Discover how AI and computer vision technology can reduce calf mortality and extend cow productive life
In our last blog post, “How Precision Feeding Boosts Profitability and Sustainability on a Dairy Farm,” we explored how small changes to the nutrient makeup, mixing, and timing of feed can significantly impact producers’ bottom lines and how Ever.Ag’s solution, Feed King, can assist in reaching this goal.
Examining pre-fresh procedures
Dairy farmers already work hard to keep their cows healthy and productive. However, De Vries’ findings suggest that farmers should look closely at every stage of their cows’ lives on their farms to find ways to keep them productive longer.
Farmers can align themselves with De Vries and Braun’s advice while improving operational efficiency and profitability by reducing early exits from the herd and adding lactation cycles.
Before calving, cows experience significant changes. Producers typically move their pre-fresh cows to separate pens and change their diet. Although these modifications are designed to benefit the cow’s health and future, they cause stress for the cows.
During this stressful transition period, dairy farmers should prioritize keeping their cows as comfortable as possible to put them on a path to a successful birth and subsequent lactation. Some important guidelines to follow are increased dry matter intake, wider freestalls, and increased square footage available per cow.