33b
Culling rate <190 DIM, % 32.7a 22.0b
a, b differs p<0.01
Table 1 Effect of feeding dairy cows a protected B vitamins blend on reproductive performance
Effect of feeding dairy cows a protected B vitamins blend on reproductive performance
Conception at fi rst service. 949 mutiparous Holstein cowsa,b differs p<0.05 c,d differs p=0.06Ref: Juchem et al. 2012
Figure 1
% o
f pre
gnan
t cow
s at
firs
t ser
vice
28
20
32
34
36
39
40
38.1b
40.6b
35.8a
33.4a
29.9c
34.0d
ControlControlControl
42 Days after AI 150 DIM 200 DIM
ProtectedB Vit.
ProtectedB Vit.
ProtectedB Vit.
the producer (Table 1).A research study with
multiparous cows supplemented with a specifi c blend of protected B vitamins for the lactation period (folic acid, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, biotin and B12) showed improved reproductive performance. No voluntary waiting period or synchronization program was used in this trial in order to evaluate the eff ect of the B vitamins on reproduction.
Days at fi rst service and pregnancy loss were not diff erent between groups, but fi rst-service conception rate was improved by 13 percent in the supplemented group, with the same percentage of improvement until 200 DIM (Figure 1). Since cumulative number of cows pregnant at 200 DIM was not diff erent, it means cows got pregnant earlier with the supplementation of the protected B vitamins blend. Of economic importance, cows receiving the B vitamins had their culling rate reduced by 20 percent compared to the control group.
Dairy producers have a new opportunity to improve the reproductive performance of their dairy cows by supplementing rations with specifi c blends of protected B vitamins. Researchers have proven their benefi ts and will bring to
the producer an innovative way to increase farm profi t. PD
References omitted due to spacebut are available upon request.
Hélène LeclercTechnical Support
and R&DJefo Nutrition Inc.
• Collect• Heat-Treat• Refrigerate
or Freeze• Re-heat• & Feed Colostrum
...all in one Bio-secure, Single-use, Economical bag.
AVAILABLE IN CANADA FROM THESE FINE DAIRY TECH, INC. DEALERS
Western Canada ............Warman Veterinary Services ..... 1.866.247.6388Eastern Canada ............... Kirkton Veterinary Clinic ........ 1.888.443.4184
oo easy to screw upIt’s to
ColostrumQuality
PROPER VOLUMEToToddadadadd y’sLeLeLeLeLeeLeLeLeessssson:
y
A typical bottle feeding requiresA t i l b ttl f di 2 Bottles to deliver the recomended volume of 3 to 4 quarts of colostrum:
• Inconsistent Volume Control• Multiple Feedings & Increased Labour• Increased Opportunites for Contamination
The Perfect Udder® colostrum management system takes the guesswork out of volume control and eliminates the contamination risks of improperly cleaned bottles.
Get the rest of the story at PerfectUdder.com
Get your FREE Sample Kit today! Call your local Dairy Tech Dealer and see how easy colostrum management should be.
GREENFREESTALL®
GREENFREESTALL® is a Registered Trademark owned by Tags4All Global Inc. See our website for pictures and videos • www.greenfreestall.com
Call for your local dealer Toll Free:
1-855-354-7687
“COW-COMFORT”• Fully adjustable fl exible freestalls for cattle• Encourages cows to lie down
U.S. Design Patent
Tags4AllGlobal Inc. operating as GREENFREESTALL®
• Made in North America• Longer rest periods increases milk production
The Floating Headrail Bracket is a design patent of Tags4All.
““CCOW-CW C““““““““CCCCCCCCOOOOOWW““CCCOOOWOOOOOCC -CCCCCCC WWWOO““ -“““““““““““““““““““““““CCCCCCCCOOOOOWWW-C
Tags
“For the calves to get up and
down, they are not hurting
themselves, because the stalls
are fl exible. They have more
room to move when they lay
down compared to the steel stalls
we had and the stalls are much
cleaner. I would recommend
them to another farmer for the
overall health purposes of the
calves and their comfort.”
Paul Frey
Mornholme Holsteins
Listowel, Ontario
U SU SU SU SU SU.S.U.S. DDDesDesDesDesDesiiignignignignigng P tP tPatePatePatePatePate ttntntntntntU SU SU SU SU SU.S.U.S. DDDesDesDesDesDesiiignignignignigng P tP tPatePatePatePatePate ttntntntntnt
2-5 months
5-8 months
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 27
PD CANADA MAIN
Impact of genomics on genetic selection and gainContributed by Brian Van Doormaal
2014 marks fi ve years since the implementation of genomics in Canada, and has the world of genetic improvement ever changed. Genomics was boasted by scientists as a technology that would revolutionize genetic improvement strategies and signifi cantly increase rates of genetic improvement. To take a closer look at the impact of genomics on genetic selection in Canada, one approach is to assess changes on each component aff ecting genetic progress in dairy cattle selection.
Rate of genetic gainTh ere are four key factors that
aff ect the rate of genetic progress
achieved by various selection strategies. Th ese include the following.
• Th e intensity of selection, which is measured by the proportion of the population that is used as parents of the next generation
• Th e accuracy of selection, which is usually measured by the average reliability of genetic evaluations used to make decisions about parents of the next generation of animals
• Th e degree of genetic variability that exists in the population for each trait of interest, which would not be
signifi cantly aff ected in only fi ve years
• Th e generation interval, which is measured by the average age of the parents when the next generation is born.
When assessing each of these components of genetic progress realized in a breed, there are four pathways of selection to be considered, of which the selection of sires and dams of future A.I. young sires are the two most infl uential. At the herd level, it is the producer’s selection of sires to be used that has traditionally been responsible for about 90 percent of the genetic progress achieved. Genomics does, however, off er producers more opportunity to select the parents of future replacement heifers, especially in conjunction with the use of reproductive technologies such as sexed semen and embryo transfer.
Intensity of selectionA critical and major shift that
has taken place due to the arrival of genomics is the ability for A.I. organizations to genotype potential young bull candidates prior to any decision to purchase for semen collection. As shown in Figure 1, this new pre-selection step became available for young bull candidates born in 2008, at which time roughly 5,000 young bulls were genotyped as a tool to identify a group of approximately 2,000 that were eventually purchased for A.I. in North America. Nowadays, for bulls born in 2013, more than 29,000 are expected to be genotyped, and roughly 2,000 are expected to be purchased by an A.I. organization: a ratio of nearly one-in-15.
Accuracy of selectionIn terms of improvement in
the accuracy of selection decisions, there are two areas where genomics has had a signifi cant impact. First, the average reliability of genetic evaluations available for genotyped young bulls and heifers has almost doubled compared to using parent average alone. For genomic young bulls that are sons of a genomic
young sire, rather than a progeny proven sire, the gain in reliability over parent average is slightly reduced to 30 percent, instead of 33 percent, to reach an average reliability of 66 percent for LPI in Holsteins. Second, for progeny-proven sires, genomics has signifi cantly improved the accuracy of evaluations for traits with low heritability, namely herd life, daughter calving ability and daughter fertility.
Generation intervalNot only has genomics allowed for
the pre-screening of potential young bulls for entry into A.I., as shown in Figure 1, but the increased accuracy of evaluations for genotyped young bulls, heifers and cows has turned the focus of selection decisions to younger animals. Figure 2 shows the trend in the average age of parents of genotyped Holstein bulls by year of birth. For bulls born prior to 2009, which was before genomic evaluations were offi cial in North America, the average age of sires being considered for entry into A.I. was over 6 years, while their dams averaged about 4 years old. For genotyped young bull candidates born in 2013, the average age of their sire reached 3 years (i.e., 55 percent reduction) and the age of their dams reduced by 25 percent to also equal 3 years.
Proven versus young siresA key outcome of genomics
has been an expected attraction by producers towards genomic young sires with a corresponding reduction in usage of proven sire semen. Part of this attraction stems from the superior level of genetic potential being off ered to producers interested in using genomic young sires. In fact, prior to genomics, the average LPI of young sires entering A.I. was increasing, on average, by 92 points per year, which has now increased to 160 LPI points per year for bulls born since 2009. Prior to genomics, young sire semen occupied less than 40 percent of the market share with progeny-proven sires representing the main A.I. product of interest to producers. After an initial spike in usage of genomic young sires in 2010, there has been
Figure 1Number of candidate young bulls genotyped in North America
No. G
enot
yped
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
Year of Birth2005
1,822 2,137 3,0434,968
7,324
12,207
15,405
29,200Projected
22,880
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
EJ EQUIPMENT INC. Please contact [email protected] - Phone 519-384-0474 | www.ej-equipment.com
THINK GREEN
Self-Propelled TMR: Vertical (Single & Twin) & Horizontal Auger Mixers
Capacity 460 – 1,170 ft3 (13 – 33m3)
Lowest fuel consumption among self-propelled TMR-Mixers
Very gentle on feed and effi cient due to the unique facer
Easily loads any feed ingredients
SeS flf-Propelled TMRR:: VeVertrticiccalaaSave cost, gain precious time through the replacement of your tractor, loader, TMR-mixer and bale processor.
www.storti.com
“I had heard talk about the benefi ts of using one machine
to feed (tractor, loader and TMR mixer). I viewed the
machine online and then saw it up close at the Outdoor
Farm Show in September of 2012. I was interested in the
savings it could provide for our dairy and so we ordered
a unit and began using it in October 2012. We have
now been using it for a year and are saving a lot of fuel
and time. We used to deface with the pay loader and
then would load later into our pull-behind mixer. With
this machine you can do it all without ever leaving the
machine. We are saving 30-40% in the time it takes us to
feed and we are also saving at least 30% in our fuel costs.
We are happy with the purchase.” Mike PortenaWindulan HolsteinsMonkton, ON
We are h ppy
28 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
a continuous increase in interest towards this category of A.I. sire, which surpassed 51 percent of the market share in 2013 (Figure 3). In fact, for every month since May 2013, more than 50 percent of Holstein inseminations in Canada have been done using semen from genomic young sires.
SummaryAchieving genetic progress in
any breed of dairy cattle requires balancing selection intensity and accuracy with generation interval without having a negative impact of genetic variability.
For decades past, this was done by effi cient young sire proving programs aimed at identifying elite sires once they were progeny-proven at 5 years old and subsequently using them as sires of the next generation of replacement heifers and young bulls entering A.I. With the arrival of genomic evaluations in 2009, this traditional, well-proven strategy has changed. Th anks to genomics, tens of thousands of candidate young bulls are now being genotyped each year, of which one in 15 are currently being selected for entry into A.I. based on genetic evaluations that have reliability levels almost doubled compared to parent average alone.
Th is pre-selection step using genomics has contributed to the superior genetic level of young sires off ered to producers, which continues to increase every year at a faster rate than before. Th e use of younger parents, including unproven genomic young bulls as well as genotyped heifers and young cows, to produce the next generation of A.I. young sires is also an important factor contributing to the increased rates of genetic
progress achieved to date. Simply stated, genomics has already had a major impact on genetic selection decisions taken by A.I. organizations
Figure 3Figure 2Trend in usage of young bulls vs. proven siresAverage age of parents of genotyped
Holstein bulls
Perc
enta
ge (%
)
10%
0%
80%
70%
60%
50%
4 0%
3 0%
2 0%
1 0%
90%
100%
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
62.0% 61.8% 63.5% 58.8% 49.1% 59.1% 51.1% 48.8%
38.0% 38.2% 36.5% 41.2% 50.9% 40.9% 48.5% 51.2%
Unproven Young Bulls Progeny Proven Sires
Aver
age
Age
of P
aren
t (ye
ars)
1
0
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Year of Birth2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
SireDam
and this, in turn, has translated into an increased attraction towards genomic young sires that now occupy more than 50 percent of the market
share in Canada. PD
—Excerpts from the Canadian Dairy Network website, January 2014
Brian Van DoormaalGeneral Manager
Canadian Dairy [email protected]
It’s what we
1 (800) 285-8617 | [email protected] Alltech.com/Canada | /AlltechNaturally | @Alltech
“Hard work. It’s what I do.”
— Jacob VanLaarBurgessville, Ontario
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 29
PD CANADA MAIN
Recap of Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council annual meetingGlaucio Lopes for Progressive Dairyman
Th e Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) annual meeting was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Nov. 7 and 8, 2013. Th e day-and-a-half event was intense with presentations and a sponsors’ trade show, but the outcome was a variety of topics and good discussion among university and industry people of what is new in research regarding improvements in reproductive performance and in overall dairy management. Topics varied from calving and
transition cow management, nutrition, animal health, genomics and synchronization protocols, as well as new heat-monitoring technologies and their interaction with synchronization programs.
GenomicsDr. Kent Weigel from the
University of Wisconsin – Madison talked about genomics on dairy farms, revealing that as of today, 51 percent of A.I. in the Holstein breed
and 52 percent in the Jersey breed are made by selecting genotyped bulls that are less than 4 years old. He also described that with genomic testing, we still cannot perform predictions in crossbred animals, but research is being done to try to make that possible in the future.
He also touched on a recent hot topic occurring on dairy farms where genomic tests are being used to identify higher-genomic females and then further use the information
as a tool to manage breeding and culling decisions. Weigel said the accuracy to detect top and bottom quartiles of replacement heifers is very good, and if the management decision will be made based on these results, dairymen can be confi dent in selecting which heifer calves to keep and identifying the bottom 10 or 20 percent to cull. Strategies can vary from testing the whole herd, testing potentially elite animals for marketing or testing potentially poor-performing animals for culling.
Reproductive effi ciencyDr. Jose Santos from the
University of Florida – Gainesville presented the interaction between animal health and reproduction. Based on data from his lab, 45 to 60 percent of dairy cows across diff erent levels of milk production, breeds and management systems develop metabolic and infectious diseases in the fi rst months of lactation. Th e appearance of these disorders are related to a decrease in reproductive effi ciency because cows that develop at least one health issue are 50 to 63 percent less likely to resume ovarian cyclicity (anovular cows), and they are 25 to 38 percent less likely to become pregnant on the fi rst A.I. breeding after calving when compared to healthy cows.
Cows that present dystocia and endometritis were 55 percent more likely to lose their pregnancy during the fi rst 60 days of gestation than healthy cows. Another important correlation was made between embryo quality and development and postpartum diseases. Cows that suff ered from at least one case of clinical disease had reduced fertilization rates and compromised embryo quality when conceptions were evaluated at day six or day 15 after insemination. Th e correlation between postpartum diseases and impaired fertility is clear, and transition cow management and aggressiveness to detect and treat sick animals can help to avoid some of this deleterious relationship.
Estrous synchronizationDr. Fabio Lima, now at
Cornell University, showed data from his latest trials in estrous cycle synchronization of dairy heifers in Florida, along with an economic analysis comparing reproductive programs using timed A.I. and detection of estrus. So far, the best results were achieved using a modifi ed fi ve-days CIDR synchronization with two prostaglandin F2α (PGF) injections. Th e protocol consists of one gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection on day zero, along with a CIDR insertion. On day fi ve, upon CIDR removal, one
©2012 Paul Mueller Company 421
You work hard to produce the most milk while keeping your input costs in check. Why not cool that milk as quickly as possibleto obtain all the quality premiums available? Why let the energy meter rob you of your hard-earned profits?Milk cooling is not an off-the-shelf, one-size-fits-all commodity. It takes The Milk Cooling System Specialists togive you the fastest, most efficient cooling available. Mueller® offers many ways to significantly increase the speedand reduce the energy consumed in milk cooling.
Call your local authorized Mueller dealer listed below for an analysis of your cooling costs and ways to save.
Eastern Agri ServicesApohaqui, NB506-432-6944
Island Dairy ServicesCharlottetown, PEI
902-892-2532Eastern Dairy Services
Shubenacadie, NS902-758-3898
Island Dairy Services Ltd.Duncan, B.C.250-748-2188
J & D Farmers Dairy ServiceAbbotsford, B.C.604-853-2372
Pacifi c GS Dairy CentreAbbotsford, B.C.604-852-9020
Knellers Sales & Service Ltd.Leduc, AB
780-986-5600Penner Farm Systems
Red Deer, AB403-506-6705
Lethbridge Dairy MartLethbridge, AB403-329-6234
D.H. & P. Supplies & Equipment Ltd.
Blackfalds, AB403-782-6473
Penner Farm SystemsBlumenort, MB204-326-3781
TriStar Dairy Centre Ltd.Grunthal, MB204-434-6801
Dairy Lane SystemsKomoka, ON
519-666-1404
Performance Dairy CentreEmbro, ON
519-423-9119Buchanan and Hall
Stratford, ON519-271-4793
Wood’s Farm AutomationPeterborough, ON
705-295-4752Lawrence’s
Dairy Supply Inc.Moose Creek, ON613-538-2559
Norwell Dairy SystemsDrayton, ONWoodstock, ON
Lindsay, ONBrinston, ON
519-638-3535McCann Farm Automation
Seelers Bay, ON613-382-7411
DeLaval Dairy ServiceSaskatoon, SK 306-955-5474
30 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
PGF injection is administered, and on day six, another PGF injection is given. On day eight, timed A.I. is performed in conjunction with a GnRH injection. With this protocol, pregnancies per A.I. ranged from 55 to 60 percent. For the simulated economic analysis, results revealed that incorporation of timed A.I. for fi rst service and estrus detection for re-insemination of non-pregnant heifers reduced the cost for reproductive programs.
Activity monitoring systemsDr. Jeff rey Stevenson from
Kansas State University presented another hot topic occurring today in the dairy industry, showing activity monitoring systems in combination with timed A.I. and heat-detection programs. It is known that accurate prediction of ovulation is the goal for a good estrous-detection program, as this predicted time will drive the time of insemination after an animal is detected in estrus. In a recently presented study, they determined the timing of ovulation in lactating dairy cows exposed to an accelerometer (measuring timing of increase in activity) and the HeatWatch system (measuring the actual onset of estrus by detecting the fi rst mount received).
Th e average interval to ovulation diff ered by 1.5 hours (27.2 hours for HeatWatch versus 25.7 hours for the accelerometer), and based on a 95 percent confi dence interval, the time of ovulation after the start of increased activity or the fi rst standing event were consistently precise and overlapped one another.
The future of reproductive management
Dr. William Th atcher from
Glaucio Lopes
Reproduction SpecialistAccelerated Genetics
University of Florida – Gainesville had the honour to wrap up the conference, presenting his views of the future of reproductive management. He made it clear that the future is now, and it is in our hands to transfer all this technology more widely to dairies. In the face of factors associated with low fertility in dairy herds, producers need to undertake a holistic approach to optimize reproductive effi ciency.
He also mentioned extremely
important work that has been developed now to formulate a vaccine to prevent uterine infection and also the advantages of using online technologies to precisely integrate a cow’s biological windows to achieve full potential reproductive success.
