This article includes recommendations on corn hybrid selection for silage, planting, harvesting, storing and feeding corn silage to dairy cows.

Calf Notes is your source for pertinent, non-commercial and unbiased information on raising young dairy calves.

One of the most difficult feeding challenges faced by dairy farmers is the dropoff in feed intake and milk production during the summer. To minimize these losses, rations must be specially formulated for hot weather.

One of the most difficult feeding challenges faced by dairy farmers is the dropoff in feed intake and milk production during the summer. To minimize these losses, rations must be specially formulated for hot weather.

The dollar amounts, which are estimates of reduced revenue and increased costs, are broken down by storm and commodity. Total estimated costs are also provided.

This article discusses common diseases in show animals and how to prevent them.

Based on the information known at the time of the storm, and given the historical value of these industries to the state, the AgCenter was able to provide preliminary estimates on losses of revenue due to production losses.

A healthy calf crop provides replacement animals for the future of the dairy operation. However, a busy work environment often causes the neonatal calf to become overlooked, leading to consequences that may be irreversible. It is important to understand that the neonate must consume sufficient colostrum as soon after birth as possible to achieve the needed passive immunity to survive the first few weeks of life.

This article summarizes factors influencing MUN in Louisiana Dairy Herds. Dietary protein has long been recognized as a key nutrient for high milk production in dairy cows, but determining how much protein a cow consumes and how well it is utilized is a difficult undertaking, particularly at the farm level. Interest in the use of milk urea nitrogen (MUN) concentrations as a practical indicator of dietary protein status in dairy cows has grown considerably in recent years.

Three factors definitely not favorable for optimal plant growth and forage quality are heat stress, drought, and inadequate soil nutrient supply. These problems are very common in Louisiana. Although we may have little control over these environmental influences, we do need to understand the overall effects of environment on forage quality.

This report presents estimates of production costs for beef cattle, dairy cattle and forage production in Louisiana for 2005.

Dry cow management is an integral part of total herd management. There are five keys to maintaining an excellent dry cow program.

Producers can improve milk quality in Louisiana by lowering somatic cell counts, especially during the summer and early fall.

Monitoring the milking procedures, equipment cleaning and milk cooling should go a long way in producing high quality milk that is low in bacteria.

Determining what level of milk production and feed cost yields the most profit for the farm should be the main objective of any measure of economic and production efficiency; because at the end of the day, the main thing that counts is the number of cwt produced and the amount of profit from each cwt. This is the economic indicator that tells you the total net income for the farm.

Safe levels for aflatoxin feeding vary with each individual animal. The ingestion of aflatoxin at levels even lower than those given above may cause some undesirable side effects. Moreover, these effects are dependent on factors such as age, sex and general health of the animals.

Replacement heifers represent the future of the dairy farm. When deciding the best way to manage the heifer enterprise, dairy producers should realize that they have several options.

Electronic measures of somatic cell counts on individual cows can be used to manage somatic cell counts in bulk tank milk.

When it comes to deciding which mineral supplements to use in livestock feeding, two criteria need to be considered: Biological efficacy and economic efficiency.

Ration quality and the level of feed consumed both play important roles in maximizing dairy farm profitability. Feedstuff analysis allows better appreciation of real cost and should be considered in ration formulation. Feed efficiency should be calculated and monitored to identify the most profitable cows of the herd and to evaluate the nutritional programs more closely and accurately.

Ration quality and the level of feed consumed both play important roles in maximizing dairy farm profitability. Feedstuff analysis allows better appreciation of real cost and should be considered in ration formulation. Feed efficiency should be calculated and monitored to identify the most profitable cows of the herd and to evaluate the nutritional programs more closely and accurately.

This report is a joint publication of the LSU AgCenter Southeast Research Station, the Hill Farm Research Station, and the Department of Dairy Science. It provides details of research trials at the three locations along with some topical papers of importance to dairy producers in Louisiana.

Many producers use early weaning programs to lower the costs of feed and labor. Calves tend to scour less when consuming solid feeds compared with liquid feeds. As a result, health costs may decrease.

Bulk tank somatic cell count (BTSCC) is one of several parameters used by state milk regulatory agencies to insure consumers a safe, wholesome milk supply. For dairy producers, this means BTSCC is one item that must be constantly monitored and managed.

In replacement rearing, no phase has greater potential for decreasing production costs and increasing profitability than the period prior to weaning.

The Louisiana Dairy Digest is a publication of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that provides information on the latest developments and issues affecting dairy farming.

The USDA Dairy Sire Summaries now include three selection indexes that can be very useful in simplifying sire selection. These are called Net Merit Dollars (NM$), Cheese Merit Dollars (CM$) and Fluid Merit Dollars (FM$).

Many issues can affect the management, profitability and sustainability of beef, dairy and poultry operations. This is a survey of the economic, environmental, public policy and production issues facing animal agriculture in Louisiana. (PDF format only)

This series of articles was prepared by LSU AgCenter extension personnel to address some of the most important topics affecting Louisiana dairy producers during a severe drought. Those topics include Feeding Drought-Stressed Hay and Silage Crops; Weed and Chemical Toxins in Drought-Stressed Forages; Pasture Options for Dairy Producers; Winter Annual Pasture Management and Costs; and Coping with Forage Shortages Due to Drought Conditions: Purchased Forages and By-Products.

Handbook for Understanding Act 461 of the 2007 Louisiana Legislature-Refundable Tax Credit for Dairy Farmers

Poultry litter is relatively rich in nutrients and organic matter, but it needs to be properly managed. This article discusses how to realize the most benefits from poultry litter utilization as a fertilizer.

This study evaluates ways to take advantage of seasonal impact on dairy farms. Seasonal affects upon production, reproduction and health of Louisiana dairy cattle have been known for years. Consideration of these effects in making management decisions is important and can mean the difference between success or failure of a producer.

Preliminary study indicated that horn flies can contaminate the mammary gland of heifers.

This study at the Southeast Research Station evaluated the effects of body condition at calving on the performance of lactating dairy cows.

One of the most often neglected areas on a dairy farm is the milking parlor. Even though it is used two or three times a day, it is often assumed to be working properly and operating correctly. Have milking systems checked at least annually by a qualified service person. Between checkups, follow these simple guidelines to monitor your system’s performance. Information on the how-to of milking cows also is included. (PDF Format Only)

Although there’s not an imminent danger, some scientists say a widespread disease or bioterrorism attack could wipe out significant portions of the U.S. farm animal population. That's where the National Animal Germplasm Program comes in.

(Distributed 11/05/03) Participants heard reports on a variety of research during a field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Southeast Research Station on Oct. 30. Topics covered during the event ranged from the importance of conducting research to the need for farmers to be concerned about biosecurity in their operations.

Forage producers toured three different operations this week to learn the latest techniques in the production and use of high-quality grass to support the livestock operations in central and northwestern Louisiana.