November 2008 Kentucky Dairy Notes
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Contents of This Issue
Click on each article individually or download the entire contents here (November 2008 KY Dairy Notes).
Compost Bedded Pack Barn Construction
Compost bedded pack barns can be excellent facilities for dairy cattle when constructed properly. Here are some things you should think about when designing a compost bedded pack barn.
Sound Fresh Dairy Cow Nutrition Practices Necessary to Get Cows Off to a Good Start
Feeding and management practices for fresh cows have a substantial impact on a cow’s health, future milk production, reproductive performance, and potential profitability.
Measuring and Managing Using DHI Records
DHI records are a management tool and can play a direct role in the management decisions made on the dairy farm and in the tasks carried out as a result of those decisions.
Reasonable Fertility
Fertility is influenced by many factors, and the overall fertility achieved is determined by multiplying the efficiency level of those factors together, not adding. For example, the A.I. industry uses a “Fertility Equation” to demonstrate how various factors can influence the success of an A.I. program.
A Look At Kentucky Dairies
Fifty-four dairies cooperated with the Kentucky Farm Business Management (KFBM) program in 2007. Here is a snapshot of the financial performance of the average Kentucky dairy participating in the program.
Kentucky Dairy Market Outlook for 2008-2009
Milk prices will remain relatively strong over the next few months; however, increased input prices may create financial challenges for dairy producers.
2008 4-H Dairy Judging Team
The 2008 4-H Dairy Judging Team has another outstanding year at the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest. The team is coached by Dr. George Heersche, Jr. and Larissa Tucker.
Upcoming Events:
Kentucky Dairy Partners Meeting, March 3-4, 2009, Cave City, KY
Kentuckiana Dairy Exchange, July 28-29, 2009, TBA, Indiana
For Additional Publications-visit our website:
http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/AnimalSciences/dairy/dairyinfo.html
Please contact Jeffrey Bewley (jeffrey.bewley@uky.edu), Donna Amaral-Phillips (damaral@uky.edu), George Heersche (gheersch@uky.edu), Jack McAllister (amcallis@uky.edu) or Larissa Tucker (Larissa.Tucker@uky.edu) if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions.
