Cows

University of Maryland Extension focused on dairy topics related to Nutrition and Production, Herd Management, and Forage Production. In this issue, we focus on the Robotic Milking System, Robotic Milking System: Milking of the Future, Strategies to Reduce Stress, Overview of Mastitis, and upcoming events.

Dairy cattle can be affected in many ways by various types of stressors in their lifetime. Some of these stressors include temperature, living conditions, feeding management and others (Villamediana, 2022). The stress can cause a cow to have a decreased milk production, changes in body weight, increased risk of infections, diseases, and others.

Robotic milking systems have made their way to the USA and rapidly being implemented across the country. This technology allows cows to milk flexibility at their own time as well as providing farmers more time for other tasks.

Robotic milking systems, also known as Automatic Milking Systems (AMS), are systems of technology that allow for voluntary milking, meaning the cow has the ability to set its own milking schedule. Robotic milking systems also have the ability to record data on the milking frequency and milk quality, allowing dairy producers to make informed decisions on better herd management, nutrition and health.

The Maryland Milk Moos (July 28, 2023, Vol. 4, Issue 2) is a quarterly newsletter published by the University of Maryland Extension that is focused on dairy topics related to Nutrition and Production, Herd Management, and Forage Production. In this issue, we focus on Heat Stress Mitigation in important for Dry Cows, Organic Dairy Production Standards: Educating the Consumer, Summer Grazing Management Tips, and upcoming events.

There are a lot of questions and misconceptions when it comes to conventional versus organic milk. The USDA has five main points for milk to be certified as organic.

As the summer heats up, heat stress alleviation is often one of the top things on every dairy producer’s mind. Historically, heat stress mitigation strategies have been heavily researched and promoted for lactating cows. Indeed, the economic consequence of heat stress in lactating cows can be substantial because of lost production and fertility. However, recent attention has also been given to the studying the impact of heat stress in dry cows. While the dry cow isn’t actively working to contribute to the milk check per se, she is working to prepare herself to do so in the near future, so it is important not to forget about her until she’s about to calve in again.

The Maryland Milk Moos (March 23, 2023, Vol. 4, Issue 1) is a quarterly newsletter published by the University of Maryland Extension that is focused on dairy topics related to Nutrition and Production, Herd Management, and Forage Production. In this issue, we focus on antibiotic regulation changes, dietary supplements for cows, and spring weed control for pastures and hayfields.

The Maryland Milk Moos (December 21, 2022, Vol. 3, Issue 4) is a quarterly newsletter published by the University of Maryland Extension that is focused on dairy topics related to Nutrition and Production, Herd Management, and Forage Production.

Body condition scoring can be used to subjectively assess the amount of external fat that an animal carries. In short, it is a tool that can be used on-farm to help determine if there are nutritional or management issues that may need to be addressed. Ensuring proper body condition throughout lactation will help cows remain productive and healthy members of the herd.