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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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