As it is important to look to the future, he reminded us that some activities we do now are still critical for achieving success on a daily basis. Identifi cation of pregnancy status by monitoring progesterone levels or
pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAG) in milk or plasma, using ultrasonography, and incorporating new strategies for estrus detection and its interaction with timed A.I. programs are some of the essential activities that are still relevant for a dairy operation, and understanding that these strategies and technologies actually complement each other is the key to taking your dairy operation to the next level and being ready to face the future. PD
More Comfort. More Strength. More Bite.The JAGUAR 900 series provides all the additional power, strength and chop quality growers have come to expect from CLAAS. Financing available through CLAAS Financial Services.
980 / 970 / 960 / 950 / 940 / 930 Your harvesting specialist | www.claasofamerica.com
DEALER IMPRINT HERE
V-MAX Drum
Innovative Spout Design
VISTA Cab Design
The JAGUAR 900 Series … for those who expect more.
DeBoer’s Equipment0519 Wellington Road 7
Elora, ON
(519) 846-5388
Hepson EquipmentHwy 10 North 3/4 mile
Brandon, MB
(204) 727-1050
Caliber Equipment34511 Vye Road
Abbotsford, BC
(604) 864-2273
Sunova Implement196679 19th Line
Lakeside, ON
(519) 349-2075
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 31
PD CANADA MAIN
Positive-pressure ventilation systemsfor calf facilitiesProgressive Dairyman Editor Karen Lee
Better-managed calf barns are beginning to rival outdoor hutches – the long-held gold standard of calf housing.
Dr. Ken Nordlund explained that there are three reasons why interest in calf barns is growing: fi rst, to avoid dealing with inclement weather; second, automatic calf feeders are not feasible for outdoor hutches; and third, emerging data shows properly ventilated calf barns are providing health results equivalent to hutches.
At a Dairyland Initiative Workshop in Madison, Wisconsin, in November, Nordlund discussed the importance of positive-pressure ventilation systems and provided practical advice to keep in mind when designing a system.
Nordlund, with the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, estimated several thousand barns have been retrofi tted with positive-pressure pressure tubes over the last few years in order to disperse fresh air in places where natural ventilation fails to reach.
Producers on those farms have reported a drop in respiratory disease by one-half to three-quarters of the rate they experienced before
installing the tubes.“Th at tells me that there are
some major problems with natural ventilation by itself,” Nordlund said.
Natural ventilation is driven primarily by prevailing winds and a little by thermal buoyance (as animals heat the air which causes it to rise out the ridge opening).
Th is system fails on calm days when the air is still and during a four-hour period of the day when the outside temperature is two to three degrees warmer than inside the barn. According to Nordlund, together that equates to 20 percent of the time, when there is little to no ventilation.
Some producers might remember ventilation tubes from the 1970s, but Nordlund said these are a new generation of tubes. Th e old tubes were essentially a recirculation system. Th ey pulled air from within the barn itself.
Today’s tubes run from a fan directly mounted on the outside wall to bring in 100 percent fresh air.
“Initially, we had fears of taking frigid air into a tube and driving it non-stop at the calves,” Nordlund said.
After comparing two similar
barns, one with the tube and one without, he found no diff erence in the average temperature. During the middle of the night, the barn with the tube was 0.5 to one degree colder, but during the day it was 0.5 to one degree warmer than the temperature in the other barn.
Th e new generation tubes evenly disperse air throughout the barn and do so by creating clouds of fresh air just above the calf level, as opposed to blowing air directly at the calves.
Th ese systems are a relatively low-cost expense. Fans typically range from $250 to $700. Tubing is $1 to $15 per linear foot. Cables, clamps, hangers and labour vary per job.
Overall, Nordlund said, “Many calf barns will install a system costing less than $1,500 that can transform their entire heifer operation.”
He touched on common issues that arise when designing these systems.
FansFans will lose capacity over
time. Belt-driven fans will need belt replacement, direct-drive fans lose effi ciency, fan blades get dirty, and
Assisting the farming community in its pursuit of improved yields and quality is a privilege CanGrow doesn’t take lightly. We are proud of every grower relationship that we have built and would like to express our appreciation for your business, continued trust and support of CanGrow formulations. Our DairyMax program would not be the success it is today in optimizing milk production and profitability, without your contributions.
Success is the resultof great partnerships, and we appreciate yours.
3971 Old Walnut Road, P.O. Box 429, Alvinston, Ontario Canada N0N 1A0
cangrow.com
Contact CanGrow today:toll free: 800-353-3086
or email us at:[email protected]
Contact CanGrow today – realize the advantage of lower production costs per litre through improved fibre digestibility with a 17% increase in NDFd by using DairyMax – and join the growing list of CanGrow success stories.
32 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
protective screens can get plugged.Farms can expect a typical
non-stop fan life of about fi ve years.Variable speed fans are fi ne,
just as long as they only run at one speed. In general, Nordlund would formulate the system to match the tube at maximum fan capacity.
HoodsNordlund said he likes to install
hoods on the outside of the fan to reduce the amount of rain and snow drawn in and blown down the tube.
Be careful not to undersize the hood, as that can reduce fan performance.
TubesTh ere are a number of options
when it comes to tube material.Smooth polyethylene is the
lowest-cost option, ranging from $2 to $3 per linear foot.
Hole locations on this material are usually limited to matched pairs (i.e., 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock) and 1 to 3 inches in size by half-inch increments.
It is usually suspended with a single row of clips to a cable and is known to twist. It can be easily
damaged and is recommended for use in very enclosed locations.
Woven polyethylene and vinyl comes in several grades and varies in price from $5 to $12 per linear foot.
If the tube will be exposed to sunlight, vinyl is preferred, as the polyethylene will deteriorate.
Holes are cut by computer-controlled lasers, resulting in an infi nite choice of hole sizes and confi gurations. Very small anti-condensation holes are also an option with this material.
Double cables prevent twisting and turning of the tube.
Th e most expensive option is hard PVC and drainage pipes. Th ese typically range from $12 to $20 per linear foot.
Holes would need to be hand-drilled at any desired size.
Th is is a very durable material but needs to be suspended with a chain or set on a wood frame.
For the drainage pipe, Nordlund suggested fi nding a material with a smooth interior to reduce friction losses.
When attaching the tube to the fan, Nordlund recommended attaching it fi rst with a bungee cord.
Th is will leave working room to properly pleat the material before securing it with the worm gear clamp.
In general, the number of tubes is determined by the width of the barn. A good rule of thumb is one tube per 25 to 30 feet.
When it comes to length, Nordlund said he is comfortable sizing a tube up to 175 feet. Anything longer would require special calculations.
Th e tubes should be placed high enough to not interfere with labour and machines. Wind damage can be minimized if the tube is located within the truss structure.
Discharge holes and perforationsIt is not necessary to place one
hole per individual calf pen. If the right throw distance and air speed is achieved, the angle of entrainment of air from the tube widens and will cover more than one pen.
Extensions and side entrancesBarriers such as milk preparation
and feed storage rooms are commonly located between the outside wall and the calves. Tubes, with or without
discharge holes, can be run straight through the intermediate room.
Another option is a side access with right-angle turn. To do this, a fan can be mounted on the sidewall with a 90-degree corner in the tube, or a passive air access duct can be built from the side of the barn and the fan mounted into the duct wall. For the second scenario, the passive duct needs to be sized so it does not create negative pressure in the system.
Non-naturally ventilated barnsTh ese systems, paired with a
large-capacity positive-pressure tube located along the barn sidewalls that can change air 15 to 20 times, have been found to meet the year-round ventilation needs of a retrofi tted stall barn.
Neither system will work well in a barn that has a wind tunnel running parallel to the tube.
For more information, visit the Dairyland Initiative website (www.Th eDairylandInitiative.vetmed.wisc.edu). It contains a listing of 250 graduates of the positive-pressure tube systems in calf barns workshops who can assist in the design process. PD
Many calf barns will install a system costing less than $1,500 that can transform their entire heifer operation. ”
manufacturer of Poly Veyor®
6229 Hwy 57, DePere, WI 54115
920.532.6292www.fritschequipment.com
Fritsch Forage Facer
Widths available:6’, 8’, & 10’ Bucket or Mounted Boom | Different width, lengths, & taches available!
FRITSCHEQUIPMENT
CORP.
Push Away™ Grapple12 tons of Push Away™ forceSpecially designed replaceable hardened teeth
Leave bag with bucket FULL
FULL bucket of haylage in under 10 seconds
Heavy duty hydraulic cylinders strong enough to penetrate hard packed feed in bags
When the grapple cylinders reach the end of their stroke, another cylinder set automatically push away from the pileJust call with size
of your bucket!
920.532.6292
For bunker silos and silage bags
22mmm
Direct drive w/
2 hydraulic wheel motors
& hardened teeth
(NO chains)
Award
Winning
Technology
Great for moving bedding pack!
Patented + =
The Start of Every Great Cow!
Jones Whole Start calf program – the start of every great cow!
We Know Calves! 1-800-265-8735
Did you know that much of how a cow performs is highly infl uenced by how she was raised as a calf? The Jones “Whole Start” calf program is designed to grow your calves out to their genetic potential. The Whole Start program uses amino acids, fatty acids, the right level of protein and fat as well as specifi c feeding rates and days to achieve superior growth without post-weaning slump. Talk to your Jones Dairy Sales Consultant to learn more and see why the Whole Start program is one of the fastest-growing calf programs in the industry!
Needing large capacity storage and wanting to fully automate their dairy operation, have better quality feed storage and increased
efficiencies, Celmar Dairy have built 3 new Harvestore silos. 1 unit (28’ x 110’ ) for haylage, 2 unit (28’ x 110’ ) for cornlage and st nd
the 3rd unit (20’ x 80’) for HMC.
• www.ontarioharvestore.com • 1-800-265-8303
Celmar Dairy Ltd. joins growing family of HARVESTORE Owners
HIGH-CAPACITY STORAGE
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 33
PD CANADA MAIN
Nothing stops the power of Vi-COR®
Vi-COR doesn’t let anything get between your
dairy herd and its full milking potential. From
innovative yeast-based feed ingredients to
programs, Vi-COR works for you. Our passion
for knowledge, and willingness to share it, has
helped dairy producers and nutritionists around
the world. Our all natural products have
proven results through research and on farm.
We have the numbers to prove it. That’s the
power of results! That’s the power of Vi-COR.
Find out how to push your milk production to
higher levels contact Robinson BioProducts, Inc.
first-in-the-industry dairy on farm training
www.vi-cor.com641.423.1460 800.654.5617 Mason City, Iowa
ROBINSONBIOPRODUCTS INC
P.O. Box 1666Unit #101 - 45 North Railway StreetOkotoks, Alberta T1S 1B5Canada
Vi-COR® is a registered trademark of Varied Industries Corporation, Mason City, IA, USA
©2014 Varied Industries Corporation. All rights reserved.
Clear the way tohigher milk production
-
-
PD CANADA MAIN
A fortunate start of life is a key factor for long-term productive success. Directly after birth, the newborn calf is challenged by the extra-uterine environment. Th e birth process can impair the calf ’s adaptive capacity. Without additional care, this impairment can have long-term consequences. Newborn calf care to support its adaptive capacity is therefore an essential element of herd health management.
Onset of parturitionDuring gestation, the fetus
receives essential elements such as oxygen, nutrients and hormones from the cow through the placenta. Within this nine-month period, the fetus matures into a 40-kilogram calf. At this point, the uterine space becomes limited, and this triggers a stress response by the calf. Elevated stress hormones (corticoids) in the calf ’s blood are registered by the mother. Consequently, a cascade of maternal hormone changes and feedback mechanisms initiates onset of the parturition process.
Birth processEarly uterine contractions
stimulate calf rotation so that the head and the front feet are positioned towards the cervix. Pressure on the cervix initiates hormone release, which causes smoothening of the muscles. Th is enables the calf to move into the birth canal as contractions continue. Th e cow’s hormonal changes promote softening of connective tissue, elasticity of the pelvic ligaments and lubrication of the birth canal. As uterine contractions increase, the calf moves into the birth canal. At some point, the amniotic membranes rupture
and the calf becomes hypoxic. Th is oxidative stress leads to increased calf movement, which stimulates uterine contraction in favour of the parturition process. In general, the calf is born in three to seven hours after onset of parturition.
DystociaWith extended calving time,
the risk of asphyxiation increases. Asphyxiated calves suff er from respiratory and metabolic acidosis, which could be fatal at certain degrees. Birth process can be infl uenced by both the mother (breed, parity, body condition score, stress, weak abdominal contractions, narrow birth canal) and the calf (gender, birthweight, position), and these factors can even be related. In case of a diffi cult birth (dystocia), traction or even a Caesarean section should be carried out to protect the health of both the cow and the calf.
Special neonatal careTh e basic requirements for
newborn calf care are a warm and dry environment, hygiene and suffi cient colostrum supply. Calves that experienced dystocia or asphyxiation require special care to improve their survival chances. Studies have shown that the calf ’s fi rst priorities, body temperature stabilization and immunoglobulin uptake, are negatively aff ected by dystocia. Th is could be improved by
management strategies:
Body temperatureBody temperature stabilization
can externally be stimulated by coat drying with a towel, suffi cient dry bedding, a blanket and placing under a heat lamp. Internally, the newborn calf uses its brown fat metabolism for heat production. Because brown fat reserves are limited, the calf depends on colostral fat to maintain its body temperature. Cold-stressed calves show low activity and are unlikely to suckle. In the long term, this negatively aff ects growth rate and immune response. To avoid cold stress and its future consequences, it is important to stimulate the calf ’s metabolism by early feeding of suffi cient amounts of colostrum.
ImmunoglobulinsFor immunoglobulin uptake, the
calf solely depends on colostrum. Calves who suff ered from respiratory acidosis were found to have a decreased IgG1 uptake. Low passive transfer of immunoglobulins is a direct risk for the calf ’s health status, as it is continuously challenged by pathogens from the environment. Th ese bacteria and viruses can cause diarrhea and respiratory diseases, which are a serious risk to the calf ’s survival chances or future productive success. To ensure suffi cient passive transfer in these calves, timely feeding of colostrum with a high
immunoglobulin concentration is a must.
The essenceof good-quality colostrum
Asphyxiated calves are often weak and may have diffi culties in standing and suckling colostrum. If the colostrum uptake is insuffi cient, thermoregulation and immunoglobulin uptake are impaired. To ensure that the calf receives the required volume, bottle-feeding or tube-feeding is preferred above suckling at the mother. Nutritional value and immunoglobulin levels should be high enough to support the weak calf. Unfortunately, maternal colostrum does not always meet these requirements. Especially in these cases, supplementing or replacing the calf feeding with a high-quality colostrum replacer should be considered as an element of newborn calf management. PD
Newborn calf care after dystociaEvine van Riemsdijk for Progressive Dairyman
Evine van RiemsdijkProject Manager
The Saskatoon Colostrum Co. Ltd.
Asphyxiated calves are often weak and may have diffi culties in standing and suckling colostrum. If the colostrum uptake is insuffi cient, thermoregulation and immunoglobulin uptake are impaired. ”
FARM
PROGRES
S
INNOVA
TION A
WARD 2
013
• THE COMPLETE LINE •
• 275hp
• 13,000GPM of Agitation Performance
• Remote Controlled
www.nuhn.ca 1-877-837-7323 [email protected]
Your Manure Management Specialists
PRE-ORDER NOW FOR SPRING!
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 35
PD CANADA MAIN
Feeding trial evaluates the physical form of calf startersMark Bowman for Progressive Dairyman
Today we understand that calves must be off ered much larger volumes of milk or milk replacer during the fi rst month of life to achieve their growth potential and remain healthy. We have seen a move to group housing and automated feeding of calves, with some producers off ering free-choice intake of milk or milk replacer. Calves should be allowed to consume at least 8 litres of milk or milk replacer daily by 4 weeks old
for best results. Th en milk feeding should be reduced in weeks 6 to 7 to encourage calf starter intake and prepare calves for weaning at 8 weeks old.
Calf starter should be off ered to calves by 1 week old, although they will not eat signifi cant amounts until after 3 weeks old, when rumen development begins to occur. Starter feeds promote propionate and butyrate production in the rumen
and are essential for growth and development of rumen papillae. As the rumen develops, calves are able to eat more calf starter and derive more of their energy and protein requirements from dry feed. Hence, it is important to promote starter intake prior to weaning to avoid a large postweaning slump in growth. Calves should not be weaned from milk or milk replacer until they are eating at least 1 kilogram of calf starter for
three consecutive days.Calf starters are most often
textured feeds containing steam-fl aked or rolled corn and grains combined with a pelleted supplement and plenty of wet molasses. Th e idea is to provide a tasty feed and avoid fi nes to encourage consumption by calves. It is well proven that these textured starters do a great job and promote growth and development of the rumen. However, they are more expensive to produce, diffi cult to handle in bulk and automated feeders, and do have a shorter shelf life than other types of feed. Once calves are weaned and eating well, there is no longer a benefi t to these types of starters.
Pelleted calf starter and grower feeds off er a lower-cost alternative to textured starters. Th ey can be received in bulk (which further lowers cost) and work well in automated calf feeders. Flavours can be added to encourage consumption and young calves will begin to eat starter pellets just as well as many textured starters. Be sure to feed grass hay or chopped straw along with pelleted calf starters which lack the physical scratch factor of textured feeds, and although they promote rumen development, absorption of nutrients may be impaired.
Whole-grain textured calf starter provides an interesting alternative to both traditional textured and pelleted starters. Combining whole corn and grain with pellets and a lower level of wet molasses, these starters are consumed very well by young calves, fl ow and handle well in automated feeding systems and have a longer shelf life than traditional textured starters. Th ey promote rumen growth and development and have excellent physical scratch factor to maintain higher rumen pH and health.
In the spring of 2013, Grand Valley Fortifi ers partnered with Grober Nutrition to conduct calf starter feeding trials at the Grober Young Animal Development Centre (GYADC) at Woodstock, Ontario. Here we fed three diff erent physical kinds of our 20 percent calf starters in both individual calf pens and in group pens. While chemically and nutritionally these calf starters were very similar, they diff ered greatly in their physical form and appearance.
ObjectivesOur objectives in these trials
were to compare the growth and development of Holstein dairy calves
Mark BowmanRuminant Nutritionist
Grand Valley Fortifi ers [email protected]
Whole-grain textured calf starter provides an interesting alternative to both traditional textured and pelleted starters. Combining whole corn and grain with pellets and a lower level of wet molasses, these
starters are consumed very well by young calves ... ”
www.calfstar.com
“This is one of the best investments we have made for the calves. The calves seem healthier, each calf gets the correct amount and at the right temperature every feeding. I haven’t had any large scour outbreaks since we started using the Milk Taxi.”
