Abortions In Cattle (Continued from Page 17) lem is occurring? The first step is to confirm that a herd problem exists. Producers need to calculate what is the normal level of embryonic loss (day 1 through day 42 of gestation). Abortions are fetal losses in calves older than 42 days of gestation. Most farms experience 2-5 percent observed abortions per year, with a few additional losses that are never seen or found. Therefore, the annual abortion rate on a “typical” farm is generally considered 5-8 percent. Each farm is a little different and each farm should calculate their own rate using several years of herd history. Typically random losses would be spread out over the year, so one easy place to start is to cal culate a monthly rate based on animals pregnant per month. Herd pregnancy rates fluctuate so it is important to calculate the abortion rate based on the animals at risk or, put another way, number pregnant. If there is a marked increase in abortion rate in a very narrow window, say 2-4 weeks, then a problem may be brewing and action should be taken. Published in Penn State Dairy Digest, June 2003 as first in a series. - Ceiling systems designed for your da. as shops, warehouses, garages, arenas, an Tired of working in a cold, noisy shop? These ceiling systems are designed to hold any amount of insulation, and with insulation above, pro duce sound reduction quali ties much greater than steel. Is the banding in your hog or poultry barn deteriorating? Let us replace them with our heavier polyesterpands which do not stretch or become brittle over time. ft Providing the Ag industry with a very durable, attractive, waterproof, noncorrosive, alternative to conventional ceilings at a fraction of the cost. TkJT A A service formerly provided by Mf\# I - TRIPLY CEILINGS Vum MYERSTOWN, PA - (888) 238-9954 FAX (717) 866-0087 “Your source for quality, durable, & economical ceiling systems ” Holstein Foundation Receives $lO,OOO To Support Young Dairy Leaders BRATTLEBORO, Vt. Donna Beal, executive director of the Holstein Foundation, recently an nounced that the Farm Credit System Foundation, Inc. has made a $lO,OOO grant to support the Hol stein Foundation’s Young Dairy Leaders Institute Program (YDLI). Young Dairy Leaders Institute is a three-phase leadership and communications skills development program for young adult agricultural participants, ages 22-45. YDLI is helping to build the leadership transition team for the dairy industry. Participants often develop long-lasting relationships and learn the importance of both appreciating differences and reaching consensus on issues facing the industry. They put their newly-developed leadership skills into practice between the first and second phase of YDLI training workshops by undertaking outreach activities in their communities. There are nearly 400 YDLI alumni serving as leadership ambassadors for the dairy industry throughout the country. For more information about the Farm Credit System Foundation and the Holstein Foundation, visit www.fcsfoundation.org and www.holstein foundation.org, respectively. fry, swine, and poultry facilities, as well - From 20<t Sq. Ft. Installed! more. Are you frustrated with the birds in your implement shed? Get the problem under con trol with a triply ceiling, as well as greatly improving the lighting. Contemplating a drop ceiling? Demand a triply ceiling above your drop ceiling if there is insulation being installed. This will serve as a vapor barrier along with permanently preventing falling insulation.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers