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Explainer: Avian flu in dairy cows warrants close attention

Farmers should identify unusual signs of disease in cattle and have them examined by a veterinarian

An emerging disease syndrome was originally identified in dairy cows in Texas. These cows were identified by animal care workers and veterinarians as having the main clinical signs of reduced milk production and decreased feed intake. Approximately 10 per cent of the cows seem to show clinical signs on affected farms. No deaths occurred and cows seemed to recover with supportive care within two to three weeks. However, loss of milk production was significant. These same farms reported deceased wild birds on their properties.









“…a plus or minus 10 per cent change in feed costs can lead to a plus or minus 40 per cent change in net profitability.” – J.P. Gervais, Farm Credit Canada.

Calmer dairy waters predicted for 2024

Stresses from borrowing and feed costs should ease: FCC

A recent outlook released by Farm Credit Canada says there’s room for optimism in the dairy sector. “It has been a volatile few years for dairy producers, but 2024 is shaping up to be calmer — a return to a more normal environment, if you will,” FCC senior economist Graeme Crosbie said in a Feb.

Cows are brought to multiple robotic milking machines as part of a batch milking system in Texas.

Batch milking combines parlour with robotic automation

The system can save labour and milk large numbers of cows

Glacier FarmMedia – A new concept in dairy equipment management brings the automation and data of robotic milking to a milking parlour orientation. DeLaval has several installations around the world where cows are herded into a holding area from which they access a group of automated milkers. “It really comes down to you and how


“If that cow doesn’t have a comfortable bed 12 hours a day, we’re going to have problems.” – Mark Gerber, Zinpro.

Preventing lameness in dairy cattle

Comfortable cows dodge hoof problems

Glacier FarmMedia – Cow comfort is king in the battle against lameness. That’s the opinion of Mark Gerber of Zinpro dairy technical sales, and a master hoof trimmer. “If that cow doesn’t have a comfortable bed 12 hours a day, we’re going to have problems,” Gerber said. “We really have to focus on cow comfort.