Cystic ovary in dairy cows

The ovarian cyst — is a pathological cavity, which is formed in the ovary from anovulatory graafian vesicle or yellow bodies as a result of the liquid accumulation in them.

Alternative strategies in protein nutrition of dairy cattle: can we avoid excesses and deficiencies?

The role of dietary protein in the nutrition of the dairy cow and overall farm sustainability can be summarized as: (1) effects on dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, and milk composition, (2) effects on feed costs, (3) environmental effects, and (4) possible effects on reproduction efficiency. Historically protein has been fed trying to satisfy requirements in term of CP, both in percentage of D.M. or grams per cow per day, and more recently we passed to the concept of metabolizable protein and amminoacids. Basically when we are feeding cows we have to be aware that we are feeding a portion of protein available for the microorganism in the rumen (RDP) and a portion of amminoacids that will by-pass the rumen and will be absorbed in the gut (RUP). The balance between this two fractions is crucial in maximizing cow’s performance. Thus the two questions we have to ask our self when balancing diets in terms of protein are: are we providing the proper RDP to maximize microbial protein production in the rumen? Are we feeding enough amminoacids to maximize milk and protein production?

Experience in harvesting forages in LLC «Vitchyzna» (Sumy region)

To harvest the high quality forages in Ukraine — is possible. This was proved by LLC «Vitchyzna», which is in Sumy region. According to the results of the contest for the best alfalfa silo in 2016, this farm won the first place.

Marking the root of the tail — method of heat detection for cows

Effective reproduction of the herd on modern industrial dairy farms is impossible without a high-quality program, which can help to identify cows in heat. Since the visual definition presents a certain complexity, specialists try practice other methods of heat detection.

Automated feeding system for calves: domestic experience

In previous issues we talked about various aspects of the automated feeding systems for calves. In particular, we describe the foreign experience. Although the use of automatic feeders — a rare practice at the domestic dairy farms, there are several farms where calves are fed with the help of machines.

Calves’ metabolic programming using automatic feeders

Holger Kruse, Holm & Laue GmbH, Germany 

Feeding calves is one of the key components in the technology of cattle breeding and require considerable attention. For a long time on minimizing costs by reducing milk portions with the aim to speed up the transition of animals to dry and concentrated feed was laid a special attention.

Genetic potential of silage hybrids: milk and economy

Today, plant breeders can offer a wide range of silage hybrids to milk producers. About their technological and economic advantages, especially the selection and implementation of high genetic potential, tells Benoit Delord, head of the "Animal Feeding" company Limagrain.

Control of abomasum displacement in cows

Mykola Taran, a veterinarian at LLC "Ukrainian dairy company"

Most of the health problems and the related veterinary costs are incurred within the first thirty days of lactation. Management and feeding during the dry period may influence the occurrence of disease at the time of calving. Along with such metabolic disorders as hypocalcemia, acidosis and ketosis in cows may occur abomasum displacement.

7 criteria of silage quality evaluation

Today the market of feed additives is very diversified and characterized by a high level of competition. Sometimes it is not enough just to offer good products. Agricultural producers hope to get additional value from the cooperation in the form of services, advice and other things, while the product itself becomes only one of the instruments of the general program solutions.

Management of mastitis of cows

In a previous article we examined the causes and predisposing factors of the spread of mastitis in cows («Milk and Farm», № 1, February 2016). Violation of the veterinary and sanitary standards of housing and milking technologies underlie occurrence of mastitis, and the absence of timely diagnosis, isolation of sick animals and their treatment leads to the spread of the disease. Total economic measures aimed at reducing the incidence rate of cows with mastitis should include three main strategies: