The Rural Voice, 1986-04, Page 31FARM NEWS
been a problem cow or if there is a
herd mastitis problem (high
somatic cell count), carry out milk
sampling and testing so that the
right antibiotic can be ad-
ministered.
The nutrition of the dry cow is
most important with regard to
postpartum problems. The pre-
ferred forage is grassy hay,
because it contains correct com-
binations of bulk, fibre, energy,
protein, and calcium. Even so, hay
content should be analyzed so that
extra grain — particularly as a
mineral carrier — can be fed as re-
quired to maintain body condition.
Lead feeding of bulky and coarse
texture should be introduced about
10 days before calving, milking ra-
tion forages should gradually be
substituted, and grain ration
should also be added to a max-
imum of 8 to 10 lbs. for mature
cows or 5-6 lbs. for heifers. This
level should be maintained for 2 to
3 days after calving, before slowly
increasing amounts until the op-
timum feed -to -milk production
ratio is realized. Total calcium
should not exceed 60 grams daily.
To prevent milk fever, keep the
ratio of phosphorous and calcium
in balance.
After calving, energy re-
quirements must increase almost
immediately by approximately 300
per cent to double again within one
month. Protein requirements may
increase to a higher level than
those of energy needs. Mineral re-
quirements, particularly the
calcium requirements, will increase
from 40-50 grams daily to 180-200
grams daily in a very short period.
The calcium -to -phosphorous ra-
tio should not exceed 1.5:1 during
the dry period, and should increase
to 2.5:1 immediately postpartum
and then be leveled off at 2:1.
Selenium is often involved in
reproductive problems and should
be used accordingly, in both milk-
ing and dry cows.
Bob Berry summarized his talk
by emphasizing the importance of
nutrition as the main building
block toward a good herd -health
program.
Cows can be fed and managed
for high production levels and high
reproductive efficiency. Any cow
over 180 BCA is a management
challenge; she will want to work.
so the dairy farmer must supply a
ration equal to her needs.ECH
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Talk to us at the Drayton Farm Show April 2, 3, 4
BEFORE
YOU PLANT,
LET US
HELP YOU
PLAN.
Planning ahead is the key to reaching
your farming profit goals. So before you
plant, let us help you devise a copy pro-
duction and marketing strategy for the
upcoming season. We'll show you how
a little extra planning can really pay off
later. So stop by or give us a call. When it comes to
Keeping Crops Profitable, we're the people to see.
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Before you make any decisions
for 1986, talk to the folks
at Cook's.
DIVISION OF GERBRO INC.
WALTON
HENSALL CENTRALIA KIRKTON 527.1540
262-2410 228.6661 229-8986 887-9261
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COOK'S DIVISION OF GERBRO INC.
1
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APRII I9ht, 29