Understanding Mycoplasma bovis mastitis in dairy cattle and why it’s a serious threat
You know the number, but it’s worth restating: a case of clinical mastitis in the first 30 days of lactation can cost you up to $444. While preventing mastitis is often the focus, how well do you truly understand the pathogens responsible for it? What are the real...
Are the best animals in your herd really the best and why knowing matters
Susie Martin, CentralStar Regional Consulting Manager You inherently know who the best animals in your herd are, and you can back it up with parent averages (PA), milk weights or other DHI data. Obviously, you build your future from the best, but what if what you...
A2 Genotyping Assay
Beta-casein makes up 30 percent of milk protein and comes in two forms; A1 and A2 beta-casein. The difference between A1 and A2 beta-casein is determined by the genetics of the animal. Reports indicate that A2 beta-casein proteins are potentially more favorable to...
Three essentials your dairy won’t get far without
Keys, wallet, cell phone are the essentials you won’t get far without, but with them, accomplish anything. What are the equivalent essentials for managing your herd?
The first step to managing BLV
With USDA estimating 94% of all dairy herds in the United States are infected with BLV; chances are your herd has it! BLV is incurable, but not unmanageable.
Avoid these (costly) mistakes
After 40 years in the industry, Retired CentralStar Consultant, Julie Ainsworth shares a few key lessons that routinely emerge and still exist as opportunities on dairies today.
How To Collect a Blood Sample for Cattle Testing
Supplies Needed: Vacutainer® Vial Double-sided needle Needle holder Be sure to check which type of vial is required for your desired test type. Pregnancy Johne’s Leukosis BVD Neospora A1/A2 AntelBio™ STRATA-G™ BLV PCR Pregnancy Johne’s Leukosis BVD Neospora Step 1:...