Karen Naatz – Mantorville, MN
Calf-Star, LLC4324 N. County Rd. PNew Franken, WI 54229
phone: (920) 866-2485email: [email protected]
36 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
during the nursing and weaning period in two diff erent housing and feeding systems fed three diff erent calf starters that vary in physical form and appearance: textured with fl aked grain and high molasses (calf starter textured), textured with whole grain and low molasses (whole grain starter) and complete pelleted starter/grower (calf grower pellets).
Experimental designEighty purchased female Holstein
dairy calves (1 week old) were brought to the GYADC to be placed in one of two trials. Forty calves were randomly assigned into one of four pens in a group-housed pen system with automatic calf feeders where they received acidifi ed milk replacer (26 percent protein) for 56 days and were fed one of two 20 percent calf starters (whole-grain starter or calf grower pellets) for 70 days.
In the second trial, 40 calves were randomly assigned to individual pens and given one of three acidifi ed milk replacer (26 percent protein) feeding treatments. Calves were weaned after 56 days and were fed one of two 20 percent calf starters (whole-grain starter or calf starter textured) from arrival for 70 days. In both trials, milk replacer consumption and calf starter intakes were measured daily and calf weights were recorded weekly. Calves were also scored for overall thriftiness, and any health concerns or medication use was recorded.
Results and discussionNo diff erences in calf total
bodyweight gain were shown in either trial. Th ere were no signifi cant diff erences in milk replacer consumption in either trial. Calves in the group-fed systems consumed an average of 7.35 litres per day (calf grower pellets) or 7.84 litres per day (whole-grain starter) of milk replacer. Average daily gains of the calves during the 10 weeks of the trial were not signifi cantly diff erent and were 881 grams per day (calf grower pellets) versus 879 grams per day (whole-grain starter).
In the individually housed trial, calves consumed an average of 7.3 litres per day (calf starter textured) or 7.2 litres per day (whole-grain
Figure 1 Average weekly weight gains and daily starter intakes for calves in individual pens
Weaned
Body
wei
ght G
ain
(kg)
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Star
ter I
ntak
e (g
)
Start wk 1 wk 2 wk 3 wk 4 wk 5 wk 6 wk 7 wk 8 wk 9 wk 10Week
Calf Starter – Textured Gain Whole Grain – Starter GainCalf Starter – Textured IntakeWhole Grain – Starter Intake
starter) of milk replacer until weaning. Average daily gains of the calves during the 10 weeks of the trial were not signifi cantly diff erent and were 902 grams per day (calf starter textured) versus 874 grams per day (whole-grain starter).
Physical form of calf starter did not aff ect the rate of gain for calves housed in groups or individually. Average daily gain among calves was between 874 to 902 grams per day, which meets industry targets for accelerated growth rates. Calves in both groups were able to double their bodyweight by weaning at 8 weeks (Table 1). Calves were able to continue their accelerated rate of gain after weaning as intakes of the calf starters increased rapidly (Table 1).
Numerous trials indicate that accelerated rates of gain (2 pounds per day or 907 grams per day) by dairy calves from birth to 10 weeks old results in more milk production in the animals’ fi rst lactation and subsequent
lactations of her life. Feeding a high-quality 20 percent calf starter in your choice of physical form, calf starter textured (high molasses), calf grower pellets or whole-grain starter (low molasses), along with an accelerated
acidifi ed milk replacer program, including a high (26 percent) protein milk replacer, will help you achieve these target growth rates and set your replacement heifers on a path for greater fi rst-lactation milk yield. PD
Crea
tors
Syn
dica
te, I
nc.
leig
h@ru
besc
arto
ons.
com
© L
eigh
Rub
in!
ww
w.ru
besc
arto
ons.
com
See us at theLondon Farm Show
March 5-7, 2014
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 37
PD CANADA MAIN
Group feeding … with individual resultsKathleen Shore for Progressive Dairyman
Th e Grober Young Animal Development Centre (GYADC) has been working on various management and nutrition trials evaluating group housing since 2009. In 2011, our research evaluated unlimited daily milk allowance delivered and recorded via an automatic calf feeder.
In this trial, unlimited daily milk meant calves were limited to 3 litres per drinking visit but could consume unlimited amounts of milk throughout the 24-hour period. Results showed a tendency toward better gains; there was considerable variation between daily and total amounts of milk replacer consumed. In this 2011 trial, the weaning proved more challenging for calves weaned over a 10-day period.
Calves on the restricted intake of 9 litres per day caught up quickly to the early gains of the unlimited group, thus concluding that early gains in the unlimited group were diluted. In 2012, the concept of
volume advantage was approached in a slightly diff erent method. In this trial, the unlimited phase was restricted to the fi rst 21 days, and then calves were “weaned” to a lower level of intake over seven days (day 28) and then fully weaned over 10 days starting on day 46.
Th is trial was designed to evaluate the benefi ts of providing early nutrition to appetite and then lowering the allowable limit to encourage grain. Th e results from 2012 found that smaller calves had an opportunity to catch up to larger calves through unlimited milk allowance in the fi rst 21 days; however, giving the calves a seven-day period where their milk allowance was reduced to a standard 6 litres proved too short.
Th rough these two trials, it is interesting to note the large variation of milk replacer intake from calf to calf as well as the large variation in day-to-day intake for a calf (see Figure 1). It would seem that
designing one feeding program for all calves may be limiting the growth of some calves that would drink more if they were permitted.
Our planned research for 2013 allowed for unlimited milk allowance for 21 days followed by a small reduction in milk over the following two weeks (down to 9 litres) and then a further reduction over the next two weeks (down to 6 litres) and then a 10-day weaning phase for a step-down feeding program over a total of 56 days. By slowly reducing the amount of milk calves consume, higher levels of milk intake will have a more gradual reduction.
Th e second trial planned for 2013 is to evaluate short versus standard versus long feeding programs. Calves will be fed milk replacer through the automatic feeder for six, eight or 10 weeks,
all with a 10-day weaning time. To measure the eff ect on these two trials, we will weigh the calves weekly and record daily intakes of milk replacer. Health events will also be measured by assessing health of all calves daily.
Automatic feeding machines can be an excellent tool for managing dairy heifers. In particular, the goal is to develop a feeding schedule that allows for the individual heifer’s genetic and growth potential to be achieved while still benefi ting from the social aspect of mingling within a group of her peers. PD
At the time of writing, Kathleen Shore was director of nutrition, QA and technical services for Grober Nutrition Inc. Any inquiries regarding this article can be directed to [email protected]
A small representation of daily intake for calves during week 2 for all calves receiving unlimited milk allowance over fi rst 21 days (n=17).
Figure 1
Calf #4
Calf #3
Calf #2
Calf #1
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Day 5 Day 4 Day 3 Day 2 Day 1
Schippers Canada Ltd7102 52nd Street Bay #18Lacombe, AB • T4L1Y9Phone: 1-866-995-7771 • Fax: [email protected] • www.schippers.ca
CleaningLet the foam work for you!
MS Topfoam LC ALK• A powerful alkaline soaking fl uid
• Adheres strongly, does not run and wraps itself around and into diffi cult-to-reach areas
• Active foam properties for removal of slurry, fats and feed residues
• Economical to use, concentration of only 2%
• 1 liter does cover 1,200 square feet
• Very effective on heavily soiled surfaces
• Save time and water
Please visit with us at theWestern Canadian Dairy Seminars
in Red Deer on March 11-14
Accommodates: • Hoof Trimming • DA • Hoof Wrapping • A.I. • PG Testing
Features: • Heavy duty automatic headgate • Exceptional leg control • Removable sides • Wide belly band • Brake winches
Dimension: • 90” long x 48” wide x 80” tall
H f W i A I
90” l 48” id 80” t ll
AAccommodates: • Hoof Trimming • DA
• 90” long x 48” wide x 80” tall
Hoof Trimming ChuteHoof Trimming ChuteDR. HOOFDR. HOOF
WEBER’S FARM SERVICE
800-825-49611769 Listowel Rd. RR 4Elmira, Ontario
www.agdealer.com/
webersfarmservice
38 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
Owning and managing a dairy brings a large number of diff erent challenges on a daily basis; this, in turn, often results in overlooking the basics of raising calves. Getting your calves off to a good start can be the key to raising quality heifers.
Sticking to the basics and paying attention to detail when raising calves will help build a healthy immune system and maximize growth potential. One rule to live by is to double birthweights by 60 days. Keep in mind the goal is not only raising calves but also building muscle, bone and reproduction tracts in our growing heifers.
Start with the dry cow programTh e dry cow program is often
overlooked as a major part of any newborn calf program, yet it can have a major impact on calf performance. Do your calves seem to struggle the fi rst couple weeks or even the fi rst several months of life? In many instances, this is directly related to dry cow nutrition being inadequate.
Th e goal of providing the calf with good-quality colostrum to maximize passive immunity can best be achieved by providing dry cows with adequate protein, energy, vitamins and minerals. To make sure cows get an adequate volume of colostrum, closely monitor dry matter intakes in the dry period. Low dry matter intakes may result in lower volumes of colostrum. It is a good idea to test dry feeds for molds, yeasts and mycotoxins, as the ingestion of these may result in signifi cantly lower dry matter intakes.
Approximately 60 percent of fetal growth occurs during the last three months of gestation. Adequate dry cow mineral supplementation is a
Raise them rightOlivier Demers for Progressive Dairyman
must for calf health and developing a healthy immune system. Th e dry period is an excellent time to consider the use of organic trace minerals and additional vitamins in the diet. Organic trace minerals can optimize increased absorption and passive immunity for the fetus.
Colostrum is keyTh e most important time of
a newborn calf ’s life is the fi rst 24 hours – and thus shows the
signifi cance of administering colostrum as soon as possible after birth. A good rule of thumb is “the sooner, the better.” Colostrum provides the needed antibodies (immunoglobulins) for calves to acquire immunity. Also don’t forget the importance of vitamins and minerals passed on to the calf in that fi rst milk. Th e digestive system of a newborn calf changes rapidly and the ability to absorb antibodies in an eff ective manner begins to diminish
within the fi rst 12 to 24 hours of life.Th e amount of colostrum
required for a calf depends on the size of the calf. A general rule of thumb is 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) of colostrum for a 100-pound (45-kilogram) calf in the fi rst 12 hours of life.
It is an excellent idea to have a written protocol at the dairy for colostrum testing. Th e use of
Continued on page 40
You’ve earned this time.
Advanced Dairy SystemsWellesley, ON519-656-2379
Chinook Dairy Service Ltd.Lethbridge, AB403-328-2569
Ponoka, AB403-783-2577
Hague, SK306-225-5000
Chinook Dairy Service Ltd.Chilliwack, BC604-824-4343
Optimum AgriBelle Vallee, ON705-647-5040
Dortmans Bros. Barn Equip. Inc.Strathroy, Salford, Dunnville
519-247-3435 800-265-3435
Moore BrothersNapanee, ON613-354-5516
Gordon Corners Ltd.Oshawa, ON
905-655-3177
Penner Farm Service Ltd.Blumenort, MB204-326-3781
Dundas Agri-SystemsBrinston, ON
613-652-4844
Penner Dairy Services Ltd.Tara/Listowel, ON
519-934-2343
Mountain View Electric Ltd.Enderby, BC
250-838-6455
Contact your BouMatic Dealer:
BouMatic RealTime ActivityFind Your Cows On Time, Anytime
Heat detection on modern dairies can be a challenge. Both visual observation and synchronization protocols are time-consuming, labor-intensive and costly. The harder it is to nd cows in heat, the more time - and money - you lose. BouMatic’s RealTime Activity offers you an easy-to-install, easy-to-use stand-alone activity monitoring system that gives you access to the most up-to-date herd data any time. So now you can breed your cows back sooner and with greater accuracy, maximizing your herd’s pro ts and saving you time!
Two types of HeatSeeker™ II RealTime Activity Tags to suit your management needs, available in both leg and neck styles:HeatSeeker II RTAn activity monitoring-only tagthat lets you focus just on yourherd’s daily movementsHeatSeeker II RT+A tag with BOTH activitymonitoring capabilities ANDRadio Frequency Identi cation(RFID) so you can use it forin-parlor identi cation too!
• Activity alerts are viewable on any smartphone so you can take your work with you
• Monitor low activity with leg tags or eating/grazing time with neck tags to nd sick or lame cows sooner and treat them earlier
• Put a tag on every cow in your herd or just a portion of them . . . the choice is yours!
PATENT PENDING
IF YOUR SAND DOES NOT LOOK LIKE THIS 24 HOURS A DAY, THEN YOU SHOULD CONSIDER
BOOMERANG®
Call today to learn more! 855-354-7687 • 519-348-9884
www.boomerangdairysandbedding.com
System uses up to 75% less sandSystem makes drier sand that is easier to moveReduces labour – Cows virtually maintain own stallsSand could be at the same level 24 hours a dayReduces need to deliver large volumes of sandExclusive patented curb design creates hygiene barrier and discourages perchingCows are always laying uphill, assists in reproductive effi ciencySand slope creates longer stallsLess sand in manure pits reduces costly removal Reduces environmental footprintLowers farmers’ investment in sand by decreasing the amount that is used on an annual basis = $$$$ COST SAVINGS $$$$
BENEFITS:
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 39
PD CANADA MAIN
Raise them right, cont’d from page 39
a colostrometer on the farm is a simple and eff ective tool for testing colostrum. Th is testing may identify changes that need to be made in the dry cow program.
Calf starter and milk replacerOnce milk or milk replacer and
calf starter is being fed, the focus should be meeting the growth rates for calves. Th is is best accomplished by utilizing quality milk replacers and a calf starter that meets the amino acid requirements of the calf. Pay close attention to the vitamin and mineral content of calf starters.
Th ere are many milk and milk replacer additives on the market that can help enhance a calf-feeding program.
Keep it cleanTh e environment in which a
calf is raised has a huge impact on health and performance. Clean, clean, clean and clean some more. Keep
equipment, utensils, hutches and employees as clean as possible.
Make sure housing has adequate ventilation and is designed in such a manner as to reduce drafts that may cause health problems. Bedding should obviously be clean, and soiled bedding should be removed as soon as possible.
One simple task that can be
overlooked is making sure equipment and utensils are cleaned and sanitized between feedings. Milk proteins have a tendency to adhere to the surface of equipment used for feeding. It is a good idea to rinse fi rst with cold water and then use a quality detergent or disinfectant with hot water. If the use of an esophageal feeder is employed, make sure it has been sanitized and use on only one calf to prevent possible disease transmission.
Winter brings on a whole new set of challenges when it comes to nutrition. Th e thermoneutral zone for a calf is 10°C to 15°C. Once the temperature has dropped below 10°C, additional energy is required. Additional energy needs are based upon ambient temperature and the size of the calf. Th ese energy needs can be met by feeding additional milk or milk replacer. Another option would be to increase calf starter intakes.
Feed additivesOrganic trace minerals and
selenium yeast in calf feed or milk replacer additives may be used to support the immune system of young animals and optimize the response to vaccinations.
Used eff ectively in milk replacer and starter feeds, MOS products can promote the nutritional status of the calf by enhancing gastrointestinal integrity and stability and by addressing calves’ metabolic profi le. As a result, those MOS products can aid in starter intake and bodyweight gain.
Reaching your goalsWhen planning for the future,
don’t forget about the current health and performance of newborn calves. By focusing on the basics of the dry cow program, such as colostrum quality and quantity, time of administering, environment of our calves and choosing the correct feed additives, you can reach lifetime performance goals in your herds. A great place to start is developing protocols in each of these areas and consulting with your nutritionist and veterinarian to make sure you are following the steps to true lifetime potential and performance. PD
The environment in which a calf is raised has a huge impacton health and performance. Clean, clean, clean and clean some more. Keep equipment, utensils, hutches and employees as cleanas possible. ”
Olivier DemersOn-Farm TeamAlltech Quebec
Based on results from a recent trial, Bionic® Calf Starters along with a 26% protein/18% fat acidified milk replacer resulted in calves growing 2 lb (0.9 kg)/day and doubling weight by weaning.
www.grandvalley.com | 1-877-625-4400
Advanced Animal Nutrition for Improved Human Health
“Pre-weaning calf nutrition and management can yield 4 to 8 times more milk per lactation than genetic selection.” – M. VanAmbugh, Cornell University
Target greater first lactations.
Acidified Calf Milk Replacer
Put Grand Valley Fortifiers’ calf nutrition program to work on your farm. Contact your GVF Dairy Specialist or call our dairy nutrition team.
40 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
Additives in starting programs: What is too much?Steve Blezinger for Progressive Dairyman
Virtually every dairy producer who raises calves has a “program” of some type for getting these young animals off to a good start. Th e basics, such as timely feeding of colostrum and good hutch sanitation, are core to that program. Th ere are some things that can’t be done “too well” to get highly susceptible animals up and going.
Along with these basics come sound nutrition and health practices. What are the right things to feed, and what are the appropriate vaccines and other injections that should be given? For the most part, if you put four calf managers in the same room, you will get four – maybe even fi ve – diff erent opinions.
As a dairy nutritionist, I commonly get to work with calf programs and often get called into problem situations where the performance is just not where it should be. Often what I fi nd is that the basics (good colostrum, good sanitation, sound animal management) are not what they should be, and a cocktail of feed additives as well as vaccines or other injections are being used as a band-aid to compensate. We’re going to focus on the additive part of this picture here.
A laundry list of productsProducers have a long list of
additive-type products at their disposal. Th ese include antibiotics, antibodies (IgGs, IgYs), colostrum supplements, electrolyte supplements, minerals, vitamins, bacterial cultures, fungal fermentation products or extracts, yeasts, beta glucans, mannan oligosaccharides (MOS), enzymes, essential oils, fatty acids, amino acids, toxin binders, etc. Th e list is extensive, especially when we
start evaluating individual products within each of these categories. Th en the list goes from being extensive to exhausting.
So as a calf manager whose focus is to get calves off to the best start, keeping them healthy and productive through their lives, how does he determine which of these or which combination of these to use? Th e questions are daunting to say the least.
Ultimately the question becomes: “What is the right combination to use, and what is too much?”
Looking for the right combinationEvery calf producer is looking for
just the right combination of products or programs to get calves off to a sound health start. Given the options the producer has, ultimately there are countless variations in how to develop the starting program. Starting with the basics is critical, including late-lactation and dry cow nutrition and management programs, clean and low-stress calving conditions, good calving management, feeding of quality colostrum and sanitary housing. From there, it becomes a matter of managing the stress and the young animal’s immune system. Th is is where later-lactation and dry cow feeding and management lay the foundation for fetal development, especially the development of the initial passive immune system. Th is can be particularly critical in developing fi rst-calf heifers where some programs may limit nutrient intake for economic reasons.
