Reproduction Programs Explained (Continued from Page A2O) off with the stress of producing. “If you feed them right it shouldn’t be a herd problem. This is usually an abused group, given low protein, deficient in minerals and no vitamin supplements.” Belschner said the group will often have static ovaries at 120 to 150 days, and “this can be a significant problem.” Another group which doesn’t receive proper attention, ac cording to Belschner is the high producing older cow. He said, “Decreased cycling can be prevented with proper nutrition.” He stressed drying the cows off properly with a balanced dry cow ration, and feeding adequate protein through the peak. Pathalogical problems of reproduction include pyometra, which calls for better sanitation at calving. He urged routine post Check Forage Intake For Dairy Cattle By R.S. Adams ration as wall as restrict Many of the economic production, and herd health problems that occur on some dairy farms may stem from lack of forage intake. When forage is lacking for milking animals fat test may be considerably reduced. This may lower the price received for milk by 50 cents per hundred weight or more on some farms. In addition miklk production and herd health may be ad versely affected. More metabolic and in fectious problems may result and infertility may increase. Lack of forage intake may occur because people feeding the herd do not realize how much material is needed. In other cases forage in take may be depressed due to overfeeding concentrates. Some feeders do not know the maximum levels that should be heeded to keep cows normal. Some nutritional con sultants are prone to recommend levels of forage intake that are too low under normal circumstances. Most cows should eat at least 2 pounds of hay - equivalent or 1.8 pounds of forage dry matter per cwt of bodyweight daily. For example a 1,300 pound cow needs 26 pounds of hay equivalent or 23.4 pound of forage dry matter daily. Somewhat lower levels may be tolerated for short periods of time. Concentrate in take should not exceed 2.5 percent of bodyweight daily as dry grain equivalent for most cows. It is im portant that larger cows have an opportunity to eat 15 to 20 percent more than the average-sized cow in the herd in order to meet their minimum forage needs. Excessive forage intake also needs to be avoided, especially if it contains under 55 percent TDN on a dry matter basis. Feeding such forage at levels much over 2.25 pounds of hay • equivalent or 2 pounds of dry matter partem exams for cows. Cystic ovaries are another significant problem, which usually increases with production. Early detection and treatment are die key to solving the problem. Michael O’Connor, extension dairy specialist from Penn State, also spoke about controlled breeding programs and stressed that for it to be successful, both dairymen and the veterinarian must be committed to the program. He added that cows must by cycling normally, and accurate records and heat detection are essential. Part of the success of the program depends upon the veterinarian’s ability to palpate for functional corpus luteum. Also, adherence to a schedule is ex tremely important. He noted that there are programs which operate on a weekly, monthly or other time schedule. your ensiled forage crops. All silage inoculants are not created equal l Only AgMaster helps you Protect different ensiled crops with three separate moculant products made specially for haylage/baled hay, corn silage, and high-moisture corn Get easy, thorough application to ensiled crops with two liquid applicator models (silo-site or in-field) Protect valuable fermentation bacteria with a special lhem *" h AgMoster Department Marscltall Prartucls, Miles water and apply them directly to your (orage _ J* Laboratories, Inc, PO Box 592, \ Madison, Wl 53701, f 3\ II - 1 800 362-3932 (in UAI i-pi fl |/"\ Wisconsin), 1 800 525 9836 I I^lll II I I IvmvVv I (outside Wisconsin) SILAGE INOCULANTS Take advantage of our Pre-season Discount Program and prove the AgMaster difference on your 1987 ensiled forage crops' O’Connor said considerations for using the programs include the cost of extra veterinarian visits, drugs, palpation and extra time involved. Benefits include fewer days open, more efficient heat detection, less semen because of increased conception rates and less culling, along with more frequent exams which makes the whole herd benefit. He concluded, “It is successful herds which benefit the most.” O’Connor also reviewed the use of kits to test progesterone levels in milk. He said, “If levels are low, a cow cannot be pregnant.” He told dairymen to take into account such facts as how long the test takes, how difficult it is to read the color changes, the number of samples that can be taken and the cost per sample. He said kits should be stored in the refrigerator. If milk samplers are cooled, they must be allowed to warm up before testing. Composite samples are preferable over the last strippings, and infected quarters should not be sampled. lueoi ree< Maryland Meeting To Feature New Pasture OAKLAND, Md. - One of the hottest subjects in the Agricultural circle today is the Voisin Pasture Management System. Several farmers in Pennsylvania and other areas have put the system into practice and have had very positive results. With proper management practices, forage from pastures can easily be in creased 50 percent. Season” - Dr To better acquaint fanners with Agronomist, the system, along with other Maryland alternatives in pasture im- . “The Place of Forages in provement, the Soil Conservation Cattle Rations’’ - Dr. Kim Cassel, Service, the District Soil Con- Animal Nutritionist, University of servation Supervisors and the Maryland Garrett County Extension Service The program will be held twice have put together a program of lo n Monday, March 23: 10 a.m., valuable information for im- Bittinger Fire Hall, Bittinger, proving pastures. Whether you Md.; 7 p.m. - Old Swan Meadow raise sheep, beef, or dairy, this School, Gortner, Md. haylage/baled hay, corn silage, and high-moisture corn inoculants before April 30,1987, You will receive a 10% discount on AgMaster inoculants and save money on applicators too! For more information on AgMaster inoculants, your nearest AgMaster dealer, or our 1987 Pre-season Discount Program, contact Management may help you put more money in your pocket. The program is as follows: • “Voisin Grazing System” - John D. Minnick - Agronomist, SCS • “Less Intensive Grazing System - Managing for Quality and Maximum Economic Returns” - Dr. Les Vough, agronomist, University of Maryland • “Extending the Grazing Morris Decker - University of
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers