The Use of Technology for Improved Cow Health to Increase Production and Reproduction

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1 The Use of Technology for Improved Cow Health to Increase Production and Reproduction Eric J. Diepersloot Herd Manager, IFAS Dairy Unit, University of Florida NW 59 th Drive, Gainesville, FL Introduction The UF Dairy Unit has been using the AfiMilk meters, pedometers, sort gates and AfiFarm farm information software since August In June 2007 the AfiLabs were installed and AfiWeight installation was finished in November Management of the Dairy Unit herd relies on these tools for daily herd health and recordkeeping. The use of daily milk weights and activity for improving cow health is nothing new in the dairy industry, but when it is combined with daily milk components and daily body weights we can take it to a new level. Using specific parameters and combining the above inputs, we created an automatic system to perform a health check on each individual animal every time she comes through the milking parlor. 30 Proceedings 47th Florida Dairy Production Conference, Gainesville, March 30, 2011

2 AfiMilk Meters - Daily Milk Weights Milk weights are collected at every milking and automatically downloaded into the AfiFarm software program. It is up to the software to use preset parameters to then sort a cow with milk deviation (actual minus predicted milk yield). The software uses different milk deviation parameters for each cow according to DIM and LACT number. Milk Conductivity An increase in the conductivity of the milk is a good indicator of an illness, mainly mastitis. The tendency for conductivity to increase as DIM increases is taken into consideration in the health parameters. Pedometers - High or Low Activity High activity is used in the detection of estrus; this has been used for years to assist in heat detection. A decrease in activity may indicate a health problem. We use a decrease of 25% in normal activity as a good indicator of a health concern. AfiLabs Real Time Fat, Protein, Lactose and SCC The AFiLab is a milk analyzer. The AfiLab analyzes the milk as the cow is milking; this information is transferred to the AfiFarm software. The Dairy Unit is on DHIA test and monthly test data from DHIA milk samples are used to calibrate the AfiLabs. We mainly use the Fat/Protein ratio in the fresh cow group. An increase in the F/P ratio is a great indicator for ketosis and other digestive problems such as sub-clinical acidosis. Lactose has been known to be a very consistent milk component. We have noticed a decrease in the milk lactose in cows at the beginning of a clinical case of mastitis. Using this along with the other health parameters helps us find a clinical case of mastitis that the milkers may have missed. The AfiLab records SCC in ranges: 0-200, , and These parameters are set so that any increase in the SCC of more than 200 from the last 3 day rolling average is considered a health concern. AfiWeight - Daily Body Weight Daily body weights (measured each time a cow leave the parlor) gives us the advantage to look at negative energy balance not only in the fresh group but also any cow that has a health issue. Body weights help monitor stocking rates for freestalls, and being able to breed for higher conception after the normal fresh cow has overcome the negative energy balance. Real time Health Data Proceedings 47 th Florida Dairy Production Conference, Gainesville, March 30,

3 We are currently using several of these components together to create a list of cows that need attention. The Health for 2 Deviations report has been a great tool for finding cows that may have a health issue. This report is made up of any cow that has deviated on any 2 parameters within the last 2 milkings. This report also triggers cows to automatically sort after milking for a health check. This sorting is being done automatically, so we do not have to go into the barns and disturb the entire group to bring the cows back to the herd health area. All animals are diagnosed and treated according to the Dairy Unit Standard Operating Procedures. All treatments are in veterinary protocols in the AfiFarm software and data entry is done as the supervisors have time between duties. Daily treatments are on Today s Task: no mistakes, mo missed treatments. This includes all timed AI protocols and special treatment protocols for different trials. Parlor Monitoring All parlor functions are monitored for each milking automatically and can be looked at during the milking. Using the milk flow we can make sure proper milking procedures are being followed. Heifer Performance Heifers at 2 to 16 months old are weighed monthly and hose 16 to 24 months old bimonthly. Using these weights has helped diagnose growth problems and correct them accordingly. Results of Using AfiMilk Technology with Good Herd Management 32 Proceedings 47th Florida Dairy Production Conference, Gainesville, March 30, 2011

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6 Don t just buy a program, BUY INTO THE PROGRAM!! Thanks to all who have helped make the Dairy Unit a better place to work and conduct research. Special thanks to: Sherry Hay Heifer Unit Supervisor Grady Byers Parlor Supervisor And all the Dairy Unit Employees who have Bought Into the Program Proceedings 47 th Florida Dairy Production Conference, Gainesville, March 30,

7 NOTES 36 Proceedings 47th Florida Dairy Production Conference, Gainesville, March 30, 2011