As calves are born and placed into hutches or other housing, this is where additive use becomes a focus. Some producers have a tendency to throw a wide variety of products at the young animal, often confounding
the animal’s ability to respond and ultimately causing more problems than might otherwise develop. Remember the following standards:
• Good colostrum within the fi rst three to four hours of birth – Every newborn calf should receive three to four litres of clean, quality colostrum (or 10 percent of their birthweight).
• Housing needs to be clean, dry and comfortable – Calf pens should be cleaned on a regular basis, and bedding replaced regularly. Calves housed outdoors during wet weather need dry bedding and regular attention to avoid the build-up of mud and manure.
• Proper ventilation – Air movement in the environment around the calf keeps the concentration of potentially harmful gases (ammonia, methane) and airborne pathogens low. Th is is especially important for calves housed indoors. However, drafts should be kept in check.
• Milk, feed and water – Feed young calves proper levels of milk multiple times daily, as well as water and grain free-choice. Keep water clean and fresh and grain dry and fresh.
After the producer confi rms that all the basics are in place, one important concept has to be
Continued on page 42
Watch the Jobo Farms
video story at masterfeeds.com
Watch thb F m
Robotic milking experts
Steve & Alex Oosterhof, Jobo Farms Robotic Dairy Producers, North Augusta, Ontario
www.koolmees.ca • Email: [email protected]
519-468-3356NORWICH, ONKoolmees
North-America
CONSTRUCTION DUMP TRAILERS
MUCK SPREADERS
MANURE TANKERS
MULTI-PURPOSE DUMP TRAILERS SILAGE TRAILER
TRUCK MOUNTS
HAY MERGERS
LOADER WAGON
[ [WITH 2014 ORDERING SEASON
WELL ON ITS WAY, CONTACT US TO
ORDER YOUR NEW EQUIPMENT AND
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PRE-SEASON PRICING AND
ON-TIME DELIVERY
YOU CAN ALSO CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO AND PHOTOS: www.koolmees.ca
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 41
PD CANADA MAIN
Additives in starting programs: What is too much? cont’d from page 41
remembered: Th e calf is born with essentially no functional immune system. Th e placental-uterine connection (epitheliochorial placenta) prevents the transmission of immunoglobulins (antibodies) from the cow to the fetus. Th e immune system begins developing initially from the consumption of colostrum and then subsequent exposure to the environment. Th e calf ’s immune system has to be supported nutritionally in an eff ort to provide the building blocks for development. Simultaneously, there are a variety of tools the producer can use to assist the animal’s immune system as it develops, essentially carrying some of the load.
In many cases, calf managers – in an eff ort to cover every possible base – will fl ood the animal’s system with any and every additive previously listed. In many cases, conventional-
fed antibiotics is the tool of choice to attempt to protect the animal from the wide variety of pathogens that may aff ect the young calf. But consider a couple of thoughts: First, for eff ective function of an antibiotic, an immune system “platform” must be in place. If the immune system is not developed adequately, the fed antibiotics may not function as desired. Second, for the fi rst few weeks of life, a calf has a relatively fragile system. Subsequently, use of high or continuous levels of powerful antibiotics can actually create a stressful situation that may antagonize the situation. Th ese two points considered, very judicial use of fed antibiotics is indicated.
Developing a plan to correctly utilize additives
As in all cases, common sense needs to prevail. Common sense tells
us that taking the shotgun approach in a receiving program is not a great idea. Common sense also tells us that there are no silver bullets and because this is biology we are working with, things change. What works today may not work two weeks from now. So to move forward the calf manager needs to ask some questions:
1 Are all the basics as listed above (colostrum, sanitary housing,
ventilation, proper feed and water) in place? If not, then this needs to be addressed fi rst. No additive can overcome what might be lacking in the basics.
2 Is the feeding program well balanced (milk or milk replacer,
starter feed, clean water) to promote growth and support of the immune system? In my experience, one common problem is that many calf
starters are inadequate in protein and other critical nutrients (amino acid balance, trace minerals, fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins). Remember, the newborn calf is essentially a monogastric and needs to be fed as such. But it also needs to be fed to promote rumen development.
3 Are there components in place to assist the developing immune
system during these early days of life? Th is is where the additives come in. Immune system support tools can include proper nutrient feeding including copper, zinc, manganese, selenium and many of the vitamins. Additionally careful and judicious use of products such as hyperimmunized egg products, prebiotics and probiotics, including bacteria, yeast, MOS, beta glucans and essential oils (plant extracts). Each of these products performs a unique function in the young animal’s digestive system. Th ese components best serve the animal when they are in place prior to a pathogenic assault (fed prophylactically) instead of fed after symptoms begin to appear (therapeutically). Conventional antibiotics may also be added to this equation as well for the same purposes. However, signifi cant care should be taken in deciding on feeding rates, combinations, duration, etc.
4 Are the various additive components in the program
justifi ed and cost-eff ective? If the manager is not certain if a specifi c additive is eff ective or serving a specifi c role, it must fi rst be scrutinized and potentially eliminated. Th is helps keep costs in line and the program streamlined.
5 In the event of some type of break, is there a plan in place to
address such an event? It makes a great deal of sense to work with your veterinarian and nutritionist to put a plan into place for such an occurrence. Similarly, the manager and the employees who work with these calves must be trained to recognize the early onset of potential health problems. Early treatment is always more eff ective.
Th ere are a large number of very good nutritional and additive tools available to the calf manager. Understanding what is truly needed as well as what the many options are can be invaluable when a sound starting program is being put into place. PD
Dr. Steve Blezinger is a management and nutritional consultant with an offi ce in Sulphur Springs, Texas. He can be reached at [email protected] or at (903) 352-3475. Visit www.facebook.com/reveille.concepts to follow him on Facebook.
DEALERSHIP INQUIRIES WELCOMEplease contact [email protected]
BRITISH COLUMBIA
604.852.9020
ONTARIO DAIRY LANE SYSTEMS LTD.800.361.2303
ALBERTA LETHBRIDGE DAIRY MART LTD.888.329.6202
QUEBEC BEAUDRY MORIN INC.888.399.2403
MANITOBA PENNER FARM SERVICES800.461.9333
NOVA SCOTIAERIC GRIFFIN AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT LTD.902.679.1910
.........................................
.........................................
.........................................
42 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
Hands-on management key for transition to automated calf technologyHolly Harper for Progressive Dairyman
Editor’s note: Th is article is the second in a two-part series featuring information from the Precision Dairy Technology Forum hosted by Penn State University. Th is article appeared in the December 2, 2013 Extra e-newsletter: www.eepurl.com/JEdMn.
Group calf housing is backDr. Jud Heinrichs, a Penn State
University professor of dairy science, and Jared Yousey, a DeLaval herd management specialist for the Northeast U.S. region, both spoke about the strengths and challenges of group calf housing and automatic calf feeding systems during the Precision Dairy Technology Forum hosted by Penn State University Extension in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 18.
Both presentations held the same basic main theme: proper hands-on management of an automatic feeding system in a group-housed environment can yield excellent results.
“You can’t rely on the computer,” said Heinrichs. “Dairy producers with these systems don’t just look at the printout. Th ey still spend time watching their calves; they know their calves. Th ey can still get an indication of the health of each calf.”
While automatic calf feeding systems will eliminate the one-on-one “drudgery” of feeding individual calves and cleaning individual pens, it doesn’t mean calves will raise themselves.
According to Yousey’s presentation, a dairy with an automatic calf feeder still must have a calf manager, treat sick calves, maintain the bedding, load the machine, feed colostrum and tend to the cows every day.
So why invest in group calf
housing and an automatic feeding system if it still requires a lot of hands-on work?
Both Heinrichs and Yousey argue that is better for the calf ’s health and can potentially also be good for the dairy’s long-term investment.
With an automatic calf feeding system “you’ve got a group-housed calf, but you’re feeding her on an individual basis,” said Heinrichs. “Th at’s where it all comes back together, using the technology to automate some processes but giving the calf individual care.”
Yousey pointed out that automated feeding systems raise a calf that is more profi table as well as healthier – both physically and socially.
Benefi ts to automaticcalf feeding systems
Th e precision nature of the programmable technology allows each calf to be fed according to her own program, which can regulate portion control, feed quantity and type, weaning timeframe, medications and electrolytes needed.
Other customizable settings include changing feed to compensate for ambient temperature changes or including a scale to measure calf weight, which can then trigger a change in feed or weaning schedule, respectively.
Like a freestall barn with robotic milking machines, the calf can come and go to the feeder as she pleases to “drink to her potential,” said Yousey. Yousey’s research indicated that a cow that is fed through a system of this type can generate about $300 more revenue in her fi rst lactation
because of the better overall nourishment and environment.
Socially, the group-housed calf is more calm and inquisitive as the confi nement of a pen is eliminated and a social hierarchy is established early, according to Yousey.
Th e automatic feeding system has diagnostic tools that can help detect a sick calf by monitoring drinking speed, a key marker that warns of a drop in consumption.
Overall, a group-housing scenario with an automatic feeding system can provide custom settings for individual calf care as well as the social and environmental support a calf needs in the fi rst weeks and months of life, if properly managed and built.
Both Yousey and Heinrichs off ered similar views on the basic requirements of the group housing facility and system.
Requirements for the group-housed calf
• Individual housing for the fi rst fi ve to seven days
• Move to group housing in as close as possible age group clusters
• Provide clean, dry and draft-free housing
• Ensure adequate clean, dry bedding
• Ensure space has at least 30 to 60 square feet per calf
• Provide personal access to milk
• Provide free-choice grain
• Provide free-choice, clean water
• Have no more than 25 calves per nipple
• Provide excellent ventilation
Things to consider for automatic calf feeding systems
• Th e economics of the system might not work for your farm. Be sure to do appropriate research to determine whether it will work for you.
• You still need a hands-on manager with the skills to both work with the automatic feeding system – bacterial testing, maintenance, loading the machine, etc. – and manage the calves actively through personal calf care and monitoring.
• If you cannot provide close-in-age groups and have too much variability, the system might not be the best for calves in groups. PD
Holly Harper is marketing director at Advanced Comfort Technology Inc. Email [email protected] to reach her.
“ You can’t rely on the computer. Dairy producers with these systems don’t just look at the printout. They still spend time watching their calves; they know their calves. They can still get an indication of the health of each calf. ”
Holly HarperDirector
of Communicationsand West Coast Sales
Advanced Comfort Technology Inc.
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 43
PD CANADA MAIN
154 farms weigh in on calfmanagement practicesContributed by Brian Lang and Jack Rodenburg
Last year, the Progressive Dairy Operators (PDO) surveyed members about the feeding, management and health of their pre-weaned calves on the farm. PDO received survey replies from 154 farms. Th e average farm milked 136 cows, with a range of 22 to 630 cows milked on the day the survey was completed.
Calves on liquid feedTh e average operation in the
survey had 19.4 calves on milk or milk replacer. Th e typical herd reported an average of one calf on liquid feed for every seven milking cows. Herds that milked less than 130 cows had a higher percentage of heifers on milk or milk replacer. A few herds indicated that they relied on someone else to raise their calves.
Th irty-four percent of farms reported that the oldest calf on milk was between 42 and 56 days old, 30 percent of the farms had the oldest calf between 57 and 70 days old, and 23 percent reported the oldest calf was more than 70 days old.
Primary calf feederTh e average age of the person
primarily responsible for calf feeding was 38. Ninety percent of the primary calf feeders on the farms were between the ages of 20 and 59, with nearly even distribution across the age range. Calf feeders were 69 percent male and 31 percent female.
Newborn calvesFarms spent an average of 20.9
minutes with a newborn calf, with a range of 10 minutes and 30 minutes reported for the 20th and 80th percentile farms.
ColostrumEighty-seven percent of farms
reported that they relied on fresh colostrum to feed a newborn calf, with a much smaller percentage indicating that they used frozen colostrum, commercial colostrum powder, pasteurized colostrum or a mixture of colostrum and powder. Th e fi rst choice for 74 percent of farms was to feed the colostrum using a nipple bottle or pail, while 23 percent indicated that they used a tube for the fi rst feeding of colostrum.
Primary liquid feedA little more than half of the
farms reported that they used fresh milk to feed calves. Sixty-fi ve percent of the milk was considered saleable, with the balance non-saleable.
Milk replacer was the primary liquid feed used by 36 percent of the farms, while 8 percent reported using acidifi ed milk or replacer, and 4 percent used pasteurized milk.
Many farms reported using more than one feeding method for calves. Nipple bottles or pails were the most common choice, followed by pail feeding. Group feeding, either by automated feeders, mob nipple feeders or troughs, was also commonly reported.
Housing for pre-weaned calvesTh e use of group pens has
become fairly common, with more than half of the farms reporting the use of group pens for heifer calves. Hutches were used on almost as many farms for heifer calves, followed by the use of side-by-side pens for the heifers. Bull calves were
most commonly housed in side-by-side pens, followed by hutches.
For operations using group housing, the calf groups tended to be small, with an average of six calves in a group. Pen size was 12 or less calves for 93 percent of the groups. Fifty-seven percent had two to fi ve calves.
Producers tended to keep the age range in group pens fairly narrow. Th e age range between the youngest and oldest calf in the group was reported as seven days or less for 26 percent of the calf groups, with another 26 percent of the groups reported with an age range between eight and 14 days. At the other end of the spectrum, seven percent were reported with an age range more than 45 days.
Labour time for calvesTh e average farm in the survey
reported 11.2 hours of labour per week for pre-weaned calves. As the number of milking cows increased, the time per calf tended to decrease. An average of 35 minutes of labour per week per calf was reported. Farms with less than 60 milking cows averaged 57 minutes per calf, while farms with more than 180 cows milking averaged 28 minutes of labour per week per calf.
Feeding was by far the largest time requirement for pre-weaned calves. Th e preparation and feeding of the liquid feed took 42 percent of the time committed to the pre-weaned calves. Another 14 percent of the time was used cleaning feeding equipment. Feeding calf starter and hay was 14 percent of the time as well, while bedding was 9 percent.
Preventative health and treating sick calves totaled 8 percent of the time.
Cleaning pens and hutches was calculated at 7 percent of the time spent for pre-weaned calves. Many reported that when hutch or pen cleaning was done, it took a signifi cant amount of time, but that major cleaning usually occurred once every month to once every three months.
Housing system and labour requirements
Farms were sorted into diff erent groups for those that reported at least 65 percent of their calves using one housing system. Th e housing system choices were hutches, side-by-side pens or group pens. For calves in group pens, they were identifi ed as using automatic feeders or not having automatic feeders.
Th e time required per week was highest for calves in hutches, with a median requirement of 49 minutes per calf per week. Th ere was a wide range between farms using hutches, with the 20th and 80th percentile farms reporting 31 and 86 minutes per calf per week.
Farms with group-housed calves had a median labour requirement of 25 minutes per calf per week, with the 20th and 80th percentile
Brian LangDairy Cattle Production Systems Program Lead
Ontario Ministryof Agriculture Food
& Rural [email protected]
FARM
PROGRES
S
INNOVA
TION A
WARD 2
013
• THE COMPLETE LINE •
• 275hp
• 13,000GPM of Agitation Performance
• Remote Controlled
www.nuhn.ca 1-877-837-7323 [email protected]
Your Manure Management Specialists
PRE-ORDER NOW FOR SPRING!
44 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
farms at 14 and 42 minutes per calf, respectively.
Feeding milk or milk replacer required a median of 35 minutes per calf per week on farms using hutches, while the group-housed calves required 13 to 14 minutes per calf per week for both the calves on automated feeders and the calves on mob feeders.
Calf healthSixty-two percent of the farms
reported that they maintained accurate health records for calves, while 38 percent indicated that they did not have accurate records. Both groups reported death loss for calves before 24 hours old was 5 to 6 percent. Th e reported death loss for calves between 24 hours old and weaning averaged 3 percent in this survey. Th at is about half of the death loss for calves that age reported in other studies. Th e farms with accurate health records reported higher incidences of scours.
Fifty-six percent of farms
reported that they had treated more calves for scours than pneumonia, while 31 percent of farms treated more calves for pneumonia than scours. Housing did not appear to have any impact on reported death loss or the rate of reported scours.
However, pneumonia was less common on farms using hutches for pre-weaned calf housing, while calves in group housing were more likely to have respiratory problems reported in this survey. Th at has been found in many other research projects.
In this survey, farms that reported that they had older calves on milk or milk replacers tended to have higher incidence of scours. Th at situation has not been commonly reported in research. It is unclear why it occurred in this survey. It may be the result of the farms with higher levels of health issues, keeping calves on milk or milk replacer longer to try to help the calves recover. PD
Jack Rodenburg is with DairyLogix Consulting.
CALL VANDENBURG EQUIPMENT SERVICE TO GET YOUR ROBERT SPREADER AND SHEAR BUCKET NOW!
WHERE KNOW-HOW IS A TRADITION
Our hydraulic-drive front-loading straw spreader for loaders/telehandlers has often been copied but has never been equaled. Thanks to many years of experience since it fi rst reached the market in 1998, it gives users not only the outstanding quality and reliability of ROBERT-made equipment, but also total satisfaction of a remarkable visibility, ease of handling and accessibility, no matter what the brand of telescoping arm or type of bale you’re using.
HYDRAULIC-DRIVEN FRONT-LOADING STRAW SPREADERS
Vandenburg Equipment Service159 Eleventh Conc. Road • Harley, Ontario N0E 1E0Phone: 519.863.5719 • Cell: 519.536.1584 • E-Mail: [email protected]
www.VESontario.com
SILAGE SHEAR BUCKETS GNEW!
Shear can handle all silage types (corn, haylage, etc.)
Silage shear with replaceable knives
2-3 cuts fi ll the bucket
Bolt-on attachment plates make it easy to hook on any loader
NEW STANDARDS IN CAPACITY• fully adjustable draw-bar • swing discharge pipe • electro hydraulic controls• large section swing valve • fully adjustable hydraulic agitating nozzle • and more
High point pressure compacts from the bottom up. Reduces costly waste!
The ultimate tool to get the agitating out of the way. Huge capacity per horsepower. Many models to suit your situation.
Pit Agitator
10 INCHLAGOONPUMP
(519)897-1891
SpanjerMachines
WE MAKE A CAREER OF IT SO YOU DO NOT HAVE TO!
Heifers Bull calves
Nipple bottle or pail 102 77
Pail hand-delivered/walking 62 23
Individual pail with milk cart or taxi 9 4
Mob feeder multiple nipples 21 8
Automatic feeder one or more nipples 33 6
Trough 3 2
Table 1 Farms reporting liquid feed delivery
Cows
Milking
Avgerage
Hours/
Week
20th
Percentile
Hrs/Week
80th
Percentile
Hrs/Week
Avg. Min.
