February 8, 2001

Dairy Specialist: Don’t Forget the Basics

In this high-tech world, it’s easy to overlook basic management principles and practices, says a North Dakota State University dairy specialist.

"While technology provides new and useful tools, we can’t forget about the basics — the key factors that are essential for peak production and profitability," says J.W. Schroeder, of the NDSU Extension Service. "Just because a management practice is old doesn’t mean it isn’t important. Review your management practices and be sure you are not neglecting some tried and true practices."

Schroeder says the following practices should be part of every dairy manager’s routine:

• Forage testing. Much of the milk production increase the last 20 years may be attributed to more precise computerized ration balancing. However, the accuracy of every ration program depends on the information entered into the computer. Routine forage analysis is essential. Forage analysis and ration balancing programs are largely ineffective if the forage sample does not represent what is being fed. Sampling at harvest time is recommended.
• Moisture testing. Thousands of dollars are spent on mixer wagons with electronic scales. However, the silage loaded into the mixer wagon may be significantly wetter or dryer than when sampled for forage analysis. Routine testing of dry matter using a moisture tester is absolutely essential to maintain an accurate ration formulation.
• Bunk management. The most accurately balanced ration is useless if cows are not fed enough and/or if they are not consuming adequate quantities of feed.
• Sanitation. Simple sanitation is the key to prevention and control of mastitis. Keep cows out of mud and manure. Milk a clean, dry udder.
• Heat detection. Unless you are using a synchronized timed breeding program or a natural service sire, heat detection is the most important reproductive herd management practice. Many aids are available, but nothing beats watching cows twice a day every day. The time spent watching cows for heat often reveals other management deficiencies.

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Source: J.W. Schroeder, (701) 231-7663, jschroed@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu