A2B—Lancaster Farming, Saturday. October 17,1981 BY DONNA TOMMELLEO FREDERICK, Md. - Nationally known, dairy veterinarian, Dr. L.C. Allenstein, Whitewater, Wisconsin, discussed health and reproductive problems, Thursday, in front of a fullhouse crowd during the 21st annual meeting of the Maryland Artificial Breeding Cooperative. Allenstein recently served as veterinarian for the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis., and is a regular contributor to the “Cowside Practice” column of Hoard’s Dairyman. Allenstein explained that the fat cow syndrome, characterized by off-feed and sluggishness, is related to overconditoning in the Wisconsin veterinarian. Or. L.C. Allenstein points to the hazards of overconditioning the dry period. Allenstein ad dressed the membership of the Maryland Artificial Breeding Cooperative Thursday during the co-op’s 21st annua) John Summer proudly displays his trophy and mug for his outstanding achievements as the co-op’s technician of the year. Summers and wife Winifred reside in Middletown, Md. Top dairy vet explains fat cow syndrome last two to three months of lac tation. “This fat cow is sometimes the basis of all our trouble we see later.” “I think that liver, which is the trouble spot in the fat cow, actually gets fat infiltrated in that period.” He continued, “1 think you got to think about this way back then not when the cow is dry.’ ’ Allenstein attributed the downer cow syndrome as stemming from the overconditioning of the late lactation cow. “The biggest thing we see is the depression of the immune system,” reported Allenstein. The depression, he explained, would make the cow very <<env irg, si manager ,1981 left to right the group ind record-breaking National Holstein Sale, is grandson Darren, 3Vz, son joined by his family following his induction into in-law Marsha with Brenna, the Maryland Dairy Shrine, Thursday.. From and wife Helen. susceptible to any kind of infection, her in and start pouring the feed to “I think this is the greatest thing her.” the fat cow does, and very few Heavy grain feeding, he ex people recognize this.” he added. plained, causes the sensitive AJlenstein urged farmers to laminae to swell and become provide the proper nutritional extremely sore, requirements m the ration as part It may be several months before of a prevention program. farmers notice the imperfections He suggested decreasing com in the feet, such as the abcesses silage and grain in late lactation and separations in the walls in the cows and maintaining weight on sole, dry cows. Coarse fiber should play a major part in the dry cow ration. If long stem hay is not available, AUenstem offered - several, sub stitutes such as beet pulp, brewers grain and com stalks. • During the dry period, a mastitis program should be considered said Allenstein. In his Wisconsin practice, AUenstein has a monthly herd surveilence program which tests each cow's milk sample for somatic cells. Upon finding a high SCO, AUenstein administers a four step treatment. "1 culture a representative sample of the high cell counts. I determine what bacteria is present, I do run sensitivity on them and I recommend ac cordingly what antibiotic to use in the herd. At the onset of the dry period, AUenstein repeats the process and re-checks problem cows a few days alter treatment. On the subject of milk fever, AUenstein called for close monitoring of calcium intake. “Anytime you get up near 80-100 grams of calcium per day in the dry cow, you're getting close to trouble.” The proper forage to concentrate ratio, AUenstein warned, is ex tremely important in another costly malady displaced abomasum. “The way we make hay today has something to do with this,” he said. Allenstem explained that alfalfa cut in the pre-bud stage contains only about 2D percent fiber. “You have no scratch factor left in this roughage.” He continued, “I’m sure this is one of the problems we see m displaced abomasums.” One of the best diagnostic tools for determining the status of the Stomach, suggested Aiienstein, is a fecal pH meter. Allenstem pointed out that feet problems may stem from heavy grain rations. "There’s nothing worse to see than a first-calf heifer that can’t get up and down after you bring Although Alienstein offered ideas on prevention and treatment of many health problems, he concluded with: - .-•‘Believeyoutown vet. He knows more about your herd and situation' at home.” Throughout the day, members and technicians of the Maryland A.B.C. were recognized for their past achievements. - Allie Messer, Chestertown, Md., and Doty Remsburg, Jefferson, Md., were inducted into the AHie Messer and wife Edith respond with smiles following Messers induction into the Maryland Dairy Shrine, Thursday afternoon. The Shrine was set up 17 years ago to honor people who have made significant contributions to Maryland’s dairy industry. ■tides, Remsburg, Denny, daughter 2, daughter Lois Maryland - Dairy. Shrine where their pictures will hang with more than 30 other men who have con tributed significantly to the state’s dairy industry. Messer, began dairying with Jerseys at the age of 12 in 1926. He later developed; a herd of registered Holsteins and collected the Maryland All Get of Sire award from 1960-64. For most of his life, Messer has been quite active in' 4-H. A 4-B leader for 45 years, he considers 4- H as having provided the better ; part of tusedacatloa.;' £ ■ In 1934, he was a delegate to the National 4-H Camp in Washington D.C. Messer was selected to tell the 4-H story to Congress and the President. He recieVed ,the National 4-H Alumni Award" in 1953. Doty Remsburg, a life-long (TurntoPagr 12)
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