Calf/Week
<60 7.5 2.7 10.2 57
60-89 7.8 4.9 10.2 43
90-129 10.1 5.9 14.6 41
130-179 13.0 5.5 21.0 35
180+ 18.3 8.3 26.2 28
All 11.2 5.4 15.5 35
Table 2 Calf labour per week
Age
oldest
calf on
milk
(days)
Death
loss
before
24 hours
Death
loss 24
hours to
weaning
Treated
scours
Treated pneumonia
Hutches 59 6% 2% 17% 4%a
Side-by-side pens
56 5% 3% 17% 9%a,b
Group with auto-feeder
59 6% 5% 16% 16%b
Group no auto-feeder
63 5% 3% 20% 15%b
Table 3 Reported health vs. housing type
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 45
PD CANADA MAIN
Odour and air emissions are ever-present on dairy farms and continue to hold the attention of local, state and national regulation agencies.
Last year, Rick Stowell from University of Nebraska – Lincoln gave two presentations on the topic at the Midwest Manure Summit in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
He outlined a number of ways dairies can better manage air quality, from implementing best management practices, evaluating risk during siting and adding mitigation strategies.
“Th ere’s no such thing as a typical dairy, but there are such things as typical activities on dairy farms,” Stowell said.
Associated with most dairy farms are livestock facilities, feed storage, manure storage and fi elds where manure is applied.
Each area has its own emissions to manage. For example, with land application of manure, there is going to be odour, greenhouse gases and
Improve air quality with siting, mitigation strategiesProgressive Dairyman Editor Karen Lee
particulate matter.Stowell’s fi rst piece of advice is to
prioritize the areas of the farm where emphasis should be placed to mitigate emissions.
Dairy producers should also determine which air quality issue takes precedence.
He set the order of concern from highest to lowest as odour, ammonia, greenhouse gases, and other gases and dusts. Of course, some dairies could rank these diff erently depending on their situation.
According to Stowell, odour deserves a lot of attention because every dairy farm produces odour.
“A lot of dairy farmers are too close to it to realize there is an odour,” he said. “We know odours can evoke complaints. Odours are bad for business.”
In some cases, odour is doing the communication for a dairy operation, which can drive a wedge between the dairy and its neighbours, open the door for litigation and be a distraction
for the farm’s management.Odour has been known to draw
unwanted attention and scrutiny to dairy farms. “Th is is a sustainability issue,” he said. “Th e next generation will take on that baggage.”
Ammonia emissions are a growing environmental concern, whereas greenhouse gas emissions are an area of misperception and uncertainty. Overall, animal agriculture is a small player to greenhouse gas emissions in developed nations, he said.
Producers should focus their concern on odour and ammonia emissions.
Best management practicesOne tool to help dairymen
evaluate their farm’s emissions and determine where reductions can be achieved is at naqsat.tamu.edu – where they can fi nd the National Air Quality Site Assessment Tool (NAQSAT). Using this online tool, producers can enter their farm’s
information to see particular areas where air quality can be improved and then make changes within the online program to see what best management practices have the greatest impact.
“In my book, land application is where it’s at in terms of priorities for odour,” Stowell said.
Both injection and incorporation for manure application have been shown to eff ectively reduce emissions. Keeping the manure low, either with subsurface agitation of manure lagoons or a low profi le with land application and irrigation, will result in less drift and attention.
Don’t forget to monitor the weather; avoid calm days and the stillness of dusk or dawn for manure applications. Don’t irrigate on days when winds are greater than 10 miles per hour.
Communicate with neighbours in advance to show appreciation for their interests, like neighbourhood parties, and to convey the eff orts you will take to minimize the impact on them.
Stowell’s second priority is the facilities, as they can be a potential chronic source for odour; however, most dairies do well at getting manure out of the facilities quickly.
Dairy producers can also infl uence ammonia emissions through the ration that is fed. A ration that overfeeds protein leads to higher ammonia emissions.
Proper manure collection, transfer and storage can also help a farm cut down on odour and ammonia emissions.
Facility sitingOdour is generally the number
one air quality concern in terms of siting dairy facilities. Stowell said it can be challenging to control, is primarily a local issue and is especially problematic for new facilities.
A big part of addressing odour is understanding the local area and learning who are the farm’s neighbours.
“Odour is really hard to look at objectively,” Stowell said. “Th e bottom line is while we can come up with a prescribed separation distance in one county, you can go to another area where there will be very little likelihood it will be accepted.”
Advanced planning tools may be required by the province, county or township and can help with this process. Th ese will help a dairy producer identify risk levels through setback diff erences. Stowell cautioned not to ignore the risk associated with what’s beyond the risk zone as well as taking the time to identify which of the residences within the risk zone may be problematic.
CROWD CONTROLWWW.SIKKEMAEQUIPMENT.COM 1.800.553.8171
™
MAEQUIPMENT COM
You collect sample
Courier to lab
We test
Results faxed/ emailed to you
MMMILKILKILK CCCULTURESULTURESULTURES MMMASTITISASTITISASTITIS CULTURESCULTURESCULTURES, S, S, STAPHTAPHTAPH
AUREUSAUREUSAUREUS SCREENINGSCREENINGSCREENING, S, S, SENSITIVITIESENSITIVITIESENSITIVITIES & C& C& COLIFORMOLIFORMOLIFORM SSSPECIATIONPECIATIONPECIATION
SSSCOURCOURCOUR TTTESTINGESTINGESTING IIIDENTIFYDENTIFYDENTIFY RRROTAOTAOTA/C/C/CORONAORONAORONA/C/C/CRYPTORYPTORYPTO & & &
E. E. E. COLICOLICOLI K99K99K99
BBBIOIOIOPRYNPRYNPRYN®®® PPPREGNANCYREGNANCYREGNANCY TTTESTINGESTINGESTING ONONON YYYOUROUROUR
SSSCHEDULECHEDULECHEDULE!!! SSSEROLOGYEROLOGYEROLOGY
NNNEOSPORAEOSPORAEOSPORA, L, L, LEUKOSISEUKOSISEUKOSIS, J, J, JOHNESOHNESOHNES & & & BVD BVD BVD
WWWATERATERATER TESTINGTESTINGTESTING LLLIVESTOCKIVESTOCKIVESTOCK WATERWATERWATER SUPPLIESSUPPLIESSUPPLIES
OOONENENE STOPSTOPSTOP CONVENIENCECONVENIENCECONVENIENCE FORFORFOR ALLALLALL YOURYOURYOUR HERDHERDHERD TESTINGTESTINGTESTING
NNNEEDSEEDSEEDS!!!
#6 320 W.T. Hill BLVD S. LETHBRIDGE, AB T1J 4K9 PH:403-328-1844 [email protected] WWW.BIOCHECKLABS.COM
-
46 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
Mitigation effortsTh ere are a number of techniques
farms can use to reduce the generation of odour, ammonia emissions, greenhouse gases and particulate matter.
• Mechanical separation alone is ineff ective, Stowell said, mentioning it only removes 30 percent of solids. Additives, like polymers, can be used to get more of the solids out, but those can be expensive, he said.
• Anaerobic digestion can reduce the odour-generating compounds by 60 to 80 percent, but that can be subject to substrates from off -farm sources that are added in. Digesters are also eff ective at reducing greenhouse gases; however, there is higher potential for ammonia loss.
• Th ere are two types of wastewater treatment available. Th e low-tech treatment lagoon can be managed as a lagoon, but Stowell said it is less eff ective in cold climates. Plus, it results in high nitrogen losses. High-tech systems, similar to municipal treatment systems, can clean wastewater with very little odour, but it does require good pre-treatment of manure for solids reduction.
• Aeration allows a farm to break down organics aerobically. Th is has been shown to emit very little odour with fewer undesired gas emissions such as methane and ammonia.
• Th ere are a number of manure additive products on the market today, but according to Stowell, no one has been able to prove any of them consistently work in a laboratory setting. Due to the variability with bacteria in the manure, he conceded there are probably some instances where it does work in practice.
• Composting is a way to reduce odour in comparison to stockpiling, but it does require more management.
In addition to reducing odour, there are a few options to capture and destroy emissions.
• Permeable covers slow air exchange at the manure surface but eventually allow gas to come through. In general, it can achieve a 50 percent odour reduction.
• Impermeable covers seal the surface and keep gases from escaping. Th e built-up pressure does need to be pulled off and destroyed, typically using a fl are or as low-grade fuel.
• Biofi lters are one of the most eff ective treatments for odourous air, achieving an odour reduction of 90 percent, but they do have limited applications on dairy farms, Stowell said.
• Vegetative buff ers help if you’re not
going to prevent emissions. Th ese divert and dilute by moving air up. Th ere is very little benefi t from an emission control standpoint, but it does help because people like trees. “It’s a perception issue, and odour is very largely a perception issue,” he added.
In closing, Stowell said, “Good siting of facilities can alleviate many potential odour challenges.” For existing dairies struggling with odour and other emissions, implementing more best management practices or employing a new way to mitigate emissions could be benefi cial. PD
A lot of dairy farmers are too close to it to realize there is an odour. We know odours can evoke complaints. Odours are bad for business. ”
FINALLY!
Manufactured and Distributed byIntegrated Bio Systems Inc.Abbotsford, BC. Canada V2S 7M1Toll free: [email protected]
Ontario Dealer:Norwell Dairy Ltd.519-538-3535Drayton, Woodstock, Lindsay& Brinston
A daily footbathprogram that doesn’t
cost a fortune!
HOOFTREET 365 Hoofcare SystemA footbath solution to aid in the controlof Footrot and Digital Dermatitis.
• Copper sulphate-free • Formaldehyde-free• Biodegradable • Long-lasting
Eastern Canada DistributorLester’s Bovine ProductsIt’s All About ChoiceWoodstock, ON – [email protected]
Made in Canada under licence of: MaraHealthcare Ltd. (UK)
A “Next Generation” version to be used
in conjunction with HOOFTREET 365 footbathto prevent resistance issues.
HOOFTREET 365 PLUS
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 47
PD CANADA MAIN
What’s your manure IQ?Contributed by Christina Curell
A statement by former Michigan State University Extension educator Natalie Rector noting that “with rising nitrogen prices, manure nutrients are more valuable than ever” is as true today as it was when she said it fi ve years ago. Manure contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and many micronutrients, but because it doesn’t come in a fertilizer bag with a guaranteed analysis, some producers don’t make use of this resource. How much do
you know about manure’s value on your farm? Take this quiz to fi nd out.
• True or False: Manure spread during the winter and not incorporated into the soil provides very little nitrogen for the next crop.
False. Winter-applied manure has nitrogen value. When manure is spread during cold weather on soil that contains moisture, much of the nitrogen is held in the soil and is available in the spring. Th e nitrogen in manure comes in several forms, including ammonium (NH4-N) and
organic nitrogen. Conversely, manure that is spread during hot weather on dry soils (such as on August wheat stubble) loses much of its ammonium to the air through a process called volatilization that is less likely to occur during cold weather. Manure’s organic components break down slowly. As soon as soils warm up in the spring, a portion of the nitrogen is released and is readily available to the growing crop, even from manure that was surface-applied during cooler weather.
• True or False: Manure spread in March and April will not be available to crops in June.
False. As the soil warms up in the spring, 25 to 50 percent of the organic nitrogen converts to a form of nitrogen that is readily available to the growing crop.
• True or False: Manure composition is too variable to be a reliable source of crop nutrients.
False. Manure is more variable than purchased fertilizer, but it can be managed for effi cient crop production. Manure tests will estimate the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that can be credited against fertilizer recommendations. Agitating manure in storage prior to hauling it to the fi elds improves nutrient uniformity. Take several manure samples while emptying a storage system to determine nutrient variation between the fi rst and last loads.
It is important to spread manure as uniformly as possible. If an applicator spreads manure at a steady speed and avoids random skips and overlaps, manure nutrients will be consistent across the fi eld.
Th e exception is sand-laden manure stored in a pit, which varies signifi cantly in consistency and nutrient composition from beginning to end of emptying the manure storage facility. Skimming and hauling means the fi rst portion is pumped off as a liquid, a sloppy mix is removed in the middle, and the remaining manure is removed by tractor-loader and spreader. Take three manure samples
Winter-applied manure has nitrogen value. When manure is spread during cold weather on soil that contains moisture, much of the nitrogen is held in the soil and is available in the spring. ”
Christina CurellWater Quality Educator
Michigan State University Extension
Steerable Liquid Manure Spreaders
It’s Good to be HomeAfter a Job Well Done
engineering for a better world
GEA Farm Technologies Canada Inc.
48 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
from these three diff erent fractions to evaluate the concentration of nutrients at various levels in the manure pit.
• True or False: Manure nitrogen is in a form that is not available to plants.
False. Crops cannot tell if nitrogen is coming from fertilizer, livestock manure or green-manure cover crops. As mentioned above, manure contains several forms of nitrogen (organic and ammonium), and all forms of manure nitrogen ultimately convert to available forms of nitrogen for plants.
• True or False: Manure increases soil organic matter and tilth, but it should not be considered a nutrient source. Full rates of commercial fertilizer should be applied to ensure good yields.
False. Manure is a valuable nutrient source that should be credited against fertilizer recommendations. Th ere is a wide range in manure value, so it’s important to take samples as you empty manure pits or during daily haul. Th is will provide useful information for making the best decisions at fertilizer sidedress time. Liquid manure systems are a valuable source of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, while straw-packed manure has less nutrient value. Manure application rates have a major eff ect on the amount of nutrients provided to the fi eld. Th ere is a big diff erence in nutrients per acre when manure is being applied at 3,000, 6,000 or 9,000 gallons per acre. Producers should routinely test soil and manure, and calibrate manure application spreaders.
• True or False: When manure is
spread on a fi eld for the fi rst time, the manure will be of little nutrient value.
False. Manure has nutrient value beginning with the fi rst application to a fi eld. When manure has been spread on the same fi eld over three years, a signifi cant amount of nitrogen can be slow-released. After the third year, nitrogen will still be released from manure that was spread two or three seasons earlier. Applying more manure the third year may provide suffi cient nitrogen for a high-yielding corn crop. Use a pre-sidedress nitrogen test to estimate how much nitrogen is available. PD
—Excerpts from Michigan State University Extension website, April 23, 2013
Winter-applied manure has nitrogen value. When manure is spread during cold weather on soil that contains moisture, much of the nitrogen is held in the soil and is available in the spring. Photos by PD staff.
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 49
PD CANADA MAIN
Forage sorghum as a management optionBill Ramsey for Progressive Dairyman
Sorghums grown as forages include sorghum-sudangrass, forage sorghum and grain sorghum hybrids. Sorghum-sudangrass hybrids are used mainly for pasture or hay. Forage sorghum hybrids yield more dry matter than sorghum-sudangrass, produce better-quality forage and are used for silage or greenchop. Grain-bearing forage sorghum hybrids are generally used for silage production because they produce a palatable growth in late-season pastures.
Forage sorghums have the potential to produce large amounts of nutritious forage during the summer months, and their inherent versatility fi ts into many diff erent growing or livestock operations. Sorghum hybrids targeted for silage are good matches for dryland and limited irrigation situations. Signifi cant drought tolerance is a key benefi t of forage sorghums. Th ey can also be used in an emergency as a late-planted crop to replace a primary crop damaged by wind, hail or drought early in the growing season. Forage sorghums off er growers a diverse range of management options to match their production needs.
Hybrid optionsForage sorghum hybrids are
similar to grain sorghums, but they are taller, leafi er and may produce less grain. Th ey range from 6 to 14 feet (1.8 to 4.3 metres) in height, with stalks that are usually large in diameter and may contain a sweet juice. Seed heads may have a more open panicle with smaller seeds than grain sorghum. Milking and feeding trials show that feeding forage sorghum and corn silage both result in the same milk production and cattle gain rates. One distinct advantage of forage sorghum is that it requires signifi cantly less water than corn.
Forage sorghum hybrids off er a wide range of yield and nutritive values – the central factors in determining which variety to plant. If the silage will be fed to lactating cows, quality considerations will probably be the dominant factor. However, in the case of dry cows or feedlots, yield may outweigh quality, particularly if silage acres are limited. Forage sorghum hybrids display a broader range of grain, leaf and stem digestibility than corn silage options.
Although forage sorghum yield is one factor, nutritive value should be carefully considered as a strategy toward consistent forage feeding.
Th e greater energy value and
digestibility per kilogram of corn silage remains a key reason for selecting it over forage sorghum.
Currently, growers who plant corn can be more confi dent in the consistency of its nutritive value at harvest compared to forage sorghum – primarily due to the wide variation in nutritive value of forage sorghum cultivars. Continuous corn breeding selection for greater fi bre digestibility, higher starch content and higher drought tolerance could move the balance even further toward corn.
Increasing forage sorghum nutritive value with BMR genes
Th e BMR mutation that aff ects fi bre concentration and increases digestibility has been used to enhance the nutritive values of corn and forage sorghum. Phenotypic changes on BMR sorghum plants are visible in a brown pigmentation in the mid-rib of the leaf, stem, pith and immature panicle branches. In all cases, the brown colouration is found in the vascular tissue, which is linked to indigestible tissue. However, it’s incorrect to generalize that all BMR forage sorghums are better than conventional forage sorghums; selection should be based on performance by individual cultivars.
Th e phenotypic traits of forage sorghum cultivars vary, and the wide ranges in plant height, dry matter content and grain yield contribute to marked diff erences in nutritional value among sorghum cultivars.
Table 1 summarizes documentation that forage sorghum BMR cultivars can be a substitute for corn silage in lactating dairy cow rations without aff ecting milk yield. However, the 20 percent or greater reduction in dry matter yield of forage sorghum BMR compared with corn makes it diffi cult for growers to prefer BMR forage sorghum over corn. For those facing a declining water supply, forage sorghum will remain a good option compared to corn for silage production.
Relative feeding valueRelative feeding values are used
to compare forage sorghum types to corn silage. In general, forage sorghums will have 80 to 90 percent of the energy value of corn silage per unit of dry matter. Sorghum-sudangrass hybrids usually have 65 to 75 percent of the value of corn silage. Th e inherited wisdom is that a high grain yield is necessary for forage sorghum to produce high-quality forage. While this tends to be true
We’ve moved!The new location for the Progressive Dairyman Canada website is
Have feedback about the site?
Email [email protected]
We’d love to hear what you think.
We’ve also refreshed the look of the site.
Please visit and check it out!
50 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
with conventional forage sorghums, it’s not true with BMR hybrids.
Research has shown that BMR hybrids can have a low percentage of grain in the silage but be high in nutrition.
