The Importance of a Fresh-Cow Management Strategy
We all want to improve the productivity and profitability of our dairy herds, while ensuring the well-being
of our animals. A fresh-cow management strategy, which allows you to monitor and observe cows on a daily basis, is a crucial element in accomplishing these goals. Bovine Health Watch recently discussed fresh-cow-health monitoring with California dairy veterinarian Gary McArthur, DVM.
BHW: Why is it important to have your herd veterinarian and other members of your team involved in developing a strategy for monitoring health and well-being of fresh cows?
Dr. McArthur: Each dairy faces different health problems depending on the season, flux of herd populations — more heifers calving versus cows — and experience of employees/management and their abilities to get the work done. A good herd veterinarian can help tailor a program to fit the dairy and should be an integral part of the management of the program as adjustments are needed and compliance changes.
Use of a qualified nutritionist who regularly visits the farm is as important as a good herd veterinarian. Good nutrition and management will help to minimize animal health issues.
BHW: What are some examples of leading health problems/ disorders in fresh cows?
Dr. McArthur: Metritis still seems to be a major problem, especially during the summer months. Early lactation mastitis, pneumonia during the early summer and fall, fatty liver syndrome and displaced abomasums are other major problems.
Lameness issues are problems that might start during the fresh period but do not become evident until a few months later. During the calving period the cow is under a tremendous amount of stress. Horn hoof growth can be affected, and as the hoof grows out over the next few months, any damaged areas of the hoof are more vulnerable to trauma from concrete and rocks and ultimately invasion by bacteria. A large lameness problem at 60 to 90 days in milk may have actually started at calving.
BHW: What are some specific things that need to be monitored in fresh cows on a daily basis?
Dr. McArthur: Body/ Rectal temperatures. Dr Lynn Upham designed the original “10-day Temp Program” in 1996. It caught on with many producers all over the United States. The program basically gets dairy staff into the fresh pen daily and has them individually checking every cow the first 10 days fresh. A quick evaluation is done and then treatments such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and nutritional support are provided when needed.
In my experience, the basic program which the herd veterinarian should be able to provide in detail, should be used just like Dr. Upham originally proposed. As dairy staff gains knowledge and experience, the program can be tailored to a specific dairy enterprise.
As I see it, the most important part of the program is that as management watches the program unfold, and as medicine bills accumulate, it makes the needed changes to help prevent those diseases or problems from occurring in the first place.
Nutrition, genetics, facility design, cleanliness of facilities, availability of assistance to calving cows and the dairy staffs’ knowledge of when to intervene are all huge drivers of actual 10-day-temp program costs. For example, it may cost $2,500 to rebuild a calving area and provide some concrete, or a hose and hot water heater, but the dividends that are reaped are much higher. Another example could be hiring a night maternity person. While labor costs may be increased, it pays off in saved cows and calves as well as reduced medicine use.
Rumen monitoring. Use the rumen as an indicator of health and then try to discover the primary problem, such as metritis, mastitis, pneumonia, displaced abomasums, metabolic problem or something else.
Uterine health. Millions of dollars have been spent trying to develop medicines, facilities and nutritional and genetic programs to help minimize trauma at calving.Unfortunately, dairies continue to struggle with staff and facility problems, such as a dirty calving area or an overeager employee in a rush to get home. If we improve our treatment of cows in the areas of cleanliness, nutritional needs, patience when pulling calves and other handling, there would probably be a lot fewer problems with fresh cows.
Animal welfare. Fresh cows are not going to want to hold up their part of the contract if we do not treat them well. How can we expect a cow to make 150 pounds of milk per day in the first 60 days if we make her calve in a dirty area and fail to feed or treat her right?
BHW: Are body condition scores (BCS) a consideration when monitoring fresh cows?
Dr. McArthur: BCS should be evaluated monthly by management of the entire transition group starting with the dry cows. The first day of the new lactation starts when a cow goes dry. Every month the owner, manager, nutritionist and vet should be looking at all the transition cows from dry to fresh. If they are adding weight or losing too much weight, this should be addressed in the ration.
BHW: When should you move the fresh cow from the fresh group?
Dr. McArthur: It all depends on the flow through the special needs barns. Some dairies will calve out more animals in the summer. When that happens, cows should be moved out of the fresh pen quicker than at other times of the year to prevent overcrowding. At other times, fresh cows may stay in the fresh pen 15 to 20 days.
BHW: What about housing considerations for fresh cows?
Dr. McArthur: Proper facilities can make a job easier; conversely, lack of facilities can ruin your whole day. Specific special needs facilities are more common on newer dairies. Many dairies have retro fitted existing facilities to accommodate their special needs animals. Don’t get stuck in the “abnormal becomes normal” routine, which occurs when you see only your own dairy and rarely observe your
neighbor’s operation. Seek the help of your veterinarian, nutritionist and allied industry representatives to observe as many facilities as possible before deciding to build something yourself.