Cull cow management on Ontario dairy farms
Ontario dairy farmers must regularly remove animals from their herd by culling. Through a provincial survey of 248 dairy farmers, researchers at the University of Guelph found opportunities for improvement of management of cows leaving dairy farms.
Ontario bovine veterinarians’ knowledge and perspectives on cull cow management
Recent attention to the fitness of cull dairy cows entering the beef industry points to a need for attention to management on farms. Using a survey of cattle veterinarians in Ontario, researchers at the University of Guelph explored how bovine veterinarians may help to provide solutions.
Improving reproductive management of dairy cows using health monitoring
Like people using fitness trackers, more and more dairy farmers are using automated activity monitors (AAMs) as an important part of herd reproductive management.
Cows can experience skin lesions on their hocks. Researchers studied how housing environment affects healing of hock injuries.
Field data identify cows with greater resilience to heat stress
Researchers used weather and production data from across Canada to identify cows that maintained milk yield better under high temperature and humidity. This can allow for genetic selection for animals with greater heat tolerance.
New approaches to reduce the effects of inbreeding on fertility
Targeted genomic selection may help to reduce inbreeding and improve fertility while maintain other genetic gains.
Genetic selection to reduce methane from cows
Large multi-site research projects led by Dairy at Guelph geneticists are identifying more feed-efficient cows with lower methane emissions.
Optimizing calcium and vitamin D intake for children
Researchers looked into sources and adequacy of intake of calcium and vitamin D by young children
The science of validating grass-fed milk labels
Food scientists developed a method to confirm grass-fed milk labels based on the fatty acid profile of the milk.
Exploring immune response genotype under heat stress
Cows with favorable High Immune Response status may also be more resilient to heat stress.
Understanding the impacts of management practices on udder health during dry-off
Farmers have long used antibiotic treatment at dry-off to cure and prevent intra-mammary infection. But with health concerns growing over antimicrobial resistance, producers are looking for other management practices
Dairy calf management practices following disbudding are a major driver for wound healing
Farmers looking to improve pain management and wound healing following dairy calf disbudding procedures should consider the level of milk feeding as well as pain medication, according to University of Guelph research.
Identifying opportunities to improve calf health with transition milk
A new University of Guelph study suggests that dairy farmers feed newborn calves milk from their dam for several days after colostrum feeding to help ensure health and prevent disease.
Understanding the impacts of transportation on dairy calf welfare
University of Guelph researchers expect that their new study will help improve calf welfare by determining effects of long-distance transportation.
Understanding dairy farmers’ thinking about antimicrobial use
With growing scrutiny of the use of antimicrobials in food animals, a University of Guelph study provides insights into how dairy farmers make decisions about antimicrobial use (AMU).
Next generation links — maternal and daughter health in dairy cows
Clinical disease has negative effects on dairy cow health and performance—but a new study shows the offspring of cows who have experienced disease are actually less likely to become ill themselves.
What’s the best method to reduce calf disbudding pain?
University of Guelph researchers have found that a particular veterinary sedative may reduce indicators of pain during calf disbudding.
Herd management and milk production in farms with automated milking systems
Improved milk production and quality on Canadian dairy farms are expected to result from a benchmark study on herd management and housing conditions conducted by University of Guelph researchers.
New technology assessment targets improved efficiency
A complete genetic and economic assessment of the current breeding structure in Canadian dairy cattle is in the process of being completed by a team of U of G researchers from the Department of Animal Biosciences. For more information, contact Prof. Christine Baes cbaes@uoguelph.ca or Prof. Flavio Schenkel schenkel@uoguelph.ca.
Smile…and say more cheese, milk and yogurt
This study was part of the Guelph Family Health Study and was funded by Health for Life. For more information, contact Justin Sheremeta at jshereme@uoguelph.ca.
Pain reduction during calf disbudding
For more information, contact Professor Charlotte Winder, Dept. of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinarian College.
When to start calves on automated milk feeders
For more information, contact Professor Stephen LeBlanc, Dept. of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinarian College.
Welfare advice is better received with expert delivery
For more information, contact Professor David Kelton, Dept. of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinarian College.
Adding water to dry cow feed improves cow health
For more information, contact Professor Trevor DeVries, Dept. of Animal BioSciences, Ontario Agricultural College.
Getting kids to consume more dairy
For more information, contact Professor Andrea Buchholz, Family Relations & Applied Nutrition, College of Social & Applied Human Sciences.
Apple pomace as a yogurt stabilizer
For more information, contact Professor Gisèle LaPointe, Dept. of Food Science, Ontario Agricultural College.
Start the day off right with dairy
For more information, contact Professor Douglas Goff, Dept. of Food Science, Ontario Agricultural College.