In Figure 1, the percentage of grain content in pre-ensiled non-BMR and BMR forage sorghum was compared to its in-vitro true digestibility (IVTD). Conventional forage sorghums’ IVTD increased quadratically and plateaued at 78.0 percent when the silage was 34.5 percent grain. In contrast, the IVTD of BMR forage sorghums plateaued at 80.8 percent when grain content was only 2.0 percent of the total weight (Figure 1).
Two main types of forage sorghum hybrids, BMR and non-BMR, are most often used for silage
production. BMR hybrids contain less lignin than non-BMR hybrids. Lowering the lignin content increases the overall digestibility and thus improves nutritive values. Th e disadvantage of the BMR hybrids is that lodging can be a more signifi cant issue, particularly if harvest is delayed past the optimum stage.
Th e average yield and nutritional characteristics for 35 BMR and 22 non-BMR hybrids in a trial conducted in 2011 at the Texas AgriLife Research fi eld lab are reported in Table 2.
Ensiling considerationsTh ough there are some
diff erences, forage sorghum silage requires largely the same management practices as corn silage: Determine proper moisture content
and length of cut, pack properly, and avoid contaminants such as soil and cover to prevent exposure to air and moisture.
1 Maturity and moisture: Forage sorghum should be harvested
when the whole-plant moisture content is between 63 and 68 percent. In grain-producing forage sorghums, the correct moisture content is
generally present when the grain has reached the soft-dough stage. Th is stage occurs after the liquid inside the grain has changed to a dough-like substance yet is still soft enough to be mashed between the fi ngers. Do not delay silage harvest until the hard-dough stage because sorghum becomes progressively less digestible
Continued on page 52
Figure 1
Grain content and in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) relationships for pre-ensiled conventional (non-BMR) and brown midrib (BMR) forage sorghum in four years of variety trials (Texas AgriLife Research, Amarillo, TX; McCollum, et al., 2005).
IVTD
, % D
M
% Grain in silage
90
85
80
75
70
65
600 10 20
Non-BMR
30 40 50 60
BMR
Reference Normal BMR-6 BMR-12 BMR-18 Corn
Browing and Lusk (8)
16.2 16.1
Lusk, et al. (19)Experiment 1Experiment 2
NitrogenPhosphorus
CalciumMagnesium
BoronChloride
ManganeseMolybdenum
Grant, et al. (14) 17.9 26.2 26.6
Oliver, et al. (23) 29.1 33.7 31.2 33.3
Aydin, et al. (4) Experiment 1 Experiment 2
20.731.4
23.733.8
29.032.4
Table 1 Fat-corrected milk (4% FCM, Kg/day) of normal, BMR forage sorghum, and corn silage
Engineered for professional haulers, Jamesway’s new MAXX-TRAC tankers deliver maximum performance.
MAXX-TRAC Steering is gentle on
Smooth riding even in rough country. The left and right sides of the PARALLEL-LINK suspension move completely independently.
Smooth riding even in rough
Tandem models 4000 4500 5000 5700 US GalTridem models 5600 6200 6600 7400 US GalQuad models 8500 9600 10 200 US Gal
OUTPERFORMS, OUTMANEUVERS AND OUTSPREADS THE COMPETITION BY A MILE.
Loaded with features for professional users:• High Output impeller with 6” or 8” discharge• Automatic Industrial brakes• High-speed steering•
By :
1-800-435-6406 - www.prolineinc.ca
Alberta
(403) 885-2527
Box 535, Blackfalds, AB
TOM 0J0
Saskatchewan
(306) 716-3882
Box 861, Warman, SK
S0K 4S0
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 51
PD CANADA MAIN
Feeding forage sorghum, cont’d from page 51
as it matures. Harvesting at the soft-dough stage and chopping it before the grain gets too hard will result in higher digestibility.
2 Length of cut: Th e correct length of cut is determined by the crop’s
moisture content and its intended use. Th e ideal length for forage sorghum is three-eighths to one-half inch (0.9 to 1.3 centimeters), according to Kansas State University data. Longer cuts tend to cause packing problems, while fi ner cuts can create feeding problems in dairy cattle.
3 Forage preservation: Since sorghum silages tend to have a
higher moisture content when chopped than other forages, growers should use a research-proven silage additive. High-moisture content favours butyric acid-producing bacteria, which can result in foul-smelling, unpalatable feed and excessive dry matter loss. Th e use of an inoculant will help minimize butyric acid production, reduce fermentation time and seepage, and produce higher-quality silage with less
Characteristic Conventional BMR
Silage, Ton/Ac65% Mist
MeanRange
24.118.3–33.3
20.716.5–24.0
C. ProteinMeanRange
7.25.5–8.6
7.82.8–8.5
NDF, %DMMeanRange
47.739.8–59.6
45.442.3-56.2
ADF, %DMMeanRange
28.624.5–36.5
26.924.7–33.4
IVTD, %DMMeanRange
75.967.7–82.1
81.076.3–84.0
Table 2 Comparison of conventional and BMR forage sorghum
Data collected from six years of variety trials at Texas AgriLife Research, Bushland, TX.
dry matter losses (trial data available upon request).
4 Toxicity potential in forage sorghum: Sorghums have the
potential to be very toxic to animals. Producers should guard against prussic acid poisoning and nitrate toxicity (NO3-). Prussic acid, or hydrocyanic acid (HCN), is formed from naturally occurring cyanogenic glucosides in the sorghum plant and is readily absorbed in the bloodstream, leading to respiratory problems and eventual death if high enough concentrations are consumed. In cases of prussic acid poisoning, the blood of animals appears cherry red. Plant cell injuries from a variety of factors can raise HCN levels. HCN converts rapidly to a gas, so in most cases toxic levels are greatly reduced before ensiling during the chopping process. For this reason, HCN is seldom a problem in silage.
As a general rule, anything that suppresses or disrupts the growth of leaves relative to root absorption (i.e., drought, overcast days, frost,
low temperatures, shading, herbicide damage, hail, disease) could contribute to increased levels of NO3- in the plant. Excessive nitrogen fertilization may result in toxic forage as well, especially when combined with drought stress. As a general recommendation, feeding programs should be modifi ed if silage contains more than 1,000 ppm of NO3-. Waiting four days to one week after a stressful environmental
condition (drought or frost) before chopping for silage or greenchop is recommended to help avoid high NO3- levels. Drought or stressed silages that have not been inoculated should ferment a full three weeks before feeding. If the forage is inoculated with a reputable product, nitrate levels should be reduced by 40 to 50 percent in just a few days.
Ensiling forage sorghum with high NO3- concentration can produce lethal silo gas. Th e nitrous oxide decomposes to water and gases, including nitrogen oxide (colourless), nitrogen dioxide (NO2, reddish-brown colour) and nitrogen tetraoxide (yellowish colour).
Th is mixture is volatilized as a brownish gas that is heavier than air and lethal to humans and livestock. For this reason, care should be taken when a silage pit or bag is fi rst opened in cases in which high NO3- levels are suspected.
High-nitrate feed should be limited in the animals’ diet, and it is always critical to check NO3- concentrations before feeding.
Keep all of these considerations in mind when feeding forage sorghum. PD
The
Bunkers Piles Inline Bales
Ground Coverage StacksCrown Coverage
L eaving its markon the industry.
Not on your cows.
No liner works harder to milk gentler.• Oval-barrel design requires less vacuum to open and close• Engineered for virtually no slippage• Milks out quickly, cleanly and completely• Fits perfectly in stainless steel 06 style shells
©2013 Conewango, Inc.
Oval-Barrel Milking Liner
800-828-9258 • www.evolution-liners.com
52 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
Silage plastic:Looks can be deceivingKeith Bolsen for Progressive Dairyman
Year after year, the cost of unsealed or incorrectly sealed corn silage exceeds a quarter billion dollars in the U.S. Th at’s no small change when it comes to a livestock operation’s bottom line. Money is lost from both spoiled silage, which has to be discarded, and from the decreased nutritional value of the silage itself. However, these losses are unnecessary and preventable.
When it comes time to seal bunker silos or drive-over piles this year, it’s important to understand there are diff erent kinds of silage plastics and they are not created equal.
Molecular gaps exist in plastic covers that let oxygen through, and this produces spoiled silage. I’ve met with skepticism from some producers before; they’ve queried how oxygen gets through when water stays out. Th e reason is because oxygen molecules are much smaller than water molecules.
Th e measurement used by laboratories to determine how eff ective plastics are at keeping oxygen out is called oxygen transmission rate (OTR). Laboratory test results, using the American Standard Test Method (ASTM), show that silage plastics have a wide range in OTR – from about 6,000 cubic centimeters to less than 30 cubic centimeters of oxygen per square meter in 24 hours in a 100 percent oxygen environment. Th e lower the number, the less oxygen gets through and the better the protection.
Preventing the fl ow of oxygen into the silage is important because oxygen increases dry matter (DM) loss, increases the number of yeasts and moulds (and the possibility of mycotoxins) and allows the growth of undesirable aerobic bacteria. Th e goal should be to prevent as much oxygen from getting in the silage as possible during the entire storage and feedout periods.
It’s not just a matter of doubling up the layers of plastic either to prevent oxygen from getting through. Traditional white-on-black silage plastic with a fi ve-mil thickness has an OTR of 1,811, while oxygen barrier fi lm with a 1.8-mil thickness has an OTR of 29. For comparison’s sake, it takes 60 sheets of regular plastic to equal the protection provided by one sheet of oxygen barrier fi lm.
Information on OTR rates should be available on all silage plastics. When you make your silage plastic purchase this year, ask what the OTR is and ask to see independent laboratory test results. Th e goal is to select a product that provides as close to 100 percent oxygen barrier protection as possible.
Th is added protection saves a signifi cant amount of silage. Research shows that oxygen barrier fi lm
reduces the DM loss in the outer 1.5 to three feet of silage by 50 percent or more compared to regular silage covers.
Saving this additional silage adds up fi nancially for an operation. To illustrate this point, let’s look at the savings generated from covering a bunker silo and a drive-over pile with oxygen barrier fi lm. Th e silage team at Kansas State University developed Excel spreadsheets over the past several years, which calculate the profi tability of sealing ensiled forages or high-moisture grain.
If we look at a bunker silo of corn silage, with a 3,000-ton capacity, which is 50 feet wide x 215 feet long with a depth of 12 feet and above-average density, sealing with oxygen barrier fi lm would produce a net savings of $3,000 to $5,000 dollars of silage compared to standard white-on-black fi ve-mil plastic.
In the case of a drive-over pile of corn silage with a 3,000-ton capacity, which is 90 feet wide at the base x 210 feet long with an apex height of 14 feet and above-average density, sealing with oxygen barrier fi lm would produce a net savings of $4,500 to $9,000 dollars of silage compared to standard white-on-black fi ve-mil plastic.
As you can see, saving the outer 1.5 to three feet of silage adds up.
In addition to being economically better for your operation, it also is safer for you and your employees. It’s simply too dangerous to pitch surface spoilage off the top of many bunkers and piles. When used appropriately, oxygen barrier fi lm can reduce or eliminate the need to pitch any silage. PD
Keith BolsenProfessor Emeritusof Animal Sciences
Kansas State [email protected]
When sealing bunker silos or driver-over piles, keep in mind there are different kinds of plastics and they are not created equal. The goal is to select a product that provides as close to 100 percent oxygen barrier protection as possible. Ask what the oxygen transfer rate is and ask to see independent laboratory test results. Photo courtesy of SiloStop.
26147 Wiens Rd. • Grunthal, Manitoba • R0A 0R0
Phone: (204) 434-6801 • www.tristarag.cawww.odinscrapers.com
Odin manure-handling systems Designed to provide Cow Comfort, Versatility and Durability. Our many options make them a perfect fi t for any operation.
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS FOR THE
TIE STALL OPERATOR
The Alpha Scraper• Cleans the gutter, driven by a hydraulic pump• Animal-friendly design• Proven performance since the beginning of the hydraulic era
The Svea Rail• Excellent maneuverability and guidance throughout the barn• High-grade material in switches for longer durability
Proven Customer Satisfaction in the
European Market – Made in Sweden
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 53
PD CANADA MAIN
New hires
Progressive Dairyman would like you to meet:
Henry Paz, Ph.D.
Technical Service and Sales Manager
Fresno, California
Grain States Soya, Inc.
AboutHenryTerritory
My territory includes the Western U.S., Mexico and Canada.
EducationMy training has focused in dairy
nutrition, and I have conducted research that evaluated the protein quality of feedstuff s, amino utilization in the dairy cow, and milk and protein yield responses by supplementation of limiting amino acids.
My bachelor’s degree in agriculture is from Escuela Agrícola Panamericana, Zamorano in Honduras. I earned a master’s degree in dairy nutrition at Ohio State University and a Ph.D. degree in dairy nutrition at the University of Nebraska.
Agricultural backgroundTraining and internships in both
industry and academia have given me knowledge and insight into dairy nutrition and production practices in Latin and North America.
What are your new responsibilities?
My primary responsibility is technical service to current users and potential users of Soy Best and Soy Best Pearl. Our company conducts ongoing research and development for the purpose of improving the nutritional value
of soybean meal bypass protein through fortifi cation with limiting amino acids.
Th e goal of this research is to help dairymen increase their income over feed cost by producing milk at a lower cost. Th is is an exciting program, and I am fortunate to be involved in it.
What previous positionshave you held?
I have been a researcher in the area of nitrogen effi ciency and amino acid supply and utilization and their impacts on lactation responses of dairy cows.
Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
My parents have been my biggest source of inspiration. Th roughout my academic training many people have motivated me to strive for excellence.
From my sixth-grade teacher, Maio Muñoz, to my college adviser, Dr. Isidro Matamoros, and my post-graduate advisers, Dr. William Weiss and Dr. Paul Kononoff , many fi ne people have taught me the value of working for a purpose.
How will you be of most helpto producers in your regionor area of expertise?
Balancing dairy rations with high-quality bypass protein has the potential to benefi t dairy producers in a number of ways, such as
increasing income over feed cost, increasing effi ciency of feed and nitrogen utilization by the cow, decreasing the environmental impact of the dairy operation and improving nutrition-related issues such as milk components, milk yield and reproduction.
Why did you choose this company?
I chose this company because it is a leader in the area of high-quality bypass protein for dairy cows and it is dedicated to its customers’ best interests.
Using technology developed at their mill in West Point, Nebraska, the company is able to improve the amino acid quality of high-bypass
protein soybean meal for the fi rst time in history. Th is technology and my training in dairy production and amino acid nutrition are a good match.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
My main goal is to help dairy producers be more profi table. Th anks to scientists around the world, our knowledge of the science of milk production continues to advance.
Th ese advances are made available to our industry through nutrition programs for the formulation of dairy rations. My goal is to use these scientifi c tools and my company’s fi ne products to help dairy producers achieve success. PD
HEADLOCKS, FREESTALLS, IMPLEMENTS AND MORE...
HATFIELD MANUFACTURING, INC.
We use ...
®
800.359.8171BUY DIRECT AND SAVE
FOR OUR COMPLETE PRODUCT LINE AND FREE CATALOG GO TO:
www.hatfieldmfg.com
A PROFITABLE FOOT-FRIENDLY FLOORpays off with...
If you are looking for a better, more pro table way to bring veal calves to market or get your replacement heifers off to a good start, take a hard look at Tenderfoot® Calf Flooring. It will save you time and money and give your calves a healthier environment – less ies, reduced odor, less disease.
FLOORING SYSTEMS
Contact your Tenderfoot® representative today!
Call 800-533-0509Manufactured by
TANDEM PRODUCTS, INCwww.tandemproducts.com/tenderfoot.htm
C
d by
10-YEAR LIMITED
WARRANTY
See your Dealer
for details
Less labor Self-cleaning design A healthier environment Proven durability Better weight gain
612-721-2911OR
54 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
Cory Ott of River-Bridge Holsteins, a GENESIS Cooperator Herd, sizes up two GENESIS cows. From left to right,
Co-op Boliver Alexis-ET, dam of 1HO10471 ADIDAS and Co-op Ramos Megan-ET, dam of 1HO10647 MEANDER.
SIZING-UP YOUR FUTURE
An A.I. industry geneticist was recently quoted saying, "Body size is a very heritable trait, and the current selection practices are leading to bigger and bigger cows." While this is true at some studs, Genex leads the way in creating more medium-sized cows.
N U M B E R O F S I R E S ≥ +2 . 0 S TAT U R EBased on December 2013 U.S. Active Holstein Lineups.
GENEX ABS ACCELERATED ALTA SELECT SEMEX35 55 130 55 79 77
We believe the future centers around the medium-sized cow. We want to be your partner in reducing inputs and retaining yields to maximize margins. Let us help you breed the most healthy, cost-effective cow possible.
Pick the size that fits your herd goals.
Read the article: http://bit.ly/IOOEuX
USDA-CDCB/12-13, HA-USA/12-13, IB-M/USA/12-13, HA-M/USA/12-13. ©2014 CRI A-06700-14
Guelph, ON (CAN) 888.354.4622www.crinet.com [email protected]
PD CANADA MAIN
Civilization, that is to say, farmingWhile in college, someone
gave me a computer game called “Civilization.” In the game, the player is leader of a major society that existed at some point in human history. You build up and improve your nation, battling other world powers doing the same. Th e end goal is to rule the world. To be victorious, you have to meet the needs of the people, manage relationships with other leaders and survive various hardships.
Admittedly, I’m not very proud
of this: Back home, milking cows between semesters, my idle mind would sometimes view the homestead in the context of the game. I would decide if spreading manure or dehorning calves would have more immediate benefi ts to my civilization (the farm). I would leave cookies for the milkman to bolster our diplomatic relations (for better recorded weights). I would make sure cow comfort was maximized with adequate bedding and clean water (improving the
productivity of my inhabitants).I eventually learned that to win
in “Civilization,” you have to fi nd a way to always invest in your society, even when you’re under attack and using most of your resources to survive. If you don’t fi nd a way to keep progressing, you will eventually fail to be competitive.
In reality, farming isn’t a game, and the challenges faced are anything but play. Agricultural media in nearly every country produces the same
headlines: high costs, low margins. Th e means to invest doesn’t come easy and doesn’t come cheap. Part of the magic trick of farming is fi nding a way to move forward when it is diffi cult to do so, whether it be milk quality, fertility rates or volume shipped. Generic advice falls short because each farm is a unique institution in itself; it can be an individual battle to get it where it needs to be.
Technology changes quickly, and there are always new developments that test themselves against time and practicality before eventually becoming common. Sometimes, however, it’s surprising where it occurs. Iceland did not have a dairy industry until after World War II. Many rural people had several cows that produced for their own consumption, but there was little milk shipped into Reykjavík, its urban area. Even after the war, when Iceland received American money from the Marshall Plan and began the process of general modernity, it was still a relatively poor and underdeveloped country until it joined the European Economic Area in the ’90s. Today, however, it leads the world in many industries, from geothermal energy to ecotourism.
