A26-Lancasttr Farming, Saturday, March 4,1989 Helps Farmers (Continued from Pag* A 23) to these questions,” Muller admit ted. “I do predict it will cause man agement changes.” In an effort to answer some of the questions, Muller started with a description of BST. A naturally occurring hormone, BST is found in all dairy cows. It is not used to stimulate growth, so it should not be called “bovine growth hormone.” It does, howev er, divert energy from feed to milk production. “Most of the high producing cows have more BST in their system (than lower produc ers),” said Muller. BST can’t be fed because it will be digested as a protein. It doesn’t get into a cow’s milk, so there’s little chance that a person would drink it, but even if they should, their body would tfeat it like a protein. A cow’s milk production goes up when BST is introduced. According to recent studies, when administered to a cow between 80 and 90 days after calving, there is a 10 to 12 pound increase in milk and a six to eight week maximum feed intake delay. The BST also will increase weight loss because it causes the cow to remain longer in a negative energy balance. Administering BST at 30 to 40 days post calving is not a good idea, according to Muller. When cows receive BST that early in their lactation, they experience delayed conception, longer delayed intake, less of an increase in milk produced, and more body weight loss. “If you use BST, you must restore the cow’s body reserves during late lactation,” Muller stressed. How much condition is restored influences how she will do during her next lactation. A cow that has received BST should be treated similarly to any other high producer. Among the changes made to her diet would be more fat, especially inert fat, more TODAYS FORMING EQUIPMENT HAS IMPROVED AN OLD BUT VERY DURABLE CONCEPT IN ROOFING Power panformer allows the use of metals up to 24 guage. In a variety of finishes. Double crimped seaffls make a water tight aeal against the most severe conditions. Get An Edge grain, and perhaps a longer time in the high group. Muller believes BST will bene fit both small and large dairy farms. Small farms can benefit because it requires no excessive capital outlays to increase produc tion. Family farms could benefit because fewer cows would be needed to produce the same amount of milk. With fewer cows, the farmer could manage without additional labor. “It may help the survival of the small farm if it is well managed and if the farmer adopts good man agement practices,” concluded Muller. Johne’s Disease At one time farmers didn’t wor ry too much about Johne’s. Not any more. Estimates are that five to 20 percent of U.S. cattle have Johne’s. “One of the most common signs is excessive weight loss and diar rhea,” said Dr. Lawrence Hutchin son. Another sigh is a predisposi tion to other illnesses. Herds that have Johne’s have a higher incidence of close contact between heifers and cows, accord ing to a survey Hutchinson cited. The study, conducted a few years ago on 63 Johne’s positive herds, also reported a higher incidence of shared feed sweepings and lower incidences of quick separation of calves from dams, culling of suspi cious animals, and raising most replacement heifers. Penn State currently is conduct ing a field study using a test more sensitive than that presently used by the state. The test picks up low shedders and is giving farmers the option of choosing which cows to cull first. Hutchinson expects the study to be completed by fall. There will be a meeting at the Lancaster Farm & Home Center on March 28 to update dairy farmers more fully on Johne’s Disease. Contact the extension office for more details. SEARCHING FOR A ROOF THAT WILL NOT NEED REPLACEMENT IN 25 YEARS? DOUBLE LOCKED STANDING SEAM ROOFING One way to combat diseases such as Johne’s is to keep it off the farm. In his second presentation, Hutchinson described a biosecuri ty program being developed for dairy farmers. The program, Pen nsylvania Dairy Herd Biosecurity, involves seven steps: 1. Control new arrivals—When purchasing cows, stay away from lactating cows that have to be milked immediately, Hutchinson advised. “Buy bred heifers, dry cows, or springing heifers, but not On sight roll former can produce panels well over 100 ft. in lerigth. Expansion cleats allow these panels to expand without loosen ing the fastener. All concealed fasteners. No face nails or screws to work loose and leak. Biosecurity & ,wXr«.. Cool Them Off With An RC Cooling System We Stock RC Stainless Steel Nozzles, Pumps, PVC Pipe And All Components Needed For Your /SV mm Fogging System yW We Service And Install NORTHEAST AGRI SYSTEMS, INC. i&X'f- FLYWAY BUSINESS PARK 139 A West Airport Rd. J Lititz, PA 17543 CALL US TO INSTALL A ROOF THAT WILL SAVE YOU MONEY IN THE LONG RUN. too springing,” he said. These ani mals can be separated from the herd. New animals should be isolated for 21 days by which time any dis ease she might have could be dis covered. During isolation she should be tested for all diseases the farmer is controlling on his farm such as Johne’s, strep ag mastitis, leukosis, or BVD. In addition she could be vaccinated at this time. Should it be necessary to purch ase a lactating cow, Hutchinson advises putting her in a stall at the end of the bam or in a separate pen. BEAT THE HEAT BEAT THE RUSH PUT TOUR COOLING SYSTEM a* IN NOW (717) 569-2702 STRICKLER METAL ROOFING WORK APPROX. 60 MILE RADIUS OF LEBANON, PA She should be the last cow milked to keep her from infecting other members of the herd. 2. Control farm traffic— Prevent wild birds access to the bam. Starlings, crows, and pigeons can carry disease from farm to farm by stepping in manure then feed bunks or by carrying the vir uses internally. Rodent, dogs, and cats carry dis ease as well. Roaming animals should be kept away from cows as much as possible. Cut down unnecessary visits of (Turn to Pago C 39) /I' / i \ / I ' SPECIALIZING IN STANDING SEAM ROOFING FORA FREE ESTIMATE PHONE 717-865-3093 R.D. #2, Box 350-A Annville, PA 17003 STORE HOURS: Moa-Fll. 7:30430 SaL 8:00-11:30
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers