Research perspectives: Welfare of the modern dairy cow continued from page 10 ment when the person conducting the assess- ment is not physically on the farm regularly. with water, with or without the use of a fan, was as effective as spraying the back. Therefore, heat stress may be combated during milkings 4) Pain relief during castration with a spray bottle and some cold water. and dehorning Researchers in Italy found a relationship be- frequently. This relationship must be explored New research was presented evaluating the tween heat stress and milk aroma. While milk further and, if confi rmed, could present an easy pain caused by castration and dehorning in composition was unchanged, cow exposure to management strategy to increase milk produc- calves, and comparing analgesics for alleviating high temperatures infl uenced the aroma (and tion via increased milking frequency. the pain. Scientists from Texas Tech University possibly the fl avor) of milk. Future research and New Zealand found calves experience will further defi ne this relationship, and deter- 3) Milking management and cow pain during castration and dehorning, but it is mine the effects of heat stress on milk stability. temperament effectively alleviated by the administration of It is generally thought that training heifers local anesthetic (lidocaine) in combination with 6) New and emerging issues in through the milking parlor decreases stress, and an anti-infl ammatory drug. Researchers went a animal welfare might even increase milk production after calv- step further, fi nding both castration and dehorn- • Production and health risks: One of the ing. According to researchers in New Zealand, ing cause distress to the animal and suppress most pressing questions of dairy scientists and however, it has the opposite effect. They looked immune responses. Again, this was alleviated producers is: Does high milk production in- at the effects of training on milk production, by the administration of anesthetic and analge- crease the occurrence/risk of health problems in milk let-down and milking time in heifers, sics to the calves. the modern dairy cow? Kurt Vogel, UW-River fi nding training negatively impacted milk A separate Iowa State University report eval- Falls, said the answer isn’t quite that simple. production. The effect was the worst in fl ighty uated novel anesthetics to alleviate pain during Many factors that come into play, including ge- heifers. A related – but not so surprising fi nd- dehorning. They compared 100% ethanol to 2% netic selection, management, nutrition and the ing – showed the cow’s temperament will deter- lidocaine and found ethanol provided better and environment, and all must be considered when mine how she responds to changes in milking longer analgesia than lidocaine alone. developing strategies for improving cow health. environment/routine. As expected, docile cows • Organic vs. conventional: A Wisconsin were easier to transition. If lactating cows must 5) Dealing with and alleviating organic co-op, CROPP, conducted a survey to be moved to a new pen or milking routine, heat stress compare animal welfare issues on organic vs. research from the UW-Madison suggests there Heat stress can be a major cause of reduced conventional farms and found that regardless of is no negative effect on milk production when cow comfort and milk production. University of management system, the best animal welfare is the cows are kept in groups. Queensland research found the negative effects associated with good management, attention to Research from Italy showed digital images of heat stress on milk yield of dairy cows are detail and continuous improvement of on-farm of cows can be obtained after milking and cumulative (they add up throughout the day). practices. used for a fully automated estimation of body Therefore, it is important to develop manage- • Latinos in agriculture: Latinos have condition score (BCS), and these estimates ment strategies that alleviate heat load starting become a critical component of U.S. animal were more accurate and consistent than those fi rst thing in the morning, and not just in the agriculture, but they are virtually absent from obtained by trained individuals. If adopted, this afternoons when the temperature is highest. An higher education classrooms. Colorado State would save time on training and conducting University researchers pointed out the need for approach tested by a group from Mississippi BCS. A web cam can also be used for assessing State University was to spray the udder with additional education to ensure the sustainability cow behavior and animal handling/manage- water. They reported that spraying the udder and future of farming in the United States. Ë Our ID-S5 Tapered Barrel Square Liner is guaranteed to out-perform your current brand with Low Slip and Better Shut Off. The ID-S5 fits 06 Style Shells Conewango Products Delivers Quality, Reliability, and Consistent Performance Call Toll Free Today 800-828-9258 Online at www.conewango.com 12 May 2011 EASTERNDAIRYBUSINESS New Features Larger Inside Diameter of the milk tube which has been increased to fit larger inlet claws. A Completely New Bumper Ring Design which provides for maximum vacuum shut-off during unit attachment. 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