One of the biggest surprises, however, came with talking to Áslaug Helgadóttir from the Agricultural University of Iceland. Most Icelandic farmers that make their living solely with dairy cattle have 60 to 70 cows. Expansion occurs relatively little, particularly because the government has worked to keep the industry profi table and doing so would be seen as undesirable by both the farmers and the social values of the country’s people. Despite their small size, they actively look for ways to forge ahead, from experimenting with forages that can survive their unpredictable winters to new marketing schemes.
“When you visit some farms,” she said, “make sure you check out the robots.”
“Robots for 60 cows?” I asked.“Why not? It works.”Managing a farm is anything but
easy, but those able to move forward in whatever way they can – better management practices, more effi cient equipment, infrastructure improvement – will be more productive in the good times and better able to meet the other challenges that lie ahead. Th ose that have made it thus far have done it in a spirit of perseverance and willingness to keep progressing and investing in their holdings, even when it is diffi cult to do so. PD
The Milk HouseBy Ryan Dennis
56 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
NEW PRODUCTS
New skid steer and compacttrack loaders from John Deere
John Deere’s newest additions to the E-Series line of skid steer loaders and compact track loaders (CTLs) feature design and performance enhancements that, the company says, is based on customer feedback. Two skid steer models (318E, 320E) and two compact track loader models (319E, 323E) include upgraded boom performance, auxiliary lines integrated through the boom for improved visibility and added protection, and cab additions that improve operator and machine productivity, uptime and lower daily operating costs.
New features include connect-under-pressure auxiliary hydraulic couplers and courtesy lighting that stays on up to 90 seconds after the engine is shut down, illuminating the way for easier exits out of dark barns or after-hour job sites.
In addition, they include a new keyless start sealed switch with an anti-theft system and a ride control option that features shock-absorbing boom cylinders that cushion bumps, helping retain full bucket loads to the intended destination and help navigation over rough terrain.
Th e Yanmar Final Tier 4 diesel engines on all models feature cooled exhaust gas recirculation with an exhaust fi lter consisting of a diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate fi lter.
—From John Deere news release
Extrutech Plastics has new concrete forms for dairy farms
Extrutech Plastics introduces a new “stay-in-place” concrete form for 6-inch poured walls
Th e Extrutech FORM system, according to the company, brings a bright new look to concrete form construction. Th e 24-inch wide by 6-inch thick panel is pre-cut to project specifi cations and snaps together with a double-spline E-Locking system.
Th is form off ers an easy-to-clean sanitary surface on both sides. Th e product creates a structural wall system that is builder-friendly and customer-friendly.
—From Extrutech Plastics news release
DuPont Pioneer introduces two new BMR corn hybrids
DuPont Pioneer is introducing two new Pioneer-brand corn hybrids with the BMR trait for 2014 in Canada. Th ese new products off er the traits growers expect from BMR hybrids, along with strong agronomics, in a broader range of maturities.
Company researchers expanded overall BMR breeding eff orts by starting a new program with the goal of developing unique inbred parent lines and hybrids expressing the
BMR trait. Th ey looked for lines that demonstrated BMR forage quality along with performance stability, excellent yield and agronomic strengths such as root-lodging resistance and standability for ease of harvest.
Th e new BMR products include the Herculex XTRA, LibertyLink and Roundup Ready Corn 2 traits for insect resistance and herbicide tolerance.
Th ese two hybrids include:• P0783XR: 107-day BMR silage
hybrid with excellent fi bre digestibility,
tall plants, good roots and a good leaf disease resistance rating.
• P1180XR: 111-day maturity BMR silage hybrid that fl owers early for a wide area of adaptation, including northern growing areas. It features excellent stand emergence and establishment, plus good disease tolerance.
Th e company says these products off er better potential silage yields, higher starch content and excellent fi bre digestibility. PD
—From DuPont Pioneer news release
REPLACEMENT MIXER AUGERS Augers for most TMR Mixers
Call for a quote
aa82bg
2009 SUPREME 500T 10’ rub tub ext.
Tail light pack. Dogleg right conveyor.
500 cu. ft. capacity. $39,995
aa70th
JAY LOR 1275 245 cubic feet. 50 HP vertical
Right side drop chute
ab57xg
2013 NDE 2656 Dual truck tires
tandem axle. Hyd. shift 2 spd.
Step floor twin-4 months old $73,900
aa05za
JAY LOR 1350 New knives & oil change
Left side door
ab57xd
2009 SUPREME 1200T 10’ dogleg right
conveyor. 2-speed gearbox. Tail light package.
DG electronic scale with remote display
SUPREME INTL 900T New complete
conv, paint, knives, jack & PTO. Twin
screw with dual truck tires $45,900
aa06ba
SUPREME INTL 900T Recutter with
knives. New augers, completely refurb.
Dual scale heads – $47,900
aa06au
Banana TMR KnivesRegular $123.95 Sale price $99.95
aa37km
RADIAL STACKING CONVEYOR 50’ x 36” Hydraulic drive. Central
greasing bank. $24,900
ab37aw
2014 FARESIN ECOMODE 1700A 17cu. m. Self-loads at 3.5 T per min.
from a 20’ bunk face. 4x4 plus crab
ab00ht
2013 FARESIN ECOMODE 2800 28 cu.
m. 240HP diesel. Self-loads @ 3.5 T/
min from 20’ bunk face. 4x4 plus crab
aa05zg
2013 VERTABLEND 5500 55 cu. ft.
Dual side unload, scales, full set of
knives. Honda electric start $10,900
ab55hm
2013 SUPREME 400 Demo Unit Right-hand side fold-up conveyor.
Flotation tires.10” rubber tub ext.
aa06ca
2014 PENTA 3020VS 360 cu. ft.
stationary, EZ2400 Digistar scale.
Side door magnet. $26,900
aa09ls
2013 SUPREME 800T 10’ dogleg right hydraulic shift.
2-speed gearbox
aa06ae
2013 PENTA 4020SD Demo Unit
LoPro super single tires, hydraulic
fold-up conveyor. $29,900
aa05yn
2012 PENTA 6020SD Demo Unit. S.S.
truck tires. Hydr. fold-up conv.Tail light
pack, 2-speed reduction gearbox
aa05yi
2007 SUPREME 900T Stat. trailer
diesel 240HP Cummins. AR tub liner,
rear stacking conveyor. $79,900
aa37jq
2013 PENTA 4420SD 510 cu. ft.
LoPro twin with super single truck
tires. Flat dual conveyor. $34,900
aa05yvDemo Sale
Warranty
2 in Stock!
Warranty
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 57
PD CANADA MAIN
BY BOB HAMMITTBMaintain your hay and forage equipmentBob Hammitt for Progressive Dairyman
Now is the ideal time to assess your equipment. It’s wise to do a full inspection of your equipment during the winter months so it will be ready to go in the spring. Regular inspections help eliminate downtime for all equipment, but it’s particularly important for hay and forage machinery.
First, downtime can be incredibly costly if you miss out on baling during optimal moisture conditions. It’s essential that your equipment is up and running during the window of time when the hay is not too wet or dry.
Second, hay baling is a very dusty operation – dust and plant material collect in all nooks and crannies of the machine. Th is material then collects moisture, which over time can cause rust and corrode the surfaces of the machine. Th e material may also encourage mice and other rodents to build nests in the machine, allowing them to chew on electrical harnesses
and belts or hoses. After the hay season wraps up,
it’s a good time to have the machines cleaned, inspected, adjusted and repaired. A good cleaning will prevent rust, discourage rodent infestation and make a good inspection of the machine much easier. Compressed air is the most eff ective method for removing chaff and debris from the machine. A portable leaf blower with high-velocity air can also work well. Be sure to wear eye protection whenever air is used. Do not use water to clean the baler, as any water-soaked debris left behind can accelerate corrosion.
Th e following general inspection tips will help you maintain your machines. As always, your dealer is the expert on your specifi c machine, and it’s smart to contact him for detailed service work or additional advice. Th ese tips will apply to most brands of square balers.
Before beginning any machine
inspection, always consult your operator’s manual for proper safety procedures.
Smart tip 1: Make sureyour baler’s safety equipmentis in place and functional
Inspect the baler to make sure all safety shields are in place and functional, including PTO shields. Replace any shields that are missing or not functioning properly. Be sure all warning and safety decals are undamaged and readable. Check the SMV emblem for damage and refl ectivity, and replace if damaged or faded. Inspect safety chains and replace as needed. If equipped with a fi re extinguisher, check to be sure it is fully charged.
Smart tip 2: Inspect the pickup and feeder area
Inspect the pickup assembly and replace any bent or missing tines and
pickup bands. Check the pickup cam track for damage and inspect the cam bearings. Check pickup fl otation and adjust as specifi ed in your operator’s manual. Inspect the packer fork, crank and plunger bearings and timing.
Smart tip 3: Inspect the bale chamber and knotter
Check the plunger bearings for wear, fl at spots, missing seals or roughness when turning, and replace as necessary. Inspect the slides for wear and adjustment. Sharpen and adjust plunger and stationary knives, referring to your operator’s manual for proper adjustment. Check the plunger gearbox mounting hardware to ensure mounting bolts have not loosened.
Check end play on the knotter stack and adjust as needed. Excessive end play may cause accelerated wear or breakage of knotter parts. Inspect the billhook for excessive wear, rough edges and burrs. If worn excessively,
58 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
replace it. If there are rough spots or burrs, fi le smooth and fi nish with emory cloth. Check the twine discs for excessive wear and adjustment. See your operator’s manual for adjustment instructions.
Smart tip 4: Baler timingand shear bolts
Proper baler timing ensures the correct stuff er-to-plunger timing, needles-to-plunger timing and knotter timing. Th ese systems are protected by shear bolts. It’s important to replace these bolts once a year and check them regularly to ensure a snug fi t. If the bolts fail in the fi eld, they can cause signifi cant machine damage and require re-timing, resulting in expensive downtime. Replace them according to the instructions in your operator’s manual. Be sure to use the manufacturer-recommended hardware and torque to the correct specifi cations for proper function.
Smart tip 5: Wheels and tiresCheck the tires for damage,
cracks or dry rot. Remove the wheel, clean and inspect bearings, shafts and seals, and repack the wheel bearings. Reinstall the wheels, being sure to torque the wheel bolts to the proper tightness. When storing the baler, place boards under the wheels to get the tires up off the ground.
Smart tip 6: Miscellaneous Inspect the structure and welds
for any cracks. See your dealer for any necessary repairs. Check all belts for cracks, fraying and excessive wear, and replace as necessary. Inspect pulleys for proper alignment or damage and adjust idlers and tensioners. Check drive chains for excessive elongation, binding and rust or corrosion and, if necessary, replace with high-quality roller chain. Make sure drive chains are properly lubricated with a high-quality chain lubricant. Check drive and idler sprockets for wear and proper adjustment. Always replace chains and sprockets at the same time, as worn sprockets will cause premature wear on new chain and vice versa.
Inspect all hydraulic lines, hoses and cylinders for leaks, wear or damage, and repair or replace as necessary. Close hydraulic cylinders if possible or weatherproof to prevent rusting. Check any hydraulic reservoirs and gearboxes to make sure fl uids are clean and free of contaminants, including water. Check fl uid levels and fi ll with the appropriate fl uids. Lubricate all machine grease points to prevent water intrusion.
In conclusion, hay and forage equipment is an investment, and maintaining your equipment is the
best way to protect it and make sure it holds its value. For additional peace of mind, have an expert technician inspect your machine. Many experts will give you a certifi ed maintenance inspection decal for your equipment to symbolize completed service – this can increase the resale value of your machine. If you’re worried about cost of these services, ask if your dealer can off er guaranteed pricing so the cost isn’t a moving target. By combining self-inspection and routine maintenance with expert dealer service and advice, you will be more than ready for a successful season in 2014. PD
“Our herd average has increased from 28 kgs to 36 kgs per cow”
Galaxy Astrea 20.20 Automated Milking Systems
FOCUS ON EFFICIENCY
Ag-Co Products LimitedP.O. Box 220 • 4842 Perth Line 34
Sebringville, ON • Canada • N0K 1X0
Phone: (519) 393-5179
Fax: (519) 393-5195
www.ag-co.on.ca
Archway Dairy Solutions26026 Road 49 N
Elm Creek MB R0G 0N0
Phone: (204) 750-4321
Fax: (204) 436-3372
Ontario:Manitoba:Pacifi c Dairy Centre Ltd.34282 Manufacturers Way
Abbotsford, BC • Canada • V2S 7M1
Phone: (604) 852-9020
Fax: (604) 852-5090
www.pacifi cdairycentre.com
sales@pacifi cdairy.net
British Columbia: Alberta:Kneller’s Sales & Service Ltd.3-5905 45th Street
Leduc, AB • Canada • T9E 7B3
Phone: (780) 986-5600
Fax: (780) 986-9883
Lethbridge Dairy Mart Ltd.3610 8th Avenue
North Lethbridge, AB • Canada • T1H 5E2
Phone: (888) 329-6202
Fax: (403) 329-6264
www.lethbridgedairymart.ca
Effi ciency,
Low Maintenance,
Increased Milk
Quality
“We installed the Insentec Astrea Automated Milking System more than a year ago, and have been very pleased with its performance. The real workhorse of the robot is its industrial arm. Accurate heat detection and activity monitoring has also improved our conception rates and positively impacted our herd’s reproductive status. The double box system with its small footprint fi t well into our existing barn design and was easy to install. Fresh cows with high production are milked 5 or 6 times daily. Our herd average has increased from 28 kgs per cow to 36 kgs per cow. We look forward to years of worry-free milking!”
Bernard Klop, Pacifi c Rim DairiesChilliwack, BC
Eastern Canada Dealership Inquiries contact: [email protected]
Bernard Klop (Owner) and son Albert (Manager)
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 59
PD CANADA MAIN
Just dropping by ...By Yevet Tenney
Finding answers in God’s bookIn our instant gratifi cation world,
where everything is spelled out in HD on the wide-screen television, and problems are shaped and solved in 30-minute increments, it is often diffi cult for a novice to understand the symbolism of the Bible. Th e surfaces of Biblical stories are so simple and straightforward; it is easy to walk away and say, “Th at was a nice didactic story,” but there is a haunting feeling there should be more. After all, this is God’s book – it should be richer somehow. Th ere is more ... so much more. Th e deeper you read, the more you understand.
As you pray and start to ask questions like, “How does this apply to me, and what am I supposed to learn from this story?” principles start to leap out, and you realize these stories not only apply to life but are patterns in your very life.
Even in the Creation, we fi nd principles that apply to our lives. Th ere is a pattern of order that comes clear as we read beyond the surface. God used six days to create the earth; yes, we know that. First, God solved the problem of darkness. Th en He divided the water in the air from the water on the land. Next, He divided that water and the dry land. After that, He put seeds in the ground and made them grow. He then put animals on the earth. Finally, He made male and female and gave them dominion over the whole earth. In other words, He said, “You are in charge; take care of this wonderful place and these
creatures I have given you.”What can we learn from the
Creation? First, God is a generous loving God who wants His children to be happy. Just look at the marvelous variety of His creations. He didn’t just throw the world together and say, “Th at is good enough for those who will dwell here.” No. He saw that it was good. Probably the word “good” in the Bible is the most magnifi cent understatement of all time. Th ere is not a word to describe how wonderful His work was. He gave His very best to the last detail, and He was satisfi ed with His labours.
Was the earth created without a plan? I don’t think so. I am sure He started with a master plan and He worked His plan to the last atom of the last cell. He is a God of order, not of chaos. Th e Big Bang Th eory falls apart under the lenses of the Bible story. Order is the overriding theme of the Creation. “Big Bangs” tend to shatter things, not bring them together in magnifi cent order and supreme precision. Th e workings of the world, as God created them, are still patterns of order. Babies still go through the same growing process. Animals are never born full-grown. Seeds still produce the intended outcome. Seasons still follow the same patterns. Chaos has never been able to produce that kind of repeating order.
As we look deeper, what is one principle we can learn from the Creation story? Creative labour brings satisfaction. Human beings, like God, fi nd satisfaction in creating something
of value, and the eff ort they exert in the creative process makes all the diff erence. Creativity begins with formulating a plan. What will we need? What will be the fi rst step, the second step? What will the fi nal product look like? Will it work the way the Creation was planned? Creativity, in eff ect, is bringing things together that exist in chaos and putting them into meaningful order to make something useful or beautiful, and the Creation is most eff ective when it makes a diff erence in someone else’s life.
Artists know the feeling of creative satisfaction when they mix colours and spread them over the canvas to send a message in visual form. Th ey are thrilled when their work communicates their message to someone else. Farmers know the satisfaction of clearing a piece of land and planting seeds in a certain order. As they watch it grow and produce, it gives a feeling of satisfaction. If they share their harvest, it is more meaningful.
Writers start with a blank piece of paper or computer screen and fi ll it with words that take on meaning and emotion. Satisfaction comes when writers re-read the words and feel the emotion they have created. It is twice as nice when someone else is blessed by the words they have written.
Composers, actors, screenwriters, inventors all take satisfaction in their work. Every advertisement, road sign, highway, building and invention begins with a human’s creative plan that is carried out from the planning stage to the fi nal product.
Th ere seems to be a connection between creating and sharing. God took satisfaction in His work, and I am sure He enjoys it again when we appreciate what He has done. Gratitude plays such a big part in satisfaction. All humans need to have someone be appreciative of our creative works.
I wonder if much of the dissatisfaction and emotional illness in our society comes from the lack of creativity or rather the lack of using the creative abilities we all have. I would venture to say, “Th e more we are consumers instead of creators, the more frustrated we become.” We need to be able to express ourselves and allow ourselves to create. It is defi nitely easier to sit in front of the television or fl ip through our mobile device and enjoy what someone else has done rather than to use the energy to create something of our own.
Th e Creation story has other principles that apply to our lives. God’s
crowning glory was the creation of Adam and Eve. God created them after His image. What does that really mean?
If humans are in the image of God, they are like Him. We have His attributes and divine potential. Th at means we have limitless possibilities. Of course, we are mortal, and subject to the frailties of the fl esh, but if we are in the image of God, we can accomplish much more than we allow ourselves to imagine. We have to tap into the God-given powers of creation. We must allow ourselves to think bigger and use our creativity to become all that we were intended to be.
God gave Adam and Eve dominion over all His creations. Dominion means to govern and to have authority over something. Governing and taking care of the Earth is a big job for two people, but God didn’t think so. He expected them to grow in capacity and power. Even today, He expects great things from His children. He expects us to be producers, caretakers and creators. Each one of us has talents and God-given abilities we can use to bless the lives of others. We have a divine mission to perform. How do we know what that mission is?
We can live day-to-day wondering and trying diff erent avenues. Trial and error is eff ective, but it takes forever. Th ere is a better way. Reading the scriptures and praying are much more eff ective in discovering our divine potential and our mission in life. God know us. He answers prayers. He has promised that if we “ask, we shall receive.” It isn’t enough to just read the scriptures. Deeper meanings only come out with deeper reading and pondering. We must ask questions and be willing to listen for the answers.
Prayer is a two-way communication process. It isn’t a grocery-list kind of prayer: “Give me this and give me that.” It is a father-to-son or -daughter conversation. Questions like: “What are my talents? How can I use them to create something of value that will bless others? Where do you want me to serve today? What does this scripture mean? How does it apply to me?” Th ese questions are eff ective, but it isn’t good enough just to ask. Listen for the answer. Answers will come into your mind, and if you act on those answers, God will lead you gradually and steadily to your potential. Be ready to give up a few things of the world and to do more than you ever thought you could. PD
KVK HOOF TRIMMING CHUTES
www.protekta.ca519.528.5888email: [email protected]
Healthy for animals.
Better for people.
Comesin 3
models!
Provide an optimum working
posture to the trimmer and minimum discomfort to
livestock.Protekta Inc.
60 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
40 years of concrete experience, research & development is behind our custom-built Traction Milling equipment, 7-step process
and quality workmanship.
1-877-966-3546
or visit
www.agritraction.com
AGRI-TRAC Inc. is the only provider of true Traction
Milling in the Dairy Industry
Grass, Forage & Hay • Hans Gras
Brus’ Orchard & Winery, Tillsonburg
Offi ce 519.842.2262 • Cell 519.983.4493
• Engels Raai = Perennial Rye-Tetra: $2.40/lb. • Festulolium: The super-grass everyone talks about• Alfalfa from $2.95 - $4.50 / lb. Free nitrogen binding• Kropaar = Orchardgrass: tasty hay, summer yielder• Silage Corn + Poncho, 2850HU, $50/acre, $ 130/bag• Save your Soil with a COVER CROP; Nitro Radish• Also available: Soybean seed, Timothy, R & W Clover, Trifoil, lawn-grass mixes, horse meadow mix. Email your order to: [email protected] above varieties are true & tested in Canada by General Seed: GeSeCoSMS my iPhone at 519-983-4493Shipped free in Ontario, We FedEx coast to coast
For more intake + higher components, less twisted stomachs
Grow more hay: your cows will pay their way
Manufacturers of Agricultural Precast Products
T-Walls ranging from 6’-12’ in height
H-stylefeeders available
Various Styles of Hog & Dairy Slats Available. Width up to
4’ and Length up to 13’-4”Affordable Fence Posts
No Digging Required Patent pending
Various styles available
Toll-free: (877) [email protected]
PRECAST PRODUCTS LTD.
NO MORE DEHORNINGPolled semen available Holstein/Swiss/Jersey
24 bulls, 11 Homozygous100% of calves born without Horns.
Starting at $6
Order Direct & Savedairybullsonline.com 1-855-222-2013
3 IN 1: BRUSHING SPREADING SCRAPING
info@dalefi eldag.com www.dalefi eldag.com
Dalefi eld Ag1-855-845-9755
Feel free to contact us for more information
Ritchie manufactures a complete line of livestock watering products with the highest speci cations in the industry. From a single horse Stall Fount to a fountain that waters up to 500 head, Ritchie fountains are top quality. Plus, every Ritchie fountain is backed by our 10-year limited warranty.
JAD- VENTDistributors LTD.
Contact your local dealer or call:RR1 AYR ON NOB 1E0PH: 519-632-7471 FAX: 519-632-7815www.jadvent.com
Parkview Pre-CastSaskatchewan, Manitoba & Ontario
1(204) 212-0990 • [email protected]
LSC Pre-Cast SystemsBritish Columbia & Alberta
1(888) 796-2323 • [email protected]
• 8 types of bunker silos • Suspended fl oors • Slats • Bridges • Liquid & dry bulk storage
• Retaining walls • Insulated tilt-up walls
Three distinct reasons our cow hobbles
are better than all other hobbles:
1. Attaches to the ankle with a positive
lock—NOT Velcro!
2. 6,000 lb. tensile strength with All Stainless Steel Components.
3. Fully Adjustable—(12" to 21" plus)
allows therapeutic benefi ts at wider
settings and anti-kicking protection at
narrow settings.
Quality Hobbles At LastCow Cuff Links II
(989) 386-2910 www.hobbleman.net
HOOFTRIMMING SCHOOL taught by professional hooftrimmer. School is all hands-on training (no classroom or trimming dead cow legs). Class is one-on-one, not a group. A must for the start-up hooftrimmer, dairyman or dairy employee. Chutes also available. Call 806-798-9684.
OUR TOP-OF-THE-LINE, INNOVATIVE,
QUALITY,PRODUCTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES.
,,,PRPRPRPRPRRRODODODODODODODUCUCUCUCUCUCUCTSTTTTSTST SSSSPEPEPEPEAKAKAKAK FFFFORROROR TTTTTHEHEHEHEHEHEHEMMMSMSMMM ELVES.SS
Hoof Trimming Discs• Beginning Discs to
Advanced Discs
Hoof Trimming Equipment• Grinders & Sharpeners
Hoof Trimming Replacement Parts• Steel Screws & Blades
800-843-3912www.rotoclipinc.com
www.centralalbertafarms.com
Is your Milk Safe?New and Improved!!
Delvotest SP – NT quick and accurate on-farm check for antibiotics in milk.
Delvo NT tests for antibiotics and sulpha-based drugs. No tablet required and a longer shelf-life!!
Systems Plus1-800-604-3645 • [email protected]
Iss yyoouurr MMiillkk
D
Ddrrrr
11
Polled Genetics
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 61
PD CANADA MAIN
CALENDAR
February 28 – March 2, 2014Atlantic Young Breeders School
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Islandhttp://www.holsteins.ca/AYBS
[email protected](902) 314-0824
March 3-5, 2014Growing Sustainable Bioeconomies
Conference & ExhibitionLondon, Ontario
(416) 426-7029
March 5-7, 2014London Farm Show
London, Ontariowww.westernfairdistrict.com/events/attend/2014farmshow#.
UsNX2PaJTWI(800) 619-4629
March 11-13, 2014Ottawa Valley Farm Show
Ottawa, [email protected]
(613) 445-3407
March 11-14, 2014Western Canadian Dairy Seminar
Red Deer, Albertawww.wcds.ca
[email protected](780) 492-3236
March 12-13, 2014PDPW Business Conference
Madison, [email protected](800) 947-7379
March 20-22, 2014Jersey Canada AGMWinnipeg, Manitoba
(519) 821-1020
March 21-22, 2014Dairy Classic Championship Show
Calgary, Albertahttp://ag.calgarystampede.
com/events/566-dairy-classic-championship-show.html
[email protected](403) 261-0162
March 26, 2014Ontario Jersey Invitational Sale
Woodstock, Ontariowww.jerseyontario.ca
[email protected](519) 766-9980
March 26-27, 2014Ontario Spring Discovery Show
Ancaster, Ontariowww.jerseyontario.ca
[email protected](519) 766-9980
March 27, 2014Canadian Guernsey Association/
Guernsey Breeders of Ontario Annual MeetingGuelph, Ontario
[email protected](519) 836-2141
March 31 – April 5, 2014Royal Manitoba Winter Fair
Brandon, [email protected]
(204) 726-3590
April 1-3, 2014Dairy Calf & Heifer Association
Annual ConferenceGreen Bay, Wisconsinwww.calfandheifer.org
(877) 434-3377
April 2-5, 2014Holstein National Convention
Sherbrooke, Quebecwww.events.holstein.ca
519-756-8300
April 3-5, 2014Canadian Brown Swiss and Braunvieh Annual Meeting
Kincardine, [email protected]
(519) 821-2811
April 3-5, 2014 North American Intercollegiate
Dairy ChallengeFort Wayne, Indiana
www.dairychallenge.org [email protected]
(608) 224-0400
April 10-11, 2014 Western Canadian Dairy Expo
Saskatoon, Saskatchewanwww.saskatoonex.com/wcle/[email protected]
(306) 931-7149
April 28-30, 2014Dairy Sen$e Workshop
Winnipeg, [email protected]
(204) 346-9809
May 1-3, 2014Dairy Sen$e Workshop
Guelph, Ontariowww.4-hontario.ca
[email protected](877) 410-6748
May 18-21, 2014Alltech’s Annual International
SymposiumLexington, Kentucky
www.alltech.com/[email protected]
Celebrating 20 years in business! See us at the Western Canadian Dairy Seminar
USA Gypsum Bedding ConditionerGRIPX1 for superior drying & traction
• Dry soft comfortable surface for clean cows• Reduce somatic cell counts & mastitis • Doesn’t burn, non-caustic, safe to handle• Increases life of bedding and reduces odours• Dissolves & doesn’t build up in pits• Available in bag, super sack or bulk
Ontario, Canada contact, Animal Bedding Company (519) 577-8800www.usagypsum.com | 717-335-0379
Lancaster County, PADealers wanted in selected areas
Needing large capacity storage and wanting to fully automate their dairy operation, have better quality feed storage and increased
efficiencies, Celmar Dairy have built 3 new Harvestore silos. 1 unit (28’ x 110’ ) for haylage, 2 unit (28’ x 110’ ) for cornlage and st nd
the 3rd unit (20’ x 80’) for HMC.
• www.ontarioharvestore.com • 1-800-265-8303
Celmar Dairy Ltd. joins growing family of HARVESTORE Owners
HIGH-CAPACITY STORAGE
62 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAIN
A D V E R T I S E R S ’ I N D E X
Issue 3 • March 2014 Progressive Dairyman 63
PD CANADA MAINPD CANADA EAST
As Your Calf Grows
Head Office US Sales Office Toll Free: 1-888-231-35757793 Young St. 3731 Luker Rd. www.calfhutch.com Grassie, ON L0R 1M0 Cortland, NY 13045 www.youtube.com/agriplasticsT: 1-905-945-3116 T: 1-607-591-0103 [email protected]: 1-905-945-5359
WirebackOptionAvailable
UV
PROTECTEDDDUU
EEEVVV TTTPPP CCRRR EEEOOTTT
ABS Global Inc. 26
Adisseo 64
Ag Shield Mfg. 51
Ag-Co Products Limited 1,59
Agri-Plastics Mfg. 63
Agromatic 1
Agromec Industries 38
Alltech 29
Alta Genetics Inc. 15
Animat Inc. 14
Artex Barn Solutions Ltd. Cover
Bag Man LLC 52
Bio Logical Solutions Inc. 20
BioCheck Labs/Repro-Scan 46
BioTracking LLC 23
BouMatic 39
Brodie Ag & Industrial Inc. 37,57
Calf-Star Milk Products 36
Can Grow Crop Solutions 32
Canadian Hay & Silage Ltd. 12
Canarm – BSM Agri 49
CLAAS of America 31
Conewango Products Corp. 52
Dairy Lane Systems Ltd. 42
Dairy Tech Inc. 27
DariTech Inc. Cover
De Dell Seeds Inc. 20
DeLaval Inc. 10
EastGen 21
EJ Equipment Inc. 28
EMC Agri 7
Farmers Farmacy 8
Fritsch Equipment Corp. 33
GEA Farm Technologies Inc. 4,48
GenerVations 11
Genex Cooperative Inc. 55
Global Repair 12
Grand Valley Fortifiers 40
Grandview Concrete Grooving Inc. 6
Great Lakes New Holland Inc. 5
Green Freestall 27
Hatfield Manufacturing Inc. 54
Horst Welding 56
Integrated Bio Systems Inc. 47
Intra Care North America 24
Jakes Mobile Welding 5
Jaylor Fabricating 58
JEFO 25
Jones Feed Mills Ltd. 33
Koolmees Equipment Inc. 41
Krone NA Inc. 22
Kuhn North America Inc. 13
Legend Rubber 23
Leon’s Mfg. Company Inc. 49
Mapleview Agri 2
Masterfeeds 41
Mastitis Management Tools Cover
Mensch Manufacturing Cover
Milo Seeds 2
NDE Canada 43
Nuhn Industries 35
Ontario Harveststore Systems 33
Palmer Manufacturing 19
Paul Mueller Company 30
Penergetic 23
Penta Farm Systems 19
Poettinger Cover
Pro-Ag Products Ltd. 16
Pro-Line Manufacturing Inc. 51
Protekta Inc. 14,60
Riley Built 21
Rombouts Import & Export 24
Sandmiser Inc. 39
Schippers Ltd. 38
Semex 9
Shur-Gain 18
Sikkema’s Equipment 46
Spanjer Machines 45
Sun-North Systems Ltd. 36
Supervisor Systems 62
Supreme International Limited 8
Tandem Products Inc. 54
The PMT Group 13
Trioliet 17
TriStar Ag 53
Tubeline Manufacturing 56
USA Gypsum 62
Vanden Bussche Irrigation 50
Vandenburg Equipment Service 45
Vi-COR 34
Weber’s Farm Service Corp. 38
Rattlesnakes on the border“Rattlesnakes on the border.” Some
of you might think this is another grim tale about the cartels and gunfi ghts in the U.S./Mexican border states. It’s not.
Most all of roads coming north to connect with the freeway have a
manned border-patrol checkpoint. Th e object is to deter illegal immigrants and drug smuggling.
A good deal of the borderland is ranching country. Two young day-work cowboys had been helping gather
cows. Th ey put in a good day and were headed home.
Devon was drivin’ and twilight was still hangin’ on as they headed north on Arizona Highway 191. His compadré was Duke. Th ey hung out a lot. Each
was ridin’ colts for whoever needed it and somehow made the payments … Duke on his rent and Devon on his truck. Th ey were livin’ the cowboy dream, which is to be able to support yourself your entire life without ever having to get a job. Th ey also collected live rattlesnakes for a herpetologist. He paid $20 live, $5 dead but with the head intact. Although they were a team, Devon was ophidiophobic … scairt of snakes! He held the bag.
Sure enuf, down 191, there in the headlights, they saw a rattler crossing the road. Devon was going purty fast as they whizzed by, but Duke said, “Did you see that, Dev? He musta been 15 feet long, probably got 30 to 40 rattles. I never seen one so big, ’less it was the one that got loose in your cab that time. ’Member? We had to fi sh him out from behind the seat – dang near got kilt!”
Devon kept his eyes on the road and his foot on the gas. Wrastlin’ snakes in broad daylight was bad enough, much less trying to do it in the dark.
“Man,” whined Duke, “Ol’ Doc might even pay us more ’cause it’s so big! Whattya say? Th ink we better turn around afore we git too far gone … there’s still time. Long as he was, it might take him 20 minutes to cross the road! Whatya think? Whatya think? Whatya think?”
“All right!” said Devon. He slammed on the brakes, fi shtailed, reversed direction and peeled out like a scalded tomcat. He barely noticed the line of fl uorescent cones down the middle of the road directing drivers to bear to the right. Th e three border-patrol agents had their quiet evening shattered. You can imagine what they thought … smugglers on their way north suddenly realizing their GPS went dreadfully wrong? Giant prison spotlights glared, 17 border-patrol vehicles cranked up, threw gravel, red lights fl ashing and sirens blaring in hot pursuit!
It took them two minutes to have our cowboys pulled over. Th e big bullhorn was directing them to stay in their vehicle. “Lemme handle this,” said Duke.
“Don’t move a muscle,” warned Devon.
“Ah, what the heck, they can’t take this seriously,” said Duke as he opened the passenger door and stepped out. “Lissen, offi cers, I can explain, see we were huntin’ rattlesnakes and ...”
“Look at your shirt,” said Devon, a word at a time.
Duke did. Th ere were three red dots between the pocket snaps. PD
On the Edge of Common SenseBy Baxter Black
64 Progressive Dairyman Issue 3 • March 2014
PD CANADA MAINPD CANADA EAST
ControlMetaSmart
Days
DM
I (Kg
s/da
y)
5
10
15
20
25
0 5 10 15 20 25 28
m
Canada
M O R E S U C C E S S W I T H P Ö T T I N G E R
PÖTTINGER solution for seeding, tillage, and forage
www.poettinger.ca
Innovative agricultural engineering for today’s farmers Highest efficiency and productivity Superior working quality of equipment
Mowers
Disc harrows
Stubble cultivators
Loaderwagons
2 YEARWARRANTY
Please visit our website for further information and a dealer location near you!
British Columbia: Island Dairy ServiceDuncan: 250-748-2188J&D Farmers Dairy Service Abbotsford: 604-853-2372Enderby: 250-838-0745
ALSO AVAILABLE:Head LocksFree Stall LoopsAqua DumpsGatesCalf Zone VentilationCheck with your dealer for all your Artex needs
Alberta: Agrai Dairy MartEdmonton: 780-955-3737Lacombe: 403-786-9999Lethbridge: 403-327-1414
Ontario:Norwell Dairy Systems Ltd. Brinston: 613-652-2009Drayton: 519-638-3535Lindsay: 705-953-9985Woodstock: 519-456-3535
Saskatchewan: DeLaval Dairy Service Saskatoon: 306-955-5474Manitoba: TriStar Dairy Centre Grunthal: 204-434-6801
BRING THEPASTURE INSIDE
www.artexbarnsolutions.com | www.gelmatds.comThe New Standard in Cow ComfortS C CS C C
1-866-677-1166 • 208-677-1166www.mastitismanagementtools.com
If you are NOT using the T150 Pro Foamer, this is how much money you are losing!
Milkings per Day
# of cows
milking
Savings per month on
$4.00 pre dip
Savings per month on $8.00
post dip
Total savings
per month
Total savings per year
2X100 $64 $128 $192 $2,304
1,000 $640 $1,028 $1,668 $20,016
5,000 $3,200 $5,140 $10,920 $131,040
Thrifty Dipper’s new T-150 Pro Tank Foamer delivers the same quality of foam as the
wall mount at 1/3 of the cost.
The T150 is the only foamer that bursts
the foam bubbles, painting every last
crack/fi ssure on the teat
f
yyyooooooo
Pro Tank Foamer kyyy ooff ffooaamm aass tthhee oooooooffffffff ttttttthhhhhhhheeeeeee cccccccooooooosssssssttttttt....
The ORIGINALU.S. Patent #7,387,086
The BESTdi� � g t� ls
� � e w� �
The Strip, Dip& Scrub Glove
“The JAH”
2PRE
2POST
FoamerProStandard Wall Mount
• Simple setup! - Just add a 1/4” airline and 3 gallons of dip and it is ready to go!
• Perfect for Pre Dip as well as Post Dip
• We now have a solution for every size of dairy and every milking parlor confi guration
• Guaranteed more than 50% reduction in dip usage
